There has been a wave of alarm throughout the world as China announced its ban on private ESL instruction, but it’s not all doom and gloom. While the future of several prominent ESL teaching startups like DadaABC, PalFish, and Magic Ears doesn’t appear positive, there IS hope. The market is set to get even more competitive so equip yourself with the finest TEFL course and gain as much teaching experience as possible, whether it in the form of fulfilling your ESL contract (more information on this later) or enrolling on an observed or certified teaching practicum course. Luckily, there are numerous things you can do as an experienced or new TEFL instructor to stand out so let’s sort this out together.
Explore Why China Ban on Online ESL Teaching
With the pandemic altering how individuals are studying securely and easily, the online education industry become a safe refuge. One nation in particular where online education has a substantial market is China. In China alone, nearly 400 million individuals are studying English now. However, the $120 billion online ESL sector in China confronts a tremendous challenge to overcome. This hurdle derives from Chinese legislation which put a restriction on private ESL tuition.
The Chinese Government said that they would be establishing a ban on firms that profit from teaching school curriculum courses, including English. In addition, private tutoring organizations will be forbidden to employ foreign instructors from abroad. While the announcement is disheartening for firms that have a substantial presence in the market, how will the ban on private ESL tutoring effect teachers?
Why Is China Limiting Private Tutoring?
Firstly, let’s understand why the restriction on private ESL instruction is being implemented. While the news is disappointing for online education, the objectives may justify the methods.
Mental Health Protection for Kids
It is thought that limits are implemented to improve student mental health. China’s culture and education are clearly cutthroat. Less ESL means more time for kids to play and relax.
Work ethic is commendable. But there’s a limit. Work overload may lead to mental health issues including burnout, anxiety, and despair. In addition, lack of sleep and play leads to lack of social skills and reliance.
While the ruling may impact ESL instructors, we must recognize the prohibition on private ESL tutoring’s aims. Play is, after all, a need. What good is education if the kids can’t appreciate their own labor?
Incentives for Families
Aside from the obvious ethical considerations, there are predictions about additional causes that would benefit China in the future. Parents will be relieved of financial constraints as well as student duties.
Some parents spend thousands of dollars on their kids to study out of school. From the ages of 5 to 18, parents will spend an average of $40,000 on their children’s education. This is done to keep the youngster competitive in a brutal employment market with high requirements. Due to these fees and the high expense of living in cities, some parents are hesitant to expand their family. Privatization will help combat a falling birth rate. Having more money may encourage Chinese families to have more children.
When Will the Private ESL Tutoring Ban Take Effect?
Parts of the policy are already in effect. However, some Chinese ESL firms and instructors have already been impacted. Online courses in China are already banned after 9 p.m. This has impacted ESL instructors’ schedules and pay. Online instruction for pre-schoolers has also been outlawed.
The tough and competitive environment that children are placed in is reinforced by this. They are expected to work late at night since they have homework and tests to prepare for.