Digital parental engagement as a strategy for language learning equity among multicultural high school students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia's culturally diverse environment, parental involvement plays a crucial role in enhancing students’ language acquisition. The study evaluates the impact of digital involvement on language acquisition for high school students; data were collected from 500 students and 250 parents over six months. Real-time feedback and communication via digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Classera, and Google Classroom enabled parents to monitor their children's progress and actively support learning activities. The use of digital parental engagement strategies resulted in a 21% increase in average speaking and writing proficiency scores measured by standardised language assessments. Qualitative findings revealed that traditional views limited parental involvement, whereas digital tools promoted proactive engagement through frequent communication. These strategies promote equitable language learning opportunities across diverse cultural and regional educational contexts. Educators should provide training in the use of digital tools, such as feedback systems and progress monitoring, to enhance language learning.