7 advantages of taking Private English Lessons
Benefits of one-to-one English training
Learn English with private lessons
[Last updated on 08/03/2023]
There are so many ways to learn English, from mobile apps, to websites, to online learning, or with a face-to-face English course in a classroom. There are pros and cons for each of the options and, naturally, different language learners have their own individual preferences too. In this blog, we are looking at the advantages of taking private English lessons, or one-to-one lessons with a professional trainer.
What are private (one-to-one) lessons?
Private lessons are offered by English language schools and freelance trainers and involve one student and one teacher. For that reason, they are also referred to as one-to-one (or one-on-one) English lessons. In contrast, others may opt for an English course with group lessons, where the number of students in the class is decided by the provider; some offer mini-groups and others have much larger groups.
7 Advantages of taking Private English Lessons
We have put together a list of advantages for studying English with a private trainer, in contrast to booking group lessons. This comes from our experience in designing English courses and teaching English, both in group lessons and in one-to-one lessons around the world.
1. Personalised training
A private one-to-one trainer can focus exclusively on the student’s needs and customise lessons to help the student achieve their goals. For example, if a student is struggling with grammar, the trainer can dedicate more time and attention to that specific area of learning. This can be supported by practice exercises and immediate feedback.
2. Flexibility
Private trainers can offer flexible schedules, and tailor their lessons to fit the student’s availability and preferences. This allows students to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or family obligations. It also makes it easier to reschedule lessons to another timeslot instead of just missing a class.
3. Intensive learning
One-to-one training allows for a more intensive learning experience because the lesson targets are not based on the needs of a whole group of students. In group lessons, the trainer may need to adjust targets for students who need more time, which can slow down the progression of stronger students. In one-to-one English courses, the trainer can cover more material and provide in-depth explanations to accelerate the learning process for an individual student.
4. More speaking practice
Private trainers provide more opportunities for speaking practice, as they can dedicate more time to conversation and role-playing activities. In group classes, students still have the opportunity for speaking practice, but this often takes place more with their peers than with the trainer. Whilst peer practice is beneficial in language learning, the teacher cannot focus on the output of every student for the whole time. Therefore, one-to-one English courses can be especially beneficial for students who want to maximise their opportunities for speaking English with their trainer.
5. Targeted feedback
With one-to-one training, English teachers can provide more targeted feedback to help students improve specific areas of their language skills. For example, a trainer can help a student improve their pronunciation or intonation by giving them direct feedback and suggestions for improvement. This type of personalised feedback can also take into account difficulties that are specific to the student’s native language, e.g. student’s from Germany will have different pronunciation problems to those from Japan, and the trainer can design lessons that are more beneficial for each individual.
6. Tailored materials
Private trainers can create or adapt learning materials to suit the student’s English level, interests, and learning style. This can make the learning experience more enjoyable and effective, as the student is more likely to be engaged with the materials. For example, if a student is interested in business English, the trainer can provide more relevant and engaging lessons on that topic.
7. Build confidence
With personalised attention and targeted feedback, students can gain more confidence in their language skills. An English course with private one-to-one training provides a safe and supportive environment for students to practise and improve their English skills. Students can feel more comfortable making mistakes, receiving feedback and asking questions. This can be especially beneficial for students who are shy or self-conscious about their language skills.
Overall, studying English with a private one-to-one trainer offers numerous advantages. Nonetheless, there are also benefits in selecting a combination of group lessons and private lessons.
An English course with group lessons allows you to cover a wide range of language points and to practise with and learn from your peers both inside and outside of the classroom. Then, you can opt for additional private lessons which gives you the opportunity to focus on your individual needs and have more speaking practice and personalised feedback.
Together this can be an even more engaging and effective learning experience.
Tip: Choose an English trainer with recognised teaching qualifications
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) The CELTA is a teacher training and certification programme moderated and accredited by Cambridge Assessment English (UK).
- Trinity CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) The Trinity CertTESOL is moderated and accredited by Trinity College London, and accepted by the British Council and other international teaching organisations around the world as an English language teaching certificate.
One of the key aspects of these qualifications is that they include theory and several hours of observed teaching practice with real learners. For that reason, teachers are better equipped to help learners to develop their level of English and give valuable feedback throughout their English course.
Native v Non-native English teachers
This recommendation applies to both teachers who are native English speakers and to those who do not have English as their first language. It is incorrect to assume that a qualified native English speaker will always be a better teacher than a non-native English speaker. Their strengths as a teacher come down to their own level of English, their teaching qualifications and experience, and their people skills to listen, interact and adapt to the needs of their learners.
Our English courses with one-to-one lessons
At EnglishRadar, we specialise in one-to-one training for individuals and companies to meet the needs of those looking for private tuition. Clients have the opportunity to learn English online or face-to-face in Munich and the surrounding areas.
We have over 20 years of experience in English language teaching, assessment, and course design, and only work with qualified English trainers with teaching experience. We continue to receive positive feedback, and many of our clients have rebooked to continue their studies. This is good news for us too, because the positive feedback is often about our trainers, and so we don’t have to keep looking for new teachers!
Our one-to-one English learning programmes have a communicative ‘learn by doing’ focus to develop English fluency and communication skills. Each training session takes place in English to give a full immersion experience, and the English trainer gives practice tasks and continuous feedback to take your English skills to the next level.
The content of our English courses is based on the needs of each client, and may include General English speaking and pronunciation, Business English or preparation for English examinations.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in taking an English course with EnglishRadar.