When it comes to helping your child excel academically, you will often come across two types of tutoring support – small group and one on one. Both small group and 1:1 tutoring are effective options but how do you decide which one is the best fit for your child?
At ThriveTutors, we offer both small group and 1:1 tutoring because we understand that every student is unique, and so are their learning needs, which means one type of support will never suit everyone.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of each tutoring style and help you determine which might be the right choice for your child.
What is Small Group Tutoring?
Small group tutoring involves a tutor working with a small group of students, usually 2 to 4 students, who are at a similar academic level. This setting provides a collaborative learning environment where students can engage in discussions, share ideas, and learn from each other’s perspectives. While each student still receives individual attention, the group dynamic encourages social interaction and peer learning, making small group tutoring a cost-effective and socially enriching option.
The Benefits of Small Group Tutoring
Collaborative Learning Environment
Small group tutoring provides an opportunity for students to learn alongside peers, encouraging collaboration and discussion. This interactive environment helps students feel less isolated in their learning journey and can lead to a deeper understanding of the material through group discussions and shared perspectives.
At ThriveTutors, we ensure that all our students are grouped according to ability level, not just grade level because we know that students in the same grade can have very different levels and styles of learning. Grouping them by grade would essentially be like a classroom, which already prevents so many of our students from receiving personalised support.
Social Skills Development
In small group settings, students have the opportunity to develop important social skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. When working in groups, students must learn to take turns, wait patiently, discuss ideas and share thoughts.
Working in a group can help students become more comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions, which can translate into greater confidence in the classroom.
Cost-Effective Option
Small group tutoring often comes at a lower cost compared to 1:1 sessions, making it a more budget-friendly option for families. This allows students to receive high-quality tutoring without the higher price tag of individual sessions.
We launched our small group tutoring sessions for $39 per hour, as a way to ensure all families have a budget-friendly tutoring option because at ThriveTutors, no child gets left behind!
Motivation Through Peer Interaction
Being part of a small group can also be incredibly motivating for students. Seeing their peers work hard and make progress each week can inspire them to put in more effort and stay engaged during sessions.
At ThriveTutors, our small group sessions are carefully structured to ensure that each student receives personalised attention while benefiting from the collaborative environment. We keep our groups small enough – maximum of 3 students per group – to maintain a high level of individual support, ensuring that every child gets the most out of each session.
Now, let’s take a look at how one-to-one tutoring differs.
What is 1:1 Tutoring?
1:1 tutoring is a personalised learning experience where a tutor works individually with a student. It is just the student and the teacher, no one else.
This approach allows the tutor to focus entirely on the student’s specific needs, tailoring lessons to their learning style, pace, and academic goals. With undivided attention, the tutor can address any gaps in understanding, reinforce strengths, and provide targeted support, making 1:1 tutoring an effective way to accelerate learning and achieve faster progress.
The Benefits of 1:1 Tutoring
Personalised Attention
In a 1:1 tutoring setting, the tutor’s focus is entirely on your child. This personalised attention allows the tutor to tailor the lessons specifically to your child’s learning style, pace, and needs. If your child struggles with a particular concept, the tutor can spend as much time as needed to ensure they fully understand before moving on.
At ThriveTutors, our 1:1 lessons run for one hour with a Qualified Teacher, and each week the lesson follows a plan that is specific to your child. We don’t follow generalised programs or a one-size fits all approach.
Customised Learning Plan
Another great feature of 1:1 tutoring is that it allows for a highly customised learning plan that targets your child’s specific strengths and weaknesses. This individualised approach helps accelerate learning and can lead to quicker progress.
Flexible Pacing
With 1:1 tutoring, the pace of the sessions can also be adjusted to match your child’s learning speed. If they grasp concepts quickly, the tutor can introduce more challenging material. If they need more time, the tutor can slow down and revisit difficult topics without the pressure of keeping up with the needs of a small group.
Strong Tutor-Student Relationship
A close, trusting relationship between tutor and student can greatly enhance the learning experience. In 1:1 sessions, students often feel more comfortable asking questions and expressing their concerns, as they have no other students around them.
This is great for students who often experience anxiety when speaking in the classroom, and leads to a more open and effective learning environment.
ThriveTutors offers 1:1 tutoring sessions that are designed to provide your child with the focused attention they need to succeed. Our tutors work closely with each student to develop a customised plan that aligns with their academic goals, ensuring that every session is productive and impactful.
Choosing Between Small Group and 1:1 Tutoring
So, how do I choose between these options?
Both small group and 1:1 tutoring offer exceptional benefits and will often lead to the same level of academic improvement, but the best choice will always depend on your child’s individual needs and learning style.
Consider Small Group Tutoring If:
- Your child thrives in a social learning environment and enjoys working with peers.
- You’re looking for a more cost-effective tutoring option.
- Your child benefits from discussing ideas with others and learning collaboratively.
Consider 1:1 Tutoring If:
- Your child needs personalised attention to address specific academic challenges.
- They require a flexible learning pace tailored to their individual needs.
- You want a highly customised learning plan for your child.
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