In 2019, when I visited the Green School in Bali, worldschooling was a foreign concept to me. I was not yet a parent, but I knew I wanted to provide my future children with the best education possible. I walked around the Green School campus and wiped tears of disbelief and joy from my cheeks. At this school, my children would be exposed to an array of cultures, languages, and world views. They would experience an education, not only rooted in environmental stewardship but also providing a chance to develop global citizenship.
That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities out there beyond the borders of my home country. My children’s education did not have to be rooted in one place. Instead, we could create an education where they experience the world and the diversity it holds. When I think of worldschooling, I think of an educational experience allowing my children to live a life of cultural experiences. To me, it does not mean they will be completely dedicated to one school or completely removed from organized schooling. Instead, I envision a variety of experiences as they journey toward adulthood.
What is Worldschooling?
Worldschooling is an education approach that involves traveling and exposing children to different cultures and environments. It is a way of enhancing their education. It can provide children with a unique and immersive learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom education. Worldschooling allows children to learn about different cultures and perspectives. It builds their independence and helps them develop skills such as adaptability and problem-solving. While, worldschooling can be expensive and may require a significant amount of time and planning, the benefits outweigh the challenges.
Benefits of Worldschooling
Research is suggesting Worldschooling, or traveling to learn, can offer numerous benefits to children and their families.
- In a study conducted by the University of Calgary, researchers found that worldschooling can lead to enhanced academic achievement and personal development. The study surveyed 61 families who had traveled for a minimum of four months while their children were of school age. It found that children who traveled had higher academic achievement, greater cultural competency, and improved language skills. The study also found that world schooling led to enhanced creativity, independence, and adaptability in children (Montgomery, 2019).
- In an article published by Forbes, a family who world-schooled their children for four years shared their story. They detailed how travel-based education enhanced their children’s global awareness, curiosity, and adaptability. The family reported that their children became more confident, creative, and independent. They developed a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and environmental sustainability. The family also noted that worldschooling allowed their children to learn beyond textbooks. It provided them with opportunities to explore real-life issues and solutions (Loh, 2018).
- According to an article published by the BBC, world schooling provides children with a unique and immersive learning experience. The article cites the example of a family who traveled the world for a year. Their children learned about history, geography, and culture through firsthand experiences such as visiting historical sites and meeting locals. The family reported that their children’s confidence and curiosity grew. In addition, they developed a deeper appreciation for the world around them (Mackay, 2019).
Worldschooling Vs. Public School
World schooling and public schooling are two very different approaches to education, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key differences between the two approaches:
- Curriculum: Public schools typically follow a standardized curriculum that covers a range of subjects, while world schooling allows families to create a more personalized curriculum based on their children’s interests and needs.
- Environment: Public schools provide a more structured and social environment, while world schooling offers a more flexible and independent environment that allows children to explore and learn at their own pace.
- Diversity: Worldschooling provides opportunities for children to learn about different cultures and environments. Public schools are typically limited in their ability to offer such exposure.
- Cost: Public schools are generally free or low-cost. Worldschooling can be expensive due to the costs of travel, accommodations, and activities.
- Socialization: Public schools provide opportunities for children to socialize with peers and develop important social skills. Worldschooling requires families to actively seek out social opportunities for their children.
Ultimately, the decision to choose between worldschooling and public schooling will depend on the individual needs of the family. Worldschooling offers a unique and immersive learning experience that can enhance children’s education and personal development. Public schooling offers a more structured and social environment that can provide children with a range of academic and social experiences. At the same time, it may not offer the same level of personalization and cultural exposure as world schooling.
Worldschool Vs. Homeschool
Homeschooling and worldschooling are two different approaches to education, each with its own benefits and challenges.
Homeschooling is a form of education where parents or guardians are responsible for teaching their children at home. They use a personalized curriculum tailored to their children’s needs and interests. Homeschooling provides parents with greater control over their children’s education. It allows them to customize the curriculum and teaching style to suit their children’s learning style and pace. Homeschooling can also provide more flexibility in terms of scheduling and extracurricular activities and allows for a more focused and individualized learning experience. However, homeschooling can be challenging for parents who may not have teaching experience and may limit social opportunities for children.
The Worldschooling Goal
With the creation of my science comics, I hope to contribute to the worldschooling (and homeschooling) resources for children all over the globe. I do make science comics aligning with the NGSS Standards. At the same time, I want to create comics that depict the learning my children experience during our worldschooling adventures. Wherever we are, I want to turn it into an educational opportunity and share it with others.
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