Unlocking Educational Success: The Vital Role of Online Tutoring in 2024
What is online tuition and how does it work?
Online tuition, also known as online tutoring or e-tutoring, is a form of educational support provided over the internet. It allows students to receive instruction and guidance from qualified educators, often in a one-on-one or small group setting, without the need for physical proximity. Online tuition can cover a wide range of subjects and academic levels, from primary school to university courses, as well as non-academic topics and skills.
Most online tuition sessions are conducted through dedicated tutoring platforms or video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Teams. These platforms enable real-time communication, video calls, screen sharing, and document sharing. During the sessions, the tutor and student interact through video and audio calls; they can see and hear each other, just like in a traditional face-to-face setting. Using virtual whiteboards, presentations and other online applications, tutors can share resources and work through learning together. Tutors may assign homework or self-direct tasks to reinforce the concepts covered during the sessions. Students can submit their assignments electronically, and tutors can provide feedback and guidance.
Online tutoring vs in-person tutoring
Online tutoring and in-person tutoring have many key similarities, such as providing personalised instruction, creating nurturing environments where students can seek clarifications, and offering focused one-on-one or small group attention. Both formats cover a wide range of subjects, offer timely feedback, and provide flexible scheduling options. Despite these commonalities, online tutoring distinguishes itself with its exceptional convenience, broader access to qualified tutors, interactive learning tools, and the promotion of essential digital skills. These advantages make online tutoring an appealing and practical choice for students seeking high-quality educational support.
What are the benefits for online tutoring?
Convenience: Online tutoring allows students to access instruction from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for travel and accommodating busy schedules. This convenience is particularly valuable for students juggling other commitments.
Access to a Broad Pool of Tutors: Online tutoring transcends geographical boundaries, providing access to a diverse range of highly qualified tutors from around the world. Students can find the best match for their needs, regardless of their physical location.
Flexibility: Online tutoring often offers flexible scheduling options, making it easier to arrange sessions at times that suit students' schedules, including evenings and weekends.
Interactive Learning Tools: Online tutoring leverages technology, including virtual whiteboards, multimedia resources, and interactive exercises, to make learning engaging and interactive. These tools enhance the learning experience, making it more effective and enjoyable.
Recording Sessions: Many online tutoring platforms allow sessions to be recorded. This feature enables students to revisit materials and concepts covered during the session, promoting self-paced learning and knowledge retention.
Digital Literacy Skills: Online tutoring equips students with essential digital literacy skills. As technology becomes increasingly integral to education and the workplace, developing proficiency in digital tools and communication is highly valuable.
Reduction of Anxiety: For students who experience anxiety about traditional, in-person schooling, online tutoring offers a comfortable and familiar learning environment. It can help reduce stress and apprehension associated with attending physical schools.
What qualifications and expertise should parents look for in online tutors for their children?
Look for tutors with a strong educational foundation, preferably holding at least a bachelor's degree or higher with qualified teacher status (QTS). Many tutors possess subject expertise but may lack essential teacher training, which is fundamental in understanding how children learn best. Prior teaching experience, especially in a classroom or tutoring setting, is valuable. Experienced teachers understand how to convey concepts effectively and adapt their teaching methods to individual student needs. For subject-specific help, choose tutors with expertise in the subject your child needs assistance with. They should have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and be able to explain it clearly. Instead of opting for tutoring organisations that provide a broad spectrum of subjects, consider seeking tutoring companies specialising in specific subject areas, as they tend to possess a deeper knowledge of their chosen field.
Safety is paramount when working with children; it is essential to verify that tutors have undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This check serves as a crucial safeguarding measure, as it ensures that individuals working with children have not been convicted of any criminal offenses or activities that could put young learners at risk.
Parents should look for tutors who not only possess the necessary qualifications and expertise but also have a passion for teaching and a genuine commitment to their child's educational growth. It's essential to find a tutor who can create a positive and productive learning environment for your child.
What is the impact of online tutoring on children’s academic performance and confidence?
Tutoring significantly enhances children's academic performance and self-confidence through personalised attention and tailored guidance. For instance, the Education Endowment Foundation (2021) reports that intensive one-on-one tutoring programs can boost students' progress by up to five months. As students experience success and receive targeted support, their confidence grows, reducing anxiety and fostering self-efficacy. Cohen et al.'s (1982) meta-analysis of 65 independent school tutoring evaluations reveals improved academic performance and positive shifts in students' attitudes. Effective tutors not only bolster subject-specific knowledge but also instil valuable study skills and problem-solving abilities, laying the groundwork for sustained academic success. Online tutoring has demonstrated success in areas such as reading acquisition (Vasquez, 2008), mathematics attainment (Gortazar et al., 2023), and English skills (Education Endowment Foundation, 2022). An independent review of Actioning Tutoring found a direct correlation between the number of tutoring sessions attended and academic impact (Lucchino, 2016).
Tips for making the most of online tuition:
Designate a Dedicated Learning Space: Create a quiet, well-organized, and distraction-free space for your child's online lessons.
Open Communication with the Tutor: Stay in touch with your child's tutor, exchange feedback, and address any concerns promptly.
Active Participation: Encourage your child to engage actively during the sessions, ask questions, and seek help when necessary.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the subjects your child is studying and their progress in online tutoring.
Establish a Consistent Schedule: Set a regular schedule for online tutoring to provide structure and routine.
Supplement with Online Resources: Utilise educational apps, videos, and interactive exercises to complement your child's learning. Ask tutors for additional self-directed tasks to help to secure key concepts introduced in the sessions.
Support and Encourage: Offer emotional support, praise efforts, and provide encouragement to boost your child's confidence and motivation.
If you are interested in unlocking the benefits of online tuition for your child, we invite you to contact us at Larch Tuition. Our specialised programs are designed to enhance reading and writing skills, and we are dedicated to preparing students for success in 7+, 8+, 11+, SATs, and their educational journey beyond.
Further Reading
Carlana, M. and La Ferrara, E. (2021) Apart but Connected: Online Tutoring and Student Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic, IZA Discussion Papers, No. 14094, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA). Available at: https://docs.iza.org/dp14094.pdf.
Cohen, P., Kulik, P. and Kulik, C. (1982) Educational Outcomes of Tutoring: A Meta-analysis of Findings. American Educational Research Journal, 19, (2), 237-248.
Education Endowment Foundation (2021) One to one tuition. Available at: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/one-to-one-tuition.
Education Endowment Foundation (2022) National Tutoring Programme: NTP Tuition Partners. Available at: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/national-tutoring-programme-ntp-tuition-partners.
Gortazar, L., Hupkau, C. and Roldán, A. (2023) Online tutoring works: Experimental evidence from a program with vulnerable children. Available at: https://www.esade.edu/ecpol/en/publications/online-tutoring-works-experimental-evidence-from-a-program-with-vulnerable-children/.
Lucchino, P. (2016) Action Tutoring’s small-group tuition programme: An impact evaluation using statistical comparison groups, The National Institute of Economic and Social Research. Available at: https://actiontutoring.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/action_tutoring_impact_evaluation.pdf.
Vasquez, E. (2008) The Evaluation of Synchronous Online Tutoring for Students At-Risk of Reading Failure, PhD Thesis, Utah State University. Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/285.