Most schools today offer some type of after-school or before-school tutoring program for groups. These programs are usually free of charge or available at a low charge. They are often taught by the same teacher who instructs in the classroom. Private tutors generally go to the home of the student. They work in a one-on-one environment. Private tutors will be largely more expensive than group tutors, but they have unique advantages that group tutors cannot tap into.

Advantages of Group Tutoring

There are a couple key advantages to group tutoring. First, some subjects are better learned through group participation and discussion. For example, a writing class may benefit from peer-to-peer editing and activities. Another key advantage is the teacher who will administer the test is tutoring the group. This means the teacher can give direct information about what students will be tested on and how they are expected to answer. Finally, for busy or working parents, the option for a child to remain in school a few more hours each day may be necessary. If they will be in school, it is a good time to have them getting extra help in subjects where they need it.

Advantages of Private Tutoring

The first considerable edge of private tutoring is that a new teacher with different teaching methods comes into the situation. Most students who need tutors are not struggling with the subject matter itself; they are struggling with the way the teacher teaches the subject matter. By using a different instructor, this hurdle is easily overcome. Another key advantage to private tutoring is it takes place in the home. For students who need study skills, it is essential to learn how to study and work at home and not just at school. Most students will also benefit from the one-on-one attention that allows a tutor to truly track both problems and progress over a long period of time. Finally, many parents will appreciate the advantage of having a tutor come to them instead of the other way around. Even local tutoring centers require some transportation after school, and many parents need the option of having a child take a bus home and remain at home in the evening.

Which to Choose

Depending on the subject and needs of your student, you may choose either option. Group tutoring is best for a student who simply has a few questions before a test. If this is not an ongoing issue, the student will find it easier to ask the teacher directly and get answers in a 30 minute study session. This is particularly true when the student has received excellent homework and quiz grades and just wants a few points clarified before a final.

Students who are struggling in a subject need a different approach. Clearly, what the teacher has tried is not working. Further, students who truly need to learn to study and work independently will not gain these skills through group tutoring. Group tutoring is very similar to a classroom; many students excel in the classroom but cannot learn independently. Getting them to focus at home is an important skill for high school and college.