Is online tutoring as effective as in person?

One question I get often as a tutor is whether online tutoring is as effective as tuition in person. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a massive rise in demand for online tuition, with all schools being forced to move to an online platform and many parents seeking extra support for their children. I saw a large increase in demand for my tutoring services last summer, and it got me thinking about the benefits of online tuition.

The primary benefit is the flexibility and convenience. Students can have lessons online that are flexible, fitting into a hectic weekly schedule, and even around trips abroad. I've had several students who actually do live outside of the UK, with some as far away as Hong Kong and New Zealand! The added benefit of this for students is that they can find exactly the right tutor for them - if you're dependant on in person tuition then you are limited to those tutors available in your local area.

I often use videos and diagrams whilst teaching, and with all of the amazing platforms available online, it's easier than ever to incorporate these into a lesson. Past paper questions and notes can be directly shared onto a lesson space, making it nice and quick to use. An online platform also gives the option to record a lesson to refer back to later, and/or directly saving lesson notes.

A lot of my students have expressed how much more comfortable they are with having their lessons online rather than meeting in person. Meeting face-to-face can add social pressures which is eliminated when you tutor online. Many people find speaking on the phone easier than talking in person for the same reason. By removing any social pressure from the lesson, this can help students with less confidence feel more comfortable in their lessons, leading to them being more focused and doing better in class, and ultimately achieving better grades!

Ultimately, I am a big fan of online tuition. Nowadays, with a great internet connection so readily available, and many fantastic online platforms available for use, it is the most convenient and efficient way to give your child that support they need.