Non-Educational Functions of Private Tutoring.

Abstract

The study refers to the theories by E. Durkheim and R. C Merton. Identifying the non-educational factors that contribute to the popularity of tutoring will enable implementation of more efficient activities to reduce it. A qualitative strategy was adopted with individual interviews to 15 private tutors and statements made by teachers and parents in online media messages were analyzed. The results show that private tutoring plays many, not always recognized roles, and private tutors fill the gaps in school and family systems. The development of tutoring market is actually supported by all the participants of the educational process: parents, schoolteachers and tutors. We need to monitor the mechanisms and conditions which sustain the phenomenon of private teaching.