Contrary to popular belief, homeschooling as an adult is entirely possible, even for those who are eighteen and over. Whether young adults have missed out on some schooling, are itching to learn more, or just want to take their education into their own hands, homeschooling can be a great way to learn and grow.
This article outlines the basics of homeschooling for adults, what challenges may arise, and how to succeed in your journey.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is the act of learning outside of traditional schooling environments such as universities, colleges, and high schools, usually in the comfort of your own home. It’s a popular form of alternative education that is tailored specifically to the individual or family, allowing them to customize their learning materials and curriculum to their own tastes, needs and interests. Homeschooling can take many forms and can include essays, projects, activities, discussions, and even internships.
The majority of homeschooling-minded individuals use some combination of online resources, studies, and field trips to learn about the world.
What are the benefits of homeschooling for adults?
Adults have an entirely different set of needs, resources, and motivations for learning than children and young adults do. Those considering homeschooling for themselves as adults should consider the benefits that this kind of education can bring. In the simplest terms, homeschooling for adults allows for a great deal of control over their own personal curriculum.
It offers more freedom when it comes to material selection, timing, and structure. This can help learners create a more tailored and personalized learning experience.
In addition to this control, adult homeschooling gives learners the opportunity to think beyond textbooks, exams, and lectures and gives them the opportunity to pursue learning through a variety of mediums, such as work research and hands-on experiences.
What challenges might I face?
For some adults, transitioning from a traditional school system to one of homeschooling can be quite a challenge. Even if the learner knows what subjects they want to focus on, there are some things to consider when homeschooling such as legality, curriculum selection, and lack of qualifications or certifications in certain areas.
One of the most common questions adults face is legality. Although laws vary from state to state, most states require a homeschooling parent to apply for a license to teach or complete a schooling program. Additionally, each state may have different laws regarding the amount of evaluating or tests that are needed to ensure the learner is meeting the state’s academic standards.
The second challenge may come when selecting a curriculum or materials. Adult learners may find it difficult to choose the right materials that match their individual learning style and goals. The materials must also be well-rounded and comprehensive enough that the learner can understand and master the subject matter.
The third issue faced by educational learners is lack of qualifications or certifications in certain areas. Although this isn’t necessarily a huge issue, it can cause some difficulty in finding employment or further studying opportunities.
How do I succeed in homeschooling?
The key to success in homeschooling is setting achievable goals, having an achievable plan and schedule, and selecting the right materials and curriculum. When it comes to setting goals, adults should determine what they want to achieve in their learning journey.
Do they want to learn specific topics or skills, or do they want to become well-rounded in a particular subject? Having a clear goal will help adults focus their efforts and create an achievable plan. Creating an achievable plan and schedule can be difficult, but it is a necessary part of homeschooling.
Adults should be mindful of how much time they can dedicate to their studies and create a schedule that works around their availability and commitments. This may include taking test or exams, working with tutors, or having discussions with classmates. Finally, selecting the right materials and curriculum is essential for success.
Adult learners should research different materials and resources to find the ones that apply to their learning goals, interests, and budget. It is also important to make sure that the materials are comprehensive and up-to-date with the latest information.
Conclusion
Homeschooling for adults can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows learners to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and goals. Although there can be some challenges, setting achievable goals and having an achievable plan and the right materials and curriculum can help adult learners succeed in their educational journey.