German Course Salzburg in the Group vs. Individual Training in German
German Course in Classes or 1:1 training – during the holiday season
Shortly before the start of the holiday season I would like to compare a group course in German with German individual lessons (this applies to German for private purposes and Business German):
Perceived Advantages of German Course in Groups
- Cheaper price-offers.
- Higher degree of exchange with fellow students (through the feeling of being connected with colleagues in the group and the associated possibility of a contact structure and a contact care in the class).
- Higher degree of identification with the role of the student by the physical presence of other students (eg, keeping track of common goals, etc.).
Perceived Advantages of German Individual Training
- Higher temporal and spatial flexibility (the course planning can be taken in consultation with the student, holidays etc. can be taken into account).
- Higher degree of individuality (especially the coach can better meet the individual learning pace of the students). This provides advantages especially for good and weaker learners.
- Independence from dynamics that are solely associated with groups (eg, some learners cannot easily unfold their potential within groups or may have social reservations, they may feel better in private tuition developing a higher level of trust in the relationship with the coach). .
Conclusion group vs. Individual training
14 years of experience as a language trainer with German courses and individual training in the Lernstudio Mag. Schaller (Salzburg) show that all the benefits of a German language course in the group can be compensated by a German 1:1 training. The argument that a group course is cheaper may apply, but this supposed advantage is limited. Of course, one unit of individual lessons may comparatively be more expensive. Nevertheless, an immense time saving can be obtained throughout the selection of a high-quality individual training in German (often in excess of 60% for particularly good and organized learners and for “average learners” often up to 50%!). For weaker students the benefits of a soft and empathic individual training naturally outweigh the disadvantages. By means of accompanying measures (e. g. round tables, club meetings or online forums) also a perceived deficit of individual lessons (the absence of colleagues) may be made up.
Finally it should be said that in most cases both ways “lead to Rome” – nevertheless, the possibility of a more flexible schedule especially during the holiday season speaks more for an Individual language training (or possibly duotraining with fixed learning partner)..