Tutoring: meaning, definitions and examples

Tutoring is suitable when someone needs one-on-one help with specific academic subjects or skills, often outside of a formal classroom setting.

• She hired a math tutor to help her with calculus.
• He offers tutoring sessions for high school students preparing for exams.

Teaching is most appropriate in a formal educational environment where instruction is delivered to a group of students or learners.

• She has been teaching science at the high school for over a decade.
• His passion is teaching literature at the university.

Coaching is ideal for helping someone improve in a particular sport, activity, or skill. It often involves motivation and performance enhancement.

• He received coaching to improve his tennis serve.
• The coach worked with the team to develop better strategies.

Mentoring is best in professional development contexts where an experienced person guides and advises a less experienced person on career or personal growth.

• She has been mentoring young engineers for years.
• He found a mentor to help him navigate his new job.

When you need one-on-one instruction or help with a specific subject or skill, typically in an educational context.

• She is getting tutoring for her math class.
• I hired a tutor to help me with my biology studies.

General term used for conveying knowledge or skills, can apply to formal or informal settings.

• She teaches English at the local high school.
• He loves to teach kids how to play musical instruments.

Used when referring to someone who trains or instructs in sports or a specific skill, but can also apply to professional or personal development contexts.

• The basketball coach worked with the team every afternoon.
• She hired a career coach to help her advance in her job.

Involves a long-term relationship where an experienced person guides and advises someone less experienced, often in a professional or personal growth context.

• He is my mentor at work and has helped me navigate my career.
• She acts as a mentor to young entrepreneurs starting their own businesses.