EFFECT OF PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABUJA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Parents play a vital role in the growth and development of their children. Their influence stems from the authority and knowledge they exercise in nurturing their children to become motivated, inspired, and empathetic individuals through their active involvement in educational activities. On the contrary, parents who fail to participate in their children’s educational journey are often perceived as discouraging and demoralizing them through neglect, which negatively affects the children's academic outcomes (Mugumya, Ntale & Nkata, 2022). According to Njoroge and Nyabuto (2019), parental involvement encompasses the attitudes, behaviors, approaches, and experiences within and outside the school environment that promote children’s academic and behavioral success in their current educational setting. Engaging parents in their children’s education positively influences many facets of their lives, including their growth, behavior, motivation, and academic success. Presley and Roe (2017) emphasize that children whose parents actively participate in their academic pursuits tend to have higher attendance rates, demonstrate better behavior, achieve superior academic results from kindergarten through secondary school, pursue further education, and excel academically. Parental involvement sends clear messages to children, signaling parental interest and emphasizing the importance of education. When parents engage actively both at home and within the school environment, they communicate to their children the value they place on their academic efforts. Additionally, parents’ economic stability and aspirations significantly influence their children’s educational experiences. Academic achievement has become a critical concern in modern education, largely due to the heightened accountability placed on teachers and parents alike. Previous studies reveal a strong relationship between parental involvement and children’s academic success, noting that parents’ attitudes, encouragement, motivation, and dedication significantly shape their children’s educational outcomes (Lee & Bowen, 2016; Yan & Lin, 2015). Lee and Bowen (2016) concluded that parental involvement is essential for all students, but the form it takes varies depending on factors such as race, ethnicity, parents’ educational level, socioeconomic status, and family structure. Presently, many parents face numerous challenges that limit their ability to meet their children’s academic needs, including limited time, financial constraints, types of employment, educational backgrounds, and levels of participation in school activities. Neglecting these needs can lead to poor academic performance due to insufficient parental support. When parental involvement is lacking, children are more likely to perform poorly academically (Lee & Bowen, 2016). Consequently, this study aims to explore the influence of parental involvement on the academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Parental involvement, understood as meeting the educational needs and supporting children’s academic interests, profoundly affects students’ academic performance and their attitudes toward learning. A significant challenge in Nigerian secondary education is the level of parental engagement in academic matters that could boost students’ academic success. Despite its importance, many parents feel inadequately informed about educational practices and how to effectively support their child’s learning (Yang, Zhang & Chen, 2023). Globally, various strategies have been implemented to encourage parental involvement in education. However, there remains a scarcity of research focusing on the impact of such involvement on the academic performance of junior secondary school students. Abdul-El-Fattah (2015) found that parental involvement positively influences children’s academic progress, their attitudes, behaviors, and even the attitudes and performance of their teachers. The accumulation of these issues can lead to students becoming poor achievers, experiencing depression, and engaging in misbehavior (Ndebele, 2015). Conducting this type of study is essential to empirically establish the effect of parental participation on junior secondary school students’ academic success. Therefore, this research sets out to investigate how parental involvement affects academic achievement among junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.3 Objectives of the Study Effect of parental engagement on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria 1.3.1 General Objective The general objective of the study is to investigate the effect of parental engagement on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria . 1.3.2 Specific Objectives The specific objectives of the study is as follows i.Investigate the impact of parental support in improving the study habit and academic motivation of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. ii.Investigate the impact of commitment and active participation of parents in the school matters on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. iii.Investigate the impact of parents understanding and engagement with the academic needs of their children on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. iv.Investigate the impact of parental assistance with home assignments on the academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What is the impact of parental support in improving the study habit and academic motivation of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria? ii.What is the impact of commitment and active participation of parents in the school matters on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis? iii.What is the impact of parents understanding and engagement with the academic needs of their children on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis? iv.What is the impact of parental assistance with home assignments on the academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis? 1.5 Research Hypotheses The stated hypotheses have been formulated to guide the study H0: Parental involvement does not have an influence on the academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. Ha: Parental involvement does have an influence on the academic achievement of junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.6 Significance of the Study The results of this study can assist policymakers, school leaders, and educators in Abuja and elsewhere in developing strategies that encourage active parental engagement in students' academic progress. Recognizing the influence of parental involvement may lead to enhanced school policies that strengthen parent-school partnerships. Moreover, the research will benefit parents by highlighting effective involvement methods that positively influence their children's academic performance. It will also raise awareness among parents about their vital role in education and outline specific actions they can take to promote academic success. Additionally, the study holds value for the academic community, as it will enrich existing literature, expand library collections, and serve as a reference for future research efforts. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focus on the effect of parental engagement on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria . Empirically, the study will investigate the impact of parental support in improving the study habit and academic motivation of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria, investigate the impact of commitment and active participation of parents in the school matters on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis, investigate the impact of parents understanding and engagement with the academic needs of their children on the academic achievement of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis and investigate the impact of parental assistance with home assignments on the academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Abuja Metropolis. Geographically, the study is delimited to selected junior secondary school students in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria. 1.8 Limitations Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.9 Definition of Terms Parental Involvement: The active engagement and participation of parents in their children's educational processes, including activities such as assisting with homework, attending school events, and fostering a supportive learning environment at home. Academic Achievement: The measurable performance of students in their educational pursuits, often evaluated through grades, test scores, and other assessments that reflect their understanding and mastery of subject matter. Junior Secondary School: In the Nigerian education system, this refers to the schooling phase for students aged 12 to 14, typically encompassing grades 7 through 9, and serving as a transition between primary education and senior secondary school. Socioeconomic Status: The social and economic standing of an individual or family, often determined by factors such as income level, education, and occupation, which can influence access to resources and opportunities. Educational Policy: The set of rules, regulations, and guidelines formulated by educational authorities to govern the operation and objectives of educational institutions. Parent-Teacher Collaboration: The cooperative relationship between parents and educators aimed at enhancing students' learning experiences and outcomes through effective communication and partnership. Student Motivation: The internal drive or external stimuli that inspire students to engage with their studies and strive for academic success. Learning Environment: The physical and psychological conditions in which learning occurs, including factors like classroom settings, teaching methods, and available resources. Educational Inequality: The disparities in access to quality education and academic opportunities, often influenced by socioeconomic factors, leading to varying educational outcomes among different groups.