Does the educational sector intrigue you? Were you a teacher for a long time and have decided to switch to tutoring? Well, if that is the case, deciding whether to do online tutoring or in-person tutoring is a challenging job. There are pros and cons to both teaching methods. To decide which is better, you must consider many factors, like your preferences and goals, while weighing the pros and cons of each method. This blog discusses both pros and cons to help you decide which is better for you as you transition to tutoring or embark on this beautiful journey.
What is online tutoring?
Online tutoring is a known learning method that allows students to learn from expert instructors through video conferencing. Online tutoring is available for all grades and courses. Online tutoring for 2nd graders or even kindergarten can help the young mind prepare for school and learn things not taught in a school environment.
Here are the pros and cons of online tutoring vs. in-person tutoring.
Online tutoring
Pros
- You get access to a global student audience.
- Flexible Work Environment: You enjoy working from any location, unrestricted by geographical boundaries.
- Online tutors can assist students around the clock, ensuring support at any hour.
- You can expand your business effortlessly by adding more students to your roster.
- Online tutoring eliminates the need for office space or purchasing supplies, saving overhead costs.
Cons
- It is essential to have a stable and strong internet connection. 24/7
- Avoiding technical difficulties is impossible.
- Building a rapport with the students through online tutoring is challenging.
In-person Tutoring
Pros
- It is easier to build working relationships with the students you are tutoring.
- A few concepts fare better when you teach them in person.
- You can easily build strong working relationships with your students.
- Students may feel better learning face-to-face.
Cons:
- Limited to teaching nearby students
- There is a need for a proper and dedicated space for the students to come and study.
- Tutors have to factor in the students’ travel time, meaning you might have to teach fewer students than you would like.
How do you decide which is better for you?
Needs and preferences
Whether you want to be an online or an in-person tutor first depends on your and your student’s needs and preferences. Tutoring is a business; you must understand your target audience and their needs. Are they comfortable with digital tools and online tutoring? Or they benefit in person. The same goes for you. Knowing your choices will help you choose the better option out of both.
Contextual factors are essential, too.
Deciding between online and in-person tutoring also requires factoring in contextual factors like your comfort level and experience with the technology. Online tutoring will require you to use technology more than in person. You will use video conference tools, emails, and other tools to create an interactive plan. Moreover, you also need to understand the amount of time you will have to spend grading or planning a lesson when you are doing it for an online class and in person.
Convenience
Online tutoring allows the student to learn in an environment that is comfortable for them. This may benefit some students, especially those with social anxiety. Also, it gives the tutor time to focus on their hobbies and other commitments.
In-person tutoring allows you to interact with the students face-to-face, which is beneficial for some students who thrive more academically with physical guidance.
Risk associated
Both in-person tutoring and online tutoring come with their own set of risks. The former has risks related to transportation or scheduling issues. While the latter has risks like misunderstandings due to technical errors or not having a proper class,
So, how do you choose?
Well, there is no clear-cut answer, as both forms of tutoring are prevalent and helpful to the kids. In the end, the decision is yours, which you have to make while considering all of these factors.
Conclusion
After considering all these factors, choosing between online and in-person tutoring must have become easier. If you want flexibility and the ability to reach global students, online tutoring is best. However, if you prefer to interact with students personally, one-on-one tutoring is your best option. The decision is yours; ensure it aligns with your goals and helps you make the right choice for educational success.
