While we are here discussing the pros and cons of homeschooling there is an ongoing and revolutionary discussion taking place within a section of the homeschooling population. It involves how children learn and what methods are effective in transmitting knowledge.
Many parents who opted out of institutionalized learning decided to not utilize any of the methods used in public schools. Instead of setting up a mini classroom in the home some families took to worldschooling, unschooling, natural, autonomous, child-directed, interest driven, unstructured, informal, life learning... They decided to live a more natural non-traditional approach and to create an educationally rich environment instead of a school in the home.
A few of the heroes in the alternative homeschooling community started out as TEACHERS who tried to change the public schools. They found that the schools would not change.
Bureaucrats speak of raising standards and punishing teachers because even after increasing the amount of water poured onto the saturated sponge the sponge refuses to absorb. I doubt lengthening the school day will change the storage capacity of the human brain, Mr. President.
Instead of constantly trying to fill and measure the child some homeschooling families are changing the way they interact with children - questioning roles - teacher-mom, facilitator-of-learning, fellow learner, to mom. Some are even allowing children to be in charge of their own learning.
Anyway, I just had to share a tiny glimpse into a small part of the discussion among some homeschoolers. I love the discussion of alternative methods because it speaks to that optimistic "future teacher" who never became employed and disillusioned.
This video was circulating in the international alternative home education scene. It might strike some as radical but after living and learning with my own for 17 years it's "well that's just common sense!" It's from Education Otherwise:
Just a glimpse into what is going on out there in the alternative world of education. I know it's not a thorough account but at least I was able to get some rants squeezed in. That's always free therapy for me. =D
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I guess we kind of co-op our learning too - though it much more informal. We have friends over to join us for math, which is taught by a professor via DVD. =D
October 1, 2009 at 12:38 p.m.Several of the home school families, including myself, join co-ops when our children reach the high school level. If we are weak in a subject we find another parent who is strong in that area. We get the kids together for labs and discussions. Several parents hire private tutors for the more difficult subjects. We are not unaware that we may be weak in some areas, but we find a solution that best fits our child.
October 1, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.JohnnyHville, I'm only speaking for myself here, but I'm still learning. It's ok to admit that we don't know everything. What is fascinating and what I am observing is that their ability to learn is independent of and not limited to my knowledge. In fact, they've learned things without me and brought their new-found knowledge to me. Talk about switching roles. The student can be the teacher too. =D
October 1, 2009 at 12:29 p.m.The are many problems with public schools. However, I've personally witnessed the biggest problem with home schooling: the educator not knowing enough to know he/she doesn't know.
Although some people are more skilled at educating, most people who have finished school have the basic abilities to home-school the lower grades. Its with the more advanced subjects that ignorance (not stupidity, under-exposure) interferes.
This is where multiple educators, with specialized fields, surpasses the ability of a singular person attempting a full broadly inclusive cirriculum via a home school setting.
This is one of the reasons we've opted for private school. You get the best of both worlds, intensive and focused educators, as well as educators with specialized skills.
Unfortunately it gets expensive paying for school twice since we are held hostage by local school district taxing authorities.
October 1, 2009 at 10:48 a.m.Rebecca,
As long as I've known you online, you've been one of the most intelligent and rational people I've come across. While much of your insight is experience driven, through your children, nonetheless it has proven quite sensible and articulate.
The future of education lies in alternative learning; it may take some time, but it will develop. This will become most evident, once humankind begins establishing settlements in space.
As a United States Astronaut once told me, "In space, efficiency, proficency are keys to not only success; but life and death".
Incidentlly, he spoke to me about how the "pen" is truly mighter than the sword, something about the moon landing.
Anyways, stay the course, your advocacy is essential and of great benefit to those in the Victoria Region. Seldom are good ideas recognized in the time we want, but through time they cease being ideas; and become reality.
Nice to hear from you, have a nice day.
October 1, 2009 at 8:14 a.m.