The Differences Between Classroom Teaching and Private Tutoring

The UK continues to play host to a fierce classroom teaching vs. private tutoring debate. During the last year, there have been accusations that falling levels of teaching are contributing to pupils’ stagnant performance In turn, some have suggested that it's the supposed decline in teaching standards that has been the catalyst for the huge rise in the number of private tutors. However, not everyone agrees. Observers such as Emma, a novelist from North London express an opposing view. She believes that it's actually due to the need for her children to ‘keep up with the Sophies and Jacks who are all doing really well’, that has driven the boom in private tutors.

The debate shows no signs of easing up, but just what are the differences between the role of teacher and private tutor? And why is there often reluctance for parents to admit that they use private tutors?

The most prominent difference between the role of a teacher and the role of a private tutor lies in the numbers of students being taught.

With private tutors tending to work with individuals one-on-one, sessions are tailored to suit the ability of that student. A private tutor’s main aim is to build on areas where a student may lack knowledge or understanding and to help them become more proficient. This could be in preparation for an exam or could be a focus towards a particular module.

A teacher on the other hand, is responsible for setting lesson plans that are attainable for a whole group of students. In addition, classroom teaching isn’t always as flexible in terms of the teaching methods used.

It’s no secret that large numbers of schoolteachers make the switch to private tutoring, seeking higher pay and fewer hours. A poll by The Tutor Website showed that 53% of qualified teachers considered private tuition a feasible alternative income to classroom teaching.

Mr Chris Battle is one such example. A self-employed maths and science tutor, he highlights a key difference between the two occupations.

‘It was a revelation to have a teaching job in which the main focus is on the learning of the students, not managing their behaviour.’

When questioned on the advantages of private tuition over classroom teaching, he said: ‘you have more time, especially if you want to do other things, such as write books, or pursue other ventures. You spend a lot more time in contact with parents so the great institutional divide between parents and teachers isn't as apparent. A lot of teachers get very anxious about parents' evenings, which I never quite understood. As a private tutor, it’s your role to communicate with parents and to be accountable for the material covered during lessons.’

The opportunity to work one on one with students and to see their improvement at close quarters is seen as another advantage.

‘Tutoring is essentially all the positive aspects of teaching - I can really get to know my pupils. It is incredibly rewarding to see a pupil make progress and see their face when they master a certain topic that they thought was impossible. I feel like reluctance that parents have towards discussing tutoring If large numbers of parents are using private tutors, why doesn’t anyone want to admit it?

Barry Sindall of the Grammar School Heads Association offers one theory. 'The vast majority of heads are not in favour of private tuition. It creates pressure for children and is really about parental anxiety.’

Whilst parents want their children to keep pace with their peers, there is evidently reluctance from some to admit to having to call someone in. However, this is not a view shared by those working within the industry. Marketing Manager of Fleet Tutors, Deborah Hogarth said the following:

‘I remember when hiring a tutor was considered an indication of failure. These days it's seen as positive, about children achieving potential. There's been a sea change in attitudes, and in private tuition itself.'

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Registering with Tutoring Agencies

According to the Good Schools Guide's Tutoring Agency Review, the best tutoring agencies in London know their tutors personally and interview every one before recruiting them as part of their team. To take this point further, we’ve put together a list of the common traits that set the best tutoring agencies apart from others in the industry.

‘The Good Schools Guide offer honest reviews of tutoring agencies in London’

A Rigorous Recruitment Process

As echoed by The Good Schools Guide, a credible tutoring agency will meet every tutor face to face before recruiting them. Tutors should undergo an interview where they’re asked questions about their teaching methods, their experience and their approach to learning. Meeting tutors face to face, enables agencies to make more informed recruitment decisions. A thorough recruitment process, might look something like this:

1.Safety check. Before offering a tutor a place, agencies should also request a disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which will highlight any criminal convictions.

2.Verify qualifications. Because there aren’t any recognised qualifications for private tutors in the UK, it’s important that agencies make the effort to check that candidates have given the correct information. Qualification checking services like Qualification Check can be useful for verifying such details.

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3.Follow up references. References are another aspect of the tutor recruitment process that shouldn’t be overlooked. Tutors should be able to provide agencies with full contact details of referees and agencies should contact each one to verify the tutor’s suitability.

4.Training. Even the best tutors may need to brush up on certain elements of their subject or teaching methods. The best tutoring agencies will offer training opportunities to tutors when they first take up their positions and throughout the year thereafter.

Student-Focused Learning

A good tutoring agency will put their students in the driving seat. By its nature, private tutoring requires a student-centred approach if students are to benefit from extra learning outside of the classroom.

It was the philosopher Carl Rogers who brought the idea of student-centred learning to prominence in 1951, through his belief that students do not learn effectively through direct teaching and only the student themselves can facilitate their learning.

In order for tutors to find the correct balance between student-focused learning a teacher-led learning, the following process may be useful:

1. Assess each student’s ability. In order for a tutor to gauge a student’s current ability, they’ll need to identify the areas in which they need to improve. This can be done by setting students the task of completing practice exam papers, in-house assessments or simply by reading feedback given by classroom teachers on their work.

2.Agree on the best approach. Once tutors have identified where a student needs to improve, the next logical step is to look at how they can improve. It’s important that students are involved in this process so that they feel they’ll be benefiting from the most effective approach. At this stage, tutors may want to consider what resources, materials and technologies will be the most effective for the student’s learning.

3.Set goals and study schedules. The best tutoring agencies will encourage their tutors to be organised and create clear action plans for each student. Plans should include a detailed breakdown of exactly what needs to be studied and within what timescale.

Industry Credibility

The best tutoring agencies gain credibility in their area through word of mouth. If you want to verify how good an agency is, it’s always a good idea to ask former students and their parents about their experiences. Searching for online reviews can also be a good way of determining an agency’s standing. Bear in mind however, that customers are more inclined to leave reviews if they’ve had a bad experience, so don't only rely on online review websites as your source. A credible tutoring agency should display the following qualities:

1.Strong customer service. The best agencies know that happy students and parents are the best form of marketing. A good agency will do everything they can to accommodate a student’s needs and will maintain regular contact with parents.

2.Quoted in the Media. Agencies that are regularly quoted in the media are generally considered industry authorities. It shows that their opinions are valued in the marketplace.

3.Industry involvement. Many good tutoring agencies are involved in educational projects outside of their immediate business. Some are involved in organizing conferences; others act as educational consultants to schools.

A Proven Track Record

Any tutoring agency worth its salt will be able to demonstrate a proven track record when it comes to getting results. The best agencies are proud to display testimonials from students and parents on their websites and should be happy to provide you with relevant statistics on how many students achieved their personal goals, how many passed overall and how many received A grades.

They should also be able to provide you with contact details of previous students and parents (who have given consent) so you can verify any information.

Clear Communication Channels

A good tutoring agency will take the time to answer any questions you may have over the phone, by email or face to face. The best tutoring agencies encourage parent involvement and should keep them informed of their child’s progress through regular updates.

They should also be available to discuss any student concerns and provide direct access to tutors. A good agency will also keep their staff informed of new developments, industry news and internal changes.

Action – Know what tutoring agencies are out there

Whether you decide to tutor through an agency or directly with your own private students, it definitely pays to be aware of what options are out there. Who are the big tutoring agencies in your local area? How might you benefit from using their services?

Tutoring agencies are also a great resource of information about what’s happening in the industry at a national and local level.

Maintaining a good relationship with agencies in your area can benefit you in a number of ways, not simply for finding work. Why not reach out to tutoring companies in your area and introduce yourself?