An assessment of parents’ engagement in their children’s Education in primary schools of buno bedele zone oromia Regional state

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the engagement of parents in their children’s education in primary schools of Buno Bedele Zone. Descriptive design was used with both quantitative and qualitative methods. Sixteen primary schools in eight cluster resource center in four Woreda found in the Buno Bedele Zone were included in the study. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select sample schools, teachers, parents and students for the study. Accordingly, from 16 primary schools, 187 teachers, 128 students and 128 parents were selected to provide data for the study. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interview and focus group discussion. Then, the data gathered through closed-ended questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively using frequency, percentage; mean score and standard deviation while the data gathered through interviews focus group discussion and open-ended questions were analyzed qualitatively through narration for the purpose of triangulation. The findings of the study indicated there is low level of parents’ engagement in their children’s learning; low follow up of their children whether they properly attend school or not and in guiding or helping their children in doing homework or assignment. Regarding the practices of parents–teachers’ partnerships on students’ learning, parent-teacher relation was poor; there is a limited flow of information from the school to parent; schools didn’t invite parents to visit and give suggestions on teaching learning process; parents were lacked clear information about their children’s academic progress from the school. Regarding challenges that affect the parents’ engagement in their children’s education, parents’ low awareness, low commitments of school leaders in implementation, socio economic factors of parents and low educational level of parents were the major ones. In general, as the finding of the study revealed that engagement of parents in their children’s learning in the school and at home is not effective. Therefore, it is recommended that parents had better support their children at home and in school; school principals had better work in collaboration with Kebele education and training board and Parent teacher association; conducting parent- School meeting regularly. Finally, Zone and Woreda education offices in collaboration with school principals need to work efficiently to enhance awareness of parents