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Parents set course for homeschooling in pursuit of 'happy learning'
Amid the recent appointment of a new education minister and the newly revived discourse on rigid, grade-oriented formal education, Jakarta is seeing a rising trend in parents turning to homeschooling for creative, interest-based learning.
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A stock image illustrates homeschooling. (Shutterstock/-)
M
aria Magdalena decided early on that homeschooling was the best education she could give to her only son – a decision that has increasingly proved right amid the recent furore over the burdens formal schools place on their students.
She and her husband, who live in Pluit, North Jakarta, decided to take the informal educational approach for their son, who is now 15. They employ a variety of learning methods to encourage his creativity and give him the freedom to pursue the subjects he is passionate about.
Maria said her son had never been enrolled at a formal school.
“In formal schools, my child would be preoccupied with the school’s requirements and strict schedule, whereas there are many subjects he doesn't like or finds boring. It was better that he used his time to explore his passions, talents and potentials under the guidance of his parents who understand him,” Maria told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
Maria said that time management and scheduling were issues at the beginning, because she and her husband both work. Eventually, after working on developing good study habits, her son started learning independently.
The family also makes it a point to visit different regions across the archipelago so their son can experience Indonesia’s rich local customs and cultures firsthand – and without waiting for school holidays.
“Homeschooling gives us the freedom to whatever learning method that suits our son’s needs and helps him study happily,” said Maria.
