The concept of homeschooling has been gaining traction in the Philippines in recent years as an alternative form of education. The idea of homeschooling in the Philippines holds significant appeal to many parents who want their children to receive the best education possible in a comfortable environment. Homeschooling has been growing in popularity as more parents have become aware of its many advantages.
But there are still questions and misconceptions as to how homeschooling operates in the Philippines and this article aims to clear those up.
What is homeschooling and why is it becoming popular?
Homeschooling is a form of education where kids are taught at home either by their parents or an instructor instead of attending school. The primary goal of homeschooling is to provide an enriched learning experience that meets the individual student’s needs and interests. Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines due to the increasing demand for quality education and the availability of resources to help parents teach their children.
Other benefits of homeschooling in the Philippines include personalized learning, freedom to explore and engage in unconventional knowledge, and the development of close bond between the student and the teacher or parent.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling?
The advantages of homeschooling in the Philippines include the flexibility to pursue any desired kind of education and the freedom of time, learning at one’s own pace and no need to conform to the confines of an institutionalised classroom environment. Homeschooling also allows for closer family bonds, as the entire family potentially has more free time to spend together. Additionally, homeschooled children may gain an advantage in terms of self-direction and creativity since their education is self-directed.
Meanwhile, the disadvantages of homeschooling include the economic burden of purchasing the materials and hiring instructors, the lack of social interaction with other children and the risk of being isolated from the outside world. Homeschooled children may also experience difficulty transitioning to a formal education system since they lack interaction with their peers and may lack the confidence to engage in social activities.
Who are eligible to enroll in homeschooling?
Any child or young adult between the ages of 5 to 18 may enroll in homeschooling in the Philippines. In order to begin homeschooling, parents need to register the students to the government-run Department of Education (DOE).
If a student drops out of school, they can also enroll in homeschooling as long as they are within the age range. However, some local governments impose an age requirement of at least 14 or 15 years old to be allowed to engage in homeschooling.
What are the steps for enrolling in homeschooling in the Philippines?
The steps for enrolling in homeschooling in the Philippines are relatively straightforward. First, the parent or guardian must submit an application form to the Department of Education (DOE). This form must include the personal details of the student, the list of subjects the student will be taking, and the stated goal of the homeschooling program.
The Department of Education should then assess the student’s eligibility for homeschooling and determine the curriculum. Once approved, the pupil can begin to receive homeschooling instruction.
What are the costs of homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be a costly option, depending on the program chosen by the parents. The costs involved in homeschooling typically include the purchase of books, materials, and other equipment.
If a paid instructor is desired, the cost of their services must be factored in as well. Additionally, there are certain fees imposed by the local government, such as the filing fee, registration fee, and curriculum fees.
What are the curriculum options available?
The curriculum for homeschooling in the Philippines is largely determined by the Department of Education. Typically, the curriculum will include Math, English, Filipino, Science, History and Social Studies. Other electives, such as Art, Music, and Physical Education, can be included as well.
The Department of Education also allows for the use of curriculums from other countries, as long as these curriculums are approved by the DOE.
How are homeschooling students evaluated?
Homeschooling students in the Philippines are evaluated by the Department of Education. This evaluation is conducted on a regular basis depending on the student’s age and the specific program chosen.
Typically, the evaluation is done through the submission of monthly reports, and the student may be required to take certain tests administered by the DOE. The student’s overall performance in the homeschooling program will be assessed, and if the student fails to meet certain criteria, the Department may require the student to transfer to an accredited learning institution.
What support is available for homeschooling?
The government provides several resources and support for homeschooling in the Philippines. The Department of Education has created an online platform designed to help parents and students, known as the Home-Learning Education program. This online platform provides assistance, including the development of curriculum learning plans, periodic assessments, student monitoring and evaluation, family support, and support for special needs learners.
In addition, there are other organizations that offer their own, more customized, homeschooling programs.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in the Philippines has been gaining a steady stream of supporters due to its numerous advantages. With the availability of resources and the support of the government, homeschooling is becoming an increasingly viable option in the Philippines. With more and more people becoming aware of how homeschooling works in the Philippines, more parents and students are turning to homeschooling as an alternative form of education.