Education: homeschooling or formal school, which do you prefer?

Where I'm from, a formal education is compulsory. However, I'm quite certain this hasn't affected my opinion that formal education is preferable. Although homeschooling can be equally or more effective, I personally feel that having your child placed in a social environment outside of home ultimately helps in his development. After all, we all have to venture out there, make friends and mistakes, and ultimately grow as social creatures.

Here in Australia the vast majority of children are educated in State schools or privately run schools. A very small minority are home-schooled. I have worked in children's ministry for many years, and as a general rule (there are exceptions) the home-schooled children are easily identified. They do not mix well. Their social skills are minimal. As far as the educational side is concerned, it varies greatly, depending on the skills of the parents and the discipline engaged in the home. I believe a vital part of a child's development is learning to mix with others. This is necessary for ordinary development, mental and emotional stability and social interchange, as well as for future employment. There are home-schooled children who do mix with many others in a variety of sports and other activities and clubs, and gain these skills, but here they are in the minority. If I still had school-age children I would research all available schools and choose the one with the best standards of discipline and behaviour. I would also supplement the teaching received at school with encouragement and help at home.

It depends...on the school, the kind of education given at school, the child/student. There are lots of factors to consider to make homeschooling successful and a gratifying experience. In my country, homeschooling is not legalized yet, but there is a small group trying to do it now.

I prefer formal schooling as it had been a hit and students are more smart and talented. Home schooling does not make a person bold enough or to socialize with others easily.

To each his own I guess. But I prefer formal schooling. Yes it costs since travel expenses and snacks for the children in school has to be incorporated to the daily budget but I think it's better since it gives the children the chance to interact and socialize with their peers. They learn how to talk to other people and how to deal with them. It may not all be sweet, since the children sometimes have fights with the others kids but they learn to interact and learn how to deal with certain situations that faces them. I think that, it is the biggest difference between formal schooling and homeschooling. In the school the children learn to deal with other people and that alone is learning for me, a very important aspect of learning as a matter of fact. while in homeschooling the children deal with the same people they generally deal with in their lives (relatives, parents, grandparents, and such) and they are not given as much interaction with others if they were to go to school. But I can see the advantage in home schooling, it fosters cooperation between parents and children, the parents are able to guide their children in learning, whilst this is done by the teacher in school. I believe it also fosters love, affection and closeness with the children and their parents. Plus it is cheaper since you don't have to prepare for the fare and it lessens the stress of not being with your child. But again for me, I prefer formal schooling simply because I believe that social interaction is a vital part of learning and a vital part of a person's over-all being is being able to handle situations with different types of people and learning to deal with peers with different views and opinions. Well, that's my take on the matter :)

Dear pormadi, I don't think homeschooling will do better than formal schooling. If the child want to have good exposure for his/her talent he must be in formal schooling. It not only gives good exposure but also makes children to realize them how to react in the society and to have a good friendship building and good knowledge. Nice discussion... Cheers... Have a nice day always...

I feel that both homeschooling and formal education have their pros and cons. Homeschooling, if done well can actually help a child learn more and get ahead of others the same age. On the other hand, unless the child is put into special activities to promote social skills, those could be lacking later on nin life. Personally, my kids are all in public schools on a regular basis, and I work with them as much as possible at home. The reality of it is whether our kids are taught at home or by teachers in a school system, the parents play a big roll in helping them learn and succeed.

Hmm, I was home schooled myself until 6th grade, after that, they required me to have some exams and I passed all and they told me am apt for 12th grade... I asked my grand dad if I could just start at 7th grade instead. Good thing the government and the school allowed me to. If I'd be having kids, I'll just send them to regular school.

They can get a good education in the formal shcool and make friends also.Formal school is better because the children get to be with children their own age. Children need to interact with other children to learn how to get along with others. They make friends that will last a lifetime.

Hi there pormadi, I have children and surely have to give them a good education. I prefer to use homeschooling for my children education. Unfortunately here in my country, the homeschooling have not too familiar yet, and the cost of it so expensive too. I hope the homeschooling will grow more and affordable. Thanks, happy mylotting

i never tried homeschooling as in my country we normally attend to formal school. though theres home school program here but im not sure where is it. i rather want a formal school so i will be able to meet other students interact with them not just inside the class but also outside.

I prefer to send my children in formal school because I know that they will not only learn in academic aspect but they will grow also as a person and being in school can contribute a lot to them.

I finished high school in a distance learning school. As a product of such kind of school I must say I've missed a lot of things in terms of socializing with people.

It depends on the child. I think regular school is the best because it gives people social interaction. They get a full rounded learning experience where they have the option to join clubs and school and learn about new cultures. It's great for most kids but some childern might benifit more from home schooling because their families might move a lot or be on the road a lot. Up rooting children is rough so if it happens a lot with school the kid could not be learning what they need to. Schools all over the place are very different and on different level so that would be rough for children moving around a lot. I think for the general population traditional school is the best way for children to go.

In my country, formal education at school is compulsory. We are required to attend the school until we reach certain age. I don't see that as a bad idea. Education doesn't only come in the form of books and chalks in class. We can learn a lot from being in school. By attending the school, we'll meet all sort of people. We learn to socialize and make friends.

I prefer formal schooling as it is not only about teachers prepared for what they are doing, but it is also about socializing. (I'm not saying or implying that people are not prepared who do home schooling.)Children need to mix with other children of the same age and be exposed to life. If not they grow up in this safety cocoon at home with very little exposure. It can actually alienate them.