TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
1.2
Statement of the Problem
1.3
Research Question
1.4
Research Hypothesis
1.5
Scope of the Study
1.6
Significance of the Study
1.7
Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Theoretical Framework
2.2
The Concept of Fatherhood
2.3
What is Fathering
2.4
Putting the Child First
2.5
Parent-Child Interaction
2.6
Empirical Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research
Design
3.2
Research
Instrument
3.3
Population
3.4
Sample And
Sampling Procedure
3.5
Variable in the
Study
3.6
Validity and
Reliability of Instrument
3.7
Procedure of
the Study
3.8
Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS
OF DATA
4.1 Demographic Data
4.2
Analysis of
Research Hypothesis
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION
OF FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Discussion
of Findings
5.2 Summary
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Considerable
researches such as Williams and Williams 2005, Simon 2006, Giddens 1998, and
Beck 1992, 1994, now reveals the contribution of parental involvement in learning
activities of student as well as the school programme to positive outcomes.
However, one cannot really ascertain the contribution of either spouse in this
regards. Nonetheless, if one evaluates the social influences upon the
development of individuals, one may not likely find any other with greater influence
than the family.
The
Family thus have a great role to play in the personality of their children. The family includes the
parents (father mother and siblings) as well as the forces that come to play on
the family- Sociological, economical and personality of the parents.
The
family as a social unit is usually recognized for its importance in many roles.
The psychological role of parent within the family needs to be understood by
parents. They cater and provide for their children during the early years of
growth, a segment of many others roles to be performed. It is pertinent to say
that intense maternal love at infancy is as important to a child as adequate nutrition
is. In other words the mother is not just expected to provide the necessary nutritional
diets, but should as well show concern and attention for the child from the
infant age and be interested to what happens to the child.
In
recent years a great deal of attention has been focused on the assertion that
children reared or raised by single mothers are believed to be prone to
delinquency, Dennis and Erdos (1993). This is usually seen in terms of a father.
The implication of this inadequacy is that such children are likely to have a
below average academic achievement. Perhaps one may argue that it is not the
gender of the parents that matters but rather the quality of and determination
with which they take their roles. Despite this, some researchers have posited
that the single mothers are somehow raising children in inferior settings.
Thus, young and Smith (1999) conducted a research on single mothers and came out
with these; That 56% children were more likely to be poor and delinquents than
those living with both parents who are 11% likely to be delinquents.
On
the other hand the paternal behavior also affects the academic performance of
students. The influence of the father in the family is of equal importance. The
attitude of the father towards the mother has been observed to have an indirect
effect on the child, during the nursing period.
Moreso,
the working patterns of men have been observed to have adverse effect on
children. Shift work and workaholism can all eat into the time available to
spend with the children. Obviously the
nature of parental work is likely to
impact upon children, a bad day at work is often a consequent of high
temperament, and aggression is often extended to the children. Consequently the
child becomes withdrawn and does not get
the right stimulation in his or her academic activities.
Put
differently, some people have argued that fatherhood and fathering are two
different things. Fatherhood refers to the normal biological affiliation while
fathering refers to the continuous role of a “father” being provided by the
male figure in terms of living to his responsibilities. The provider for the
family is the tenet behind an old style fathering identity and although slowly
altering, it is still very strong in the contemporary society.
Field
(1996) and Green (1998) also reveals that in new labour philosophy (NLP)
fathers must be responsible for the financial provision of their family and
themselves. These provisions range from the financial needs, emotional and
psychological needs of the child. The financial needs of the children thus, are
the educational needs of the child. In line with this, world conference on
education for all (NCEFA) declared in Thailand in1990 that “Every child person,
youth and adult shall be able to benefit from educational opportunities
designed to meet their basic learning needs”. These needs comprise both
essential learning tools such as (knowledge, skills, values and attitudes)
required by human beings to be able to survive and develop their full
capacities. This affirmation was later echoed that year at the world summit for Children (WSC)
who in its final declaration also stated that all children should have access to basic education by the year 2000
From
the foregoing we can say then, that it is the right and privilege of the child to be
educated. Hence the parents must provide the means for these rights. According
to Child Right Act of 2003 section 15 sub section (1) states:-
“Every
child has the right to free compulsory and universal basic education and it
shall be the duty of the Government in Nigeria to provide such education.”
Every
parent or guardian shall ensure that his child or ward attends and complete
this:
a.
Primary school education and
b. Junior
secondary school education
Every
parent guardian or person who has the care and custody of a child who has
completed his basic education shall Endeavour to send the child to a senior
secondary school, except as provided for
by sub section (4) of this section.
It
follows too that the child’s educational right is entrenched in the
constitution and anything contrary to this, is tantamount to infringement of
the child’s rights.
However
the financial status of the parents could sometimes hinder this rights and this
inadequacy could necessitate the behaviour of either spouse as the case may be
towards the educational needs of the child.
Following
this one can identify some areas in which social economic status (SES) plays a
significant role on the academic performance of students. They could be summed
up as basic needs and experience, parental environment, attitudes and values.
Each of this will be discussed in the subsequent paragraphs
One
of the basic needs of the child is to be catered for by the parent, besides
bringing the children into the world. It is the responsibility of the parent to
provide them with the following-shelter, clothing and safety as well as food
and other educational requirements. Mc Lloyd (1998) revealed that economic
problems can lead to family and marital conflicts which results in unstable
home. Take for instance a child who goes to school on an empty stomach may not
likely be attentive in school or a child who cannot do his assignment for lack
of textbooks, or who lives in a congested environment, may likely not get the
right stimulation or reinforcement to excel academically. Hence social economic
status (SES) influences children background experience. Trawik- Smith (1997) as
well as McLoyd (1998) in their findings
posits that when children are provided with educational activities outside the
school, which helps to complement the efforts of the teachers, only then will
the student perform optimally in their academics. This experience ranges from
visits to Museums, Art galleries, concerts and travels to historical places and
learning materials like computer system, encyclopedias, magazines, news bulletins,
and Atlas e.t.c.
Parental
involvement is another area in which social economic status plays a role in
academic performance of students. This could be considered from the perspective
of parent-child interaction. Oko (1999) says that the way a child is groomed
contributes to his development and formation of achievement motives in life
itself. Desforges and Aboucher (2003) in their findings also revealed that
parental involvement takes many forms amongst which are good parenting in the
home as well as stable environment and secured home.
Lastly,
the spouse behaviour and values poses a problem to the children especially if
the paternal figure is a Laissez- faire kind of person (Abari and Mohammed
2006). The parent tends to play a passive role towards the academic performance
of their wards. There is virtually no guidance and direction of any sort. If
either of the parent’s academic status is below average it may likely affect
the child in that the children may not be motivated or stimulated to learn.
Such parents might be indifferent towards the academic achievement of their
children.
According
to UNICEF’s report (2001), Many Nigerian parents often send their children on
the street to hawk because of their economic and educational background. Some
Nigerian parents according to Okeke (1996) as cited in UNICEF report (2001) also affirmed that attitudes and
values of the society and parents tends towards misplaced priorities and
values. Perhaps this explains why some parents are now interested in wealth
acquisition rather than giving the right legacy to the child, which is
education.
1.2 STAEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Available
researches according to Obemeta (1995) reveals that there has been a downward
trend of academic achievement of pupils in secondary schools, especially in West
African School Certificate Examination. A cursory look at the records of result
reveals that less than 50% credit pass
was achieved in English and mathematics as well as other subject in the last
few years.
Moreso,
the attitude of parents as it involves the academic performance of their
children is said to be dwindling, owing to the nature of work and personality
of parent. Thus, it is pertinent to research into the behavioural attitude of
spouse as it affects the academic achievement of their children. This is
imperative in order to bring about a probable solution to boost the academic
achievement of pupils as well as enhance good relationship between parents and
children.
1.3. RESEARCH QUESTION
1. What is the attitude of parent towards student’s
academic activities?
2. What
is the role of either spouse towards the learning activities of their children?
3. What
is the effect of the economic status of spouse on learning activities of
students?
1.4. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
H1. There will be no significant effect of
parental behaviour on
the
academic performance of student.
H2. There will be no significant effect on
maternal behaviour on
the
academic achievement of students.
H3. There will be no significant effect of
economic status of
parent
on learning activities of their children.
1.5. SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This
research work will be focused on spouse reactions, contributions, commitment towards
the academic achievement of their children as well as the perception of students
in some selected secondary schools in
Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The
findings of this research work will be useful to parent, students, teachers and
the society at large.
The
outcome would further sensitize and educate the parents on the need to stir a better
relationship with their children. Moreso,
the research work will serve as a stimulant for further research in the area of
parental orientation and guidance as it relates to their children’s academic
performance.
It
would also be useful for international journal and publication.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Laissez – faire: In
this study, it means care free, in difference attitude of parent.
Stimulation:
In this study, it means making something develop or become more active.
Delinquents: In this study, it implies bad or criminal behaviour,
usually of young people.
Workaholism:
In this study, it means a person who works very hard and finds it difficult to
do other things.
Maternal:
In this study, it implies having feeling that are typical of a caring mother
towards a child.
Paternal: In this study, it is connected with being a
father, a kind father.
Spouse:
in this study, it implies a husband or wife.
Click “DOWNLOAD NOW” below to get the complete Projects
FOR QUICK HELP CHAT WITH US NOW!
+(234) 0814 780 1594
Login To Comment