Research Article -8 7
Journal of Education & Social Sciences - Volume 14, Issue 1 2026
By Ghazal Rani Shaikh , Dr. Kiran Hashmi
DOI: 10.20547/jess1412614104
Keywords: Keywords: Homeschooling,21st-Century Learning and Innovation Skills, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking

This study explores homeschooling parents’ perceptions of the significance of developing 21st-century learning and innovation skills, specifically the 4Cs: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, and the strategies they utilize for this purpose. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of eight purposively selected homeschooling parents in Karachi through semi-structured interviews. The data were transcribed, coded, grouped, and thematized to explore parents’ perceptions, strategies, and assessment practices related to the development of the 4Cs. The findings revealed that participants consistently recognized the importance of these skills and emphasized the value of individualized and self-directed learning, as well as learning through practical life experiences. Strategies such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, real-life learning approaches, outdoor activities, and mentor collaborations were identified as important practices. The assessment patterns involved a combination of formal and informal methods, with personal growth, knowledge enhancement, emotional stability, social development and skill acquisition identified as key areas of assessment. The findings suggest that homeschooling can provide a flexible and purposeful learning environment in which parents adapt learning experiences to their children’s interests, needs and development, with implications for educators, policymakers and homeschooling communities.

Submission Date: 27 Dec, 2025 Reviews Completed: 10 May, 2026
Acceptance Date: 5 Jun, 2026 Publication Date: 30 Jun, 2026