What are the common reasons for parents to consider home schooling? Increasing violence, drug abuse, sexual abuse and bullying (sometimes at the hands of educators), inadequately trained educators, outdated textbooks, too much pressure and demands on the student’s time, and overall diminished quality of education seem to play a role. For others it may be financial issues, especially in rural areas. Special needs, such as learning or emotional disorders, may also play a role.
While private schools might offer a solution to some of these concerns, enrollment in private schools statistically does not really seem to make a difference.
Home schooling has many benefits. A less threatening environment, for example. No fearing nasty teachers or bullies. The student can proceed at his own speed. Individual attention whereas most teachers have classes of 10 – 40 students. Lessons can also be focused on problematic skills in favor of another skill that the student may already have successfully accomplished. Home schooling might keep the student away from delinquent and other corruptible influences. It also keeps them focused on studying and not on sidestepping their social anxieties or pressures. Parents have a constant watchful eye on the child and can monitor every lesson, skill and/or behavior.
The cure-all for many parents therefore, seems to be home schooling. But, unfortunately some problems rather seem to increase with home schooling.
School is the place where students build social skills by interacting with peer groups. Isolating your child therefore, is neglecting development of these skills. You are setting up your child for failure to cope with a demanding working environment or interpersonal relationships, as adult (and still fearing that bully).
Some parents attempt to rectify this problem by enrolling their children in activities such as chess clubs, gymnastic clubs, or other. There is no statistics available yet for the success of this approach.
What about education plans? Many parents are not qualified as teachers and do not necessarily understand what is necessary to ensure the proper curriculum. Also, parents will need good instructional skills to be able to teach effectively.
Financially it might also not be the bonus you think it to be. You will have to purchase materials that public and private schools normally provide to their students. Tests and exams will have to be arranged, often in different towns (transport and accommodation costs, not to mention taking time off work). Transporting your child for regular outdoors activities might also amount to more than you bargained on.
In addition, many parents also struggle with their own learning disabilities and/or other psychological issues, making them poor role models and educators. Most parents also struggle to balance/draw the line between being “teacher” versus “supportive parent”. Parents also seldom realise beforehand, how little time they will have left for themselves.
It is unfortunate to say, but, in general parental knowledge and involvement is considered the key behind successful home schooling. This includes the parent’s ability to teach, to lead, to council, to provide specialised instruction (self or by appointing a qualified person) where a learning disability exists (also to religiously learn provided material in order to teach), to be available almost 24/7, to provide sufficient opportunities for sport and social development, time for hobbies and relaxation, and to evaluate progress which also includes emotional and social development. Statistics indicate that most home schooling programs fail since these demands are seldom met. Passing a Grade only, does not necessarily indicate a successful schooling experience.
The responsibility for successful home schooling falls completely on the parent. There will be no-one but yourself to blame should your child fails. If you don’t have the knowledge, patience, skills, time or dedication to be full-time involved in your child’s education, rather continue with public schooling and simply become more involved after hours. Appoint tutors or arrange special classes where needed.
Don’t set yourself up for failure … even worse, your child! Examine both advantages and disadvantages before you decide on home schooling.
While private schools might offer a solution to some of these concerns, enrollment in private schools statistically does not really seem to make a difference.
Home schooling has many benefits. A less threatening environment, for example. No fearing nasty teachers or bullies. The student can proceed at his own speed. Individual attention whereas most teachers have classes of 10 – 40 students. Lessons can also be focused on problematic skills in favor of another skill that the student may already have successfully accomplished. Home schooling might keep the student away from delinquent and other corruptible influences. It also keeps them focused on studying and not on sidestepping their social anxieties or pressures. Parents have a constant watchful eye on the child and can monitor every lesson, skill and/or behavior.
The cure-all for many parents therefore, seems to be home schooling. But, unfortunately some problems rather seem to increase with home schooling.
School is the place where students build social skills by interacting with peer groups. Isolating your child therefore, is neglecting development of these skills. You are setting up your child for failure to cope with a demanding working environment or interpersonal relationships, as adult (and still fearing that bully).
Some parents attempt to rectify this problem by enrolling their children in activities such as chess clubs, gymnastic clubs, or other. There is no statistics available yet for the success of this approach.
What about education plans? Many parents are not qualified as teachers and do not necessarily understand what is necessary to ensure the proper curriculum. Also, parents will need good instructional skills to be able to teach effectively.
Financially it might also not be the bonus you think it to be. You will have to purchase materials that public and private schools normally provide to their students. Tests and exams will have to be arranged, often in different towns (transport and accommodation costs, not to mention taking time off work). Transporting your child for regular outdoors activities might also amount to more than you bargained on.
In addition, many parents also struggle with their own learning disabilities and/or other psychological issues, making them poor role models and educators. Most parents also struggle to balance/draw the line between being “teacher” versus “supportive parent”. Parents also seldom realise beforehand, how little time they will have left for themselves.
It is unfortunate to say, but, in general parental knowledge and involvement is considered the key behind successful home schooling. This includes the parent’s ability to teach, to lead, to council, to provide specialised instruction (self or by appointing a qualified person) where a learning disability exists (also to religiously learn provided material in order to teach), to be available almost 24/7, to provide sufficient opportunities for sport and social development, time for hobbies and relaxation, and to evaluate progress which also includes emotional and social development. Statistics indicate that most home schooling programs fail since these demands are seldom met. Passing a Grade only, does not necessarily indicate a successful schooling experience.
The responsibility for successful home schooling falls completely on the parent. There will be no-one but yourself to blame should your child fails. If you don’t have the knowledge, patience, skills, time or dedication to be full-time involved in your child’s education, rather continue with public schooling and simply become more involved after hours. Appoint tutors or arrange special classes where needed.
Don’t set yourself up for failure … even worse, your child! Examine both advantages and disadvantages before you decide on home schooling.
RSS Feed
