Background of the Study
Parental encouragement plays a pivotal role in shaping children’s attitudes and behaviors toward school activities, including physical education. In many communities, parents act as role models and motivators, influencing their children’s participation and interest in various academic and extracurricular activities. In Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, the dynamics of parental support have become an area of increasing research interest, particularly in relation to enhancing student engagement in physical education. With rising concerns about sedentary lifestyles and a decline in physical activity among youth, educators and policymakers are looking to parental involvement as a means to reverse these trends (Sani, 2023).
The integration of parental encouragement with school initiatives has shown promising outcomes in several educational contexts. When parents actively support and motivate their children, there is a notable increase in participation rates in physical activities. Such support can come in various forms—ranging from verbal praise and logistical support to active involvement in school programs. Studies have found that children whose parents show enthusiasm and commitment toward physical education are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and maintain active lifestyles (Aminu, 2024). In Dutse, cultural and socio-economic factors may also play a role, as parental expectations and community values significantly influence children’s interests and extracurricular involvement.
Furthermore, schools that actively engage parents through workshops, sports events, and communication initiatives tend to experience higher levels of student interest in physical education. This collaborative approach not only enhances students’ self-confidence and competence in physical activities but also fosters a supportive environment that can mitigate common barriers such as lack of motivation and interest (Garba, 2025). The role of parental encouragement is particularly crucial in regions where formal support systems for physical activity are underdeveloped. By leveraging parental influence, schools can bridge the gap between curriculum expectations and actual student participation in physical education.
Moreover, as communities modernize and traditional roles evolve, understanding the impact of parental encouragement on student interests becomes increasingly important. Investigating this effect in Dutse offers insights into how local practices and values can be aligned with modern educational strategies to promote physical activity. The study also seeks to explore the potential challenges associated with engaging parents and how these might be addressed through policy and programmatic changes (Ibrahim, 2023). Such insights will be critical for developing sustainable interventions that foster a culture of active living among students.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of parental involvement in education, many schools in Dutse Local Government Area still face challenges in harnessing parental encouragement to boost student interest in physical education. Inadequate parental engagement has been linked to low participation rates in physical activities, which in turn can lead to a decline in overall physical fitness among students. The traditional separation between school and home life often leaves physical education programs without the robust support needed to inspire active student participation (Hassan, 2023).
Moreover, socio-cultural norms and economic constraints sometimes limit the extent to which parents can provide encouragement and resources for extracurricular physical activities. In many cases, busy work schedules and limited awareness about the importance of physical activity hinder parental involvement. Consequently, students may not receive the necessary reinforcement at home, which diminishes their interest and commitment to physical education classes (Usman, 2024). The lack of a coordinated strategy that integrates parental encouragement with school programs further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to sustain student motivation.
Furthermore, the issue is compounded by a shortage of initiatives that actively seek to engage parents in the educational process related to physical activity. Without structured programs to facilitate parent-school collaboration, the benefits of parental encouragement are not fully realized. This research aims to explore the underlying factors contributing to this gap and to assess the extent to which parental encouragement can be harnessed to boost student interest in physical education. The study seeks to provide empirical evidence on the current state of parental involvement and identify actionable strategies to enhance it, thereby improving overall student engagement and physical activity levels (Bello, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
To examine the impact of parental encouragement on students’ interest in physical education.
To identify the barriers and facilitators to effective parental involvement in promoting physical activity.
To propose strategies for enhancing parent-school partnerships in physical education programs.
Research Questions
How does parental encouragement influence students’ interest in physical education?
What factors hinder or promote parental involvement in supporting physical activity?
How can schools effectively engage parents to boost student participation in physical education?
Research Hypotheses
Parental encouragement has a significant positive effect on students’ interest in physical education.
Increased parental involvement is associated with higher levels of student participation in physical activities.
Structured parent-school partnership programs significantly enhance students’ enthusiasm for physical education.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the critical role of parental encouragement in enhancing student interest in physical education in Dutse. The findings are expected to inform school policies and community programs aimed at strengthening parent-school collaborations. By elucidating the barriers and facilitators to parental involvement, the research provides actionable insights for stakeholders. Ultimately, these insights could contribute to improved physical activity levels and overall health among students, fostering long-term benefits for the community (Abdullahi, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to exploring the effect of parental encouragement on students’ interest in physical education in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State. It does not extend to other subjects, regions, or age groups beyond the defined educational setting.
Definitions of Terms
Parental Encouragement: Active support and motivation provided by parents to enhance children’s participation in school activities.
Physical Education: A school curriculum component that focuses on physical activity and the development of motor skills.
Student Interest: The level of enthusiasm and engagement shown by students towards a particular subject or activity.
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