Spanish group classes or private tuition ?
Welcome to another chapter of Spanish study tips. Our previous entry focussed on the translation of various media from one language to another. This blog entry will focus on Spanish group classes or private tuition, an age old discussion point amongst students of Spanish. So what are the real differences between group classes or private tuition?
Group class pros:
- Very social, and a chance to hear other people speaking Spanish
- Much cheaper – often less than half the price of a private class.
- More time options during the evening, as the majority of our classes are group classes which run in the evening.
- Most people at the end of the course, even those who have particular study habits or individual inclinations are happy with what the group class offered, even if they may have been more suited to a private class.
Group class cons:
- Have to move at the pace of the class.
- Fixed (although very relevant) course content
- Limited (although still fine in a small group) time to ask teacher grammar-related questions etc.
- More limited than a private class should the student wish to practise a lot of verbal Spanish.
- If you miss a class, it’s possible to jump into the same class at a different time during the week, but people occasionally miss out on classes and end up falling behind – not a problem if you’re committed though!
Private tuition pros:
- Can move at own pace, whether it’s faster or slower.
- More flexibility with content and direction of class.
- More time to ask questions.
- Good opportunity to speak Spanish all the time should the student want to take that direction – some don’t, as it can be a challenge.
- There is more flexibility with cancellations and rescheduling classes with a private class.
- Like a group class, most people are happy with what a private class offers.
Private tuition cons:
- Not as social as a group class. You’re only speaking to and getting input from one person (although they’re a teacher)
- More expensive – could be over twice the price of a group class per hour.
- Less evening flexibility, due to group classes. Timetables (while varied, especially during the day) need to be worked out.
All of the above is of course fairly subjective and will depend greatly on the style of teaching and the teacher /tutor involved. There are also those students who wish to employ a combination of both methods of learning. Whatever the case, hopefully the above provide some useful pointers to help you decide on whether to opt for Spanish group classes or private tuition.
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