PARENTAL PARTICIPATION IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
Open Access
- Author:
- Berardi, Mary Kate
- Graduate Program:
- Agricultural and Extension Education
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- November 05, 2009
- Committee Members:
- John Ewing, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
John Ewing, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor - Keywords:
- barriers
involvement
outdoor education
informal education
non-formal education - Abstract:
- According to Rodenburg (1994) both children and adults lack connections with the natural world. The fast-paced life most people operate in today makes outdoor experiences limited, causing a lack of contact with the natural world. If schools cannot provide this opportunity due to reaching toward curriculum goals, it becomes the role of the parents and guardians to provide outdoor learning time for their children. The following study examines barriers that influence parental participation in non-formal education activities with their children. “Research has long shown that parents’ positive involvement with their children’s schooling is related to many positive outcomes” (Horowitz & Bronte-Tinkew, 2007, p.1). Parental involvement in non-formal education would therefore help children function better in society. To further investigate the question of parental involvement, 41 parents of camp attendees were surveyed about their participation in their children’s environmental education. The surveys were evaluated for reasons why parents might, or might not, participate in their children’s environmental education. The research found that parents want to participate in non-formal learning with their children, and perceive their participation to be important in their children’s academic performance. One barrier found was that parents do not always have time to participate in their children’s education as much as they would like. A second barrier found was that parents do not always have the finances to pay for non-formal education programs. Educators could use this information to create better programs and enhance their curriculum. Results from this research can impact the creation of programs to involve parents in more environmental education activities with their children.