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Families of achieving students use 5 strategies, study showsdate posted: 2007-02-06 09:36:08
By Queena N. Lee-Chua
(Note: This two-part Special Report appeared on the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Feb. 2 and 3, 2007. The series is posted with permission from Inquirer News Service.)
(Last of two parts)
GOOD STUDY HABITS ARE formed in children early on, such as a set routine for work and play. And parents play a fundamental role in the formation.
For two years, Ma. Isabel Sison-Dionisio, Nerisa Fernandez and I studied more than 2,000 families of achieving students in Marikina and Bulacan. These families used five strategies—discipline, goal-setting, self-reliance, strong family bonds and a home fit for learning.
Most of the parents in our survey were the first and primary teachers of their children. They did not complete college or sometimes even high school, but this does not stop them from tutoring their children in the early years and monitoring their homework until they are responsible enough to do so on their own.
The parents supervise homework, provide guidance, do exam reviews, look for references (mostly secondhand books or those on sale) and try as best they can to financially provide for school.
Most of the children love to read. As for computers, they mainly go to Internet cafés to do research. Most of them watch TV, but only after they finish homework, and usually only for a limited time (one to two hours daily).
The majority of the families of achievers are close-knit. The parents are the primary caregivers of the children.
In the survey, many parents revealed that despite financial worries, they had managed to prioritize and make time for their children.
In return, most of the children often assist in household chores, and also help their family earn extra income. But studies come first.
Most parents understand the importance of studies, and excuse their children from household tasks come exam time or when there is a lot of homework.
Family bonds are strengthened through regular activities (which need not be expensive), such as cooking meals together, playing scrabble, or celebrating at a local fast-food chain.
The parents know their children’s friends, and make sure that their kids are not influenced by undesirable barkada (gang mates).
Encouraging learning
A home that encourages learning is what Lincoln and Elizabeth Leyretana provide for their children.
Lincoln bought books and read to his children when they were 2 years old. Instead of hanging picture frames on the walls, he posted educational charts of animals and plants to whet the kids’ curiosity.
The parents try to answer their children’s questions as best they can, and also check homework regularly.
Lincoln works as a tricycle driver; Elizabeth is an entrepreneur. Every day the children observe their parents’ hardship and struggle to give them the best care. Thus, they strive hard to excel.
For instance, Eliza Marie, the eldest, loves school and never cuts classes “kahit walang baon (even with no allowance).”
Simple pleasures
To make up for the constant lack of resources, Lincoln and Elizabeth give the children all the food they can afford at home: “Ang balik namin sa kanila ay ang ibigay lahat nang maihahandang pagkain.” The children appreciate this; Eliza eats while doing homework.
With a simple life come simple pleasures. When she does well at the Dr. Felipe de Jesus Memorial School in Plaridel, Bulacan, Eliza Marie would request, not toys or clothes, but a family visit to their grandparents in Rizal.
The family members also enjoy one another’s company. They listen to the radio, watch a movie on TV, or sing together.
Lincoln also believes that “parents should behave like parents” and know how to discipline their children.
For example, if there is an affair that the children want to attend, Lincoln tells them to make the request ahead of time. He allows his children to entertain visitors in their house, but with a time limit, knowing that when they stay up too late, they cannot focus properly in class the next day.
All in the family
The family’s goal is to have the children go to college on full scholarships. With a supportive home environment, the children will most likely succeed in doing so.
My student Francis Alcausin graduated from Marikina Science High School as one of the top students in his batch.
He will graduate with a degree in mathematics from the Ateneo de Manila University next month. His siblings—all scholars—are in college or in high school.
His mother Liberty emphasizes that parents need to know their priorities. Family is at the top of her list.
When she was offered a tutorial job, she turned it down: “Why should I teach other children when I have my own to teach?”
When presented with the option of working abroad as a domestic helper, she asked herself: “Why take care of other people and leave my own family to be cared for by others?”
When the elder children were in grade school, dinnertime and Sunday Mass were sacred bonding times. Eliseo and Liberty Alcausin used to take their brood out to eat, but stopped because of budget constraints. Still, a strong bond has been formed because of the regular kuwentuhan (story-telling) that the parents encourage among and with their children.
Liberty knows what happens in school, who the children’s friends are, and who among the teachers they respect most. She believes it is important to be aware of the people and other influences that affect them.
Her children confide in her as they do in their friends, but they also respect her authority.
Good news
News about education in our country is mostly dismal—low test scores, inadequate classrooms, brain drain of teachers.
But there is good news. Despite poverty and lack of resources, many public school families have managed to help their children do well in school, thus securing for themselves a better future.
Children whose parents provide a fertile learning environment at home do better in school. They are motivated and confident, and believe that they can achieve as long as they work hard.
My student Von Sinence, the valedictorian of Parang High School in Marikina City who topped my math class last year, says:
“What drives me to put my best foot forward is having a purpose in life. I became a consistent honors student not so much for myself as for my family.
“I love to see the smiles on the faces of members of my family. I want to fulfill their expectations—that I become their future breadwinner.
“I want to use my capabilities to help other people. Right now, I am giving back to Ateneo by becoming a mentor to other public high school students—and I enjoy doing so.”
Queena N. Lee-Chua is a professor of mathematics and psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University. A Science and Health columnist of the Inquirer, she has received several awards, including The Outstanding Young Filipinos Award, The Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award in literature. She may be reached at blessbook@yahoo.com.
The survey staff will give a lecture on Feb. 10 to parents and alumni at the Ateneo and on Feb. 17 at the Marikina City Hall. Details of the study can be found in the book, “Magaling ang Pinoy! How and Why Public School Students Achieve.” For copies, call the Ateneo Office of Research and Publications at 426-6001 loc 5180 to 83 or e-mail orp@admu.edu.ph.
Go to Part I: What makes public school kids excel in school?
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