20 Ways Teaching a One-on-One Language Classes is Different Than Teaching Group-Based Language Classes

Why It Matters

When asked to picture a teacher in their mind, many people immediately think of a teacher in front of a class full of students. Whether you plan to teach online or in person, on a platform or for an institution, there may be opportunities to teach both one-on-one and to groups. 

Here is an overview of 20 ways how teaching one-on-one may differ from teaching groups.

1. Individualized Attention: One-on-one teaching allows for personalized attention tailored to the specific needs of the learner, while group teaching must cater to the collective needs of the class.

2. Pace: In a one-on-one setting, the pace can be adjusted according to the learner's abilities and preferences, whereas in a group, the pace is often standardized for the class.

3. Focus: One-on-one teaching enables a laser focus on the individual learner, addressing their strengths and weaknesses comprehensively, whereas group teaching distributes focus across multiple learners.

4. Interaction: One-on-one sessions encourage direct interaction between the teacher and the learner, fostering a deeper connection and understanding, whereas group classes may involve more peer interaction.

5. Flexibility: One-on-one sessions offer flexibility in scheduling and content, as they can be tailored to fit the learner's schedule and specific learning goals, while group classes adhere to a fixed schedule and curriculum.

6. Customization: Teaching one-on-one allows for highly customized lesson plans and materials tailored to the learner's interests and learning style, whereas group classes typically follow a standardized curriculum.

7. Feedback: In a one-on-one setting, feedback is immediate and targeted, whereas in a group, feedback may be more generalized and less frequent due to time constraints.

8. Motivation: One-on-one teaching can provide personalized motivation and encouragement, whereas group dynamics may influence motivation differently, with peer interaction playing a significant role.

9. Errors: Errors in language learning can be addressed more promptly and effectively in a one-on-one setting, whereas in a group, individual errors may go unnoticed or unaddressed.

10. Confidence Building: One-on-one teaching can create a safe environment for learners to build confidence in using the language without fear of judgment, while group settings may involve more social pressure.

11. Resource Utilization: One-on-one teaching requires fewer resources in terms of space and materials compared to group classes, which may necessitate larger classrooms and more materials.

12. Variety of Activities: Group classes can incorporate a wider variety of activities such as group discussions, pair work, and role-plays, whereas one-on-one sessions may focus more on individual exercises and conversation.

13. Social Interaction: Group classes provide opportunities for social interaction and collaboration among learners, which may enhance learning through peer support and cultural exchange.

14. Cost: One-on-one teaching tends to be more expensive than group classes due to the personalized attention provided by the teacher.

15. Time Management: In a one-on-one setting, time management is more straightforward as the focus is solely on the individual learner, whereas group classes require efficient time management to address the needs of multiple learners.

16. Adaptability: One-on-one teaching allows for quick adaptation to the learner's changing needs and progress, whereas group classes may require more planning and coordination to accommodate various learning styles and abilities.

17. Attention Span: In one-on-one sessions, attention span can be maximized as there are no distractions from other learners, while in group classes, maintaining attention may be more challenging due to peer interactions.

18. Peer Learning: Group classes offer opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, where learners can benefit from each other's strengths and perspectives, which is not as prevalent in one-on-one teaching.

19. Cultural Sensitivity: In group classes, teachers must be sensitive to cultural differences among learners and ensure that the learning environment is inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds.

20. Assessment: Assessing progress and proficiency is more straightforward in one-on-one teaching, as the teacher can closely monitor the learner's performance, whereas in group classes, assessment may be more standardized and based on group achievements.