thematic analysis

Purpose: Parental involvement in education is widely recognized as a critical factor influencing children's academic success. This qualitative study seeks to explore the varied aspects of parental engagement and understand its direct and indirect effects on student outcomes. The objective is to delineate how different forms of involvement contribute to academic achievement and to identify the barriers that parents face in engaging with their children's educational processes. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative methodology, focusing exclusively on semi-structured interviews to gather comprehensive data from 24 participants, including parents, students, and teachers. The interviews aimed at achieving theoretical saturation and were analyzed using NVivo software to facilitate a thorough thematic analysis. The participant selection was purposive, ensuring a diverse demographic representation to capture a wide range of experiences and insights. Findings: Three main themes were identified from the analysis: Types of Parental Involvement, Impact of Involvement on Student Outcomes, and Barriers to Parental Involvement. Under these themes, multiple categories were explored, such as Emotional Support, Academic Assistance, and Financial Support, which significantly enhanced academic performance and student well-being. Barriers identified included work and time constraints, economic factors, and cultural attitudes, which hindered effective parental engagement. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant positive effects of diverse types of parental involvement on students' academic outcomes and emotional well-being. It also highlights several socio-economic and cultural barriers that can restrict parental engagement. Addressing these barriers is crucial for facilitating more effective parental involvement, which is essential for optimizing student achievement.

Purpose: In the context of rapidly evolving digital landscapes, digital media literacy has become a foundational element in primary education, crucial for preparing students to navigate and influence their digital surroundings effectively. This study aims to identify and describe the key components of digital media literacy as taught in primary schools, focusing on the insights of faculty members from Iran to understand how these components are integrated into the educational system. Methodology: Employing a qualitative research design, this study gathered data through semi-structured interviews with 21 faculty members who are directly involved in teaching digital media literacy in primary schools across Iran. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure comprehensive coverage of the concepts. Data were analyzed using NVivo software to facilitate a thorough thematic analysis, identifying the core components of digital media literacy education. Findings: The analysis revealed five main themes central to digital media literacy in primary education: Transfer, Usage, and Digital Competence; Computer Fundamentals; Online Basics Skills; Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Presentation Skills; and Database and Data Security Skills. Each theme comprised several categories that detailed specific skills and knowledge areas essential for comprehensive digital literacy, ranging from basic computer operations to advanced data management and security. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of a robust digital media literacy curriculum in primary education, highlighting specific skills that are crucial for students' development as competent digital citizens. It also points to the need for ongoing teacher training to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to impart these essential skills.