Questionnaires
The main aim of the student questionnaires was to obtain information on private tuition,
however for several reasons the scope of the questions was broadened to cover other sources
of educational support. For purposes of statistical classification, pupils were also asked to
supply information on their age, ethnic origin and family background. Questionnaires for year
6 pupils covered the same topics as those for older students but were shorter and obtained less
detailed information. The parent questionnaires collected information on parents’ motivation
for employing tutors and their evaluations of tutoring received.
Procedure
For reasons of confidentiality discussed above, researchers visited the schools to administer
the questionnaires so that pupils were reassured that their teachers would not see their
answers. Most students completed the survey in their normal classrooms however in some
schools they were gathered in the school hall or dinner room. Teachers were handed
information about the research and this included a request for them to remain at the periphery
of the room and not to help students complete the questionnaires. A researcher explained the
research to the whole class and checked that students understood the meaning of 'private tutor'
and any other terms they were unclear about. It was also emphasised that teachers would not
read the questionnaires and that there were no right or wrong answers. To ensure
confidentiality, students were spread out around the room as far as possible and asked to
complete their own questionnaire and not discuss their answers with neighbours or look over
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