The Impact of Parental Press for Intellectual Development on the Academic Achievement on Pupils

Abstract

Parental activities which help in the intellectual development of their children are believed to be integral towards the child’s development. Although few studies in literature have examined parents’ role toward children intellectual development, there has been very little studies to determine how such parental role affect the performance of children at school. The current research will therefore add up to knowledge as it seeks to explain the impact of parental press for intellectual development (PID) on the academic performances of children at school. Specifically, the study will explore the practice of parents towards child intellectual development at the basic school, determine the relevant parental activities that contribute towards PID and finally investigate the effect of PID on child performances at school. A sequential explanatory mixed design strategy was adapted for the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire from parents of 810 selected basic school students across five regions in Ghana. Sampling of respondents in this study employed the use of multi-stage sampling techniques involving; a purposeful sampling of Five (5) Regions including: Ashanti, Greater Accra, Central, Northern, and Eastern, followed by simple random selection of 10 pupils per each grade starting from Grade 1 to 6 in each of the selected d schools in each Region. Data obtained during survey was edited, coded and entered into SPSS statistical software. Press for intellectual development was measured using eight items. A Confirmatory factor analysis technique followed by a path analysis was conducted to determine the effect of the underlying constructs on the performance of children at school. It was found that a parent’s press for intellectual development has significant effect on the performance of children in school. The study also established five major aspects of press for intellectual development which parents need to actively engage in for the realization of improved performance.