Group tuition vs Individual tuition

Group tuition vs individual tuition

Group tutoring is when a professional tutor works with a group of learners from 2 or 3  upwards on a common subject or topic. Individual tutoring is when the tutor works with a learner on a 121 basis. They both have advantages and disadvantages and ultimately the best option depends on the students'/pupils' learning style, their specific needs and their availability 

Advantages of group tuition

• Small group tuition can enable opportunities for peer learning and sharing quality resources. At GCSE and A level, collaborative learning can enhance confidence, self-esteem and understanding.
• If groups are matched carefully across ability and learning style, learners can be grouped for targeted work and exercises  for  those who are quicker thinkers to stretch their attainment or those pupils with lower attainment levels who can equally benefit from small group sessions to address gaps in their learning.
• There are today many providers of group tuition both online and offline and the cost is likely to be lower than individual tuition.

Disadvantages of group tuition

• Group size is key - more than 6 learners in a group is likely to reduce the impact of the tutor and of course at this point it could be said that it is no longer tutoring but teaching
• The goal of the group has to be the same for every learner otherwise it is almost impossible to manage several different aims in the same group. it requires a detailed initial diagnostic assessment beforehand of each learners' needs to provide that element of personalised tuition which is what tutoring is  all about. This may be possible within the school setting but in the private sector it is very difficult. For example, just because all students are in year 11 and working on Maths GCSE is not enough - they need to be working at roughly the same level for tutoring to be of maximum benefit. A further example is the 11+ or Kent test - yes the test is the same for all pupils but their strengths and weaknesses may be very different - some may be good at Maths but weaker in English; some may find the reasoning element tricky but be fine in Maths and English; so this is where a group may not be the best choice unless they are all working on the same thing.
• Everybody in the group needs to be available at the same time each week. With so many extra activities that learners and parents get involved in today - it might be difficult to find a time that suits everyone.
• Group tuition is not suitable for everyone - especially if the learner is experiencing a lack of confidence in their learning and is shy to speak up - a group may not be the right environment as this might re-enforce their lack of confidence.

Advantages of 121 tuition

• As each session is tailored exactly to the learner's needs - the impact is likely to be far greater. The tutor can make a detailed assessment of the student's attainment level in the subject to date and then plan a detailed program of tuition for that student but with the flexibility to modify, quicken or slow up at any time.
• Feedback is personalised, as often as required and the learner has few distractions during each session.
• It is much easier to build a rapport with one individual learner than with a group and as a consequence the progress in the subject is likely to be quicker and more effective.
• The leaner does not need to feel shy or embarrassed as there is only them and the tutor in the session- they can make mistakes and learn from them without worrying about what their classmates think
• Although it might cost more than group tuition, the benefits are far greater (evidence from Ofsted report) that it might actually be more cost effective in the long run and fewer sessions may be needed to achieve the same goal. Some tutors, including the author of this article) are always prepared to reduce fees in cases where there is financial hardship. Gone are the days when having a tutor was just a preserve of the wealthy.
• Flexibility of timing of sessions. Although it is recommended a minimum of once a week for effectiveness there is a lot more room for arranging the tutoring on a day and time to suit individual circumstances rather than a fixed time for group lessons.

Disadvantages of 121 tuition

• As mentioned above - some might see cost as a disadvantage as group tuition is almost certainly more affordable but if the group is too large it is debatable whether this is actually tuition and is in fact teaching and cost effective.
• Some learners may feel pressured in a 121 setting and so it is not for everyone who may prefer a group environment. Therefore finding the correct provider is key; tuition needs to be high quality and a prior assessment is essential if this is the desired choice.
• Some tutors work online exclusively, but it is harder to create rapport online - especially with younger children
• If the tutor visits, it is advisable to have a space to work which is separate from the other people in the house. it may be the kitchen, dining room, bedroom but away from the main activities in the house. If this isn't possible, then the distractions with these other activities may detract from the effectiveness of the tuition.
• If you have to travel to the tutor, this can be time consuming and provision needs to be made for other children (especially if they are young)

Conclusion

Whether the choice made is for group or individual tutoring, all tutors need  fully qualified teachers, able build rapport with the learner or group of learners, do a full diagnostic assessment before tutoring begins and offer a supportive, positive learning environment. Choosing the right tutor for your child's needs can have an impact which can last a lifetime - and add a value which can last well beyond school days.

Rowena Hawtin MSc BSc PGCE