Types of Tutoring Methods: Strategies for Effective Tutoring 

Many students and parents value the personalised learning environment tutoring sessions provide. Through a customised approach, tutors help students develop the necessary skills quickly, leading to improved student outcomes and tutors’ professional growth. But what are the most practical types of tutoring methods for you? This article provides an insight into diverse tutoring types and their best use, including:

• One-on-one sessions for individualised lessons
• Group tutoring sessions for peer tutoring
• Online tutoring is convenient and flexible
• Asynchronous tutoring for students who prefer autonomy
• In-home tutoring
• Creative tutoring methods for gamification and engagement

Classic Types of Tutoring Methods

Let’s take a look at the most conventional tutoring types that most people are familiar with:

One-on-one Sessions

Generally speaking, this tutoring type aims to help learners gain knowledge or specific skills, where one tutor works with an individual pupil to give the pupil personalised attention, instructions, feedback, and extra support. For instance, one-on-one maths tutoring involves a maths tutor accessing the student’s knowledge based on the needed topic and teaching through a personalised learning plan. Due to the personalised attention and focus of one-on-one tutoring sessions, this type of tutoring is popular among learners of all ages. With the ability to tailor lessons to individual students’ needs, private tutors gain professional development.

 

One-on-one tutoring sessions are best for tutors who seek professional development, as they promote the ability to adapt lessons.

Group Tutoring Sessions

A group of students who are somewhat on the same level of knowledge opt for group tutoring. This tutoring type is ideal for students who need test preparation or to gain specific skills. Group tutoring offers several benefits to tutors and students. Compared to private tutoring, this type of tutoring is a lower-cost option for students. There can also be the opportunity for collaboration and peer learning, which involves students taking turns teaching each other, promoting a deeper understanding of the subjects for students enrolled, and developing better study skills. As a group tutoring method, you can encourage participation by having learners answer each other’s questions. 

Group tutoring sessions are best for tutors who appreciate a cooperative learning environment and efficient knowledge-sharing.

Technology-based Tutoring Methods

With the rise of technology, it only makes sense to utilise technological devices to access high-quality lessons on a preferred schedule. Let’s take a look at technology-based types of tutoring methods:

Online Tutoring Platforms

Online tutoring is among the most popular types of tutoring as it offers flexibility and convenience for tutors and students. Online platforms like Ostado allow tutors to work from home and have students worldwide. Many students and parents opt for online tutoring to access the most practical learning resources and have an interactive and engaging learning experience. Learning through online platforms is an interactive and engaging learning experience, with virtual whiteboards and screen-sharing tools enhancing visual learning for students.

Online tutoring through online platforms is great for tutors who want to stay up to date, meet students from around the world, and work from home and on a convenient schedule.

Read More: How to Describe a Tutor on Resume? 9 Steps to Impress Employers

Asynchronous Tutoring

Asynchronous tutoring is more flexible than synchronous tutoring, which involves a teacher and learners interacting in real-time. This type of tutoring consists of a teacher or tutor preparing a recorded video, assignments, or emails for learners. This tutoring method is practical because it is flexible; learners can do the assignments conveniently and at their own pace. Asynchronous tutoring can be valuable for learners with busy schedules and those who prefer having autonomy during the learning process. As for tutors, this tutoring type eliminates the pressure and offers more flexibility.

Asynchronous tutoring is great for tutors who prefer setting their own deadlines and working on their schedules.

Blended Tutoring

Blended tutoring combines in-person and online instructional methods, utilising the strengths of both synchronous and asynchronous interactions.

Example of a blended tutoring approach: The tutor teaches the learner a specific topic in person weekly and gives the learner additional online resources, assignments, etc. Throughout the week, the tutor and student can set specific times for online lessons or instructions via Skype, email, etc.

 

Blended tutoring is best for tutors who appreciate variety and want to develop a wider skill set.

Adaptive Tutoring

This tutoring type is great for teaching students who need additional support. Adaptive learning involves using software or methods that adapt the learning content and pace according to the student’s learning progress and capabilities.

Adaptive tutoring is best for tutors who value students’ progress while preferring a reduced workload regarding lesson planning and personalization.

Setting-specific Tutoring Methods 

Based on students’ and tutors’ convenience and accessibility, tutoring sessions can have diverse settings, including:

In-home Tutoring

In-home tutoring has existed for many centuries. Students and parents choose this type of in-person tutoring for several reasons, including receiving personalised attention, learning in a familiar environment, and gaining insight into the child’s learning style and personality. Although it might have challenges, such as possible disruptions during the sessions, in-home tutoring is usually at higher rates, which can benefit tutors.

In-home tutoring is best for tutors who appreciate adaptable scheduling and building strong student relationships.

Tutoring at Designated Locations

Depending on the subject and student’s learning style, this type of tutoring can be a great experience for both tutors and students. Tutoring at designated locations such as libraries, community centres, etc., has several advantages, such as accessing numerous resources in a quiet, focused learning environment. Of course, this tutoring type is unsuitable for everyone and every subject, as it minimises the collaboration between students and the tutor. Students who tend to lose focus and tutors who work best in a quiet environment find this approach invaluable.

Tutoring at designated locations is ideal for tutors who appreciate access to more resources and support and prefer to prioritise structure and set clear boundaries.

Creative Tutoring Methods

To promote engagement and deeper understanding, tutors often use creative teaching methods. This approach helps students build the necessary skills and confidence in the subject matter.

Game-based Learning 

Unlike what it might sound like, game-based learning suits students of different ages, from preschoolers to university students or independent learners. Gamification makes learning fun and interactive, promoting more engagement and deeper understanding. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that this tutoring method is only suitable for some subjects and learning styles.

Role-playing Exercises 

This tutoring method helps students apply knowledge in real-life scenarios; for instance, if you are a foreign language tutor, role-playing activities can be very useful during your tutoring sessions.

 

Game-based tutoring and role-playing exercises are ideal for tutors prioritising student engagement in a dynamic environment. However, these tutoring methods are not suitable for all subjects and learning styles.

What Type of Tutoring Methods Works Best for You? 

Below is a table that provides a comprehensive insight into the best tutoring method that will serve your purpose based on your preference for work and your student’s needs.

Tutoring Types & Methods
Type	Cost	Benefits for Tutors	Benefits for Students
One on one Tutoring	Generally high	Deep understanding of students.	Personalised learning Focused attention Tailored pace.
Group tutoring	Lower than one-on-one	Efficient use of time  opportunity to observe student interaction.	Cost-effective Peer learning Collaboration skills.
Online tutoring	Variable	Work from home Reach students worldwide.	Convenience Flexibility Access to a wider range of tutors.
Asynchronous tutoring	Variable	Reduced pressure allows for more flexibility.	Flexibility Self-paced learning  Suitable for busy schedules.
Blended tutoring	Variable	Flexibility  caters to diverse learning styles.	Personalised learning  Combined benefits of different methods.
Adaptive tutoring	Variable	Efficient use of time, catering to individual needs.	Personalised learning path Targeted support.
In-home tutoring	Higher	Higher rates	Personalised attention, Familiar environment.
Tutoring at Designated Locations	Variable	Can be cost-effective access to specific resources.	Access to resources  Quiet learning environment (may not be suitable for all subjects).
Game-based learning	Variable	Creates a positive learning environment.	Fun & engaging,  Promotes deeper understanding (may not be suitable for all subjects).
Role-playing	Variable	Opportunity to observe student problem-solving skills.	Real-world application of knowledge and communication skills.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Tutoring Methods

There are usually simple methods to evaluate the effectiveness of tutoring. Generally speaking, more participation means more interest and effectiveness. Tutors should understand students’ learning so they can provide individualised instruction; communication and participation are vital in tutoring sessions.

For the best student outcomes, tutors should utilise strategies to assess students’ knowledge and skills. Needless to say, the instructions must align with students’ learning goals. For instance, if the student needs test preparation for GCSE science, the lessons must be tailored to their specific needs, topics they struggle with, the exam board, and the overall subject matter.

For effective tutoring, the student’s learning style should also be considered; this way, students will understand the material better and retain it longer. There are four main learning styles, which tutors can assess simply by assessing the students via tools like The VARK Questionnaire. 

Read more:  How To Start Freelance Tutoring? Online Tutoring Jobs

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Additional Tips for Effective Tutoring

To be an effective tutor, you must stay updated with the latest teaching methods and the subject matter. Below are additional tips to excel at your tutoring sessions:

1. Understand your students.
2. Planning is key; develop a well-structured lesson plan for your pupils based on their needs.
3. Regularly check in with students to ensure understanding and adapt accordingly.
4. Keep the lessons interesting and engaging, and utilise interactive tools.
5. Encourage active participation from students, such as asking questions and solving problems together.
6. Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to boost student confidence.
7. Remember, tutoring is beyond merely giving instructions; be an active listener.

This YouTube video about Instructional Strategies — The Ten Plus Two Teaching Method, offers practical tips for tutors.

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• Start Your Online Tutoring Career at Ostado

Suppose you are passionate about teaching and helping students achieve their academic goals. In that case, Ostado offers valuable career opportunities for you. At our interactive and secure tutoring platform, your teacher profile will be seen by many students, and you can schedule all your lessons at your convenience. Find your tutoring jobs in the UK today!

Read More: How To Be a Teacher in the UK: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Conclusion

Utilising various tutoring methods promotes a deeper understanding and helps tutors be successful in their field. Most parents and students turn to tutoring as it provides personalised learning opportunities. Adaptation is very important to tutors. By assisting students to succeed, you will become a more marketable tutor.