Research Invitation: Help Strengthen School Support for Chinese Families
Have you ever been in any of the following situations?
- Your child struggled academically, and you wanted to help but didn’t know where to begin.
- You had concerns or suggestions on teaching, homework, language support, or post-secondary planning, but didn’t know how or where to voice them.
- Your child was bullied, but you found out too late and weren’t sure how to approach the school.
- Your child was emotionally distressed, and you didn’t know if mental health support was available.
- Or maybe you had a positive experience: the teacher was supportive, you learned about school resources, and your child felt more confident.
Whether you’ve faced challenges or received support, your voice is important to us!
Why This Study:
Parents play an irreplaceable role in their children’s education. Research has repeatedly shown that effective communication between parents and schools not only improves students’ academic performance but also supports their mental health and social development.
In reality, however, we have found that:
- Many Chinese parents are unsure how to communicate effectively with schools
- Language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressures of daily life make communication even more challenging
- When it comes to key issues like emotional struggles, bullying, course selection, and post-secondary planning, parents often lack access to sufficient information and resources
This study aims to amplify the voices of Chinese parents and students, identify the resources needed to support effective parent–school communication, and help create a more inclusive school environment where every child can thrive.
Eligible Participants:
- Chinese parents with children who are either currently enrolled in YRDSB or graduated within the past five years
- Students aged 16 or older who are either currently attending or have graduated from YRDSB within the past two years
Interview Format & Time
• Each participant can choose either a one-on-one interview or a focus group discussion.
• One-on-one interviews last about 45 minutes and can be conducted online via Zoom; focus group discussions last 60–90 minutes and can be held online or in person.
• Language: Mandarin or English – whichever you prefer.
Honorarium for Participation
• A $20 honorarium (via e-transfer) will be provided as a token of appreciation upon completion of the interview
Research Ethics Approval:
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Community Research Ethics Board. If you feel you have not been treated according to the descriptions in our information, or your rights as a participant in research have been violated during the course of this project, you may contact the Chair, Community Research Ethics Board, at: Community Research Ethics Office (Canada) Corp. c/o Centre for Community Based Research, 190 Westmount Road North, Waterloo ON N2L 3G5; Email: creo@communitybasedresearch.ca Telephone: 1-888-411- 2736.
Contact Us:
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please sign up here, or scan the QR code below. A member of our research team will be contacting you soon. If you have any questions, you can also contact us by email at research2@cpac-canada.ca.
Thank you for your interest in this important undertaking. By participating, you will be making a valuable contribution to positive changes within your school community and beyond.
