This period ushers in a new context for learning. Advancements in technology and the presence of social media have changed the landscape of education. Learning now includes nonphysical spaces and online, distance, remote, and blended learning platforms.
Since learning happens in a much wider space outside the classroom, the home has become one of the major players in education. The role of parents and family has gained prominence, raising an important point about their fundamental roles in this endeavor.
The idea of the home taking on a central role in children’s formal education may seem daunting for today’s families. The prevalence of working parents, both father and mother employed, and the generally fast-paced nature of modern life are major concerns. Can homes truly become viable spaces for children’s learning? Can the family provide meaningful and effective academic support?
History tells us that learning and education were largely informal in ancient times. Children were taught practical crafts, life skills, and essential values by their parents and elders to help them grow into responsible individuals. Over the years, learning has taken a new form, one centered on formal institutions, structured curricula, and standardized education programs. In this system, the family has often been relegated to a supporting role, primarily ensuring a child’s transition into adulthood.
However, recent developments, including the rapid influence of technology and social media on children’s growth, have refocused attention on the family’s role in supporting academic, physical, emotional, and moral development.
For families to embrace this challenge, we must rethink how we view learning. Education’s primary purpose is to shape children into better individuals, responsible citizens of their country, and engaged members of the global community.
In this reframed perspective, children are not just learners; they are whole persons. The students we send to school are the same children we nurture at home, and they are part of a larger society. This means families have as much at stake in children’s education as schools do.
From this perspective, we can define the essential elements that will guide the implementation of home-based learning. Recognizing children as whole persons requires that we create an environment where they can think critically and apply their learning in ways that benefit themselves and others. This approach involves three key principles: Learning is a process as it requires consistent effort in developing constructive habits and improving oneself; learning fosters agency as it empowers individuals to think independently and act on their ideas; and learning has a purpose as it should contribute to the betterment of oneself, others, and society.
A reframed approach to education places the home at the center, reinforcing its role as a pillar of children’s learning and development. While technology and social media are integral to children’s reality, the home and family will always serve as their foundation as they navigate this evolving landscape.
