Private Education

After working in the private education industry for the past 1.5 years, I guess it might be a good idea for me to share my thoughts and feelings about this area..

I guess the most important misconception to clear is that private education is not a poor substitute for those who are poor in their studies or not good enough to make it into the local establishments. The real difference here, apart from financial considerations, is the experience offered to the student. (The context of student here may refer to a young school-leaver or a part-timer who is holding a full-time job and possibly years of industrial experience)

In the case of most private schools, the organizations are profit-driven even if the nature of their primary product somehow has an intrinsic moral value. There are so many constraints that go against the benefit of the students who opt for a private education.. Unlike government schools who receive public funding, private establishments are very much affected by stuff like expenses, profit margins, etc. Tutors/lecturers who work in the private sector earn very humble salaries when compared to their counterparts in the government sector. As we all know, when you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Those who are holding regulars jobs and teach part-time have many commitments which affect their ability to teach well. As such, it is detrimental to young students who require good teachers who serve to provide them guidance and even inspiration. As for part-time students, the last thing you need after dragging yourself to class after work, is to have a dubious tutor from some other part of the world who can't even articulate properly..

However, I must once again stress that going for private education does not necessarily make you short-changed or gives you a competitive edge. Similarly, graduating from a well-ranked school does not guarantee anything either.. I know of very capable people who are holding qualifications from so-called lesser schools, rich and spoilt brats in both private and government schools who don't even care for studying at all, brilliant individuals who are graduates from local universities and a few towkays who don't even hold a diploma..

To the people who like to ask whether this or that programme is recognised, I can give you a definite answer; everything is relative.. Talented people sometimes need a paper qualification to open a door for them, young people with potential require a solid foundation to help them develop. You have to decide what works for you.