Author: Sarah Prosser
The educational system in America is faces numerous challenges. Between overworked and underpaid staff and the need to “teach to the tests” to retain federal funds, many students fall behind their peers in a system that might not be aware of the average student’s struggle. The devastating effects of an imperfect educational system are most evident in minority populations.
According to the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress, eighth-grade black boys scored only marginally higher on their average reading and math scores when compared to fourth-grade white girls. Latino males had about the same results. Many impoverished minority students make the difficult decision to drop out, resulting in a graduation rate of only 57 percent for black males and 62 percent for Latino males within four years of attending high school. White men fare much better, with a comparable 79 percent graduation rate.
According to the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress, eighth-grade black boys scored only marginally higher on their average reading and math scores when compared to fourth-grade white girls. Latino males had about the same results. Many impoverished minority students make the difficult decision to drop out, resulting in a graduation rate of only 57 percent for black males and 62 percent for Latino males within four years of attending high school. White men fare much better, with a comparable 79 percent graduation rate.
Fortunately, there is hope for struggling students. A Northwestern study found that individualized one-on-one tutoring resulted in significant improvements in test scores, even when administered to impoverished kids. By equipping today’s students with a comprehensive suite of resources, students who are behind in school can excel and even surpass the relative achievements of their peers.
Benefits of One-on-One Tutoring
In today’s fast-paced world, one-on-one tutoring provides the focus and attention that students need to free themselves from the distractions found in a typical learning environment. Today’s teaching methods focus on teaching the average student, leaving behind the ones who need more attention and boring those who excel. Even group tutoring fails to deliver a personalized approach that is the hallmark of one-on-one tutoring – this is because group tutoring is focused more on general concepts. Additionally, one-on-one tutoring allows the student to ask questions and engage in a manner that he or she may not feel comfortable doing when in a classroom or large group session.
In a one-on-one tutoring session, the tutor can learn about the specific concepts that the pupil is struggling with. Additionally, the tutor can develop a teaching strategy that will best maximize the student’s comprehension in the shortest time possible. In this manner, the tutor can customize his or her approach and gear it towards the individual pupil. This allows the student to break down concepts into separate components to enhance his or her understanding of the subject.
Another benefit to having a personal tutor is that the tutor can develop concrete plans to help the pupil learn when working independently in between tutoring sessions. The tutor can advise on a specific study plan and then check back in with the student to ensure that he or she is following this plan. This helps the student develop better time management and organization skills, which he or she can then apply to all facets of life. Many studies show that the skills that pupils develop during tutoring sessions help them perform better in other subjects – even those not included in their tutored lessons.
One-on-one tutoring also gives students an opportunity to achieve far-reaching goals. With a personal relationship with each pupil, a tutor can set high goals for his or her students. Those being tutored can feel the gratification of achieving goals that they once thought were impossible.
Tutoring with Technology
Today’s technological advances make it easier than ever to connect students with knowledgeable tutors. Boost Academy uses an innovative app that allows students to quickly create an account and connect with a tutor from virtually anywhere. Students are no longer anchored to their own city in which to find someone experienced in the specific academic subject.
Even the busiest of students can use the platform, which allows students to self-select their availability. The tutors whose schedules align with the student’s will have profiles and bios that pop up for the student and his or her parents to review. Alternatively, a qualified tutor can be matched up to the student. The student sets up a free initial session with the selected tutor. Tutors and students then communicate via an included messaging feature before the session to acquaint themselves and to communicate about the educational needs.
Boost Academy integrates additional technology to connect students and their tutors. Students can upload a picture of their homework which the tutor can then easily add to a digital whiteboard. This allows both the student and the tutor the ability to work together and see each other’s contributions to the assignment. There are also mechanisms in place that provide live interactive voice communications, so the student receives the benefit of having a tutor by his or her side without the additional hassle of having to take the student to a tutor’s home or office.
Another impressive technological component of this application is that the tutoring session is recorded. If a student forgets how a tutor approached a problem, he or she can simply replay that portion of the lesson to refresh his or her memory. He or she can also replay the entire lesson if desired. Having this feature also allows parents to check that the student is making adequate progress and is engaged. In this way, continued learning and success is always at the student’s fingertips.
Other Options
Other tutoring options are available today for parents who prefer in-person tutoring. For example, Care.com offers a search mechanism that enables parents to locate tutors in the area. Keep in mind that checking references and reviews is especially critical when using this approach as the quality of service can vary widely between one tutor to the next.
Another option is Sylvan Learning. This business offers a variety of learning centers across the country. Parents typically take their children in for a full assessment that generally lasts about one and a half hours. This process helps to pinpoint the child's learning strengths and weaknesses and enables the learning center teachers to develop a teaching strategy for each student. Some online tutoring is offered by Sylvan, but their focus is primarily on in-person tutoring.
In today's competitive marketplace, it is critical that children develop the skills necessary to achieve. One-on-one tutoring offers students an unparalleled opportunity to achieve their goals and become lifelong learners.
Benefits of One-on-One Tutoring
In today’s fast-paced world, one-on-one tutoring provides the focus and attention that students need to free themselves from the distractions found in a typical learning environment. Today’s teaching methods focus on teaching the average student, leaving behind the ones who need more attention and boring those who excel. Even group tutoring fails to deliver a personalized approach that is the hallmark of one-on-one tutoring – this is because group tutoring is focused more on general concepts. Additionally, one-on-one tutoring allows the student to ask questions and engage in a manner that he or she may not feel comfortable doing when in a classroom or large group session.
In a one-on-one tutoring session, the tutor can learn about the specific concepts that the pupil is struggling with. Additionally, the tutor can develop a teaching strategy that will best maximize the student’s comprehension in the shortest time possible. In this manner, the tutor can customize his or her approach and gear it towards the individual pupil. This allows the student to break down concepts into separate components to enhance his or her understanding of the subject.
Another benefit to having a personal tutor is that the tutor can develop concrete plans to help the pupil learn when working independently in between tutoring sessions. The tutor can advise on a specific study plan and then check back in with the student to ensure that he or she is following this plan. This helps the student develop better time management and organization skills, which he or she can then apply to all facets of life. Many studies show that the skills that pupils develop during tutoring sessions help them perform better in other subjects – even those not included in their tutored lessons.
One-on-one tutoring also gives students an opportunity to achieve far-reaching goals. With a personal relationship with each pupil, a tutor can set high goals for his or her students. Those being tutored can feel the gratification of achieving goals that they once thought were impossible.
Tutoring with Technology
Today’s technological advances make it easier than ever to connect students with knowledgeable tutors. Boost Academy uses an innovative app that allows students to quickly create an account and connect with a tutor from virtually anywhere. Students are no longer anchored to their own city in which to find someone experienced in the specific academic subject.
Even the busiest of students can use the platform, which allows students to self-select their availability. The tutors whose schedules align with the student’s will have profiles and bios that pop up for the student and his or her parents to review. Alternatively, a qualified tutor can be matched up to the student. The student sets up a free initial session with the selected tutor. Tutors and students then communicate via an included messaging feature before the session to acquaint themselves and to communicate about the educational needs.
Boost Academy integrates additional technology to connect students and their tutors. Students can upload a picture of their homework which the tutor can then easily add to a digital whiteboard. This allows both the student and the tutor the ability to work together and see each other’s contributions to the assignment. There are also mechanisms in place that provide live interactive voice communications, so the student receives the benefit of having a tutor by his or her side without the additional hassle of having to take the student to a tutor’s home or office.
Another impressive technological component of this application is that the tutoring session is recorded. If a student forgets how a tutor approached a problem, he or she can simply replay that portion of the lesson to refresh his or her memory. He or she can also replay the entire lesson if desired. Having this feature also allows parents to check that the student is making adequate progress and is engaged. In this way, continued learning and success is always at the student’s fingertips.
Other Options
Other tutoring options are available today for parents who prefer in-person tutoring. For example, Care.com offers a search mechanism that enables parents to locate tutors in the area. Keep in mind that checking references and reviews is especially critical when using this approach as the quality of service can vary widely between one tutor to the next.
Another option is Sylvan Learning. This business offers a variety of learning centers across the country. Parents typically take their children in for a full assessment that generally lasts about one and a half hours. This process helps to pinpoint the child's learning strengths and weaknesses and enables the learning center teachers to develop a teaching strategy for each student. Some online tutoring is offered by Sylvan, but their focus is primarily on in-person tutoring.
In today's competitive marketplace, it is critical that children develop the skills necessary to achieve. One-on-one tutoring offers students an unparalleled opportunity to achieve their goals and become lifelong learners.
