G’day,
Actually I have no problem expanding on my position of home schooling. I chose the selection that I did because it was an option and I thought it may generate more discussion.
I come from a time and place where home schooling was almost impossible and hardly even a consideration. My father was a school teacher and I went through the public education system in Australia. I believe that the combination of the public education system and my parents efforts on the home front prepared me well for my future. Having said that, I don’t really have a position on home schooling.
I believe the system I went through exposed me to the good the bad and the ugly. I had good teachers and bad teachers and learnt from both. From the good I gained valuable academic knowledge, from the bad I learned that life isn’t always fair or easy but it did help me prepare for the workforce where I have encountered good and bad colleagues and bosses. Over my educational life I was exposed to and learnt to deal with racism, sexism, bullies and all sorts of discrimination, much the same as I have encountered during the time since I have finished school. At school I learnt about being part of teams, both good and bad, much the same as I have found in the workplace. All in all I think the public education system prepared we well. I also believe that my parents also prepared me well both academically and socially.
From that you will probably think that I am for public schooling and against home schooling but that isn’t really the case. I believe academically, home schooling, when done right, can have a lot of advantages over the public system, however I do believe that home schoolers miss out on some of the social learning. By this I don’t mean that they don’t socialize or have a social life, what I mean is they are often shielded against or have limited exposure to the worst aspects of our society. This may seem like a good thing, but it can leave one ill prepared for what life and the workplace can throw at them.
I don’t really believe that home schooling should be outlawed but then again I don’t really believe in any of the other options provided either. I would personally opt for a balance between the public system and home schooling. Life itself should be a balanced learning environment where we learn at every opportunity that is presented to us.
So in essence, I chose the option I did because I knew there were a number of home schoolers on this forum and knew it would get a reaction.
Regards