My Feelings for the Homeschool Association of Japan(HoSA)
Considering children as active learners rather than passive recipients of education
In the year 2000 when HoSA was born, we hosted a lecture by a guest from the United States. The guest was Cathy Oyama, a Japanese woman married to an American and practicing homeschooling in Los Angeles. At that time, she had four children, aged from 9 to 3.
One of the stories that left a lasting impression from Cathy’s talk was:
- Homeschooling tends to lead to improved academic performance, and clear results are often achieved.
- When parents have close interactions with their children, they can better understand their children’s feelings.
- When parents have close interactions with their children, they can better understand their children’s feelings.
- Of course, when you spend every day face to face, conflicts can arise more frequently.
- However, in a homeschooling environment, there is room for open discussions without having to constantly conform to group behavior, as is often required in a school setting. In homeschooling, conflicts can lead to deeper bonds.
- When do parents become ‘parents’? / It’s when their child is born.
- However, that’s just the beginning of the journey.
- Being a parent is a lifelong commitment, and parents continue to learn alongside their children.
- They learn from their children as well.
And finally, here’s one more story
- What do you think about at the end of your life?
- Most people don’t think, ‘I wish I had made more money’ or ‘I wish I had climbed higher in my career.’ No, that’s not it.
- What do they think? ‘I wish I had spent more time with my children and my family.’
- If you truly want to cherish your beloved children, your duty as a parent who may pass away first is not to give them fish, but to teach them how to fish.
The Landscape and Direction of Education in Our Country
The landscape and direction of education in our country are changing.
One of these changes is the wave of homeschooling. It’s not only about having the choice not to go to school but also about spreading in our country as something that guarantees learning more effectively than traditional schools.
This approach views children not as recipients of educational opportunities but as active participants in their own learning.
It is a mindset that seeks to correct the over-dependence on schools. It’s about personalization, understanding the needs of children who may not be satisfied with the curriculum and teachers provided by schools, and parents committing to the ‘learning content of their children,’ which was previously considered sacred.
The Emergence of AI and the Arrival of a New Era
The use of the Internet for learning is at its peak, and AI technology has made tremendous advancements.
These technologies have ushered in an era where they are indispensable companions for us to continue lifelong learning.
The wave of homeschooling is spreading not only among those with unconventional values or those who dislike traditional schools but also among highly conscious individuals and seemingly ordinary families everywhere.
We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation.
Kozo Hino,
Chairman of the Specified Nonprofit Corporation Homeschool Association of Japan.