The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is trying to keep a tab on the business of private tutoring in Dubai to prevent its unchecked growth.

The institution is regulating the so-called training centres by keeping the number of players limited in this business.

“KHDA has had to regulate the inherited training institutes with tutoring activities. However, the authority has not allowed any other new providers to enter the arena, hence preventing an unchecked growth in this sector,” Abdulrahman Nassir, Executive Director of Customer Relations and currently acting Chief of Regulations and Compliance Commission (RCC) of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) told Emirates24|7.

The next step could target individuals as well as teachers who give private classes to an individual or a group of students. "Private tutoring whether provided by individuals, schools themselves or private institutions is an issue of concern that needs to be put under the scanner. KHDA is in the process of conducting a thorough study, involving other parties (including schools, students and parents) and is looking at the larger picture with a view to drafting regulations for this sector, if deemed necessary.”

“The results of the study will reveal more about the nature of the problem i.e. the curriculum in which the problem is the greatest; and how to tackle the problem areas. At all times, the recommendations for the policy will seek to enhance education provision in general,” the KHDA officer added while commenting on the study trying to tackle this problem.

Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi Education Council issued a strict warning to both public and private school teachers who offer paid private lessons to school children.

“Any teacher engaged in giving private lessons to primary and secondary pupils for money at home will be fired. Teachers will, in fact, be responsible for damaging their reputation within the educational community or outside where they should receive respect and admiration,” Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khili, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council was quoted as saying in the media.

Parents are urged to avoid private tuitions but a recent poll run by this website reveals that it’s difficult to do away with private tuitions as students today resort to such classes given the pressure they face at school. As per the poll, majority of parents believe that such classes are now a part of their lives. Fifteen per cent of those who participated in the poll, said the pressure at schools is the main reason that drives students and their parents to opt for private classes whereas 10 per cent respondents believe that parents are too busy these days to devote time to studies at home. On the other hand, 28 per cent said that tuitions can be required but it depends on each unique case and family.

The online poll also reveals that many parents do not believe in tuitions. According to the poll, 16 per cent of parents believe studies in school should be enough whereas 31 per cent said tuitions can be done away with only if parents put in extra effort.