Qualitative explanation of lived experience of parents from the process of forming the homeschooling curriculum

Homeschooling constitutes part of an unofficial education process which enables students to choose a learning method and form a curriculum corresponding to their own interests in an atmosphere other than a school environment. Despite its informality, this type of education is growing in Iran. The aim of this study was to explain the process of forming a homeschooling curriculum. To do so, a qualitative research with a phenomenological approach was conducted with participation of twelve persons from the families who had educated their children at home. Data was analyzed by the seven-level Colaizzi method. To answer the first research question, two pivotal ideological and pedagogical codes were identified. To answer the second research question, and considering the components of purpose, content, teaching strategies, atmosphere, and evaluation, all in all, eleven pivotal codes were extracted. Findings indicated that the parents try to take their child's interests and talents into account when developing the curriculum and keep him or her away from a stressful and competitive environment.