Learning from Families boosts Teacher Self-Efficacy

We’ve found in our research at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center that when teachers reach out, listen, and learn from families about their backgrounds, careers, and other accumulated family knowledge/interests, they feel more connected to their students and families, and better equipped to do their jobs. This school year, why not try building in more time to listen and learn from families directly? Here’s one way how: The handout below provides an opportunity for teachers to learn from families. This handout can easily be adapted. Planning to try this out? Keep us posted on how it’s going by sending us a quick note to OhioSFEC@osu.edu!

Relevant Publications:

  • Moll, L. C., Amanti, C., Neff, D., & Gonzalez, N. (1992). Funds of knowledge for teaching: Using a qualitative approach to connect homes and classrooms. Theory Into Practice, 31(2), 132-141.
  • González, N., Moll, L., & Amanti, C. (Eds). (2005). Funds of knowledge: Theorizing practices in households, communities and classrooms. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.