Teachers' Home Visits: A Dying Tradition in Modern Education
In recent years, with the development of communication technology, traditional home visits by teachers have been gradually replaced by instant messaging tools such as phone calls and WeChat, becoming the primary means of communication between schools and families. However, some teachers and parents still believe that home visits are necessary. As the new semester approaches, many teachers in Shanghai have started planning their home visits, only to be met with various excuses from parents and students for not allowing them to visit. This phenomenon has sparked a heated debate about whether home visits are still a necessary part of education in the modern era.
7 February 2025
The majority of responses to this issue lean towards viewing home visits as an outdated practice. Many parents feel that home visits are an intrusion into their private lives and may expose their family's economic condition, background, and relationships, potentially influencing the teacher's perception of their child. Some parents also argue that with the convenience of modern communication tools, there is no longer a need for physical home visits. A home visit, which used to be an essential bridge between teachers and students' families, allowing for face-to-face communication about a child's learning and growth, seems to be falling out of favor.
On the other hand, educators argue that home visits provide a unique opportunity to understand students' living environments and family situations, which can significantly impact their academic performance and behavior. It allows teachers to connect with their students on a more personal level, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy that can enhance the educational experience. Despite the advent of technology, personal interactions during home visits can offer insights that digital communication may miss.
As society places increasing emphasis on personal privacy, the appropriateness and necessity of home visits have become subjects of discussion. While some advocate for the flexibility in the format of home visits, such as conducting them in schools or other public spaces, others suggest that the practice should be abandoned altogether due to its potential to invade privacy and disrupt family life.
A recent online survey conducted in Zhejiang, where over 6,200 netizens participated, showed that more than 85% of the respondents did not favor home visits by teachers. The feedback highlighted concerns over privacy, the formality of such visits, and the belief that they do not significantly contribute to a child's education. However, educators counter that home visits are an indispensable part of understanding and supporting students, suggesting that the practice, when done respectfully and considerately, can play a crucial role in holistic education.
In Shanghai, some teachers planned to conduct home visits during the winter break, but were met with refusal from a number of parents and students. Many people feel that home visits are no longer necessary, with some even considering them to be an outdated mode of education. In Shenzhen, some parents have called for the cancellation of home visits, while a survey in Zhejiang province revealed that over 85% of respondents, including a significant proportion of parents born in the 1990s, dislike home visits. The advancement of communication technology, such as phones and WeChat, has made it easier for schools and parents to stay in touch, leading some to question the need for in-person home visits. Additionally, societal attitudes towards privacy have shifted, making some parents hesitant to open their homes to teachers.
For the future of home visits, schools are adopting a more flexible approach. A principal from a Shanghai elementary school noted that they will no longer enforce a strict number of home visits or adhere to a specific format. Instead, the choice of location will be more flexible, aiming to make the process less burdensome and more effective. In line with this, a director from the Songjiang District emphasized the importance of respect and communication when teachers are met with refusal. Teachers should understand and address the concerns of parents, and if a home visit is still not possible, alternative arrangements such as meeting in a public place can be made. This approach is designed to keep communication channels open and foster a supportive relationship between teachers and parents.
The debate over the necessity of home visits reflects broader societal changes and the evolving nature of education. As we move forward, it is essential to consider the balance between the benefits of personal, in-home interactions and the respect for family privacy and the efficiency of modern communication tools. Perhaps the key lies in adapting the traditional practice of home visits to better fit the needs and sensitivities of contemporary families, ensuring that education remains personalized and effective.
