Private supplementary tutoring for preschoolers in Hong Kong : a case study of the determinants of demand in Tsuen Wan New Town

Abstract

Background & Problem discussion: In recent years, private tutoring in Hong Kong and elsewhere has expanded into a vast enterprise. Private supplementary tutoring could be found in Japan and many other countries. Private supplementary tutoring has for decades been provided to primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong. During recent years, there is an increasing number of preschool children who receive private supplementary tutoring. However, it is less vigorous at this level compared to primary and secondary schools. Rather than that, most of the research done has been focused on the factors underlying the demand for private supplementary tutoring for primary and secondary levels, but less focus on the determinants of demand for private supplementary tutoring for preschoolers.

Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the determinants of demand for private supplementary tutoring for preschool children in Tsuen Wan New Town in Hong Kong.

Theoretical framework: The history of preschool education in Hong Kong since 1950s is presented. Moreover, factors underlying the demand for private supplementary tutoring for primary and secondary levels in two contexts, particularly Asia and Europe are presented. Such theory assisted me in identifying the determinant of demands for private tutoring for preschool children in Tsuen Wan New Town.

Method: A qualitative research approach is applied to the dissertation. I have conducted face-to face interviews with four parents whose children study in Discovery Funful Kindergarten in Tsuen Wan New Town. All of the interviews were tape-recorded.

Conclusion: The findings show that parents’ attitude towards private supplementary tutoring are positive. Four of the parents perceived tutoring as essential and supplement to kindergarten. They believed that supplementary tutoring could bring a lot of benefits to their children and they recognized the importance of private tutoring. They perceived academic results were not the only determinants when considering sending their children to private tutoring; other determinants of demand particularly personal determinants did play important role.