Choosing between online and in-person tutoring is much like the decision between a sedan or a SUV.  

Both are personally owned motor vehicles designed to carry the driver for long distances. However, they tend to differ considerably in driving experience, height from the road, gas mileage, and trunk/hatchback space.  

Similarly, the choice between in-person and online tutoring is something that comes with major differences. Both can help a student grow from puzzlement to proficiency. However, the pace, complexity, characteristics of the situation, and methods employed by each option can make or break a student’s success. 

Which tutoring style is a better fit for your situation? Below are the positives, negatives, and core differences distinguishing each style.  

In-Person Tutoring: The Classic Style

Whether in the local library, at home, or in a designated facility, in-person tutoring involves the student meeting face-to-face with the tutor to hone a student’s academic skills. The work and guidance administered by the tutor is done to increase the student’s understanding of the subject matter, allowing them to build their skills and eventually operate independently.  

An ideal tutor can identify the strengths and weaknesses of their trainees and build a relationship with them built on trust and personal growth.  Understanding the more personal touch in-person tutoring offers is paramount to understanding it’s many benefits, such as: 

• Tutors being able to offer more direct, immediate feedback 
• Less potential for students to get distracted 
• Allows for easier teaching of more hands-on/less pen and paper-oriented content (e.g. life skills or science experiments) 

However, in-person tutoring can be less practical and versatile in certain situations, as it: 

• Requires the student and tutor to find a place to meet 
• Limits tutoring to the local area 
• Requires commuting, which can be time-consuming for some 

Parents and educators interested in a private tutor for their children will appreciate in-person help if they are looking for hands-on subject matter, freedom from distractions, and more personalized feedback. However, this comes at a higher financial cost, options limited by geography, and lower overall flexibility.  

Online Tutoring: The Digital Alternative

The instantaneous and fast-paced world brought about by the internet has allowed online tutoring to grow into a strong niche. Online tutoring ultimately has the same goal as in-person tutoring; both methods strive to develop their students’ understanding of a given academic subject matter through training and feedback. Online tutoring simply does this behind a computer screen rather than face-to-face. There are many benefits to online tutoring, such as: 

• Greater geographic flexibility: tutors can train students from anywhere in the world 
• The lack of venue and travel costs means it is often cheaper in cost 
• Allows for use of beneficial digital materials, such as online quizzes or databases 
• Easier to schedule, due to lack of travel time 

While online tutoring succeeds in versatility and flexibility, its negatives can come from lacking the personal touch of its in-person counterpart. These include: 

• Higher potential for students to become distracted/lose focus 
• Not optimal for younger learners, who often have shorter attention spans and less patience 
• Harder to build a relationship 
• Technology disruptions like internet outages can make it harder to deliver the service 

The greater flexibility, worldwide market, and cheaper costs are benefits of online tutoring that will appeal to parents and educators. However, those looking for distraction-free or tight-knit tutoring will not be at home here, particularly for younger students.  

Making the Decision: Which Is Best for Your Situation? 

First and foremost, the specific leaning needs of your child/student should guide whether you choose online vs. In-person tutoring. Some questions to ask for yourself are: 

• Does my child/student lose focus or get distracted easily?  
• Would my child/student benefit from online/digital leaning tools?  
• Is the tutoring work hands-on content that involves more than a pen and paper? 

Geographical, financial, and lifestyle constraints are another factor to consider: 

• Families living in rural/non-urban areas may not have the same access to in-person tutors as those in denser regions. 
• Online tutoring tends to be cheaper than in-person tutoring in general. 
• Greater flexibility of online tutoring can make it easier to schedule busy/extracurricular-heavy families and children.  

We at Test Prep Score believe in the value of educational success, tutoring, and test prep. Looking for an in-person or online tutor in your area? No matter where you are or what subject you are looking to pursue, we offer a plethora of options.