Exploring parental involvement in learners’ education: A case of selected junior primary schools in the Kavango West region, Namibia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study set out to find out how involved parents are in their kids' education in the Kavango
West Region. Parents should be equipped with the knowledge necessary to enthusiastically support
their children in their academic endeavors, as they are an invaluable resource for students'
education. Three primary goals guided the study: (1) finding out how involved parents are in their
kids' education at selected junior primary schools; (2) identifying barriers to parents' involvement
in students' education at selected junior primary schools; and (3) identifying possible ways to
increase parents' involvement in students' education. The qualitative method was applied in this
study along with a case study design. In order to facilitate a more comprehensive study in an
organic environment, a case study was selected. All in all of twenty-three (23) participants,
consisting of three (3) principals, ten (10) teachers and ten (10) parents formed the study sample.
Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were employed for data collection.
Convenience sampling was employed because it enabled the researcher to take a sample from a
conveniently accessible but relevant population. Thematic data analysis was used as it breaks down
the data into more manageable smaller groups. The study revealed that most parents are involved
in the education of their children, however, they are faced with some barriers. Such barriers include
parents’ other responsibilities, parents’ attitude towards school activities, parents’ educational
background, dissemination of information in English, parent’s financial constraints, and parents’
cultural differences. The study further suggested the strategies that the schools could adopt to
strengthen parental involvement in the education of their children. Such strategies include building
trust between schools and parents; providing home activities; treating parents as partners and major
stakeholders; and organising volunteer programs for parents. The study propose that the Ministry
of Education, Arts and Culture should have responsibilities to ensure parental involvement. The
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture should recognise the community as a partner in education,
and schools should have good lines of communication to keep parents well informed about
everything their children are doing at school. The study further suggests that schools should have
good lines of communication to keep parents well informed in everything their children are doing
at school
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Curriculum, instruction and assessment studies)
Keywords
Academic achievement, Junior primary, Learners’ education, Parent-teacher association, parental involvement, perceptions, socio-economic status, University of Namibia, Namibia