As a homeschooling parent (well, any parent really) I am thinking of the academic future of my kids. My dd (who is a freshman this year) has somewhat decided what she would like to pursue as a career. But should she do her studies online or in a brick-and-mortar college?
We have been searching lately for possible colleges/universities and really only have come up with about 3 likely candidates. Personally, the thought of sending her out into the world (and all of the colleges in a different state) as a freshman in college just makes me nervous. I am not one that keeps my kids in a bubble with no influence from the outside world, but I have been there, done that and would like to think my experiences can benefit her.
Looking at Online Degree Programs makes sense for our family. My dd isn’t a recluse but she does have goals that would have to be put on the back burner if she were to attend an in-class college. I personally have always liked the flexibility of online classes. She could still volunteer at an organization in the middle of the day on a Tuesday with online classes (as opposed to on that requires seat time 3 times a week for an hour and a half each time that might conflict with volunteering hours), or work part time.
She really wants to be a writer/editor/artist. She could search for an online option for any of those, such as online degree programs in art. And I know that college isn’t cheap. It is getting more expensive every year. She has plans to save during her high school years for college and she has other options, such as financial aid. By my dealing with FAFSA each year while I was in college, we are quite familiar with http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ for options.
Using an online program requires a lot more dedication, motivation and good time management than brick-and-mortar college classes. Those are things that I am trying to foster while we homeschool. We may have a little while to go before my kids are college students but it doesn’t hurt to start the search early.
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College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.
I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.
As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.
Desirable characteristics:
1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in their education; early in college and in graduate
education.
2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their peers and professors) very well. In general, my homeschooled students are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when they enter the class, initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask good questions. Most of my students do none of these.
3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in their attitude, preparedness, and grades.
Areas where homeschooled students can improve:
1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their schooled counterparts--sometimes far less prepared. This can be especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.
2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience, particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.
3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have to adjust to that incollege. That adjustment time in their freshman year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.
My advice to homeschooling parents:
1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the high school years.
2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.
I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken timed tests throughout the high school years.
In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete the test as long as thestudent is working steadily. The objective is for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps students to be comfortable taking timed tests and
develops confidence in their test-taking abilities.
3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years. If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op, or community college.
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Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor.
He also teaches one andtwo semester online science classes, and offers free 45 minute online seminars.
http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com
