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The difference between teaching one to one and groups My first experience in teaching English started with various group sizes of children. Over the years this has changed to private, one to one classes with adults only. Having experienced both groups and one to one classes I?ve been able to observe the advantages and disadvantages to both. One of the biggest challenges in a one to one class is that the student has no partner to learn or play games with. While the teacher can fill in as a partner, since their knowledge of the language is obviously superior it usually makes for a rather unfair game! In group classes, most students can be paired with someone of their own level. In this way both partners have a chance to learn and be challenged. Now, even if a good one to one game is found, a student can only concentrate on it for so long. Every language learner needs to give their mind a rest and a chance to absorb the new information they?ve just learned. When working with groups, some will get a chance to rethink, rephrase, and prepare their minds for their turn as they wait for others to share. In a one to one class a student must be attentive at all times, something that can make a student weary, tired, or even overwhelmed. When working with groups, a student is not as intimidated as they might be if they were having to work with the teacher alone. Especially if a student already struggles with self-esteem or embarrassment at their level of English. students who know there are others who are in the same situation as they are may be encouraged to work hard. A big plus to large groups is that the number of students in a such a class allows for fun, interactive games. In a one to one class, most games have to be reconstructed or altered quite a bit and they can be quite limited. A group class is not all perfection, however. Chances are a group class will have a variety of language levels that have to be dealt with. Here, the teacher must be skilled and experienced in how to deal with various levels. A lot of pre-planning and preparation may be involved. On the other hand, in a private class a teacher knows exactly the level and abilities of their student. They can focus on particular weaknesses and build on their strengths. While a group may have more chances to interact and do activities, the teacher needs to be alert and attentive as to how the class is progressing. In a larger class, little mistakes and bad habits can easily be overlooked. A temptation for some teachers may be to allow a mistake to get by without correction because they are pressed for time and there?s still half the class to deal with. In a one to one class, ample time can be taken to go over any corrections that need to be made. Such corrections can be reviewed several times until the teacher is sure the student understands. In a group class, it?s easy for quieter students to ?slip into the background? and not participate as much. It commonly happens in large classes, and the teacher needs to be aware of the shyer ones at all times. This is not a problem in a one to one situation, where a student is required to speak and use their skills. They aren?t dependent on others to fill in for them, so they are challenged to the max of their ability. The work of a single student can also be monitored closely. This allows the teacher to effectively teach, review, test, and introduce exactly what a student needs. No one gets overlooked and specific goals can be met.
