CHALLENGES AND ADVANTAGES OF SHADOW EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS FROM MALAYSIAN EDUCATOR’S PERSPECTIVES

This study examines the challenges and advantages of shadow education (SE) in Malaysia from the perspectives of educators. Shadow education has become integral to Malaysia's educational landscape, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a rapid shift to online learning platforms. The primary issues identified include a lack of essential skills and tools for online education, widening socioeconomic divides, and inconsistencies in teaching quality. There is a notable gap in understanding how these challenges and benefits play out in the Malaysian context. The objectives of this study are to identify the specific challenges and advantages of SE, understand how educators overcome these challenges, and explore the importance of SE's advantages in maintaining educational success. This qualitative analysis involved semi-structured interviews with seven private tutors, six teachers, and five shadow education institution owners, focusing on their experiences and perspectives. The findings highlight significant challenges such as accessibility, affordability, and quality control, alongside advantages like personalized learning, flexibility, and enhanced academic performance. The discussion underscores the need for effective communication, continuous professional development, and strategic integration of technology to harness SE's benefits while addressing its disadvantages. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers to ensure equitable access to quality education through supportive SE frameworks.