Does Private Tutoring Help Students? Here’s What Research Says
- January 12, 2024
- 3:26 pm
- No Comments
An Australian parent, who was previously averse to tutoring, said this to three professors at The Queensland University of Technology:
“We couldn’t work out why or how he went from getting straight As to getting a B in English. And so we just spoke to other parents and they said their kids did really well with a tutor. So we went there and the big focus was confidence on his writing.”
For their survey, the professors interviewed 35 parents about tutoring for their Year 5 (aged around 9-10) children. Out of the 35, 23 said that they had already used tutoring for some of their children or planned to do so. Ten said they had thought about it or would use it if necessary.
The demand for private tutoring is not limited to Australia alone. This surge is particularly notable in the UK, where the market value of private tuition has reached approximately £2 billion, equivalent to around $3.6 billion.
But why is this suddenly on the rise?
- Enhanced Academic Performance and Attitudes: A review by the NSW Department of Education highlighted the positive impacts of tutoring in mathematics for disadvantaged students. The review underscored the role of structured programs and tutor training in enhancing student performance, especially in challenging subjects like mathematics. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis of 65 independent evaluations revealed that tutoring programs positively affect both academic performance and students’ attitudes towards learning. This suggests that tutored students not only excel in exams but also develop a positive approach to their studies.
- Improvement in Standardised Test Scores: A study by the Australian Council for Educational Research concluded that consistent tutoring over the primary and secondary school years correlated with better performance in national standardised tests, such as the NAPLAN.
- Significant Impact on Retention and Academic Persistence: Research has shown that tutoring positively influences student retention. For instance, a study on the impact of tutoring on academic success in undeclared college students indicated that those who received tutoring were less likely to withdraw from school and more likely to graduate or be retained.
- Improvement in Cognitive Ability and School Engagement: Participation in private tutoring has been found to boost cognitive abilities and enhance school engagement. While the effect size is modest, it underscores the potential long-term benefits of tutoring, especially in contexts like contemporary China.
- Tailored Learning and Personalized Lessons: One-to-one tutoring allows for customised learning experiences, catering to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. This individualised approach can significantly aid in overcoming learning obstacles and enhancing a student’s understanding of the subject matter.
- Mentorship and Motivational Benefits: Tutors often act as mentors, providing not only academic guidance but also motivational support. This can be crucial in helping students develop confidence and a proactive approach to their education.
- Time Management and Organisational Skills: Private tutoring can help students manage their busy schedules more effectively. By instilling good study habits and organisational skills, tutors can prepare students for the demands of academic life.
Yes, but…
For private tutoring to be successful, several key factors need to be considered:
- Qualified and Skilled Tutors: The proficiency and expertise of the tutor are paramount. A study by Chi, Kang, and Yeo in the ‘International Journal of Educational Development’ emphasised the importance of the tutor’s qualifications and teaching skills in determining the success of private tutoring sessions.
- Engagement and Motivation: The student’s engagement and motivation play a critical role. A study by Ryan and Deci in the ‘Contemporary Educational Psychology’ journal found that intrinsic motivation and engagement are key factors in the success of educational interventions, including private tutoring.
- Collaboration with School Curriculum: Alignment with the school curriculum ensures that tutoring complements the student’s regular education. This was stressed by Cooper, Robinson, and Patall in their study in the ‘Review of Educational Research’.
- Parental Involvement: The involvement of parents in the tutoring process can enhance its effectiveness. As indicated by Wilder in the ‘School Community Journal’, parental engagement in a child’s education positively impacts the success of tutoring.
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