Myth'Takes and Myth'Understandings

by Teri Spray

Myths about education, the truth is revealed!

How do myths begin? Perhaps it is a rumor that it repeated so often we begin to believe it as fact. Consistent repetition does not make a lie a truth! We are going to dispel some myths which are deeply held beliefs by many educators and the world at large.

Myth #1: Children learn best in groups.
If this were true, then why weren't the princes and kings trained in classrooms? The mentor/tutorial method of instruction has always exceeded group instruction in character training and development of thinking skills.

Myth #2: Success in the classroom predicts success in adult life.
Successful men and women throughout history will often report dismal school experiences. Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein are excellent examples of brilliant minds which were totally misunderstood by their classroom teachers. In both cases, teachers had written discouraging notes to the parents regarding their son's potential.

Myth #3: Teenagers need to be with their peer group.
This is the biggest lie in America today. Young people need training and mentoring to become successful, independent thinking adults. The last place young people will find good training is in the midst of other 7th, 8th or 9th graders! The peer group is often a foolish and dangerous place for most young adults. This is a time for the parents to press in to relationship with their children, not withdraw from them. This is a time to come along side the young adult and carefully guide him or her in choices through the changes. Consistent training and direct instruction in social skills will help a young adult shine in public relations. (Note: "Teenager" is a term which was only coined in the 50's. Keeping 12-21 year-olds in a class of their own was never the policy of earlier generations.)

Myth #4: Trained professionals are the only people qualified to teach children.
In numerous studies, National Home Education Research Institute and Home School Legal Defense Association report no significant correlation between the credentials of the instructor and the progress of the student.

Myth #5: Homeschool children are socially inept.
This is such a ludicrous attack upon home education because the home educated children are far more socially adept than classroom educated children. Most home educated children can carry on intelligent conversations with both adults as well as younger children. They are not threatened by playing gently with little children and can also enjoy companionship with people much older than they. Now THAT is a socially well-adjusted child!

Myth #6: Home schooled children are not properly socialized .
Whenever I hear the words, "What about Socialization?" I am quick to respond as Jesus did, with a question of my own... "What do you mean by socialization? Do you mean manners? I believe I can teach manners better than any classroom teacher. Do you mean being able to stand in line and take turns? Those are also skills we can teach easily at home. Or could it be that you mean socialism? I don't think I want my child to be a part of a socialism program in the classroom where they are taught to think like everyone else and have the same values as everyone else. Is that what you want for your child? is that what you mean by socialization?"

Myth #7: Home schooled children are too sheltered to cope with the real world.
When a precious young tree is growing its roots, it is nurtured and pruned in a nursery. These young trees are protected from predators and parasites which will chew at their branches and infest their leaves. Seldom will young fruit trees be exposed to winds and temperatures until their roots are strong enough to withstand the elements. So too, do home schooled children have the opportunity to grow strong and deep roots in the safety of a nurturing environment. Then, when they are strong enough to withstand the winds of our culture, they are ready to stand strong in the world. One has only to look at trees that have been misshapen by the elements to see that too much stress too early grows one into a rather strange looking adult.

Therefore, don't be afraid to stand firm against the myths which have no substance in truth. Though we may seem to be going against the flow, God's Word is our only necessary defense. Let us stand strong in what we believe and defend the truth as we know it.