Does Your Kids Need An Alternate Pathway For Learning?

As published in OECD, The term “alternative education” describes different approaches to teaching and learning other than state-provided mainstream education, usually in the form of public or private schools with a special, often innovative curriculum and a flexible program of study which is based to a large extent on the individual student’s interests and needs (Raywid, 1988; Koetzsch, 1997; Aron, 2003; Carnie 2003).

These approaches may be defined by their pedagogy, their curriculum, or both. They are often seen as being “outside” of the mainstream educational system, and are therefore also known as “non-formal education” or “learning outside of school”

However, alternative education is not just about the educational provision itself — it is also about the way in which it is organized, managed, and delivered. This means that alternative education can take many different forms, and there is no one “type” of alternative education.

Some common features of alternative education include:

- A focus on the individual student: Alternative education programs often have a strong focus on the individual needs of the student, and on personalized learning. This may mean that students work at their own pace, or that they are able to choose which topics they study.

- A flexible approach to curriculum and assessment: Alternative education programs often have a more flexible approach to curriculum and assessment than mainstream education. This means that students may be assessed in different ways and that the curriculum may be adapted to suit the needs of the individual student.

- A non-traditional learning environment: Alternative education programs often take place in non-traditional learning environments, such as community centers, youth clubs, or online.

- A focus on experiential and “real world” learning: Alternative education programs often place a strong emphasis on experiential and “real world” learning. This means that students may learn through doing and that they are often given opportunities to apply what they have learned in a real-world context.

Alternative education is not a new concept — there are many different types of alternative education programs which have been in existence for many years. However, interest in alternative education has grown in recent years, as more and more parents and students look for alternatives to traditional state-provided education.

There are many different reasons why people may choose to enroll in an alternative education program. Some parents may feel that traditional schools are not meeting the needs of their child, and so they may look for an alternative that is more suited to their child’s individual needs.

Other parents may disagree with the values or ethos of the traditional school system, and so they may choose an alternative that aligns more closely with their own values. And some students may simply be looking for a different type of educational experience, one which is more personalized or which offers more opportunities for experiential learning.

Whatever the reasons for choosing alternative education, there are many personal benefits that can be gained from choosing an alternative education program.

- Improved academic achievement: A number of studies have shown that students who enroll in alternative education programs often achieve better academic results than those who do not. This may be due to the fact that alternative education programs often have a strong focus on the individual needs of the student, and on personalized learning.

- Increased self-confidence: Many students who enroll in alternative education programs report an increase in self-confidence. This may be due to the fact that alternative education programs often place a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and on giving students opportunities to “learn by doing”.

- Greater self-awareness: Another common benefit of enrolling in an alternative education program is that students often develop a greater understanding of themselves and their own capabilities. This self-awareness can be incredibly valuable and can help students to make more informed choices about their future.

What stops parents from taking an alternate approach?

There are a number of reasons why parents might be reluctant to take an alternate approach to education.

Some parents may feel that they lack the knowledge or expertise to choose an appropriate alternative education program for their child. Other parents may be concerned about the cost of alternative education programs, or about the quality of the programs on offer. And some parents may simply be reluctant to step outside of the traditional education system.

The judgment from society Even though the concept of homeschooling and alternate education is gaining popularity, there are still many people who view it with suspicion. For some parents, the judgment from friends, family, and the wider community can be a deterrent to taking an alternative educational approach.

The obsession with degrees In many societies, there is an obsession with degrees and academic qualifications. This can make it difficult for parents to justify taking an alternate approach to education, even if they feel that it would be best for their child.

The fear of not being able to get into mainstream colleges and jobs In some cases, parents may be concerned that their children will not be able to get into mainstream colleges or jobs if they do not follow the traditional educational path.

The commitment — Finally, some parents may be put off by the commitment which is required to take an alternate educational approach. For some families, homeschooling or enroll

Examples of alternative education programs

There are a number of different types of alternative education programs, and each has its own unique benefits. Some examples of alternative education programs include:

- Homeschooling: Homeschooling is an alternative education option in which parents provide their children with instruction at home, rather than sending them to school. This option is often chosen for reasons of religious or philosophical beliefs, or for reasons of educational philosophy.

- Distance learning/virtual learning: Distance learning is an alternative education option in which students receive instruction via the internet, rather than in a traditional classroom setting. This option is often chosen for reasons of convenience, or for reasons of location.

- Unschooling: Unschooling is an alternative education option in which students direct their own learning, rather than following a set curriculum. This option is often chosen for reasons of educational philosophy, or for reasons of personal preference.

Will parents be bold enough to take an alternate pathway for learning for their kids?

As the education system continues to face mounting criticism, more and more parents are beginning to explore the idea of alternate pathways for learning. While homeschooling has been around for centuries, other options such as distance learning and unschooling are only now starting to gain traction.

The decision to choose an alternate form of education is not one to be made lightly. It is important to carefully research all of the available options and to consult with professionals in order to ensure that the chosen pathway is the best fit for the child. However, for those parents who are willing to take a bold step in pursuit of a better education for their children, alternate forms of education can offer a world of opportunity.

Some parents in India are setting an example like Urmila Samson, Shantanu Gupta, Vidhi Jain, etc. who are talking and sharing their experiences about their journey of parenting.

You can read more here — https://www.educationnext.in/posts/what-you-must-know-of-the-alternate-education-in-india/