Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

Girls In Education

Many people consider the gender equality debate to have been resolved, however, I believe this is a widespread misconception. Diligence in promoting equal status in society between males and females is still a priority. There is a definite need to continue to focus on the educational needs of girls to break down the out-dated stereotyped images and messages abundantly found in the media, and our culture as a whole.

Research has shown that definite disadvantages to girls exist in school based learning situations, from preschool to high-school. There is an attempt to address these in many of these environments, with varying degrees of success. The question needs to be asked, however; how do girls fare in home based learning environments, and are they being advantaged over their schooled peers with respect to equal access to learning opportunities, especially in those educational domains previously considered all-male?

Many families have chosen home education for conservative and traditional reasons, and some would reject issues relating to gender equality, limiting girls' education to satisfying currently held projections of women's roles in society according to their family beliefs. Others may unconsciously limit educational opportunities for girls by lifestyle practices, all the while believing they are providing a non-biased education.

Allowing girls the right to develop fully as human beings, and not 'just women', requires a conscious effort in any family setting, and can be achieved even in conservative households with traditional values if equality is made a priority and valued. Parents can begin this process before having a family, by actively seeking to identify prejudice in the community, and instances where they perpetrate it themselves, and by resolving to change.

Home education begins with the birth of the child, and includes all aspects of child development; including physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth. In order to maximise the child's potential for growth in each of these areas, it is necessary to provide non-biased and equal opportunities to both sexes.

Not all children are fortunate enough to benefit from such an enlightened parenting approach. Child care centres, kindergartens and schools, despite their best efforts, still perpetuate gender biased attitudes. In these cases the children may have already constructed social concepts based on inequality, with the result of limiting their potential. As parents interested in holistic child development measures can be taken to redress biased attitudes and approaches to learning as exhibited in both girls and boys.

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More than 60 essays covering a wide range of home schooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing. Learning in the Absence of Education is an intimate and honest look at day-to-day homeschooling life spanning several years. Includes articles on learning maths, reading and writing, spelling, socialisation, part time schooling, fathers and homeschooling, value of play, grading and testing, coping with stress and illness, and much more.

"These essays are the real life experiences of a long term home educator and activist and make inspiring reading... a valuable resource for all those interested in home education.... What I particularly appreciate are the personal day-to-day stories that are so specific in the incident or outcome These are essays written over time that reflect natural learning (read life) as it really happens.

I really enjoy Beverley's writing style in this book. It is very direct, sometimes even challenging the reader. She tries to be scrupulously honest always so we read of advantages and disadvantages of whatever topic she is discussing. She will also point out the ideal situation and how she thinks she falls short. Sometimes she is self-deprecating; sometimes she glows with enthusiasm for their successful lifestyle. There are touches of humour and sometimes wry cynicism.

Hopefully this book will answer many people's questions and fears about natural learning. It is all in here: how right it feels when natural learning is working well, what happens when we have insecurities ourselves, and the results so far. By presenting the natural learning case in this essay style, Beverley has been able to reflect the different moods, the ups and downs, that make the book a valuable resource for all those interested in home education, whatever their current style."
Janine Banks, home educator, Qld

ISBN 1876651016, 128 pages... $22.95

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