by Keen Johns

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

In order to answer this question with any real meaning I think that we should be aware of the inference within the heading, that graduates are the best people to teach in a homeschool situation.

Whilst studying this topic I find myself asking the following questions.

1) In which discipline was the degree obtained?

2) Was the degree followed by a teaching qualification?

3) Why was the degree sought in the first instance?

Firstly, just what is a degree? To which the answer is. A degree is the formal recognition of advanced achievement within a defined discipline, this could be in English, math or one of the sciences etc.

In order to undertake a scholarship at university certain criteria needs to be met in order to ascertain the basic abilities of the potential graduate. Although the guidance for determining this criteria is set at a national level, there may be regional variations or even variants set by the individual university for entry-level qualification. The point here is that although a particular subject is the ulterior aim a potential candidate needs to demonstrate by qualification a good workable knowledge and ability to apply the key skills, the essential foundation for advanced learning.

Having stated that of course, in these days of equality of opportunity there are ways in which candidates of lesser ability can gain assistance if they have the initial determination to undertake the advanced study.

The culmination of this first section is that a graduate comes through with the ability to communicate, to weigh things up (math) and of course a proven ability to practice within the chosen area of expertise.

With this knowledge in hand, let us revisit my list of questions at the head of this article.

1) In which discipline was the degree obtained?

Apart from the essential skills of communication (oral and written) and math, the graduate holds certified proof of competency within the disciplinary area. If the discipline is not in English (or whatever the language of nationality), or in math, the holder of the degree has three competencies of proven value. Of course if the degree is within communication or math, then there are two competencies implied, one of which, is the subject of the degree.

The question here is, what competencies does the graduate have to pass on to others? Whereas in a school situation there is a collection of persons with such proven qualities in many essential areas of expertise. A child in the school situation has a wider library from which

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