SELF-STUDY AND HOME SCHOOLING

By Elaine-Kirn Rubin and Arthur Rubin

There are many adults and near-adults who choose to learn a language on their own rather than in the classroom.  There are a variety of reasons for this, among them: a shortage of appropriate, cost-effective language courses, available or accessible at convenient locations and/or times; a lack of transportation; a distaste for “one-size-fits-all” lesson plans, pacing, assessment instruments, or other traditional features of formal education. Furthermore, many find teacher-centered or collaborative-learning classroom styles constricting, or don’t want to bother acquiring academic credits or certificates of completion.

Whatever the rationale, it is indisputable that there many out there who want to “learn it themselves.” And with the right tools, such students can remain motivated, follow through and get the most out of their own custom-designed (but flexible and fun) courses of study.

In addition, more and more parents are arranging to “homeschool” their children.  Also referred to as “home-based learning,” homeschooling can best be defined as an education provided by parents or tutors to children who, for whatever reason, cannot attend or do not thrive in the formal setting of an educational institution. Some families even choose “unschooling,” based on educational philosophies and practices that allow youngsters to learn in more “natural” ways than those usually provided by standardized school curricula and requirements

Common to each of these scenarios: language acquisition and improvement, good listening and speaking skills, are critical to any student’s educational progress and success.