by Beverley Paine

I'm very interested in the discussion on definitions as I'm writing an introduction to homeschooling at the moment...

I've always felt that learning naturally is simply learning. It doesn't matter how you do it - what tools you bring to your life to help you learn what it is that you need to learn, or when you use them. I've always found that more conscious the process is the more effective it is. Learning can inlclude tutors, books, television, institutions and it can include fitting in with other people's agendas as all learning is in some way a social act. This understanding of natural learning I have uncovered through analysing the learning processes of myself and those around me.

Unschooling to me has always meant rejecting the notion that one has to be taught to learn. It perplexes me to see unschooling described as 'child-led' - though it is imperative that the child participate fully in the responsibility for his or her education. I see unschooling as 'family-centred'.  I see the family - no matter how structured - as the central socialising unit, and thus cultural centre, in society.

Deschooling to me means that period of time between leaving school and finding one's innate learning style and preferences and working out the best way to move forward with educating outside of the school environment. It is the shedding of the assumptions about education and how it is delivered to both children and adults.

The terms Home Education and Homeschooling encompass not only children learning at home, but children learning in the community and the environment. For many of us this community has been broadened by the use of the Internet and cyberspace. Some of us are privileged to travel extensively with our children. Home Education is not HOME based in most situations.

School-at-Home - which is the most dominant form of educating children at home - is the application of school methods of education in the home environment. It's a very successful alternative educational approach and for many it is the first step in a wonderful journey that moves slowly but surely towards trust in learning naturally.

I personally embrace all kinds of education - even school education - and wish that all people had the ability to chose what suits their individual children and family situations. We have the ability to support, rather than judge, each other. I am wary of saying that one person's approach or choice is less suitable than what I do or what I see others doing.

I personally have moved through all the above 'approaches' and have settled on learning naturally as it allows me to do whatever I feel is necessary to learn. I definitely don't define natural learning as 'child-led' as at 46 I am natural learner!