For over 25 years I’ve been mostly teaching English or Spanish on an individual basis. Excluding my volunteer work on Saturdays when I teach English and the Bible to a group of around 80 people. Hmmm… imagine if I charged a little from each of those 80 people… stop it, Mo! Volunteer work is not paid by definition. Don’t be greedy.
So… going back to 1-2-1 teaching … what are the advantages and disadvantages for students and teacher?
Advantages:
- Lessons focused on the student’s needs: customization
- immediate attention to weak points and questions student may have
- choice of time and location for the classes whether online or onsite.
- Lack of shyness or embarrassment
- greater levels of production and (hopefully) rapid progress
One-to-One lessons allow mobility and flexibility for teacher and student
Challenges
1. Keep the student motivated;
2. Deal with class cancellations;
3. The lessons can be quite intense and tiring. How to maintain the energy?
4. High expectations need to be managed
5. Pricing and travel time must be factored in
6. As in any sort of business negotiation, teacher and student must develop rapport and feel they’re getting value for money.
The dynamics between an individual lesson and a group are quite different but can be extremely rewarding, both depending on the teacher’s full preparation.
Happy teaching,
Mo
Useful link: ELT Training: one to one teaching video https://youtu.be/FwGdvwmMS8w
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