Background of the study
Parental involvement is widely recognized as a key factor influencing students' participation in school sports, and this is particularly true in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State. Active parental engagement has been shown to boost student confidence, provide necessary support, and foster a positive attitude towards sports and physical activities (Chinwe, 2023). In Makurdi, many parents are increasingly aware of the benefits of sports, not only for physical health but also for the development of social and leadership skills. As a result, schools have begun to integrate parental involvement initiatives into their sports programs to encourage higher participation rates among students (Eze, 2024). Research suggests that when parents actively participate in school sports events, whether by volunteering, attending matches, or providing moral support, students are more likely to exhibit enthusiasm and commitment towards sports (Chinwe, 2023). Parental involvement also helps to bridge the gap between home and school environments, ensuring that students receive consistent encouragement and reinforcement of positive behaviors both on and off the field. In addition, schools in Makurdi have developed strategies to engage parents through regular communication, workshops, and community sports events, thereby creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures athletic talent and builds a sense of community (Eze, 2024). However, despite these positive trends, there remain challenges related to socio-economic disparities, time constraints, and differing parental attitudes towards the importance of sports. These challenges underscore the need for a systematic investigation into how parental involvement influences student participation in school sports and what measures can be adopted to maximize its benefits. This study aims to fill this research gap by examining the relationship between parental involvement and student sports participation, providing insights that can guide policy and program development in Makurdi. By employing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study will capture a comprehensive picture of parental engagement and its impact on students, thereby contributing to the broader literature on educational and sports development.
Statement of the problem
In Makurdi Local Government Area, the level of parental involvement in school sports varies widely, and this inconsistency poses a significant challenge to enhancing student participation in sports. While some schools report high levels of parental support, others struggle with minimal engagement, leading to disparities in student motivation and sports performance (Chinwe, 2023). The underlying issues include socio-economic constraints, limited awareness of the benefits of sports, and conflicting priorities that hinder parents from actively supporting their children’s sporting activities (Eze, 2024). Additionally, the absence of structured programs to encourage and facilitate parental involvement has contributed to a fragmented approach, where the potential positive impacts on student participation are not fully realized. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of standardized metrics to measure parental involvement and its direct correlation with student engagement in sports. As a result, educational authorities are often left without clear guidance on how to implement effective strategies that foster parental support. The problem is further compounded by cultural factors that may influence parental attitudes toward sports, with some parents perceiving sports as less important than academic pursuits. This ambivalence can lead to reduced participation, particularly in contexts where academic performance is prioritized over extracurricular activities. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive study that not only identifies the barriers to parental involvement but also examines the mechanisms through which enhanced parental support can improve student participation in school sports. Therefore, this study is designed to systematically investigate these issues, providing actionable recommendations to bridge the gap between parental engagement and student sports participation in Makurdi (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To evaluate the level of parental involvement in school sports in Makurdi.
• To identify barriers and facilitators of parental engagement in student sports participation.
• To recommend strategies to enhance parental involvement for improved student sports outcomes.
Research questions
• How does parental involvement influence student participation in school sports?
• What are the main barriers to effective parental engagement in sports activities?
• Which strategies can effectively increase parental involvement in school sports programs?
Research Hypotheses
• H₁: Higher levels of parental involvement correlate with increased student participation in school sports.
• H₂: Socio-economic constraints negatively affect the extent of parental engagement in sports activities.
• H₃: Structured parental engagement programs lead to improved student sports outcomes.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it sheds light on the role of parental involvement in shaping student participation in school sports in Makurdi. The insights gained will help educators and policymakers develop targeted strategies to foster greater parental engagement, thereby enhancing the overall sports experience and performance of students. Improved parental support is expected to boost student confidence, participation, and long-term commitment to sports, contributing to better health and academic outcomes.
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to examining the influence of parental involvement on students' participation in school sports within Makurdi Local Government Area. It focuses solely on the school sports context and does not extend to extracurricular activities outside the educational setting.
Definitions of terms
• Parental Involvement: The active participation and support of parents in school-related sports activities.
• School Sports: Organized physical activities and competitions conducted within the school environment.
• Student Participation: The extent to which students engage in sports activities, measured by attendance, performance, and enthusiasm.
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