Recent studies reveal that virtual tutoring can be as effective as in-person sessions when done correctly, offering hope for struggling students.
The studies from Johns Hopkins University show that when virtual tutoring is structured well, it can really help students. For instance, first-graders in Massachusetts who used a program called Ignite Reading saw their reading levels jump from 16% to about 50% on grade level in just a few months. That’s a huge improvement!
In another study, students who participated in online Air Reading tutoring scored better than their peers, moving up to the 55th percentile. This is promising news for schools looking for effective ways to support their students.
What’s interesting is that these virtual programs are designed to be very structured, with trained tutors who focus on individual student needs. This is similar to what successful in-person tutoring programs do. Plus, the flexibility of virtual tutoring means schools can tap into a wider pool of talent.
However, attendance is still a challenge. It’s easier for students to skip out on virtual sessions compared to in-person ones. But the Ignite program has been proactive, ensuring that students show up and stay engaged. They even have local champions to help keep everything on track.
Overall, these findings suggest that while in-person tutoring might still have the edge, virtual options are becoming a solid alternative. With the right approach, they can really make a difference for students who need it most.
