Online tutoring jobs can be very versatile, and tailored to suit both tutor and learner. You may have the freedom to decide how you want to structure your tutoring jobs, either opting for a particular model as standard, or using different methods and approaches for different learners. Many people considering taking on online tutoring jobs think primarily about one-to-one tutoring, but group tutoring is also an option for some learners, in some subjects.

When One-to-One Is Best

For some tutoring jobs, one-to-one tutoring is the ideal. If personalized, individual attention is what is needed, that is how it should be done. Catch-up tutoring and helping learners with learning difficulties are two scenarios in which one-on-one sessions are key. Learners with attention or concentration difficulties, and those who find it difficult to relate to teachers or other authority figures, may also benefit from individual tutoring. Sometimes, even when group learning is possible, and even desirable, the student (or parent) will prefer individual attention. In your tutoring jobs you sometimes just have to go with it, even if there are other options.

Group Tutoring

There are various situations in which online tutoring of more than one learner is both possible and even desirable. Homework supervision is one example. It may be viable if the clients are a family where there is more than one child. Some learners (adult or child) will enjoy online tutoring where they are not the only participant. Two people can get together in one or other of the parties’ homes and learn jointly. Joint sessions can work especially well with adults studying the same subject, since they are less likely to be distracted by each other’s presence (or to join forces in work avoidance).

There are some practical subjects where teaching more than one student at a time can compensate for the fact that you, the tutor, are not present in the room. If you are teaching chess (for example) you could use a chess program. Equally you could teach two learners, who play against each other while you observe and advise. It all depends on the subject.

The benefits of collaborative online learning have been the subject of numerous studies. Sometimes tutoring more than one student (using videoconferencing software) can have beneficial effects, since learners can learn from each other as well as from the tutor. If you want to use this approach in your tutoring jobs you will need to think it through carefully, as well as experimenting with the technology.

Financial implications

Tutoring more than one learner can be cost-effective for you and for your students. If you charge $25 for a solo session (for argument’s sake), you can charge $15 per person for a two-hander. They save, with minimal reduction in input, and your profit is a little higher – though that shouldn’t be the main reason for including group tutoring in your tutoring jobs.

If you’re on top of videoconferencing software you can always use it now and then in your online tutoring jobs. You can give individual tuition but occasionally have a group session. That can add interest for learners who might otherwise feel that they’re working in isolation.  Online learning is all about maximizing the opportunities that the internet offers you in your tutoring jobs for the benefit of your students. Group teaching and collaborative learning are two things to consider, as well as offering dedicated individual tuition.