Are you seeking a different approach to school that will provide your child with a more individualized, flexible, and personalised learning experience? Have you given homeschooling a thought? Homeschooling is becoming more and more common in India, and families are using it as an alternative education strategy to provide their children with a special and individualized educational experience.
This blog will cover all the information you need to know about homeschooling in India, including its historical origins, the admissions procedure, and the advantages of this alternative teaching strategy. We’ll also explore why families decide to homeschool their children as well as possible career paths for homeschooled students.
We are here to help you through the process and provide you with important information so you can make an educated decision about your child’s education, whether you are a parent thinking about homeschooling for your child or are just interested in this alternative education option. So let’s dig in and learn more about homeschooling in India!
What is Homeschooling?
Let’s face it, traditional schooling isn’t for everyone. With the rise of modern education, homeschooling has become an increasingly popular alternative for parents who want to provide their children with a personalized and flexible education. Homeschooling is a parent-directed education method that involves teaching your child from home instead of sending them to a traditional classroom setting. It’s a great way to give your child a tailored education that fits their individual needs and interests.
The freedom that homeschooling provides is one of its major benefits. Parents have the autonomy to choose their own curriculum, create a schedule that works for their family’s lifestyle, and even take their child’s education on the road. This is especially appealing to families who travel often or have a child with a passion for the arts or athletics that requires more flexibility in their schedule.
But the benefits of homeschooling don’t stop there. Homeschooled students often receive personalized instruction and one-on-one attention, which can lead to better academic performance. In fact, many homeschooled students have achieved incredible success in various fields. The winner of the 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee was a homeschooled student, and homeschooled actors and musicians such as Jennifer Love Hewitt and Taylor Swift have become household names.
It’s important to understand the distinction between homeschooling and unschooling. While homeschooling follows a structured curriculum, unschooling is a more radical approach to education that encourages children to learn from life experiences rather than a prescribed curriculum. In India, unschooling may not be recognized as a valid form of education, which is why many families choose homeschooling instead.
Growth of Homeschooling in India
Homeschooling has been gaining popularity in India in recent years, with more and more families opting for this alternative method of education. Homeschooling in India has its roots in ancient times when children were taught by their parents or gurus in a one-on-one setting. However, the modern homeschooling movement began in the late 1980s and early 1990s when parents started questioning the traditional education system’s effectiveness.
The growing popularity of homeschooling is mostly due to worries about the standard of teaching in regular institutions. A lot of parents believe that the standard school curriculum is obsolete and unprepared for the world that is changing so quickly. Children can learn at their own speed and concentrate on subjects that interest them when they are homeschooled, which offers a more individualized approach to education.
Another reason for the increase in the popularity of homeschooling is the availability of Edtech innovations. With the advent of online learning platforms, parents can now access high-quality educational resources and curricula without having to rely on traditional schools. These resources can be tailored to the individual needs of the child, making learning more effective and engaging.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role in the growth of homeschooling in India. The pandemic forced schools to close, and many parents turned to homeschooling as an alternative to ensure their children’s education did not suffer. This shift has opened up new opportunities for homeschooling and demonstrated the effectiveness of this method of education.
There is evidence of the steady growth of homeschooling in India, with an increasing number of families opting for this alternative method of education. Homeschooled students are also gaining recognition from college admissions boards, who appreciate the unique skills and experiences they bring to the table. For instance, many homeschooled students have demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking skills, and a passion for learning.
overall, homeschooling in India has a rich history and is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional schooling. This growth can be attributed to concerns about the quality of education in traditional schools, the availability of Edtech innovations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more families turn to homeschooling, it is clear that this method of education has the potential to create well-rounded, independent learners who are prepared for the challenges of the future.
Benefits of Homeschooling
Let’s explore some of the amazing advantages of homeschooling.
1. Personalized education for children
Traditional schools sometimes follow a one-size-fits-all philosophy of education, yet each child is different and has their own strengths and limitations. When a child is homeschooled, parents can modify their education to fit their child’s requirements and learning preferences. For instance, you may use more visual aids in your child’s lessons if they are visual learners to assist them to comprehend the subject matter.
2. Attention to Concepts and Details
Because homeschooling involves one-on-one instruction, children are able to receive more attention and feedback from their parents or tutors. This can help them develop a stronger foundation in their studies and master concepts that may be more difficult in a traditional classroom setting.
3. flexibility and freedom for children
Children who are homeschooled are allowed to explore their hobbies and interests in ways that regular institutions might not be able to. If your child is interested in art, for instance, they can spend additional time on projects and attend lessons or workshops outside of the regular school day.
4. focusing on their strengths and limitations
When children are homeschooled, parents and tutors have the opportunity to really get to know their children and understand their learning styles. This can help them create a more effective curriculum and tailor their teaching methods to their child’s strengths and weaknesses.
5. Formalization of homeschooling
Homeschooling is increasingly being formalized and acknowledged as a legitimate educational option in several nations, including India, to guarantee that it is equivalent to other educational options. As a result, students who are homeschooled are eligible to sit for tests and earn diplomas that are comparable to those from regular schools. This is excellent news for parents who wish to provide their children with a high-quality education while also allowing for the freedom and personalization that come with homeschooling.
Overall, homeschooling offers a unique and flexible approach to education that can benefit children in many ways. With customization, personalized attention, and the freedom to explore passions, homeschooled students can thrive academically and personally. And with the growing recognition of homeschooling as a legitimate form of education, the possibilities for success are endless.
Main Boards for Homeschooling in India
Since homeschooling has gained such broad acceptance in India, open education and learning have been formalized further to make sure that those who participate in it don’t fall short in any manner. Major academic institutions, both domestically and internationally, have started to use this alternate kind of education. The two main associations concerning homeschooling in India are listed below:
National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
An open learning organization called the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in India gives students the tools they need to complete their education while attending home school. According to this board, parents are permitted to homeschool their kids and have them take important tests like the class 10th and 12th grades. Students must register with the board, and the certification obtained through the tests offered by it is equivalent to that obtained from any other board in the country. It provides education at various levels and places an emphasis on vocational training in addition to formal education.
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Cambridge’s International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally recognized qualification for homeschooling students. It is held in the tenth grade and consists of several phases that assess a child’s learning from the preparatory to the advanced levels. Candidates take the test as private candidates and potentially acquire a globally recognized certification.
Admission Process for Homeschooling
If you’re considering homeschooling as an alternative to traditional education, you may be wondering about the admission process. The good news is that it’s relatively straightforward
Step 1: Research and Decide
The first step is to do your research and decide if homeschooling is the right fit for your child and your family. Consider factors such as your child’s learning style, your availability as a parent or tutor, and your family’s values and goals.
Step 2: Find an Open Learning Board
After deciding to homeschool your children, you must locate an open learning community that has obtained official approval. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are only two of the alternatives offered in India.
Step 3: Register with the Open Learning Board
Next, you will need to register your child with the chosen open learning board. This process usually involves submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as a birth certificate, address proof, and previous academic records (if any). The open learning board will provide a registration number and a study material package for your child.
Step 4: Create a Curriculum
With the open learning board’s study material as a guide, you can customize a curriculum that fits your child’s interests and learning needs. This is where homeschooling truly shines as it allows for a tailored approach to education.
Step 5: Record Keeping
As a homeschooling parent or tutor, you will need to maintain a record of your child’s progress and academic achievements. This will include maintaining a portfolio of your child’s work and grades.
Step 6: Annual Assessment
To ensure equivalence to other forms of education, your child will need to undergo an annual assessment by the open learning board. This assessment will test your child’s knowledge and understanding of the subjects they’ve studied during the academic year.
Overall, the admission process for homeschooling in India is fairly straightforward. It involves finding an open learning board, registering your child, creating a customized curriculum, keeping track of progress, and undergoing an annual assessment. With the right resources and support, homeschooling can provide a unique and rewarding educational experience for your child.
What about your child’s career after homeschooling?
As a homeschooling parent, your primary focus is on providing your child with the best education possible. You spend countless hours researching curriculum options, creating lesson plans, and ensuring that your child receives a well-rounded education. However, as your child approaches the end of high school, you may begin to wonder about their future beyond homeschooling.
you wear many hats as a homeschooling parent, including that of a guidance counselor. While traditionally, high school students rely on guidance counselors to help them make decisions about their future, you have the unique opportunity to play this role for your child. However, we understand that taking on this responsibility can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to provide support and guidance at every step of the way.
At Svastrino, we are here to help you guide your child toward a successful future. Our team of experts can work with you and your child to explore their interests, passions, and talents, providing valuable insights into their vocational options after graduation. We believe that a personalized approach is essential to ensure that every child finds their true calling.
Our goal is to arm children with the information and abilities they need to pursue their ideal career path and make wise decisions.
If you’re a homeschooling parent with inquiries regarding what will happen to your child after graduation, get in touch with us. We are here to provide guidance and inspiration at every level, ensuring that your child is well-equipped to achieve their goals and dreams