An alternative to traditional school
In the midst of pre-registration and school registrations, there are families who opt for a different educational option: school at home. In Catalonia, an undetermined number of children of compulsory school age do not attend any educational center because their families have chosen this alternative. Home schooling is a practice that is in the slimes of legality, as there is no clear regulation about it.
Different home schooling models
Homeschooling can be accomplished in two main ways. First, several families can be grouped and organized to create cooperative work centers in an alternative establishment to the traditional school. In this case, the parents are usually the teachers and they question the current school model, defending a school that is more connected to nature and where the students are the protagonists of their learning. Secondly, there are self-employed families who decide to leave their children at home, with one or both parents, for reasons related to their work activity.
Advantages and disadvantages of home schooling
Homeschooling has several advantages and disadvantages. According to the opinion of the Valaisian psychologist specialized in education, Álex Letosa, educating at home can be a challenge for families, since they have to fill the role of teachers and work hard to guarantee good learning. During the early childhood stages, this option may be simpler, but in adolescence, in addition to knowledge, the need to socialize with other young people arises. Lack of peer interaction can be an obstacle to the development of social skills and self-esteem in adolescents.
On the other hand, homeschooling offers the opportunity for individualized attention and a relaxed learning environment. It also allows students to experiment and learn more freely. However, one of the disadvantages is that families can focus too much on the areas that most interest their children, neglecting other areas of knowledge that are important for comprehensive learning. In addition, when these students move to traditional school, they may present learning deficiencies that must be overcome.
conclusion
Homeschooling is an educational option with advantages and disadvantages. Families who choose this alternative must work hard to ensure good learning for their children and fill the role of teachers. Although it offers advantages such as individualized attention and free learning, it also has disadvantages such as a lack of interaction with other young people and the possibility of leaving out important areas of knowledge. In short, home schooling is an option that requires deep reflection on the part of families and clear regulation on the part of the educational authorities.
