Abstract
M.Ed.
The research essay is an attempt to attend to the role of parents in the education of
foundation phase children. Through the combination of in-depth interviews and focus
group interviews with parents and teachers of the foundation phase the purpose was to
find out what their views and opinions are about the issue under investigation. The study
focuses on the Daveyton parents' perception of their role in the education of foundation
phase children.
New insights were gained into parents' perception of their role in education and teachers'
perception of the role of *ents in education. Findings reveal that parents view their role
in terms of financial contributions, collection of quarterly reports and meeting attendance.
Data revealed that the majority of concerned parents are mothers. They started to realise
that teachers cannot do everything on their own. Some mothers were willing to volunteer
to help clean the classrooms and toilets. Their help was however not sought about
academic matters. They suggested that given training, they will be able to help the
teacher to help with other classroom chores such as the invigilation of tests or observation
of teacher-child intervention. Evidence from the study suggest that parents and teachers
need to co-operate for the effectiveness of education. There is a need for the school to
be decentralized so that parents might be actively involved in the school. Most parents
cannot express themselves in meetings, and as such they suggested that meetings be
held in classrooms, with class teachers.
Furthermore, parents need to be empowered in education. Responsibility will be
transferred and shared amongst parents and teachers. Parents could take on roles as
supporters, learners, service-givers and teachers.