A traditional classroom environment can be acceptable for many students, but it is rarely the best possible way to learn. At The Tenney School, our 1-1 learning model allows every learning session to look much like what would be expected from our one-on-one tutoring program. Many of our students find a higher level of success through this personalized learning option.
What Is 1-1 Learning?
Many students learn best when they have their teacher’s undivided attention. This is one of the benefits 1-1 learning brings during a typical one-on-one tutoring session. This alternative to traditional classes or even small-group learning gives one teacher the flexibility to work at one student’s pace. Also, to adjust to best meet his or her needs.
The pace of teaching in a general classroom needs to be set at a moderate rate that works for as many students as possible. It often means that several students are struggling to keep up or are bored by a pace that is too easy for them at any given time. 1-1 learning draws upon the typical benefits of 1-1 tutoring to create an innovative approach to providing personalized instruction to every student.
Benefits of 1-1 Learning
1-1 learning provides a wide range of benefits that mimic the results from individualized tutoring. Here are four common reasons our emphasis on this alternative to traditional classroom learning sets our students up for success!
Personalized Pacing and Increased Capacity to Track Progress
Although teachers do their best to understand how well each student is understanding each topic in a traditional classroom, it is rarely possible to accurately gauge every student’s progress at a high level over time. This can result in missing gaps in understanding until end-of-unit tests. This makes it easier than it needs to be for students to get left behind. With 1-1 learning, a teacher immediately knows whether a student does or does not understand what they are doing. This allows teachers to intervene much earlier and slow down and review the material as needed.
Teachers can also speed up, work ahead, and even provide supplemental material that is not a regular part of a particular course. This is when working 1-1 with a student that has a strong grasp of what they are learning and is ready for further challenge.
Fewer Distractions
A traditional classroom is full of distractions that can make it difficult for many students to concentrate on their work. These include other students talking in class or otherwise misbehaving. 1-1 learning eliminates many of these distractions, which can make it significantly easier for students to stay on task.
Increased Engagement
Likewise, bored students in class, struggling with the material they are learning, or simply uninterested in a particular topic often have a more difficult time paying attention in class. In a typical classroom environment, a teacher may only have time to remind these students to pay attention from time to time or not realize they are daydreaming at all. The teacher will immediately be able to redirect the student’s attention when their mind begins to wander in a 1-1 learning environment. This option also increases engagement by making the student responsible for contributing to every question instead of occasionally or never raising their hand in a traditional classroom.
Comfortable Environment for Students With Special Needs
The goal of teaching students with special needs is often to include them in the general education classroom whenever possible. However, these students sometimes find 1-1 learning to be a less stressful alternative. Students that struggle with the potential judgment of their peers at an above-average level often have an easier time answering questions when they are alone with a teacher. This is because the lowered risk and they are more capable of focusing on the task at hand.
Our personalized learning is an excellent option for a wide range of students in the Houston area. Especially those that are not currently reaching their highest potential in a traditional classroom environment. Choosing our 1-1 learning model may be a good fit for your child. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour!