Parental involvement in a State Primary School : a case study

Abstract

The main focus in this dissertation was a case study in a state primary school in Malta, where the researchers investigated the term 'Parental Involvement'. Whilst carrying out the research, Hornby's (2000) model for parental involvement was taken into consideration. This dissertation is introduced by giving a picture of what the study entails and what it seeks to offer. It also gives an indication of some preliminary results. Following this, the reader finds a review of the literature about parental involvement in schools. The research methodology applied throughout the study is found in the third chapter. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilized to generate the data and obtain the results. Questionnaires were distributed to both teachers and parents whilst interviews were conducted with the Head of school, two Assistant Heads and six parents. The researchers also carried out direct ii observations at school, such us attending a School Council meeting. The participants' perceptions and experiences together with all results obtained, are presented in a detailed manner in the section of the analysis of the data. It seems that parents wish to involve themselves more at school but sometimes they are not given the opportunity to do so. Teachers, however might not always feel prepared enough for this. Effective partnership between parents and teachers result in an increase in school effectiveness. As prospective teachers, we should encourage this involvement with parents. Finally, some recommendations are put forward by the researchers on behalf of the parents' wishes.