Homeschooling: Heeding the voices of learners

Abstract

To date, homeschooling research has focused mainly on homeschool educators' perspectives.Heeding homeschool learners' voices is essential for trustworthy understanding of the homeschool context. This article reports findings regarding one homeschool learner-participant's views and experiences from a qualitative, multiple case-study of four homeschools. Findings concerning the mother are presented as context for the learner's meaning-making. Homeschool educators and learners were interviewed concerning their discourses and perspectives regarding their respective homeschools. Projections were used, exploring participants' meanings at a deeper level, and three sessions of non-participating observation in each homeschool. The views of the homeschool learners and their homeschool educators corresponded somewhat, but also indicated important differences. The homeschool educators in the study appeared convinced of acting in their children's best interests, yet often without accommodation or awareness of their particular needs. On a conscious level, the homeschool learners bowed to the educators' wishes and did not communicate their needs or feelings. On a deeper level, lack of congruence occurred between homeschool educators' and learners' views. This is discussed from a bio-ecological perspective, thus with due regard both for developmental factors and the entire context of each homeschool. We consider implications of the findings for homeschool practice, further research and policy.

Justifying homeschooling in Czech Republic: How “good parents” and their children use time

“…How do they actively organize their time and reflect the homeschooling practice? To focus only on the parent’s relationship to the child leaves out the important voice of the learners, whose inclusion some scholars have been calling for (Jones, 2013; Van Schalkwyk and Bouwer, 2011; more generally, see Souralová, 2017).…”

“…For example, in the United States, the number of homeschooling families has been increasing in the long term (Murphy, 2014;National Center for Educational Statistic, 2018). This growing trend has given rise to a number of studies on the motives and backgrounds of homeschooling parents (Bhopal and Myers, 2016;Davies and Aurini, 2003;Hanna, 2012;Kašparová, 2017;Van Galen, 1987, 1991, the socialization of homeschooled children (Kunzman, 2017;Medlin, 2013;Mertin, 2003;Štech, 2003), the need to reflect the voices of homeschooled children (Jones, 2013;Van Schalkwyk and Bouwer, 2011), and the impact of homeschooling on mothers' lives (Lois, 2013(Lois, , 2009Machovcová et al, submitted).…”

Exploring Homeschooling: In-depth Meta-Analysis of Its Impact on Learning Motivation and Factors Influencing Family Choices

“…In exploring alternative perspectives and motivations related to homeschooling, it becomes evident that families opt for this educational approach for many reasons. One significant factor is dissatisfaction with traditional schooling systems, where parents may perceive limitations in meeting their children's individual needs or addressing specific learning challenges adequately (Cheng & Hamlin, 2012;Van Schalkwyk & Bouwer, 2011;Permoser & Stoeckl, 2021;Chase & Morrison, 2018). Additionally, concerns about societal disparities, including issues related to school safety, peer influences, and academic standards, prompt some families to seek alternatives such as homeschooling.…”

STEM Teaching and Learning Strategies of High School Parents With Homeschool Students

“…In homeschool education, parents are considered the teachers for their child’s educational needs. Despite this unique position, parents argue that they are capable of creating the necessary learning environment and effectively fulfilling the role of a teacher for their child (Green & Hoover-Dempsey, 2007; Port, 1989; van Schalkwyk & Bouwer, 2011). Parents see themselves as learners in the process, alongside their students, and are willing to change and adjust methods after they see the benefit to their students (Danley, 1998; Ortloff, 2006).…”