Private Tutoring Vs Small Group Tutoring - Which Option is Right for your Child?

April 20, 2022
Blog posted April 20, 2022 by Megan Ward
Post last modified April 17, 2024

Tutoring is a great way for children to improve their academic performance. There are two main types of tutoring: private tutoring and group tutoring. Private tutor sessions can be done at home or at a tutoring centre, while group sessions are often held at schools or learning centres. Either type of session can help children to improve their grades, study habits, and skills.

What is Private Tutoring?

private tutor with her student working on the laptop

Private tutoring is a form of supplemental educational assistance that is typically provided by a tutor or instructor to a student who needs extra help. Tutors who provide private tutoring work with one or more students at a time, and usually charge an hourly rate for their services.

Private tutoring can be beneficial for students who are struggling academically and need additional support in completing their coursework. By working with a tutor, students can access individualized instruction that helps them improve their academic performance.

In addition, private tutoring can be an affordable option for students who need help with specific subjects like maths and English.

With private tutoring, a tutor will come to your child's school or home and work with them one-on-one. One benefit of this type of tutor is that they can help students who are struggling with specific subjects, and they offer the added convenience of being able to schedule private sessions when it's most convenient for you and your child.

Key Takeaways

  • Private Tutoring Benefits

    Provides personalized, one-on-one attention tailored to a student's specific needs. Supports academic improvement by helping with homework, test preparation, and overall academic development. Offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing parents to choose tutoring times that suit their child's needs and their own commitments.
  • Disadvantages of Private Tutoring

    Can be costly due to the need to compensate tutors for their services. Finding a qualified tutor who matches a child's needs and availability can be challenging. May not always guarantee access to the best possible instruction tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Comparison with Group Tutoring

    Group tutoring is often more cost-effective and promotes interactive learning among peers. Provides a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and support among students. However, group tutoring may lack personalized attention and could be less effective if students are not engaged.

The Advantages of Private Tutoring

young man studying and helped by a private tutor

Private tutoring can provide your child with the one-on-one attention they need to improve their grades.

A tutor can help your child with homework, test preparation, and other academic tasks. Tutors are experienced educators who can provide guidance and support for your child's academic development.

Private tutoring allows you to choose a preferred tutoring schedule for your child.

With private tutoring, you are able to set your own schedule and choose a tutor that works best for you and your child. This allows parents to better manage their time and commitments for their child's learning.

Children who receive private tutoring are more likely to do well in school than those who don't.

Private tutoring can help children who struggle with academics, and it can also give them the boost they need to do well in school.

While there is no guarantee that all children will benefit from private tutoring, it can clearly be an important part of a child's educational journey. For some kids, the extra support can make all the difference in their academic success.

The Disadvantages of Private Tutoring

There are a few disadvantages to private tutoring. The biggest downside is that it can be expensive. In order for a tutor to provide quality service, they need to be compensated fairly. This can add up quickly if your child is receiving regular private tutoring.

Another disadvantage to private tutoring is that it can be difficult to find a qualified tutor who is available when you need them. It can be difficult to match a tutor with your child based on their individual needs and interests. This means that your child may not have access to the best possible instruction.

Group tutoring has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. One advantage is that it can be more affordable than private tutoring. Group sessions are also typically shorter, so they are more convenient for busy parents.

What is Small Group Tutoring?

english tutoring session with students in tutoring center

Small group tutoring is a type of tutoring in which a tutor works with multiple students at the same time. Group tutoring can be helpful for students who want to improve their skills in a specific subject area, but don’t have the time or resources to do individualized tutoring.

Groups typically consist of four to twelve students and each student receives individual attention from the tutor. This type of tutor can be especially beneficial for students who are struggling with specific subjects but would also like to gain a better understanding of the material overall.

Group tutoring can be found at many schools, libraries, and retail strips in Geelong and across the country, making it an easy and affordable way for children to get help in their academic pursuits.

The Advantages of Group Tutoring

children sitting with tutor in a learning center

Group tutoring is often more cost-effective than private tutoring.

For one, group tutoring can be offered at a lower price than private tutoring. Additionally, group sessions allow more students to receive help at once, which can speed up the learning process.

Furthermore, group sessions can be more interactive and engaging than private sessions, which can also help students learn more effectively.

Group tutoring can be an excellent way for children to learn and collaborate.

It can encourage creativity and collaboration because children are working together in a group setting. This can help them learn how to work together and how to be more creative.

Small group tutoring provides a support system for children.

Many times, when one child is struggling in a subject, the other children in the group can provide encouragement and help to improve their grades. Small group tutoring allows the child to work with others who are having similar struggles and may be able to overcome them together.

The Disadvantages of Group Tutoring

While group tutoring can be a great help for many students, it is not always the best option for everyone.

For example, if your child is not a good listener or does not follow directions well, they may have difficulty participating in group settings. In these cases, private tutoring may be a better option because it allows more individualized instruction and can be tailored to fit each student’s needs.

Group sessions can be less personalized than private tutoring. This means that some children may not receive the same level of attention as they would in a one-on-one setting. Group sessions can also be less effective if the children in the group are not engaged with each other.

Which Tutoring Option Is Right For Your Child?

When it comes to finding a tutor for your child, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is whether you would prefer private tutoring or small group tutoring. Private tutoring is great if you have the time to devote to your child and want them to have one-on-one attention.

However, if you have other responsibilities that take up your time, then small group tutoring may be a better option for you. This type of tutor will provide assistance to several students at once, making the learning process more efficient overall.

Ultimately, the best option for your child depends on their specific needs and what type of environment they feel comfortable in.

Maths and English Tutoring in Geelong

If you are located near Geelong VIC, then iCode School can provide you with the best maths and English tutoring for your child.

We offer affordable in-person or online tutoring services for prep and primary students. Our maths and English tutoring program follow the most up-to-date school curriculum, so you know everything learned will be relevant to your child.

You can book a free assessment, learning consultation, and 2 weeks of free maths and English tutoring today! ($248 value)This offer is strictly limited to 5 people per week. Call us today on 1300 042 633 to get started.

Post Written by

Megan Ward has over 16 years experience in working directly with children and young people experiencing challenging behaviour. having worked exclusively with families, Australian agencies and with support networks to provide advice around emotional disturbances, guidance and leadership, her the main goal is the positive behaviour alteration, family happiness and harmony. Megan's qualifications include a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and Fine Arts and a Masters in Special Education with a Major in Emotional and Behaviour Disturbances. Megan is the owner of a iCode School, specialising in NDIS tutoring, and support for children with learning disabilities.

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