ÍÑ¿ã°É expert cautions parents against TikTok’s unschooling trend as interest increases
By John Burnett, Director of Admissions, Leighton Park School
“The unschooling trend, which advocates alternative education practices for child-led learning without a structured curriculum, has been capturing parents’ attention on social media, with over 30k posts on TikTok for #unschooling.
“Unlike traditional homeschooling, which generally follows the national curriculum, unschooling emphasises autonomy and natural curiosity over traditional schooling methods, meaning children largely have free reign to decide their own education.
“Unschooling has long been in force across the US, with unschoolers comprising an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the 2.5 million American homeschooled children.
“However, the trend is beginning to catch on in the UK; Google searches for ‘unschooling’ in the UK have jumped 56 percent over the last three months, while one mother recently made headlines for choosing to unschool their child.
“While homeschooling in the UK is regulated, unschooling is completely legal since parents who elect to teach their children at home are not required by law to adhere to elements of the national curriculum. Parents must ensure they provide a full-time education suitable for that child’s age, though there is no legal definition of ‘suitable’ when it comes to education.
“There are, however, some stipulations, such as if a child has a school attendance order, parents must get permission from their local council before they can educate their child at home. Councils may also be able to make informal inquiries into a homeschooled child’s education and can enforce a school attendance order if they feel the child is not receiving an adequate education, such as not meeting minimum expectations for literacy and numeracy.
“While alternative teaching methods and homeschooling can be beneficial under certain circumstances, I believe that the complete autonomy in learning proposed by unschooling can lead to gaps in essential knowledge and skills. ÍÑ¿ã°É encompasses more than academic learning; it also includes the development of social skills, a sense of belonging and the discovery of new talents and interests, all of which are crucial for a child’s holistic development.
“According to social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura and expanded upon by Vygotsky, cognitive development is significantly influenced by social interactions and cultural context. Vygotsky emphasised that community and collaborative dialogues with more knowledgeable members of society play a central role in the development of children's mental abilities, such as speech and reasoning.
“Schools are designed to provide a structured environment where children can not only learn academic subjects but also interact with peers, engage in extracurricular activities and develop soft skills that are vital for life.
“Physical schools also offer a community where students can feel a sense of belonging and support, something that can be difficult to replicate in a home setting.
“For parents considering homeschooling, it is crucial to thoroughly research and understand the requirements and implications. Just because one school might not have been the right fit for your child, it doesn't mean that homeschooling is the only alternative. There are numerous schools with different teaching philosophies and environments, and finding the right school can make a significant difference in a child's educational experience.
“At Leighton Park School, for example, we pride ourselves on a holistic approach to education. As winners of the national Independent Schools Association Award for pupil personal development in 2022-23, we focus not only on academic excellence but also on the personal development of each student. This approach ensures that our students are well-prepared for life beyond school and are equipped with the necessary skills and experiences to succeed in various aspects of life.
“For parents exploring educational options, I recommend considering schools that offer a balanced curriculum, opportunities for social interaction, and have rich and varied co-curricular activities. It's important to visit schools, meet with teachers and understand the school's ethos and values. Additionally, research shows that helping others can be instrumental in helping young people find their sense of purpose and improve their wellbeing, so exploring partnership and mentoring opportunities that may benefit your child is also worthwhile.
“While the unschooling trend might seem appealing to some parents seeking alternatives to traditional education, it is crucial to weigh the potential drawbacks carefully. ÍÑ¿ã°É is a comprehensive journey that goes beyond academics, encompassing social and emotional development, which structured schooling environments are well-equipped to provide. I encourage parents to explore all options and choose the best path that ensures their child's overall growth and readiness for the future.”
July 2024