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PARENTAL SUPPORT AND STUDY ATTITUDES

Parental Support and Study Attitudes among College Students

towards their Academic Performance

Jacqueline Sybell M. dela Cruz

Jessabelle S. Gentullaga

Mahatmah M. Maulana

Zehan Loren E. Tocao

Mary Faith E. Uy

A Research Paper Presented to Notre Dame of Tacurong College

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Degree Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science

UNDERGRADUATE

Notre Dame of Tacurong College

City of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat

February 2011

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Table of Contents

Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT... 3

DEDICATION. 4

ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................................. 5

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 6

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 8

METHODS

Research Design. 11

Respondents of the Study 11

Instrumentation... 11

Ethical Consideration.. 12

Data Gathering Procedures..... 12

Statistical Treatment... 12

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION... 13

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings.. 17

Conclusion.......... 18

Recommendations... 19

REFERENCES

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Acknowledgement

In every journey, there is always beginning and end. In every sacrifices and trials, there is always

hope and success.

This paper will not be made possible without the helping hands of those who have unselfishly

shared their time and prayers for us. Special thanks are offered to the following:

First and foremost, to our Almighty God, who gave us emotional strengths, knowledge and

wisdom in writing this study.

The researchers express their gratitude to their beloved parents who gave their moral support,

prayers, care and love, the one who inspires for the researchers to continue and succeed.

To Dr. Rosmalin G. Arzagon , Dean of CAS-Ed, who extend her help and shared her knowledge

to the researchers in making this paper a successful one.

To Mary Faith E. Uy, research adviser, who extend her patience in helping and guiding the

researchers in making this paper and to become a better one in the future.

Lastly, to our family, friends, relatives and classmates who supported us in making this project

possible.

The Researchers

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Dedication

This research work is dedicated to those who supported the researchers especially to our loving

parents, friends, to Dr. Rosmalin Arzagon, Dean of CAS-Ed, to our research adviser Mary Faith

Uy, and to our Alma Mater the Notre Dame of Tacurong College.

The Researchers

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Abstract

This descriptive- quantitative study was conducted to determine the status of the parental support

and study attitudes of the respondents. There were 70 students of Notre Dame of Tacurong

College enrolled in Political Science 1 (Politics and Governance with Philippine Constitution)

during the second semester of school year 2010-2011 who were requested to serve as

respondents to this study. A survey- questionnaire formulated by the researchers was used to

gather data from the respondents. Upon retrieval of the questionnaire, the gathered data were

tallied, classified, tabulated and computed employing frequency, percentage and ranking as

statistical tools. Results of the study revealed that the top five items indicating parental support

were: parents value education and tell thats a way to a successful life, the assistance given by

their parents, they discuss the value of good education and career option and they show interest

in their progress at school. The top five study attitudes of students towards their academic

performance were: to finish a degree is very important to them, they believed that they can finish

their studies, they were interested in dealing with their subjects ,they are inspired to study

because of their parents support and they do their school works seriously. The results of the

study can provide and establish awareness about the parental support and study attitudes of the

respondents in relation to their studies. Students will excel and gain more knowledge if they have

positive attitudes toward their studies and have a good support from their parents.

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Introduction

Education is one of the major concerns of a country because through this it may improve

and develop its jurisdiction and big possibilities to produce competent citizens. Moreover, it

helps people to use their reason and faculties to think, thus resulting to self-development.

Academic performance of learners is a big factor to gauge their success. According to an

educational institution, academic performance refers to the achievement of the students on their

studies after having met the standards set by the institution. Further, academic performance may

also refer to how the students deal with their studies and how they cope with or accomplish

different tasks given to them by their mentors.

It is a fact that education plays a vital role in the life of every Filipino. However, due to

many unavoidable circumstances like low economic turn-outs, financial problem, peer pressure,

family problems, poor educational reforms, access to education became impossible to many. In

other countries like America, poor academic performance among students are continuing to grow

in number, in fact, up to 75% of the students are dropping out, have low performance in terms of

academics. According to the present census conducted, the Philippines illiteracy rate is 12% of

population over 15%, and a number of Filipino students in terms of academic performance are

continuing to have low rates. According to some researchers, there are many countries all over

the world that are dealing problems pertaining to education and having low academic

performance rate. According to an article entitled Problems in Education, low academic

performance of the learners are attributed to improper funding of teachers, lack of both students

and teachers facilities, lack of motivation and interest among students. Moreover, lack

ofadequate funds, staffing problems in remote school sites, educational inequities in terms of

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access and quality of education are factors that ruined the education in the Philippines (Angara,

2006).

Based on numerous researches, parental support given to students has a direct influence

on the academic performance of students. Parental support refers on how the parents support the

studies of their children, on how they provide things necessary in developing their skills

physically and intellectually.

Parenting style is a factor that influences the academic performance of students

(Rodriguez, 1986). It refers on how the parents discipline their children and the extent of support

that they give to their children. A positive family climate favors the development of well-adapted

natures, stable integrated subjects while unfavorable family climate promotes non-adaptation,

immaturity, lack of balance and insecurity (Castellano1986). According to Ronjin (1987), the

parents involvement on the studies of their children has a great influence and has a direct

relationship on students achievement.

Parental expectations are generally associated with higher levels of educational

attainment. The child-rearing beliefs, academically enriching home environment and standards of

acceptable behavior in and out of school are equally important to academic performance and

achievement (Liddel, 1990).

Based on the aforementioned facts, parental support plays a vital role in molding the

physical and mental abilities of students; it improves their academic performance in school.

In addition, researchers found out that attitudes of the learners have a direct influence on

their academic performance. Student attitude refers to the hypothetical construct that represents

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an individuals degree of likes or dislikes for an item. It is generally the positive or negative

views of a person over a place, thing or event. Attitudes may change and emotion greatly

influenced the attitude change. Emotion works hand-in-hand with the cognitive process or the

way one thinks about an issue or situation. Thus, emotion has a direct relationship on attitude.

Sarwar (2004) explained that study attitudes refer to the behavior of the learners towards their

subject or their viewpoint on their subjects. He found out that there is a strong relationship

between study attitudes and academic performance of the learners. If the students viewed their

studies positively they can really perform well.

It is along the context that parental support and students study attitudes affect the

academic performance of students among other factors that the present researcher is interested to

conduct a study on this area.

This study aims to investigate the level of parental support and the study attitudes among

college students taking Political Science 1 (Politics and Governance with Philippine

Constitution). This study is deemed significant for NDTC administrators as well as to the

student- respondents for it will make them aware of the parental support given to students, to

improve study attitudes when found necessary so that learning will be enhanced.

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Numerous studies have been conducted to explain factors that influence academic

performance. Diaz (2000) considered variables like parents academic level, gender, motivation,

relationship between peers as factors that have direct influence on the academic performance of

learners. Many factors had been considered by various researchers but according to them

parental support is a big factor in influencing the academic performance of students. According

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to Charles Reiseluth, family support is one of the agencies that powerfully shape childrens

learning. The family is the primary social system for children and high parental control was

associated with high achievement (Rollins & Thomas, 1979). When parents are involved in their

childrens education at home they do better in school, when they are involved in school, their

children go farther in school and the schools they go to are better (Henderson, 1997). School

achievement improves when parents express high expectations for their children learning and

future careers. Parental expectations are actors and critical to the academic performance of a

student, higher expectations parents are generally associated with higher levels of educational

achievement. The child rearing beliefs, academically enriching home environment and standards

of acceptable behavior in and out of school are equally important to academic performance.

Moreover, parents who have strong relationship and trust of to their children will make them

active on their studies and performance. They found that a less physically crowded environment

along with motivation and parental support, were associated with higher educational levels of

children (Reynolds, et al.1998). Religiosity as an aspect of the family environment is another

independent variable influencing academic achievement (Bahr, Hawks & Wang, 1993). Cassidy

and Lynn (1991) explored how family environment supports impact motivation on achievement.

Further, according to Hammer (2003) the home environment and parental support is as important

as what goes on in the school. Parent education and encouragement are strongly related to

improved student achievement (Wang, Wildman & Calhoun, 1996). Sattes (1997) concluded also

in his study that a home environment encourages learning. Factors like reading to children,

having books available, taking trips, guiding TV watching and providing stimulating experiences

contribute to school achievement. The children are more likely to be exposed to experiences that

stimulate intellectual development.

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There are sixth characteristics that a family whose children are doing well in school.

First, establishing a daily family routine thats include providing time and a quiet place to study,

having dinner together and firm about times to get up and go to bed. Second, monitoring out-of-

school activities like setting limits on TV watching and arranging for after- school activities and

supervised care. Third, model the value of learning, self-discipline and hard work like having a

strong communication. Fourth, expressing high but realistic expectations for achievement, like

setting goals and standards that are appropriate for childrens age and maturity and encouraging

and recognizing special talents. Fifth, encouraging childrens development and progress in

school, like maintaining a warm and supportive home, showing interest in childrens progress at

school and discussing the value of a good education and possible career options. Sixth, family

members encouraging reading, writing and discussions among family members. Moreover,

income and family size were modestly related to achievement (Ferguson, 1991 in Henderson,

1997).

Based on the aforementioned facts, parental support plays a vital role in molding the

physical and mental aspect of a student, it improves the academic performance of the learners.

Another factor that may affect academic performance is the attitude of the learners.

Attitude refers to the hypothetical construct that represents an individuals degree of like or

dislike for an item. It is generally positive or negative view of a person, place, thing or event.

Study attitude refers to the behavior of the learners toward their subject and their individual

viewpoint. A strong relationship between study attitude and academic performance of learners

towards their studies would create high performance in academic. If the student viewed their

studies positively, they can really perform well. Moreover, interest and the motivation of

students affect the academic performance of learners (Sarwar, 2004).

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Development of academic intrinsic motivation is an important goal for educators because

it is an essential for future motivation as well as for students effective school functioning

(Gottfried, 1990).

Method

Research Design

The researcher used the descriptive-quantitative method. It provides an accurate

description about the level of the parental support and study attitudes of 70 students of Notre

Dame of Tacurong College enrolled in Political Science 1 (Politics and Governance with

Philippine Constitution) .

Respondents of the Study

There were 70 students of Notre Dame of Tacurong College enrolled in Political Science

1 (Politics and Governance with Philippine Constitution) during the first semester of school year

2010-2011 who were requested to serve as respondents to this study. The sampling technique

was census sampling which means that all students taking Political Science 1 subject were

targeted as respondents to thisstudy.

Instrumentation

To determine the level of parental support and study attitudes of the respondents in

relation to their academic performance, the researcher used questionnaire for 70 students of

NDTC to answer. Questionnaire is the best instrument to use because it provides respondents

time to answer. .

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Ethical Consideration

The researcher formally informed the purpose of the survey to the respondents and they

were assured of the confidentiality of their individual responses.

Data Collection Procedure

The researcher wrote a letter of permission to the Dean of CAS-Ed to request the

complete list of college students taking Political Science 1 subject for the school year 2010-2011

and used as respondents of this study. Questionnaire was distributed personally and each

respondent had their enough time to answer, when the said questionnaire was retrieved, the data

were tallied, tabulated and analyzed.

Statistical Treatment

After the retrieval of all the questionnaires, the researcher processed the data supplied by

the respondents. In presenting the profile of the respondents, frequency and percentage

distribution was used and in presenting the answers of the respondents, the researcher used the

mean and based on a scale.

4.50- 5.00 Strongly Agree

3.50-4.49 Agree

2.50-3.49 Undecided

1.50-2.49 Disagree

1.00-1.49 Strongly Disagree

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Results and Discussion

Table 1. Frequency and Percentage of the Respondents Gender

Gender f %

Male 38 54.28

Female 32 45.71

Total 70 100

Table 1 presents the gender of the respondents. It shows that there are 38 or 54.28 % who

are male and 32 or 45.71 % who are female.

Table 2 Mean Rating and Description of Study Attitudes of the Respondents towards their

Academic Performance

Item No. Mean Rank Description

Study attitudes

1. to finish a degree is very important to me 4.26 1 Agree

2. believe that I can finish my studies 4.18 2 Agree

3. doing my assignments seriously 4.13 3 Agree

4. interested in all subjects 3.94 4 Agree

5. viewed my subjects as interesting and enjoyable 3.92 5 Agree

6. always motivated to perform well in studies 3.90 6 Agree

7. observe strictly my schedule for study 3.87 7 Agree

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8. inspired to study because of my parents support 3.77 8 Agree

9. when I make mistake I would like to figure out

the right answer by myself 3.67 9 Agree

10. set my mind to get high grades 3.48 10 Undecided

11. I expect to land a good job after graduation 3.47 11 Undecided

12. there are goals and standards in my studies 3.45 12 Undecided

13. educations makes me a better person 3.34 13 Undecided

14. ask help from teachers when find difficulty with

my school work 3.24 14 Undecided

15. viewed subjects in positive way 3.17 15 Undecided

Total 3.72 Agree

Table 2 shows the answers of the respondents on the effects of study attitudes in their

academic performance. Most of the items rated agree by the respondents question number 1 got

the highest rate with a mean of 4.26 respondents answered that to finish a degree is very

important. According to Sarwar Muhammad this will provide big opportunities and big chances

to be successful in life. Moreover, it will give more power to your position in the area of

profession you have picked as well as advance up the ladder of achievement. Question number 2

with a mean of 4.18 believed that they can finish their studies, according to Riza Carlos,

education is the greatest gift a person can give to his self. It will give big chances and

opportunities in his life, this will open new investment in ones life. Moreover, there are 6 items

rated lowest among the other items and needs improvement, question number 15 with the mean

of 3. 17 of the total number of respondents answered that they rarely viewed their subjects in a

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positive way , question number 14 with a mean of 23. 24 of the total number of respondents

answered that they asked rarely their mentors when they find some difficulties in their school

works. According to Abhishek Agarwal, right management in handling every activity of a

student will create fast development in their academic performance, they will avoid anxiety and

will be able to meet their goals easily, a strong relationship between a teacher and student will

open for the willingness of both to grow and will generate great development in their academics

especially in the part of the students.

Table 3. Mean rating and Description of the Parental Support of the Respondents towards

their Academic Performance

Item No. Mean Rank Description

Parental Support

1. set firmly the times to get up and go to bed 5.07 1 Strongly agree

2. keep in touch with teachers and school staff 4.80 2 Strongly agree

3. guide TV watching and other activities at home 4.57 3 Strongly agree

4. helps in doing homework and other school works 4.56 4 Strongly agree

5. maintains a warm and supportive home 4.16 5 Agree

6. attend school programs 4.09 6 Agree

7. showing interest in my progress at school 4.07 7 Agree

8. supports extra-curricular activities 4.00 8 Agree

9. recognize and encourage special talents 3.93 9 Agree

10. discuss the value of good education and career option 3.87 10 Agree

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11. I expect to land a good job after graduation 3.47 11 Undecided

12. there are goals and standards in my studies 3.45 12 Undecided

13. educations makes me a better person 3.34 13 Undecided

14. ask help from teachers when find difficulty with

my school work 3.24 14 Undecided

15. viewed subjects in positive way 3.17 15 Undecided

Total 3.72 Agree

Table 3 shows the answers of the respondents on the effects of the Parental support in

their academic performance. There are 4 items rated as strongly agree by the respondents,

question number 1 with a mean of 5.07 believed that their parents set firmly the times to get up

and go to bed, according to www. Articlesbase.com, giving importance to education will foster

development in ones potential and will create a high standard of learning , question number 2

with a mean of 4.80 answered that their parents have communication to their teachers and school

staff and respondents strongly agree that their parents helped them in doing their assignments

and in their daily activities. Most of the items were rated agree by the respondents, their parents

provide a warm and conducive area for learning, they attend school programs, supports and

recognizes the talents and values the good education and career. Acording to Sargent (1994),

education is understood to be a means of achieving greater equality and acquiring wealth and

status for all learners may be motivated by aspirations for progress and betterment. Moreover,

question number 14 with a total mean of 3.37 answered that there parents monitor their class

works rarely , according to an article written by Martin ( 2000) , parents who show interest in the

studies of their children, helps their child to practice all sorts of language comprehending skills

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at the school. The results show a remarkably positive behavior at the school and with peers and

getting involved with their studies would mean a lot and will cause high result of learning.

According to an article written by Dr. Joyce Epstein , Center on School, Family and

Community Partnerships , providing all around support will foster growth in students education

and will encourage them to exert more effort in doing there school responsibilities. According to

her the old way of thinking was that parental involvement was all about parents. The new way

is that it's about student success."

Correlational Analysis:

Correlations: C2, C1

Pearson correlation of C2 and C1 = -0.097

P-Value = 0.423

Correlations: C3, C1

Pearson correlation of C3 and C1 = -0.057

P-Value = 0.640

The researchers tabulated and analyzed the individual interpretations of the respondents

in relation with their study attitudes and parental support and correlate it with their midterm

grades . It was found out that study attitudes and parental support of the respondents had no

significant relationship in dealing with their academic performance.

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Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary of Findings

When the Parental support and study attitudes of the respondents were statistically computed,

analyzed and interpreted, the following were the findings.

A. Study Attitudes

1. Majority of the respondents agreed that to finish a degree is very important to them , they

believed that they can finish their studies, they do their assignments seriously, they viewed their

subjects as an enjoyable and an interesting one, they are inspired to study because of parents

support, and when they make mistakes they would like to figure out the right answer always

motivated to perform well in studies and interested in all subjects, and they observed strictly

their schedule for study.

2. There were 6 out of 15 items rated undecided by the respondents and needs improvement.

Respondents are hesitant to ask questions to their mentors when they find some difficulty and

they were bewildered if they will land a good job after graduation.

3. When the researchers analyzed the correlation between the study attitudes and grades, the

study shows that there is no significant relationship involved.

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B. Parental support

1. Out of 70 respondents, there were 4 items rated at as strongly agree by the respondents , their

parents monitor and communicate to the school staff and teachers, their parents guide them in

their activities and assist them in doing their school works.

2. Majority of the respondents agreed that their parents set goals and standards on studies,

recognize and encourage their special talents, shows interest in their progress at school,

supports extra-curricular activities, maintain a warm and supportive home, tell stories and share

problems, and willing to attend school programs.

3. There were 2 out of 15 items rated undecided and needs improvement. Some of the

respondents were bewildered if their parent checks their school works and failed to provide a

quiet area for studying.

4. When the researchers analyzed the correlation between the parental support and grades, study

shows that there is no significant relationship involved.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the following conclusion is drawn from basis of the

findings:

Majority of the respondents viewed their academic performance and studies positively

and most of them agreed with a mean of 3.72.

Majority of the respondents showed that there was a high level of support and guidance

from their parents and most of them agreed with a mean of 4.04.

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When the researchers tabulated and analyzed the individual data, it was found out that

study attitudes and parental support does not affect the academic performance .

Recommendations

The following are the recommendations:

Based on the data gathered it showed that the in general, respondents have a positive

attitudes towards their academic performance, they enjoyed dealing with their subjects however,

the researcher recommends that they should build a good relationship to their mentors, find time

to ask their teachers if they find some difficulties in their subjects and set their mind that

education will provide a good future for them.

Moreover, the respondents showed that there was a high level of support and assistance

from their parents in dealing with their studies and academic performance but on the other hand

the researcher would like to recommend that parents should give only enough support to their

children.

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References

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