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

Abstract

Undeniably, parents remain one of the most important resources needed in children’s mathematical development since children begin education from home. The part parents play in their children’s math education are a largely untapped resource for improving the quality of mathematics education among Ghanaian children. In order to maximise this resource, there is the need for basic research on the nature of involvement of parents in their children's mathematical growth. In view of this, we employed 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 the 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 is provision of learning resources and activity at home, helping with mathematics homework, encourage good study habits, monitor 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.