Target participants
Students (ages 10-18) who receive or have received private tutoring in India, their parents or guardians, and active private tutors (both independent and those affiliated with coaching centers).
The problem
In India, many students rely on private tutoring to supplement their school education. However, the prevailing tutoring model often focuses on providing immediate answers and rote memorization rather than fostering genuine understanding and skill development. This 'answer-giving' approach leaves students ill-equipped for independent problem-solving, causing them to struggle when faced with novel challenges and potentially undermining their long-term academic confidence and critical thinking abilities.
This issue persists because of a complex interplay of factors, including parental expectations for quick results, tutors' established methods, and students' immediate need to pass exams. Changing this entrenched system requires a deep understanding of these motivations and how they influence the learning dynamic in Indian households.
Research question
How do students, parents, and tutors perceive the value of 'answer-giving' versus 'skill-building' in private tutoring in India, and what factors contribute to the current prevalence of the former?


