INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON STUDENTS' MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OGBOMOSO

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of parental involvement on students' mathematics achievement in secondary schools in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The research aimed to explore how various dimensions of parental involvement, such as home-based involvement, school-based involvement, and parental expectations, impacted students' academic performance in mathematics. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 200 secondary school students, their parents, and teachers through structured surveys and in-depth interviews. The findings indicated a significant positive correlation between parental involvement and students' mathematics achievement, with home-based involvement showing the strongest impact. Qualitative insights revealed that parents' active participation in school activities and consistent communication with teachers contributed to students' motivation and confidence in mathematics. The study highlighted the importance of fostering effective communication and collaboration between parents and schools to enhance students' academic outcomes. Recommendations for policymakers and educators to promote parental involvement in education and address potential barriers, such as socioeconomic constraints and cultural differences, were discussed. This research contributed to the understanding of parental involvement in the Nigerian educational context and provided insights for improving student performance in mathematics, offering strategies to overcome existing challenges.