HOMESCHOOLING IN MALAYSIA: THE IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHER SERVICES

Abstract

In Malaysia, homeschooling is a form of alternative education that emphasizes quality education based on moral values and belief in strengthening family ties. The purpose of this study is to produce a Factor Selection Model of homeschooling which is based on the connotation that parents reject the public school system. This model can be used as a guideline to improve the quality of the education system in terms of teacher services quality. This study uses Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) as a process to develop a model and map the relationship between the elements in the Factor Selection Model of homeschooling in Malaysia. This study dismantles the complex system into several sub-systems using the practical experience and knowledge of parents conducting homeschooling in Malaysia. A group of fifteen experts reached a consensus on six elements for selection of homeschooling: Religious and ethical reasons; Family Lifestyle and Parenting; Demographics; Home Environment; Special Needs of the Child; and Educational Philosophy. The findings can provide guidance to policy makers and curriculum implementers on policies which need to be developed related to homeschooling curriculum design and teacher training (teacher services). The findings also highlight the short and long-term implications for the organization of the homeschooling curriculum and its practice in mainstream schools, and for teachers' needs and efficiency in future.