What Research Says About Getting Extra Help That Works
When a student falls behind, help can come from many places: a teacher's office hours, a school tutoring program, a study group, a library homework center, a family member, or a private tutor. Research on extra academic support points to a few conditions that make any of these work better.
Extra help really can make a difference
A 2020 review of dozens of randomized experiments, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that tutoring for students from preschool through 12th grade had consistent, substantial benefits (NBER). The Education Endowment Foundation in the U.K., which reviewed 123 studies, estimates that one-to-one support adds about five months of progress on average over a school year (EEF).
What makes it work
- Short, frequent sessions. The EEF found the biggest gains from sessions of about 30 minutes, three to five times a week, over up to ten weeks. A little help often beats a lot of help once in a while.
- The same helper each time. Guidance from the California Department of Education on effective tutoring stresses a consistent relationship, so the helper learns how the student thinks (CDE).
- A direct link to class. Extra help works best when it supports what's happening in the classroom rather than running on a separate track (EEF). Bring the actual homework, tests and teacher feedback to every session.
- Starting early. The same 2020 review found the effects were generally largest in the early grades (NBER). It's easier to fill a small gap now than a big one later.
- Experienced helpers. In that review, help from teachers and trained paraprofessionals had larger effects than help from volunteers or parents. Parents still play a huge role, but often more as organizers and encouragers than as instructors.
Where to start
- Ask the teacher first. Many teachers hold office hours or know about free help at school.
- Check school and community programs. Schools, libraries and community centers often offer free tutoring or homework help.
- Keep it regular and connected. Whatever help you choose, set a steady schedule and keep it tied to what's happening in class.
The takeaway
The best kind of extra help is the kind that happens regularly, comes from someone the student trusts, and connects to what they're learning in class. Those conditions matter more than where the help comes from.
Sources
- Nickow, A., Oreopoulos, P., & Quan, V. (2020). The Impressive Effects of Tutoring on PreK-12 Learning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Experimental Evidence. NBER Working Paper 27476.
- Education Endowment Foundation, Teaching and Learning Toolkit: One to One Tuition
- California Department of Education, High-Impact Tutoring
Have a question about your student? We're happy to talk. Email BestStepTutoring@outlook.com.