Is Private Tutoring Better Than Classroom Learning?

In the past, private tutoring was viewed negatively because it was often reserved for weaker students. However, this is not the case right now as the experts from the UK website for finding local tutors TutorExtra state that private classes have proven to be the most effective way of learning and progressing. While group studying has its benefits, many people are turning to private tutors for more personalised attention and assistance. To conclude which method of studying is more effective, they need to be analysed in more detail.

Differences between group and private tutoring

Group lessons are considered a method of teaching in which an instructor typically teaches more than one person. In contrast, individual learning occurs when the teacher explains the given material to only one student at a time. Nowadays, both of these methods can be implemented in an online environment where people can learn from their homes, including through online tutoring in UK platforms.

As the differences may be pretty obvious, some things are misunderstood. For example, it used to be understood that private tutoring is only for pupils who are lagging and solving maths problems after class. It should also be noted that both types have their pros and cons; it largely depends on your goals. To understand which is the best method of gaining new knowledge for you, you need to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of them.

Private and group tutoring

– pros and cons

In the table below, you can find a summary of the pros and cons of these two learning methods:

Type	Pros	Cons
Group tutoring	Low-cost Interaction with peers Participation in team activities	No personalised attitude Pre-set pace
Private tutoring	One-on-one attention Particular needs addressed Tailored educational material Faster progress Instructor-pupil relationship Personal motivation Fewer Distractions	Higher costs Possible exhaustion Difficulty in tracking progress Feeling obligated

 

Advantages of group tutoring

Group classes are a cost-effective option for individuals to gain an education in a specific subject. A skilled and professional educator usually leads them in the subject matter. As seen in the table, these types of studying have some benefits, such as interaction with peers and participation in team activities.

In this form of education, students can benefit from one another, socialising and exchanging knowledge with their classmates. In addition, they can support and help themselves if someone doesn’t understand something mentioned by the tutor. Some people prefer to study in a group because this allows them to track their progress while comparing themselves to others.

Advantages of private tutoring

Contrary to group studying, private lessons also have a solid number of advantages. This type of learning is the only option for receiving one-on-one attention. This is key to quick progress, as it allows the instructor to teach students at their own pace – neither too slow nor too fast. Additionally, the tutor can create a specially tailored programme taking into consideration the student’s needs, requirements, and study habits. The teacher can also divide the difficult material into smaller, more understandable parts, keeping in mind human perception.

One-to-one attention is also significant because if you are falling behind in a particular subject, you haven’t prepared for an exam, or you want to learn a language faster, this way of gaining knowledge is the best option for you, as you will see your development almost immediately. It is worth noting that this type of learning presents fewer distractions for students, as they are alone and speak only on the specific topic with the instructor.

Studying with a private teacher also helps people create a special bond with this person, meaning that they will feel at ease asking questions and relying on the tutor’s advice. Furthermore, the professor motivates and builds pupils’ confidence by complimenting their achievements and recognising milestones accomplished. This bond is also beneficial because a private tutoring teacher spends time only with one person who helps identify the weaker points. Thus, there will be more time spent on the needed material.

The disadvantage of group tutoring

Group tutoring is perceived to be an environment in which participants frequently feel discouraged from asking questions and requesting specialised assistance. Also, if somebody is struggling with a specific topic, the instructor may not be able to offer them the personalised instruction they require to succeed. These lessons may sometimes proceed at a speed that is too slow or too fast, making it difficult for students to advance or catch up with the subject.

Disadvantages of private tutoring

It is perceived that private tutoring classes are more expensive than group ones. However, this is a debatable topic as it depends on where exactly the teaching takes place. For example, the universities’ tuition fees are significantly higher than those for private lessons. This issue is very personal and depends on the subject so that no conclusions can be drawn here.

A disadvantage of this type of education is the potential for exhaustion it may cause. This can happen because communication is limited to just two people and can become monotonous in an instant. Additionally, when not surrounded by peers, it can be challenging to track the exact progress of your learning. Visited frequently, private classes can feel like an obligation without enjoyment because the social element is missing.

In conclusion, both group and individual tutoring have their advantages and disadvantages. However, when it comes to personalised attitude, tailored programmes, and faster progress, personal tutoring is the best choice. It allows the teacher to focus solely on human needs, which can foster a strong bond between the student and the tutor, making education far more effective than group tutoring.