Date
6-2014
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Chair
James Swezey
Keywords
choice processes, curricula, curriculum choice, homeschool, homeschooling
Disciplines
Curriculum and Instruction | Education | Educational Methods
Recommended Citation
Pannone, Sarah, "Homeschool Curriculum Choices: A Phenomenological Study" (2014). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 885.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/885
Abstract
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the factors influencing homeschool curriculum choices. Within the study, three research questions were asked: 1) How do select home educators describe the factors that influence their curricular choices? 2) How do select home educators' beliefs affect their selection of curriculum? 3) How do select home educators' teaching styles and methodologies affect their curricular decisions? To best address these questions a transcendental phenomenological approach was used to examine the shared curriculum choice experiences of 10 home educators. Data was collected by means of surveys, interviews, and a focus group and then analyzed by identifying and combining significant statements in the data into themes. The following themes were identified from participant statements: (a) recommendations are an important part of choosing a curriculum, (b) religious and moral beliefs factor heavily in the curriculum choice process, (c) curriculum that held a student's interest and was something the child wanted to do was important to participants, (d) there is no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling and homeschool curriculum choices - every child is different, (e) keeping a positive relationship with their children was important to participants, (f) seeking outside help when necessary was an essential teaching method that participants used, and (g) curriculum changes as you homeschool.
