Styles in Home Education


Structured
Semi-structured
Informal
GOALS
Promote self-discipline
good work habits,
develop good memory
-can't be creative in a vacuum
Integrate education with everyday learning while producing children who are self-directed, self-disciplined and who love learning. Give child joy in learning
Foster creativity
Allow the child to grow from within
CURRICULUM
Tends to be textbook oriented Uses textbooks and workbooks Tends to be activity oriented, e.g. trial and error learning
Purchases a complete curriculum and follows it daily  Uses some curriculum but not rigidly adhered to Uses resources around the home, from the library, from the community. As the need arises might use some traditional curriculum
EVALUATION
Subject lines remain distinct Parent may teach basic math and language separately but allow more freedom in other areas of study There is more an incorporating of subjects around a central theme as in a unit study
Regularly scheduled testing May test score subjects Evaluation on a daily basis by observing the child
SCHEDULE
Teacher directed according to student's needs as identified by teacher Teacher sets boundaries within which the student works Student directed
Scheduled day prepared in advance by teacher according to child's needs Work generally planned by parent but student makes choices within parameters Parent follows child's lead and gives help when required
School begins at a certain time - determined by parent Flexible - somewhat controlled by parent Child determines when learning will occur
More work done at the desk - fewer field trips Somewhere in between Less work done at the desk - learning takes place where it takes place
 
Check out this interesting site on various learning styles: http://www.universaleducator.com/LearnStyle/index.html

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