Parental involvement in a private primary school in Karachi

Date of Award

8-1-2005

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (M. Ed.)

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Abstract

This research is a case study on how parental involvement is enacted in a private primary school in Karachi, Pakistan. The study looked at the ways in which parents are involved in education in the school. Data was collected through interviews, observations and document analysis. Findings from the study indicate that all the stakeholders positively view the involvement of parents in the school activities as an important aspect of school improvement. However, the involvement of parents in the education of their children is facilitated by a number of factors such as the facilitating role of the principal, open communication between parents and teachers, type of parents (their socio-economical status), financial support of parents, and the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the school. At the same time, the study reveals the existence of several factors that are likely to hamper positive parental involvement. The finding of the study also show that it is relatively hard to involve parents in education without creating a conducive and welcoming environment for parents through using different channels of open communication. Parents need support, encouragement and empowerment for being involved. Findings of the study indicate that the principal plays a key role in establishing effective parental involvement in the school. Furthermore, the study shows that there are many benefits to students, to parents and teachers, if there is an active parental involvement in the school. The findings of the study shows that the social status of parents contributes significantly to the nature and intensity of parental involvement All the stakeholders in the school seem to view parental involvement positively, and hence, they all seem to be clear about what is expected from parents in the school. The study also makes recommendations on how the school can further effectively establishment parental involvement. Recommendations for further inquiry on parental involvement are also proposed.

This document is available in the relevant AKU library

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