Private Tuition and Coaching | Articles on Education of Bangladesh | Articles on Education of Bangladesh

It is really appreciable that the government is seriously considering imposing a ban on private coaching outside the classroom by school & college teachers. We hope that the High Court directive in this respect will be implemented without further delay. It is a common allegation against the teachers that most of them are interested in involving themselves in private tuition. But I think this is a wrong perception about the teachers. Mostly English and mathematics teachers and some science teachers are involved in private coaching. It is said that the teachers do not teach properly in the classroom. But the fact is that the students knock at the doors of the teachers who teach properly and have capability of attractive teaching in the classroom.

MASUM BILLAH

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The above headlines on July 22 appeared in all the national dailies definitely caught the attention of all who are concerned with education. Heads of top city schools and colleges on July 21 demanded the government in a meeting at the secretariat to take action to stop private tuition and coaching, holding these responsible for manifold unethical practices in educational institutions. They opined private coaching can take place only for the weak learners in the institutions, not in coaching centres or teachers’ houses. Agreeing with their demand, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid noted that the practice of coaching cannot be stopped immediately. It is possible only when the teachers complete the lessons in classrooms.

Let us see some comments of the heads of institutions of the city. ‘It is imperative for the government to enact a law to stop private coaching” said Khaleda Habib, principal of Udayan School and College. Manju Ara Begum, Principal of Viqarunnessa Noon School said,” it would truly be good if the coaching centres could be stopped as these initiate  various irregularities.” “I hate private tuition and coaching centers. Special classes should be taken for weaker students. Teachers involved with coaching centers can never teach well inside the classroom.”----Benjamin Costa, Principal, Notre Dame College said. During the meeting with the education minister the principals and headmasters of more the 12 renowned educational institutions described private tuition as an ‘unethical’ practice by teachers that leads to corruption. The minister acknowledged the fact but said it is not possible to stop private tuition overnight.  “I regret the present situation in schools and colleges across the country. Action will be taken against the guilty teachers. It is unfortunate that a number of perverted people have managed to find their way into some schools and colleges in the guise of teachers.”-. Nahid said. He recommended the authorities to conduct an annual evaluation of teachers and urged the teachers to gradually end their involvement with private coaching.

Government may hesitate to stop coaching as a great number of teachers will go against the government inviting shrinking their vote bank in the coming elections. Actually the number of guardians far outnumbers the teachers engaged in private teaching. Moreover, when teachers will see their income has not shrunk drastically rather they earn through creative and honest work, they will also appreciate the idea ultimately.  How it can be ensured, teachers must be paid for invigilating the examination halls, checking scripts, preparing questions etc. Now they are not paid for doing these academic works. So, they don’t do it sincerely and professionally.  When the whole nation demand to stop private coaching, government must take some bold steps even though it goes against a particular group of people. We cannot afford to continue it at the cost of huge national loss in terms of time, money and stability of the society.