What are the pros and cons of private (one-to-one) lessons over group ones, and when do they suit your child?
Since the pandemic, many parents have been directly convinced of the benefits of online learning of languages. At the beginning of the Slovak language school year, the question of the form of education is the daily dilemma of parents for both new and continuing students. Our school offers both forms of classes – private and group lessons. For a parent to be able to choose the most suitable form for their child, it is necessary to think about the pluses and minuses of both forms.
Private versus group lessons
Personalized approach
Personal teaching is more adapted to each student’s needs, level, and goals. A teacher can prepare materials relevant to a particular student and his/her learning style.
In group lessons, the teacher considers the diverse needs of all students in the group. At the same time, the pace and level of language acquisition varies among individuals. The professional teacher has these individual specifics mapped out and tries to respect them when conducting lessons. In practice, this means that lessons run so the teacher alternates teaching styles so that a diverse group of students is effectively engaged and individuals progress.
Faster progress
With one-to-one lessons, students can progress at their own pace, leading to faster achievement of grammar and writing goals, as instruction is focused directly on their needs.
During group lessons, it is necessary to highlight students’ faster progress in areas such as spontaneous communication in pairs, overcoming fear of speaking, and active listening.
Flexibility
Private lessons can easily adjust the teaching time to the student’s busy schedule. These lessons can be scheduled based on the availability of both the student and the teacher. If necessary, the time of the lesson can be changed depending on their needs.
For group lessons, the weekly schedule is set throughout the school year and repeated on a weekly basis.
Intensive interaction with the teacher
In private classes, the student has the opportunity to actively participate and ask questions, thereby receiving immediate feedback, explanations of grammar and language concepts, and corrections of pronunciation.
However, group classes have room for peer learning and interaction with classmates. The teacher is mainly a guide in the language acquisition process. Feedback and explanations are provided not only by the teacher but also by classmates. The added value is that students learn to communicate using nonjudgmental language and nonviolent communication aimed not at judging classmates but at the products of their activities and work.
Internal motivation
An individual approach can increase student motivation because they feel more involved and supported.
In group lessons, motivation emerges from the experienced atmosphere of cooperation and acceptance. Pupils look forward to the introductory free conversation on the topic “How are you?” where there is space to express their own lived experiences, which are inspiring for other classmates. In the groups, students often present their presentations or products, books they read, and small “joys” of their lives. However, to “open up,” it is necessary to create an atmosphere of safety and acceptance, which are the fundamental pillars of group teaching.
Whether parents decide on private or group learning in an online environment, the most important thing is that the child is satisfied and looks forward to the lessons. Immerse yourself into the process of learning and enjoy its fruits.
Zdenka
