Pedagogy For Parents

As we've immersed ourselves in the world of microschooling, we've come to understand the immense value of proper pedagogy. Our experience has shown us that empowering parents with the right knowledge is crucial for a child's learning journey. In this chapter, we'll explore key concepts that every microschool parent should understand to foster effective learning in their children.

First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that a microschool is not a factory producing packaged, finished products. Rather, it's an environment that enables learning. However, the attitudes and motivations for learning primarily come from the world around children, with home being the most influential factor. As microschool parents, understanding this dynamic is crucial for supporting your child's educational journey.

It's important to note that while teachers often claim they know more than parents because they've been taught pedagogy, the reality is that every parent inherently knows how to teach a child. This is something you've been doing daily ever since your child was born. For instance, think about how you taught your child to tie their shoelaces or ride a bike. You didn't need a degree in education to do this effectively - you simply drew from your own experience and adapted your approach based on your child's needs.

Learning itself is a multifaceted concept. It's not merely the acquisition of information to be regurgitated in exams. True learning encompasses knowledge, practical skills (know-how), and a deep understanding of both the world and oneself. It's important to note that these aspects of learning can progress at their own pace, which may differ from child to child. This is one of the key advantages of microschooling - the ability to cater to each child's unique learning rhythm.

We often find ourselves reminding microschool parents that learning is not solely measured by exam performance. While exams have their place, they don't capture the full spectrum of skills and knowledge that lead to success and happiness in life. Unfortunately, many signals in our society suggest otherwise, leading parents to fall into the trap of prioritizing test scores above all else.

One particularly concerning trend we've observed, even in some microschool settings, is the push towards "testing treadmills" for competitive exams. This approach is not just counterproductive; it can be detrimental to a child's overall development. By focusing exclusively on exam preparation, children may miss out on developing other crucial life skills. While some students who follow this path do end up in prestigious institutions, we must ask ourselves: at what cost?

As educators and parents involved in microschooling, we've witnessed the limitations of this approach. There are countless stories of students who didn't secure spots in "top-tier" colleges but went on to have remarkable careers, often surpassing their peers from more renowned institutions (I have witnessed this first-hand as an IITian). The key differentiator? Their ability to learn independently, navigate life's challenges, and make informed decisions – skills that are difficult to cultivate when the first two decades of life are spent solely on exam preparation.

It's crucial to understand that the world is one of abundance and non-zero-sum games. Success isn't limited to a narrow definition based on test scores or college admissions. There are myriad paths to fulfillment and achievement, many of which aren't visible from the perspective of standardized testing. Microschooling offers us the opportunity to explore these diverse paths.

That said, we're not suggesting that microschools should entirely reject tests and assessments. These tools can provide valuable insights when used appropriately. As microschool parents, it's important to maintain a balanced view of what assessments can and cannot measure. They can offer snapshots of certain types of progress, but they don't provide a complete picture of a child's abilities or potential.

It's important to remember that jargon like the word "pedagogy" can sometimes obscure a fundamental truth: we are all learning all the time, and children are naturally wired to learn. What's even more special about our ability to learn is that we learn not only from our own experiences but from the experiences of those around us.

For example, consider how a child learns to speak. They don't attend formal language classes as toddlers, yet they pick up complex linguistic structures simply by being immersed in a language-rich environment. Similarly, children often learn important life skills like empathy or problem-solving by observing and interacting with family members and peers.

Our attempts at education must not lose sight of this natural learning process. Parents know how to teach if they know how to learn and haven't forgotten it. And children know how to learn. The environment and culture provide the incentives for them to learn, and we must pay just as much attention to these factors as we do to the content of the curriculum.

To truly support your child's learning journey in a microschool environment, consider the following approaches:

1. Encourage curiosity and question-asking: For instance, if your child asks why the sky is blue, instead of giving them the answer, encourage them to think about how they might find out.

2. Create a learning-rich environment at home that complements the microschool setting: This could be as simple as having a variety of books available, or setting up a small science corner where your child can conduct simple experiments.

3. Model lifelong learning in your own life: Share with your children what you're learning, whether it's a new recipe, a language, or how to fix something around the house.

4. Focus on the process of learning rather than just outcomes: Praise your child's effort and persistence, not just their achievements.

5. Support your child's unique interests and passions: If your child shows an interest in astronomy, for example, help them explore this through books, documentaries, or visits to a planetarium.

6. Foster critical thinking skills through open-ended discussions: Ask questions like "What do you think would happen if...?" or "How might we solve this problem?"

7. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: When your child makes a mistake, help them see it as a chance to learn and grow, not as a failure.

Remember, effective learning goes beyond memorization and test-taking strategies. It's about developing a love for knowledge, the ability to think critically, and the confidence to tackle new challenges. Microschools provide an ideal environment to nurture these qualities.

We've included several resources at the end of this chapter to help you delve deeper into the science of learning and effective pedagogical approaches in microschool settings. We encourage you to explore these materials and continue your own learning journey alongside your child. After all, the best way to teach your child the value of lifelong learning is to embody it yourself.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is based on our understanding and interpretation of current regulations. This should not be treated as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with legal professionals or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific situation.

Please reach out to sai@comini.in if you have any questions, suggestions, or any other feedback!

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