TRANSITION FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL TO HIGHER EDUCATION: EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ENGLISH PRIVATE TUTORING, AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Since the beginning of 21st century, Private tutoring (PT) has grown significantly in popularity and prevalence. However, English private tutoring (EPT), a subcategory of PT, remains a relatively under-researched area, with limited empirical studies on EPT in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to fill this gap by examining the EPT experiences of undergraduate students from Kazakhstan as they prepared for their high-stakes university entrance exams. Drawing on Benson’s (2011) four-dimensional model of language learning beyond the classroom, the study addresses two research questions: 1) How were the four dimensions (location, formality, locus of control and pedagogy) interpreted in the participants’ EPT experiences? 2) What are the participants’ views about the future of PT in Kazakhstan? The data were gathered from eight undergraduate students enrolled in a highly selective Kazakhstani university where English was used as the medium of instruction (EMI). This study utilized two qualitative research methods: narrative writing and individual semi-structured interviews. The findings of the study revealed that regarding the location of EPT, most participants preferred small group tutoring. Concerning the formality, the participants articulated the positive, indirect involvement of their parents and hiring a private tutor for their children as a means to relieve the burden on their shoulders as ‘responsibilized’ parents. Regarding the locus of control, the participants took EPT to enhance their chances of a place at one of the prestigious EMI universities. Participants admitted that they could not secure a place at that EMI university without having EPT. However, they articulated some disadvantages of EPT. The study’s findings have led to suggestions for pedagogical improvements and identified areas for future research, including the adoption of effective procedures to enhance fair access to highly selective universities and regulate the PT market in Kazakhstan and other regions. Keywords: Private tutoring, English private tutoring, higher education, Central Asia, qualitative study