Private tutorial lessons aren't for everyone

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By Maggie Yeung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
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Extra classes may cause students to take school less seriously and wouldn't improve their study skills

By Maggie Yeung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College |
Published: 
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Tutors are big business, with students and parents shopping for the best exam tips and advice.

I am concerned about the rising number of tutorial classes in Hong Kong. Attending private lessons has become a trend among local secondary school students. This is not actually good for some students. Often, it’s a waste of time and money.

Not all students have to attend extra classes. This is because some of them can catch up with the syllabus if they concentrate properly during class; only the real underachievers should attend tutorials.

Students should consider several factors before deciding to go for private tuition. These include the quality of their school teachers, the cost, the time, and their academic standards.

Many students believe that attending tutorial classes can help them pass exams. As a result, they do not take their lessons in school seriously. This kind of behaviour makes students ever more reliant on private tutors. This is not the way to improve your study skills.

School should be the place where students gain knowledge and prepare for their future.

I would like to make a few suggestions. For example, students can start studying for exams at least a week in advance. They can also form a study group and seek teachers’ help when they have problems.

We should build up proper learning habits if hope to have a happy school life.

Maggie Yeung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Before you rush to private tutorials for your HKDSE, think about how helpful they really will be

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Maggie. The current education system puts a lot of pressure on students, but that doesn’t mean you should depend too much on private tutors.

Most importantly, students should not choose to attend tutorial centres just because their friends do. It might be better to study at home, especially if they are doing well in school.

Good exam results are not the only thing that count. These days, many employers want people who are very proactive and able to think for themselves.

In the long run, you should grow up to be a team player and know how to deal with failure.

Lots of young people go to tutorial classes and then fall asleep during lessons at school. That makes no sense.

Tutorial classes might help students to score higher marks in exams, but school is something entirely different.

Learning should be a lifelong journey, in which we absorb new knowledge and adapt to changing environments.

School is the time to make good memories, good friends, and find the joy in life. We shouldn’t lose sight of that.

M. J. Premaratne, Sub-editor

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