Mike's Response to Home Schooling
I had initially intended to write a long post, responding to each of the criticisms of home schooling. In fact, I called my brother-in-law to make sure I wouldn't cause a feud by responding directly to his post. I wrote the post, and then decided to do more research. I had previously done a little research and felt confident that I was justified in my opinions. After doing more research, I don't even feel like I need to respond to any of the specific criticism. The data shows that homeschooling leads to individuals who are at least as good, and often better, than their public/private schooled peers in academics, socialization, problem solving, critical thinking, and civic engagement. I'm neither for nor against home schooling--but I think it deserves fair treatment.
Here's a link to a summary article by one researcher.
Here's a link to the search page where you can narrow your search of home schooling articles. It's easiest to scroll down towards the bottom of the menus and select one of the ERIC Thesaurus Descriptors. Click "search," and scroll down to the bottom to see the articles that contain that descriptor. For most of the studies, you can only read the abstract.
This is the only website I surveyed, so if someone finds research contrary to what's found here, I'd be interested in seeing it.
Now, to be sure everyone knows--I don't really believe in research done by social scientists, but sometimes it's your only option.
Mike
*** I appreciate all of the comments and that people were able to voice their disagreements in a mostly respectful manner. I like being able to discuss controversial issues and not feel like I am being attacked for what I think. I'm also grateful for personal revelation and that through prayer, I'll be able to know exactly what's right for my family. I'm sure you'll support me in whatever decision I make.
Adrianne
Here's a link to a summary article by one researcher.
Here's a link to the search page where you can narrow your search of home schooling articles. It's easiest to scroll down towards the bottom of the menus and select one of the ERIC Thesaurus Descriptors. Click "search," and scroll down to the bottom to see the articles that contain that descriptor. For most of the studies, you can only read the abstract.
This is the only website I surveyed, so if someone finds research contrary to what's found here, I'd be interested in seeing it.
Now, to be sure everyone knows--I don't really believe in research done by social scientists, but sometimes it's your only option.
Mike
*** I appreciate all of the comments and that people were able to voice their disagreements in a mostly respectful manner. I like being able to discuss controversial issues and not feel like I am being attacked for what I think. I'm also grateful for personal revelation and that through prayer, I'll be able to know exactly what's right for my family. I'm sure you'll support me in whatever decision I make.
Adrianne
Comments
I have sat in on a few of my niece's/nephew's lessons and it is really comprehensive. My 13-year-old niece is in trigonometry because that's where she tests into.
I know for a fact it is an option in OH and in CO. Don't know if it's something you want to look into, but here's the page for the Ohio Virtual Academy.
As I said in Jason's post, I wouldn't consider homeschooling and that is how I feel.
HOWEVER, Adrianne - I think that if anyone is qualified to teach their children at home, it is you. You are amazingly talented in that part of being a mom. You really are. So whatever you guys decide will be great.
p.s. I went to public skool and I turned out fine.
:)
I'm not a social scientist (or depend heavily upon them in my work), so I don't mean any of these questions as an indictment. I really am just curious.
Why is it that
"most Moms that homeschool"
are also the same Moms that tend to nurse their children until they are 3 an 4 years old, and the same Moms that don't belive in vacinating their children?
I just don't understand?
About homeschooling, I feel that a parent should be involved with their children's education, like before during and after school, this doesn't mean they have to be their children's education. I love what Jason wrote in his post on the lewisnclark.blogspot.com I completely agree with him and usually I don't so this is new! :)
Friday, 05 March, 2010
I'm just being cocky. I think it's funny to tease about social sciences because Adrianne's degree is in a social science. Since early on in our marriage, I have tried to explain to her that "real" sciences come up with "real" conclusions. My favorite "studies" in the social sciences are case studies. They are usually something like, "The author interviewed 11 16 year-old girls about their feelings regarding the recent break up of the Back Street Boys." and then they draw conclusions like, "Local governments should develop a larger population of male singing groups to fill the void left when one of these groups disbands." Is that science??
In truth, I respect their efforts and recognize the value they provide, but it sure is fun to tease about the occasional silly study.
Mike
Jim may have some ideas about this from his schooling in graduate school at the Univ. of Indiana. He was studying Educational Psychology (I think). He read lots of opinions and ideas about types of schools, ways to effectively teach, etc. Maybe he would have some good "science" from his books. I'll ask him.