School Visits and Parents

Reluctance of Parents to Visit the School

Role of Parents in Children's Education

Education has always been a very important part of human existence and has been an inseparable part of human civilization. There has been a lot of development on the education portal and mankind has learned great deal from the education function (Jeynes, 2005). Every milestone which is achieved and every development which is made in any direction is due to the knowledge provided through education. This function has been researched and is very much detailed in terms of style and method. Several researchers and experts have proposed and devised methods which can make education and knowledge imparting more effective and efficient (Hill & Tyson, 2009). Talking about a student at elementary level, it is all the more important to understand the needs of such young individuals and analyze the education function accordingly (Tschannen-Moran and Hoy, 2007). This paper discusses certain aspects of education which are associated with a child's education and particularly studies the role of parents and caretakers in a student's education, and how this participation by parents affects performance of student (Houtenville and Conway, 2007).

Background

There have been many discussions in the direction of elementary education and this has made this whole function very intricate (Aronson, 2012). In early years of its introduction in societal existence, the function of providing knowledge was very basic and simple (Jeynes, 2005). The major aim was to provide knowledge through reading and writing, and there was limited stress laid on the examination and testing part, if so, it was very basic itself. Slowly and steadily, as more and more individuals started becoming aware and more people opted for literacy, the education function became competitive by the passing day and more participation brought in more intensity (Hill & Tyson, 2009). Throughout the last century, there has been a lot of development on the education portal, and this has made the whole function very competitive for every student, and what is more intense is the examination part (Tschannen-Moran and Hoy, 2007).

It carries a detailed pattern of answering and marking, which makes it very difficult for every aspirant, very difficult to overcome and excel it. This whole development brought forth one aspect of this system, and this aspect has been the level of expertise and excellence a person reaches or achieves through this system (Houtenville and Conway, 2007).

Modern education does not simply aims at mere transfer of information, but in fact is much more vivid and detailed than that. It introduces a student to variety of avenues and aims at a more explicit development of a person, stressing on aptitude and personality function. In this function, the role of peers and individuals is often discussed and brought under scanner, which is considered as very vital and decisive for a student (Karen, 2003).

Problem Statement

Researchers and experts in the education function have often given out certain figures which indicate a certain development in the function of knowledge imparting, which is associated with parents and guardians. In these researches, numbers indicate, that parents, who participate in their respective children's education and take interest in knowing the progress of their ward, put a positive impact of the academic performance of their ward (Rosenthal & Sawyers, 2006). It is evident, that when parents discuss certain aspects of their studies and education, the student performs well and excels in many cases (Jeynes, 2005).

There are certain psychological aspects associated with this function, which provide a positive mental conditioning to the ward, and there is a positive advancement made in terms of educational participation. Now, there is a certain critical element associated with this topic, and it is rather unknown as to, till what extent is this statement effective and true (Aronson, 2012). This can only be analyzed by conducting a detailed study and research in this direction, which can establish the effectiveness and solidarity of this statement (Hill & Tyson, 2009).

This problem statement implies towards a critical examination, and detailed evaluation of this problem in order to establish whether the aspect brought forth is true or not. Whether parents actually affect their wards in terms of educational and academic performance? Whether it is true that when parents discuss matters related to educational courses with their children, it actually impacts them psychologically and motivated them to perform better? These questions can only be solved, if there is a detailed evaluation of studies and researches done in this direction, and only then certain conclusions can be drawn and established (Tschannen-Moran and Hoy, 2007).

This also aims towards development communal portal, which aims at promoting collaborative activities, which include students, parents and teachers, in order to promote effective education and outcome. There are many problems and hindrances towards promotion of collaborative functioning of this function, as parents have different affiliations in terms of financial condition and geographical locations (Houtenville and Conway, 2007). These hindrances prevent parents from taking part in their ward's education and interact with the teachers, which is why certain students lag behind in terms of academic fulfillment and excellence. The whole idea is to promote participative activities by parents, who are prevented from playing their role, and take help from technology, towards developing an effective education function (Karen, 2003).

Purpose of Study

There is a lot of ground, which has to be covered and needs to be identified in the direction this topic. For the overall development and consolidated effectiveness of education portal, there needs to be a way to reinforce this function to a great extent. In every practice and process, there are certain areas of improvement which are available to be tapped and developed for better outcome and performance (Rosenthal & Sawyers, 2006). In education function also, there are certain areas, which need effective analysis and implementation in terms of better practices and effort.

This study aims towards finding the missing links in terms of areas of improvement and consolidation, which can make the education function in general more effective, and promote participation of parents, towards their ward's education. It is an established fact that when parents participate in their ward's education, it helps the student in terms of outcome and performance, still there are certain aspects associated with this fact, which need brainstorming (Karen, 2003).

This study takes into consideration, all elements of community education, and understands the role of parents, teachers and students towards this function, and understands the linkages between these elements. Specialization is needed in every function, especially when it is related to life aspects, and this study focuses on bringing forth such findings, which encourage specialization in education function. Apart from parents, teachers and education workers also have a vital role to play, and this is another purpose of this study, which is to find the exact role of education employee in this direction. Also, it is important for parents to know and understand the need to focus on participation (Aronson, 2012).

There are several parents, who take active part in their child's academics, however are unaware about what aspects to focus upon, this is when this study would help them understand and focus on such areas. Other parents, who actually wish to participate in such education-based programs, are unable to do so, due to the highly engaging lifestyle and busy work life. This study focuses on bringing forth certain facts for such parents and encourages them to manage time and also how they would actually do it. Community education programs are the need of the hour and it should be promoted at all levels; elementary and higher. This does not simply help one single individual reach goals, but in fact helps achieve a wider goal of better education function on a much wider scale (Robinson & Fine, 2004).

Significance of Study

This likewise points towards advancement common entry, which goes for advancing shared exercises, which incorporate students, parents and educators, with a specific end goal to advance viable education and conclusion. There are numerous issues and deterrents towards advancement of collective working of this capacity, as parents have diverse affiliations as far as money related condition and topographical areas (Stewart, 2008). These deterrents keep parents from partaking in their ward's education and collaborate with the instructors, which is the reason certain students fall behind regarding scholastic satisfaction and incredibleness. The entire thought is to advance participative exercises by parents, who are kept from assuming their part, and take assistance from innovation, towards creating a compelling education capacity (Robinson & Fine, 2004).

This study looks into, all components of group education, and comprehends the part of parents, educators and students towards this capacity, and comprehends the linkages between these components. Specialization is required in every capacity, particularly when it is identified with life viewpoints, and this study concentrates on delivering such discoveries, which energize specialization in education capacity. Separated from parents, instructors and education specialists likewise have an imperative part to play, and this is an alternate reason for this study, which is to discover the accurate part of education representative in this course (Karen, 2003).

Likewise, it is essential for parents to know and comprehend the need to concentrate on investment. There are a few parents, who take dynamic part in their kid's scholastics, however are ignorant about what perspectives to center upon, this is the point at which this study would help them comprehend and concentrate on such territories (Hardin & Littlejohn, 2004).

Definitions of Key Terms

Community Education: This is one term which is associated with this whole function, and is the core part of this study. Community education is the function in which parents, teachers and students collectively take part and focus on personal development through education. Parents are needed to play vital and more decisive role towards development of their wards by keeping a check on education of their children, which is done by carrying out discussions with teachers (Robinson & Fine, 2004).

Parent Leadership: In a community-based education function, one of the most decisive and vital roles is played by parents, out of all parties involved, and it is the duty of parents to take initiatives towards this direction. Parent leadership implies towards parents being the torchbearer in this direction and making sure they engage with teachers and managing their own time and work routine accordingly. They are also needed to encourage and inspire their wards towards academic participation and sharing of results and curriculum (Hardin & Littlejohn, 2004).

Community Communication: Whenever, there is a certain group, which is developed to work together, one of the most integral functions of the group, is communication. Communication is the means through which all findings and factual readings of group are exchanged. In regards to this study, community communication means the exchange of facts and all aspects regarding education regarding the student. This pertains to the means through which every fact regarding the development and participation of the child is exchanged through the parties involved (Robinson & Fine, 2004).

Monitoring: This pertains to the involvement of parents towards education of their children. Monitoring refers to the participation of parents into the education function of their children, and keeps a check on their child's development and learning curve. This also includes the participation towards imparting certain educational elements, and checking whether their children are progressing towards the right direction (Stewart, 2008).

Literature Review

Jeynes (2005) has focused on several participative elements in the study and has brought forth some elements which were earlier unknown in this regard. It is very intriguing to know that parent's role is very decisive in ensuring effective educational function. Some very astonishing figures are discussed in this study and this brings forward a critical nature of research. Similarly, Stewart (2008) has suggested some structural characteristics, which are discussed and implemented by Stewart in this research; and which makes this study very positive and descriptive. Stress is laid in direction of student participation and all factors such as availability and time are discussed in this regard. It is highlighted, that understanding and participation on a student's part is equally important, such as parents.

Hill and Tyson (2009) have categorized their study around the middle school. They have also included psychological elements in this regard, and have stated that the particular mindset of an adolescent is also decisive in this regard, which is why, education at middle level is very crucial. Taking forward the psychological element from the previous study, Hill and Taylor focused on the psychological aspect of a child, and how it is a major decisive factor in development of academic function (Hill and Tyson, 2009). In the same vain, in one study, carried out by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy (2007), there are certain aspects about teachers which are discussed and are deemed very decisive for out topic. Apart from parents, teachers are also an integral part of the community education function, and this study stresses on their role in the same.

Karen (2003) has focused this study from parent's point-of-view, and has tried to understand their thought process. Community education cannot function and exist without proper participation from parents, and understanding their part, helps in maintaining effectiveness of this whole function. Another very important aspect, which is often ignored, is highlighted by Houtenville and Conway (2007). This aspect is the resources, which are provided by the school and authorities. In this study, the provisions of school are discussed, and it is analyzed if schools are making actual efforts to promote participation by parents, and what are the suggestions in this regard.

Rosenthal and Sawyers (2006) found that working parents and a busy routine of their part is very decisive regarding the effectiveness of education of their children. Their study highlighted this element and helped in suggesting certain ways in which these challenges can be overcome. Rosenthal stressed on the need of parents to participate towards education and conduct their personal time management.

Aronson (2012) conducted this research on the aspect of communication and promotion of teacher-parent interaction, which is critical in community education function. Many aspects of promoting parent leadership are discussed and focused upon.

Robinson and Fine (2004) point out that it is a well-known fact that plain and basic knowledge transfer is of no use if the same knowledge is not enriched and worked upon. Robinson and Fine conducted this study through this element itself, and have promoted relationship between "cause & effect" through this research. It highlights the fact that knowledge can be enriched and reinforced through more participation and practical implementation on home front.

Based on similar patterns of Robinson and Fine, Bobango (2004) has also conducted research on the reinforcement aspect of education, and advocates revision of the curriculum at home by parents. It is highlighted that parents do the same through practical approach. Similarly, Pardini (2005) is of the view, that to promote participation of parents, it is important to set certain guidelines by the school authorities. If there are certain laid down guidelines towards provoking participation of parents, and fixed activities, it would be a concrete step further in this direction. His study provides a different perspective all together in direction of psychology of community education. It is established, that all parties involve; parents, teachers and students, have their own psychological role to play in this direction and making community education successful.

Likewise, Johnson (2008) conducted his study from a school-centric viewpoint, which enables parents to understand the various aspects of education, which are otherwise missing from understanding and cannot be implemented. Lastly, it is noteworthy that many aspects of school-home-based study are discussed in numerous studies, but Hardin & Littlejohn (2004) have a completely different take on effecting schooling. It urges parents to take initiative towards this direction and make it more effective. Considering the huge amount of material available and the significance of parental involvement, this study embarks upon the answering the question of why parents are reluctant to visit schools.

Research Methodology: Interview

To conduct an unbiased research, it is very important to take into account all aspects of the same. In this study, interview method of research is applied and adopted, because of the interactive capability it offers. An interview helps in gaining access to firsthand experience and responses from respondents, and this is why it is preferred. The data was recorded in the most natural form, and it enabled researcher to understand the topic in better light. Also, it was important to record the data unadulterated and in non-correctional format. Interviews, in a way provide an audio-visual method of recording data, as the body-language of respondents is also vital in understanding the responses. In this research, a sample of 20 parents, whose children were students of middle school were selected for the interview, and all these participants were from mixed backgrounds in terms of financial condition, work category and geographical location.

Interview Questions: (Sample)

Do you interact with your child regarding his/her academic curriculum?

Do you take a look at his/her textbooks?

Do you know what syllabus pattern is being followed by the school/board?

How often do you visit your child's school?

Do you interact with your child's teacher/instructor regarding syllabus/curriculum?

Do you take initiative to visit school on your own? If yes, then how often?

Does your child come to you regarding any query or question regarding study material?

Do you take initiative in helping your child with syllabus/curriculum related queries?

Does your child's school organize interactive sessions? Do you participate in such sessions?

Have you employed any tutor or instructor for your child apart from school hour?

Data Analysis

In the interviews conducted, there have been certain insights which came forth, which are very decisive in making the community education function more effective and reinforced. It is evident from the interview responses, that majority of parents wish to take part in their child's academic functions, however there are only 45% of parents, who are really active on overall scale. In this sample 72% of the respondents (female and male) were working individuals and due to this reason, majority of them could not actively participate in education based activities. It is also seen that, this trend has risen and more female parents are now working, as compared to earlier studies of 2004. Regarding the knowledge about curriculum, it came to knowledge that about 53% of parents had no knowledge about curriculum being followed by school, and had little knowledge about the learning of their ward. 36% parents responded that they had never referred to textbooks and other course material of their ward.

While most of the parents visited their child's school to drop and pick them from the facility, they seldom entered the premises. It was intriguing to know that almost 70% of parents never took initiative to enter the school and interact with teachers/instructors. However, on the bright side of it, almost 79% of parents visited the interaction sessions organized by school authorities, which is a great practice, and was encouraged by researchers. It was also interesting to know that most parents tried to help their children, when they came up with a query, and even referred to internet-based resources to help them; this figure is around 78%.