Online VS. In-Person Tutoring: Which Is Best For Your Child?
Private tuition offers a number of benefits, including programmes of individual instruction and personalised learning plans, which enhance confidence and motivation. Students develop study skills as they work, and build a strong relationship with a trusted mentor. Together with the flexible learning and one-to-one attention, this boosts academic performance.
So tutors fill in the gaps in a student’s learning, and can also help where someone is struggling in a particular topic area.
But one decision parents will have to make is whether to hire an online or in-person tutor. In truth, there pros and cons to each option, with each offering a decent number of benefits, depending on individual circumstances. After all, both types of tutoring involve one-to-one support with tailored lesson plans to help a child realise their full potential. And both online and classroom tutoring can be highly effective.
Here, we look at each one in more detail:
Online private tuition
- Flexibility
Most families have busy schedules that must take into account the needs of every member of the household. Online tutoring is highly flexible in that it fits around family life. You don’t have to physically take your child anywhere for the sessions, plus you can organise them for days and times to suit you, your child and any other activities they may be doing. Equally, you won’t be held up in traffic or by public transport delays.
What’s more, as long as there’s a strong Wi-Fi connection, sessions can continue if, for example, your son or daughter is on holiday, a school trip or visiting grandparents. They don’t have to skip classes.
- Home comforts
With web-based teaching, your child learns where they probably feel at their most relaxed and comfortable – their own home. There’s easy access to all their favourite snacks and drinks and they can be ready to start the session on time, instead of spending time taking out books and hanging up coats etc.
- Draw from a wider talent pool
If your child hasn’t previously clicked with a local in-person tutor, try going online. You draw from a much wider pool of potential instructors, especially, for example, in rural areas.
- Safety
Private tutors are, of course, vetted and have DBS checks, however they teach. But if you do have any lingering safety worries, online tuition may give you extra peace of mind. Additionally, lessons can be recorded and reviewed in the unlikely event that you have any concerns about safety or the quality of the teaching, providing extra reassurance.
In-person sessions
Some families may prefer to book in-person private tutoring. Here’s why:
- Social interaction
Whatever their age, your child will be developing their social skills. And interacting in-person with a tutor can help with this, as can meeting fellow tutees, even in small groups.
- Some learners prefer in-person learning
Some kids are tactile or hands-on students, also known as kinaesthetic learners. That means they perform best through physical action and movements and by interacting with their environment. In other words, it’s a preference for ‘feeling’ and active ‘doing’, rather than passive reading or listening.
This group, and younger children in some subjects, may prefer to be in the same room as their instructor.
- No technological issues
If there are any issues with Wi-Fi speed or other technological hiccups, this can have a significant impact on the productivity of the session. (Although, happily, it doesn’t happen that often!)
- A more direct experience
In person, the experience may feel more direct and personalised, in that tutors can notice a student’s body language and non-verbal clues. So they may identify any learning gaps more rapidly. At the same time, tutor and tutee may find it easier to build a fruitful working relationship.
When making your decision, bear in mind that every family is different and so there’s no right or wrong. Think about whether you need to prioritise convenience, your budget (online tutoring is often cheaper), your child’s learning style and where they would feel most comfortable, the speed of your web connection and how easy it is to find a tutor in your area.
The best of both worlds with StudyBox
At StudyBox, we offer both online and on-site private tuition in groups of no more than four at one of our centres in West Malling, Sutton, Wallington or Croydon. This allows each family to choose what works best for them. Talk to us if your child needs help with Science, English or Maths or is sitting SATS, 11+ or GCSE exams. We even run kids’ coding sessions.
Browse our website – and book your free trial today.
