The Pros and Cons of IELTS Online Coaching vs In-person Classes
In the recent past, there has been a dramatic surge in online coaching for IELTS because of the plethora of benefits it offers to students. Let’s have a look at them one-by-one :
1. Personalized IELTS Online Coaching :
A significant advantage of online IELTS coaching is the personalized attention students receive. With smaller class sizes, instructors can focus on all the participants, ensuring everyone’s progress.
For example, online coaching typically has 8-10 students per batch, fostering interaction and allowing students to ask questions freely during class. With a limited number of students, instructors can assess each individual’s abilities in all modules – reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Furthermore, students can choose one-to-one live classes for even more personalized guidance.
“As an instructor, smaller batches enable me to get to know each student and understand their learning pace. If a student requires extra attention, we schedule a doubt session to delve deeper into the topic. During live classes, I encourage students to share their ideas and bullet points before writing answers, promoting active participation. This approach helps identify each student’s strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to tackle obstacles effectively.
Another advantage I have seen is peer-to-peer learning which is only effective in small personalized groups. Although IELTS classes are instructor-driven and time-bound, focusing on teaching specific skills for responding to exam questions, peer-to-peer learning can be invaluable. One student’s weakness might be shared by others who may not realize it or lack the confidence to speak up. When one student asks a question, others often relate to the issue.”
In contrast, in-person classes often have 20-25 students in one batch, making it challenging for the instructor to focus on everyone. As a result, only a few students typically benefit from such classes.
2. Flexible timing of IELTS Online Classes:
Best online coaching for IELTS provides the advantage of flexible scheduling, allowing learners to select a time slot that suits their preferences and commitments. This flexibility greatly benefits working professionals and students enrolled in other courses, as they don’t need to alter their existing schedules.
“Many of my students are working professionals or attending college. They prefer evening classes as it enables them to continue with their jobs or studies without disruption. If evening classes aren’t suitable, students can opt for weekend batches. Our flexible setup accommodates evening classes and one-to-one sessions for doubt-clearing or speaking practice on weekends.”
This approach not only boosts productivity but also reduces stress, allowing students to manage their time efficiently.
In contrast, offline coaching often lacks such flexibility. Traditional classes usually follow a fixed schedule during regular daytime hours, making it challenging for working professionals or students with busy daytime schedules. In some cases, professionals may need to take time off work to focus on their exam preparation. When choosing in-person classes, learners may have to sacrifice a portion of their regular schedule and, in some instances, rearrange their work or other classes to accommodate the course.
3. Comfortable and Quick to Enroll :
One of the important features of the best coaching center for IELTS is the convenience it offers, as students can attend classes from the comfort of their homes without needing to travel to a coaching center. Learners can join live sessions and access free IELTS preparation materials along with recorded sessions if they miss a class, ensuring smooth and flexible preparation. Online coaching also offers a time-efficient approach to IELTS exam preparation, saving both time and travel expenses. With the help of short courses, students can attend daily classes and adjust their pace to meet submission or admission deadlines.
“In a single batch, I may have students from various cities or even states, creating a diverse learning environment.”
In contrast, attending in-person coaching requires daily travel to a specific location, which can consume significant time and money. If the coaching center is nearby, this may not be a concern, but if it’s far away, students need to consider this factor when choosing their coaching method.
4. Access to technology :
The advancements in technology have made IELTS preparation more accessible and convenient than ever. Not only can students attend live classes through IELTS online coaching, but they also gain access to various resources required for their preparation. For example, if a student misses a class due to an emergency, they can always watch the recorded session later. Students can access practice tests, articles, webinars, study materials (ebooks), email newsletters, and more.
“As an instructor, I have seen how technology has transformed the learning experience. One of my students, for instance, had a busy work schedule and often had to miss classes. However, with the recorded sessions and online resources, he was able to catch up on missed lessons and stay on track with his preparation.”
Students can also submit their homework assignments to a designated drive folder, where instructors provide feedback and band scores for each submission. Additionally, students can take mock tests from the comfort of their homes, simulating the actual test experience in terms of pattern and difficulty. This allows them to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement. By following a structured mock test series, students can focus on their weaknesses and work towards their desired band scores.
With the support of live doubt sessions, IELTS practice tests and mock test analysis sessions, students are guided on their journey towards a successful exam day. Best coaching center for IELTS use technology that makes IELTS preparation more efficient and personalized, catering to individual needs and busy schedules.
What are the cons of IELTS online classes?
While live classes offer numerous advantages as the best online coaching for IELTS exam preparation, they also come with some drawbacks. For example, technical glitches may occur on either the student’s or instructor’s end, disrupting the flow of the class.
“As an instructor, I remember one time when I experienced a sudden internet outage during a critical lesson. We had to reschedule the class, which caused inconvenience for the students and myself.”
Another potential issue is that students may not stay fully engaged during online classes. They might turn off their cameras or remain muted, resulting in limited interaction with the instructor.
“In one of my online classes, I noticed a student who always kept their camera off and stayed muted. After reaching out to them privately, I discovered they were shy and hesitant to participate. We worked together to build their confidence and gradually increase their involvement in class discussions.”
Moreover, students who prefer the pen-and-paper IELTS exam might want physical copies of practice tests or printed booklets instead of digital resources.
“To address this issue, I often recommend that students print out the materials provided to mimic the real exam experience better.”
Despite these challenges, consistency and dedication can help students stay focused and make the most of online IELTS preparation. In-person classes also have their unique benefits, such as direct interaction with instructors. However, they come with their own set of disadvantages.
Considering the pros and cons of each option, it’s clear why many students now choose the best IELTS online coaching for IELTS exam preparation. When selecting a method, ensure it provides authentic materials and resources to help you practice under exam-like conditions and difficulty levels.
At YunoLearning, students gain access to skill-specific live sessions to hone crucial abilities such as paraphrasing, skimming, speed reading, and improving grammar. This targeted approach helps students achieve their desired band scores across all IELTS exam modules. As an instructor, I take pride in seeing my students overcome obstacles and succeed in their IELTS journey.