Homeschooling in Malaysia: How is it Different from other Countries ?

Homeschooling in Malaysia: How is it Different from other Countries :- Homeschooling is becoming a famous alternative in Malaysia and it has gained stability over the years. It’s also quickly becoming a trend in the country.

Compared to other countries, there are some things that make homeschooling here unique.

1. Students Enroll in Homeschool Centers.

One of the things that make homeschooling in Malaysia different is the homeschooling centers unavailable here.

Unlike in other countries where children are taught by their parents or tutors at home, homeschooling students in Malaysia are enrolled in these centers.

There’s a low and balanced teacher-to-student ratio per class in these centers, so parents are guaranteed a more effective learning environment for their kids.

This also means that the teachers will be able to maintain the quality of education and the attention given per student.

Furthermore, there’s more demand for homeschooling nowadays so plenty of these centers are opening up in the country.

2. Students start homeschooling early.

Malaysian kids start homeschooling at the age of 6, compared to public schools that accept students at 7 years old.

This allows homeschooled students to finish their education early and by the time they’re 16, they’re prepared to enter a higher institution.

Meanwhile, in other countries, especially in the west, homeschooling starts at least at the kindergarten level but it doesn’t go higher than the 12th grade.

3. English is the medium of instruction.

In other countries, the medium of instruction used in homeschooling is usually the national language. So, children grow up being fluent in their native tongue.

Meanwhile, homeschooled students in Malaysia are encouraged to use the national language. However, it’s common for homeschool centers to use English in teaching because of the syllabus they use.

This makes students competent and equipped to attend a university abroad that requires English because they become proficient in the said language.

4. The Child must Meet the conditions to be Homeschooled.

As a general rule, schooling is compulsory in Malaysia. To be homeschooled in Malaysia, a child has to be exempted from regular schooling.

Parents must apply to the Ministry of Education for their child’s exemption. However, there are some conditions to be met for students to be allowed to homeschool.

A student should fit into either of these categories to qualify for homeschooling:

• The child should be medically certified either as unfit to learn or they’re not suited for conventional schooling because of certain circumstances.
• The family often travels to other countries.

Then, the National Curriculum should be the main curriculum to be used for homeschooling while other curricula may be used as a supplement.

In Malaysia, students are homeschooled usually because they need immediate care or special attention. This is why parents need to declare their children’s needs.

Parents are also expected to be involved in their children’s education as a teacher or a tutor.

These factors often affect the application for homeschooling in Malaysia:

• Nationality and residence status of the parents and children
• Reasons for the application for homeschooling
• The child might be registered in a school
• Ability of parents to cater to homeschooling
• Suitability of the homeschooling plan made by the parents
• Suitability of the curriculum, timetable, and methods used

Is Homeschooling legal in Malaysia?

Homeschooling is legal in Malaysia and it’s a recognized alternative method of learning in the country.

Some people question its legality because the Malaysian national law mandates that children should enroll in a primary school when they turn 6 years old. If the parent or guardian fails to send the child to school, they will be fined.

But, as we mentioned, there are students who are exempted from this and they’re allowed to take homeschooling rather than going to a regular school. This just means that homeschooling is legal in Malaysia.

Parents who homeschool their kids won’t be fined for not sending their children to a regular school. However, they need to apply for an exemption first from the Ministry of Education before they can homeschool their children.

Likewise, they need to follow the stringent regulations upon approval of their application for school exemption.

Requirements for Homeschooling in Malaysia

• The applicant must be a Malaysian citizen.
• One of the parents should be able to tutor the child full-time at home.
• The national curriculum should be followed.
• The learning environment should be conducive and proper for teaching and learning.
• The home of the applicant will be visited to ascertain its suitability by officials from the Ministry of Education, the state’s education department, and the district education office.

Conditions after Approval of Application

• Officials from the Ministry of Education, state education department, or district education should be allowed by the applicant to visit their home at any time on a school day to monitor the teaching and learning process.
• The homeschooled child isn’t allowed to attend any private or government school.
• If the applicant violated the conditions after the approval by the Ministry of Education, the approval will be revoked forthwith by the ministry.
• If the approval is revoked, the child will immediately be registered at a normal school.

Our Final Thoughts on Homeschooling in Malaysia

Malaysia’s diverse education system makes it possible to have various options and methods of learning. One of which is homeschooling.

Homeschooling isn’t a new concept in Malaysia but it’s growing in prominence in the country.

In general, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether your child should be homeschooled. However, it’s especially needed if their kids need to be given personal and special attention when they’re studying.

Children might even enjoy learning when they’re homeschooled and they could explore more about themselves and their interests.

To get the most out of homeschooling, the parents and the child should be willing to collaborate. Parents should also give their children a sense of responsibility so they’ll become independent as they’re studying.

Parents who consider homeschooling their children should think not only about its benefits but also its effects on the life and skills of their children. They should also be able to examine if their family’s finances could bear homeschooling because it also takes a long commitment. Some children might even need extra resources if they’re homeschooled and this would mean additional costs. Homeschooling your children might be risky but it also definitely has great advantages that will ensure a quality education for them.