The gift of homeschooling: Adult homeschool graduates and their parents conceptualize homeschooling in North Carolina

Abstract

Although still a marginalized practice, homeschooling is on the rise internationally and across socio-economic groups. Moreover, the current Covid-19 pandemic has shifted additional attention to homeschooling. However, much of the available research is primarily concerned with the current day-to-day practice of homeschooling and little attention is paid to adult homeschool graduates. This exploratory study, based on qualitative interviews with mothers and adult children from 12 families, examines young adults’ overall evaluation of their past homeschooling experience and aims to understand how parents and children view the pros and cons of homeschooling in hindsight. The data analysis revealed that homeschoolers approach education more broadly than focusing strictly on the academic side and it identified the common theme of “gifting,” which challenges the prevailing conceptualization that homeschooling is a “sacrifice.” Respondents viewed their homeschooling experience as a mutually beneficial process of giving and receiving rather than a unidirectional act of “sacrifice.”

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

“…This research revealed the growing and diverse nature of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate support and resources for quality education. McCabe et al (2021) discussed the decisionmaking process behind homeschooling, highlighting the privilege and vulnerability of being a primary caregiver and educator in homeschooling families. They all suggest that homeschooling may benefit the state by reducing its role and expenses in providing care and education.…”

“…According to McCabe et al (2021), a primary motivation for parents opting for homeschooling is their wish to offer religious or moral guidance and education to their children. Five of the 18 studies primarily discuss the positive effects of home education that appear in the learners' feelings and social interactions (Chase & Morrison, 2018;Cheng & Hamlin, 2023;Burke, 2022;Hartman & Huttunen, 2020;Davies, 2015).…”

“…Furthermore, the desire for individualized instruction tailored to a child's unique learning style and pace drives many homeschooling choices. By embracing these diverse motivations and perspectives, homeschooling offers families the flexibility and freedom to create personalized learning environments that promote academic success and holistic development (Merry & Karsten, 2010;Myers, 2022;Cohen, 2020;McCabe et al, 2021). Furthermore, principles and convictions passed down by their families, often in line with religious or conservative moral ideologies, could foster contentment and self-assurance among home-educated individuals during social interactions.…”

“…Homeschooling can benefit children facing challenges in traditional school environments, like bullying or lack of support for special needs, enhancing overall well-being and confidence in social interactions. The flexibility and freedom available to homeschooling parents when making educational choices are essential (Thomas, 2016) holistic development (Merry & Karsten, 2010;Myers, 2022;Cohen, 2020;McCabe et al, 2021).…”

La escuela: lugar de significado y compromiso

“…Tal como pone de manifiesto la progresiva demanda de propuestas educativas como el homeschooling, el worldschooling, el unschooling o la ecopedagogía, (Morales Valero y Amber Montes, 2021). Frente a la visión reduccionista de que el homeschooling impide el correcto desarrollo social de los niños, distintas investigaciones han demostrado sus beneficios para la socialización (McCabe et al, 2021;Ray, 2021). Además, se ha demostrado la repercusión positiva de las pedagogías antiautoritarias en aspectos relacionados con la autoestima, la autorregulación emocional o la autoeficacia (Ponce-León, 2021;Perpiñà et al, 2022).…”