Parental involvement in reducing learner absenteeism in selected primary schools of Kazungula district in the southern province of Zambia.
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Date
2022
Authors
Mulubale, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Abstract
: Parental involvement is an important component of
children's early school success and is recognized as a significant
ingredient in reducing learner absenteeism and improving the
quality of children's education. To this effect, the aim of the
study was to investigate the effects of parental involvement in
reducing learner absenteeism in selected primary schools of
Kazungula District. The objectives were to: establish ways
through which parents are involved in reducing learner
absenteeism, explore the benefits of parental involvement in
reducing learner absenteeism, ascertain challenges that limit
parental involvement in reducing learner absenteeism and
establish interventions put in place by schools to improve
parental involvement in reducing learner absenteeism in three
selected primary schools. A sample of 15 learners, 15 parents, 03
grade teachers and 03 head teachers was purposively drawn
from three selected primary schools in Kazungula district. A
qualitative approach and a descriptive research design were
employed for the study. Data were collected through face-to-face
interviews and focus group discussions. The data were analysed
through thematic analysis.
The findings of the study revealed that there was parental
involvement in the sampled primary schools as parents
participated in PTA meetings, helping children with home work,
paying school fees, attending open days, volunteering at school,
providing school requirements and food. With regard to the
benefits of parental involvement in reducing learner
absenteeism, the study revealed that parental involvement
improved school attendance, brought about understanding of the
importance of attendance and reduced teacher work load. It also
increased parent contact with school, made parents become more
supportive of schools and improved positive behaviour among
learners.
The major barriers of parental involvement as revealed by the
study were busy schedules among parent, non-parent invitation
to involvement in school activities, poor relationships between
schools and parents. Other barriers included long distance to
school, negative attitudes towards partnership and poverty
among parents.
The study found schools improving communication, becoming
more welcoming to parents, encouraging parents to serve in
school committees and inviting parent to volunteer in school
activities and attend meetings as intervention measures to
improve parental involvement in reducing learner absenteeism.
Key words: Parental involvement, Learner Absenteeism
Description
Article
Keywords
Education--Parent participation , Education--Parent participation--Zambia.