Tutor or University Class
What have you found more effective? Hiring a private tutor for Spanish or enrolling in a class at a University?
2 Answers
Hi.
For me, having a tutor is far better. Every class has students whose needs don't line up with mine. When I have a tutor, it's all about me. The tutor and I figure out what I need to work on, and that's what I work on. I don't need to sit in class and listen while the tutor explains to Jimmy, and Jimmy practices, something that I already know. Or while the rest of the class seems to fly through material that baffles me.
I have asked my tutors for lots of homework, and I have done that homework diligently. That's an aspect of having a tutor that can sometimes be a problem. If he or she doesn't give homework, or if you don't worry about getting it done (because you're not being graded, or because you feel more like you're the boss), you're missing out on value that a class provides.
In many circumstances, a tutor can be substantially more expensive than a university course. I don't know whether that's an issue for you. (I'm lucky to live in Mexico, where I can have private tutors at a very reasonable cost.)
Hello Leira,
Welcome to our Spanishdict community forum. 
There are distinct advantages to be gained from considering and following either of these two approaches as a means of improving your Spanish: hiring a private tutor or taking part in group classes (group teaching experience).
I have studied Spanish in large groups at both beginner and intermediate levels. I have also received private lessons from tutors, most of whom have been native speakers and sometimes also native Spanish language teachers. My current teacher is a native from Spain and we use Skype.
I will be going to Spain this year to do an intensive, 2 week Spanish language course at the Cervantes International School in Madrid, in September. This will involve receiving tuition from qualified, native Spanish teachers and working together in small groups of beteeen 5 and 8 people.
To address your question, firstly, I will talk about group sessions.
1.The greatest advantage of group classes is that you have plenty of people with whom you can practise your newly acquired /improved skills at your level. (If a placement test is carried out properly, this should enable the teacher/s to correctly assess all the students' levels, including your own so that you can gain the most benefit from your course!)
2.Often, but not always, group language classes can work out considerably cheaper than emloying a private tutor for many hours a week or sharing a teacher with one or two other people. However, you also have to take into account that the higher the level at which you are planning to study, the more expensive it is likely to become!
3.You can learn not only from your own mistakes, but those of other students in class discussions. You can also help other students by sharing what you have already learnt. Role play can be a very helpful and effective learning tool when properly used and managed (supervised by the teacher)
Disadvantages: The disadvantages of group classes are often the same as the advantages of employing a private tutor.
Employing (hiring) a private tutor:
1.The best advantage from my experience is being able to 'work at your own pace' ; not having to follow the pace of the other students!
2.You can feel free to ask any question/s without being concerned that other people might view your question as 'stupid'! You can also ask as many questions whenever you want.
3.Freedom to choose content/topics/subject matter. Private tutors are usually more willing and at liberty to explore topics of interest to their individual students as they are generally free from the requirement to follow a particular syllabus, or specified and structured course! In my view, it is usually better for complete beginners to follow a structured course or follow the guidance of an experienced native tutor in order to gain a solid and accurate foundation of knowledge and understanding.
4.Flexible hours: your private tutors are usually very accommodating and willing to try to adapt to your time table but they may have (many) other students to teach, in addition to other demands on their time (They also have a private life!) For this reason mutual respect is essential for helping students and teacher to establish and develop a good rapport. Treat them how you would also like to be treated! I would not recommend this approach to an immature teenager or adult who does not show people respect! This comment is not directed at anybody in this forum!
5.Last, but not least, private tutors can tailor (plan and design) the private classes to help you work on your individual area/s of weakness while also dedicating some of the lesson to develop your strengths! The idea is to enable you to become proficient in all 4 areas of learning: Speaking, (hablar) Understanding, (entender/comprender) Reading (leer) and writing (escribir) Whilst it is certainly true that all good teachers endeavour to do this in group classes to help all their students, they have to share their time with the other students, whereas private tutors are free to dedicate the whole private class to meeting your individual needs!
These numbered bullet points are intended purely (only) as a guideline, not as an exhaustive (complete) article on how to choose between group classes and private tutors.
I hope this helps
