Homeschooling: A Solution for Parents Who Want Flexible Time and Systems

In the world of education, there are several components that work together to achieve educational goals. All components play an important role, including the education system. Currently, education in Indonesia is regulated by Law No. 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System. Education in Indonesia is divided into three main streams: formal, non-formal, and informal. Education is also categorized into four levels: early childhood, primary, secondary, and higher education.

The formal education system is likely the most familiar and widely available in Indonesia, where children attend school and follow the government-approved curriculum. The informal education system, on the other hand, involves individual learning activities resulting from the collaboration between family education and the surrounding environment. One example of informal education is homeschooling. Homeschooling is an educational process that is consciously, systematically, and purposefully carried out by parents/families at home or in other places where learning can take place in a conducive environment, with the aim of maximizing the unique potential of each child.

In terms of academics, interests, and talents, homeschooling is more effective than formal schooling. This is because with homeschooling, students are more focused on their interests and talents. In homeschooling, students learn according to their own learning styles. In addition to the points mentioned above, there are many other advantages to learning through informal education, namely homeschooling. The following are some of the advantages of homeschooling compared to formal education.
1. Freedom to choose a curriculum tailored to the child’s interests
In the homeschooling education method, children have the freedom to learn at their own pace. Unlike in formal schools, where every student must follow the same program, in homeschooling, children can learn according to their own interests and talents. This allows children to achieve better academic performance.
2. Learning time that can be adjusted to the child’s needs
Unlike formal schools that have long learning hours (full-day school), homeschooling tends to be adjusted to the child’s activities and needs. For example, learning hours can be adjusted to fit the parents’ free time. Not only that, learning time can also be scheduled during the child’s most productive hours. If they prefer the morning, the child and parents can discuss and choose the most efficient time for the child. This allows the child to have plenty of free time to pursue their interests and talents or develop their creativity through other activities.
3. Teachers facilitate children in exploring knowledge
Children can receive full attention from teachers, so they don’t have to wait their turn to learn something. Additionally, the pace of learning can be adjusted to the child. If the child can follow the lesson well, the teacher can move on to the next stage. However, if the child is struggling, the teacher can continue teaching the lesson until the child understands it.
4. Parents can adjust the learning pattern to the child’s learning style
Parents can take turns being observers. The child can be guided to understand specific material by one of the parents. If the child is comfortable with the mother, the mother can adjust her schedule to accompany the child. In essence, parents and children can collaborate to achieve the agreed-upon goals following the selected curriculum guidelines.
Children are the best thing that can happen to a family. Therefore, they deserve to attend the best school. If you have to homeschool, your parents should make it as good as possible. If that is the case, then small dreams can turn into big ones. With the right and effective education and teaching methods, a child’s potential can be maximized.

Katipah Zainhadi – Teacher Homeschooling Discovery Private