SUPPORTING YOUNG CHILDREN’S MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF PARENTS

What is it about?

Undeniably, parents remain one of the most important resources needed in children’s mathematical development since children begin education from home. The role parents play in their children’s math education is a largely untapped resource for improving the quality of mathematics education among Ghanaian children. In order to maximise this resource, there is a need for basic research on the nature of the involvement of parents in their children's mathematical growth. In view of this, we employed a case study design to explore ways by which parents involve themselves in their children’s mathematical development and how these can be harnessed to improve students’ mathematics achievement in Tano North Municipality. This study was guided by Epstein’s overlapping spheres of influence theory. A sample of 10 comprising 5 students and 5 parents was considered for the study. We employed a semi-structured interview to gather the required data which were analysed using inductive content analysis. Among the findings, it was revealed that some of the ways by which parents can help in the development of children’s mathematical development are the provision of learning resources and activities at home, helping with mathematics homework, encouraging good study habits, monitoring their school attendance, organize remedial classes, parents’ participation in school activities, and teaching appropriate behaviour for academic success. Based on the findings of the study, we recommend the Tano North Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service to collaborate with headteachers at the basic schools to create family engagement programmes that highlight parents’ role in the children’s mathematics development and future success.

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Why is it important?

The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the regular operation of schools in Ghana and throughout the world with its associated effects, has contributed to bringing attention to the significance of this underutilized resource (the parent factor), which is frequently disregarded in the context of education. Policymakers and math educators in every educational economy have a duty to create chances for families to participate in their children's mathematical education at home and at school. It appears that there is little to no research, if any, that has been done to examine how parents view and participate in their children's mathematical practices. This study explores ways by which parents involve themselves in their children’s mathematical development and how these can be harnessed to improve students’ mathematics achievement in Tano North Municipality of Ghana.

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