Online vs In-Person Tuition: Which Is Best for Your Child?
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Both online and in-person tuition have a multitude of benefits: your child grows in confidence, improves their grades, and receives personalised support tailored to their individual learning needs. However, deciding whether to opt for online or in-person tuition depends on your circumstances and goals for tuition. Does your child learn better in a face-to-face environment, or are they comfortable with screens and online tools? Does your child have time to travel to and from lessons or would you prefer to host a tutor at home? These are a couple of the questions you’ll have to ask yourself before deciding which type of tuition to go for.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of online and in-person tuition so that you can weigh up which type of tuition is best for your child.
Pros of online tuition
1. It’s flexible and convenient
Online lessons are more flexible and convenient because they allow students and tutors to schedule lessons at a time that suits them best, without having to factor in travel time. No more rush hour traffic! This means lessons can be fitted easily around school, extracurricular activities, and family commitments. It also allows for quick rescheduling if there are any last-minute changes, making it easier to stay consistent with lessons even during busy or unpredictable weeks. There’s also the added benefit of being able to learn anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space to learn in.
2. It’s comfortable
With online tuition, students can learn in the comfort of their own home, which is a familiar and relaxing environment, reducing anxiety and improving focus. For some students, being at home is more conducive to learning because students feel more at ease asking questions or making mistakes. This helps to create a more positive and open learning environment. It also eliminates the stress of commuting, making it easier for students to stay mentally prepared for each lesson.
3. It’s cost-effective
Online tuition is cheaper because there are no travel expenses or associated costs, such as for petrol. Tutors may also charge slightly lower rates for online sessions, as they don’t need to account for travel costs. Additionally, the ability to access a wider pool of tutors means families can find high-quality tutors within their budget without being limited by location.
4. You have access to online tools and resources
In today’s digital world, tutors have some brilliant online tools and resources at their disposal, which can help them make their lessons more engaging, interactive, and personalised. Platforms like online whiteboards enable tutors and students to work through problems together in real time, much like they would on paper. By reinforcing knowledge through quizzes and games, apps like Kahoot and Blooket can make the learning process fun and competitive. Screen sharing, file sharing, and the use of visual aids like videos, diagrams, and digital flashcards also allow tutors to tailor their teaching to suit different learning styles. Even recording the session so that it can be revisited at a later date is a fantastic revision tool.
Cons of online tuition
1. Technology can fail
One drawback of online tuition is that there’s always the risk of technology failing. Poor internet connection, software glitches, or device malfunctions can disrupt the flow of a lesson. This can have a negative impact on the productivity of the session and lead to frustration for both the tutor and student. While most platforms are reliable, both tutors and students need a backup plan in case “computer says no”.
2. Building rapport can be harder
Without face-to-face communication, building rapport can be more challenging and body language cues are more difficult to read. This is particularly problematic for younger learners and neurodivergent students, as the absence of in-person social cues can make it harder for them to feel comfortable and engaged in a remote learning environment. This could potentially hinder the tutor-tutee relationship, which can have a negative effect on the student’s confidence and willingness to participate.
3. Screen fatigue can occur
Prolonged use of screens can lead to tired eyes, reduced concentration, and physical discomfort such as headaches or poor posture, all of which can affect the student’s ability to stay focused and absorb new information. Online lessons can feel quite static and mentally draining, particularly for students who already spend long hours on digital devices for school or leisure. This fatigue can reduce the engagement of the student and the overall effectiveness of learning.
4. There can be distractions at home
With online tuition, the learning environment is usually less controlled. Whether it’s background noise, siblings, pets, mobile phones, or even the temptation of other open tabs on a computer can all interrupt a student’s focus during a lesson. Home environments can vary greatly and not all students have access to a quiet space to learn. For some students, especially younger ones or those with attention difficulties, these distractions can make it harder to engage fully with the material, follow instructions, or retain information.
5. Practical subjects can be harder to teach
Subjects that require hands-on activities, such as science experiments and art, often require the student physically interacting with materials or equipment, which can be difficult to replicate through a screen. What’s more, kinaesthetic learners—those who learn through doing and moving—may struggle to fully engage or absorb information in a virtual setting.
Now let’s turn our attention to the pros and cons of in-person tuition.
Pros of in-person tuition
1. The learning environment is more adaptable
With in-person tuition, tutors can use a variety of physical resources and materials to support different types of learners. For example, for younger learners, tutors can use objects like counters or blocks in maths, and for older learners, whiteboards and textbooks. This hands-on approach makes lessons more interactive, which can be particularly beneficial for visual and kinaesthetic learners and subjects which require practicals and demonstrations.
2. Tutors can provide immediate feedback
When tutors are physically present, it’s easier for them to spot any mistakes a student may make right away, preventing confusion from taking root and helping the student adjust their approach before moving on. This means the tutor can devote more time to the areas that the student needs more practice in, as they get a better understanding of what they’re struggling with. Immediate feedback can also encourage active participation, as students are more likely to ask questions and try out answers when they know they’ll receive corrections straight away.
3. It fosters stronger tutor-tutee relationships
Being physically present during in-person tuition helps build a stronger relationship between the tutor and the student. This is particularly important for school-age children who are still developing their social skills. Face-to-face lessons allow tutors to pick up on subtle cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, helping them understand how the student is feeling and adjust their approach accordingly. As well as being more receptive to a student’s needs, in-person tuition can help tutors build trust and make the student feel more at ease. When students trust their tutor and feel genuinely cared for, they’re more likely to put in greater effort, leading to better progress and confidence in the subject.
4. There are fewer distractions
In-person tuition, such as in a local library, provides a more controlled learning environment with fewer distractions. Outside the home, students are less likely to be interrupted by their mobile phones, family members talking, or background noise. Learning in a focused setting allows them to focus fully on their studies, leading to better performance and productivity. Without the temptations and interruptions that can occur at home, students may find it easier to stay on task and take in new information more effectively.
Cons of in-person tuition
1. There are time and travel costs
One limitation of in-person tuition is the time it takes to travel to the location of the lesson. Commuting can take up a significant portion of the day, especially if you’re accompanying your child on the journey and need to wait in the car for them to finish their lesson. This can be particularly time-consuming if you’re travelling during the after-school rush hour when there’s heavy traffic or if your train or bus is delayed or cancelled. You also need to take into account the travel costs associated with commuting, which can add up over time, whether it’s for fuel, public transport fares, or parking.
2. There are geographical limitations
In addition to the logistical burden of commuting, if you live in a remote or rural area, you may struggle to find qualified tutors within a reasonable distance, which can restrict your access to high-quality educational support. This can mean settling for less specialised help or foregoing tuition altogether, widening the attainment gap between rural and urban students and reinforcing educational inequalities. This is particularly problematic for students who already face barriers in the mainstream education system.
3. It may be more expensive than in-person tuition
Tutors may charge a higher hourly rate for in-person lessons due to travel expenses or location fees if the tuition is taking place in a rented space, making tuition less affordable for some families. To help address this issue, at Shuhari Tuition we charge the same rate for both in-person and online lessons. This helps promote equal access to private tuition, particularly for families from low-income households who might otherwise be priced out of face-to-face tuition.
The verdict
With all of this considered, which type of tuition should you settle for? Both in-person and online tuition offer valuable benefits and can support your child in reaching their academic and personal goals, but the right choice depends on what works best with your lifestyle and your child’s learning needs.
If your child feels more comfortable at home or experiences anxiety in unfamiliar settings, online tuition may provide the calm, focused environment they need. It also suits families who need to fit tuition around a tight schedule, offering flexibility without the need to travel. On the other hand, if your child thrives on social interaction or would benefit from a more structured setting and hands-on approach, in-person tuition could be a better option. Face-to-face lessons are also preferable for parents looking to reduce screen time and limit distractions.
We hope this blog has helped you feel more informed and confident about choosing the type of tuition that best suits your child. At Shuhari Tuition, we offer both in-person and online lessons and always aim to work around your goals and needs.
If you're ready to explore what would work best for you, simply fill in the enquiry form below to book a free consultation call with us today!
