Modern education extends well beyond the classroom. Conversations at home, discussions about school projects, questions about technology and everyday experiences can all contribute to a child's learning and development.
According to Rustom Kerawalla, meaningful interaction between students, parents and teachers is an important part of creating a supportive learning environment.
From Supervision to Guidance
Traditionally, parental involvement focused largely on attendance, homework, discipline and examination performance. Today, parents can play a broader role by encouraging curiosity, independent thinking and problem-solving.
As schools increasingly emphasise experiential learning, collaboration and practical skills, parents can reinforce these approaches at home by encouraging children to ask questions, explore ideas and connect classroom learning with everyday experiences.
The objective is not to solve every problem for children, but to give them the confidence to find solutions themselves.
Stronger Parent-Teacher Collaboration
Parent involvement in schools is another important element of modern education.
Regular communication between parents and teachers can provide a more complete understanding of a child's strengths, learning patterns and challenges. Teachers may notice changes in classroom participation, while parents may observe differences in motivation, sleep or study habits at home.
Sharing these observations can help identify concerns early and provide children with more consistent academic and emotional support.
For Rustom Kerawalla, whose work is closely associated with education and skill development, collaboration between families and educational institutions forms part of a wider approach to supporting children's development.
Technology Requires Responsible Guidance
Digital learning has created unprecedented access to educational videos, simulations, online resources and learning platforms. At the same time, it has introduced new responsibilities for parents.
Parents can help children develop healthy digital habits by establishing appropriate screen-time routines, discussing online safety and ensuring that digital learning is balanced with reading, physical activity, sleep and face-to-face interaction.
The UNESCO 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report on technology in education highlighted the importance of selecting technology according to learning needs and context, while also identifying concerns relating to excessive use and data privacy.
The goal, therefore, is not simply greater technology use, but better and more purposeful use of technology in education.
Student Well-Being Is Part of Education
Academic achievement represents only one aspect of a child's development.
Students may experience pressure related to examinations, competition, social relationships and expectations. Parents can sometimes identify early changes in sleep, concentration, motivation, attendance or interest in familiar activities.
Creating an environment where children can communicate openly, maintaining realistic expectations and recognising effort alongside achievement can help support confidence and emotional well-being.
This makes student well-being an increasingly important component of the modern education conversation.
Personalised Learning for Every Child
Every child learns differently. Some respond to visual explanations, while others learn more effectively through discussion, practical activities or experimentation.
Personalised learning begins with recognising the individual differences.
Parents can observe their children's interests and strengths and share these insights with teachers. Such observations can also help young people make more informed choices about academic pathways, vocational education, skill development and future careers.
Rustom Kerawalla and the Education-to-Work Journey
The changing role of parents forms part of a larger transformation in education.
Rustom Kerawalla's work through the VIBGYOR Group of Schools and Ampersand Group reflects his deep focus on education, skill development and the Education-to-Work journey.
This perspective of his recognises that education is not only about examination results. Communication, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, technical skills and confidence can also help young people prepare for future opportunities.
Preparing Children for the Future
The modern parent does not need to become a teacher. Instead, parents can become effective learning partners by encouraging curiosity, maintaining healthy routines, communicating with teachers, guiding responsible technology use and giving children opportunities to develop independence.
As education continues to evolve, stronger collaboration between students, parents, teachers and education leaders can help create learning environments that prepare children not only for academic success, but also for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
About Rustom Kerawalla
Rustom Kerawalla is Founder Chairman of the VIBGYOR Group of Schools and Chairman of the Ampersand Group. His work spans education, skill development and the broader Education-to-Work ecosystem.
Related resources:
Rustom Kerawalla Official Profile
Rustom Kerawalla Education Blog
Rustom Kerawalla Latest Media Coverage
