Parental support for Year 5 students in a Maltese primary state school

Abstract

This qualitative research “Parental Support for Year 5 Students in a Maltese Primary State School”, aims to give a highlight of the parental support provided to students who are in their fifth year of primary education. Four parents from four different families who are all members of the same community participated in this research. Semi-structured interviews allowed the parents to express themselves and share their opinions and suggestions. The findings were presented under the main themes which include: Parenting, Communicating, Volunteering, Learning at Home, Decision Making, Collaborating with the Community, Barriers to Parental Support, Enhancing Parental Support, and Parental Support in Malta. Results show that parental support is determined by a number of factors including; the educational background of parents, the socio-economic status of the family, the educators’ perspectives towards parents and the relationship that the parents have with the school personnel. Methods on how to best support children in their educational journey are discussed. Data from the interviews shows that all parents view their support as fundamental to their children’s educational attainment.