Whilst homeschooling is not a new concept, the number of parents who choose to homeschool their child is on the rise. Thailand is one country that has really embraced homeschooling.
Whilst mainstream schooling will, of course, be the more traditional and popular route, homeschooling has, over recent years, found its own place in education.
Why families are choosing to homeschool.
Let us look at some of the reasons why parents may opt to homeschool in remote locations or Cities such as Bangkok.
- Lifestyle changes – the way a lot of people live their lives has changed over the last few years. The COVID pandemic really accelerated remote working, many people started working from home, and when schools closed, many parents had no choice but to homeschool.
- More control – You won’t need to worry about timetable conflicts or learning in the class going too fast or not quickly enough. Learning can be tailored to your targets, your requirements and at your own pace.
- Travel/work schedules – there has been a sharp increase in people travelling around the world for their jobs. If you keep changing schools every few months it can be very disconcerting for children, the curriculums may not match up, and you would essentially be starting over again, only to deal with this again a couple of months down the line.
- Reduced pressure. There is a lot of pressure at mainstream schools to show that they are a good school for the masses. Schools can be a very competitive environment and for some students that works well. But for others, there is more to life than chasing the top grades.
- Child safety: Some parents, probably think that the world is just a dangerous place, there are many safety issues that arise from all over the world in schools, and some may also look at the pandemic and think that there could be a better approach to teaching their children.
What homeschooling looks like in Bangkok.
Bangkok is a city that has embraced homeschooling. In Bangkok homeschooled students and parents are not made to feel that they are on their own. There is a growing, connected community of local associations to help families share ideas, swap materials and organise events. Many homeschooling families join small groups, where children meet regularly for social activities, share the costs of using science labs, or art sessions.
Challenges to consider.
Of course, homeschooling comes with challenges that families should prepare for:
- Time and commitment: Obviously, not everybody is in the position to dedicate the time, energy and resources into becoming a home tutor. It is something that you really need to commit to, from the outset, and know that it is a sustainable arrangement for all involved.
- Costs: There will be significant costs if you choose to homeschool your child, and you should be aware of these costs from the outset. You will need to obviously pay for food, energy bills, computers to work on, trips out, and other expenditures
- Social interactions: Children need opportunities to make friends and connections with other children. They may miss out on opportunities at school, so it is important to get them involved in activities and clubs outside of school.
- Regulations: Thai homeschooling is legal but requires official approval from the Ministry of Education. Paperwork and reporting can feel daunting for newcomers.
- Transitions and getting ready for university: As they grow up, a child’s priorities often change. As they go through different transitions, they will need to be understood. Families must also look ahead to ensure that they are on the right path. If they plan on going to university, they need to ensure that they will meet all of the entry requirements.
The Future of Homeschooling in Bangkok
As more people turn to a homeschooling system, the education landscape in Bangkok and surrounding areas is slowly developing. The government may need to adapt to this change by providing more flexibility and clearer guidance, and a more supportive community.
There are even some schools that offer a hybrid solution, that blend classroom learning with home study. Similar, perhaps, in a way that some office working landscapes have changed over recent years, with people working from home and going into the office every so often.
With the right approach and flexibility in policy, Bangkok could be the first to fully utilise a successful system.
