Homeschooling for Pandemic Education - Formal school is still a much more reasonable and normal choice when it comes to children's education for most people. Almost all discussions about education will always focus on schools in a form that is generally known to the public.
As for homeschooling, not everyone has heard of it, let alone make it the choice of educational method. Just to clarify, homeschooling I mean here is not a program offered by an institution or foundation. Instead, it is the management of family-based education where parents are the main person in charge. The number of homeschooling practices like this is still very small.
But with the emergence of the pandemic and the implementation of schooling solutions in the form of distance learning (PJJ), almost all parents then practice homeschooling even though it is still in its literal sense, namely schooling at home.
Unfortunately, the impression of compulsion is still too dominant in the practice of studying at home a la PJJ. As a result, when problems arise, it is easy for parents to accuse the school or other parties who are considered responsible for this PJJ.
I myself see this as an opportunity for parents to explore the new normal that school is not the only place to learn. And, instead of throwing the blame on the ineffectiveness of PJJ, wouldn't it be better to take that responsibility back by running homeschooling totally?
Not an Easy Choice
My wife and I first decided to homeschool our family a dozen years ago when we were newly married and had no children.
But at that time we chose not because we were forced to do something like the current pandemic. We intend to take full responsibility for the education of children. Because based on our observations, schools do not represent our picture of an ideal environment for learning.
In addition, there is often a relationship of excessive dependence on school. As a result, many parents seem to give up their children's learning problems at school.
Schools are used as laundry services, where parents hand over their children and just receive the clean results. Schools are the determinants of success as well as those who deserve to be blamed if children do not develop according to their parents' expectations.
Pretty idealistic, right? Even though we are not parents with educational backgrounds who understand a lot of theories. We are also not hard-liners who see every opportunity as a learning opportunity. That's why when you decide to choose to homeschool, there is a feeling of coolness and pride because of that choice.
But I admit that homeschooling is not an easy choice. Seeing a quartet of children who prefer to practice Ultraman's moves rather than Jarimatika, or reading sessions that often turn into book fights sometimes makes me anxious myself.
However, it did not then make me despair and give up. Homeschooling is something that may be full of difficulties. But not to a level that only certain people can do.
Indeed, a lot to consider and must be full of caution, but rest assured, it's doable and it's worth it.
Answering Doubts
Among the considerations that most often make parents hesitate to implement homeschooling is whether or not parents are able to become 'teachers' for their children. This is a reasonable thought seeing many who think that homeschooling is moving the school into the home. So, as a consequence, it is parents who are considered to be teachers for their children.
The emergence of this pandemic seemed to bring wisdom in the form of direct rebuttal to these doubts. Indeed, there are still many complaints from parents because they are not used to it and feel overwhelmed. But even with such conditions, many of their fellow parents have proven capable of assisting their children's PJJ process. This is a big capital for homeschooling.
In addition, there are two things that can be added to answer doubts about being an educator for children. The first is that all the 'must' be known by children before they grow up should also be known by their parents. For example, basic science subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic -- should be known by parents.
Or, for example, more specifically in religion (Islam). Knowledge related to basics such as the pillars of Islam, the pillars of faith, ablution, prayer, the Koran, and others are indeed the minimum knowledge that a mature Muslim must possess. And it seems impossible for a person to become a parent without becoming an adult first. Even when we may still be lacking in that regard, can't this actually be an opportunity to learn and improve?
I myself was once called the wrong intention by an Ustaz -- just learned to read the Quran properly after being embarrassed and worried about the thought of having children later.
Then, the second case relates to lessons that may not be mandatory but may be necessary and useful. This knowledge is usually related to the interests, hobbies, and aspirations of children. For this one, the answer is even easier. Because the tendency to learn independently will more easily appear on things that are according to interest. So parents just facilitate it.
And, contrary to the opinion of some homeschooling practitioners who try to be the sole teacher for their children, it is very possible for parents to ask for help from other people who are capable of being appropriate. For example, my eldest son's hobbies are reading and sports. Because his father also likes to read, so it is not too difficult to facilitate. But when it comes to sports, I have to realize that it's not my forte.
That's why he was enrolled in a martial arts school. And, it feels like just buying a ball to use with his sister and friends isn't the most difficult thing in the world, even for a ball-blind person like me.
The presence of a pandemic may limit these options. But there are still many alternatives that can be a help for parents.
Maybe we still remember the high school student who went viral in a video a few weeks ago for saying that Google is smarter than school. Indeed, if you just want to be smart, all knowledge is now easily accessible via the internet. Not to mention the emergence of various applications and online classes whose materials are more specific and focused.
By utilizing the flexibility of homeschooling, the learning process can be maximized when compared to the PJJ method, which has a more rigid system.
Seize the Opportunity
There is one more thing that usually makes parents hesitate in choosing to homeschool. Namely, the legality of a.k.a diploma.
Indeed, nowadays, learning cannot be limited to just pursuing knowledge. A diploma as a form of recognition is also sometimes needed for various conditions. Homeschooling is not against that. After all, homeschooling is not illegal; discussed implicitly in Law no. 20/2003 as Informal Education. In addition, there is also Permendikbud 129/2014 which mentions homeschooling.
The problem of diplomas can be obtained by taking the Equivalence Examination or Pursuit of Packages held at PKBM. These diplomas are the same as public school diplomas. Package C diplomas, for example, can be used to enroll in universities. Many homeschooled children have gone through a process like this.
With the existence of a legal umbrella coupled with the previous discussion, it is actually very possible if national education is directed at maximizing the application of homeschooling. But that is the right of policymakers.
I only hope that my fellow parents will take advantage of this opportunity in the midst of this pandemic. At least to simply make homeschooling an option worth considering. Because starting something good sometimes takes the right momentum. And, there may not necessarily be more motivating opportunities like this in the future.