Influence of parents’ involvements to the development and education of early grade learners in some selected schools in Bolgatanga- East District

Abstract

The study sought to gain greater understanding of parental involvement by examining the specific aspects of parents’ involvement that impact of learners and identifying the different effects of parent involvement. The study adopted the Ecological Systems Theory, Social Capital Theory, Epstein’s Conceptual Model and Cultural Capital Theory and Attrition Theory as its theoretical framework. Pragmatism philosophical paradigm, mixed method approach and a concurrent triangulation design were used for this research. The target population for the study was all teachers and parents in Bolgatanga East District. The simple random sampling was used to select 75 teachers while purposive sampling was used to select 6 parents. Interview guide and questionnaires were used to collect data. The data from questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics whereas qualitative content analysis was also employed to analysed the interview data. The study found that Parents of pupils in Bolgatanga East District perform four principal roles in the education of their children. These include: monitoring of children’s progress, communicating children’s conditions with school authorities, payment of school fees and provision of learning materials for their children. Parental involvement influences the academic performance and practical skills of their children. Identifiable school constraints and attitudinal barriers are major influencers of parental involvement in the education of their children. The study revealed that effective parent-teacher collaboration and parental education would enhance parental involvement. The study recommended that parents should continue to play their roles effectively, such as visiting the school to find out the progress of their children, including challenges and prospects. Parental involvement has proved to promote the academic performance of the learners. For this reason; parents should understand that they are partners of the school and that their involvement is needed and valued. It is also recommended that the school authorities should consider parents’ views in all important management decisions concerning the school and the wellbeing of the pupils. This would make them more involve in the activities of the school and in the education of their children. Meetings, seminars and workshops should be conducted for parents to facilitate parental involvement