Tutoring research papers

Rigorous research indicates that tutoring — supplemental one-on-one or small group instruction — may be one of the most effective tools they can employ.

Tutor type: Tutoring programs led by teacher or paraprofessional tutors are generally more effective than programs that use nonprofessional (volunteer) or parent tutors. Paraprofessional tutors include, among others, non-teacher school staff, undergraduate and graduate students in education, and service corps fellows.

The meta-analysis finds that tutoring programs have consistently large, positive impacts on students across this range of program aspects. The magnitude and consistency of the findings point to tutoring as one of the most agreed-upon and impactful tools available to educators for improving student learning.

Researchers hypothesize that it is difficult to ensure that tutoring actually occurs in these settings. This publication is meant to serve as a resource for education leaders and policymakers working to combat the Covid-19 slide, support student learning, and minimize the growth of academic disparities.