If you’re a student based in the UAE and are struggling to maintain your IGCSE grades, your best bet for success is to enroll yourself in private tutoring.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: “Wasn’t private tutoring illegal in the UAE?” Well, it just so happens that that is no longer the case. Fortunately for many students as well as teachers/tutors, private tutoring was made legal early this year in the UAE, thereby allowing registered teachers, and employed/unemployed individuals to apply for a permit.
In this article, we will explore different aspects of applying for a permit as well as how private tutoring can benefit IGCSE students.
Reasons for Making Private Tutoring Legal
Previously banned in the UAE, with individuals facing severe penalties for violation, the current law calling for the legalization of private tuition across the country was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The reason for introducing such a law, according to the Undersecretary for Academic Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Mualla, was to provide “flexible options for both students and parents… while maintaining discipline, quality and efficiency within the educational process.”
He also mentioned that there was a need to curb the presence of illegal and unregulated private tutoring practices as this adversely affected the learning process as a whole. He further stated that the new law ensures the protection of the rights of teachers and that students receive the quality education that they need.
Important Points Related to Private Tutoring in the UAE
Individuals interested in pursuing private tutoring in the UAE must take into consideration the following factors:
Applying for a Permit
Eligible individuals can apply by submitting a request for a permit through the MoHRE website. There, potential applicants will find the ‘Private Teacher Work Permit’ under the ‘Services’ tab.
Cost and Duration of Permit
The permit is for two years and is completely free of cost, provided qualified individuals sign a code of conduct document that has been approved by the Ministry.
Origin of Work
Once they become licensed tutors, they can work from their home countries, provided they own a valid residency.
Online and In-Person Tutoring
The license, in question, covers both online and in-person (private) tutoring.
Number of Students a Private Tutor Can Take
There is no limit on the number of students a licensed tutor can give classes to.
Length of Time for Permit to Be Issued
As per Ministry guidelines, the length of time it takes for a permit for private tutoring to be issued is five working days.
Chance for Appeal
In case their application for private tutoring is denied, the applicant can submit another request after a period of six months.
Documents Needed
According to the Ministry of Education, the following documents will be needed for applying for a private tutoring permit:
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Valid UAE residency (passport/Emirates ID)
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Signed declaration
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Certificate of good conduct
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No-objection certificate from the employer
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No-objection certificate from guardian (in case the applicant is a student)
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Experience certificate (if any)
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Are Private Tutors Worth It?
Students struggling at school may be wondering whether getting private tutoring is indeed worth it. However, private tutoring does have its benefits. These include the following:
Self-Paced
At school, teachers are under pressure to cover the IGCSE subject’s syllabus within a given time. This results in some students being left behind as they are unable to keep up with the rest of the class.
Private tutoring is designed to go at a pace at which the student is comfortable. This ensures that they can learn all topics with ease.
One-on-One Attention
In a normal classroom setting, there are up to 25-30 students studying a single subject. As a result, teachers are unable to give individualized attention to each, especially those who are struggling.
In private tutoring, a student is given one-on-one attention by the tutor ensuring that they are getting the help and guidance they need to do well.
Going Beyond the Curriculum
For certain education programs, such as IB, students are required to go beyond the classroom and conduct a lot of self-study. To help students comprehend important concepts, private tutoring has become essential.
Online Learning Vs. Private Tutors
Nowadays, when it comes to studying on your own or getting help in certain subjects, tutoring is the way to go. Apart from private tutoring, students may also enroll in online IGCSE and O Level classes for subjects they need help in, thanks to recent technological advancements.
Each mode of learning has its share of benefits. These are as follows:
Benefits of Online Learning
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Students have the freedom to receive academic help anywhere and at any time of their choosing, so long as they have an internet connection.
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Students can also choose from a diverse pool of highly experienced and qualified online teachers and tutors and select the one that suits their preferences the most.
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For students seeking academic help that is within their budget, online learning classes are a highly affordable option.
Benefits of Private Tutoring
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Students can build rapport with their instructor which ultimately contributes towards a good working relationship
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Students can expect immediate feedback on their work as well as answers to important questions related to course material.
Conclusion
In summary, whether online learning or private tutoring is beneficial depends entirely upon a student’s preferences and needs at the time. For students looking to benefit from the experience and knowledge of highly qualified teachers online, Out-Class offers a range of affordable options in a variety of subjects. Visit www.out-class.org to choose from our selection of online IGCSE or O Level courses today!
