Social Skills for Homeschooling Students

Abstract

This research was meant to provide insight into the impacts of homeschooling on the social life of homeschooled children. The study draws on learning theories from various scholars and theorists, such as Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget, to explain the basis of homeschooling in as far as social development of a child is concerned. The methodological approach of the study was multiple case studies with 12 participants, half of whom were students currently bein g homeschooled, and the rest were parent instructors. Semi-structu red interviews were used to obtain qualitative data. The findings of the study sho wed that homeschooling generally enables children to acquire good morals and values, which are ess ential in social interactions with people . However, it became apparent that to foster the cognitive development of a child; one needs to be given some time to physically interact with peers, albeit in control led environments under the supervision of the parents. The study conclude s that homeschooling can enhance a child’s social skills, provided the nec essary teaching approach is taken by the parent instructor to f acilitate constructive social interactions with peers.