Homeschooling Heroes
In my work with parents of young children I am often asked about homeschooling. Parents are often surprised to know that there are many benefits to homeschooling their child.
What is Homeschooling?
Home schooling is parent-led, home-based education. It is not distance education which is a standardised school curriculum delivered remotely, either through self-study or via video conferencing. This is an important distinction.
Why is it important?
Homeschooling is the most robust educational reform in the twenty-first century. It has benefits at the individual, family, community, state and national level. It is no longer seen as an alternative method of educating children rather just another way to achieve an education. In 2019, approximately 21,500 students were registered for homeschooling. By mid-2021, all states had reported consistent growth in homeschool numbers, ranging from 9% to 46%.
Homeschooling parents believe they can customise or individualise the curriculum and learning for their child providing a better educational experience. Research from a recent report into home education in Queensland found that families who have opted out of school did so due to child-led reasons including neurodevelopmental differences (Autism, ADHD), social/emotional differences, and learning differences. Family-led reasons for homeschooling included ‘the learning environment’ as the predominant factor as well as differences in beliefs such as ‘educational philosophy’.
Most Queensland homeschooling parents reported that it was never their intention to homeschool their child(ren) however, now they have found a community of homeschooling families and their child/ren are learning in ways that meet their needs they are satisfied with their decision. Most do not return to a school setting however, this does not impact on higher educational opportunities such as entry into tertiary or university settings.
What are the benefits of homeschooling?
Students may outperform their school-based peers in standardised performance tests
Students may score above average on tests that colleges consider for admission and accepted into tertiary education without any disadvantages when compared to school-based students
Cultural and gender differences are less likely to impact educational outcomes
Students have a more varied social life, accessing wider friendship groups based on interests rather than age
Students typically exhibit fewer behavioural problems, scoring the same as their school peers on measures of social acceptance, pro-social behaviour and social responsibility
Homeschooled adults are more likely to:
vote
be involved in community service
be part of an organisation
advocate for social change
homeschool their own children which is an indirect measure of satisfaction of homeschooling
Conclusion:
Research has shown little difference exists between homeschooling and school on measures of academic, social and emotional outcomes. However, before making the decision whether to homeschool or not it is important to consider each child’s individual learning needs, family circumstances, community support and opportunities, state legislative guidelines, and parental willingness.
Further information about homeschooling in Queensland can be found at:
Queensland Government: https://education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration
Home Education Association: https://www.hea.edu.au
If you are interested in exploring homeschooling options further, Belinda may be able to provide brief individual psychology support to explore this option with you and your family. Please contact us if you are interested and would like to find out more.
