Home-Based Learning is unequivocally the best mode of learning for the ‘new normal’ we are getting used to. Though not without hiccups or hindrances, it surely can add value to the time we have while staying home and contributing to understanding the Corona Curve falling flat. Moreover, Home-Based Learning warrants discipline not only for the participating students but also for supervising parents. And if it can be administered constructively, the regular course work can be continued, which will prevent the disruption of academic calendar stiffened for students not being able to attend regular classes. Home-Based Learning can also contribute to strengthen the family bonding and develop ‘soft skills’ regarding efficient maneuvering of technologies to both the parents and the children.
Though the fringe benefits of Home-Based Learning is compelling, as a newer philosophy, it requires a knowledge of how to apply home-based Learning effectively and deliberate practice in unwrinkled application. Please carry on reading for my seven Home-Based Learning tips to be able to that:
- Promote Self-Governed Learning:
Home-Based Learning can be immensely successful if the children are encouraged to commit to autonomous Learning. Parents can practice subtle directing of their children by reminding them about check-in times to complete reviewing their tasks, their actual Learning, and what new topics or ideas they have tried their hands on that day. Parents can also advocate about changing their approach to face problematic subject-areas, which they might fail to comprehend after the online session ends. Another unique way for Home-Based learning to be effective in making the children auto-regulating their way of Learning. In other words, parents can instill the belief that children can enhance their learning ability on their own if they make their plan on how to achieve it. Also, they can show them that creating a list of the impediments that causing their idea not to be successful can go a long way.
- Maintain Close Contact With The Teachers & Be Supportive To Them:
Conducting online classes is infinitely more laborious. In a classroom setting, teachers can make eye contact, observe bodily movements, discern concentration, spot indifference towards lectures, or perceive dissatisfaction. All of those indications can enable the teachers to propel their pupils towards grasping the subject-matter of their talks. In an online setting, Home-Based Learning is entirely devoid of those available tools for the teachers.
As parents, you can make regular contact with the teachers about how things are working out for the children or if they are responsive to Home-Based Learning. It is noteworthy that many teachers are parents themselves, so the teachers can easily relate with the parents about the unusual situation we all are in. In many schools, teachers set up what’s App groups or other platforms made available by social media. Regular communication also helps the teachers to know if their adopted methods are working or not.
- Get The Appropriate Mindset:
Most of the parents neglect their role in setting up the environment conducive for Home-Based Learning. As parents, you can never get frustrated and aggravate your children. Letting the emotions get the better of you will make you impatient. And as parents, you should know better about being anxious. Not only the opportunity of Home-Based Learning, but any learning for that matter will be a past entity, at least for that day.
Instead, you have to be observing, contemplating, enduring, and supporting. Your empathy towards the struggles of your child regarding anything ‘not-fun’ activities will pave the way for them to become more approachable in engaging them in Home-Based Learning sessions.
- Let the homeschoolers be Your Teacher:
The parents of homeschooling kids have been known to a version of Home-Based Learning way before since the Corona Virus grabbed the world by its throat. Any homeschooling parent will tell you that your expectation is the cause of all of your frustrations you are going to experience. Before Corona swept us over from our usual normalcy, we would not have the kids around all day. Instead, we get to spend time with them on the weekend or at the time when they are expected to not listen to us. In other words, we hope to warm the seats of their sitting chair for hours on end. As you can guess, the reality is anything but.
That’s why, in some ways, Home-Based Learning is as much parenting as it gets, like homeschooling. So, don’t be hell-bent if your child fails to finish the assignment or fails to get the grip over the new mathematical formula. Instead, be thankful if they spend the time trying with sincere honesty. Also, be grateful if they show concern about the well-being of others around. That’s a day best spent with Home-Based Learning.
- Physical Environment:
It might feel like too far-fetched an idea, but if the environment is calm and comfortable, it will surely get your kids concentration up and running. An attentive kid can get the lessons from the teachers without much hardship. And if he can regain his attention again in a day or two and keep doing that until we beat the virus thoroughly, every single session of online teaching is going to be successful. Still, if the most challenging part of Home-Based Learning resolves with success, as a parent, you can be assured that the rest – like completing the lessons, finding the assignments, or getting ready for the exams whenever that may happen – will be happening like clockwork.
So, make sure your kids have a suitable physical environment throughout, not just a well-decorated reading room but a helping surrounding all over.
- Physical Exercise:
Children at school don’t just sit all day long and learn everything! Instead, they run, they play, they shout, sometimes they even fight – the point being regular schooling not only teaches but also facilitates physical movement. So, at this time of confinement, as parents, you should incorporate physical exercise with their Home-Based learning experiences as well.
This will not only keep them healthy but also provides a much-needed break from the melancholy of home-imprisonment.
So look up videos teaching home exercises, go out for a neighborhood walk or goof around if you have that extra open space in front or at the back of your house.
- Be Relaxed And Make It Easy – For You & For The Family:
With the fear of sounding careless or irresponsible, I want to tell you that I don’t get obsessed with Home-Based learning too much. Instead, focus on the God-gifted bond that you have with your children. Practice this bond through all sorts of activities – cooking, binge-watching the Harry Potter movies, reading your favorite comics together, gardening, learning dancing – anything you can think of that may help you pass the time with joy and love and exploring care and fondness.
There you go. You now know my seven favorite tips.
*This is a partnered post. All opinions are slated.*