When it comes to choosing homeschool curriculum, there are so many different styles and nuances between techniques that it can be difficult to know which direction to take. To help you decide which option is best for your child, we want to demystify the difference between teacher-led and student-led curriculum.

So, what’s the difference?

Teacher-led and student-led curriculum differ over who sets the pace of new information. In other words, who decides how quickly new information is presented?

With a teacher-led curriculum, the parent decides when and how much new information is given. Students learn when the teacher teaches. New content is inaccessible unless a teacher provides it. The teacher-led model is what almost every school across the United States uses. A teacher prepares content and presents it to students. Then, the students practice the content and are assessed on it.

With a student-led curriculum, new information is always accessible for students to consume at their own pace. Student-led curriculum lends itself to more independence since a student can learn new content without waiting on a teacher.

What is your child’s learning style?

Figuring out your child’s learning style can help you decide on the best curriculum and supplemental activities to support your child. From auditory to hands-on learners, students simply learn differently. If you’re unsure about where your child lands, take AOP’s free learning styles quiz.

Why choose one over the other?

As always, different children flourish with different styles. Depending on a child’s skill sets and personalities, one style may be more successful than the other. Here are the qualities you can look for in your child to decide which style may work best.

Teacher-led curricula may be better for students who:

• Struggle being self-motivated
• Like to be shown how to do something before they do it
• Need encouragement while problem solving
• Have trouble focusing on their own
• Struggle reading independently
• Want Mom or Dad involved in play time or discovery time
• Need something explained multiple different ways

Student-led curricula may be better for students who:

• Are independent
• Excel at being self-motivated
• Get bored with too much explanation
• Can problem solve on their own
• Can entertain themselves for a long time, such as during play time
• Are confident when reading
• Excel in looking at things from different perspectives without much explanation

Are you looking for a print or online curriculum?

For busy families with fast-paced lives, a self-paced, online curriculum like Monarch can be a game-changer with automatic grading and lesson planning. However, student-led doesn’t mean there’s no parental involvement. In fact, the more involved a parent is with any curriculum, the more successful the child will be.

This is especially important with an online curriculum where kids can easily work ahead unchecked and potentially rush through the curriculum. With Monarch, the parent can put a block on an assignment or assessment that requires the child to check in with the parent before proceeding. Implementing these regular checks can save you the work of reassigning a whole unit that your child blazes through.

Don’t forget!

When trying to decide between teacher-led and student-led curriculum, remember that your teaching style matters as well. Teacher-led curriculum, like AOP’s Horizons curriculum, comes with a teacher’s guide, but more preparation work is required for the parent.

On the other hand, with a student-led curriculum like Monarch, instruction is written into the lessons. Even if your child needs you to be involved in the learning process, there is less on the shoulders of the parent when using a student-led curriculum.

To see if online learning is right for your family, try a free 30-day trial of Monarch online curriculum. Get started today with code MON30TEXAS.

About Alpha Omega Publications

Founded in 1977, Alpha Omega Publications is a leading provider of PreK-12 Christian curriculum, educational resources, and services to homeschool families worldwide. AOP follows its mission every day by creating and providing quality Christian educational materials to thousands of students through curriculum, support services, and an accredited online academy. Visit Alpha Omega Publications online or call 800-622-3070 to learn more.