London school outsources maths teaching to India

A north London school, Ashmount Primary, has outsourced mathematics teaching to India. And, according to BBC, pupils in this institution are improving in this subject. Shortage of maths teachers in British schools has for some time presented an opportunity to Indians to teach the subject. Many of them have even immigrated to Britian to teach mathematics.

    

A British firm, Bright Spark Education Company (BSEC), is facilitating the online mathematics classes by teachers thousands of miles away in Ludhiana. Lessons are booked 24 hours in advance; and at a stipulated students log on and converse with their tutor over the internet. The lessons, designed for children between seven and 16, cost £12 an hour; and parents sign up for blocks of two or 
five hours. The students appear to be excited about the project. BBC quoted several 10-yearolds saying this. Adam, a student, said: “It’s fun because it’s on the computer and not doing it on your books.’’ Another student Rosa added: “It’s fun because you’re talking to someone from somewhere else.’’ 

BSEC has employed 100 maths graduates, who are paid £7 an hour. One of them said, “I can’t see the student, but I can talk. I can chat with them so it’s a different way of teaching and as effective as a classroom—even more effective, so that’s what I like about it.’’ However, teachers unions in Britain are unhappy. “I’m concerned about the precedent this is setting,’’ said National Union of Teachers’ general secretary Chris Keates. “What next? Do we do without maths teachers?’’ she asked. BSEC’s Tom Hooper rejected the criticism. “It’s just a supplement to help kids with their maths, to complement what they’re learning in the classroom.’’