TUITIONS FOR CHILDREN

When we were in school, it was a matter of shame to go to ‘tuition’. It meant that there was some weakness or intention to take a dis-honorable ‘short-cut’ in study. Nowadays, tuition/ class/ coaching has become part of almost every child’s routine. OK- Parents have become busier, more ambitious and have the money to buy help for their children. But often the child gains nothing from the tuition class. Why is it so?

It is found that child is admitted in tuition class for all the wrong reasons. 4 and 5 year olds are sent to tuition class because parents are unable to get them to sit in one place and study.  But in reality, it is not expected of children so young to be able to sit and ‘study’. Some children are sent to tutors because they trouble parents at home- so it is more like a child-minding exercise. In extreme cases child is rotated through multiple classes because there is no one available or willing to take care of the child at home. In these cases, often children are sent to self appointed teachers who are seldom qualified to teach. Some parents send children because others parents send; even children sometimes insist on going to tuition because their friends are going.

Poor academic performance is the only valid reason to send a child to tuitions. But this should be done only after thorough investigation for the cause of poor performance. One common cause of poor performance is poor teaching method- if restricted to few subjects, a qualified tutor may be employed. But if extends to several subjects, parents need to consider change of school. It will be overwhelming for the child to spend time relearning all subjects in tuition. Intellectual limitations, learning disorders, attention deficits and emotional problems also interfere with learning. Parents should seek counselling if any of these problems are found. This helps them to have realistic expectations from the child and to follow a plan which can help child to cope with studies properly by addressing the problem.

As it is, children are already burdened with school work. Parents should negotiate with the tutor not to give any homework. Some children only require assistance in completing their classwork and revision. Some children require teaching of concepts. Some children need practice. Yet others need only tips in presentation. A tutoring program cannot be ‘one size fits all’. Smart parents understand this and negotiate with the tutor to deliver tailor-made help.

Children attempting specific competitive exams or exams in subjects not available at school will also need tuitions. Because both the content and pattern of study are different and someone is needed to teach that.

It is the duty of parent to understand the process of teaching, decide whether it is suitable based on the child’s problem and monitor whether learning is happening. The child needs to be supervised to ensure attendance and attention. The tuition situation also needs to be safe- no child should be left alone with a tutor of any gender, age or even if you know the person well. Tutors should not be allowed to intimidate or abuse the child in any way. I have seen children who were threatened, pinched or beaten by tutors due to which they became emotionally disturbed and turned off from studies forever.

Most of all, the child should never be forced into tuitions. Child’s opinion and cooperation should be expressly sought. Tuitions should be few and meant only to help the child achieve specific learning goals.