Seychelles explores new schooling methods |15 June 2023
Mr Athanase and Ms Etienne during their presentations
Findings on homeschooling, e-learning and hybrid learning presented at a seminar
The implications of different models of schooling in Seychelles’ context, namely homeschooling, e-learning and hybrid learning were discussed in a two-hour seminar yesterday at the University of Seychelles, Anse Royale.
A study involving 130 participants, which was carried out by the Research and Planning Section of the Ministry of Education, reveals a balanced perspective among them, highlighting the varied benefits of the three models, including tailored learning, focused activities, promotion of self-learning and maximising the potential of each child.
The findings were presented by the section’s principal planning officer, Jean-Marc Athanase and senior policy analyst Petra Etienne to a group of educators.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Ms Etienne said after years of implementing a compulsory schooling, it was time that Seychelles re-look at its education system especially with calls for these new methods to be introduced, and with many countries now moving away from traditional ways of teaching and learning which involves physical interaction.
Methods being encouraged include homeschooling where parents tutor their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school, e-learning which is formalised teaching but with the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or hybrid learning, which combines face-to-face classroom instructions with e-learning activities.
“If we were to move into that direction, what implications this would have with regard to social, legal, financial, supports, standard requirements as well as the qualification framework requirements, materials and resources and monitoring and evaluation,” explained Ms Etienne.
The Research and Planning Section has set out the recommendations under each of the requirements.
The participants who took part in the research were head teachers, teachers, parents, councils’ chairperson and members of the Parents Teachers Association.
Ms Etienne said among the concerns raised were the learner’s safety, parental qualifications, and the need for clear legislation and structures.
The study also recommends addressing issues such as ensuring a conducive learning environment, conducting home visits, promoting social interactions and revising education law.
Additional suggestions include budget improvements, teacher training and the provision of resources and infrastructure.
Ms Etienne said the feedback was both positive and negative, and the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers who would eventually work on the integration of alternative schooling models.
“If we were to highlight the positive comments I would say people are in favour of something different, and new as some do not necessarily like the current system. Some parents whose children are being bullied and do not feel safe at school have welcomed such methods or those whose children have some disabilities or special needs,” explained Ms Etienne.
She added that homeschooling could also be a financial burden on parents who would need to buy their own resources and would also not be suitable for working parents. The protection, welfare and safety of learners during homeschooling also came out in the findings.
Ms Etienne said these should be clearly outlined in the law.
It was also felt that such methods would deprive children of social interactions, which are important for their development.
Patsy Canaya
