The Rs, revisited

In blog 10 we described how you could realise and then refine a learning programme by using the Rs. In this blog we use the Rs to identify characteristics of an effective home learning programme. 

Characteristics of an effective homeschooling programme

Using the principle of the Rs, we would suggest that the following would feature in a good home-based learning programme:

• Begin the programme with a diagnostic which determines the appropriate start point for the learner (within their zone of proximity). 
• The learner’s progress is continually monitored, appropriate real-time feedback is given and results are published at set points.
• Use this information on the learner’s progress to generate a set of rewards which link to the student’s relevant progress, not purely their attainment (relevant progress is the rate of progress a student makes compared to students with similar attributes or from similar start points).

• There are flexible learning pathways which can adapt to the optimum pace at which the learner progresses.
• The examples provided resonate with the culture and gender of the learner.
• There is constant reinforcement of the basic principles and the option to extend the learning beyond the prescribed pathway. 
• Routines and rituals are established which allow the student to learn in a secure environment. 
• A portfolio of artefacts are created which evidence the learner’s educational journey. 

• The feedback provided for the student allows them to reflect and refine their approach to learning as well as improve their outcome – resilience as well as results. 
• The feedback provided allows the teacher to intervene with the learner when necessary.
• Feedback provided allows the teacher to learn how the programme works effectively and modify the programme accordingly.
• The feedback also allows the leadership team to quality assure the process from the learners, the parent or carer and teacher’s perspective.

We have assumed, that following our earlier blog which identified the areas of knowledge, that you have selected your programme based upon relevant research, best practice and emerging effective innovation. Then, once you have started, you have collected evidence to create a decision-making audit trail.  So that in time, your homeschooling programme can have sufficient validity and reliability to be incorporated in your Theory of Action. 

Good luck.  We hope you find this useful. As ever if you have any comments to make about this or any of the other blogs please we would love to hear from you. 

Thanks George