The benefits of one-on-one tutoring

The research, the routine, and the results parents see when one teacher meets one student

By
Neil Bennett
October 29, 2026
The benefits of one-on-one tutoring

Quick take

  • Classroom teachers do amazing work, but building individualized programs for 25 to 35 students at once is extremely difficult.
  • In one hour of tutoring, a teacher can give your child more one-on-one guidance than they would receive in class over an entire semester.
  • Many students have learning gaps from the pandemic years, and experienced professionals are best placed to help fill them.
  • Connect Education matches families with licensed teachers, for in-person or virtual tutoring.

            Perhaps the most famous tutoring sessions in history took place when Socrates, (469–399 BCE), the famous ancient Greek philosopher and teacher, became Plato’s tutor. In the 11th century, at the first universities in Europe, tutoring was an important part of a student’s day-to-day life. In modern times, tutoring has, of course, become commonplace.

            Why is tutoring so important? Our classroom teachers generally do an amazing job. However, they are faced with a herculean task. Creating and implementing individualized programs for 25-35 students is extremely difficult. In one hour of tutoring, a teacher is able to give more one-on-one guidance and teaching than that student would receive in class over an entire semester.  

            Tutoring by classroom teachers: There is no Ontario College of Tutors like there is the Ontario College of Teachers. Parents have somewhat limited avenues to find quality tutors for their children. This is where Connect Education comes in. Connect Education simplifies and streamlines the search for certified educators and students. All teachers in the platform are experienced, certified teachers.

            How to save time finding quality tutors:  Finding tutors through traditional methods is outdated and often requires significant effort on the part of parents.  https://www.connect-education.com/ simplifies the search for qualified educators and parents get to set their budget.  Parents are able to find help customized to their child’s needs such as what days and times would work for them, and what price range they feel comfortable with.  Connect Education then provides a list of matching teachers specific to their search criteria. Parents can also select in-person tutoring or virtual tutoring as the method of delivery.  

            Post-pandemic learning: Tutoring has become more important than ever in the post-pandemic period. Many students still have gaps in their learning from the pandemic years. The job of filling in those gaps is best given to experienced professionals.  

            Connect Education is bringing students and qualified professional tutors together to help students achieve their potential in difficult times.

            To learn more

            CREDIT: Socrates cartoon Socrates Vectors by Vecteezy

Resources

Sources and further reading

  1. National Bureau of Economic Research, Nickow, Oreopoulos and Quan: The Impressive Effects of Tutoring on PreK-12 Learning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Experimental Evidence (2020) https://www.nber.org/papers/w27476
  2. Education Endowment Foundation, One to one tuition https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/one-to-one-tuition
  3. Ontario College of Teachers, Overview https://www.oct.ca/en-ca/about-the-college/what-we-do/legislation-regulations-and-bylaws/overview
  4. Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics, University of Toronto, COVID-19 and Education Disruption in Ontario: Emerging Evidence on Impacts (2021) https://pandemics.utoronto.ca/resources/covid-19-and-education-disruption-in-ontario-emerging-evidence-on-impacts/
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How is one-on-one tutoring different from classroom learning?

In a classroom of 25 to 35 students, even great teachers cannot give every child individualized attention every day. One-on-one tutoring flips that ratio entirely. Your child gets focused instruction targeting exactly the concept they are stuck on, immediate feedback, custom pacing, and lessons matched to their learning style. Research consistently shows one hour of high-quality one-on-one tutoring delivers more measurable progress than weeks of group instruction on the same topic.

How often should my child attend tutoring sessions?

Most families see strong results with one to two weekly sessions of about an hour, sustained over a school term. Frequency depends on your child's goals, current gaps, and how much support they need to apply what they learn between sessions. For a struggling subject, weekly is the minimum to build momentum. For exam prep or summer catch-up, two sessions a week accelerate progress. A certified teacher will recommend the right rhythm during the free assessment.

What qualifications should I look for in a tutor?

Look for a certified teacher with provincial credentials, classroom experience, and a clean background check. Tutoring is unregulated, so anyone can call themselves a tutor. Connect Education only accepts certified teachers, screens every applicant, and lets you filter by subject, grade, schedule, and budget. Sessions are available online, in person, or at a public library. Book a free 15-minute assessment for a personalized quote.

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Licensed teachers in good standing, matched to your child's goals and how they learn. Start with a free 15-minute assessment.

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