The Craze in Tuition: The Students’ Learning Enterprise

The Urgent Call for Educational Reforms: Breaking Free from the Tuition Craze

The craze in tuition puts the students’ learning enterprise a paralysis of the whole system. The argument in the learning process is at present such a mockery that the policy makers are saying long faces of the whims and cons in the air conditioned debate whereas the basic words that we want to share is missing forever. The points of red faced broken symptoms of the problematic intuitions is quite clear that we are heading nowhere, nothing is happening and nobody is coming for rescue except the tuition masters!

Comparing Learning Environments: Contrasting the Dynamics of School/College Classes and Private Tuition

Attending private tuition and attending school or college classes offer different learning experiences. In school or college classes, students receive structured education within a formal setting, with a fixed curriculum and a designated teacher. They have the opportunity to interact with peers, engage in group activities, and benefit from a diverse range of subjects. Private tuition, on the other hand, is personalized one-on-one instruction, often outside of regular school hours. It focuses on individual needs, allowing students to receive targeted assistance in specific subjects or areas of difficulty. Private tuition provides additional support, personalized attention, and flexibility in terms of pace and content, complementing the formal education received in schools or colleges.

Now let’s sum up the situations of the students at the college education:

Apathy at Teaching

The teaching method  in higher education in the Indian  universities is to lectures and writing down the words of their instructors. But the large numbers of students  are never instructed in a formal and very organized manner. The teacher should presents his or her description of the key ideas of a subject, and gives interpretations that often include current research on the issue. Following the presentation, lecturers should also invite students to ask questions on the material.

Sign of Discouraging

A perfect combination of lectures and small group discussions accompanying answer questions,  quizzes or exams lead to ideal learning atmosphere. But mostly the literature students never pay heed to discussing and his worthy teacher unpacks his or her stuff to his or her own scholastic learning rather than imparting or sharing them with the students.

Dear, dear! Notes , notes and notes

In institutions we find  a low level of teacher-student interaction. And In this teaching method, the professor meets with a huge number of students and teaches the course for Exam and no discussion with students is possible. There is nothing to stimulate debate or dialogue among the students. Even if Seminars meet participants are very few numbers. In addition to that the students avail ‘tuition’ to carry instruction to students in off-campus locations by teachers. Private tuition enables  students to provide suggestion to topic of exam, notes and farther notes with different rates. Here ,too, the teachers relatively teach a large number of students. ‘Tuition’ appeals to students  for they cannot attend classes on campus as it should be or it does not attract them for some great utilitarian cause.

Negetive Impact of Tuitions 

Financial burden: Private tuition can be expensive, adding to the financial burden on families. Not all families can afford the extra cost, leading to inequalities in access to additional educational support.

Overdependence on tuition: Relying heavily on private tuition can create a sense of dependency on external sources for learning. This can undermine a student's self-confidence and ability to independently tackle academic challenges.

Limited holistic development: Private tuition primarily focuses on academic performance, often neglecting other aspects of a student's holistic development, such as social skills, extracurricular activities, and personal interests.

Lack of diversity in teaching methods: Private tuition may follow a one-size-fits-all approach, relying on repetitive drills and rote memorization techniques. This can hinder critical thinking, creativity, and the development of independent learning strategies.

Increased pressure and stress: The additional workload from private tuition, combined with regular school or college classes, can lead to increased stress and burnout among students. The pressure to perform well academically can take a toll on their mental health and overall well-being.

Suggestions for improving traditional school and college classes:

Interactive teaching methods: Incorporate interactive teaching techniques such as group discussions, hands-on activities, and multimedia presentations to engage students actively in the learning process.

Personalized learning: Implement differentiated instruction strategies that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students, ensuring each student receives the necessary support and challenges.

Technology integration: Integrate educational technology tools and resources to enhance teaching and learning experiences, allowing for more interactive and immersive lessons.

Real-world relevance: Emphasize the practical application of knowledge by connecting classroom learning to real-world scenarios, encouraging students to see the value and relevance of what they are studying.

Teacher professional development: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their teaching skills, stay updated with modern pedagogical approaches, and foster a positive learning environment.

Attracting students in classes:

To attract students, schools and colleges can offer a combination of engaging and relevant curriculum, extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, supportive learning environments, modern facilities, and a focus on holistic development beyond academics.

Defeating the tuition craze 

To counter the tuition craze, educational institutions can strive to provide comprehensive academic support within the regular curriculum, offering additional tutoring or mentoring programs during school hours. Schools can emphasize individualized attention, quality teaching, and a strong support system for struggling students. Additionally, raising awareness among parents and students about the potential negative impacts of excessive tuition and highlighting the benefits of a balanced education can help shift the focus away from overreliance on private tuition.

In the Indian context, private tuition has become a prevalent practice due to various factors such as intense competition, high academic expectations, and the desire for better academic performance. However, it is essential to recognize the potential drawbacks and work towards strengthening the traditional school and college classes.

By implementing the suggested improvements, such as interactive teaching methods, personalized learning, technology integration, real-world relevance, and teacher professional development, Indian educational institutions can enhance the quality of education and create engaging learning environments. These improvements can help attract students to classes by providing them with meaningful, comprehensive, and holistic educational experiences that go beyond rote learning and exam-oriented approaches.

To defeat the tuition craze, it is crucial for schools, colleges, and policymakers to promote the advantages of a well-rounded education within the regular curriculum. This includes emphasizing the value of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and holistic development. Additionally, raising awareness among parents, students, and society at large about the potential negative impacts of excessive private tuition can contribute to a shift in mindset and a renewed focus on the overall growth and development of students within the traditional educational system.

In conclusion, by improving traditional school and college - university classes and actively working towards attracting students through comprehensive and engaging educational experiences, India can reduce the reliance on private tuition and provide a more balanced and enriching learning environment for its students.

Ardhendu De