An Exploratory Analysis of Parents’ Perceptions of the Physical Learning Environment in Private Higher Secondary Schools of Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The main purpose of the current research was to analyze the Parents’ Perceptions about the physical learning environment of Private higher secondary schools of Pakistan. The objectives of the study were; to find out the Parents’ perceptions about the learning environment of private schools; to analyze the differences in the perceptions about the learning environment of higher secondary private schools on the base of gender and to propose recommendations for improving the learning environment. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The research population was to be comprised of the parents of all students of higher secondary classes studying in grade 11 and grade12in these schools of south Punjab of Pakistan. Parents of 400 students of higher secondary section of the sampled schools were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected through four-point Likert scale. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS Version 21.0. The simple percentages mean score, independent t-test, and P –values were calculated. The findings revealed that the physical learning environment of the private schools is a contributory factor in developing the students’ interest in study. Majority of the parents are satisfied with the physical learning environment of the schools. The same model can be applied to other public sector educational institutions of Pakistan.