Navigating Collaboration: Newcomer Parents’ Perceptions and Experiences with Norwegian Schools

Sultana Ali Norozi () and Nassira Essahli Vik
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Sultana Ali Norozi: Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
Nassira Essahli Vik: Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: This qualitative study explores the perceptions and experiences of six newcomer parents from different countries (Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Chile, Russia, and Ukraine) regarding their collaboration with Norwegian schools. Semi-structured in-depth interviews, ranging from 55 to 80 min, were conducted in participants’ native languages and English. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Four major themes emerged, as follows: (1) “Journeying Through Integration within the Norwegian Educational Landscape”; (2) “Collaboration: Dialogic or Monologic?”; (3) “Language and Communication Barriers”; and (4) “Navigating New Horizons”. The findings highlight that despite the challenges, participants expressed appreciation for the support they received from schools and teachers. The findings also indicate the need for schools to improve communication and cultural understanding to foster meaningful collaboration with newcomer parents. Schools must also provide more opportunities for parent involvement in decision-making processes. This study adds to the limited literature on newcomer parents’ perspectives on school collaboration and provides insights for policymakers, educators, and school administrators to enhance the educational experiences of newcomer students and their families in Norway.

Keywords: newcomer parents; perceptions; experiences; Norwegian schools; integration; language and communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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