The effect of parental involvement on academic passion: the mediating role of student motivation in learning English online

The positive impacts of parental involvement on academic achievement and student motivation are well established. However, little is known about the association between parental involvement and academic passion, particularly in an online learning context. This study investigates the causal relationship between parental involvement, academic passion, and motivation for learning English online among 270 students in grades 7–11 in Oman. We also examine the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as mediating variables in this association and explore gender differences. Results indicate that parental involvement significantly promotes both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, enhancing academic passion, study habits and English language grades. Notably, males exhibited higher extrinsic motivation and academic passion, while females demonstrated superior English proficiency and longer study hours. These findings highlight the critical role of parental engagement in online education and suggest the need for gender-specific educational strategies and the development of initiatives that promote parental involvement.