Boosting academic performance – private tuition is not the only solution

When I was growing up, one of the phrases that my teachers used and that I have also heard from my own parents is “paddle your own canoe” It’s up to you fellow.

In two months’ time – at the end of August – newspapers and television pictures will be full of jubilating teenagers – who will be celebrating after having achieved high examination results. I must say that apart from the overt obsession that we as a society have for celebrities, this is one of the few chances in which newspapers and the media in general, celebrate something worthwhile. News headlines in most cases are usually negative.

The glee on the faces of those young people!

I always look forward to that day when the exam results are released and can’t wait to rejoice with those young people, their parents and teachers, who have worked collaboratively to achieve success. At the same time one has to bear in mind that in terms of achieving high examination grades in academic subjects, these successful young people are in the minority. It has to be the minority. That is the way the world works. A selection process is required in order to put the right people in the right positions so that things can get done in the proper way. This is not a time to argue if high academic performance is the best way to select the best candidate for the best jobs or not.

The reality is that a high academic achievement is one of the most important criteria that are used in choosing people for the top positions in every society of the world. My second point is that achieving highly academically provides a young person more choice in life.

Are all the sacrifices parents make worth it?

Looking at the last two points I have made, parents are justified in making an enormous sacrifice in order to ensure that their sons and daughters perform well in school and achieve high examination grades. The private tuition industry is a huge one and it is growing all the time. Every parent would either have considered or sought private tuition, or know someone who has sought private tuition for their child at some point. Despite the fact that I have done a lot of private tuition as a teacher in the past and I run private tuition centres at present, I would argue that this is not always the solution for everyone and there are other alternatives. For the vast majority of students – including young people and adults, seeking a one-to-one or small group extra tuition in any subject area, is in most cases beneficial to the student. However, there are cases in which not only it is not the best solution, it will also not make any significant difference to performance. In extreme cases, it can actually be counter productive and achieve the opposite effect.

The issue of the effectiveness of private tuition is one on which I have written extensively. Please see below – the link to the first of several of my blogs on this subject.

http://excelinkeysubjects.com/your_child-may-not_need-private-tutor/

Each blog takes you step by step from the time you begin to consider if your child does or does not need private tuition – all the way though the process of discussing it with your child and the selection criteria to consider when choosing a private tutor or private tuition centre.  Enjoy reading the blog.

http://excelinkeysubjects.com/your_child-may-not_need-private-tutor/

We always welcome your comment, please do make a comment on this blog or any related matter.

If you have any questions relating to the topics raised in this post or if you would like to speak to a member of our advisory team about any education-related matter, please feel free to contact us through the following mediums:

Tel 020 7112 4832
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Web www.excelinkeysubjects.com