In the past, the word "tuition" referred to small-group
remedial teaching for students who were struggling in their studies.
However, today, tuition has become a major industry, with many teachers
using it as a source of income. Many students who can afford it opt for
tuition, and parents are willing to pay large sums of money to ensure that
their children are not left behind in the competitive world of education.
The rationale behind sending students to tuition is to provide additional
opportunities for those who are struggling in certain subjects to catch up.
In schools, teachers have limited time to teach their students, with only
five lessons per week for subjects such as Mathematics and English. For
weaker students, this time may not be sufficient to fully grasp a particular
subject. Furthermore, with increasing amounts of paperwork and other duties,
teaching time may be further reduced, causing teachers to rush through the
syllabus and leaving weaker students behind. As a result, students who have
difficulty assimilating what is taught may resort to tuition.
With parents working long hours, many opt to send their children to tuition
classes to keep them from getting involved in undesirable activities or
wasting their time. Educated parents may be too busy to help their children
with their studies, and others may not have a sufficient level of education
to provide assistance. In these cases, tuition can be helpful.
Tuition classes are no longer confined to small groups of students, as many
tuition centers have large enrolments. It is not uncommon to find tuition
classes with bigger enrolments than regular school classes. However, in such
instances, students cannot receive personalized attention from tutors,
defeating the purpose of tuition.
The authorities should come down hard on tuition centers that are solely
focused on profit rather than the well-being and academic success of their
students. Otherwise, such centers will be churning out teachers who give
their wholehearted attention and devotion to tuition, which could
potentially result in neglect of their responsibilities as school teachers.
In conclusion, tuition has become a major part of modern education. While it
can be helpful for students who need extra assistance, it is important to
remember that its purpose is to supplement, not replace, regular classroom
teaching. The authorities must regulate the tuition industry to ensure that
it continues to serve its intended purpose and benefits students without
being exploited for profit. |