The Transformative Power Of Home Visits In Education
By Katono Catherine
Many communities still associate an educator’s visit at their residences to problems, such as reporting an obstinate student or issues relating to the poor health of their child. From an educator’s view, a number of equally significant practices have eclipsed the role home visits play, and yet it brings out the finest in students both in academia and in life outside school. This crucial action is regarded as the responsibility of a more fervent type of educators. Beyond an ever-present classroom teacher, home visits are pivotal in the student’s life, the teacher’s and the community at large.
Gandhi is four years old and the youngest of my students. He walks to school every day alongside his sister Peruth and hardly misses class despite the challenges they both face. The pair have always come to school partially equipped with scholastic materials and like many other children, learn on empty stomachs. Their brother Pius, unlike them, has books and his exam fee is paid early. Gandhi is a quick learner, and has an admirable level of confidence. This young superhero’s resilience and commitment to accomplish classroom tasks instigated me to visit him and his siblings. The parents warmly welcomed me into their homestead. My entire experience that day gave me a vivid picture of the kind of environment he interacts with after school. I was nearly moved to tears and consequently changed my perspective. I saw Gandhi through a new lense.
The parents and I spoke about the aspirations of their children, dreams, performances, fundamental provisions and remedies for weak areas. Seems easy, but it’s a complex task to take on. Parents find such positive communication with a concerned third-party captivating and feel completely empowered to fully participate in the education of their children. Some environments are unwelcoming but that doesn’t mean one should look back. The nucleus of a successful home visit is knowing the purpose of visiting, having a precise understanding of the cultural settings and planning accordingly.
Home visits provide a platform for direct information that can’t be found in the classroom and understand the communities where students hail. Taking part is a gateway to an in-depth dialogue and the beginning of a new, deeper relationship between three parties: the student, the teacher, and the parents. An article by Shelley Callahan, the director of Development for Children Incorporated, notes that parents often feel more relaxed and comfortable at home. This is in contrast to a school or office environment, which makes home visits such a fulfilling experience where both the parents and the teacher get to know their strengths and focus on helping the learner reach their full potential, offer extra support to the learner if and when needed. The visited student (along with the parents) will feel loved and be more open to the teacher and thus building trust in the process and teamwork towards a shared goal.
Gandhi, Peruth and Pius are now livelier at school than ever before. They have no problem approaching me for anything unlike in the past. They’re now equipped with all the required scholastic materials. Our friendship has jumped to a new level and I feel fulfilled for having reached out to their parents.
Educators who incorporate home visits in their practices are capable of achieving remarkably greater educational outcomes for their learners. The old cliché is true: “No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy is, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.” Reid Hoffman.
The Writer is a Teach For Uganda Fellow in Cohort 4, posted in Nkono Memorial Primary School, Namutumba District in Eastern Uganda.
