Parental Engagement in Supporting Children with Learning Difficulties

Abstract

Parental engagement creates a pleasant learning environment, increases learners' confidence, motivation, and academic achievement with learning issues, and offers critical support and encouragement. This study assessed the parental engagement of the Grade 5 learners with learning difficulties in the three public elementary schools in Cebu, Philippines, during the school year 2023-2024 as the basis for the intervention plan. This study employed the descriptive-correlational method of research using the survey questionnaire as the principal instrument in gathering the needed data regarding the parental engagement of Grade 5 learners with learning difficulties. The study's respondents are 217 parents of Grade 5 learners of the three public elementary schools. This study utilized an adapted survey questionnaire from Azubuike and Aina (2017) to gather information regarding the parental engagement of Grade 5 learners with learning difficulties. The collected data were treated using frequency, simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square test of independence. The study revealed that the level of parental engagement and the challenges of the learners with learning difficulties, as observed by the parents, do not correlate with its profile. It was determined that a strong relationship between parents and teachers is necessary to establish a supportive learning environment that considers the particular requirements of these pupils. Engaging parents in their child's education helps to develop a feeling of teamwork and shared accountability. The researchers recommend implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the intervention plan to improve parents' engagement with children with learning difficulties.