Asked • 04/28/23

How effective is online language tutoring (Spanish) compared to in-person tutoring?

Explains how online tutoring is actually more effective and the reasons why

Evangeline A.

tutor
In my last 5 years of solely teaching online, here are the reasons why I think online teaching actually works for language: 1) Sequential Interaction: Because online video teaching platforms (zoom, microsoft teams, google meet, etc) requires that each person have "their say" before the other speaks, this allows for me in teaching to really receive what my students are saying and/or struggling with, and they get to receive information in a way that's not distracted by their environment. The choice of focusing on our virtual interaction puts them in the mindset of "language learning" so that every interaction is truly useful and helpful! 2) Elimination of outside distraction: When learning a language, your brain has to be in receptivity mode to process new information. You learn where your attention goes! Because it's virtual, our attention focuses solely on the other person to "receive" learning, and then we focus on ourselves to see how that information makes sense to us and process. This kind of "receiving & digesting" learning generates more language output, information processing and self-awareness. 3) Creativity and community!: Online tools are so great for us creatives. Using fun slideshows, 3D models, videos to watch and create storyboards, and even learning instructional videos in the target language to create something together in real time (like origami, a drawing class, a music class- all in Spanish) creates a sense of "us" even when countries apart. It also re-enforces our confidence in that "yes, we understand the language, and follow instruction and create something beautiful/fun and have a fun time doing it". Because language learning is a COMPLETE experiential learning process, and we learn language more than just through verbal lessons, nothing beats in-person learning. However, the benefits of zoom learning is that now, we have so many tools to make lessons 1) effective and 2) creative and fun, that this type of engagement really prepares the brain and body to learn and produce language. I hope this was helpful! Feel free to message me or comment on this post for further dialogue!
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04/28/23

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

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Juan M. answered • 04/30/23

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5 (8)

Professional Math and Physics Tutor

Jose Julian H. answered • 05/05/23

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