Will AI eliminate the tradition of Romanian tutoring? Education expert: 'I encourage all children to use AI'

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a significant challenger to the long-standing tradition of private tutoring in Romania, a practice that often costs families thousands of lei annually. AI offers a free, always-available alternative that could potentially reshape how students prepare for national exams such as the Evaluarea Națională and Bacalaureat.

Recent results from these crucial exams have reignited discussions about the effectiveness of Romania's education system and the heavy reliance on private tutoring. Parents often view these costly sessions as a guarantee of success, leading to significant financial strain. Education specialist Marian Staș and psychologist Maria Bria are examining the efficacy of tutoring and the motivations behind parental investment, while Mihnea Haiduc, president of the National Student Council (CNE), provides insights into the on-the-ground realities of tutoring.

Romanian legislation does not explicitly define "tutoring," focusing instead on regulating its conditions and limitations. The Law of Pre-university Education (nr. 198/2023) prohibits teaching staff from conducting paid supplementary preparation with their current students. Financially, tutoring is considered independent income if conducted continuously, requiring declaration and taxation according to the Fiscal Code.

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A report by QX identified tutoring as one of many factors contributing to a core problem in Romanian education: a high percentage of graduates failing to effectively assimilate key competencies or apply them in daily life, posing a national security risk. However, the report does not advocate for banning tutoring but rather for better regulation to prevent interference with regular school hours and avoid conflicts of interest.

Official data on the extent of private tutoring is scarce. A 2024 Ministry of Education study indicated that 43% of high school students receive private tutoring for the Bacalaureat, while 25% participate in school-organized remedial classes. The article aims to explore the cost of these tutoring sessions and the broader phenomenon.

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Un procent prea mare de absolvenți nu asimilează eficient competențele-cheie în relație cu conținutul programelor și/sau în relație cu utilizarea conținutului programelor în viața cotidiană, ceea ce devine un risc de securitate națională