Group Tuition Vs Private Tuition: Which One is Better for You?

Achieving good grades is essential for getting into good schools and securing a promising future. As such, tuition is no longer just for weaker students. According to Statista, in 2023 alone, 8.91 billion dollars were spent on tuition classes in Singapore. This astronomical sum shows that many students now view tuition as a necessity rather than an option for academic excellence.

With such high demands, students have more options to choose from when it comes to tuition. Generally, there are two types of tuition – group and private. The former provides a classroom-like setting while the latter offers a one-on-one session. Each has its pros and cons, so how do you decide which is best for you?

Group Tuition

Group tutoring usually consists of three to five students studying together with the help of qualified tutors. It is commonly conducted in the tuition centre, where the setting resembles a classroom. It also has a fixed schedule that requires you to adhere to it strictly.

What are the benefits?

It promotes healthy competition

Learning in a group allows you to engage in healthy competition. It encourages you to be more proactive in solving problems and consistent in your work. This allows you to always strive for the best among your peers.

There is a potential for shared learning and diverse perspectives

Discussion in a group setting helps students share tips and approaches to solving problems. For example in a math lesson, you might use the “A” formula to solve a question while your peers use “B” or “C”. These diverse problem-solving techniques let you explore and find what method works best for you. Since you will be more open to communicating with other students, this will also foster teamwork and active learning. 

It is cost-effective compared to private lessons

In general, tuition fees are more affordable because the costs are distributed evenly among students. Tuition centres may also charge less for more subjects enrolled. This is great for those who want more cost-effective learning with the help of qualified tutors.

What are the drawbacks?

It has a fixed schedule

The schedule for group tutoring is usually predetermined by the tuition centre. This means you need to arrive on time with no rescheduling.

Not every student gets the same attention

In a group setting, it is almost impossible for the tutor to give each student equal attention, resulting in some falling behind their peers. 

While it is ideal for academically proficient students who can learn new concepts quickly, slower learners may find it challenging, as the pace of teaching in a group setting can be too fast for them.

Private Tuition

Unlike school classroom or group tutoring, private home tuition offers personalised lessons where the student is taught by the tutor in a one-to-one session. The tutor delivers tailored learning plans and teaching methods that cater to the individual learning needs. These sessions typically take place at home where the tutor arrives at a scheduled hour to teach the student.

What are the benefits of private tuition?

You get undivided attention and tailored learning plans

Home tutoring is all about you. You can search for a suitable tutor who matches your learning style and schedule. Since everyone learns differently, having qualified tutors who can address your learning gaps based on how you learn best is very important. Whether you are an audio or visual learner, you are making progress at your own pace with the help of a suitable tutor.

There is flexibility in scheduling

Instead of planning your day around the tuition, you can prioritise other commitments first and plan your sessions accordingly. If there are any last-minute schedule disruptions like extracurriculars or supplementary lessons in school, you can rearrange another time with your tutor without any additional charges.

You can learn at your own pace

Home tutors will make sure you fully understand the concept of what you are currently learning before moving on to another chapter. Instead of rushing to finish the chapter, you can focus on the chapter that you are particularly weak in. On top of that, the tutor is also able to identify which area you did well and challenge your mastery of it.

What are the drawbacks?

It tends to be more expensive

The biggest con of one-on-one tuition is the cost. The price range depends on the experience of the home tutor and your academic level. 

Lack of independence

Students might be too overly dependent on their tutors for information which can hinder their problem-solving ability. Unlike in a group setting where students brainstorm together for solutions to a problem, they may rely on tutors for solutions in one-on-one sessions.

Considerations for Each Option

Selecting between group and private tuition can be a challenging task because it’s important to choose the option that is suitable for your learning style. Choosing a private tutor usually requires more effort, as you need to find someone with the right teaching experience and subject knowledge. On the other hand, if you choose group tutoring, finding a reputable tuition agency in Singapore is crucial. A good agency will have qualified tutors available to ensure effective learning. Here are some questions to get you started:

Which environment aligns better with your learning styles?

If you like sharing ideas with your peers and are confident enough to ask questions in front of the class, learning in a group may be more suitable for you.

If you are easily distracted in class and need a conducive environment to study, you are more suited for one-on-one lessons.

Which option supports achieving your academic goals more effectively?

If your focus is learning new concepts and improving social skills, group tutoring is ideal for you.

If you need help with many weak areas in a subject and are preparing for national exams, private tutoring is better for you. Private tutors provide undivided attention and targeted learning, and their expertise can significantly improve your academic success.

How does the cost affect your decision-making?

Consider group tutoring if you are looking for more affordable tuition rates. It ranges from SGD$30 per hour for primary school to above SGD$55 per hour for junior college. On the other hand, private tutoring ranges from SGD$35 to SGD$50 per hour for primary school and SGD$60 to SGD$80 per hour for junior colleges. 

When deciding between private or group tutoring, both options have their advantages. Ultimately, the choice between private and group tutoring, or even between home or online, depends on what best aligns with your learning style and specific needs.