Tutoring is really effective when you need to excel in a particular subject or even when you need to prepare for a specific test such as SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL. Getting a tutor is not really difficult if you know your preference. With the evolution of online education platforms and telecommunications, private tutoring in Sydney is now available for students from all over the world. Of course, the rates of Sydney tutors will differ from tutors offering the same services in Prague, for example. But if you compare the rates for tutoring in one region, they will basically depend on tutors’ skills, knowledge and experience.
So modern technology gives the students a choice between in-person tutoring and online tutoring, but sometimes it becomes hard for them to make an informed decision.
That’s why we have mentioned the pros and cons of online and in-person tutoring that will help you narrow down your choice.
Online Tutoring
Advantages
1. Increased Convenience
Whether you’re out of the station on a holiday, you can be sure that you will never miss your class as all you need is a computer and stable internet connection no matter where you are.
If you’re one of those students who can’t study in the morning due to working hours or other commitments, an online tutor can deliver lectures at your convenience. You can even find a tutor online according to such a time zone, which is easy for them to teach you and easy for you to take lessons.
You will also be saving lots of time and fuel by not having to travel from your home to the library or another learning space to interact with your tutor.
2. More Expertise
There are a plethora of online tutoring platforms that allow you to filter out a variety of tutors that are perfect for your related subject. If you’re on the hunt for such a tutor, which is not available in your vicinity, you can easily find them on online platforms without any hassle.
What’s better than learning a language from a native speaker? You can also conveniently search for native tutors who can polish your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills if you’re relocating soon.
3. Getting Picky
Meeting with a tutor in person, interviewing them, and discussing rates with them can be quite time-consuming and stressful. Whereas, on online tutoring platforms, it’s as simple as searching for them with filtered results according to your price range and your availability. You can also easily compare the different rates on different websites that suit your budget.
Disadvantages
1. Reliance on Technology
A sudden power out or unstable internet connection can cause major hindrance in your online lectures. It’s also important to be tech-savvy. If you’re not familiar with the app you have to use, the gadgets, and how to deal with possible glitches, your learning will not really be smooth.
2. Easy to Get Distracted
As the tutors have minimum control over students when teaching online, students can easily get distracted by their surroundings or unnecessary web browsing. It also becomes hard for tutors to engage face-to-face with the students, making lessons less interactive.
In-Person Tutoring
Advantages
1. Highly Engaging and Interactive
Some students prefer face-to-face interactions as they aid their learning, for instance, by interpreting the tutor’s facial expressions, body language, and tone. In-person tutoring also allows for practical experiments to be easily conducted live to explain different physics or chemistry concepts which are otherwise harder for students to understand online.
2. Clear Guidance
It’s easier for tutors to quickly and clearly guide students when they’re face to face. For instance, if a student makes any mistake, the tutor can immediately ponder over it and ask you to make it right rather than you having to wait for them to respond to you on the internet. Tutors can then tailor their study material according to your learning needs to help refine the study quality.
Disadvantages
1. Requires Commute
In order to attend lessons, you have to travel from one place to another, and you have to deal with the overly crowded traffic in between as well. It may sometimes even make you reach the destination late, especially if you work. So, if you think you can’t cope with such conditions, it’s an important factor to consider before making a final decision.
2. Possibly Higher Costs
If you don’t have to drive to your tutor, then obviously your tutor would have to do so. According to the distance, they will charge you based on their fuel cost and overheads, which may make it slightly expensive for you. Also, with limited options available, you would have to, unfortunately, agree on this.
Which is the Best Option for You?
There’s no universal law to which is the best option as what works for one individual may not work for you. Therefore, keeping the pros and cons of online and in-person tutoring in your mind, you will be able to find the right tutor for yourself with the right level of expertise, knowledge, and skills.
