Does Virtual Tutoring Work?
It’s a great question, and one I get asked often. The short answer is yes.
This research paper, entitled “A Multi-State Analysis of Effective Online Tutoring for Elementary, Middle, and High School-Aged Students” from 2022 found that online tutoring:
“Accelerates student academic success, contributes to student well-being, and helps bridge technology gaps.”
I can assure you that I have had parents and students tell me the same thing. The classroom can be a challenging learning environment at times. There are distractions from other students, some classes are quite early in the morning, and lecture-based learning is difficult for many! Tutoring provides mentorship, accountability, and a safe space to ask questions until students can be confident enough to do so in class. Tutoring is meant to complement the classroom and enhance learning, and those objectives can be achieved virtually. The research shows us that the style and type of tutor matters much more than whether or not the tutoring is being done virtually.
According to the paper, tutoring should be both consistent and frequent. The student needs to feel comfortable asking questions. Sessions need to be led with discovery. Lastly, there needs to be an added component of goal setting and practicing reaching them.
Before 2020, I was working with students in-person, traveling to and from apartments and boroughs. After 2020, I switched to virtual tutoring and never looked back. And I can tell you that there has been no difference between the students’ performances pre- or post-2020. If anything, virtual tutoring has encouraged students to be more independent and accountable for their studying habits. And the flexibility of scheduling a virtual tutoring session is a boon not only to students, but busy parents and tutors as well.
Of course, there are exceptions and extenuating circumstances. Let me address one of the most common ones: ADHD.
Sure, you’re thinking. Virtual tutoring will work for someone else, but my kid has ADHD–there’s no way.
So it might shock you to learn that actually most of my clients have ADHD, IEPs, and/or learning disabilities. These students often are the ones who need the most additional support outside of the classroom. They commonly thrive when given one-on-one support. And online tutoring makes it a lot easier for them to have frequent but shorter 30 minute sessions to really reinforce study habits and practice the skills they need to do well in class.
Another doubt might come up when thinking about the student’s age. While most of my students are in middle school and high school, I think virtual tutoring is worth a shot for any student starting in 3rd grade and beyond. I have worked with some very mature 2nd graders who can handle online tutoring! But overall, virtual tutoring has worked well for all the 3rd graders I’ve worked with. Before 3rd grade, learning can be supplemented with workbooks, flashcards, games, and toys — or in-person tutoring if necessary. That’s my opinion based on anecdotal evidence and years of experience.
I’m not here to change your mind on virtual tutoring. But I do want to give you context. Online one-on-one tutoring is not the same as COVID Zoom school. There are so many wonderful benefits to a virtual tutoring, and I’ve found that once people try it, both parents and students end up loving it.