Differences and similarities

The most obvious similarity between the two is the lack of enrolment in an educational centre. As can be read in other sections and as the name suggests, these two methodologies take place at home. 

As mentioned in the Origins section, there is a close relationship between homeschooling and unschooling, in fact, the latter can be considered as a branch of the former. However, while homeschoolers may "homeschool" and follow a set curriculum, unschoolers learn primarily through everyday life experiences, experiences that they choose and that therefore automatically match their abilities, interests and learning styles (Gray and Riley, 2013).

We therefore have here the main difference between the two methodologies: following a Curriculum.

In fact, homeschooler families tend to have academic goals, while unschoolers are more inclined to respect the rhythms, interests and needs of each child, making learning totally individualised. Not all children are ready to learn what we think is best at any given moment. 

Another similarity shared by these pedagogical models is the flexibility with which they work. Being totally free, the families of both may not follow timetables and expectations and others may be quite tough academically. They usually stay somewhere in the middle, but others tend to oscillate according to the needs of the children and also of the adults. 

However, another big difference between Homeschooling and Unschooling is the academic intentionality of the parents or legal guardians. Unschooling families do not direct or have academic expectations of their children. Homeschooling families to a greater or lesser extent do have academic expectations (Can-Men, 2015).