An Explanation of why Eclectic Method Works Best

Eclectic Method is Our Homeschool Choice

I’ve broken down for you the various educational methods in the past. There are so many to choose from. Each one has ideas that seem like they’ll work but often holding to a rigorous method simply doesn’t work in a home education setting. For us the eclectic method works best. 

A Review of Eclectic Method

Eclectic Method is a method which incorporates parts of other methods to encompass multiple approaches to learning.  It should be noted that this approach is not disorganized. It is purposefully researching and learning about a variety of methods and choosing different parts of each, then forming one’s own educational philosophy based upon established methods. 

The eclectic homeschool might use a collection of unit studies to cover several subjects while also using traditional text books for others.

The Eclectic Method allows teachers to bring together a learning method that is entirely unique to the teacher and student.  This allows for a truly customized education and is in my opinion why it works best, because it can be completely tailored to meet the child’s needs. Homeschooling truly allows a parent/teacher to have flexibility. An eclectic method allows for even more flexibility. {Tweet That}

It allows you to decide what subjects you want to teach, then allows you to choose the method for each subject based upon what might best fit your child’s learning style or teaching style.  The parent/teacher sets specific educational goals and then makes deliberate, purposeful choices to meet those goals. 

My Decision for Eclectic Method

For me personally, I think the trivium approach is excellent in it’s philosophy of how a child learns in the 3 stages of Grammar, Rhetoric an Logic. I think too, this approach is reminiscent of a Biblical method of learning. 

“Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.” 
-Proverbs 4:5-8 NKJV

But I think the rigor which the classical approach requires is far to stringent for either my child’s learning style or my sanity. So while I have approached our homeschooling years with an eye for those three stages in setting goals and expectations, I do not follow the educational method in how I present information. 

Additionally, I fully agree with Charlotte Mason’s philosophy concerning living books. Therefore I incorporate as much as possible literature which meshes with our various studies. By combining traditional texts that incorporate unit studies along with relevant literature I’m able to encompass a broad range of learning while focusing in on one topic or unit of study. For me, that makes planning simple and keeps me organized all year long.

What is your preferred method? Why did you choose it and what is your approach to the method?

 

 

 

This post is part of iHomeschool Network’s Homeschool Choices Link-Up.

 

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