Five Important Parental Involvement Variables that Affect Young Children’s Mathematical Achievements: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Success in mathematics has been shown to increase career opportunities; thus, improving student learning in mathematics is vital for educational policymakers. This study investigated the effects of five parental involvement variables on young children’s mathematical achievements in 10 countries, including seven Arab countries, and found significant effects for all of them. Students who attended pre-primary education achieved higher mathematics scores compared to those who did not. Students who had been helped with or had their homework reviewed fewer times by their parents achieved significantly higher scores than those who had been helped or checked on more frequently. Students who had not attended any extra lessons to excel over or keep up with classmates achieved significantly higher scores. Students whose parents had university degrees attained significantly better results. Finally, students whose parents had higher expectations achieved significantly better results. These results have implications to enhance students’ mathematical achievements in Arab countries.