Tutoring Versus Classroom Teaching in Adult Basic Education: Key Differences for Students and Teachers

Written by Bryan McCormick, First Literacy Program Director

Adult Basic Education (ABE) serves as a vital platform for adults with interrupted formal education. Adult Basic Education provides adult learners an opportunity to learn and gain important credentials that make it possible to realize a living wage and achieve career goals. Given the diversity in student backgrounds a one size fits all approach generally is not appropriate in the ABE field. How to help individual students isn’t always obvious, and in this post we’ll explore the key differences in teaching an adult student in a general education classroom versus tutoring an adult student in a small group or one-on-one setting.

Classroom Teaching: Four Benefits of Group Learning

1. Structured Curriculum: Classroom instruction typically follows a structured curriculum where curricula is carefully designed to encompass a wide range of topics and adhere to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards. A structured curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation for adult learners.
2. Group Interaction: In a classroom setting learners have an opportunity to engage in group dynamics, fostering peer interaction which generally improves educational outcomes. Group discussions, collaborative projects, and shared learning experiences are common. This type of environment promotes social cohesion and provides opportunities for students to learn from one another.
3. Diverse Resources: Classrooms are often well-equipped with a variety of educational resources, including textbooks, technology, and instructional materials. These resources enrich the learning experience and cater to different learning styles.
4. Professional Instruction: Classroom instructors are trained educators with expertise in adult education. Educators possess the skills to address diverse learning needs in a group setting and employ numerous teaching strategies to engage and support students collectively.

Tutoring: Four Benefits of Personalized Learning

1. Tailored Instruction: Tutoring offers an exceptionally individualized learning experience. Tutors tailor their teaching methods to the unique needs, goals, and learning styles of each student. This ensures that the teaching aligns precisely with the student’s pace and comprehension.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Tutoring sessions can be scheduled at times that suit the learner, accommodating busy lives, irregular work schedules, and personal commitments. This flexibility is especially advantageous for adult learners juggling multiple responsibilities.
3. Intensive Support: Tutors provide intensive support, focusing on specific areas where the learner may struggle. This one-on-one focus can accelerate progress and address gaps in knowledge or skills, ensuring that learners grasp fundamental concepts thoroughly. This is especially important for adult learners with large interruptions in their formal education.
4. Building Confidence: Tutoring sessions are instrumental in building learner confidence. One-on-one sessions allow for immediate feedback and an environment where students can ask questions without fear of judgment from peers. This personalized attention can foster a growth mindset and enhance self-assurance.

Classroom Teaching Methodologies

Classroom teaching uses a wide variety of methods and styles that are aligned with teaching to groups of significant size and typically leave less time for individualized attention.  Some common classroom teaching and evaluation techniques are:

• Lecture-Based Instruction: Instructors often use lectures to introduce new concepts to the entire class, followed by interactive discussions and activities to reinforce learning.
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects encourage learners to work together, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Peer Learning: Peer teaching and group study sessions enable students to learn from each other and share insights.
• Summative Assessments: Classroom settings may involve standardized and unit testing to assess progress and adherence to curriculum benchmarks.
• Formative Assessments: Less formal benchmarks teachers use to gauge student learning.

Tutoring Methodologies

Tutoring also uses a wide variety of techniques and methods which are designed to be effective with very small groups or individuals. The most effective tutoring works in sync with classroom teaching. Tutoring often includes the following techniques:

• Individualized Lesson Plans: Tutors create tailored lesson plans based on the specific needs of each student, addressing areas of weakness, and building on strengths.
• Hands-On Practice: Tutors often engage students in hands-on learning, using real-life examples and practical exercises to reinforce concepts. These work best when students see their demographics represented in the material.
• Continuous Formative Assessment: Continuous assessment through quizzes, assignments, and discussions helps tutors adapt their teaching methods as students’ progress.
• Goal Setting: Tutors work with students to set achievable goals and monitor progress toward those objectives.

Choosing the Right Approach

The choice between tutoring and classroom teaching depends on factors such as learning style, scheduling constraints, the availability of programs and individual goals. Some learners may thrive in a structured classroom environment, while others benefit significantly from personalized tutoring. Most students could also benefit from a hybrid approach of classroom learning supported by tutoring.

Classroom teaching and tutoring are also very different from the educator’s side. Classroom teachers who are new to tutoring should take time to consider the differences in these teaching methods and plan on how they are going to adapt their classroom teaching style to the tutoring environment. Tutors transitioning to classroom teaching should consider the myriad of skills it takes to be effective as a classroom teacher like time management, effective groupings, and dynamic teaching.

In Adult Basic Education, tutoring and classroom teaching represent two invaluable approaches to learning. Understanding the nuances of each approach and the different teaching methodologies is essential for both learners and educators. Whether in a classroom or one-on-one setting, the ultimate goal remains the same: to empower adult learners to acquire essential skills, achieve personal and professional goals, and contribute to a more educated and skilled workforce.

Educators who are interested in learning the techniques and methodologies necessary to tutor adult learners can attend our new Tutor Training Intensive Workshop on October 13 and October 20.