Group Classes or Individual Lessons

Which is Right for You?

Choosing the Best Learning Format for Your Goals and Personality

Last week, I wrote about self-study vs. guided learning. If you’ve decided to work with a teacher, the next step is figuring out whether group classes or individual lessons suit you best.

At first, the choice might seem simple. If you can afford private lessons, why not take them? But after years of teaching both formats, I can say that cost shouldn’t by the only factor in your decision, and individual lessons aren’t always the better option.

Here are some things to consider before making your decision.

Group Classes

A well-structured group class usually has a professional teacher and a class size of about 6 to 15 students.

Photo by sarah b on Unsplash

Here are the considerations:

Pros:

• More affordable than private lessons

• A lively, interactive learning environment

• Opportunities to learn from other people’s mistakes

• A safe space to practice speaking with fellow learners

• Peers to discuss ideas with instead of always being "on the spot"

• The chance to meet new people and build connections

Cons:

• The pace and materials are designed for the group, not your individual needs

• You might not enjoy the company of every classmate 😉

• The teacher’s attention is divided among all students

• Some people feel uncomfortable speaking in front of a group

• Fixed schedule and syllabus that may not be flexible

• Less speaking time overall, even in well-structured classes with pair and group work

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Individual Classes

Ideally, private lessons are taught by a trained language teacher, tutor, or coach. (I’ll share more about the differences between them in next week’s post!)

Photo by Monica Melton on Unsplash

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of private classes.

Pros:

• Lessons are fully tailored to your level, goals, and pace

• Personalized feedback based on your specific needs

• More direct interaction with the teacher (*See my note about this below)

• No concerns about classmates you may not get along with

• A chance to build a strong connection with your teacher

• More flexible scheduling is often possible

• A comfortable space for learners who feel self-conscious in a group

Cons:

• More expensive than group classes

• No variety of speaking partners, which can make the format feel repetitive

• Fewer opportunities to learn from others’ mistakes

• Some learners feel under pressure without a peer to consult

• Speaking with just one expert can feel intimidating

• Less exposure to different accents and speaking styles

Side Note: Do you always get more attention in an individual class?

*Even in a private class where the teacher is fully focused on you, you don’t actually get their full attention in the way you might think.

Let me explain.

If I’m conducting a speaking exam or level test, I focus primarily on evaluating speech against grammar and vocabulary criteria rather than engaging with the meaning of what’s being said. This requires 100% of my attention. In a private class, however, I need to do several things at once:

• Listen for meaning.

• Analyze the language used.

• Decide which errors or improvements to highlight.

• Respond in a way that challenges the learner to speak just beyond their current ability.

In a group class, when students speak to each other, I can focus more on the language that emerges and provide useful feedback. Learners also benefit from hearing their classmates’ mistakes and corrections. I can (try to) manage the level of the conversations by creating specific partners or designing tasks in a way that both speakers are challenged to use language at the edge of their current ability.

From the teacher’s point of view, giving feedback in a group class is often easier because you don’t have to use attentional resources for maintaining a conversation (and sometimes regulating emotions like nervousness and frustration) because that’s done by a speaking partner. This frees you up to pay more attention to mistakes and areas to upgrade.

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So, Which Should You Choose?

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. How do I like learning?

Jillian Ayer

left a great comment on last week’s post:

“But do you also think some of us are just solo learners and some of us just need a class/group experience to learn? Beyond the great way you outlined each type of learning, I am curious if some language learners are just one or the other (or maybe their language proficiency dictates this). I have tried solo learning (French) and now I feel like I desperately need a class to keep me structured and learning. I tend to like working as part of a group and wonder if I was always a class/group learner but found my way around this by using Tandem.”

Although she was talking about self-study vs. guided learning, this same reflection applies when deciding between group and private lessons.

Think about how you’ve learned best in the past. Do you like bouncing ideas off others, or do you prefer focused attention on your own progress? Are you motivated by group dynamics, or do you work better with individualized guidance?

Personally, I dislike the spotlight when I’m learning something new. I love brainstorming, thinking out-loud and being part of a community of other learners, but that’s just me. I know so many people who get annoyed when the teacher doesn’t give them specific attention or when they have to ask another novice instead of “an expert”.

2. What are my goals?

If you have a specific goal, such as preparing for a job interview, an exam, or a professional certification, private lessons might be the better choice. The flexibility and tailored feedback allow you to concentrate on exactly what you need.

If your goal is general language improvement, a well-run group class can be just as effective. With the right structure, learners in group settings often make just as much progress as those in private lessons (at least in my experience!)

3. What are my obstacles?

Sometimes, choosing the right class format isn’t just about what you prefer, it’s can be about what typically holds you back.

• Do you tend to avoid speaking in front of others? Private lessons might help you step out of your comfort zone gradually.

• Do you need a fixed schedule to stay accountable? A group class might keep you more consistent.

• Do you often get bored and give up? Group classes are usually engaging and sociable.

• Are you easily distracted by others? Individual lessons could help you stay focused on your studies.

The best learning format is the one that helps YOU stay consistent and engaged. Whether that means a group class or a private lesson ,the key is finding what fits your needs right now.

What has your experience been with group or private lessons? Let me know in the comments!

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