Applying Epstein’s Theory in Strengthening Learners’ Academic Performance Through Parental Involvement: A Mixed Methods Study
Razel Cañedo | Amelie E. Trinidad
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study was conducted in response to the limited contextualized
understanding of how parental involvement influences learners’ academic
performance in basic education, particularly within Epstein’s theoretical
framework. Despite the recognized importance of home-school
collaboration, gaps remain in explaining how different forms of parental
engagement translate into measurable academic performance among sixthgrade learners. The study aimed to examine the relationship between
parental involvement and learners’ academic performance using a mixedmethod convergent parallel design. Parental involvement was assessed
based on Epstein’s six dimensions of involvement, while academic
performance was measured in English, Science, Mathematics, and Filipino.
Quantitative findings revealed a weak positive correlation between parental
involvement and academic performance (r = .187, p = .040), indicating a
statistically significant but low association. Qualitative results, gathered
through interviews with eight full-time housewives, revealed the central
theme “Complex Experiences of Parental Involvement,” with sub-themes
highlighting the balancing of multiple responsibilities, emotional investment
in learning support, and contextual limitations that affect engagement. The
integration of quantitative and qualitative findings suggests that while
parental involvement contributes to learners’ academic performance, its
effectiveness is influenced by household, social, and contextual constraints.
Guided by Epstein’s Theory of Parental Involvement, the study emphasizes
the need to strengthen structured school–home partnerships that support
sustainable and meaningful parental engagement.
References:
- Alampay, L.P. (2024). Cultural values, parenting and child adjustment in the Philippines. International Journal of Psychology, 59(4), 568–577. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.13235
- Al-Jarf, R. (2022). Parental attendance of children’s online classes from the perspective of parents and teachers in Saudi Arabia. In Conference Proceedings of» eLearning and Software for Education «(eLSE), (Vol. 18, No. 01, pp. 201-209). Carol I National Defence University Publishing House.
- Aquino, J., Caingcoy, W., Zamora, R., & Diquito, T., Jr. (2025). Scientific literacy assessment using Bybee’s scientific model: Towards a more sustainable science education. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, 2(1), 8–21. https://doi.org/10.69739/jahss.v2i1.207
- Belleza, M.J. (2023). From zero to hero: Global learning packets with parental involvement at homes on the non-numerates’ numeracy level. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6877804
- Cagape, W., Calunsod, R.R., Joligon, R., Lugong, J.M., Masangay, J., & Ulo, L.A. (2024). Parental involvement in improving social and communication skills in children with developmental delays: A short-term intervention analysis. IJRP, 140(1), 10-10. https://doi:.10.47119/IJRP1001401120245916
- Creswell, J.W., & Plano Clark, V.L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
- De Leon, C.J., Pagal, D.L., Acuña, E.J., & Diquito, T., Jr. (2025). Application of connectivism theory in the development of academic resiliency model for science education students: A participatory action research approach. Journal of Education, Learning, and Management, 2(1), 5–16. https://doi.org/10.69739/jelm.v2i1.223
- Denosta, J. M. P., Vasquez, M. B., & Begas, S. (2024). Decision-making capability and productivity of elementary school teachers in Cuartero. IDEAS: Journal of Management & Technology, 4(1), 124–130. http://dx.doi.org/10.33021/ideas.v4i1.5612
- DepEd. (2020). Policy guidelines on the implementation of the national advocacy program for parental involvement. Department of Education.
- Diquito, T., Jr. (2024). Basic education curriculum under the newly implemented K to 10 (MATATAG) curriculum in the Philippines: The case of science education. American Journal of Education and Technology, 3(3), 123–132. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v3i3.3396
- Diquito, T., Jr., Franco, A.S., & Caballes, M.E. (2024). Problem-based learning (PBL) using resource mining as a teaching approach: An action research. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, 1(2), 10–18. https://doi.org/10.69739/jahss.v1i2.74
- Dungca, J., Agbayani, G.Y., Muñoz, A.L., Carreon, B.M., Antonio, F., Tiqui, J.A., Castro, A., & Galang, J.R. (2024). Parental involvement in curricular performance of students at risk. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 5(6), 2258–2275. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.05.06.27
- Epstein, J.L. (2011). School, family, and community partnerships: Preparing educators and improving schools (2nd ed.). Westview Press.
- Garcia, A., Jocson, R., de Guzman, M.R., Garcia, R., & Aquino, A.K. (2025). Parental educational involvement among Filipino parents: Exploring motivators, facilitators, and barriers related to socioeconomic status. Psychology in the Schools, 62(7), 1973-1986. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.23446
- Gitonga, D.M. (2023). Level of parental involvement in Type 1-6 of Epstein typologies in the current school practices. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education, 7(1), 219–237. https://tinyurl.com/5n78jhf8
- Haines, S., & Reyes, C. (2023). Teacher perspectives on fostering collaborative relationships with families with refugee backgrounds. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 29(5), 497–512. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2023.2212359
- Khan, M., Hussain, I., & Qureshi, N. (2022). Role of socioeconomic and parental involvement factors on children foundational learning skills based on MICS (2017–2018) data Punjab, Pakistan. International Journal of Educational Development, 95, 102680. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35725985/
- Mabanag, C.B., Dinglasa, G.A., Buna, D.V., Lumahang, J., Ladera, D.L., Saldo, I.J., & Cabrejas, M. (2025). Parental involvement, learning behavior and its effects on the academic performance of the Grade 12 students. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(5), 210–226. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i51912
- Ocampo, S.C., & Jusay, L. (2025). Homeschooling and academic performance of selected grade schoolers in the Philippines. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2025.6.3.1117-1124
- Rahman, S., Jamaludin, N., & Abdullah, R. (2022). Parental involvement in young children’s learning of numeracy. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(4), 97–112. https://tinyurl.com/mwasuyus
- Sujarwo, A., & Herwin, H. (2024). Parental involvement and student achievement: A meta-analysis of publications in the Scopus database. International Journal of Instruction, 17(1), 213– 230. https://e-iji.net/ats/index.php/pub/article/view/133
- Tison, A.C.L., Lachica, R.L., & Bautista, M.A. (2024). Factors affecting learners’ academic performance. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6801-8215
- UNICEF. (2020). Parental engagement in children’s learning: Insights for remote learning response during COVID-19. UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti. https://tinyurl.com/mp4a7nz7
- Villamor, E., Gamayot, E., Baldon, N., Diquito, T., Jr., & Panerio, C., Jr. (2023). Development and validation of assessment tool measuring knowledge on sustainable development - Basis for instructional emphasis on higher education. Journal of Tertiary Education and Learning, 1(3), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.54536/jtel.v1i3.2127
- Wang, X., & Wei, Y. (2024). The influence of parental involvement on students’ math performance: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1463359. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1463359
- William, B., Engel, S., & David, T. (2025). Parental involvement and home literacy environment: Key determinants of elementary students’ literacy levels in the Philippines. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388156016_
- William, B., Tolu, A., Tito, B., & Jhon, E. (2025). Parental involvement and its effects on early literacy development in Philippine elementary schools.
- Zhou, Y., Li, H., & Chen, L. (2023). Parental involvement and children’s subjective well-being: Mediating roles of sense of security and autonomous motivation in Chinese primary school students. Behavioral Sciences, 14(7), 603. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/7/603
Full Text:
Note: Kindly Login or Register to gain access to this article.
ISSN 2984-8385 (Online)
ISSN 2984-8288 (Print)