Flexible (Homeschooling) Education: An Essential Societal Need (1)

The culture of widespread flexible education schools in the Arab world and the Middle East, which are accredited by major international schools and qualify students for study and excellence in the best universities worldwide, is now increasing. The Middle Eastern society has begun to learn about it closely, understanding its importance and benefits for individuals, society, and the state. We have previously discussed these benefits, as well as the method of study as a crucial flexible education. Therefore, we will summarize the topic as much as possible to help some grasp the differences between flexible education and the distance learning we used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firstly: Regarding Study and Examination Methods:

1.      The guardian chooses core subjects for their child's education or to enroll in a virtual school. These core subjects are typically: languages, mathematics, sciences (and the Quran is a core subject for us as Muslims).

2.     Application for the annual exam set by the Ministry of Education, which is an assessment and measurement test for the educational program and a passing exam for the annual equivalency.

3.     After passing the exam, the student can then transition to the next stage as flexible education, or they can join a traditional school to complete that next stage there, if they wish.

4.    Flexible education differs from the distance learning we mentioned and experienced during the pandemic. The latter is tied to the school's schedules, traditional curriculum, classes, and specific exams, and proved to be undisciplined based on previous experience.

5.     The advantage of flexible education is that its educational options are open, whether it's in-person, online, or involves practical skill-based and scientific projects, according to the educational plan set by the competent authority for the student or their guardians. This is while adhering to the core subjects considered key to academic education globally, which, as we mentioned, are: languages, mathematics, sciences, and the Holy Quran. However, open education options are more comprehensive and broader, suited to the student's level, needs, talent, and hobbies, which boosts their enthusiasm and inclinations.

We will continue discussing flexible education in the next article, God willing, hoping that state officials will establish a specialized committee for flexible education and implement it as soon as possible.