HOME SCHOOL Meaning and
Definition
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Home schooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians take on the responsibility of teaching children within their own home environment, rather than sending them to a traditional public or private school. It involves independent instruction, typically focused on academic subjects, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the child. The term "home school" can also refer to the physical location where this type of education takes place.
Home schooling often follows a structured curriculum, either prescribed by an educational institution or developed by the parents themselves. This allows for a more flexible and personalized approach to learning, catering to the individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles of each child. It empowers parents to have direct control over their child's education, enabling them to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
The motivations for choosing home schooling vary widely, including philosophical, religious, or personal beliefs, dissatisfaction with the traditional education system, the desire for more individualized attention, or specific needs of the child. While home schooling can be a fulfilling and successful educational alternative, it requires a significant time commitment from parents or guardians to design lessons, oversee progress, and provide guidance and support.
Home schooling has gained popularity in recent years and has become a legal option for education in many countries. It requires adherence to governmental regulations and may involve periodic assessments or evaluations to ensure adequate progress and attainment of educational standards.
Etymology of HOME SCHOOL
The word "homeschool" or "home school" is a compound word formed by combining the terms "home" and "school". Each term has its own distinct etymology:
1. "Home" comes from the Old English word "ham", which originally meant "village" or "homestead". It later expanded its meaning to refer to a dwelling place or a place where one feels a sense of belonging. The Old English root "ham" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "haimaz" and shares connections with other Germanic languages such as Old High German "heim", Dutch "heem", and German "Heim".
2. "School" derives from the Latin word "schola", which referred to a place of study or instruction.
