The Different Types of Tutoring

Tutoring and homework help come in many forms and can be done both in person and online. Knowing the different types of tutoring available can help you decide which type will best suit your needs.  Here is a list of the different types of tutoring, a look at how how each is delivered, and some ideas for deciding how to choose and what to pay.

1. Private In-Person Tutoring: This is one-to-one tutoring where the tutor comes to the student's home or another designated location. This type of tutoring offers personalized attention and is great for students who need individualized help.

Benefits:

• Personalized attention from the tutor
• Ability to ask questions and receive immediate feedback
• Flexibility to schedule sessions at a convenient time and place

Weaknesses:

• Can be more expensive than other forms of tutoring
• Limited access to resources and materials

2. Private One-to-One Online Tutoring: This is the same as private in-person tutoring, but the tutoring is done over an online platform. This type of tutoring is great for students who can't meet with a tutor in person.

Benefits:

• Convenient for students who can't meet with a tutor in person
• Access to a wider range of tutors and resources
• More affordable than private in-person tutoring

Weaknesses:

• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Possible technical difficulties during the session

3. Small Group In-Person Tutoring: This type of tutoring involves a group of students receiving tutoring together in a classroom or other designated location. This type of tutoring is great for students who benefit from working with others and need help with group projects or study sessions.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with other students and collaborate on projects or study sessions
• Reduced cost compared to private in-person tutoring
• Access to resources and materials in the classroom setting

Weaknesses:

• Less personalized attention from the tutor
• Possible distractions from other students

4. Small Group Online Tutoring: This is the same as small group in-person tutoring, but it is done over an online platform. This type of tutoring is great for students who can't meet with a tutor in person or who need help with group projects or study sessions.

Benefits:

• Convenient for students who can't meet with a tutor in person
• Reduced cost compared to private online tutoring
• Access to a wider range of tutors and resources

Weaknesses:

• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Possible technical difficulties during the session

5. Homework Help In-Person: This type of tutoring involves a student receiving help with specific homework assignments. This type of tutoring is great for students who need help with specific assignments and want to complete them quickly.

Benefits:

• Immediate help with specific homework assignments
• Access to resources and materials in the classroom setting
• Opportunity to receive immediate feedback from the tutor

Weaknesses:

• Limited to homework help only
• Possible distractions from other students

6. Homework Help Online: This is the same as homework help in-person, but it is done over an online platform. This type of tutoring is great for students who need help with specific assignments and can't meet with a tutor in person.

Benefits:

• Convenient for students who can't meet with a tutor in person
• Access to a wider range of tutors and resources
• More affordable than homework help in-person

Weaknesses:

• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Possible technical difficulties during the session

Okay, but how are the tutoring sessions different?

Here's a breakdown of the types of tutoring and how they generally lean towards didactic or Socratic approaches:

1. Private In-Person Tutoring: This type of tutoring can lean more towards a didactic approach, as the tutor is often providing direct instruction to the student. However, a Socratic approach can also be used to encourage critical thinking and discussion.

2. Private One-to-One Online Tutoring: Similarly, this type of tutoring can also lean towards a didactic approach, but a Socratic approach can also be used through video conferencing to engage the student in discussion and critical thinking.

3. Small Group In-Person Tutoring: This type of tutoring can lean more towards a Socratic approach, as the tutor can facilitate group discussion and encourage students to engage with each other. However, a didactic approach can also be used to provide direct instruction.

4. Small Group Online Tutoring: Like small group in-person tutoring, this type of tutoring can lean more towards a Socratic approach through group discussion, but a didactic approach can also be used through video lectures or presentations.

5. Homework Help In-Person: This type of tutoring can lean more towards a didactic approach, as the tutor is often providing step-by-step instructions to help the student solve a problem. However, a Socratic approach can also be used to guide the student towards finding the solution themselves.

6. Homework Help Online: Similar to in-person homework help, this type of tutoring can lean more towards a didactic approach through the use of videos or online resources, but a Socratic approach can also be used through online discussion and questioning.

Although each type of tutoring may lean towards one approach or the other, a good tutor will often use a combination of both approaches to best meet the individual needs of their students.

Does Experience Matter?

The experience levels of tutors and homework helpers can vary, from recent graduates to experienced teachers.  As with any type of instruction, the number of instructional student contact hours makes a difference.