Learning in a class or on your own
Setting of on an educational journey presents you with a fundamental choice: to chart your own way through self-study or to seek guidance in a structured workshop with a tutor. Each approach comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. While self-study offers the freedom to tailor your learning pace and delve deeply into personal interests, studying with a tutor in a workshop provides structured guidance, immediate feedback and the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning.
In this article we’re going to explore both methods, aiming to help you make an informed decision that best suits your individual learning needs. Of course, at Chaka Learning we’re in the tutoring business and believe that you’re better off with guidance, but let’s look at both sides of the debate. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Learning on your own
Self-learning, also called ‘self-directed’ or ‘autodidactic’ learning, is a popular approach thanks to the sea of digital resources available today. The internet is a treasure trove (even though sometimes it can feel like a bit of a sewer!) of diverse materials, including videos, articles, online courses, forums, and e-books. This variety allows you to choose the medium that best suits your learning preferences. You also have the freedom to tailor your studies to your personal interests.
With self-study you can follow your interests, focusing on specific topics that intrigue you or areas where you feel you need improvement, making the learning process as effective as you want it to be. What’s more you can visit these concepts as many times as necessary until you fully understand them. Although this does require a high degree of discipline and effective time management skills. Without a structured timetable, there’s a risk of procrastination or spending too much time on less important topics. After all, you might be interested in something now, but if you’re not completely familiar with the subject how can you be certain it’s the best thing to focus on?
In the absence of a tutor or classmates, it can be a challenge to stay accountable. This lack of accountability might result in slower progress or even abandonment of your learning goals.
So, while self-study boasts several advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Self-Learning: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexibility: Self-learning offers unmatched flexibility. You can learn at your own pace and at times that suit your schedule.
- Cost-Effective: Many online resources are free or inexpensive, making self-learning a budget-friendly option.
- Self-Discipline: Taking charge of your own learning can build discipline and self-motivation.
Cons:
- Lack of Structure: Without a structured plan, it’s easy to lose track or get overwhelmed by the abundance of information.
- Limited Feedback: When you’re learning on your own, you miss out on immediate, personalised feedback.
- Isolation: Learning alone can be isolating, and the absence of peer interaction can hinder motivation and understanding.
Case Study: Jack’s Journey into Coding
Jack, a boy with a curious mind, has always been fascinated by technology and video games. Inspired by his favourite games, he decided he wanted to learn how to create his own. Without access to a formal coding class or workshop, Jack turned to self-study.
He began his journey by exploring various online resources. He found a plethora of coding tutorials on YouTube, which introduced him to the basics of programming languages like Python and JavaScript. Jack discovered websites offering interactive coding lessons tailored to beginners, such as Codecademy and Khan Academy.
Jack also joined online forums and communities, such as Stack Overflow and Reddit, where he could ask questions and share his progress with other learners and experienced coders. This sense of community helped him stay motivated and provided a support system for when he encountered challenges.
One of the biggest advantages for Jack was the flexibility that self-study offered. He could dedicate extra time to topics that particularly intrigued him, like game development and artificial intelligence. However, Jack also faced some challenges. Without a structured timetable, he sometimes struggled with time management and found himself procrastinating on more difficult concepts.
To overcome this, Jack started setting weekly goals and creating a study schedule to keep himself on track. He learned to be disciplined and manage his time effectively. Additionally, the lack of immediate, personalised feedback meant that Jack had to rely on his problem-solving skills and the support of online communities to work through obstacles.
Despite the challenges, Jack’s self-motivation and passion for coding drove him to continue learning. Over time, he built his own simple games and even started a small blog to share his projects and experiences. Jack’s journey into coding is a testament to the potential of self-study, demonstrating how dedication and the wealth of digital resources available today can empower young learners to pursue their interests independently.
Learning in a class
Online classes with a tutor, whether in a group setting or one-on-one, are increasingly popular. They offer a structured and interactive approach to learning, particularly beneficial for subjects like coding, creative writing, design, and English for second language speakers. Unlike self-learning, online classes provide a clear structure, with a syllabus, schedule, and set goals. This structure can help learners stay on track and progress steadily through the material. Having a tutor means that you receive immediate, personalised feedback, which can be crucial for understanding complex concepts and improving your skills.
Classes often incorporate interactive elements such as discussions, group projects, and peer reviews. This interaction can enhance learning by exposing you to different perspectives and ideas. It also helps to build a sense of community, which can be motivating and supportive. The opportunity to ask questions and get real-time answers can significantly enhance your understanding of the subject matter.
Having a tutor and classmates creates a sense of accountability. You are more likely to stay committed to your learning goals when you know that others are keeping track of your progress. This accountability, combined with regular deadlines and assessments, can help maintain your motivation and discipline.
Tutors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They can provide insights that you might not find in online resources and can tailor their teaching to your specific needs and learning style. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions, making the learning process more efficient and effective.
However, learning in a class also comes with its challenges. It can be more expensive than self-learning, and you might have less flexibility in terms of scheduling and pacing. Group classes can also mean that the pace is set by the average progress of the group, which might not always align with your individual learning speed.
Online Classes with a Tutor: The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Guided Learning: Tutors provide structured lessons, ensuring that you cover all necessary topics in a logical sequence.
- Personalised Feedback: Tutors can offer immediate and tailored feedback, helping you improve more efficiently.
- Accountability: Regular classes and assignments keep you accountable and on track with your learning goals.
- Peer Interaction: Online classes often include group activities, discussions, and peer feedback, enriching the learning experience.
- Expertise: Tutors bring expertise and real-world experience, offering insights that go beyond textbook knowledge.
Cons:
- Cost: Tutored classes can be more expensive than self-learning resources.
- Less Flexibility: Scheduled classes mean less flexibility compared to self-paced learning.
Case Study: Emily’s Coding Adventure with a Tutor
Emily, a girl with a passion for technology, aspired to create her own video games. She chose to enrol in an online coding workshop with a tutor, hoping to accelerate her learning journey.
From the outset, Emily benefited from the structured environment of the workshop. The sessions were well-organised, with a clear curriculum that gradually built her skills from the basics of coding to more complex concepts. Having a dedicated tutor meant that Emily received immediate feedback on her coding exercises, allowing her to quickly correct mistakes and understand difficult concepts.
The interactive nature of the workshop allowed Emily to ask questions in real-time, ensuring she never felt stuck or confused for long. Her tutor, an experienced coder, could provide personalised guidance tailored to Emily’s learning style and interests. For instance, when Emily expressed a keen interest in game development, her tutor incorporated relevant projects and examples into the lessons, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant.
Additionally, the workshop included group activities and peer collaboration, fostering a sense of community and accountability. Emily worked on joint projects with her classmates, which not only helped her develop teamwork skills but also motivated her to stay on track and complete assignments on time.
The structured timetable and scheduled sessions ensured that Emily maintained a consistent study routine. This structure prevented procrastination and helped her manage her time effectively. With the tutor’s support, Emily could progress through the curriculum at a steady pace, mastering each topic before moving on to the next.
Within a few months, Emily had built a solid foundation in coding and even created her own simple video game. The combination of structured guidance, personalised feedback, and collaborative learning significantly accelerated her progress compared to if she had studied on her own.
Emily’s experience demonstrates how accessing a taught online workshop with a tutor can offer a more efficient and supportive learning environment, making it easier for young learners to achieve their goals and stay motivated throughout their educational journey.
Self Study vs. Studying with a Tutor Checklist
Here are a few things to consider when deciding between self-learning and learning with a tutor:
1. Learning Preferences:
- Do you prefer structured or unstructured learning?
- Do you enjoy working independently or with guidance and support?
2. Motivation and Discipline:
- Are you self-motivated and disciplined enough to set and stick to your own study schedule?
- Do you need external accountability to stay on track and motivated?
3. Feedback and Guidance:
- How important is immediate, personalized feedback to you?
- Do you feel comfortable seeking help and clarification from online communities if learning alone?
4. Budget:
- Are you looking for a cost-effective learning option?
- Are you willing to invest in a tutor or paid workshops for more structured learning?
5. Flexibility:
- Do you need the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule?
- Are you able to commit to regular, scheduled sessions with a tutor or in a workshop?
6. Learning Goals:
- Are your learning goals specific and well-defined?
- Do you need expert guidance to achieve your learning goals more efficiently?
7. Resources and Materials:
- Are you comfortable navigating and using various online resources for self-learning?
- Do you prefer curated materials and structured curriculum provided by a tutor or workshop?
8. Social Interaction:
- Do you enjoy collaborative learning and interacting with peers?
- Are you comfortable learning in isolation, or do you thrive in a social learning environment?
9. Problem-Solving Skills:
- Are you confident in your ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently?
- Do you benefit from having a tutor to help you overcome obstacles and challenges?
10. Long-Term Commitment:
- Are you looking for a short-term learning experience or a long-term commitment?
- Do you prefer a consistent, ongoing relationship with a tutor or the flexibility of self-directed learning?
This will help you weigh your preferences, needs, and circumstances to make an informed decision about your learning approach.
Why Online Tutoring is Especially Beneficial for Learning to Code
Structured Learning Path: Coding involves understanding complex concepts and building upon them sequentially. A tutor can guide you through this process, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial steps.
Real-Time Debugging: One of the biggest challenges in learning to code is debugging errors. Having a tutor means you can get immediate help and learn effective problem-solving techniques.
Project-Based Learning: Tutors can provide hands-on projects that are crucial for understanding coding concepts. They can also help tailor these projects to your interests, making learning more engaging.
Courses We Offer
At our online education platform, we deliver a variety of courses with expert tutors, including:
- Coding: Our coding courses are designed to help you get to grips with web design, app creation and beyond.
- Creative Writing: Develop your writing skills with the guidance of experienced writers.
- Design: Learn the principles of design and how to apply them in real-world projects.
- English for Second Language Speakers: Improve your English proficiency with tailored lessons that focus on your needs.
While self-learning offers flexibility and can be cost-effective, the benefits of learning with an online tutor are significant. With structured guidance, personalised feedback, and the support of an expert, you can achieve your learning goals more effectively and efficiently. So why not give our online classes a try and experience the difference for yourself? Get in touch by emailing admin@chakalearning.com
