Report written by: Ntombikhona J. Ngozo

The impact of parental involvement in children’s education

Parents were discussing how they can appropriately influence their children’s education as they are on the final lap of their schooling

Parental involvement includes good parenting in the home, provision of secure and safe home that is intellectually stimulating for the child, parent participation in school events/school work/school governance.

An engaging two hours workshop was conducted with the 100 grade 12 parents from five project schools. The aim of this advocacy campaign was to equip parents with knowledge and skills, and how they can act effectively in supporting their children academically. It was also aimed at helping the parents to effectively interact and communicate with their children about their academic performance. The parents also learned about other ways that they can use to engage with the teachers as equal partners in education. The activity was created that encouraged parent participation. Parents were asked questions and had to discuss in groups how they can assist their children with their academics. Parents were given a clear insight into the world of STEM, how career choices are made, what is required to fulfil the dreams of their children, and why their participation as equal partners is imperative.

Studies show that the extent of parental development diminishes as the child gets older, and that there is a direct link between parent involvement and the child’s academic performance. Parents were asked to discuss the impact of parental involvement on children’s performance and also how they can influence their career path without convincing them to be what they could not achieve.

Maths Centre Project Manager addressed the parents during the meeting. He spent a lot of time addressing the issue of learner attendance during interventions on Saturdays and Holidays

Parents were listening attentively as the Project Manager was explaining how the world is changing towards 4th Industrial Revolution

Parents had an opportunity to discuss and share how they can assist their children academically and how they can ensure that their children perform well academically

One of the parents was presenting the points the group suggested. Some of the points are highlighted below.

The following is what the parents suggested as their role and responsibilities in their children’s learning:

• Social media
• Cellphone use to be monitored very closely
• Keep their phones during study times, unless they are working on internet for research purposes
• The use of previous question papers
• Parents will work with teachers and trainers in ensuring that they use past papers
• Time Management
• Set up timetable
• Will be released from some of the house chores
• When the siblings are disturbing them, they can start working on subjects that need concentration when the siblings are sleeping.
• Encouraged to take breaks in between
• Have enough sleep
• Mentoring
• Know the child’s strong points in order to help with career choice
• Communication
• The interaction through communication makes it easier for the child to cite their challenges early enough. Also communication lines should be opened between the teacher and the parent
• Attendance
  Trainers to follow up with parents on learners’ absenteeism

Parents were satisfied and happy that the project was going to help their children improve in performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences