Private Tutoring in Malaysia: The Nexus Between Policy, People and Place

Abstract

Private tutoring is becoming a common phenomenon in Malaysia. Unlike other countries in the world where private tutoring is banned, in Malaysia the government has legally allowed the teachers to tutor. Indeed, it has enforced various regulations to monitor the implementation of private tutoring. This research deployed qualitative methodology to investigate the existing policies and regulations governing private tutoring in Malaysia. The research involved documentary analyses; semi-structured interviews and observations. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 10 respondents including district education officers, principals, teachers and parents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Additionally observations were also conducted in two private tuition centers in urban areas. The findings indicate that many regulations can be used to monitor the implementation of private tutoring policy. However, there needs to be a balance between regulatory control, self-regulation, consumer protection and education. This depends on the capacities and priorities of the government and the extent of collaboration between partners. In the Malaysian case, regulations exist for teachers as well as private tutoring centers; however, continuous monitoring is needed both at the school and district level. Partnerships with media, Teachers Associations and other educational departments are quite limited.

Conceptualization of head-heart-hands model for developing an effective 21st century teacher

“…In many countries, private tutoring has become a lucrative business. Private tutoring is becoming a common phenomenon in Malaysia (Kenayathulla and Ubbudari, 2017). Unlike other countries in the world where private tutoring is banned, in Malaysia the government has legally allowed the teachers to tutor.…”

School Partnerships with Private Tutoring Providers: Weighing the Risks and Benefits by Czech School Principals

“…For example, in Malaysia, popular tutors or tutoring centers may give free lectures in the school premises (even for extended periods) to share tips on how to prepare for examinations. This brings extra attention to private tutors' services and is usually welcomed by parents and students (Kenayathulla & Ubbudari, 2017). In Japan, the Ministry of Education promotes cooperation between schools and supplementary institutions (Isashiki, 2017 as cited in Bray & Zhang, 2018).…”

Reviewing the Literature on Working Dual Jobs among Workers with Specific Discussion on Malaysian Women

“…Due to this situation, the Ministry of Health in Malaysia allowed its medical officers to do multiple jobs such as opening private practices or become medical consultants at private hospitals aligned with the suggestions from the Federal Government that the public service employees can work more than one job (Sabron and Hassim, 2017). The same was also done by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia whereby it allowed teachers to conduct private tuition apart from doing official jobs (Kenayathulla and Ubbudari, 2017). However, previous reviews on the Malaysian public service officers who work multiple jobs apart from their official jobs were still limited.…”