The education and tuition dilemma

These days tuition is a very popular word. A growing phenomenon today among parents is the incessant effort to drive their children to academic excellence – even toddlers. This is a worrying trend.

We hear true “horror” stories of many kindergarten children being put through tuition classes while tuition is commonplace for primary school-going kids.

I remember that I was asked to go for tuition for Additional Mathematics when I was in Form Four. That was the only tuition I went for. The purpose of tuition then was to help me pass the subject, and not to get an A. I only managed a weak credit.

The trend in tuition has changed drastically. The purpose of going for tuition varies from one to another. Most of the time, the children go for tuition because it is their parents’ choice. I do not like the idea of sending my children for tuition. I feel that they already have a long day in school and usually come back with many sets of homework. They thirst to have some personal space.

On a normal day, as long as my children complete their homework on their own, the rest of the time is theirs. I do not give them any kind of revision or workbooks.

During a recent get-together with friends, three mothers who have primary school-going children had a lot to share about homework, school teachers and their principal. One of them related that her daughter’s class teacher was unhappy with the results of mathematics and so, she read out the names of pupils whom she thought should attend tuition class.

After a week, she informed the pupils that she had just started her own afternoon tuition class near the school. She reminded those pupils whose names were mentioned last week to talk to their mothers about attending her tuition class.

What has happened to this school teacher? What is the purpose of getting children to attend her tuition class? Is she not doing her part in class? Sad to say, many teachers have learnt to be so commercialised and competitive, all for their own benefit.

Another similar story was related by my younger son. Science is one of the toughest subjects for the children. My son’s teacher told his class that students who scored poor marks in Science needed to attend tuition classes. She has not time to teach slowly as she has to complete the syllabus given. She then gave her handphone number to those interested in attending her tuition class.

What can I say to my son? He is one of those who cannot cope with the teacher’s class lessons. As a mother, I do not want to see my son struggle. It is not that he is not smart; he just needs more explanation and time to digest the subject. Hence, I have to revise with him on the topics which he is not familiar with.

I sent my eldest son for Bahasa Malaysia tuition as he is far too poor in this subject. My husband and I know that he can do better. After much persuasion from my husband, my son went for tuition. The reason is that we want him to pass Bahasa Malaysia otherwise he might need to resit the exams the next year.

What is the purpose of tuition? How much is enough? Are parents expecting a lot from their children after tuition? Many questions arise. I believe parents have a reason for sending their children for tuition. However, do the children know why they have to attend? Do they ask for it or are they forced to attend?

A majority of the children do not like the idea of tuition because it means more work and less time to play. My friend complained that every month she has to spend about RM600 on tuition fees for her daughter in secondary school and RM400 for another daughter in primary. Mind you, how many families can afford that? Do the children really need so much tuition since they are studying full-time in school?

Many teenagers’ mothers have commented that primary students could afford not to attend tuition because they were able to follow through the lessons at school. But when they are in secondary school, the shortage of teachers and the existence of lazy teachers seem to be the main problems.

Students complain that many teachers do not teach much hence they do not learn much. I did talk to a few teenagers from three different schools and all of them said the same thing. When mothers are aware of that, they resort to sending their kids for tuition because they are afraid their child will lose out.

I am still confused. Everyone is pointing the finger at each other. Whose fault is it? The local education system? The parents? The school? Teachers? Students? Or society? I hope I can find an ideal answer soon!

Callie Lee Ah Poh