The Role of Parents in Improving Learning Motivation and Academic Achievement among Fourth-Grade Students at MI Kebayakan

Abstract

Parents' involvement is an important factor in supporting children's educational success, particularly in improving learning motivation and academic achievement. The family is the first educational environment that provides the foundation for children's attitudes, habits, and character before they receive formal education at school. This study aims to analyze the role of parents in improving the learning motivation and academic achievement of fourth-grade students at MI Kebayakan and to identify supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research informants consisted of the fourth-grade teacher, parents, and fourth-grade students. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was examined through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that parents perform several important roles in improving students' learning motivation and achievement, namely as educators and caregivers, guides, motivators, and facilitators. These roles are manifested through learning assistance at home, supervision of school assignments, encouragement and rewards, provision of learning facilities, and communication regarding children's learning development. Parental assistance makes students feel cared for, enjoy learning, actively participate in classroom activities, and become more responsible for their schoolwork. Supporting factors include parental attention, family cooperation, learning facilities, and communication between parents and schools. Meanwhile, inhibiting factors include parents' work commitments, the home environment, children's preference for playing, and inconsistent study habits.