School at home?

The Maharashtra government has launched ‘Open SSC board’, an idea that encourages students to pursue schooling from home. As per State Education and Sports

Minister Vinod Tawde, the students can attend Class 5 exams at the age of 10, Class 8 exams at the age of 13 and Class 10 (SSC) exams when they attain 15 years of age.

One pivotal reason for this move is that many students leave their passions when they reach classes 9 and 10 since as they find it hard to manage their academic requirements and meticulous schedules. It is believed that this idea will bring more flexibility to the students. The application process will be open till January 31, and the students who register now have to appear for the exams in six months. The exams will take place in June and December every year.

Considering there are many parents who are homeschooling their children nowadays, does this new move seem acceptable? As expected, will it bring more flexibility to the students and keep them on the right track? Will those students be competent enough as the school-going children will have much more exposure? Will that create a complex in the home schooled ones? When those children apply for jobs at a later stage, will they be sidelined?

Can’t be with kids 24*7
Kamalika Chatterjee Das, parent
As a parent, there are a couple of reasons why I wouldn’t want to opt for homeschooling. Firstly, one has to be around the child round the clock and being a parent, we would not be able to scold them like a teacher would do if they misbehave. Again, without school, they will not get to interact with other kids. Society and peer pressure is another aspect. The child may get bullied for not going to school and have to explain time and again the concept to other people. Lastly, we might have to consistently change home tutor which will increase the cost immensely.

Going to school crucial
Dr Gurpreet Singh, Poet
No doubt, this will bring flexibility in education system as homework pressure and fear of punishment will be eliminated, but I am not sure if it will keep students on the right track. In formal schooling, a child needs to adapt himself with the school conditions, like reaching school on time, which in turn creates punctuality. In school, a child becomes social and learns how to behave with schoolmates, teachers, seniors and juniors. Periodical tests and competitions create a sense of confidence. In recent years, child’s safety has become a very big issue and non-urban parents have started adopting homeschooling. However, at later stages, such children may feel the pinch.

Kids shouldn’t suffer
shaarika menon, parent
Homeschooled kids have been accepted to MIT and IIT. In homeschooling, the students may lack the elements of inclusiveness or finishing projects and lessons on time. However, many kids appear to be more creative and inquisitive. Basically, it is a personal choice, and must be respected. Some may even be denied education under the pretext of being homeschooled. So, strict norms must be put in place.

It will be a boon
V. RAJU, retired Headmaster
Homeschooling is a very good concept. Indian society needs to learn about it more. The National Institute of Open Schooling System is already there, but it concentrates on school dropouts and migrant children. Home education reduces stress, fear and anxiety among children. Nowadays, only a very few teachers are dedicated. They impose their ideas on children. It takes a toll on their rational thinking power. If parents are educated properly, home education will be a boon to our country. The government should realise the importance of this concept. Politicians should be enlightened about this. Same treatment should be given to both homeschooled and regular students.

key role for school
Nisha Jamwal, social thinker
School is not just about learning; children also need to develop their social skills, life skills and emotional quotient.

For many, the best part about school life is the group activities. They play an important part in one’s growth. EQ is the ability to get along with others. It comes from sharing classrooms, lunchboxes and even secrets. While homeschooling may be good for children who are unable to attend classes due to geographic challenges or medical reasons, for others, going to school is an important aspect of growing up.

Making Indian schools more hands-on, discovery-oriented, practical and less bookish is the need of the hour!

It is all Good in theory
Nayna George, student
I think homeschooling is pretty good in theory. A system like this could encourage a child to find ways to enjoy learning new things, and not hate the learning process. However, usually, kids who are homeschooled are taught by one of their parents. I think this could put a lot of pressure on the parent to give the child relevant information and teach the child things beyond what they normally would.

As far as the children are concerned, traditional schools aren’t just a place for teaching. Schools are also where kids form social skills that become very important later on in life. Without the opportunity to interact with their peers, kids could really lose out on knowing how to behave in social situations.