When students need additional help with their classes and coursework, they seek help from other sources. While parents may be able to help initially, there generally comes a time when the family decides they need a third party involved. So, they decide to hire a tutor.
Over the years, several types of tutoring options have become available. In recent years, there has been an increase in online tutoring. With so many other services now being offered online, it seems almost natural that tutoring would move in the same direction.
At North Coast Education Services, we still firmly believe in the success of in-home, one-on-one tutoring and find that, overall, it is a better choice for most families.
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Here are five reasons why in-home tutoring is better than online tutoring:
1. Develop Stronger Connections
The key to a successful tutoring experience is a trusted relationship between the tutor and the student. A student who is comfortable and relaxed with a tutor will be more productive and see more progress. It is much easier to build a personal relationship in person than online. You can read body language and social cues. Many of our tutors become family friends. In the long run, do you want to create a partnership with a tutor in-person or through a computer monitor?
2. Requires Less Technology
Online tutoring requires that a student have several basic components — a computer, a webcam, and a microphone…for starters. Not to mention a connection to the internet. Advanced tutoring may even require digital drawing pads. And if one of those components breaks or one party loses electricity, the tutoring gets put on hold. In-home tutoring does not require any technology. All you need is a textbook, a pencil, and the desire to learn.
3. Easier to Focus
When a student and tutor are working face-to-face, it is much easier to stay focused on the task. By choosing a quiet location away from distractions, the tutor can have the student’s undivided attention. And it’s still easy to get up and stretch if you need a break. A disadvantage of online tutoring is that it’s almost too easy to get distracted. Between the internet, Facebook, social media, and an occasional text message, there are dozens of things that can steal the student’s “undivided” attention.
4. Verified Tutor Background
Not all online tutoring comes from a reputable source. While there are many professional businesses out there, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to ensure your online tutor is qualified. Online businesses rarely interview their tutors in person. A person may be thoroughly background checked and have a Ph.D., but that is not an indication of their character or teaching style. How can you tell from an online profile if a tutor will be a good fit for your student? You can’t. Before you make a choice, be sure your tutor has been interviewed in person.
5. Tutor Personality
Is your child’s tutor a good personality fit? In order to build a positive, trusting relationship, it is important that your tutor is sensitive, creative, and flexible to your student’s needs. These qualities are hard to distinguish from an online profile. But, when tutors are interviewed in person, the staff has the opportunity to get to know them. This not only saves the family time, but also means they will get a personalized tutor recommendation for their student. By taking the time to understand the student and interview the tutor personally, the staff can ensure the student is paired with the best possible tutor.
While online tutoring may seem to be a convenient option, remember that it does have its disadvantages. Carefully weigh out your options before you make a final decision. In the end, you want what is best for your student. You want your student to be comfortable so they can concentrate. Online tutoring may be more modern, but there is a reason while families still tutor in person. In-home tutoring has a reputation for providing quality results and developing strong connections.
