Summer is a time when students can relax and enjoy their time off from school. However, for many students, this break from academics can result in a loss of knowledge and skills – summer learning loss. According to research, students can lose up to two months of academic progress during the summer break, especially in the areas of math and reading. This loss can be especially significant for students who are already struggling in these areas.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate summer learning loss, and one effective method is through live, online tutoring. Online tutoring provides a convenient and flexible option for students to continue their learning and stay on track during the summer months.
One of the key benefits of online tutoring is the ability to provide instruction tailored to student needs. This approach can be especially helpful for students who are struggling with specific concepts or skills. Online tutors can identify areas where a student needs additional support and provide targeted instruction to address those areas.
Research has shown that tutoring has a significant positive impact on student learning outcomes. According to a study conducted by Mathematica for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 30% more students were brought up to grade level using Air Tutors than the control group. Additionally, the study found that the benefits of tutoring were even greater for students who were laboring academically, since many of the students in the study were up to two grade levels behind.
Online tutoring can also provide students with access to expert tutors who may not be available in their local area. For example, a student living in a rural area may not have access to a math tutor who specializes in calculus. With online tutoring, students can connect with tutors from all over the United States and receive instruction from experts in their field.
Tutors can also act as mentors. The study mentioned above also found that students who participated in Air Tutors reported positive relationships with their tutors, a high sense of belonging in their tutoring sessions, and increased math confidence over the course of the program.
Another benefit of online tutoring is the convenience and flexibility it provides. Students can schedule tutoring sessions around their summer activities, such as vacations or summer camps. Online tutoring also eliminates the need for transportation to and from tutoring sessions, making it a convenient option for busy families.
In addition, research has shown that online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person tutoring. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that online tutoring was just as effective as in-person tutoring for improving student performance in math.
In conclusion, summer learning loss can be a significant challenge for students, but live, online tutoring can be an effective solution. Online tutoring provides one-on-one instruction tailored to the student’s needs, access to expert tutors, and the convenience and flexibility to fit into a student’s summer schedule. With online tutoring, students can continue their learning and stay on track during the summer months, setting them up for academic success in the upcoming school year.
References:
- Fesler, L., Nye, B., Gu, A., & Chojnack, G. (2023). Air Tutors’ Online Tutoring: Math Knowledge Impacts and Participant Math Perceptions. Mathematica.
- Krawitz, A. (2010). Tutoring programs: A meta-analysis. Journal of Educational Psychology, 374-386.
- Zimmerman, B. J., & Kitsantas, A. (2014). Comparing students’ self-discipline and self-regulation measures and their prediction of academic achievement. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 145-155.
