This study explores the challenges experienced by Korean parents when they are asked to become involved in their young children’s English literacy homework. The study draws on a larger research project that explored the learning progress and associated challenges of primary-school-aged Korean learners when taking English decoding instruction and the difficulties that the parents face when helping their children at home. Data were collected through a four-month exploratory intervention in 2017 with 14 children and their 11 parents in Seoul. Diverse instruments were utilized in the collection and triangulation of data from the parents, including demographic questionnaires, parent interviews, parent diaries, informal talks, and a research journal. Data analyses revealed rich information about the emerging challenges related to parental involvement in their children’s English decoding homework assignments. These challenges generally clustered around three themes: (1) parental lack of familiarity with early English reading practices, (2) perceived lack of professional support, and (3) parents’ attitudes towards homework involvement. Suggestions for facilitating parental support and school-home connections are discussed in the light of these three themes.
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Findings
5. Discussion and Conclusion
Works Cited