With an ever-growing number of homeschool resources available, the ability to assess which curriculum and approach is best for you and your family can be challenging. While homeschoolers have different objectives, there are certain commonalities and best practices that any homeschooler should account for when choosing a homeschool curriculum.
Selecting the best homeschool curriculum is far from a “one-size-fits-all” decision and regardless of which curriculum you select, a degree of thorough testing is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 15 questions to consider when testing a homeschool curriculum for you and your family.
1. Is the course aligned with your homeschooling philosophy and objectives?
Before testing a homeschool curriculum, it is important to consider your individual homeschooling philosophy, objectives, and goals. Much of homeschooling is directed by your philosophical approach.
For example, if you opt for an unschooling approach, then a structured curriculum may not be the best fit. If a more traditional approach of teaching and learning is more aligned with your objectives, then you can examine which specific curriculums are more applicable. Additionally, if there are particular empahsis you, as a homeschooler, are looking to highlight in your learning experiences day-to-day, a curriculum that can accommodate and sustain those priorities is essential.
2. Is the curriculum proven and tested?
As with any educational resource, it is important to ensure that the curriculum is proven and tested. An important area to consider is the actual company or entity offering the courses; how long have they been providing the courses. Oftentimes, newer curriculum companies don’t offer the same caliber of materials or resources as those who have been in the game for a while.
Additionally, researching the available reviews from current and past customers is a great way to gain additional perspective before diving in.
3. Does the curriculum provide a case study review?
Preferably, a certain curriculum should provide a detailed insight into their offering. One of the best ways to get a deeper understanding is to look for a “case study review”,which is generally a comprehensive overview that highlights the pros, cons, successes and failures ofthe material. This can be very helpful in terms of deciding whether or not a certain curriculum is a good fit.
Additionally, when studying the case study, consider the language used; is the material well written, easy to comprehend and understandand believable or well thought out. All of these points can be helpful in navigating the best option for your family.
4. Does the curriculum offer secure learning portals?
For those opting for an online homeschooling solution, it is important to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place. Consider researching the providers secure socket layer (SSL) certifications and extensive certifications on secure data management practices.
Enabling the students to access their learning portal from anywhere in the world using quality hosting should also be considered.
5. Does the curriculum have student feedback?
A great way to gain additional insights when testing a homeschool curriculum is by considering the feedback of past and current pupils. What have been their highlights and their biggest critiques when using the material.
It is great to hear varying perspectives to get a better understanding of how the curriculum is perceived.
6. Does the instructor provide resources and support?
For an even greater understanding of the material, consider researching the instructor’s resources and support. Are they offering additional supplemental materials?
What advice do they have in terms of learning? What level of support do they provide when needed and are they available when questions or feedback arise?
7. Is the material presented satisfactorily?
The style of presentation and delivery is essential when it comes to how your student will consume the material. Is the material presented in a manner that is easy to comprehend, understand and interact with? Is the style suitable for the student’s age level?
What visuals and other supplemental material can enhance the learning experience? All of these points should be taken into account and be incorporated in the testing process.
8. Does the curriculum work for your family’s scheduled?
Thoroughly consider and understand the timing and structure of the material. Do the activities and exercises fit into your overall family schedule? Are you able the necessary time on your end and the student’s end to complete the material before the required date?
Additionally, with homeschoolers, the ability to blend various subject areas is important; if the timelines do not enable this, then it may not be the best fit for you and your family.
9. Does the curriculum include benchmarks and/or feedback?
When testing any curriculum, it is important to consider if there is any accompanying feedback or standards of completion. Can you or the student measure the progress being made? How are the student, parent and teacher able to measure the success and understand areas to improve upon?
Oftentimes, specific benchmarks and feedback will enable a greater understanding and improvement towards completing the course.
10. Does the curriculum enable independent learning?
For many homeschoolers, the ability to progress independently is a core ethos. Materials should be engaging and encourage a student’s confidence to progress without constant support.
Do the resources enable a student to understand the material to such an extent? Consider researching the particular course or curriculum to get a better understanding of the student’s level of independence throughout.
11. Is the curriculum comprehensive in nature?
A comprehensive curriculum should encompass all aspects of the material that is being covered. Are all the topics being touched on to the same level of detail and thoroughness? Do the activities and exercises encompass the entire scope of the course material?
Consider testing a handful of the activities and lessons to gain a better understanding of the overall scope and expectations.
12. Does the curriculum provide additional activities and supplementary resources?
Though the core material should be thoroughly tested, consider the additional areas of content it provides. Are there additional puzzle and activities for your student to engage with? Are there certain topics that are not being touched upon that can benefit the overall learning experience?
Can the student find additional supplementary resources that could further hone the skills being learnt?
13. Do the activities feature a fun learning environment?
Learning should be incredibly engaging and create a fun learning environment. Consequently, activities should incorporate a fun environment that encourages students to progress and understand the material.
Does the curriculum utilize visuals and other resources to create this environment? Do the activities challenge the learner but still remain engaging and enjoyable? Considering researching the potential curriculums to ensure a fun and stimulating learning environment.
14. Are there any additional costs associated with the curriculum?
In some circumstances, a curriculum may require additional purchases or resources to ensure a comprehensive experience. Be sure to understand what is expected from you, as the parent and customer, in terms of additional purchases. Are their assistance packages that would benefit you and your family’s learning environment.
15. Is the curriculum engaging for the student?
Above all else, the curriculum should engage the student and challenge them to progress in their learning journey. Consider measuring the student’s engagement with the material; is the student’s work accurate and is the student able to understand the concepts being taught?
Be sure to pay attention to the student’s responses to each activity or exercise to understand how engaging the curriculum actually is.
Conclusion
Regardless of which curriculum you opt for, a degree of testing is necessary. Consider the 15 questions above to thoroughly understand the material and assess whether it’s a good fit for your family. Additionally, make sure to actively engage with the student, pay attention to their responses, and ask them for their feedback when necessary.
Best of luck as you navigate testing homeschool curriculums!