One of the first choices you’ll need to make when you select a tutor is whether you want face-to-face tutoring or online tutoring. Here are some questions to help guide your choice:
- Good home workspace:
Do you have a good home working setup? Reliable hardware and internet? If not, you should start your search for face-to-face tutoring right away - What days/times do you want tutoring?
Your availability and schedule will play a key role in deciding where your tutoring takes place. Online tutors can flex to most schedules as they tend to work evenings and weekends. - Do you live in a city, or are you in a more rural setting?
If you live in a city, you might find plenty of great face-to-face tutors nearby. But if you live in a remote village, you may have trouble finding tutors willing to put in the travel. In this case, online tutoring services would likely be a better choice.
The Benefits of Online Learning
More Expertise at Your Fingertips
Tutors can use a wide range of different resources to interact with students in real time.
There is sometimes an argument that online tutoring isn’t appropriate for younger children, but the fun element that tutors can bring with an online classroom, can really focus them on task and make learning even more fun.
Increased Convenience
Online tutoring is more easily accessible and offers more flexible scheduling options. It reduces travel time, as neither you nor your tutor need to travel. Instead, both parties can simply log into the platform and get to work.
Ability to Price Shop
Cost is an important consideration for most learners when they search for tutors, but it can be difficult to compare price for f2f tutors, without interviewing multiple people and discussing rates, cancellation policies, and other details.
When looking for online tutors, these pricing options are generally listed upfront.
The Benefits of In-Person Tutoring
More Personal Face to Face Learning
There is no doubt that some learners just need face-to-face interactions. Body language, facial expressions, and the nuances of tone can be easier to interpret in person.
Ability to Use Existing Relationships
Sometimes, you find a teacher who you just really click with. When this happens and you build a meaningful working relationship, this person can make a great tutor. Sometimes, teachers tutor after school or during breaks from school.
Online Tutoring vs. Face-to-Face Tutoring: The Bottom Line
There is no one size fits all when it comes to finding a tutor. Some tutors and some tutoring methods will work better for some students but not for others. By focusing on key priorities, learning style, and the benefits of each tutoring option, you can narrow down your options and choose a tutor that works best for you or your child.
Ricky Galer
Customer Success Manager at TuitionWorks
