Parent related factors on lower primary performance in basic science of pupils in Ibadan north local government area, Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated some parental-related factors, which are interest in science, parental involvement, and parents' job specialization as determinants of lower primary pupils' performance in basic science in Ibadan. Purpose:The study sought to examine some of the parental-related factors that could affect lower primary pupils in basic science. Methodology: An ex-post facto Comparative research design was adopted for the study. Random Sampling Technique was used to select five (5) the primary schools and pupils in Ibadan. A total of ninety six (96) pupils were randomly selected to give their parents the questionnaire to fill and the same pupils' academic records in Basic Science were collected from the schools. Also, two (2) instruments were used: the first instrument titled; Parents' interest in science Questionnaire (PISQ) and the second one titled; Parental Involvement Questionnaire (PIQ). The validity and reliability indexes for PISQ and PIQ are 0.70 and 0.76 respectively. Result: Findings showed that parents are interested in science to some extent and there was no significant composite contribution of the independent variables (interest in science, parental involvement and job specialization) on lower primary pupils' performance in Basic Science. Additionally, none of the parental factors considered in the study had a significant relative contribution to the academic performance of lower primary pupils in basic science. Conclusion and Recommendations: Recommendations made are: provision of educational enlightenment programs to increase parental interest in science in order to enhance children learning science.