The topic of whether homeschooling is better than regular schooling is a popular issue that has been brought up in many casual conversations. There are many claims made by parents, teachers, and students alike which increase the debate on the pros and cons of homeschooling compared to attending a traditional school. The debate really comes down to what is more beneficial to the student in terms of academic success, life skills, and proper preparation for university or a career later on in life.
This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type of schooling, to help people make a better decision on what type of learning environment will be best for their children.
The Pros Of Homeschooling
One of the most attractive features of homeschooling is the amount of customization that is available to the parents and students. Not only does this create an individualized learning plan but it also makes it far easier to adapt to different learning styles.
Additionally, one-on-one instruction allows the teacher and student to have specific conversations whenever necessary, providing more attention and care than the general overcrowded classrooms which are common in regular schools. Because homeschooling occurs within a family setting, it allows for a strong bond to be formed between parents and their children, further enabling an enriched learning environment. Another significant advantage of homeschooling is the higher amount of access to educational materials and activities.
Since students are spending less time in the classroom, this gives homeschoolers more time to explore topics and activities that could be beneficial to their development. Standard classroom curriculum may not feature certain topics and skills that a homeschooling family may consider to be important, but with homeschooling, those topics can be included in the learning plan.
Furthermore, extracurricular activities that may not be available in traditional schooling can be obtained for the home-schooled child much more quickly and easily without having to worry about fitting it into a school schedule. Finally, the issue of cost is one that often stands out as a pro of homeschooling. In many cases homeschooling families can save thousands of dollars in tuition, uniforms, and other fees that come with attending a private or public school.
Not only are these associated costs significantly reduced, but there is also the possibility of various government grants and funding to assist families in their homeschooling journey.
The Cons Of Homeschooling
Although there are many benefits associated with homeschooling, there are also several drawbacks that need to be considered as well. One common argument against homeschooling is the fact that it can be difficult for parents to adequately teach topics that they may not be as familiar with.
This could lead to students not receiving the same level of education on a topic as a regular schooled student, as the parents may not have the same credentials that a teacher would have. Similarly, parents may not be as knowledgeable on topics, or could lack the organizational skills that a teacher would possess. Socialization is another factor that should be taken into consideration when it comes to home education.
Even though homeschooling is becoming more popular, there could still be issues with not having as many social interactions with friends as compared to attending a regular school. Furthermore, parents may not be able to provide the same opportunity for participating in various extra curriculum activities as these may not always be available.
The final consideration when it comes to homeschooling is the amount of work that is expected of the parents and the student. As homeschooling requires full time dedication, this can be a challenge for those families who have multiple children and need to juggle various responsibilities at once. Homeschooling also requires more resources, such as materials and activities, which can add even more workload for the parents in order to ensure a high-quality level of education for their children.
Conclusion
Choosing between homeschooling and regular schooling can be a difficult decision for parents, as there are various advantages and disadvantages for each. Ultimately, the best type of schooling for each individual will depend on the resources available and the level of commitment that the family is willing to put in. Homeschooling can be a great opportunity for a student to pursue a personalized level of education, and may even give them an edge when it comes to competing against regular schooled peers.
While there are sure to be challenges ahead, with the right attitude and dedication, homeschooling can be a great success for those who are willing to put in the extra work required.