PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AS A CORRELATE OF STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ONITSHA SOUTH

Abstract

The study examined parental involvement as a correlate of students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Onitsha South of Anambra State. The aim of the study was to identify   the relationship between parent’s communication with teachers and students’ academic performance in Onitsha South LGA, determine the relationship between parent’s homework support and students’ academic performance in Onitsha South LGA, and identify the relationship between parent’s encouragement and motivation and students’ academic performance in Onitsha South LGA. Three research questions were formulated for the study. The study was based on James S. Coleman’s Social Capital Theory because of its relatedness. Correlational research design was used for the study. 300 respondents were sampled in the study area. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection; valid 290 questionnaires were returned which formed the sample size. Data collected were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) for the research questions, and t-test of significance of correlation was used to test for the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that parent’s communication with teachers and students’ academic performance in Onitsha South LGA; that parent’s homework support has a positive relationship with students’ academic performance in Onitsha South LGA; and parent’s encouragement and motivation has a strong positive relationship with SS1 student academic performance in Onitsha South LGA of Anambra state. Based on the findings, the study concluded that Active participation of parents in their children's education positively influenced various aspects, including higher grades, improved behavior, increased motivation, and enhanced self-esteem. The study therefore recommended that Government should conduct awareness campaigns and workshops to educate parents about the importance of their involvement in their children's education; Schools should establish clear and regular communication channels between parents and teachers; and Schools should involve community stakeholders, such as local leaders, NGOs, and businesses, in supporting parental involvement efforts.