Many parents excel at occasionally calling their children to check on them, but when it comes to visits, the same level of involvement often doesn’t follow. In both cases, many parents fail to engage with their children's academics to assess how well they're performing.
A recent study from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has highlighted the critical role parental involvement plays in enhancing the academic performance of university students in Ghana. The research, published in Cogent Education, drew on a sample of 613 students to explore how various forms of parental involvement, such as campus visits, regular phone calls, and words of encouragement, influence students' academic success, measured by their cumulative weighted averages.
The results were significant: overall, parental involvement positively impacted academic performance. Specifically, visits from parents to their children on campus resulted in a performance improvement of 0.005, while regular phone calls boosted performance by 0.046. However, the most notable impact came from words of encouragement, which improved academic performance by 0.061.
“These effects, though seemingly small, underline the significant role parental support plays in a university setting,” explained Dr. Samuel Tawiah Baidoo from the Department of Economics.
The study also identified additional factors that affect academic performance. It was found that younger students tend to perform better academically. Furthermore, students involved in groups or associations—such as academic or religious organizations—showed improved performance, highlighting the importance of peer interactions and community engagement.
This research emphasizes the importance of parents remaining actively involved in their children's academic journey, even at the tertiary level. By visiting, regularly checking in through calls, and offering words of encouragement, parents can significantly contribute to their children's academic success.
“This study serves as a powerful reminder that parental involvement doesn’t stop after high school. It continues to play a pivotal role in shaping students' university experiences and success, illustrating that academic achievement is truly a collective effort,” Dr. Baidoo concluded.
Other contributors to the study include Dr. Paul Kwasi Kumah from the Department of Sociology and Social Work and Prof. Hadrat Yusif from the Department of Economics.
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