TCEP Finds Positive Impact from Math Tutoring on Low-Achieving Middle School Students

TCEP researchers, Dr. Shanan Chappell, Ms. Pamela Arnold, and Dr. John Nunnery, investigated the impact of Focus Eduvation's (FEV) synchronous online tutoring service on math achievement of middle-school students. The online tutoring was provided as an additional intervention in schools implementing a school-wide math program designed to enhance the overall effectiveness of math instruction and student learning.

The researchers used a quasi-experimental design to examine impacts for 120 students in two schools to measure the supplemental program's (online tutoring service) impact on math assessment scores. They also used a qualitative analyses of student perceptions and tutor post-session data logs.

The findings suggested that the tutoring contributed to statistically significant gains in student assessment scores. Review of the online tutors' logs revealed that most used practices centered on ongoing progress monitoring of student learning, delivery of guided practice to students, the use of multiple explanations, and representations of target concepts. Student perceptions of the online tutoring experience were more of a positive nature. Students desired online mathematics tutoring that was data-driven, individualized, and focused as an intervention for students who struggle.

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