Homeschooling and alternative education in India: Difference between revisions

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==Methodology of homeschooling in India==
==Methodology of homeschooling in India==
Homeschoolers in India use a wide variety of methods and materials, at par with international norms, and often customized to fit individual learning styles. Though there is no actual data available, the most prevalent methods in India are [[Montessori method]], [[Unschooling]], [[Radical Unschooling]], [[Waldorf education]] and traditional School-at-home. Some of these approaches like Montessori and Waldorf are also available in school settings. Many homeschoolers follow formal education methods at home through [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]], [[National Institute of Open Schooling|NIOS]] (formerly NOS) and [[International General Certificate of Secondary Education|IGCSE]]. Of these, IGCSE and NIOS are especially suited for homeschoolers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://homeschoolers.in/boards-and-homeschoolers/ |title=Boards and Homeschoolers |publisher=homeschoolers.in |date= |accessdate=2018-01-11}}</ref>
Homeschoolers in India use a wide variety of methods and materials, at par with international norms, and often customized to fit individual learning styles. Though there is no actual data available, the most prevalent methods in India are [[Montessori method]], [[Unschooling]], [[Radical Unschooling]], [[Waldorf education]] and traditional School-at-home. Some of these approaches like Montessori and Waldorf are also available in school settings. Many homeschoolers follow formal education methods at home through [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]], [[National Institute of Open Schooling|NIOS]] (formerly NOS) and [[International General Certificate of Secondary Education|IGCSE]]. Of these, IGCSE and NIOS are especially suited for homeschoolers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://homeschoolers.in/boards-and-homeschoolers/ |title=Boards and Homeschoolers |publisher=homeschoolers.in |date= |accessdate=2018-01-11}}</ref> As the popularity of homeschooling increases, there are many online homeschooling providers entering the market, the oldest being [[Wolsey Hall, Oxford]] which was established in 1894 <ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qdfYAQAAQBAJ&q=%22Wolsey+Hall%2C+Oxford%22&pg=PA161 | title=Education Since 1800 | publisher=Routledge | last=Morrish | first=Ivor | year=2013 | page=161 | isbn=9781134532513 | orig-year=First published 1970}}</ref>


To help students from Class 5 to Class 12 to benefit from homeschooling, the Maharashtra government on January 10, 2019, launched ‘Open SSC board’.
To help students from Class 5 to Class 12 to benefit from homeschooling, the Maharashtra government on January 10, 2019, launched ‘Open SSC board’.
Education Minister Vinod Tawde said in a Tweet that the Maharashtra Rajya Mukta Vidyalay Mandal is a platform for athletes, artists, Divyang, seniors and anyone who wishes to continue their academic journey while pursuing others interests and obligations surpassing all hurdles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/with-maharashtra-govt-s-open-ssc-board-students-will-be-able-to-keep-pursuing-sports-arts-360332.html |title=Maharashtra Government Open SSC Board |publisher=indiatimes.com |date= |accessdate=2019-03-11}}</ref>
Education Minister Vinod Tawde said in a Tweet that the Maharashtra Rajya Mukta Vidyalay Mandal is a platform for athletes, artists, disabled people, seniors and anyone who wishes to continue their academic journey while pursuing others interests and obligations surpassing all hurdles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/with-maharashtra-govt-s-open-ssc-board-students-will-be-able-to-keep-pursuing-sports-arts-360332.html |title=Maharashtra Government Open SSC Board |publisher=indiatimes.com |date= |accessdate=2019-03-11}}</ref>


==Support groups==
==Support groups==
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* Cascade Family Learning Society – A Society for Home Schooled Children in Chennai, India<ref>[https://cascadefls.org Cascade Family Learning Society]</ref>
* Cascade Family Learning Society – A Society for Home Schooled Children in Chennai, India<ref>[https://cascadefls.org Cascade Family Learning Society]</ref>
* [[Montessori Worldwide School]]
* [[Montessori Worldwide School]]
* {{cite web|url=https://www.aanganchaura.com/ |title=Aangan Chaura}} - Homeschooling by Handholding
* Homeschooling by Handholding<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aanganchaura.com/ |title=Aangan Chaura}}</ref>
* Playgic childhood freedom advicacy<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.playgic.com/ |title=Playgic unschooling}}</ref>
 


In addition, there are conferences, social meetups, apprenticeships and several other organized group activities that allow for knowledge-sharing on a regular basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/bangalore/cover-story/unschool-is-so-cool-parents-look-at-alternative-forms-of-learning/articleshow/61800104.cms |title=Unschool is so cool: Parents look at alternative forms of learning – 26 Nov 2017 Bangalore Mirror, India |publisher=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |date=2017-11-26 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref>
In addition, there are conferences, social meetups, apprenticeships and several other organized group activities that allow for knowledge-sharing on a regular basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/bangalore/cover-story/unschool-is-so-cool-parents-look-at-alternative-forms-of-learning/articleshow/61800104.cms |title=Unschool is so cool: Parents look at alternative forms of learning – 26 Nov 2017 Bangalore Mirror, India |publisher=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |date=2017-11-26 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref>


==Media reports about homeschooling==
==Media reports about homeschooling==
In recent years, quite a few homeschooled children in India have made a splash by being accepted into stellar institutions such as [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IIT]] and [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-IIT-JEE-topper-is-just-14-homeschooled/articleshow/5978684.cms |title=Delhi IIT-JEE topper is just 14 & homeschooled – 27 May 2010 Times of India, India |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2010-05-27 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/i-dislike-the-entire-schooling-system-says-mom-of-homeschooled-teenager-who-makes-it-to-mit/story-hM4iJW9O19ACfmpp4z6zCP.html |title=All parents can opt for homeschooling: MIT girl Malvika Joshi’s mother – 31 Aug 2016 Hindustan Times, India |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-08-31 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> A number of them also choose to be integrated into mainstream education at some point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://firstmomsclub.in/homeschooling-in-india-some-key-findings-and-myths-busted/ |title=Homeschooling in India – Some Key Findings and Myths Busted – 19 Sep 2017 First Moms Club, India |publisher=firstmomsclub.in |date=2017-09-19 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> Some prominent homeschoolers include education entrepreneur, Satya Narayanan R., founder of the "Career Launcher" entrance coaching platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/education/story/20100524-the-de-school-brigade-742933-2010-05-16 |title=The De-school brigade – 16 May 2010 India Today, India |publisher=indiatoday.in |date=2010-05-16 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> Some estimates say as many as 15,000 Indian families have decided to keep their children from going to school, choosing instead to develop individual caliber  holistically within the community machinery,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/society/article/hey-teachers-leave-our-kids-alone-is-%E2%80%98unschooling%E2%80%99-becoming-a-trend-in-urban-india/180962 |title=Hey Teachers! Leave our kids alone: Is ‘Unschooling’ becoming a trend in urban India? – 21 Dec 2017 Hindustan Times, India |publisher=timesnownews.com |date=2017-12-21 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> specially as safety has become a prime concern for parents nowadays.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/homeschooling-piques-interest-of-parents-in-mumbai/articleshow/60978316.cms |title=Homeschooling piques interest of parents in Mumbai – 07 Oct 2017 Times of India, India |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2017-10-07 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref>
In recent years, quite a few homeschooled children in India have made a splash by being accepted into top higher education institutions such as the [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IIT]] and [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-IIT-JEE-topper-is-just-14-homeschooled/articleshow/5978684.cms |title=Delhi IIT-JEE topper is just 14 & homeschooled – 27 May 2010 Times of India, India |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2010-05-27 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/i-dislike-the-entire-schooling-system-says-mom-of-homeschooled-teenager-who-makes-it-to-mit/story-hM4iJW9O19ACfmpp4z6zCP.html |title=All parents can opt for homeschooling: MIT girl Malvika Joshi’s mother – 31 Aug 2016 Hindustan Times, India |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-08-31 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> A number of them also choose to be integrated into mainstream education at some point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://firstmomsclub.in/homeschooling-in-india-some-key-findings-and-myths-busted/ |title=Homeschooling in India – Some Key Findings and Myths Busted – 19 Sep 2017 First Moms Club, India |publisher=firstmomsclub.in |date=2017-09-19 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> Some prominent homeschoolers include education entrepreneur, Satya Narayanan R., founder of the "Career Launcher" entrance coaching platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/education/story/20100524-the-de-school-brigade-742933-2010-05-16 |title=The De-school brigade – 16 May 2010 India Today, India |publisher=indiatoday.in |date=2010-05-16 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> Some estimates say as many as 15,000 Indian families have decided to keep their children from going to school, choosing instead to develop individual caliber  holistically within the community machinery,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/society/article/hey-teachers-leave-our-kids-alone-is-%E2%80%98unschooling%E2%80%99-becoming-a-trend-in-urban-india/180962 |title=Hey Teachers! Leave our kids alone: Is ‘Unschooling’ becoming a trend in urban India? – 21 Dec 2017 Hindustan Times, India |publisher=timesnownews.com |date=2017-12-21 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref> specially as safety has become a prime concern for parents nowadays.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/homeschooling-piques-interest-of-parents-in-mumbai/articleshow/60978316.cms |title=Homeschooling piques interest of parents in Mumbai – 07 Oct 2017 Times of India, India |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2017-10-07 |accessdate=2018-01-11 }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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* [http://www.alternativeeducationindia.net/ Alternative Education in India]
* [http://www.alternativeeducationindia.net/ Alternative Education in India]
* [http://www.nios.ac.in/ NIOS Official Website] – Indian Government recognised board for Home education
* [http://www.nios.ac.in/ NIOS Official Website] – Indian Government recognised board for Home education
* [https://wolseyhalloxford.org.uk/ Wolsey Hall Oxford] - the oldest established homeschooling course provider
* [http://www.cie.org.uk/askciext/contactus/index_html_orig?region_id=2 IGCSE / CIE India contact details]
* [http://www.cie.org.uk/askciext/contactus/index_html_orig?region_id=2 IGCSE / CIE India contact details]



Latest revision as of 19:08, 24 May 2022


The legality of homeschooling in India and a plethora of alternative education schools spread over different states has been debated by educators, lawmakers, and parents since the passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) which makes formal education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of 6 to 14 and specifies minimum norms for schools. While the legality of homeschooling still remains a grey area, there have been petitions by parents and alternate schools in the past for granting relief.[1][2] As per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which India is a signatory, quote: "Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children."[3]

History of alternative schooling in India[edit | edit source]

In India, from the early 20th century, certain educational theorists have discussed and implemented radically different forms of education. Rabindranath Tagore's Visva-Bharati University, Sri Aurobindo's Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education[4] and Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of "basic education"[5] are prime examples.

In recent years, many new alternative schools have cropped up.[6][7]

Methodology of homeschooling in India[edit | edit source]

Homeschoolers in India use a wide variety of methods and materials, at par with international norms, and often customized to fit individual learning styles. Though there is no actual data available, the most prevalent methods in India are Montessori method, Unschooling, Radical Unschooling, Waldorf education and traditional School-at-home. Some of these approaches like Montessori and Waldorf are also available in school settings. Many homeschoolers follow formal education methods at home through CBSE, NIOS (formerly NOS) and IGCSE. Of these, IGCSE and NIOS are especially suited for homeschoolers.[8] As the popularity of homeschooling increases, there are many online homeschooling providers entering the market, the oldest being Wolsey Hall, Oxford which was established in 1894 [9]

To help students from Class 5 to Class 12 to benefit from homeschooling, the Maharashtra government on January 10, 2019, launched ‘Open SSC board’. Education Minister Vinod Tawde said in a Tweet that the Maharashtra Rajya Mukta Vidyalay Mandal is a platform for athletes, artists, disabled people, seniors and anyone who wishes to continue their academic journey while pursuing others interests and obligations surpassing all hurdles.[10]

Support groups[edit | edit source]

There are many Internet-based support groups for Alternative schoolers or Homeschoolers in India, with most participants based in major urban Indian cities. However, there is a considerable presence of homeschoolers in small towns who either independently educate their children or who are associated with alternative schools.

Some prominent Internet resources include

  • Alternative Education India,[11]
  • Pune Homeschoolers
  • Swashikshan – Indian Association of Homeschoolers[12]
  • Cascade Family Learning Society – A Society for Home Schooled Children in Chennai, India[13]
  • Montessori Worldwide School
  • Homeschooling by Handholding[14]
  • Playgic childhood freedom advicacy[15]


In addition, there are conferences, social meetups, apprenticeships and several other organized group activities that allow for knowledge-sharing on a regular basis.[16]

Media reports about homeschooling[edit | edit source]

In recent years, quite a few homeschooled children in India have made a splash by being accepted into top higher education institutions such as the IIT and MIT.[17][18] A number of them also choose to be integrated into mainstream education at some point.[19] Some prominent homeschoolers include education entrepreneur, Satya Narayanan R., founder of the "Career Launcher" entrance coaching platform.[20] Some estimates say as many as 15,000 Indian families have decided to keep their children from going to school, choosing instead to develop individual caliber holistically within the community machinery,[21] specially as safety has become a prime concern for parents nowadays.[22]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Is homeschooling legal in India?". homeschoolingindia.in. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  2. "Legal issues related to RTE and Alternative schools / Homeschooling in India". Alternativeeducationindia.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  3. "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (PDF). ohchr.org. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  4. "Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education". sriaurobindoashram.org. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  5. "EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF MAHATMA GANDHI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CURRICULUM OF BASIC EDUCATION". International Education and Research Journal. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  6. "A list of some Alternative schools in India". Alternativeeducationindia.net. Archived from the original on 2010-07-28. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  7. "A list of alternative schools based on Waldorf method in India". Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  8. "Boards and Homeschoolers". homeschoolers.in. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  9. Morrish, Ivor (2013) [First published 1970]. Education Since 1800. Routledge. p. 161. ISBN 9781134532513.
  10. "Maharashtra Government Open SSC Board". indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  11. "Alt Ed India Yahoo group". Groups.yahoo.com. 2001-11-17. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  12. "Swashikshan". homeschoolers.in. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  13. Cascade Family Learning Society
  14. "Aangan Chaura".
  15. "Playgic unschooling".
  16. "Unschool is so cool: Parents look at alternative forms of learning – 26 Nov 2017 Bangalore Mirror, India". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. 2017-11-26. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  17. "Delhi IIT-JEE topper is just 14 & homeschooled – 27 May 2010 Times of India, India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  18. "All parents can opt for homeschooling: MIT girl Malvika Joshi's mother – 31 Aug 2016 Hindustan Times, India". Hindustan Times. 2016-08-31. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  19. "Homeschooling in India – Some Key Findings and Myths Busted – 19 Sep 2017 First Moms Club, India". firstmomsclub.in. 2017-09-19. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  20. "The De-school brigade – 16 May 2010 India Today, India". indiatoday.in. 2010-05-16. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  21. "Hey Teachers! Leave our kids alone: Is 'Unschooling' becoming a trend in urban India? – 21 Dec 2017 Hindustan Times, India". timesnownews.com. 2017-12-21. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  22. "Homeschooling piques interest of parents in Mumbai – 07 Oct 2017 Times of India, India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2017-10-07. Retrieved 2018-01-11.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Homeschooling