Parental involvement in children's education in selected urban primary schools in Chipata district,Zambia
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Date
2017
Authors
Singogo, Derick
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish parents’ involvement in children’s education in
urban primary Schools in Chipata District. With reference to children’s education, the study
examined ways in which parents get involved, explored the benefits of parental involvement,
it also explored the barriers to parental involvement and it established ways of enhancing
parental involvement in urban primary schools. Using a descriptive research design, the study
utilised a sample of 21 participants from 3 selected urban primary schools in Chipata district
which included 3 grade seven class teachers, one from each school, 9 grade seven pupils and
9 parents of the sampled pupils. Teachers and parents were sampled purposively while
purposeful random sampling technique was used for pupils. A semi structured interview
guide was used to collect data and thematic analysis employed in analysing data. The major
findings of the study are that in urban primary schools, parents got involved mainly through
the provision of school requisites such as uniforms, pens, pencils and books. They also
exposed children to the use of modern technological gadgets such as ipads, Zedupads, laptops
and Smart Phones in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Furthermore, they sponsored
educational tours, pupil workshops and school fees. Parents helped children with homework
and also attended PTA meetings. On the benefits, the study found that parental involvement
motivated the pupils. It was also perceived to have improved academic performance and
reduced pupil absenteeism as well as giving teachers an insight of the child’s home
environment. On the barriers, busy work schedule was the most prominent, low esteem and
lack of awareness of their full responsibility as parents. On ways of enhancing parental
involvement, the main approach revealed was sensitisation of parents through print and
electronic media as well as school initiated workshops, motivating attendance and
participation in PTA meetings, advising parents to spare time despite the tight work
schedules. The study concluded that parents in urban primary schools were generally
involved in children’s education, however, it was mainly home based because most them
were busy with work schedules and could not effectively participate in school activities. The
study recommended effective communication between parents and school staff, initiating
sensitisation programmes by school authorities and the Ministry of General Education, office
of the Permanent Secretary, through various media such as Radio, Television and workshops
to inform parents about the importance of their involvement in children’s education.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Parent participation--Education--Zambia