Brian Jeffrey
Guidelines for Private Tutoring in Education
Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong clarified that while private tutoring isn’t prohibited, there is a need for regulations to avoid any forms of coercion and to uphold educational integrity.
During a conference on February 6, Deputy Minister Thuong shared insights on Circular 29, a new guideline from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) concerning private tutoring. He highlighted the significance of supervising after-school educational activities responsibly.
“Private tutoring is integral to the educational duties of teachers and the requirements of students. The MOET allows private tutoring but forbids unethical behaviors like coercion, copying the school curriculum, and giving unfair benefits to select students,” he commented.
He emphasized that teachers should never pressure students into attending paid tutoring sessions, noting that such actions harm both the educational profession and the system overall.
“A committed and skilled teacher will not impose financial burdens on students for extra classes. The regulations aim to protect the respect of educators and the education system,” he remarked.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that public school teachers, who are paid by the state and utilize public resources, are prohibited from charging for additional lessons.
Nonetheless, in public schools, extra learning assistance is permitted for:
- Students struggling to meet academic standards
- Gifted students requiring advanced studies
- Students preparing for significant examinations
These support sessions should be viewed as remedial or enrichment initiatives rather than private paid tutoring. Thuong encouraged local educational authorities to allocate resources for these programs, promoting equitable access to educational support.
Responding to concerns about Circular 29, Thuong called on school leaders to avoid overreacting to the guidelines. He reminded participants that past unchecked tutoring practices had led to public grievances due to some teachers exploiting their roles for profit.
He cautioned against completely withdrawing academic support, which could leave some students without critical assistance.
“Education administrators and school leaders must diligently implement Circular 29. The aim is not to eradicate tutoring but to curb exploitation while making sure students gain necessary support for their academic and higher education pursuits,” he stated.
Deputy Minister Thuong recognized that overseeing private tutoring is a complex challenge. He emphasized that solutions must extend beyond regulatory measures and encompass teacher training and innovative teaching approaches.
“Regulatory frameworks alone won’t resolve these issues. We need to focus on teacher development, effective curriculum design, and encouraging independent learning among students,” he concluded.
