Thread

1. upupupandaway · 1790265861 · focus · HN ↗

   A friend of mine put his kid into a school called Alpha [1]. It has no teachers, only guides (?), who are well paid grads but not formally teachers. Kids go in in the morning, do two hours of computer study with an AI program, and the guide only steps in if the kid has a question or doubt the system cannot answer.

   Then there's recess and afternoon is all taken up with "Life Skills" classes such as entrepreneurship and the likes.

   Kids are tested weekly and progress through grades at will. For example, his kid would officially be in 3rd grade, but she's doing 3rd reading, 5th grade math, and 4th grade writing. She can easily test 3rd grade topics now.

   I am ambiguous about this model. Love the "learn as much as you want" even if it means learning 2, 3 grades ahead, but the no-teacher rule and so much computer use seems a little strange. Also if the kid is not extremely self-motivated, they will be left by the side of the road by the school.

   [1] - <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;alpha.school&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;alpha.school&#x2F;

   Edit: It&#x27;s 40k a year.

   1. graemep · 1790287909 · focus · HN ↗

      I got the benefits of letting kids go at their own pace etc. at a fraction of the cost but with a bit of (mostly fun) effort by home educating my kids. Tutors for two subjects (three in exam terms as English language and literature are separate GCSEs), both Oxford graduates in those subjects. No AI but lots of books and other resources.

      Most kids are motivated given the right environment. Enjoying learning is natural.

      The AI element of what you describe does not appeal to me. The weekly testing and assignment to grades sounds a bit rigid too.

      Considering how much one to one human tutoring 40k an year could buy that does not sound like good value.

      1. xandrius · 1790290241 · focus · HN ↗

         I would love to home school my future (not yet born) kids, how did you get started? Any tips? Recommendations? Etc.

         1. goostavos · 1790302945 · focus · HN ↗

            Home schooled kid here: consider not doing it ^_^

            (although, to be fair, it was a different time. AI would have surely made it much better)

         2. Otterly99 · 1790327138 · focus · HN ↗

            My girlfriend was homeschooled and she would definitely have preferred to go to regular school (which she attended for high school).

            Home schooling sounds good in paper, but as much as school can suck, it is also an irreplaceable opportunity to learn to socialize, which is a much more valluable skill than knowing pre-university curriculum.

            1. xandrius · 1790368588 · focus · HN ↗

               You only know what you experience.

               My schooling was alright but I can imagine a much better version given different circumstances.

         3. graemep · 1790375575 · focus · HN ↗

            The big advantage is that you can tailor to your kids needs and interest. I dislike the term home school because its not like school, and its not all done at home. Doing school at home is IMO combining the worst of both.

            Maths and English (assuming you are in an anglophone country) are important because you need them for other things. You can make them fun and not involve too much study. Reading for pleasure, maths fro and of games, all sorts of things. You need far fewer hours of studying to learn the same amount so do not aim for school like hours.

            Encourage self-discipline and motivation. This really pays off in the long term. Have confidence and feel your way. You need to spend a lot of time with them, not teaching but guiding, encouraging, and knowing where they are. I am also love conversational learning.

            Until they need to study for exams avoid a fixed curriculum. Do lots of hands on stuff. We made circuits and soldered things, had lots of hobbies and activities. One of my favourite stories is that a senior electronic engineer worried about whether universities neglected practical skills asked a room full of junior ones when they first held a soldering iron and my daughters answer of at the age of eight startled everyone.

            Its a bit easier in the UK because home educated kids can sit the same exams as everyone else at 16 (which is the end of compulsory school here). My kids then went to a sixth form college to do A levels. You need to think about paths to qualifications and university. As they get older courses tutors and exams can get expensive but a lot cheaper than a fee paying school.

            1. xandrius · 1790405365 · focus · HN ↗

               Thank you! This is exactly the experience I&#x27;d love to have. I&#x27;m not thinking of using home schooling as a shortcut for certain things or to avoid interactions. I am aware that I will have to be present and, as you said, meet them where they are and guide them through it.

               One question: how did you find tutors and were they meeting physically or also online? And what subjects did you find needing tutoring?

               1. graemep · 1790463459 · focus · HN ↗

                  Classes for drama,music and dance and some sports.

                  For GCSEs&#x2F;IGCSEs (UK exams schools do at 16) English literature for older one. English language and literature for younger one. Its a hard subject to mark for exam prep. Close friend who was a teacher and briefly home educated her daughter for health reasons. Also classical civilisation for which I found a tutor through recommendations. A lot of teachers make bad tutors because they find it hard to switch from classroom teaching.

                  Enthusiastic subject specialists are great for older kids. Both our tutors went to Oxford - and my younger daughter starts her degree there in next month.

                  I did not mean to imply you were looking for shortcuts or to avoid interactions, but wanted to emphasise the importance. The extra time with your kids in incredibly rewarding too.

                  I have some blog posts on the subject. This might be of interest <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;pietersz.co.uk&#x2F;2021&#x2F;01&#x2F;there-is-no-home-education" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;pietersz.co.uk&#x2F;2021&#x2F;01&#x2F;there-is-no-home-education and some posts here: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;pietersz.co.uk&#x2F;category&#x2F;life&#x2F;parenting" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;pietersz.co.uk&#x2F;category&#x2F;life&#x2F;parenting

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