1. Virtual schooling is not homeschooling though both are done primarily in the home, so don't tell us it is.
2. True flexibility is found in homeschooling, so find another word when we talk
3. Individualized learning, real individualized learning, is what homeschooling is all about
4. There are close to 2 million of us homeschoolers and no we don't all think alike
5. The small, yet sometimes loud minority of those homeschoolers who speak up don't speak for all of us
6. Don't talk to us about the free tuition because we know there is a cost
7. Freedom matters a great deal to us, and we won't give it up easily, even for something free
8. There are close to 2 million different reasons why us homeschoolers have chosen to homeschool
9. We are real people at the end of your data point, don't forget that
10. When we say "no" to your virtual school, what we are really saying is we don't trust what you are telling us
houston@figment-consulting.com
Showing posts with label home education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home education. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2016
Monday, April 7, 2014
How to reach homeschoolers, and other questions from readers.
Since launching this blog I have received a variety of questions via email related to my posts, and have answered each one directly. However, I thought some of them that are broader in scope might be of interest to others - whether my answers are also of interest is to be determined.
Below are just a few of the recent ones I have received.
1. How can we reach homeschoolers?
I have written about this in several of my blogs already:
Why homeschoolers are not listening to you
Marketing to homeschool moms
What is the common core to homeschoolers?
Why homeschoolers are not listening to you (Part 2)
Reaching homeschoolers in 2014
I won't rehash all of those blogs here, but the main item to keep in mind here is that this is really such a vague question. "Reaching homeschoolers" carries with it the assumption they are all the same, and they all think alike. Just because you carry the title "Mom" doesn't mean you think and act like all other women who also happen to be mothers.
So, the first thought here is to understand what homeschoolers you are wanting to talk to, because you cannot reach all of them due to their diversity of thought.
2. Are all homeschoolers conservative?
Short answer is No. There is a homeschool spectrum that exists with conservative ones on one side, and liberal ones on the other side. Between the two lies the full array of thoughts and beliefs that mirror the overall population. There are secular homeschoolers, Muslim homeschoolers, and so on that make this community a true mosaic.
Even within the "conservative" side of the spectrum lies diversity -- young-Earth Creationists and old-Earth Creationists. There are some who believe the Bible instructs them to homeschool while others homeschool by choice, not mandate.
3. Why do all homeschoolers distrust the government?
First of all, not all homeschoolers do. (see the answer to #2 above) Just because a group is loud does not mean they are a majority, it just means they are vocal.
However, for those that do distrust the government, it is a very emotional issue that cannot be addressed satisfactorily with logic or reason.
4. Do homeschoolers really perform better on standardized tests than their public school counterparts do?
Research indicates that those homeschoolers who take the standardized tests do perform better on average than their public school counterparts. However, it could have as much to do with selectivity as it does with performance because not all homeschoolers take these tests.
5. Do you believe the Common Core will lead to further growth in alternative education such as homeschooling?
Fear is a great motivator (election cycles remind us of this all the time), and change breeds fear many times. An issue as galvanizing as the Common Core could actually lead to an increase in homeschoolers because parents will move toward safety -- when homeschool becomes safer than Common Core in the minds of families, it could lead to greater movement to the former.
6. What do you mean when you say "mainstream homeschoolers"?
My use of the word "mainstream" has more to do with the reasons behind their choice and the way they interact in the world than it does with any philosophical, spiritual, or political bent. In my view you can be mainstream and Christian, mainstream and Muslim, mainstream and agnostic or atheist.
There are over 2.4 million homeschoolers in America, and growing. My contention is the majority of them are quietly educating their children at home because they believe that is best for their situation. For them, education is the primary motivator in the decision though faith and values are also important to them -- whatever their faith may be.
And, they engage with the world in manners similar to what we find across all other target markets -- they shop online; they visit local zoos/aquariums; they go to movies; they shop at Target, Macy's, or even Wal Mart; they participate in sports, activities, and clubs; they own multiple computers (even iPads) and carry Directv or DISH -- in essence they do what everyone else does, they just happen to homeschool rather than private school or public school.
More questions to come in the future. Now back to our regularly-scheduled blog post.
houston@figment-consulting.com
Below are just a few of the recent ones I have received.
1. How can we reach homeschoolers?
I have written about this in several of my blogs already:
Why homeschoolers are not listening to you
Marketing to homeschool moms
What is the common core to homeschoolers?
Why homeschoolers are not listening to you (Part 2)
Reaching homeschoolers in 2014
I won't rehash all of those blogs here, but the main item to keep in mind here is that this is really such a vague question. "Reaching homeschoolers" carries with it the assumption they are all the same, and they all think alike. Just because you carry the title "Mom" doesn't mean you think and act like all other women who also happen to be mothers.
So, the first thought here is to understand what homeschoolers you are wanting to talk to, because you cannot reach all of them due to their diversity of thought.
2. Are all homeschoolers conservative?
Short answer is No. There is a homeschool spectrum that exists with conservative ones on one side, and liberal ones on the other side. Between the two lies the full array of thoughts and beliefs that mirror the overall population. There are secular homeschoolers, Muslim homeschoolers, and so on that make this community a true mosaic.
Even within the "conservative" side of the spectrum lies diversity -- young-Earth Creationists and old-Earth Creationists. There are some who believe the Bible instructs them to homeschool while others homeschool by choice, not mandate.
3. Why do all homeschoolers distrust the government?
First of all, not all homeschoolers do. (see the answer to #2 above) Just because a group is loud does not mean they are a majority, it just means they are vocal.
However, for those that do distrust the government, it is a very emotional issue that cannot be addressed satisfactorily with logic or reason.
4. Do homeschoolers really perform better on standardized tests than their public school counterparts do?
Research indicates that those homeschoolers who take the standardized tests do perform better on average than their public school counterparts. However, it could have as much to do with selectivity as it does with performance because not all homeschoolers take these tests.
5. Do you believe the Common Core will lead to further growth in alternative education such as homeschooling?
Fear is a great motivator (election cycles remind us of this all the time), and change breeds fear many times. An issue as galvanizing as the Common Core could actually lead to an increase in homeschoolers because parents will move toward safety -- when homeschool becomes safer than Common Core in the minds of families, it could lead to greater movement to the former.
6. What do you mean when you say "mainstream homeschoolers"?
My use of the word "mainstream" has more to do with the reasons behind their choice and the way they interact in the world than it does with any philosophical, spiritual, or political bent. In my view you can be mainstream and Christian, mainstream and Muslim, mainstream and agnostic or atheist.
There are over 2.4 million homeschoolers in America, and growing. My contention is the majority of them are quietly educating their children at home because they believe that is best for their situation. For them, education is the primary motivator in the decision though faith and values are also important to them -- whatever their faith may be.
And, they engage with the world in manners similar to what we find across all other target markets -- they shop online; they visit local zoos/aquariums; they go to movies; they shop at Target, Macy's, or even Wal Mart; they participate in sports, activities, and clubs; they own multiple computers (even iPads) and carry Directv or DISH -- in essence they do what everyone else does, they just happen to homeschool rather than private school or public school.
More questions to come in the future. Now back to our regularly-scheduled blog post.
houston@figment-consulting.com
Monday, March 17, 2014
We offer a "rigorous" curriculum . . .
Below is the definition of "rigorous" from Dictionary.com.
s] Show IPA
Not sure the words "harsh," "severe," and "extreme" are the ones I would want to associate with my curriculum.
Words matter, so choose them carefully.
houston@figment-consulting.com
rig·or·ous
[rig-er-uhs] Show IPA
adjective
2.
severely exact or accurate; precise: rigorous research.
3.
(of weather or climate) uncomfortably severe or harsh; extremely inclement.
4.
Logic, Mathematics . logically valid.
Not sure the words "harsh," "severe," and "extreme" are the ones I would want to associate with my curriculum.
Words matter, so choose them carefully.
houston@figment-consulting.com
Thursday, March 13, 2014
I expect you will listen to me. I hope you will hear me.
Listening to your customers merely means you are paying attention to them in order to hear what they have to say. That much they expect of you.
Hearing them goes much deeper where you perceive, discern, apprehend, and even comprehend.
You can applaud yourself for all of the ways you listen to your customers, but if you never hear what they are telling you, it only creates frustration.
Focus on hearing them, on discerning what they are telling you, on understanding their wants that they are trying to convey. If you can serve their wants, you can delight them.
houston@figment-consulting.com
Hearing them goes much deeper where you perceive, discern, apprehend, and even comprehend.
You can applaud yourself for all of the ways you listen to your customers, but if you never hear what they are telling you, it only creates frustration.
Focus on hearing them, on discerning what they are telling you, on understanding their wants that they are trying to convey. If you can serve their wants, you can delight them.
houston@figment-consulting.com
Friday, February 28, 2014
The human connection
Technology is not the answer.
Technology gives you a shot at reaching students, and technology gives students a shot at learning.
Rather than build your virtual school around the technology, build it instead around the student. Remember, you are in the "human connection" business, not the online learning business.
www.figment-consulting.com
Technology gives you a shot at reaching students, and technology gives students a shot at learning.
Rather than build your virtual school around the technology, build it instead around the student. Remember, you are in the "human connection" business, not the online learning business.
www.figment-consulting.com
Monday, February 24, 2014
The school of possibility
Is it possible to inspire students to learn instead of teaching them how to memorize a base of common knowledge?
Is it possible to embrace the curiosity inherent within children and guide the learning process instead of mastering dates, times, and events for a test?
Is it possible to develop the individual child instead of teaching to the middle?
Is it possible to foster the skills of finding solutions instead of seeking correct answers?
Is it possible to measure the growth of each child individually instead of comparatively?
Is it possible to celebrate failure as part of the learning process instead of only rewarding correctness?
Is it possible to pursue individual dreams instead of group compliance?
Is it possible to learn the child instead of teach to the test?
Is it possible to place value on the question instead of just the answer?
Is it possible to have learning environments instead of classrooms?
Is it possible to stimulate the mind instead of numbing the senses?
Is it possible?
Is it possible to embrace the curiosity inherent within children and guide the learning process instead of mastering dates, times, and events for a test?
Is it possible to develop the individual child instead of teaching to the middle?
Is it possible to foster the skills of finding solutions instead of seeking correct answers?
Is it possible to measure the growth of each child individually instead of comparatively?
Is it possible to celebrate failure as part of the learning process instead of only rewarding correctness?
Is it possible to pursue individual dreams instead of group compliance?
Is it possible to learn the child instead of teach to the test?
Is it possible to place value on the question instead of just the answer?
Is it possible to have learning environments instead of classrooms?
Is it possible to stimulate the mind instead of numbing the senses?
Is it possible?
Monday, February 10, 2014
High attrition rates at virtual schools are caused by . . .
. . . several things really. Fortunately, most of the causes can be addressed.
Last week I wrote a blog discussing the buzzwords of virtual schools and received several emails asking me my opinion regarding the attrition rates in virtual schools. As I shared with those who reached out to me, there are a myriad of reasons why families choose to leave virtual schools. The question is, "Which ones can you impact positively to reduce the attrition rate?" Those are the ones you really want to focus your attention on.
With that in mind let me offer three reasons why families are leaving virtual schools, sometimes at alarming rates.
1) Expectations not being met.
I alluded to this in my buzzword blog, and will expound upon it here. Virtual schools typically position themselves as offering programs that are individualized, personalized, and flexible for families. My contention is the definitions placed upon these words by virtual schools do not mirror the definitions that families place upon them. And, what matters the most is the what the families expect when they hear these words.
If a virtual school states that they offer an "individualized program where a student can progress at his/her own pace," as a prospective family, I expect that to mean my child can move at the pace best suited for him. Unfortunately the reality is far different.
Personalized? Surely that means specific to me. Again, the reality is quite different. And, then there is flexible. Flexible is one that can fit here where expectations are not being met, but it can also stand alone as a reason even when expectations are understood. (See #3 below)
2) Too much work
Right or wrong, like it or not, state tests are the measuring rods of public schools, including virtual public schools. Has this stymied the promise of virtual schools? That is the subject for another blog. What it has created though is a workload for families that is difficult to sustain.
Imagine being in the eighth grade, taking 5-6 courses each day with multiple quizzes and projects to turn in weekly, then having to participate in mandatory class connects with teachers, spend time each day working on test prep lessons, teacher office hours, find time for club activity, and even do some additional testing so the schools can show academic progress throughout the school year.
Exhausting yes? Now, imagine you are the parent of the eighth grader, having to help your child stay on top of all of those responsibilities, and, oh by the way, you also have a fourth grader and second grader enrolled too.
Parents leave virtual schools complaining about the rigor and the virtual schools believe it to mean the rigor of the academic content. In reality, it is the ongoing workload that is causing the problem with too much of it simply to prepare students to exceed on state tests.
3) Lack of flexibility
This is really an addendum to the first point but warrants more explanation because it too can be a stand-alone reason for families leaving - even when the expectations are clearly communicated and understood. Virtual schools are 'choice' schools meaning families choose to attend them, and they can choose to leave them.
A primary reason families decide to enroll in virtual schools is the promise of flexibility. In comparison to brick and mortar public schools, virtual school do offer more flexibility, but is it enough. Families hear flexibility and they tend to believe they can "do school when we want to," "take December off," "take a vacation when we want to," etc.
Families have the perception that virtual schooling is similar to home school, it is just free. In reality though, virtual schools mirror their brick and mortar counterparts more than home school when it comes to flexibility.
When families being to feel the pressure and burden of meeting all of the responsibilities outlined in the second point, and then realize they do not have the level of flexibility they desired, they tend to bolt.
I have not even mentioned how students/families are treated, communication issues, and training for administrators/teachers. Perhaps I will save these for a future blog.
However, a virtual school that is willing to go to the edge and cause a ruckus, can counteract these reasons for leaving. It takes courage, it takes the willingness to carve a new path, but the end result can be a virtual school that stands out from the competition - one that has students lining up to enter rather than exit.
But, you say, if I were to do something like this, how could I be sure test scores would improve? You can't. But, what is certain is that existing efforts are not doing much to improve these scores either.
So, why not try something completely unique?
Feel free to share your thoughts below.
www.figment-consulting.com
Last week I wrote a blog discussing the buzzwords of virtual schools and received several emails asking me my opinion regarding the attrition rates in virtual schools. As I shared with those who reached out to me, there are a myriad of reasons why families choose to leave virtual schools. The question is, "Which ones can you impact positively to reduce the attrition rate?" Those are the ones you really want to focus your attention on.
With that in mind let me offer three reasons why families are leaving virtual schools, sometimes at alarming rates.
1) Expectations not being met.
I alluded to this in my buzzword blog, and will expound upon it here. Virtual schools typically position themselves as offering programs that are individualized, personalized, and flexible for families. My contention is the definitions placed upon these words by virtual schools do not mirror the definitions that families place upon them. And, what matters the most is the what the families expect when they hear these words.
If a virtual school states that they offer an "individualized program where a student can progress at his/her own pace," as a prospective family, I expect that to mean my child can move at the pace best suited for him. Unfortunately the reality is far different.
Personalized? Surely that means specific to me. Again, the reality is quite different. And, then there is flexible. Flexible is one that can fit here where expectations are not being met, but it can also stand alone as a reason even when expectations are understood. (See #3 below)
2) Too much work
Right or wrong, like it or not, state tests are the measuring rods of public schools, including virtual public schools. Has this stymied the promise of virtual schools? That is the subject for another blog. What it has created though is a workload for families that is difficult to sustain.
Imagine being in the eighth grade, taking 5-6 courses each day with multiple quizzes and projects to turn in weekly, then having to participate in mandatory class connects with teachers, spend time each day working on test prep lessons, teacher office hours, find time for club activity, and even do some additional testing so the schools can show academic progress throughout the school year.
Exhausting yes? Now, imagine you are the parent of the eighth grader, having to help your child stay on top of all of those responsibilities, and, oh by the way, you also have a fourth grader and second grader enrolled too.
Parents leave virtual schools complaining about the rigor and the virtual schools believe it to mean the rigor of the academic content. In reality, it is the ongoing workload that is causing the problem with too much of it simply to prepare students to exceed on state tests.
3) Lack of flexibility
This is really an addendum to the first point but warrants more explanation because it too can be a stand-alone reason for families leaving - even when the expectations are clearly communicated and understood. Virtual schools are 'choice' schools meaning families choose to attend them, and they can choose to leave them.
A primary reason families decide to enroll in virtual schools is the promise of flexibility. In comparison to brick and mortar public schools, virtual school do offer more flexibility, but is it enough. Families hear flexibility and they tend to believe they can "do school when we want to," "take December off," "take a vacation when we want to," etc.
Families have the perception that virtual schooling is similar to home school, it is just free. In reality though, virtual schools mirror their brick and mortar counterparts more than home school when it comes to flexibility.
When families being to feel the pressure and burden of meeting all of the responsibilities outlined in the second point, and then realize they do not have the level of flexibility they desired, they tend to bolt.
I have not even mentioned how students/families are treated, communication issues, and training for administrators/teachers. Perhaps I will save these for a future blog.
However, a virtual school that is willing to go to the edge and cause a ruckus, can counteract these reasons for leaving. It takes courage, it takes the willingness to carve a new path, but the end result can be a virtual school that stands out from the competition - one that has students lining up to enter rather than exit.
But, you say, if I were to do something like this, how could I be sure test scores would improve? You can't. But, what is certain is that existing efforts are not doing much to improve these scores either.
So, why not try something completely unique?
Feel free to share your thoughts below.
www.figment-consulting.com
Thursday, January 30, 2014
The State of the Union . . .
. . . really depends upon where you are in life. For Republicans, the State of the Union is not too good right now. For Democrats, it is a lot better (though there is some trepidation with the looming elections, which are always looming it seems). And yet, it is the same Union for both.
In reality, it is not the State of the "Union" that matters, it is the State of "Me". And, there are over 200 million "me's" running around with differing opinions as to the true State of what is going on.
The same can be said of your customers. You can tout the merits of a 92% retention rate, or an 89% customer satisfaction rate. But, that means 8% and 11% have a differing opinion.
Having a high retention rate, or satisfaction rate is nice. But, if you are the only one saying anything about it then there is great potential being lost. Instead, be proactive in developing a culture of sharing by your customers who are satisfied with you. Remember, the percentage who leave you are already telling others of their experience with you.
www.figment-consulting.com
In reality, it is not the State of the "Union" that matters, it is the State of "Me". And, there are over 200 million "me's" running around with differing opinions as to the true State of what is going on.
The same can be said of your customers. You can tout the merits of a 92% retention rate, or an 89% customer satisfaction rate. But, that means 8% and 11% have a differing opinion.
Having a high retention rate, or satisfaction rate is nice. But, if you are the only one saying anything about it then there is great potential being lost. Instead, be proactive in developing a culture of sharing by your customers who are satisfied with you. Remember, the percentage who leave you are already telling others of their experience with you.
www.figment-consulting.com
Monday, January 27, 2014
Excellent customer service can mushroom . . .
This story is a great demonstration of excellence in customer service: Pizza Chain Makes Special Delivery
Within this story lies the secret to caring for your customer. Can you find it?
www.figment-consulting.com
Within this story lies the secret to caring for your customer. Can you find it?
www.figment-consulting.com
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Education of US
Imagine a world where the education system cared about the students.
Imagine a world where the educators could treat the students as customers.
Imagine a world where families could choose schools like they do when ordering at Starbucks -- a customized learning experience tailored to each child.
Imagine a world where students could be encouraged to think rather than memorize facts for a test.
Imagine a world where failure could be celebrated as a step toward learning the content.
Imagine a world where students could be rewarded for doing their best -- no matter what grade was assigned to the result of that effort.
Imagine . . . remember, all that we have today first began as an idea, and nothing is impossible.
www.figment-consulting.com
Imagine a world where the educators could treat the students as customers.
Imagine a world where families could choose schools like they do when ordering at Starbucks -- a customized learning experience tailored to each child.
Imagine a world where students could be encouraged to think rather than memorize facts for a test.
Imagine a world where failure could be celebrated as a step toward learning the content.
Imagine a world where students could be rewarded for doing their best -- no matter what grade was assigned to the result of that effort.
Imagine . . . remember, all that we have today first began as an idea, and nothing is impossible.
www.figment-consulting.com
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Virtual students?
The district superintendent said it several times during the course of our conversation the other day.
"We have over 1,000 virtual students around the state."
"Our virtual students come from all over the state."
"Most of our virtual students reside in these counties."
He even emailed me a .pdf showing the data points of where his virtual students reside.
And most of them are struggling, not happy with the school, with the exodus rate continuing to grow annually. His question to me was "why?" "Why are they leaving us at such a high rate?"
There were a myriad of reasons really but I focused on the one that was glaring.
"My first suggestion is that you take a step back and understand that you have a virtual school, but your students who attend it are real kids, not virtual."
I then went on to share with him four additional suggestions:
1) Rather than data points on a state map, display their faces where all of your administrators can see them. That way they will grasp the fact that these are real kids.
2) Use the word "virtual" sparingly, and only when referring to the school. In all oral and written communication, refer to them as "real students" and not virtual.
3) Develop a plan, a course of action, even a culture where you are able to learn: what they believe? what are their aspirations? what are their dreams? what are their goals? why are they here? And, how can you serve them more effectively?
4) Understand that retention efforts begin the same day a family commits to your school. It is wrapped up in the teacher/student relationship; the communication from the school (what is said and how it is said); the ability for the student/family to find answers; the perception that they are being heard; and whether or not your actions match or exceed your words.
If you want to put a dent in the attrition rate, give students plenty of reasons to stay.
"We have over 1,000 virtual students around the state."
"Our virtual students come from all over the state."
"Most of our virtual students reside in these counties."
He even emailed me a .pdf showing the data points of where his virtual students reside.
And most of them are struggling, not happy with the school, with the exodus rate continuing to grow annually. His question to me was "why?" "Why are they leaving us at such a high rate?"
There were a myriad of reasons really but I focused on the one that was glaring.
"My first suggestion is that you take a step back and understand that you have a virtual school, but your students who attend it are real kids, not virtual."
I then went on to share with him four additional suggestions:
1) Rather than data points on a state map, display their faces where all of your administrators can see them. That way they will grasp the fact that these are real kids.
2) Use the word "virtual" sparingly, and only when referring to the school. In all oral and written communication, refer to them as "real students" and not virtual.
3) Develop a plan, a course of action, even a culture where you are able to learn: what they believe? what are their aspirations? what are their dreams? what are their goals? why are they here? And, how can you serve them more effectively?
4) Understand that retention efforts begin the same day a family commits to your school. It is wrapped up in the teacher/student relationship; the communication from the school (what is said and how it is said); the ability for the student/family to find answers; the perception that they are being heard; and whether or not your actions match or exceed your words.
If you want to put a dent in the attrition rate, give students plenty of reasons to stay.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The problem with Khan Academy
There is none really. Sure it has flaws and there is always room for improvement but overall there is no problem with it.
It is up to the virtual schools, the online providers, and even the regular brick and mortar schools (and charter schools) to learn how to exist with Khan Academy. And, in doing so, their offerings can become better - both academically and experiential.
There will even be some who incorporate Khan into the mix by embracing what it has to offer rather than try to simply overcome it. This is called cooperation.
Author and blogger Seth Godin says it much better than I could, "The problem with competition is that it takes away the requirement to set your own path, to invent your own method, to find a new way."
The real problem therefore is not with Khan Academy, rather it is that too many see it as competition instead of opportunity. Change your perception and a world of potential is opened up to you.
It is up to the virtual schools, the online providers, and even the regular brick and mortar schools (and charter schools) to learn how to exist with Khan Academy. And, in doing so, their offerings can become better - both academically and experiential.
There will even be some who incorporate Khan into the mix by embracing what it has to offer rather than try to simply overcome it. This is called cooperation.
Author and blogger Seth Godin says it much better than I could, "The problem with competition is that it takes away the requirement to set your own path, to invent your own method, to find a new way."
The real problem therefore is not with Khan Academy, rather it is that too many see it as competition instead of opportunity. Change your perception and a world of potential is opened up to you.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
A light shining in the darkness
One small light shining in the darkness can be the brightest object in the room, and it draws all of the attention.
If you want to be different from your competitors then find the darkness and let your light shine. If you do not then you will simply blend in, and go unnoticed.
It can be hard to see in the dark. That's why we need your light.
If you want to be different from your competitors then find the darkness and let your light shine. If you do not then you will simply blend in, and go unnoticed.
It can be hard to see in the dark. That's why we need your light.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Why home schoolers are not listening to you (part 2)
Several weeks ago I wrote a blog sharing with you why home schoolers are not listening to you. It generated some good questions from readers with many of them having a common thread. So, I thought I would do a little "Q and A" with one of the questions that was, by far, most popular in the emails coming to me.
Question: What is the most effective way to build trust with home schoolers?
Answer: Be trustworthy.
You must understand the world view of the niche within the home school market that aligns with yours, and be all you can be to them. Doing so will allow you to be authentic, which leads to trust. It takes time though so don't expect it overnight.
Remember, your product, your service will not appeal to all home schoolers. In fact, it probably will not appeal to the majority of them. Rather than spend your time trying to convince them otherwise, invest your time finding those home schoolers who want to hear what you have to say. They are the ones willing to give you a chance to earn their trust.
Question: What is the most effective way to build trust with home schoolers?
Answer: Be trustworthy.
You must understand the world view of the niche within the home school market that aligns with yours, and be all you can be to them. Doing so will allow you to be authentic, which leads to trust. It takes time though so don't expect it overnight.
Remember, your product, your service will not appeal to all home schoolers. In fact, it probably will not appeal to the majority of them. Rather than spend your time trying to convince them otherwise, invest your time finding those home schoolers who want to hear what you have to say. They are the ones willing to give you a chance to earn their trust.
Monday, November 25, 2013
What is the common core for homeschoolers?
In a recent blog I discussed the diversity that exists within the home school market. Diversity such as this brings with it a mosaic of reasons for choosing this form of education. And, as you can imagine, the reasons families have chosen this form of education are as varied as the overall multiplicity within this market.
What then is the thread that binds this divergent group together? The most consistent one, ideologically speaking, is the conviction among home school parents that they should play a large role (solely responsible or partially responsible) in the education of their children.
This conviction is the common core for homeschoolers.
What then is the thread that binds this divergent group together? The most consistent one, ideologically speaking, is the conviction among home school parents that they should play a large role (solely responsible or partially responsible) in the education of their children.
This conviction is the common core for homeschoolers.
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