Academic Effects of Active Parental Involvement Essay -- A Level Essays

Academic Effects of Active Parental Involvement Findings demonstrate that parent involvement in a child’s learning is positively related to their achievement. The first teachers of our children are the adults in the home. This is where the children learn their attitudes and values that are engraved in them for the remainder of their lives. When families as a whole participate, in children’s education in positive ways, there are noticeable changes in the child’s test scores, attendance records, quality of work, attitudes and behavior, graduation rates, and the amount that enroll in higher education. The level of involvement is often questioned by the parents; however, research suggests that â€Å"the more intensively parents are involved in their children’s learning, the more beneficial are the achievement effects† (Cotton and Wikelund, 2002, p. 2). It is believed that when parents monitor homework, encourage participation in extracurricular activities, are active in parent-teacher associa tions, and help children develop plans for their future, children are more likely to respond and do well in school. There are indications that prove that the most effective form of parental involvement is when the parents work directly with their child. Researchers find that the more activity each parent puts in, there will be greater achievement for that student in comparison to the children with passive parents. When parents actively participate, that is work with their children, attend their activities, and help in the classroom, greater achievement is noted. Academic Effects of Passive Parental Involvement Passive parent involvement is better than no involvement, however the effects aren’t as successful for the child. This... ... This article helps to explain the social effects that parental participation has on children. It describes how self-esteem and motivation is related to the amount parental interest in the child and their education. Watkins, T. (1997). Teachers communications, child achievements, and parent traits in parent involvement models. Journal of Educational Research, 91 (Sept./Oct.), 14. Retrieved March 12, 2002. This article explains how parental involvement through home instruction, volunteering in the classroom, has been linked to the quality of children’s learning and motivation. Swick, K. (1984). Inviting Parents into the Young Child’s World. Stipes Publishing Company. Playing Their Parts: What Parents and Teachers Really Mean by Parental Involvement. (1999). Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Retrieved on April 15, 2002 from the World Wide Web.