The aim of this project is to provide in-depth accounts of how Chinese homeschooling parents perceive and make sense of their homeschooling choice, with a particular focus on the relation to social class position. Specifically, case-study research design is used to examine the experiences and viewpoints of homeschooling parents in two different Chinese cities, namely Hong Kong and Taipei. These two cities are purposively selected as the research sites for comparison and contrast, given the commonalities and differences of these cities’ socio- cultural and institutional settings (e.g., homeschooling is legal in Taipei but not legally regulated in Hong Kong). Using data primarily derived from in-depth interviews with parents from a minimum of 30 homeschooling families and supplemented by further observations of regular homeschooling activities during the day in about six to eight families from the larger respondent pool in the two cities, this project will capture the nuance of alternative middle- class choice of childrearing in the Chinese context.
Despite its continuing rise locally and globally, homeschooling in many Chinese cities, including Hong Kong, is not only under-studied in academic research, but also under- represented in society, invisible in public policy, and even marginalized within parent communities. Policymakers and schools can hardly ignore this growing phenomenon in Hong Kong, which has been in line with the global trend. Although only a tiny minority of families are engaging in this practice, it is society’s responsibility to ensure that every child receives a suitable education. In the absence of systematic data and evidence, however, much of the public opinion and discussion in Hong Kong is based on anecdotal evidence, or sometimes infused with implicit biases, stereotypes, and threats (e.g. child neglect). Thus, this project will not only make the ‘unseen’ homeschooling families more visible in society, but also provide an in-depth understanding of these families from the parent perspective, which will also help expose the limitations and challenges of homeschooling, such as potential risks of alienating children from their peers. Such understanding is much needed before we engage in any policy debate concerning homeschooling. For instance, whether and how homeschooling should be supported and regulated, in the best interests of the child, is highly controversial both locally and worldwide.
In addition, this project’s findings on the educational experiences of homeschooling will facilitate individual and systemic reflections and stimulate innovative ideas on the existing educational models in public and private schools. Some educational concerns and challenges faced by homeschooling families, such as how to respond to diverse education needs, and how to foster intrinsic motivation and curiosity-driven learning, are equally important for school policies and practices concerning all other families including their working-class counterparts. It is hoped that the local school community, which is committed to innovation and change, will be the potential long-term beneficiary of this project.
For more information about this project, please contact Dr. Trevor Lee at: ttllee@eduhk.hk