Home-Based Learning vs Classroom Learning Which is better

COVID-19 changed the system of education and many other things in the world. This was the time when the idea of home-based learning came into account, as everyone was learning from the comfort of their homes. It was a significant change for parents and children as it meant parents had to be more involved in the learning of their children.

Even now, there are many schools that follow the hybrid mode of learning. Such a mode includes learning from home on some days and learning in the classroom on other days. You might wonder which one is better for the child, and here is what you must know.

Comparison Of Home-Based And Classroom Learning: Top 10 Factors

Let's begin by comparing the different factors that are present in both types of learning. We will provide you with knowledge about each learning type to help you understand what works better for your child:

1. Social Interaction

The first thing you need to consider is the level of social interaction that the students receive in each learning style. For example, classroom-based learning guarantees that children study with their peers and interact with them daily. Many students find this to be a motivator because they like being surrounded by other peers of their age.

However, home-based learning offers limited social interactions to students. In most scenarios, the teacher provides the learning materials and instructions to the students. It is likely that they might not even have long discussions and debates online.

Such an environment is not very dynamic, and many students can feel isolated while learning from a screen. If your children are doing home-based learning, make sure they have opportunities for social interactions outside the context of learning.

2. Convenience

Learning from home is convenient for many. The students can access the courses from their homes, and they don't need to worry about going to school. Everything is at their disposal through a screen, and they can spend time doing other things or even traveling with their parents.

In comparison, classroom-based learning is not that convenient. Parents must drop off and pick up their children from school at certain times. Sometimes, even the commute can be far, and doing this daily can take a lot of time and effort.

Some students who prefer staying at home will also fine home-based learing more conveninent. So, it is a big factor that can add to your life or take away from it.

3. Affordability

You spend money on travel when you commute daily to drop your kids at school and pick them up. First, you have to determine whether you will use a car or public transport. Fuel costs have been on the rise globally, which has increased the cost of traveling and living.

Not everyone can afford to spend so much on travel and commuting daily. That is because you also have to consider other costs of enrolling your children in schools. These include school fees, tuition fees, notes, books, etc.

Home-based learning can be much more affordable because you will easily reduce traveling costs. You will not have to spend so much on travel daily, which can lower your burden. This is something many parents consider as their children learn.

4. Flexibility

A fantastic feature of home-based learning is that students have the flexibility they need to learn at their own pace. In a classroom setting, the teacher has to set the same pace for everyone taking into account all types of students. However, with home-based learning, the lectures are recorded and given to the students.

They can access these lectures anytime they want, even if they miss a class. Such flexibility helps the child to create their own learning routine in coordination with parents. The parents can facilitate learning and create a schedule for the child to provide flexibility.

Classroom-based learning means following a proper routine and being punctual when attending classes or they miss out. So, anyone that requires more flexibility will benefit from home-based learning much more.

5. Discipline

Students within a classroom environment have to follow the rules and maintain discipline. Many teachers have systems of reward and punishment if children follow these rules or now. Children also understand that they need to meet the expectations of the teacher if they want to excel.

Discipline in home-based learning can be a little difficult. Students can become distracted or not pay attention to the lesson at all. But on the other hand, if they skip a class, then their learning process will be affected.

Parents have to creaste discipline at home so students can learn in the best way possible. Yes, this can be difficult, but it is the only way to get a lot out of home-based learning.

6. Teacher’s Training

Not all teachers have been adequately trained for home-based learning. Older teachers may not be great with technology, and this might affect the learning of the students. Therefore, schools have to undergo a rigorous training process for the teachers to guarantee that they can effectively utilize the technology for teaching.

Classroom learning is easier for the teachers because they are familiar with this environment. In addition, they have experience in this setting, which allows the teachers to impart knowledge in the best way possible. It also means that teachers don't have to invest more effort and time in learning online teaching techniques.

If the teachers are not equipped with the right methods, then home-based learning is not that fruitful. So, you have to consider whether the teachers have adequate training for home-based learning.

7. Technical Problems

While technology is a blessing, sometimes, it can also be a curse. You may experience a lot of technical issues because of connectivity and other problems that can hinder the learning of your children. Even if you invest in the best WiFi device and laptop, there is no guarantee it will work well at all times.

Classroom-based learning is efficient because there are no delays in learning. Teachers and students can have more direct communication that flows effortlessly. Even during assessments, students don't have to face delays when filling out exams.

A good way to try to avoid technical issues for home-based learning is to get a good WiFi device and laptop. It will facilitate learning in an effective manner.

8. Management

Teachers don't just provide knowledge to students; they also have to manage the classroom. Such a task can be tough when the students are learning online. Teachers don't interact directly with the students, so management is challenging.

Teaching in a classroom means that the teachers can observe the students and manage the classroom better. Whenever someone is not following the code of conduct, teachers can provide an active response to the students. This will help them understand that such behavior is not appreciated in the classroom.

It is up to the schools to provide proper training to teachers for classroom management in home-based learning. Even then, it can be more challenging and render the teaching ineffective.

9. Assessment Challenges

As home-based learning has evolved, teachers and schools have had to come up with different ways to assess students. Online tools have enabled teachers to grade students more effectively. However, some teachers can find these tools not to be productive and prefer manually checking the assessment.

The positive side of classroom-based learning is that students submit their assignments in person. This means that teachers can check better and give back the assessment with relevant feedback. But this depends on the teacher and what they prefer.

So, assessment can be challenging, but it can be up to the teacher to overcome it. They also have to set expectations for the students on what they have to do during online assessments.

10. Motivation Of Children

The type of learning can make or break the motivation of students. Some students are much more motivated in a classroom setting because the environment is productive, and they can socialize with peers. It allows them to be out of the house for a while and get some change of scenery, which refreshes their mind.

Home-based learning can be demotivating for many students because they might not find it good to learn from the screen. They have to be at home all the time because of this, and they don't get to see their friends. Motivation is an important aspect, and parents need to ensure that home-based learning doesn't hinder the motivation of children to learn.

How To Make Sure Your Kid Makes The Most Of Home-Based Learning

If your child is learning from home, then it is up to you to facilitate this learning by creating the right environment and taking some other steps. We have listed a few effective techniques you can use to promote effective learning at home:

Set A Separate Space For Learning

It is crucial that you create a separate space for learning for your child. The environment affects the motivation and will to study and make sure the space is not their room. You can select a quiet and calm corner in your home where the child can focus on the lesson without any distractions.

A good way to ensure this is by getting a good table and chair. Then, you can always adjust the space and make it productive by adding plants, stationery, and other things your child will need during the lesson. Having a productive space can make all the difference in their motivation.

Stay In Communication With Teachers

One thing you need to do is stay in communication with the teachers. It will allow you to understand how well your child is doing and if there is something you can do to facilitate their learning. Parents have to be involved in home-based learning because this is where the students are learning from.

If your child is falling behind in a subject, then you need to discuss this with the teacher too. Maybe they can offer some extra lessons to the student so they can learn better. Communication is key to ensuring that your child learns well from home.

Create A Timetable For Your Child

You have to create a routine when your child learns from home because they can get distracted and not be disciplined when studying from home. They need to wake up early, sleep on time, have time for learning, and have a timetable to learn outside the classroom. Sit down with them and create a timetable and study plan with them.

Help your kid stick with this plan by motivating them through reinforcement and rewards. This will allow the child to know that their work has a purpose. It will motivate them to stay on track with the work.

Set Realistic Goals

Just because the students are at home, it doesn’t mean they have to study all the time. Instead, you need to set a realistic workload and goals for your child that they can aim for. For example, you can set a goal of them learning and studying for five to six hours each day.

This can involve the lessons, assignments, homework, and revising what they have learned. You can also break it down by listing everything they need to do and carving out time for each. Such a breakdown will give you an estimate of the time your child will need to study daily.

Final Verdict: Which Type Of Learning Is Better?

Finally, you might wonder which learning will work best. Every individual is different, and it depends on the unique needs of your child. If your child loves to socialize and does well in group settings, then they might get more out of classroom-based learning.

On the other hand, if your child loves spending time at home and has a lot of hobbies they can carve out time for while learning from home, then home-based learning can be best for them. So, it is up to you to assess your child’s needs and see what is ideal.