JnU hosts seminar on parental involvement in students’ academic motivation

The Department of Psychology of Jagannath University (JnU) organised a seminar titled “Student–Parent Motivation: A Community Outreach Programme” as part of the University Grants Commission (UGC)–funded HEAT (Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation) Sub-Project (PIN 12175).

According to a press release, the seminar aimed to highlight the crucial role of parental involvement in students’ academic motivation and overall psychological well-being, while strengthening the bond between educational institutions and the community.

The programme was graced by Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Alim, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences, Jagannath University, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized that students’ academic success and personal development are deeply influenced by family support, particularly parents’ understanding of motivational and psychological factors. He stressed that universities must go beyond classrooms and engage with parents and communities to create a supportive educational environment.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Asoke Kumar Saha, SPM HEAT Sub-Project, Department of Psychology, JnU. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the objectives of the HEAT Sub-Project, noting that community outreach initiatives such as this seminar play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-life educational challenges faced by students and parents.

Several distinguished academics participated in the seminar as Special Guests. Among them were Professor Dr. Kazi Saifuddin, ASPM, HEAT Sub-Project, Department of Psychology, JnU; Professor Dr. Md. Azam Khan, Director, Institute of Education and Research, JnU; Professor Dr. Noor Muhammad, Member, SPMT HEAT Sub-Project, Department of Psychology, JnU; Professor Dr. Muhammad Akram Uzzaman, Member, SPMT HEAT Sub-Project, Department of Psychology, JnU; and Professor Dr. Farjana Ahmed, Department of Psychology, JnU. Each of the speakers discussed different dimensions of student motivation, parental expectations, mental health, and the importance of collaborative efforts between parents, teachers, and educational institutions.

Adding a practical perspective from the school level, Md. Abdus Sattar, Principal (In-charge) of JnU Pogose Laboratory School & College, shared insights on how parent–student–teacher coordination can positively influence students’ academic performance and emotional development. The seminar was moderated by Professor Dr. Samsad Afrin Himi of the Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, who ensured active participation and meaningful interaction among speakers and attendees.

Throughout the seminar, speakers emphasized that student motivation is not solely an individual trait but a shared responsibility involving parents, educators, and society. They also highlighted the importance of psychological awareness among parents to help students cope with academic pressure, stress, and developmental challenges. The programme concluded with a call for continued community outreach initiatives under the HEAT Sub-Project to promote inclusive, supportive, and psychologically informed educational practices. The seminar was widely appreciated by participants for its relevance and its contribution to strengthening student–parent relationships within the broader educational framework of Bangladesh.