Parental educational level in shaping student participation in lesson activities: A multifaceted study

This research study delves into the complex relationship between parental educational background and student participation in lesson activities in the context of secondary school education in Sri Lanka. This study explores whether student participation in lesson activities differs based on parent education. The stratified sampling method selected the sample from Grade 10 secondary school children in Sri Lanka. A carefully selected sample of 1,350 secondary school students was surveyed using a questionnaire instrument to assess their self-perceived levels of engagement in lesson activities and their parents' educational backgrounds. The study employs rigorous statistical analysis, including Two-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) tests and post hoc analyses, to explore the impact of parental Education on student participation. The findings reveal that, based on the highest educational level of the mother, significant differences exist in student participation in lesson activities. Students whose mothers hold tertiary education degrees exhibit the highest mean scores, demonstrating that maternal educational attainment positively influences student engagement. However, no significant disparities were observed based on the father's educational level, emphasizing the unique role of the Education of mothers in shaping student participation. The study also underscores the absence of a significant interaction effect between the educational levels of fathers and mothers concerning student participation. This implies that the impact of parental Education on student engagement operates primarily through the mother’s educational background. Overall, this research provides critical insights into the influence of parental educational experience on student participation in lesson activities. The results demonstrate that parents with higher academic qualifications contribute significantly to their children's active involvement in the learning process, ultimately enhancing their educational experiences. These findings have implications for educators, policymakers, and parents, as they underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment to promote equitable student participation in lesson activities. Furthermore, the study recommends parental involvement through workshops, media, and educational resources for parents with lower academic levels to bridge the educational gap and enhance student engagement.