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Does private tutoring work? The effectiveness of private tutoring: a nonparametric bounds analysis

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  • Stefanie Hof

Abstract

Private tutoring has become popular throughout the world. However, evidence for the effect of private tutoring on students' academic outcome is inconclusive; therefore, this paper presents an alternative framework: a nonparametric bounds method. The present examination uses, for the first time, a large representative data-set in a European setting to identify the causal effect of self-initiated private tutoring. Under relatively weak assumptions, I find some evidence that private tutoring improves students' outcome in reading. However, the results indicate a heterogeneous and nonlinear effect of private tutoring, e.g. a threshold may exist after which private tutoring becomes ineffective or even detrimental.

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  • Stefanie Hof, 2014. "Does private tutoring work? The effectiveness of private tutoring: a nonparametric bounds analysis," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(4), pages 347-366, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:22:y:2014:i:4:p:347-366
    DOI: 10.1080/09645292.2014.908165
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    2. Arif Jamal Habib Gokak & Smita Mehendale & Sanjay M. Bhāle, 2023. "Modelling and analysis for higher education shadow institutions in Indian context: an ISM approach," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(4), pages 3425-3451, August.
    3. Javier Valbuena & Mauro Mediavilla & Álvaro Choi & María Gil, 2021. "Effects Of Grade Retention Policies: A Literature Review Of Empirical Studies Applying Causal Inference," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(2), pages 408-451, April.
    4. Maria Zumbuehl & Stefanie Hof & Stefan C. Wolter, 2020. "Private tutoring and academic achievement in a selective education system," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0169, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW), revised Oct 2022.
    5. Haensch, Anna-Carolina & Drechsler, Jörg & Bernhard, Sarah, 2020. "TippingSens: An R Shiny Application to Facilitate Sensitivity Analysis for Causal Inference Under Confounding," IAB-Discussion Paper 202029, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany].
    6. Zhang, Yu & Liu, Junyan, 2016. "The effectiveness of private tutoring in China with a focus on class-size," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 35-42.
    7. Zheng, Xiaodong & Wang, Chengcheng & Shen, Zheng & Fang, Xiangming, 2020. "Associations of private tutoring with Chinese students’ academic achievement, emotional well-being, and parent-child relationship," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    8. M. Twyeafur Rahman & Loe Franssen & Hafiz T. A. Khan, 2020. "The Impact of After-School Programme on Student Achievement: Empirical Evidence from the ASA Education Programme in Bangladesh," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(3), pages 612-626, July.
    9. Liu, Junyan & Bray, Mark, 2020. "Private Subtractory Tutoring: The Negative Impact of Shadow Education on Public Schooling in Myanmar," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    10. Gamlath, Sharmila & Lahiri, Radhika, 2018. "Public and private education expenditures, variable elasticity of substitution and economic growth," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 1-14.

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    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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