Last week, I got an e-mail from my good friend, Dave Starr. LiP readers will know Dave, because he is a fellow writer on this site. Dave and I have been friends for a couple of years now, and communicate almost daily about anything in life.
Dave’s e-mail to me read:
As both a live in the Philippines expert resource and a current dad I think it’s pretty appropriate. Have you ever seriously considered home schooling your children here in the RP and if you have been close’ to doing so, would you have been in favor of it for elementary years, high school or even college.
Well, I’m not sure how much of an “expert resource” I am, but I do my best. Anyway, here is my response to Dave:
Actually, I think you asked me this question in a recent e-mail, and I overlooked it. I am bad about doing that. I get focused in on replying to one topic, and forget about other stuff in the e-mail.
In our case, we never considered home schooling, either here or when we lived in the States. I feel that there are benefits to home schooling, and there are downsides too. Of course, the biggest downside that you always hear about is the lack of socialization. I believe that is a problem, but not as big a problem as it is made out to be. As we both know (I am sure) there are groups of home schooling parents he have things like get togethers for the kids and such to make up for the in-school socialization that the kids miss out on. For me, as an expat family, the biggest downside to home schooling (or schooling in a very exclusive “foreigner-only” school) would be the lack of cultural exposure. This is especially true in the case of our family, because I expect that our kids will probably live here for the rest of their lives. Living in a home with expat parents (Feyma is quite American after 10 years there) and not getting exposure in the school to the culture, I believe, would not expose them to enough culture to help them fit into the society as they grow older. Now, if we were a missionary couple or something like that who expected to be here 3 or 4 years and then go back to the States, then I think that the culture thing would be much less important.
Another thing that I consider a downside to home schooling, whether in the Philippines or in the USA, is that neither Feyma nor I are trained as a teacher. In some subjects that might be OK. In other subjects, I feel it would be a huge disadvantage for the kids. One example that comes to my mind immediately is that I know that Feyma could not adequately teach me to speak Bisaya. She is not a language teacher. I feel that an example like this could be extended to the kids on some subjects. I just feel that it is better to have a trained educator do the educating.
If I were leaning in this direction, I would be more likely to look into some of the newer online learning solutions that Tom Nixon refers to often. Tom is a real expert in this area, and I’m not certain why you are asking this, but if you have need to do something along these lines, I think that Tom is a good resource that you might consult. The types of things I am talking about are online High School, even Elementary School and College classes given over the net. I believe this is something that could well become quite popular in the future.
Another factor in our case is that Feyma and I live a pretty busy life. Our lifestyle, I feel, would not fit the home schooling lifestyle. My kids come first, but I feel that it is better to let others educate them for many reasons.
Those are my thoughts. If you have other specific questions that I did not address, please just let me know.
If you are an expat, considering Home Schooling is something that will probably pass your mind (assuming that you have children of school age). For me, personally, this just was not the right move. It is a highly personal decision, though, and must be made on a personal level.
Hi Bob. As my son nears his first birthday i,ve realized school isn,t that far away! I have to say teaching is a job I will leave to the professionals, academia and I are not good bedfellows. Socializing is very important, especially in this country where makeing a network of connections seems to be as important as learning their A B C,s. The biggest question for me is, do I send him back to NZ or comlete his education here. Only time will answer that one, but it,s surprising how many locals all think a foriegn education is better. Whichever way I go, rest assured there will be someone else marking his tests, I barely passed mine anyway.
Hi Daryl – I think it is a wise choice to let the professionals take care of the education of your son. For me, I believe that the education here is excellent, if you choose the right school. Good luck!
Bob, You are right. It is a personal decision and the approach should not be that one method is better than the other. What-works-for-the-parents should obviously be taken into consideration while still giving the children the best. And of course, the question of what's best has very subjective answers also.
I think the best method is when both the parents and kids are comfortable, productive and progressive.
We on the other hand are leaning towards homeschooling them at least in the primary years. I feel confident that I can teach them what they need to know and then some. Although, like you said they'd probably attend other interactive classes (like I'm preparing Mimi for her ballet class soon).
But she is only turning three and Kevin is turning one so we have quite a while to really decide. Also by that time, if our plans push through we'd probably be traveling more often and maybe live in the Philippines for longer than two months out of a year. So home schooling would help if we couldn't stay in one place while they're studying.
Hi Michelle – It struck me when you said that since your kids were just one and three that you had plenty of time to decide. You are a young parent, Michelle. Take time to enjoy these times while the kids are young, because these days will pass by at light speed. My oldest son is nearly 18 now, and it seems like he was at that "very young, just one" age just a few months back. Oh, how time flies!
I am seriously thinking about Home Schooling for my little girl at least for elementary school as there isn't a good one where we will be settling down here. I will probably hire a teacher and try and concentrate in the practical subjects such as Math, English, Science, Chinese, World History and orient her studies for college in a top University overseas. As for socialization there are many children around the neighborhood so I don't think there is a problem with that or physical exercise challenges. As for arts and music I can always get someone for that as well. The cost is very low considering.
hi Bob,
I believe you're children had benefited more by going to school ex. they speak fluent Bisaya now than you do, right? If you have home schooled them when you came, they wont be near as perfect speaking the language right now. And you are right to say, it takes some formal teaching education or degree to be able to tutor your own children. Besides here in the states, i know some family adapt this homeschooling because there so many children in the household, ex, is the duggar family ,18 children in all. but to give them credit they are so well behave children. too.
Besides, hi-school life is the best time the children will ever have during school years. crushes, proms, cutting classes once in awhile (ha-ha-ha) Just my opinion, mind you!
Hi Bob – all three of my boys were home schooled for a portion of their lives. I didn't realize, but there are a lot of different methods to this. In our case my ex-wife had teaching background AND was home full time. Had it been my decision alone, I think they would have gone to public (or private if finances were there) school. She was VERY into having them home schooled.
As you indicated, the socialization factor is something that needs to be considered. They would get together with other home schooled kids and plan activities. That was important.
They are all since back in public school, as our lives have changed quite a bit. I think overall it was a good experience but I'm also glad they get to participate in a public arena, too.
Hi Michael – I believe that there are advantages to home schooling too, but in the end it's not the right solution for me. I wish you the best of luck with it!
Hi cris – Yes, you are very right. For kids of an expat who intends to live here for the long term, I believe that going to a school outside the home is a huge advantage in teaching those kids things about the language, how the culture works, etc.
Hmm… crushes? cutting class? Home schooling is starting to sound pretty good!!
Hi Randy – I think that having a mixture of home schooling, and in-school schooling can be a huge advantage too. Anytime that people are exposed to multiple environments, it's a learning experience after all.
Kamusta ka Bob,
Thinking from the point of view of living here in the United States, my only opinion about home schooling would be, because of the local environment and problems in the local school system in the area you live in, why else would you want to home school your children? I know I wouldn't be qualified to teach my children, maybe well enough to the 6th grade, but then again, that is where time comes into play, and plus, just look at my grammar here..lol.
I have met and known many home school children and families here in the USA, and most keep there children well socialized with other children through church, sports, or community programs. So thats not a real problem.
So I guess my question to Dave is, why would he want to home school his children there in the Philippines?
For me, at least the private school that Chesca attends in Maasin City, is a very nice school, and has a great curriculum. Rose is an alumni of that school as well. When she was in elementary school..Roses parents couldn't afford the private school, and she hated the public schooling she received there. Chesca absolutely loves the private school she goes to, they are very long days, and classes it seems to me, a lot tougher than what I went through in the 2nd grade. But I think it is good for the kids there to get that in school, it gets them use to doing hard work, and accomplishing things through hard work.
I myself couldn't imagine learning the things Chesca learns at the grade level she is in now, she will be in the third grade this year. They will be continuing in learning Bisaya, Tagalog, and English lessons, among her other studies. The one thing I also like about the schooling she receives there, is there sense of pride in there community and culture, they have different programs that they participate in, and is a lot of fun for the children, but at the same time, learning valuable lessons.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
I can relate to time flying. My oldest will be 17 in just a few days. I guess we are getting old? 🙂
Thank you, Bob. I remember when Mimi was a baby and everybody told me to put her down instead of carrying her all the time. Now I'm glad I didn't listen because I could hardly pick her up now.
Time does fly! Sometimes without even our own minds acknowledging it. Like I sometimes feel I'm just sixteen and about to graduate from high school.
Thank you, Bob. From time to time, I do remind myself that they won't need me forever to feed them and wipe their butts specially when I get to thinking about my own career (I know motherhood is a full-time career) or when I fancy pursuing law school.
Hi Danny – Just for clarification, Dave does not have young kids. I am not certain why he was asking, maybe something to do with young relatives – nieces or nephews perhaps.
Do they teach Bisaya at Chesca's school? Wow, that is something, because most schools here don't teach Bisaya (or other regional languages) only Tagalog and English. They certainly do teach and instill a lot of community pride!
Hi Ray – I can remember that time when I visited you in LA. Your kids were still quite young then… ah, nostalgia! Indeed, we are getting older, my friend!
Hi Michelle – Ha ha… when you mentioned "wipe their butts" I got a little whiff (pun intended) of nostalgia there…. ha ha… it certainly brings back the memories, no doubt. You know, law school is something that I used to dream of doing. Always felt I had a bit of Perry Mason in me! Maybe you are too young to know who Perry Mason was, Michelle… google him! 😀
Bob, Yeah, Jeff and I are 'there' right now. Sure makes me appreciate my parents even more. Good thing I didn't wait too long to have Kevin, so I'll 'graduate' just once. You know what I mean?
Yeah I had to google Perry Mason 🙂 plus I tend to remember cases better.
Hi Michelle – Just be careful… Feyma and I thought we had things spaced out just right, but an unexpected one showed up! 😯
We have an expat friend who has a big family (6 kids) and he homeschools them all (age range is between 8 – 15 I think) but the difference is, he hires a full-time teacher instead of doing it themselves. The kids like it coz they don't have to spend so many hours in school and have more free time and they have a busy lifestyle as well — also they can live anywhere they want and take holidays whenever.. the teacher follows them :-).
Oh Lord. I do need to go to one of those free ligation operations that they offer there.
But Jeff doesn't want me to. Wait a minute, he might have something up his sleeve… 🙄
Hi Mixxy – One part of our e-mail exchange between Dave and I that I didn't include is that for one of our kids we also hired a full time teacher to come to the house and teach him. It was for different reasons, though, because he is a child with special needs, and the schools here are not set up to serve a kid with his needs. So, I agree that hiring a teacher to come to your house is an option worth considering.
Hi Michelle – Ha ha… Jeff might have other plans, different from yours! 😀
Kamusta ka Bob,
Your right Bob, what I should have said, she is still learning bisaya from the family. Not the school she attends, but I am pretty sure that Rose has also told me, that some of her lessons are written in bisaya, so I would say..that is a form of learning it in school too.
I need to ask Rose about this again.
Thanks,
Danny 🙂
I read a statistic somewere that suggested in standardized testing (SAT as an example) Home schooled students ranked at the very top (5%) of most traditional schools graduating classes at all education levels. One thing that I do admire in the Philippines is the overall respect factor with students in their schools here and an absence of the many troubling elements generally found in schools stateside. However, except for the very best private schools like Ateneo, Holy Child, Assumption, British, Singapore, and a few others,the quality of education leaves much to be desired in the Philippines. I know that I for one will in the much later future be sending my daughter to the British School for example if we are not pursuing the home school approach. Economics will dictate this to a certain extent as well as our location at that time. Presently in Tagaytay there are no decent schools to be found that I am aware of.
Hi Danny – That's cool that some of the school work is done in Bisaya, I like that. Here in Davao, the kids are forbidden from using Bisaya at school, to emphasize the English and Tagalog learning.
Hi Michael – Two of my kids attend Ateneo de Davao, and one attends Davao Wisdom Academy. I am very happy with the quality of the schools. My daughter is just transferring to Wisdom this June, so I have yet to really judge it, however it has a good reputation. Ateneo is great, goes without even saying. Something like British school… well, for me, I prefer a local school so that the kids learn more about culture and such here.
Well, I home schooled our seven kids for 14 years. they all have done just fine academically in high school and college (I home schooled through grade eight) and none of them are social misfits. I loved the time I spent with my kids and learned a lot with them. Having them at home gave me 'prime time' with them, and gave me the opportunity to teach them to make wise choices and get along with each other. We made sure they had plenty of social experience. We didn't have TV in the home, so all are avid readers, love to play games and sit around and talk.
All our kids are adults now and several are home schooling their own kids. For me, home schooling my kids gave me the challenge and mental stimulus that may women look for outside the home. I enjoyed the freedom in our family schedule and the time for spontaneous teaching situations. I began home schooling before we moved to the Philippines, and just brought our school with us. For us, it was great, and none of us have any regrets.
Hi AmericanLola – Thanks for sharing your story about home schooling. It would not be right for Feyma or I, but I'm glad that it worked out well for you!
Hi Bob – The SoHK also offers study-at-home and home-schooling courses for individuals and families. Though Rainy Season Semester registration is underway for regularly schedules courses, the home connected courses can be applied for and taken at any time of year, with lessons learned accumulating as you go. 😀
Hey Paul – Problem for us in the south is that we don't have a rainy season down here, so I'm afraid the SoHK might not accept our enrollment for the Rainy Season Semester. I guess we will have to do the home based correspondence study! 😀
Hi Bob,
Because of my job as a lighthouse keeper for 32 years we 'had' to home-school our two children. The Department of Education in British Columbia, Canada supplied us by mail with lessons, textbooks, and exercises which were returned to the office when completed and were marked. My wife and I helped by explaining if there was a problem and supervised the work and exams. We did this for our two children up to and including Grade 9 when the children were boarded out in town for their High School years.
All of these expats are still citizens of their home country. I wonder if there would be a government program like that that would supply lessons to overseas personnel, whether it be from Australia, UK, USA or Canada?
I know there would be a time lag because of mail, but we received mail only once a month and it worked out. Lessons and textbooks were prepaid and sent out for a quarter of the year complete with prepaid return labels.
It would be something to look into as it worked out very well. Both my children are grown, married with kids and have good jobs. It didn't seem to hurt them too much.
Hi John – These days, with the Internet, the lessons could be sent instantly via e-mail or some kind of download. Check some of Tom Nixon's sites, and he has some interesting stuff about online learning.
One misconception about home-schooling is the lack of socialization. My sister-in-law home-schooled their five children from pre-school through high school and they had plenty of socialization. From Sunday School, home-school history coop, private group lessons like art, music and play group they had plenty of time socializing with other children.
I have an only child (she's 24 now) I would have liked to home schooled her but I did not have the temperament to do it. Instead she went to a Christian private school. I was very active in her school thru PTA and volunteering.
Hi Miss August – Yeah, I fully agree that the whole "socialization" argument is way overblown when it comes to home schooling.
Hi Bob! I fall on the side of being against home-schooling. It is not that it is bad but the issue of socialization is a real large issue especially in the Philippines. Friendship is such a large and important part of the Filipino culture.The process of friendship building would be severely limited by home schooling. Local children will think that something is "wrong" with the home schooled children. For a child to be home schooled means that there is something "wrong" with going to school-either public or private. This could cause stigmatizing of the child(ren)involved with the home schooling. You are also correct that most parents are not really qualified to fall into the rule of educator. There is, also, the possible and very real conflict of parent role vs educator role. Yes, there are many cases of success with home schooling but you can bet there are way more failures that you never hear about. In other countries such as the USA, home schooling is tough enough to be successful – in the Philippines it would be even tougher.Lastly, you are correct with the statement that it would be a full-time job for the parents which means other important aspects of family life would suffer.
Hi Jo – Personally, I feel that the socialization argument is way overstated. There are a lot of ways for kids to get socialization, school or not. One reason why I also don't think that the kids would be considered to have something wrong is because kids here go to lots of different schools. It's not like if you live in a certain neighborhood, you automatically go to a certain school. private, public, whatever, but many kids probably wouldn't even realize that certain kids don't go to an organized school at all. I, like you, believe that Homeschooling is not the way to go, but just for different reasons.
Hi Bob,
Aren't you forgetting, not everybody lives in Davao with few brownouts and fast Internet connections. 🙂 When typhoons go through, many areas of the Philippines are left without power for up to a week. Not good for lessons.
Hi John – Ha ha… well, storms do happen anywhere. Same could be said for New Orleans. Overall, i don't think that is a major consideration. 😉
HURRY for Jeff "What's up his sleeve"
..Did anyone ask the kids what they wanted ??? Phil n Jess
Phil – did you notice that Michelle has been very quiet ever since she said that Jeff might have other plans…. wonder what is keeping her busy? 😆
My question is why Dave asked you this question?
Hi Brian – I asked Dave in a follow up e-mail, but he did not answer, I think he forgot to. Dave is on the road now, so he may or may not see this…. we'll see if he replies here.
Bob, When I am there I hope to be employed by an international school. If that happens my children will go to school where I work. If not, then I will home school for the majority of the classes they take. I will subscribe to a U.S. based home school curriculum. I will out source classes in music, language,etc…. I am a teacher so I always felt if parents have trusted me to teach their children – I can teach my own. I might even take on other children expats if it was something others desired. I think that would take care of the socialization issue. Good topic. Ron
Bob, Haha! I got busy in the kitchen where Jeff puttied. He's finally finishing the backsplash. I did tell him that this three-day weekend, we could have done "something productive to prevent us from being reproductive". 😆
Excellent discussion topic Bob!
I'm surprised an Internet-savy person like yourself didn't mention the third alternative: Internet schooling. This is a combination of home-schooling and classroom experience. Since it's lead by a certified teaching professional, you avoid the issue of having to manage the teaching burden all by yourself.
For parents who are concerned about the quality of education their child receives, yet aren't comfortable assuming all of the responsibilities of home-schooling this might be made to order.
Hi Ron – I can understand your feelings. Since you are a teacher, you are better equipped than Feyma or I would be. I believe in letting professionals handle a job… and you ARE a professional! 😆
Michelle – ha ha… I like that saying!
Hey David S. – Hmm… you didn't read my article closely enough. I did talk about online learning! I even gave a link to my friend, Tom Nixon's site, which is all about online learning! Ha ha… How could you miss it? 😆
Bob,
Does the Department of Education allow here for home schooling? In America, as we know the kids have to go in time to time to be tested.
Hi Bruce – Yes, they do.
Your right Bob. I got so caught up in reading your responses to other peoples comments I completely forgot. Sorry about that.
Hi David – No problem. 😀
Jeff
I never was home schooled, but both of my parents were teachers. In fact, my father was my principle in an Academy in Florida. Needless to say, I respect their background in education. While I can not intelligently speak about Philippine culture or home schooling, I will say that they don't recommend children be home schooled after 4th grade because of socialization issues. I am sure that this topic can be argued either way though. Just my $.02
Hi lataste – Thanks for sharing your view. I agree, arguments can be made on both sides.