Academic is vital in a student’s life, and numerous factors influence a student’s academic performance, right from expectations of parents to peer pressure. Though the words pressure and expectation might sound pessimistic, both peer pressure and parents’ expectation has pros and cons. However, the involvement of parents and peers in a student’s academic performance could never be ignored.
Impact of parental expectation on academic performance
Every parent would want their children to perform well in their studies. But, the way they convey their expectations to their children makes the difference. For instance, according to research by American Psychological Association, children’s academic performance improved when their parents had great aspirations. On the contrary, the children’s academic performance was affected when such aspirations surpassed expectations.
Parents play a key role in the academic performance of children. Hence, they must strike the right chord by setting realistic expectations as opposed to setting unrealistic expectations. For doing this, parents should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their children. On setting unrealistic expectations, parents increase the anxiety and stress in students which negatively influences the academic performance of their children.
Parents’ role or influence on academic performance does not end by just setting expectations, but it goes beyond that. They support their children, engage with them and work together to help them achieve their academic goals.
Impact of peer pressure on academic performance
Academic performance and pressure on students are not just because of parents or teachers. Even the peers exhibit a considerable amount of impact on a student’s academic performance.
Students spend most of their time in school or college with their peers. Hence, they are highly susceptible to being influenced by peers. Several studies point out that peer pressure could positively or negatively impact students’ academic performance.
In such a peer environment, the scenario is different. Students might face pressure if they do well or fail to perform well. In both cases, the likelihood of the students facing pressure to increase their academic performance from their peers is high. Such peer pressure might help in motivating students. However, on the downside, this might be demotivating too, where the student might lose self-confidence, negatively affecting their performance.
As humans, the impact and influence others have on the behaviour of individuals are common. How one reacts to such pressure or influence affects the outcome, such as academic performance. Students’ academic performance is influenced due to parental expectations and peer pressure, which might be overwhelming for them. Rather than largely focusing on setting expectations, parents should assess their children, listen to them to understand their issues or problems and then work on rendering the required support.
Irrespective of the situation, the students should be able to handle the pressure. This would help them improve their academic performance and not succumb to the pressure. Moreover, parents and peers alike should ensure that they have a positive impact on the students.
Reference
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1221210.pdf
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