In the article, “Mexican Immigrant Families Crossing the Education Border: A Phenomenological Study” by Sandra Ixa Plata-Potter and Maria Rosario T. de Guzman, they examine Mexican immigrant parents that confront challenges to help their children succeed in school. Considering that Latinos now make up the biggest minority group in the United States, most Latinos are less likely to complete college. The study presented in this article is an attempt to examine the experience of Mexican immigrant parents as they guide their children to maneuver the United States educational system. Differences in performances between the United States and Mexico such as, language barriers and other challenges, caused these parents to sometimes feel discouraged
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The parents in this study talked about how public school in the United States is completely free and is available to all children. On the other hand, in Mexico the government pays for textbooks, salaries and pays for the school building. For example, “If classrooms need painting, if an additional room needs to be built, or if the grounds need cleaning, the parents are contacted to come and provide these services” (98). In the United States, parents may be asked to volunteer to go on a field trip with their child’s classroom, but they would not be asked to help paint like they’re in Mexico’s educational system. Parents acknowledge that the free education in the United States opens doors for many children. How it is easier to receive help, contrasting Mexico’s educational system, where you are called when in need of assistance. Another major finding was also how in Mexico a child cannot continue their education, just to help their parents by working. “At times, the older siblings have to stay home to care for the younger siblings while the parents go out to work” (98). Another important finding is how in Mexico academic expectations for children are higher and rules regarding behavior are more stricter. Additionally, in Mexico you are held back if you don’t understand a topic but in the United States you are promoted even if they don’t understand the work. The most essential finding was how parents in Mexico’s …show more content…
How parents want to be supportive but it’s hard for them, since they don’t really understand the educational system here in the United States. I also learned the importance of education and the attempts Latino families assist their children in succeeding. Despite the difficulties they faced, the parents were motivated to understand the United States system just to create a better oppurtunities for their children. The original problem was the lack of knowledge the Latino society had, and now I can clearly understand they have this lack of knowledge because they still have the knowledge of Mexico’s educational system. One major piece of information I learned was how supportive parents are a tremendous part of their children being successful. For instance, “studies have shown that Latino parents are generally supportive and highly involved in their children’s education” (95). Lastly, it’s important how both educational systems seem so much alike but are completely different. The article contrasted and compared both educational systems are made me learn a large amount of information of both Mexican and United States educational
The parents in this study talked about how public school in the United States is completely free and is available to all children. On the other hand, in Mexico the government pays for textbooks, salaries and pays for the school building. For example, “If classrooms need painting, if an additional room needs to be built, or if the grounds need cleaning, the parents are contacted to come and provide these services” (98). In the United States, parents may be asked to volunteer to go on a field trip with their child’s classroom, but they would not be asked to help paint like they’re in Mexico’s educational system. Parents acknowledge that the free education in the United States opens doors for many children. How it is easier to receive help, contrasting Mexico’s educational system, where you are called when in need of assistance. Another major finding was also how in Mexico a child cannot continue their education, just to help their parents by working. “At times, the older siblings have to stay home to care for the younger siblings while the parents go out to work” (98). Another important finding is how in Mexico academic expectations for children are higher and rules regarding behavior are more stricter. Additionally, in Mexico you are held back if you don’t understand a topic but in the United States you are promoted even if they don’t understand the work. The most essential finding was how parents in Mexico’s …show more content…
How parents want to be supportive but it’s hard for them, since they don’t really understand the educational system here in the United States. I also learned the importance of education and the attempts Latino families assist their children in succeeding. Despite the difficulties they faced, the parents were motivated to understand the United States system just to create a better oppurtunities for their children. The original problem was the lack of knowledge the Latino society had, and now I can clearly understand they have this lack of knowledge because they still have the knowledge of Mexico’s educational system. One major piece of information I learned was how supportive parents are a tremendous part of their children being successful. For instance, “studies have shown that Latino parents are generally supportive and highly involved in their children’s education” (95). Lastly, it’s important how both educational systems seem so much alike but are completely different. The article contrasted and compared both educational systems are made me learn a large amount of information of both Mexican and United States educational