Should you Consider Private English Lessons?
Here’s when, why and how you can benefit from private English lessons.
Are you unsure of whether you need group courses or private English lessons? We’ve compiled a list of common questions students always ask us to solve their challenges while learning English.
What’s the difference between group courses and private lessons?
Group courses are great for developing your overall level of English, with a balanced focus on all skills. The topics chosen are also varied and deal with real-world content. You can meet people from different countries and areas of life, and learn through discussions and activities together as well. Since there are many people with different needs and interests, there is less possibility to have personalised content and lessons in group courses.
Sometimes group courses can’t help you reach all your specific learning goals. While General English classes include a bit of everything, here you can focus on improving the particular areas you need help in. Whether you wish to learn English related to your area of studies, career, or to talk about a specific topic like cooking – these can all be addressed with a private teacher. In these cases, there are individual English lessons.
The lessons move at your own pace. A qualified BELS teacher will plan your individual English lessons especially for you. If you’d rather spend all the time speaking (and not do any grammar whatsoever) it’s completely fine!
Why should I consider private English lessons?
Firstly, when you have a specific learning aim and need to learn something that is not relevant to everyone or everyday situations. Secondly, if you are a complete beginner in English and do not feel ready to join a classroom. Thirdly, if you would like individual attention and a quieter learning environment. And finally, if you have a difficult schedule and cannot attend regular, daily group courses.
With private lessons, you will have tailor-made course content, individual attention, consistent correction, and more speaking opportunities. It’s usually recommended to have private lessons in addition to group courses. This way you can combine the benefits of both, for an all-rounded learning experience.
Apart from this, you could also book individual English lessons after your group classes to practice your speaking skills, or get extra help with some problem areas.
How are lessons structured?
On your first day your teacher will conduct a detailed needs analysis to get to know you and what you want more. That means that lessons will be planned just for you – using the relevant material and real-world examples that you need.
Since individual lessons are all about you, they’re ideal for students who have a specific aim, for example; exam preparation, English for work, English for a specific purpose (igaming, aviation, customer care, nursing, banking and anything else you may need).
Your teacher will plan appropriate lessons considering your goals and preferred learning styles as well.
When and where can I attend private English lessons?
At a English school, or online. With most schools, private lessons are more flexible when it comes to times. If you’ve got a job and can’t attend morning classes, you could book individual English lessons instead, which can be organised around your schedule.
How can I find a good teacher?
If you’re attending a language school, make sure it’s a reputable one. You can do this by checking the accreditation of the school, as well as online reviews. If you’re looking for a teacher online it might be more difficult to tell. There are a number of quality schools that also deliver English classes online. And this way, you will also gain a certificate of attendance.
Do you have any other questions about private English lessons? Write to us at [email protected].
