Abstract:

This paper presents the study of the role of parents in the teaching and learning of natural sciences and technology in primary schools. This paper examines how parents might best support their children's learning of natural science and technology in primary schools. The study was conducted in Lulekani and Namakgale Townships near Phalaborwa, in Mopani District of Limpopo Province. The study's goal was to assess how parents affect their children's learning of science in primary schools. The Constructivist paradigm, phenomenological research design, and qualitative research methodology served as the foundation for this study. Principals and all parents from the four schools that were chosen for this study are from the Namakgale and Lulekani Circuits of the Mopani district. The sample for this study was chosen by the researchers using the purposive sampling technique. One principal and one parent from each of the four primary schools made up the study's sample. The study was successfully completed by a total of 8 participants. . Individual interviews were used in this study to collect information from the principals and parents from the four chosen schools. The interview schedule served as a framework and sequence for the questions, allowing the researchers to maintain some consistency across interviews with different participants. In this study, each participant was interviewed for 60 minutes. The researchers made use of an audio tape recorder to record the participant responses while performing the interviews, in addition to writing down all of the responses. The tape recording of the interviews allowed the researchers to focus on the conversations and probe when necessary. Data was gathered through individual interviews, and it was then analysed using the Thematic Data Analysis Method. According to the research's findings, parents and teachers have a positive working relationship, and parents consistently encourage their children to learn science at home. The research also showed that parents purchase all the necessary science learning materials for their children and are willing to participate in workshops.

Keywords:

Academic performance, parents, parental involvement, primary school, science and technology.