Beyond the classroom walls: exploring parental involvement on children’s interest development in EFL learning (A case from Indonesia)

Abstract

This study reports the findings of a case study that followed a group of Indonesian primary school EFL learners (10–11 years old). They were observed in school and at home and interviewed with their parents. The study highlights various ways children can develop an interest in learning English and how parents help shape their children’s interests. Four students who demonstrated different patterns of interest development were selected for detailed analysis. Through these cases, the study attempts to understand the role of parents in developing interest in EFL learning. All four child participants were provided with a similar supportive learning environment at school, suggesting that their differences may have primarily been attributed to their different home learning environments, parental involvement, and parenting styles.