I remember that when I entered 12th grade, my father decided to enrol me in a tuition class for a few subjects. He faced a dilemma as to whether I should have a private tutor who will come home or I should go to a coaching centre.
This is a common challenge for all parents even today. Let’s compare both to help you make the right decision.
Attention and Supervision
A home tutor will give your child undivided personal attention. Your child can clear the doubts without being ignored and feeling apprehensive.
A coaching centre has several students in a batch. So, the tutor may find it difficult to pay attention to every child and solve their doubts.
Feedback
A home tutor will give you extensive feedback on your child’s progress. They will be open to listening to what you have to say.
A coaching centre might not be able to give you feedback on your child unless there is something exceptional to discuss.
Flexibility of Time
You can request the home tutor to fix the time and schedule as per your child’s school and convenience.
The coaching centre has a fixed time and schedules that your child has to follow. There is no flexibility.
Commuting Time
The home tutor will come to your home. So, it will save commuting time for your child. They will feel less tired. They will have more time to focus on their studies or extra-curricular activities.
Your child will have to spend time commuting to the coaching centre, even if it is at a walking or cycling distance. If your child is in higher classes, even half an hour to 45 minutes can be a good amount of time-saving.
Curriculum
The home tutor might not be able to provide sample question papers, mock assignments or examination format. Even if they do, it might be limited resources.
The coaching centre follows a systematic and comprehensive curriculum as per the examination board. It also conducts routine practice sessions and exams which boosts the confidence of its students. It has ample learning resources to improve students’ academic performance.
Socialisation
Your child may feel overwhelmed or isolated in a home tuition setup. They may get bored easily.
A coaching centre allows your child to interact informally with other students and unwind a bit from study or exam stress. Moreover, they can also discuss their doubts and get study tips from each other.
Fees
A home tutor might charge more than a coaching centre as they are giving exclusive time to a single student.
A coaching centre’s fee might be less than a home tutor’s due to group classes. However, coaching centres also charge quite an exorbitant fee these days.
Which is a Better Option?
Honestly, there is no specific answer to this. The choice depends on what parameters you are looking for while making a decision. For example, if your child is a slow learner, a home tutor would be a better option. A coaching centre makes more sense if your child is appearing for board exams.
Check out subject tutors here.