English Classes Online or In-person | Berlitz (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to take language classes online or in-person? ›

The choice between one or the other will depend mainly on your personal needs and preferences. In any case, many studies suggest that both methods are equally effective. However, others point out that in-person learning may be more effective for certain types of learners or situations.

Because of this, online classes tend to involve more passive learning which is shown to be less effective than active learning. In-person classes provide regular face-to-face interactions where people can engage in natural, spontaneous discussions and develop genuine connections.

In online classes, you won't feel judged and will be much more comfortable with the interaction than in any regular class. In offline classes, students become shy to even ask questions in front of people. Not every student is comfortable addressing their queries in front of everyone, they feel judged.

Online courses may offer some level of feedback through digital communications, but it lacks the immediacy and personal touch that face-to-face critiques provide. In-person workshops offer immediate feedback and observation of nuances like body language.

But in many cases, an online degree is more challenging for students because it requires more self-discipline and motivation to "take an active part in their learning," Mathes says. And, like residential students, online students need to maintain academic integrity when completing assignments and taking exams.

Online learning is more flexible. In addition, as one can attend virtual classes anywhere and anytime, students don't have to travel. At the same time, the physical classroom method involves in-person teaching and hands-on training from a professional, which is also necessary for specific situations.

Another con is that in-person schooling is not as flexible as virtual learning. A teacher has a strict schedule to follow, which leaves less time for individualized student support when required. Moreover, the cost to teach in-person is higher than virtual learning due to the increased need for supplies.

The unprecedented shutdown of classroom learning caused undue stress, low levels of social inclusion and low satisfaction with school for many — and mental health issues for some, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, Davis.

For the typical student, taking a course online rather than in person would decrease his or her likelihood of course persistence by 7 percentage points, and if the student continued to the end of the course, would lower his or her final grade by more than 0.3 points on a 4-point scale.

Is it a good idea to teach English online? ›

Why Teach English Online? Teaching English online offers location independence, flexibility of schedule, and a multitude of opportunities to work one-on-one with students of all levels and backgrounds. You can also earn good pay while working from the safety and comfort of home.

You don't need to speak another language to teach English online, in fact most online companies won't even ask you if you can speak another language and if you do they'll encourage you to only use English in your lessons anyway.

Distractions like the internet, TV, phones and even family members can make it hard to study. In-person classes can be a chance to step away from these distractions and focus solely on learning. The routine of attending a class at the same time each week can be a helpful way to learn.

Despite the many advantages of online learning, face-to-face learning remains the preferable option for many people. Face-to-face learning offers a range of benefits, from being able to interact with instructors and peers in person to have more control over your learning process.

Being able to scan the room and see the audience in person often improves the audience's engagement with a presentation. Engagement is especially important when the presenter wishes to receive questions or responses from the audience.

The most obvious perk of learning or strengthening a new language virtually is convenience and flexibility. Asynchronous lessons, which are often much more affordable than in-person ones, allow a person to study at their own pace and do not interfere with someone having a steady, full-time job.

Going to class in person isn't all bad! In fact, many students agree that it's easier to learn when there is direct, face-to-face communication with your professor, instead of just a computer screen. You can ask questions in real-time and engage more directly with the subject matter.

Private lessons may prove much more valuable to individuals if they find that they find learning one-on-one more relaxing and stress-free, and if they require flexibility. Struggling and advanced learners may also find themselves improving better as they are better able to focus on their weak and strong points.

Absolutely! Studying a language can open doors to many careers and opportunities. Give yourself a wide perspective of our diverse world.