Homeschooling | A little bit on facts

Definition of Homeschooling from Wikipedia

Homeschooling is the education of children at home typically by parents or professional tutors, rather than in public or private school. Although prior to the introduction of compulsory school attendance law, most childhood education occurred within the family or community. In many places, homeschooling is a legal option for parents who wish to provide their children with a different learning environment than exists in nearby schools. The motivations for homeschooling range from a dissatisfaction with the schools in their area to the desire for better academic test results. It is also an alternative for families living in isolated rural locations and those who choose, from practical or personal reasons, not to have their children attend school.

Some facts excerpts borrowed from Mamafiza’s Blog:

Why homeschooling?

Parents may choose to homeschool for many reasons such as religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs, crowded school classrooms, school violence, worries about attitude-based learning, worries about strong peer influences, family solidarity, more time spent with better quality curriculum, character development, small group / focused teaching, strong family values and because of strong attachments within the family.

What does Homeschooling require?

Homeschooling requires dedication, patience, and a time commitment on the part of the parents, but does not require formal education in the parent’s background. To go one step further, parents don’t have to be teachers. They can instead be guides on their child’s adventure of learning, just by involving him / her in their everyday activities and encouraging the child’s curiosity and exploration.

Homeschooling Families

Homeschooling families are not much different from other parents. Mostly, they are just responsible, concerned, caring people who want their child to be in the most nurturing environment conducive to learning.

Is homeschooling legal in Malaysia?

An official with the Education Ministry says formal schooling in this country is not compulsory by law. “We encourage parents to send their children to school but we can’t force them to do since education is voluntary,” he says. On the issue of homeschooling, the official says the ministry has no jurisdiction over the matter. (The Star, Education Section, May 6, 2001)

If this is the case, then we can safely say that homeschooling is indeed legal in Malaysia and it is the right of parents to educate their children in whichever way they deem best for them. However, be aware that anything can happen and that the authorities could change their stand at any time that they deem fit. But so far, there has been no indication that homeschooling status would be jeopardized.

For more infos, please visit Malaysian Homeschool Unite (www.littlekittle.com/forum) & Mamafiza's Blog (www.littlekittle.com/blog)