Predictors of parental use of private tutoring in Qatar

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the factors likely to influence parents' desire to use a private tutor for their children in the State of Qatar. Drawing on insights from the relevant literature, a survey questionnaire was used to identify key predictors of private tutoring usage by parents of students in Grades 8 and 9, 11 and 12. This study utilized logistic regression and factor analysis, and the results drawn from it revealed two strong determinants of parents' decision to hire a private tutor: (1) the opinion they hold about their child's current school, and (2) their disappointment if their child fails to live up to the educational aspirations and expectations they have for them. The results derived from this study also indicate that parental aspirations are not associated with parental demand for private tutoring. The article concludes with a discussion of the results and provides some important recommendations for future study and research.