Proposal to Limit Home-based Learning Days for Students

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education whether home-based learning for Secondary school and Junior College students can be reduced from two days per month to one day per school term as not all students have conducive home learning environments and there is merit to socialising and learning in a school setting.

Home-Based Learning (HBL) days are meant to complement, and not substitute, in-school learning. They provide students with more opportunities to learn independently and to be more self-directed in their learning. They will continue to have opportunities on these days to learn with and interact with their fellow students. Our students will thus benefit from both in-school and home-based modes of learning.

Having HBL days scheduled about twice a month for Secondary school and Pre-University students represents about 10% of curriculum time in an academic year. This is a good balance that allows students to experience HBL often enough to develop the skills and mindsets to become more independent and self-directed learners, without unduly compromising the in-person learning experience in schools.

For students whose home environment is not conducive for HBL, or who require additional support in their learning, they can return to school for HBL days. These students will still be learning independently and have the freedom to organise their learning schedule but in a school setting.