Home schools groom independent thinkers
Studies show home schooled children perform better in academics than their public school counterparts.
CONTRARY to preconceived ideas, studies show that home schooled children perform much better academically compared to their public school counterparts and are well adapted socially.
Research conducted by UNISA academic Dierdre Bester finds that home educated children have a greater sense of responsibility, self-confidence, time management skills and decision making ability.
‘Home schoolers often take leadership positions and have the tendency to build quality friendships and their self-image is not dependent on group pressure.’ Bester said.
Mother of three, Robyn Stevens who lives on a farm outside Empangeni and home schools her sons, is in agreement with the research findings.
‘My boys are very social. I am not against the public school syllabus, but home schooled children generally have a better attitude based on my personal experience on when I was a tutor,’ Stevens said.
‘It is hard work for parents to motivate the children and create a scholarly environment, but the benefits are exceptional for them.’ she said.
An Empangeni-based home school tutor centre offers this specialised form of education in a corporate setting.
Principal Renette Stroebel said home school assists in grooming independent thinking children.
‘The same syllabus is offered as that of mainstream schools, but a home school environment allows children to think independently and alleviates the stress and pressure of crowded classrooms,’ Stroebel said.
‘There is a perception that home schooled children are not as smart and need special attention,
‘This could not be further from the truth. Remedial kids do not have the ability to read and understand lessons independently, which is what is required in a home school environment.
‘The only disadvantage is the absence of extramural activities which home schooled children have to outsource.
