The main difference between teaching and tutoring is that teaching involves a larger group of students, and the teacher uses his teaching methodology to suit the skills and the style of learning of the majority in the class while in tutoring, a tutor facilitates student learning in a relatively personalized and flexible way with an individual student-centered approach.
It is true that the aim of both teaching and tutoring is to facilitate students to reach their full potential while providing the necessary encouragement and support. However, there are some distinct differences between the responsibilities and the roles in teaching and tutoring.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Teaching
– Definition, Features
2. What is Tutoring
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities – Teaching and Tutoring
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Teaching and Tutoring
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Teaching, Teacher, Tutoring, Tutor
What is Teaching
Teaching is the process of education where a teacher imparts knowledge, skills, and competencies to a classroom of students. Teaching usually takes place in a formal setting such as a school, high school, a college, or a university, with relatively more than 20 to 30 students at a time. Therefore, teaching can be quite challenging when it comes to classroom management as the teacher has to pay attention to each and every student present in the class. Apart from that, in teaching, a teacher is bound to follow a strict curriculum, and the lesson plans used in teaching adhere to a standard procedure with less flexibility.
A teacher uses a teaching concept that is distinct from a tutor. The teaching methodology of a teacher is chosen considering its suitability to most of the students present in the class. Therefore, unlike an individual student-centered approach we often see in tutoring, the approach of a teacher may not cater to the individual needs of each and every student in the class who possesses varying learning styles and paces.
If you want to practice teaching, it is necessary to possess pedagogical teaching qualifications and the minimum educational degree of a Bachelor’s. However, the salary of a teacher varies from one country to another.
What is Tutoring
Tutoring refers to a process of education where a private teacher tutors individual students in small group classes or one-on-one lessons. Unlike in teaching, in tutoring, the tutor is able to pay attention to the individual needs of each student and cater to them according to the student’s learning style and skills. In contrast to teaching, tutoring can take place in a variety of settings: home, online classes, a library, or any other public place.
When it comes to tutoring, a tutor is able to use different techniques and methods to help students to comprehend the concepts. Most often, students who struggle with different subjects at school or colleges hire private tutors for additional support in the subject. In the university system, lecturers who usually work with a small group of students or as one-on-one are called tutors. Simply put, although tutors are usually an informal source of education, they play a crucial role in helping many students to complete their formal education.
You do not need to possess any pedagogical qualifications to practice tutoring. Even a student who supports another student in a subject can be considered a tutor. Anyone who has mastered a specific area or subject has the opportunity to become a tutor. Unlike in teaching, when it comes to tutoring, tutors earn their payment on an hourly basis, and they are often self-employed or are hired by online tutoring companies.
Similarities Between Teaching and Tutoring
- Both teaching and tutoring involve two parties: educators and students.
- The main aim of teaching and tutoring involves imparting knowledge and skills to students.
- Both teaching and tutoring facilitate the knowledge acquisition and personality development of students.
- Teaching and tutoring can take place inside physical classrooms or online.
- Both teaching and tutoring professionals earn a wage unless they are working for charity.
Difference Between Teaching and Tutoring
Definition
Teaching is the process where a teacher imparts knowledge, skills, and competencies to a classroom of students, while tutoring is the process where a private teacher tutors individual students in small group classes or one-on-one lessons.
Professional Involved
Teaching is done by a teacher, whereas tutoring is done by a tutor.
Nature
In teaching, a teacher uses teaching methodology to suit the skills and style of learning of the majority in the class, but in tutoring, a tutor facilitates student learning in a relatively personalized, flexible way with an individual student-centered approach.
Qualification
It is not essential for a tutor to hold a qualification in teaching. However, professionals involved in teaching should necessarily hold a pedagogical teaching degree or a diploma.
Salary
A teacher receives a fixed salary, while a tutor receives an hourly rate.
Teaching Hours
Tutoring hours can be flexible while school hours are not.
Conclusion
The main difference between teaching and tutoring is that a teacher uses teaching methodology to suit the skills and style of learning of the majority in the class, but in tutoring, a tutor facilitates student learning in a relatively personalized, flexible way with an individual student-centered approach. Furthermore, teaching involves a secure career and a fixed income, while tutoring is more flexible in nature and allows the tutor to often work online.
Reference:
1. “Benefits of Tutoring – How Does Tutoring Help Students?” Oxford Learning.
2. “Teaching.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Tutoring-students-learning” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Teacher-learning-school-teaching” (CC0) via Pixabay
Leave a Reply