Students’ Perspectives on the Impact of Private Supplementary Tutoring in Secondary Mathematics Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Studies of Mathematics Teaching Approaches (Table 7)

Abstract

Private supplementary tutoring (PT) has seen a global increase in recent years particularly in the subject of mathematics. However, few empirical studies have been conducted thus far on its impact and there is little evidence on students’ experiences in relation to PT. This study explores the impact of PT on secondary mathematics education from the viewpoint of Irish students who have finished school and progressed to college. An online survey conducted amongst first-year students in three universities yielded 686 responses. The findings revealed mixed views, with both positive and negative impacts identified. Students appreciated the one-to-one support and improved confidence and grades that PT could offer. Yet, they also criticized PT for being costly, time-intensive, and contributing to educational disparities.

Authors

• Mark Prendergast, University College Cork

• Niamh O'Meara, University of Limerick