The Role of Tutors: Redefining Tutoring and Bridging Gaps
In a world where education is rapidly evolving, the role of tutors is becoming increasingly crucial in supporting student success. Traditional classroom environments often cater to a wide range of learning abilities, but there is a significant group of students who still benefit from additional support. These students may not qualify for specialised funded support, but they still struggle with certain aspects of their learning, requiring additional help to keep up with their peers. This is where tutoring steps in, not just as a remedial measure but as a tool that bridges educational gaps and improves overall student outcomes.
Why Tutoring Matters
While some students thrive in the classroom, the reality is that teaching in large groups means that not every student receives the individualised attention they need. Teachers are often balancing diverse needs, varying levels of ability, and the constraints of the curriculum. Though schools offer support programmes for students with high needs, there remains a “middle tier” of learners - those who do not meet the criteria for special education services but still need more support to succeed.
Tutoring provides these students with an opportunity to receive personalised, targeted instruction that focuses on their specific needs. A report by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) found that small group tutoring can accelerate student learning by as much as five months. Tutors can offer one-on-one or small group instruction that hones in on the areas where a student is struggling, reinforcing concepts and boosting confidence in a way that is often not possible in a busy classroom.
Evidence-Based Strategies That Work
One of the most effective aspects of tutoring is its ability to use evidence-based strategies to address learning gaps. Structured literacy, for example, is a proven approach for teaching reading and writing. Structured literacy involves explicit, systematic instruction that benefits all students, but especially those with learning difficulties like dyslexia. By breaking down language into its component parts and teaching those parts explicitly, structured literacy provides a solid foundation for reading fluency and comprehension. Tutors trained in these approaches can deliver instruction tailored to the unique needs of each learner, making a significant impact on their academic journey.
A study published in The Journal of Educational Psychology emphasised the importance of personalised learning, revealing that students who receive tailored instruction show greater improvements in academic performance than those in more generalised learning environments. This highlights the critical role of tutors in helping students build the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Beyond Academics: Confidence and Independence
Tutoring goes beyond simply filling in academic gaps. It helps students develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Tutors can offer a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes - key components of the learning process. Over time, this targeted support can build a student’s confidence, independence, and love of learning.
According to a study by the National Tutoring Association (NTA), students who receive tutoring not only improve academically but also develop better study habits, increased self-esteem, and a greater ability to learn independently. These skills are invaluable, helping students navigate their academic careers with more autonomy and less anxiety.
The Future of Tutoring: Accessibility and Impact
With the rise of online tutoring platforms, personalised learning is more accessible than ever. Tutors are no longer confined to physical locations, making it easier for students across the globe to access quality tutoring services. Whether a student needs help with foundational skills like reading or advanced support in subjects like maths, online tutoring provides flexible, tailored instruction that meets their needs.
Furthermore, tutoring is no longer seen as a last resort for struggling students. Increasingly, parents and educators are recognising it as a proactive tool to ensure that all students - whether they’re falling behind or aiming to get ahead - receive the support they need to succeed.
In today’s educational climate, tutoring is not just about helping students catch up -it’s about empowering them to move forward. Tutors play a vital role in bridging the gaps, offering personalised, evidence-based support that meets the unique needs of each learner. As we redefine the role of tutors, we see their contribution not only in academic outcomes but in building the confidence and independence that are critical for lifelong success.
Whether through structured literacy programmes, small group instruction, or one-on-one guidance, tutors are making a measurable difference in the lives of students, helping them overcome challenges and achieve success.
References
Education Endowment Foundation. (2020). Small Group Tuition. Retrieved from https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/small-group-tuition
Moats, L. (2020). Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers. Brookes Publishing.
National Tutoring Association. (2019). Benefits of Tutoring.
The Journal of Educational Psychology. (2019). The Impact of Personalised Learning on Academic Achievement.
