Answer:Parent involvement in a child's education is consistently found to be positively associated with a child's academic performance. However, there has been little investigation of the mechanisms that explain this association. The present study examines two potential mechanisms of this association: the child's perception of cognitive competence and the quality of the student-teacher relationship. This study used a sample of 158 seven-year old participants, their mothers, and their teachers. Results indicated a statistically significant association between parent involvement and a child's academic performance, over and above the impact of the child's intelligence. A multiple mediation model indicated that the child's perception of cognitive competence fully mediated the relation between parent involvement and the child's performance on a standardized achievement test. The quality of the student-teacher relationship fully mediated the relation between parent involvement and teacher ratings of the child's classroom academic performance. Limitations, future research directions, and implications for public policy initiatives were discussed.
Answer:Significance of the Study: Parental Influence on College Program Choice This study exploring the impact of parental influence on students' college program choices holds significant value for various stakeholders: For Students: - Self-Awareness: Understanding the role of parental influence helps students identify their own aspirations and preferences, separating them from external pressures. This promotes self-reflection and a more informed decision-making process.- Empowerment: Recognizing the influence allows students to navigate parental expectations and advocate for their own choices. It fosters a sense of ownership over their academic journey.- Improved Decision-Making: By analyzing the impact of parental influence, students can make more informed and independent choices about their future, aligning their career path with their personal values and goals. For Teachers: - Guidance and Support: Understanding the dynamics of parental influence enables teachers to provide more effective guidance and support to students during their college planning process. They can facilitate open discussions and help students navigate potential conflicts with their families.- Curriculum Development: The study's findings can inform curriculum development by incorporating activities and resources that promote self-discovery and independent decision-making skills among students.- Parent-Teacher Collaboration: The study can facilitate better communication and collaboration between teachers and parents, fostering a shared understanding of the student's needs and aspirations. For Parents: - Understanding Their Role: The study sheds light on the impact of their influence, allowing parents to reflect on their own expectations and communication styles. It encourages a more supportive and collaborative approach to their children's college choices.- Supporting Informed Decisions: By understanding the factors influencing their children, parents can provide more informed and constructive guidance, fostering a healthy balance between their aspirations and their children's desires.- Strengthening Family Relationships: Open communication and understanding of the decision-making process can strengthen family relationships, promoting mutual respect and trust. For Higher Education Institutions: - Admissions and Recruitment: The study's findings can inform admissions and recruitment strategies, allowing institutions to better understand the factors influencing student choices and tailor their outreach efforts accordingly.- Academic Advising: Understanding the impact of parental influence can enhance academic advising practices, enabling advisors to provide more personalized and effective guidance to students.- Curriculum Design: The study can inform curriculum design and program development, ensuring alignment with student interests and career aspirations, as influenced by parental expectations. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between parental influence, student aspirations, and college program choices. This knowledge can empower students, guide teachers, inform parents, and enhance the effectiveness of higher education institutions.