WHOLE STUDENT SUPPORT

From Intensive Support to Timely Assistance: Blending High-Dosage and On-Demand Tutoring

High-dosage tutoring has emerged as a powerful educational intervention that can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. Although the efficacy of high-dosage tutoring has been proven for some time, it is particularly effective at this moment in addressing COVID-19 related learning loss and providing a scaffolded support system for any student who may be falling behind in their studies.

High-dosage tutoring involves providing students with intensive and targeted academic support over an extended period. Unlike traditional tutoring, high-dosage tutoring is characterized by a consistent and sustained effort to address students' learning gaps. Tutor.com’s high-dosage tutoring model recommends 3+ sessions of 30–45 minutes in duration per week with a consistent tutor in a small group setting during school hours.

Research has shown that high-dosage tutoring can have a remarkably positive impact on student achievement, particularly for those who are struggling academically. In a study conducted by The University of Chicago Education Lab, researchers found that pupils who participated in a high-dosage tutoring program learned up to an additional 2.5 years’ worth of math instruction within one academic year.

The Annenberg Institute’s 2021 meta-analysis explains that in an effective high-dosage tutoring model, students and tutors work together consistently over time to foster positive tutor-student relationships. The extended duration of high-dosage tutoring allows tutors to establish meaningful relationships with students, creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and asking questions. With ongoing sessions, tutors have a better opportunity to identify students' areas of need and employ the necessary instructional strategies to bridge learning gaps. This personalized approach fosters a deeper understanding of concepts, enhances student confidence, and supports classroom teachers by providing measurable data on student progress.

In contrast, on-demand tutoring provides flexible support for students in their moment of need. It serves as an accessible resource to address immediate knowledge gaps when a student encounters a roadblock.

When high-dosage tutoring is combined with the flexibility and accessibility of on-demand tutoring, schools have the opportunity to create a comprehensive support system that caters to the individualized needs of each student. High-dosage tutoring addresses long-term academic goals, while on-demand tutoring serves as a supplemental resource to address immediate needs. The availability of timely, in-the-moment assistance and ongoing structured support empowers students to progress at their own pace. Furthermore, the data provided by both tutoring solutions helps educators identify areas of improvement, track progress, and make informed decisions regarding instructional strategies. This blended support enables teachers to develop personalized learning paths for each student.

Every student deserves a tutor and the opportunity for individualized learning. By utilizing these tutoring methods, schools can offer targeted academic assistance for all students while leveraging the benefits of technology and data-driven intervention strategies to further support equitable and inclusive education.

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