Self-study vs Tuitions

If the pages of history of education are unfolded, then perhaps this singular debate will be found pervasive, omnipresent and ubiquitous. For years we discussed the need of tuitions and coachings. But as it has turned out to be, we accept their indispensability  without questioning their need and relevance. Now, it has become woven in a student's life almost inextricably, with a few exceptions hither and thither. So, we see parents searching for a good school when their ward turns 4, and exploring the best coaching for main subjects at the age of 8, by the time the child reaches the age of 12, s/he is enrolled into tuitions for all subjects, and when the child attains the age of 16, it is only obvious that the child be learning more in tuitions than school.

In cognizance of such a state of affairs, it would be befitting to give a retrospective glance to what we have left behind. Whether we really needed tuitions or were we just trying to become one of the herd?

Since I have never had any formal coaching (private), I'd try not to be biased in my analysis of the same. Students are inclined on doing self-study, but peer or parental pressure and most importantly, the pressure to perform, makes them opt for the coachings, group tuitions and private tuitions.

Here's presenting to you the pros and cons.

PROS

1) Practice.

The foremost argument in favour of private tuitions is that subjects like mathematics, accountancy, physics, etc need continuous practice and constant revision of topics, which can be ensured only through another teacher, apart from the modest school teacher who is blamed for not being able to pay attention to each and every student in a class of 50 students......

2) Regularity

Another most propounded argument is that parents, working or otherwise are unable to spare time for their own kids and to ensure regularity in studies, home tasks, projects, tests preparation,et al, they need private coachings.

3) Competitiveness

Studying in groups wherein proper/adequate attention is provided to students, helps foster a spirit of positive competition.

CONS 

But the disgruntling fact here is that parents don't seem to mind spending more on tuition fees than the school fee. Here, those not financially so well-off find themselves at a loss at not being able to afford such expenses. Many a time, such notions invade their minds and they begin doubting their abilities and end up with a degraded sense of self.

Reality, as we have it, is equally sordid. In this era of speed, instant gratification where distractions are vying for our attention, it is next to impossible to get a child to self-study. Instilling the sense of responsible self-study is becoming an increasingly arduous task.

So, is private coaching a bane? Perhaps, its overdose is. 

The debate continues unabated ...