Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. It is a method of educating children at home, allowing them to receive one-on-one instruction in a controlled environment.
While homeschooling is legal and available in many countries, it is not so in Germany, where the state strictly controls the education of its children. This article will outline the reasons why Germany does not allow homeschooling.
History of Homeschooling in Germany
Homeschooling has a long and complicated history in Germany. It is illegal in most of the country and has been since the 1800s. This is due to a long-standing law enforced by the German government that requires children to attend school and to be taught by certified teachers.
This law goes back to the late 1800s when Germany was formed. Once the law was established, it became difficult for the government to change it.
Though an effort was made to make homeschooling more accessible to German citizens, it ultimately failed and the law remains in place today. Despite being illegal, homeschooling still exists in some places in Germany. There are a handful of families who have taken the risk of homeschooling their children, often at the risk of legal action from the government.
This is due to the fact that each state in Germany has its own laws regarding homeschooling, and some states do allow for it to a certain extent. However, this is far from the norm and most families are not willing to take the risk in order to homeschool their child.
Issues with Homeschooling in Germany
There are a number of issues that the German government has with homeschooling and why it does not allow it as an option for its citizens. One of the major issues is the lack of quality control.
Unlike in public and private schools, homeschooled children are not held to the same standards as children who go through a more structured educational environment. This means that the education they receive can vary greatly in terms of quality and can even contain elements of bias or bigotry which could damage their future prospects. Further to this, there is also the issue of socialization and preparation for life as an adult.
When children are educated at home, they sometimes do not have access to the social skills and experiences needed to enter into adulthood. They could find it difficult to make friends, enter the workforce, and live independently.
This is especially true for those who have not been properly taught the key curriculum required for success in adulthood, such as mathematics, English, and science. Finally, there is an issue with uniformity. The German government requires children to be taught in a uniform system, and this means that each child must be adequately prepared for the same exam.
This ensures that everyone has the chance to achieve their personal academic goals and that there is no variation in standards. Homeschooling could create a situation where this is not the case, and thus hinder the fairness of the academic process.
The Benefits of Homeschooling in Germany
While there are a number of issues associated with homeschooling in Germany, there are also some benefits that should also be taken into consideration. One of the main benefits is that it can provide a much more tailored education, and one which focuses on the interests and passions of the individual child.
This could mean that the student is more engaged in their studies and is more likely to achieve success and excel. Further to this, many homeschooling parents also argue that their children have more freedom and autonomy over their learning. This can enable them to explore different subjects, face their own challenges, and think more critically about their studies, which could benefit them greatly in their future career.
Finally, there is the issue of safety. By homeschooling their children, parents can help to ensure their children’s safety, as they can control the environment they are in and the people they are exposed to. This can be hugely beneficial in today’s increasingly unsafe world.
It is clear that homeschooling is an option that the German government prefers not to allow. This is due to a number of issues, including a lack of quality control and uniformity, as well as the potential for socialization problems. However, it is also important to consider the benefits that homeschooling can provide, such as a more tailored education and more freedom for the student.
Though homeschooling is not a realistic option for most families in Germany, it is important to take these issues into account when debating the legality of the practice.