Navigating parental engagement in WhatsApp groups
A study of parent-teacher experiences
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12084525 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Shira Traeger-Soudry (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Hananel Rosenberg (0000-0002-7430-4520, Ariel University, corresponding author), Chen Sabag-Ben Porat (0000-0002-5778-1560, Ariel University), Hila Lowenstein-Barkai (0000-0001-7844-2528, Ariel University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 162 |
| Pages | 105074-105074 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-13 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Teaching and Teacher Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0742-051X • E-ISSN: 1879-2480 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.tate.2025.105074 |
| OpenAlex | W4410328961 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 36 |
This study examines how WhatsApp-groups shape parental engagement in education, focusing on elementary school teachers-parents groups. Using theories of parental engagement and digital affordances, we explore how these groups transform traditional educational partnerships. Through in-depth interviews with teachers and parents, the study highlights how WhatsApp's public nature, constant availability, and conversational format both enable and constrain meaningful parental engagement. Findings reveal how digital platforms reshape the involvement-to-engagement continuum, emphasizing the balance between enhanced communication opportunities and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. This research enhances theoretical understanding of parental engagement in digital spaces and offers practical insights for managing technology-mediated educational partnerships. • WhatsApp enhances teacher-parent communication in elementary schools. • Immediacy and availability are key affordances of WhatsApp. • Over-involvement of parents may undermine teacher authority. • WhatsApp groups foster a sense of community and connectedness. • Clear rules for group dynamics improve effectiveness of communication
Developmental psychology · Pedagogy · Child Development and Digital Technology · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Parental Involvement in Education · Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 8 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 8 |