Influence of Parental Educational Levels on Children’s Hard Skills Development

Abstract

Aims: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the intricate connection between parental educational levels and the development of hard skills among secondary school children in Sri Lanka. Specifically, the study aims to explore the disparities in hard skills based on both fathers' and mothers' highest educational levels, considering the nuanced interplay between these factors Study Design:  The research employs a Two-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to examine the relationships between parental educational levels and hard skills development in secondary school children. The study utilizes a sample of 1350 participants, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure a diverse socioeconomic representation. The research design incorporates a structured questionnaire, validated for reliability, to assess students' perceptions of the enhancement of hard skills and socioeconomic status. The study is conducted in secondary schools across Sri Lanka. The duration of data collection spans a specified period to ensure comprehensive insights into the nuanced relationship between parental education and hard skills development among students. Methodology: The research methodology involves administering a structured questionnaire to the selected sample, probing into students' perceptions of hard skills development and their socioeconomic backgrounds. Two-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) is employed to analyze the data, allowing for a detailed examination of disparities in hard skills based on both fathers' and mothers' highest educational levels. Results: The findings reveal significant differences in students' hard skills based on the educational level of fathers, with those having tertiary-educated fathers exhibiting the highest mean scores. Surprisingly, the mother's highest education level does not yield significant differences in hard skills. Importantly, a significant interaction is observed between fathers' and mothers' educational levels, emphasizing their joint influence on students' educational well-being and the enhancement of hard skills. Conclusion: This study underscores the crucial role of both parents' educational backgrounds in shaping the development of hard skills among secondary school children in Sri Lanka.