We often receive questions from parents about after-school programs and group learning centers. Today, we’re going to break down some of the differences between these popular options and traditional one-to-one tutoring!
1. Group size. For most parents who ultimately decide to go with one-to-one tutoring, this factor is the primary decision-maker. With group learning center formats, one instructor is generally paired with a group of students they can assist. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with group methods, this presents a bit of a difficulty for families. More often than not, families seek out tutoring because their child is struggling in the classroom, which is a group learning environment. As a result, it’s not uncommon for families to opt for a more personalized experience with a single instructor.
2. Instructional style. Speaking of personalized experiences, this is the other primary difference between group learning centers and private tutoring. Much like schools, group learning centers are centered around a set curriculum for each grade level. Instructors will teach using methods that are most commonly preferred, but again – students often require tutoring because traditional instruction isn’t “clicking” with them. One-to-one tutoring programs are catered individually to each student based on their own personal needs, strengths, and learning style. In addition, tutoring is most effective when a student feels like their instructor is a good “match” for their own personality and interests. At Tutor Doctor, we believe the process of pairing students with a tutor who is the best fit for them should be absolutely paramount. Click here to learn more about the Tutor Doctor difference!
3. Scheduling. For most families, this is also one of the primary factors when choosing a tutoring option. Because group learning centers are brick-and-mortar establishments, they have set business hours. While this certainly isn’t a dealbreaker, parents often cite the convenience factor as a main benefit of one-to-one tutoring. Unlike group learning centers, tutors will come to your home (or meet in a predetermined public location, like a library). In addition, because private tutors do not have the same strict operating hours as a physical business, this provides a large amount of flexibility when it comes to scheduling. Group learning centers are a great option if flexibility is not a concern, but one-to-one tutoring may be a better option for families who have busy schedules.
4. Progress reports. With one-to-one tutoring, it’s common for parents to receive periodic reports about their student’s progress. At Tutor Doctor, we provide parents with detailed progress reports after every single session in order to provide a more complete picture. Due to the way group learning centers are set up, it can be understandably difficult for a single instructor to provide detailed reports for every single student. For students who need academic maintenance and light homework supervision, group learning centers can be a great option! Students who have difficulty with organizational skills, time management, and integrating new concepts may find one-to-one methods are better suited to their needs.
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