Homeschooling is gaining popularity among Thais
By ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA
Have you ever felt that formal education system is no longer enough for your child's learning?
Many parents today start to worry that schools' emphasis on academic excellence will lead to competitiveness and stress among students.
The current curriculum, with scheduled classes, arranged textbooks and teachers' assignments, is believed to block the children's creativity and ability to learn, while failing to get them to the real happiness and meaning of life.
As a result, many parents decided to take their children out of the formal education system, and started homeschooling them on their own.
The homeschool communities
A small number of parents adopted the homeschooling method nearly a decade ago, but the concept was not popular. It was not until homeschooling was legalised in 1999, followed by the Ministry of Education's regulation in 2003, that this alternative teaching method became more accepted.
More parents have adopted homeschooling, both as individuals and in groups.
The best-known and largest community is the Thai Home School Association. Registered in 2005, the association now has about 80 to 100 families as members, some only participating in group activities without going for complete homeschooling.
"These groups of parents still see the importance of school, but at the same time want to add something missing from the formal education for their kids," said Yuttachai Chalermchai, chairman of the association.
He said today more parents have shown interest in homeschools, particularly those having children with special needs, as they normally have problems getting along with ordinary school children.
The principle of homeschooling
Homeschool education is defined as the child-centred learning programmes arranged by parents for their children. Activities provided depend on the children's demands.
"Parents act as supporters, while children are the ones who make decisions. If the children are too small to decide, parents may help guiding them in the proper direction. Don't forget to listen to their demands," said Yuttachai.
Getting ready
Initially parents should look out for information from various sources. Talking to experienced families may help you figure out what to do.
The next step is talking to your children. If your children are small, quitting schools is probably good news for them. But for the grown-up children, some might feel unstable for the changes. They could be worried how it would be like to get out of the mainstream education, and be away from their peers.
"Make it clear to your children what your homeschool will be like. Make sure they understand, and are ready to go for it," said Yuttachai.
Parents' devotion is crucial
To go homeschooling, at least one of the parents needs to devote his or her time for the child. A mother or father may have to quit the job to better concentrate on the child's learning.
Some parents who want to keep their jobs may opt for bringing the children to help them at work. Children can also learn that way.
What and how to teach
There's no specific method or curriculum for homeschooling. The best start is by responding to the interest of a child. Do not limit the learning to only within the house. Take your kids outside, arrange the study tours, and let them learn from the real things.
"There's no perfect formula for homeschooling. It depends on your children's needs. One method may be suitable for one kid, but don't work for others," said Yuttachai.
Breaking the classroom pattern is also recommended.
When Yuttachai started homeschooling his sons, he turned one corner of his home into a mini classroom, with tables, chairs, whiteboard, and himself acting like a school teacher.
"It turned out boring and didn't work at all. I talked to my sons, and they told me to teach what they want to learn," he said.
Learning indeed can happen anywhere at anytime, he said. Confining it to only within a classroom will restrict the child's imagination and development.
The learning methods can be varying, such as writing reports on the interested subjects, or teaching English from news articles or movies.
"It may be a little struggle at the beginning as the kids were still used to the passive school system. But once they can adjust themselves, the kids will tell you what's best to do," he said.
For some academic subjects like maths, physics and English, hiring tutors is also an option.
Learn with other families to make friends
Homeschooling your children individually may be a disadvantage as they may lack teamwork and social skills. Grouping with other families not only keep the learning fun, but also save your budget in case you have to hire the tutors for certain subjects.
When to start
The best timing for homeschooling is from kindergarten to primary school ages as the children will be fully developed.
"If possible, do not send your kids to a kindergarten, but homeschool them. Kindergarten age is actually the time children will best learn from their family. Sending them to school will block their development," he said.
When should it end
When your child is about to enter secondary and high-school ages, it's time to consider their life goals. If they aim for university degrees as a passage to their career goals, returning to formal school system is unavoidable. But in case their goals are changed, if they believes in success without a degree certificate, you may extend homeschooling for as long as you need.
How to get a certificate for your child
The Ministry of Education requires parents to first register their homeschools with the education zones, which will be responsible for the evaluation. After passing the evaluation, students will get certificates and can transfer their credits to ordinary schools at anytime.
However, parents should bear in mind that registration process and the evaluation is not always easy, due to attitudes and lack of understanding of the concerned state officials.
What can be expected of a homeschooled child
The child-centred learning gets the children to be creative, decisive, and mature. They'll know what they actually want, which career path they want to go, said Yuttachai.
Besides, homeschool children will be good at researching. Unlike normal school students who always have teachers feed them the knowledge.
Last but not least, don't pressure the children with your own expectations. Let them be what they want to be.
For more information, visit the association's web site at http://www.thaihomeschool.net/, or call 02-266-9727.
Corrigendum
In 'The complete child' (MyAcademy, May 1), it was mistakenly mentioned that Banruk Nursery School in Sri Racha, Chon Buri offered the Waldorf method of teaching. It is actually the Banrak Kindergarten in Soi Saengchan, Sukhumvit Soi 40, Bangkok that offers the method. The school's web site is http://www.baanrakk.th.edu/, or http://www.baanrakfoundation.org/; telephone 02-392-8807 or 02-382-0069. The error is regretted.
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