Homeschooling in Malaysia vs Regular Schools

The concept of homeschooling is not new. It was prevalent during the early years until regular schooling set in, and it is now returning to the game and reclaiming its lost fame. For instance, over 3.7 million American students have opted for homeschooling over traditional ones, and the number is similar across other countries, such as the UK, Canada, Singapore, and many others. But what could have caused this change in the mindsets of the parents and students towards online schooling? Let’s understand this with Azwan’s journey with homeschooling.

Azwan, a 7th-grader football enthusiast from Malaysia, dreams of becoming the next Messi. But can he do so without sufficient regular practice; we all know that “practice makes a man perfect.” Azwan needs help to balance his studies and passion for football. His six days a week, 8-10 hours of schooling and coaching time, which also involve much traveling, drains his energy.

As Messi has often said, when asked about his football practice,…from age three, I played every day: every morning, afternoon, and night..! So, to have reasonable control over the ball, one needs the right amount of practice on the ground. But how can Azwan master the art of controlling the ball without taking a fall in his school grades?

The Struggle And His Discovery of Light at The End of The Tunnel

Unable to sleep with utter frustration, one fine night, Azwan got up, opened his laptop, and started searching for ways of schooling to help him balance his studies and football practice. As rightly said, “Where there is a will, there’s a way” his research led him to the concept of online homeschooling, which immediately drew his attention. He did not sleep that night and read everything about it, and first thing in the morning, he broke the news to his parents to let him choose homeschooling instead of a regular school.

After some initial hesitation, his parents agreed to Azwan’s desires because of the advantages and increasing trends of online schooling in Malaysia. Today, Azwan is on track to break into the Johor DT, the top football club in the country, and he is doing exceedingly well in his academics.

Although Azwan was lucky because he could convince his parents with his enthusiasm and research, not everyone out there might have the same luck. The benefits of online schooling in Malaysia and its role in shaping students’ diverse career choices need thorough exploration. So, without further ado, let’s understand the various aspects of homeschooling in Malaysia and why it is a better choice today.

Schooling in Malaysia

Malaysia has a well-established system of education that includes learning from pre-primary to tertiary stages. Before we try to understand the concept of homeschooling, let’s first glimpse the current state of schooling and education in Malaysia.

Education in Malaysia is looked after mainly by the federal and state-level Ministry of Education. The Education Act of 1996 is the primary legislation that governs education in the country.

The Malaysian education system has five stages: preschool, primary education, secondary, post-secondary education, and tertiary education. The multilingual national school system offers free education to all Malaysians. Private schools and homeschooling are the other options available to students.

While primary education is compulsory in the country, secondary education is expected to follow the same. Standardized tests are standard in Malaysia, just like in many Asia-Pacific countries. There are 20 public universities, apart from the 60+ private higher education institutions in Malaysia.

Homeschooling in Malaysia

Homeschooling or online schooling is where students get educated either online or offline, with or without the help of a teacher, while staying at their homes or any other location. It is generally supported by a private tutor, who physically teaches the students remotely at home or through online classes. Parents often take up the role of a mentor and guide their children during the homeschooling journey.

Homeschooling in Malaysia has seen a significant rise in demand over the past few years. Parents and students nationwide are choosing homeschooling over traditional schooling for various reasons. For instance, religious beliefs, the quality of education, excessive homework, and safety issues are among the top reasons to opt for online schooling. Every concerned parent wants their children to be in a flexible, comfortable, and conducive environment that supports learning.

Fig. 1. The reasons parents switched to homeschooling per the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) foresight study.

Curriculum for Homeschooling in Malaysia

Now that you have gained some insight into homeschooling in Malaysia let’s discuss the options available if you need clarification about choosing the best curriculum for your children. Here are the top international curriculum options that can shape your children’s personalities and open the door to opportunities worldwide.

While each of the above curricula is good in distinct ways, we advise parents to choose the one that suits their children’s learning needs and career aspirations. However, we strongly recommend the American Curriculum for its inherent flexibility, diversity of programs and courses, multiple entry-exit points, and global acceptance that supports every student.

Comparison Between Homeschooling And Regular Schooling

Consider every aspect if you still need clarification about choosing between homeschooling and regular schooling. It is a very crucial choice because the academic future of your child depends on it.

If you are one of those parents inclined towards homeschooling your children, you must choose the best homeschool in Malaysia. International Schooling is the ideal fit if you are searching for top-notch online homeschooling programs in Malaysia.

At International Schooling, the child doesn’t revolve around the school; in fact, the school revolves around the child. After all, it is the children’s future, so they should have the right to shape it. We have all that covered with the option to choose their courses based on their preferences and the flexibility to attend classes from anywhere at their desired time.

The global exposure at International Schooling will help build a broader perspective and open new opportunities. The extracurricular activities held at our schools benefit the students in developing their critical thinking, social, and interpersonal skills, which will help them build confidence and promote better self-esteem. So make sure to secure your child’s future; come and enroll your child right away. For more information, check this link: internationalschooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is homeschooling legal in Malaysia?

Ans: Yes, it is legal to attend homeschooling in Malaysia.

Q2. Which is the best online homeschool in Malaysia?

Ans: International Schooling is one of the best online homeschools in Malaysia.

Q3. How much does homeschooling cost in Malaysia?

Ans: The cost of homeschooling your children in Malaysia is affordable. It varies differently according to the institutions.

Q4. Why do people prefer homeschooling over regular schooling?

Ans: Homeschooling has become a viable option for parents who want to provide their children with flexibility, personalized options, and many more things to balance comfort and study altogether.

Q5. How many homeschoolers are there in Malaysia?

Ans: Over the years, there has been a significant rise in the number of homeschoolers in Malaysia. According to various estimates, there can be more than 5000 homeschoolers currently in Malaysia.

Q6. What is the difference between homeschooling and private school?

Ans: In homeschooling, the children have access to education at home, whereas in a typical private school, the students must attend a physical school to gain access to education.

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