Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012

Dubai Private tutoring in Dubai is likely to come under the scanner soon as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is working to curb the mushrooming of shadow education in the emirate.

Private tutorial has emerged as a lucrative business with most parents looking to supplement their children’s education through evening classes at home or at institutes, which experts feel has a more negative than positive impact on children.

Currently, there are no regulations governing the operations of private tutors, however, that might change soon.

“Private tutoring, whether provided by individuals, schools themselves or private institutions is an issue of concern that needs to be put under the scanner,” said Mohammad Darwish, chief of regulations and compliance commission at the KHDA.

According to Darwish, KHDA has had to regulate the inherited Training Institutes with tutoring activities that were previously regulated by the Ministry of Education.

Not satisfied

However, he insists, the authority has not allowed any new providers to enter the arena, hence preventing an unchecked growth in the sector.

According to some estimates, currently at least half of school students, particularly in higher classes, are in private tutoring, indicating a trend that is growing every day, while also highlighting that parents are not satisfied with education at schools.

“KHDA encourages schools to take a keen interest in the student’s learning and development so that the students do not need private tutoring,” added Darwish, while adding that KHDA encourages parents to engage with the schools and review their children’s progress on a continuous basis.

Talking about shadow institutions which operate as private tutors without proper legal basis, he said: “There will be no refuge for those who practice this [tutoring] outside their current scope and without the permission of KHDA.”

KHDA is in the process of conducting a thorough study, involving other concerned parties including schools, students and parents and looking at the larger picture with a view to drafting regulations for this sector.

“At all times, the recommendations for the policy will seek to enhance education provision in general.

By Shafaat Shahbandari Staff Reporter

Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.