Parental participation in secondary school of Zanzibar: A case of public secondary school of Zanzibar.
Date of Award
7-2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Geoff Tennant
Second Supervisor/Advisor
Ms. Mary Anyango Oluga
Department
Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
Abstract
Parental involvement has been widely accepted as a way of improving learner outcomes. Studies have established that various factors influence parental involvement in school among them invitations and demands presented by school, which form a school's practice. However, most of the studies have been conducted in the developed world. This study explored school practices that influence parental involvement in a secondary school in Zanzibar. The research applied a qualitative case study approach which used document analysis and interviews to collect data from 24 participants. The study found that parents participated in different ways; buying learning materials; paying school levies; disciplining the students and general guidance of the students. Participation of parents varied from one parent to the other. There are parents who are aware of the importance of their children's education and are conscious of the inadequacy of resources provided by the Ministry of Education. These parents support their children's learning at school and home. Nonetheless, findings revealed some parents have a negative attitude towards their children's schooling. They did not support their children to further their education. This group of parents did not understand the importance of education. Additionally, findings evidenced some who understand the importance of their children's education and were willingly to participate in school activities but cannot afford to pay school contribution. Thus, some parents did not pay school levies and others failed to attend school meetings. The students supported that their parents should participate in their education. Illiteracy and low incomes caused some parents not to participate. The study concluded that there should be concerted efforts to encourage a strong school-parents partnership for the school to realize educational goals
Recommended Citation
Massoud Khalfan Amour. (2013). Parental participation in secondary school of Zanzibar: A case of public secondary school of Zanzibar. (Unpublished Masters Thesis). Dar es salaam: Aga Khan University