The roles of parent-teacher association members towards the enhancement of the academic performance of students who record lower attainment in Badu -Tain District, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of Parent-Teacher Association members towards the enhancement of the academic performance of students who record lower attainment in Badu in Tain District. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches where cross-sectional survey design was combined with phenomenology. Through purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques, 81 respondents (48 students, 18 parents, 12 class teachers and 3 head teachers) were sampled for the study. The researcher used questionnaire, focused group interview and documentary analysis as instrument. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was computed using Cronbach Alpha and found to be 0.85 for students and 0.71 for class teachers. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistical tools like simple percentages, frequency tables, mean and standard deviations. The results of the study revealed that the roles PTA members’ played towards the enhancement of the academic performance of their wards were financial obligation, physical and material support and ensuring discipline. Additionally, findings revealed that, the income levels, educational levels, family size and structure had significant impact on the ability of PTA members to perform their roles. Moreover, effective PTA role performance proved to be the highest predictor of students’ academic performance in the study area. Based on the outcomes of the study, the researcher recommended that parents should make adequate provisions towards their wards education by intensifying their involvement in the education of their children so as to improve their academic performance.