Home-based learning comes with a lot of challenges for children and companion families. However, parents and guardians must ensure that children stay motivated even during the most difficult circumstances.

Mr Andrias Wijaya, Tzu Chi Primary School Counsellor, said that learning is a matter of experiencing process and changes. “The experience and process will allow stimulation for children to change, grow, and further develop themselves.”

During the talk we did with Mr Andrias Wijaya on ‘Cultivating Growth Mindset and Creativity’ on Friday, 15 June 2020, he elaborated three challenges found in home-based learning for children:

1. Children’s readiness 
2. Adapting to new technology
3. Adapting to new situation/ learning environment

The key for effective learning at home is suitable guidance and support from parents/guardians as well as a clear, structured, guidance from school. 

The discussion focuses on the importance of students’ mindset at home, “There are two types of mindset, growth mindset and fixed mindset. Growth mindset believes intelligence can be developed, especially with continuous learning and belief that ‘I can’,” said Mr Andrias Wijaya. 

As when a child adapts to a new environment, when presented with challenges and limited circumstances, children tend to work their way around their challenges and become more creative. “Creativity tends to grow under pressing situations. This way, children will experiment, explore and make sense of their learning,” added Mr Andrias Wijaya.

In summary, challenges will trigger creativity in children so long as their parents are willing to support them well. Mr Andrias Wijaya explained, “When children come to seek for answers or to solve a problem, don’t give them your answers right away but instead, let them work things out on their own first. Appreciate the struggles and each part of the process. The process is more important than the outcome itself.”