For many children, working in a group can be advantageous. On a personal level, they don't feel so intimidated by the situation of working alone - an hour of tuition can be very intense - and secondly, they can learn from and alongside one of their peers. The second benefit is what this post will focus on primarily.
When children learn, they ask questions and practise an idea or concept until it becomes something that they can automatically do. When they learn within a group, they learn from one another. This happens when one of the group asks a question which may be answered by the tutor or teacher but frequently can be answered and explained by one of the other children.
The action of explaining does two things: it solidifies the concept, meaning or idea in the explainers mind and teaches one of their peers. Clearly, the explanation is backed up by the tutor along with recognition for the explainer, which only adds to enhancing the learning taking place. This is continuous within a well matched and balanced group learning session and creates high levels of motivation.
To return to the idea of not feeling intimidated or feeling overwhelmed by the notion of one to one tuition, a group session removes this notion. Also, as the time spent is more fluid, between the various participants, it seems to pass more easily. This in turn, can open up the channels within the brain enabling the learning and growth in confidence.
For some individuals and circumstances, group learning is perfect and I would very much encourage parents to pursue this for their children if they think this is best. However, for some, one to one tuition is ideal as it allows the child to have the very best that the tutor can offer, who can mould sessions specifically to suit.
What's your preferred style to learn and why?
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