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Introduction: Benefits and Challenges of Homeschooling for Children
Homeschooling is a concept which focuses on providing education to school-aged children at home or at a place other than school. The concept of homeschooling increases the involvement of parents in educating the children at home only rather than them sending to private or public schools. The current analysis will include the different kinds of literature relating to homeschooling. Along with this, it will outline the critical evaluation of homeschooling by analysing the benefits and drawbacks of the concept. In the end, the discussion will outline the impact on the children's social life.
Theme 1: Concept of Homeschooling
In the views of Abuzandah (2020), homeschooling is defined as the concept that school-aged children can also be taught at home rather than sent to schools. For the effective development of the working and learning of the child, it might be beneficial for the person to make the child grow and develop. This is necessary for the reason that when effective training is provided at home it will be beneficial for the person to make them grow effectively. The concept of homeschooling started in the 1970s and is currently very popular. Approximately 6 % of the people were homeschooled during the year 2022 which is around 3.1 million of the students. It was evident that home education was taken as a mass movement initiated in the late 1970s. Further, this concept and its compliance increased in the mid-1980s and many people were influenced by this effectively.
On the other hand, Hamlin and Cheng (2022) argued that after the pandemic, the concept of homeschooling was again triggered. This is about the fact that the schools and other educational systems were shut and this impacted the working to a great extent. Thus, for this reason, parents started to teach the students at home and as a result, the concept of homeschooling again started. Thus, as a result, the student's overall work is enhanced. Moreover, when the children were taught at home then it would be more comfortable for them. This is about the fact that when the students are learning at home they will be much more familiar with the environment and surroundings and this will make it more comfortable for the child to learn new things. It is particularly necessary for the reason that the child is comfortable with the surroundings and as a result of this they will initiate to learn better. Moreover, when the parents will be teaching the child then automatically it will increase the working efficiency. This is about the fact that the children are most comfortable with the parents and when the parents are teaching then they will be in a position to train their child better. This is because parents are the one who knows what is good and bad for their children. Thus, as a result of this, it will enhance the working efficiency of the child and will increase their level of knowledge as well.
Moreover, Dietrich, Patzina, and Lerche (2021) stated that the reason behind effective homeschooling is that it leads to increasing the focus of the child. This is about the fact that when effective homeschooling is performed automatically it will increase the focus of the child. It is because homeschooling assists the child in learning in a supportive environment, so it is helpful for them to be more focused while working. Also, this focus will help the child in developing personally and as a result of this it will be beneficial for them to effectively grow within their life. Moreover, the biggest reason for selecting homeschooling by the parents is that it is very cost-effective. The cost of homeschooling is minimal, and this is beneficial for the parents as less cost-effective education can be provided to them.
In support of this, Kunzman and Gaither (2020) state that homeschooling is also good for the mental health and well-being of the child. The reason underlying the fact is that when the child goes to school, it will create an impact on the mental health of the child. It is because of this that the children face bullying from other children and also might have negative peer pressure. This, in turn, creates a negative impact on the work and mindset of the child. This bullying and discrimination, in turn, can result in ineffective working of the child, and they might become negative, and it can affect their thinking and capability to a great extent.
Along with this, (2020) stated that with the help of homeschooling, parents are in a position to effectively focus on the talent of the child. This is particularly because of the reason that when homeschooling is done, it results in much better interaction between the child and parents. Thus, as a result of this, the parents have more knowledge relating to the talent which the child possesses. Moreover, when the parents are continuously interacting with the child, then automatically, it will foster communication between both of them. Thus, it will be beneficial for the child and parents to work actively on the growth of the child.
Furthermore, Sanrey et al, (2021) stated that when the child is an introvert, then the concept of homeschooling will be very beneficial. This is because if the child is shy then they will not be happy while going to school. Thus, it might develop fear within them and as a result of this, the growth and development of the child might be affected. Hence, homeschooling will be helpful for the parents in developing the child and removing their introversion. Along with this, the parents can also help the child in improving the efficiency and as a result of this, the overall working will be impacted.
Theme 2: Critical Evaluation of Homeschooling
In the views of McCabe, Belá?ová and Machovcová (2021), the concept of homeschooling is very important to be followed. This is related to the fact that when effective working is analysed it will result in better working and learning for the child. This is about the fact that when the overall learning environment is good, then automatically it will increase efficiency. This is because when the child is provided the opportunity to learn at home, it might increase the interest of the student. This is because of the reason that the learning environment is very acquainted with them and as a result of this they will be in a position to work better.
In support of this, Valiente et al. (2022) stated that when homeschooling is used and focused on, it results in individualised learning. This is about the fact that every child is different and in the school, the teacher cannot cater for the needs of every individual child. But in the case of homeschooling the parents or the person has to teach their child only. Thus, this provides a better base for the parents to make the child learn better. Along with this when effective working will be managed, this will result in overall improvement within the learning capability of the person.
On the other side, Thorell et al, (2021) argued that if homeschooling is preferred, then the major issue faced is the lack of facilities. This is about the fact that within the home the people do not have the facilities that the school has. Thus, this might impact the learning of the child to a great extent. The reason underlying the fact is that the schools have access to all the latest technology and other educational tools but at homeschool, these are not accessible. Thus, as a result of this, the overall work will be impacted, and it is possible that the student does not have access to the latest technology and because of this, they are not interested in learning at home.
In contrast to this, Pearlman-Avnion and Grayevsky (2019) criticized the fact and stated that a strong relationship will be created between the children and parents. It is related to the fact that when educational communication takes place among both, then it will automatically improve the working efficiency, and as a result of this, the overall relation will be improved between both (Homeschooling Advantages and Disadvantages, 2022). Thus, it will help the parents to make a strong bond with their children and spend good quality time with them so that they can connect with their parents effectively.
In opposition to this, Neuman (2020) stated that when homeschooling is done in excess, it results in a lack of interaction and social skills. The reason underlying the fact is that when the child is doing homeschooling, it results in less social interaction for the child. This is not at all good for the child and their development. In case the child would be going to the school then it will result in enhancement of the social skills of the child. It is because of this that when the child would be going to school then they will interact with different children within the class and with different teachers as well. Thus, as a result of this, social and communication skills will also increase, and as a result, the child will be more socially active. Thus, as a result of this, the overall development of the child will take place and this will improve the efficiency of them.
Moreover, Dietrich, Patzina, and Lerche (2021) argued that when homeschooling is preferred, the major benefit enjoyed by the child will be a safe learning environment. This is particularly because of the reason that when the child will be learning at home then the environment will be much safer for them. The reason underlying the fact is that in case the child goes to school then there will be many children studying and belonging to different types of cultures and races (Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling, 2023). Thus, this can cause issues for the child because it can lead to discrimination, racism or many other different types of issues which the child can face while going to school. But in case they will be doing homeschooling then any such kind of issue will not be followed. This is about the fact that when homeschooling is effective then it will result in the effective accomplishment of learning, and children will be in a position to learn better.
Theme 3: Impact Created by Homeschooling on the Social Life of A Child
In the views of Havik and Ingul (2021), many different impacts are being created by the homeschooling of the child. This is particularly because of the home-schooling of the child. It is because of this that homeschooling includes providing education to the children at home only by the parents or the person appointed. The children are not allowed to go to schools to get an education and as a result of this social life is impacted to a great extent. Social life is impacted by homeschooling to a great extent. This causes both a positive and negative impact on the working of the children and their social skills and life. In the views of Beno (2021) the most common impact on the social life of the student or the children is that the daily interaction is reduced. This is particularly because of the reason that when a child goes to school they will interact with many different people. This is a result of the social skills we enhanced. But in the case of homeschooling, the child has to communicate only with the parents and as a result of this the interactions are very less. On the other hand, children will be going to school then in that situation they will meet many different kinds of people including the teacher peers students and many other different kinds of people during the whole time frame within the school. As a result of this, it will improve their social skills.
On a contradictory note, Dimopoulos, Koutsampelas and Tsatsaroni (2021) argued that this can also create a positive impact on the social life of the children. This is particularly because of the reason that when the child will not go to school then they will effectively interact with their parents. Thus, homeschooling includes increasing interaction between the parents and the child. Many times, this interaction can be formal and informal. This will result in improvement in the relationship and the bond between the parents and the child. Thus, as a result of this, the overall working efficiency of the child will increase. Along with this, compliance with homeschooling is very important as it will help the child learn how to interact with adults (Does Homeschooling Affect Social Skills? 2023). This is about the fact that when effective homeschooling is followed it will result in effective interaction with the adults and parents as well. Thus, it will result in the development of the effective communication skills of the child with the adult. Also interacting with the adult will help the child understand their problem well and will also help in the effective development of problem-solving skills. This is the reason that when effective communication takes place with adults, they will share the problem with the child, and as a result of this, they will inculcate problem-solving skills in a better and more effective manner.
In contrast to this, Morse et al. (2022) stated that when homeschooling is preferred, it results in the development of effective social skills in the child. This enhances the self-esteem of the child to a great extent. This is particularly for the reason that when timely communication will take place between parents and children then it automatically improves the working efficiency of the child. Also, it results in the development of many new and effective connections with the adults and parents. This is because when effective working will be done by the parents then it will automatically increase the overall work of the child (How Does Homeschooling a Child Affect their Social Development? 2023). The reason underlying the fact is that when the parents and other adults within the family appropriately perform their tasks, then automatically it will result in the development of the child's capability. This is because of the reason that the child is majorly impacted by the environment within which they are living. In case the environment is positive and good, then automatically it will improve the capability of the person.
Thus, for the parents, it is very necessary that they effectively maintain a good environment so that the social skills of the child are developed. Along with this when the effective working will be managed by the parents, then it will assist the child in inculcating good social skills which will help the child to grow and develop effectively. For instance, if the parents respect other people then automatically this ability the child will learn. This is because of the reason that the child learns fast what they see. If they see that their parents are disrespecting others then automatically it will result in the development of the same habit within children as well. Thus, it is very necessary for the parents that they effectively maintain a good working environment and culture and also they must work ethically. This ethical working is necessary because when the parents work ethically then automatically it will result in the development of the ethical working.
On the other side, Green-Hennessy and Mariotti (2023) argue that when homeschooling is done it can also result in the creation of some negative impact on the social skills of children. This is about the fact that when the child study in school they interact with more people and this results in an increase in the social skills of the child. The reason underlying the fact is that within the homeschool, the child interacts with only their parents and other people within the family. But when they go within the school then there is more social interaction and as a result of this, the social skills and life would be increased. Along with this, when the child is learning within the school it will result in the overall development of the child and their social skills as well. This is essential for the reason that when the child goes to school, they will interact with a variety of people belonging to different cultures, races, ethnicity and many other aspects. Hence, when the child interacts with different types of people, it automatically increases the social skills and the capability to interact with other people. Hence, going to school will assist the child in developing more social skills as compared to homeschooling.
In contrast to this Apple (2020) criticized the fact that when the child is undertaking the practice of homeschooling, it is beneficial for them to learn ample moral values and ethical working principles. But in case they are going to school then it will be assistive to the child to develop and focus more on the social skills. Thus, the concept of going to school will assist the child in developing more of the social skills and other technical skills as well. This is particularly necessary for the reason that within the school there are more interactions and communication with the other people and as a result of this the overall work will be improved and will assist the child in working more on social skills and other skills as well.
Conclusion
In the end, it is concluded that homeschooling is a concept wherein the child studies at home only and does not go to school. It is essential for the development of the child as the parents will help the child in making them learn effectively. Along with this, the above literature review outlined that there are different benefits which the child enjoys due to homeschooling like an increase in individual learning, creation of a strong relationship with parents and other people within the family and many others. On the other side, the study also stated that there are some drawback of homeschooling which includes a lack of facilities, different technology and other educational tools which impact the working and learning of the child to a great extent. In the end, it was evaluated that over social life and skill, homeschooling creates both positive and negative impacts.
References
Books and Journals
- Abuzandah, S., 2020. Social skills for homeschooling students. Creative Education, 11(7), pp.1064-1072.
- Apple, M.W., 2020. Homeschooling, democracy, and regulation: An essay review of Homeschooling: The history and philosophy of a controversial practice. Education Review, 27.
- Beno, M., 2021. Working from the home office and homeschool (-ing): Experiences of austrian employees (parents) in the time of Covid-19. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 11(4), pp.73-83.
- Dietrich, H., Patzina, A. and Lerche, A., 2021. Social inequality in the homeschooling efforts of German high school students during a school closing period. European Societies, 23(sup1), pp.S348-S369.
- Dietrich, H., Patzina, A. and Lerche, A., 2021. Social inequality in the homeschooling efforts of German high school students during a school closing period. European Societies, 23(sup1), pp.S348-S369.
- Dimopoulos, K., Koutsampelas, C. and Tsatsaroni, A., 2021. Home schooling through online teaching in the era of COVID-19: Exploring the role of home-related factors that deepen educational inequalities across European societies. European Educational Research Journal, 20(4), pp.479-497.
- Green-Hennessy, S. and Mariotti, E.C., 2023. The decision to homeschool: Potential factors influencing reactive homeschooling practice. Educational Review, 75(4), pp.617-636.
- Hamlin, D. and Cheng, A., 2022. Homeschooling, perceived social isolation, and life trajectories: An analysis of formerly homeschooled adults. Journal of School Choice, 16(2), pp.332-359.
- Havik, T. and Ingul, J.M., 2021, October. Does homeschooling fit students with school attendance problems? Exploring teachers' experiences during COVID-19. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 720014). Frontiers Media SA.
- Havik, T. and Ingul, J.M., 2021, October. Does homeschooling fit students with school attendance problems? Exploring teachers' experiences during COVID-19. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 720014). Frontiers Media SA.
- Kunzman, R. and Gaither, M., 2020. Homeschooling: An updated comprehensive survey of the research. Other Education-the journal of educational alternatives, 9(1), pp.253-336.
- McCabe, M., Belá?ová, A. and Machovcová, K., 2021. The gift of homeschooling: Adult homeschool graduates and their parents conceptualize homeschooling in North Carolina. Journal of Pedagogy, 12(1), pp.119-140.
- Morse, A.R., Banfield, M., Batterham, P.J., Gulliver, A., McCallum, S., Cherbuin, N., Farrer, L.M. and Calear, A.L., 2022. What could we do differently next time? Australian parents' experiences of the short-term and long-term impacts of home schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health, 22, pp.1-9.
- Neuman, A., 2020. Ask the young: What homeschooled adolescents think about homeschooling. Journal of research in childhood education, 34(4), pp.566-582.
- Pearlman-Avnion, S. and Grayevsky, M., 2019. Homeschooling, civics, and socialization: The case of Israel. Education and Urban Society, 51(7), pp.970-988.
- Sanrey, C., Goudeau, S., Stanczak, A. and Darnon, C., 2021. A two-sided lockdown? Social class variations in the implementation of homeschooling during the COVID-19 lockdown. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, p.670722.
- Thorell, L.B., Skoglund, C., de la Peña, A.G., Baeyens, D., Fuermaier, A.B., Groom, M.J., Mammarella, I.C., Van der Oord, S., van den Hoofdakker, B.J., Luman, M. and de Miranda, D.M., 2021. Parental experiences of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences between seven European countries and between children with and without mental health conditions. European child & adolescent psychiatry, pp.1-13.
- Valiente, C., Spinrad, T.L., Ray, B.D., Eisenberg, N. and Ruof, A., 2022. Homeschooling: What do we know and what do we need to learn?. Child Development Perspectives, 16(1), pp.48-53.
Online
- Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling. 2023. Online. Available through: <https://www.educationcorner.com/benefits-disadvantages-of-homeschooling/>
- Does Homeschooling Affect Social Skills? 2023. Online. Available through: < https://homeeducator.com/homeschooling-affects-social-skills/#:~:text=Peer%20Interaction%3A,interact%20with%20friends%20their%20age.>
- Homeschooling Advantages and Disadvantages. 2022. Online. Available through: <https://atomisystems.com/elearning/homeschooling-advantages-and-disadvantages/>
- How Does Homeschooling a Child Affect their Social Development? 2023. Online. Available through: < https://homeeducationshop.com/socialising/how-does-homeschooling-a-child-affect-their-social-development/>