In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbot technology have made significant advancements, revolutionizing various industries. Education is no exception, with AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT providing students with instant access to information and automated support. While these tools can offer certain advantages, they also pose serious risks to student learning outcomes and schools are now pushing back in force. In the midst of this rapid AI revolution we are witnessing, tutoring companies are playing a vital role in student learning.
We take a look at why human tutoring is essential and how tutoring companies effectively support students in their educational journey.
Personalised Learning Experience
One of the key strengths of tutoring companies lies in their ability to refer tutors who provide a truly personalised learning experience. While AI algorithms can provide general information and automated responses, they lack the human touch necessary to understand a student’s unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Tutors, on the other hand, can adapt their teaching methods to suit individual learning styles, providing tailored support and guidance that helps students thrive.
Building Strong Relationships
Effective learning is not just about transferring knowledge; it’s also about building strong relationships. Tutors act as mentors and role models for students, fostering a positive and encouraging environment that promotes growth. What are the student’s likes and dislikes, hobbies and life visions? These can all be key to breakthroughs if a student is struggling motivationally or academically and can be used by a tutor to help them to gain deeper and higher understanding of subject matter. Human interaction allows tutors to empathize with students, understand their challenges, and offer emotional support. This connection can boost students’ confidence, motivation, and overall well-being, leading to improved academic performance. A real-life relationship cannot be mimicked and is a nuanced and powerful form of connection that can help learners to thrive.
Real-Time Feedback and Assessment
While AI technology can, in theory, offer a degree of automated feedback, it lacks the accuracy, depth and nuance that a human tutor can provide. Tutors can observe a student’s progress in real-time, identifying areas of improvement and providing immediate feedback. They can pinpoint conceptual misunderstandings, address misconceptions, and put strategies in place accordingly. This personalised feedback loop is invaluable in helping students grasp difficult concepts, refine their skills, and track their progress effectively.
Adaptive Instruction
Tutors possess the ability to adapt their tutoring strategies to suit a student’s learning pace and preferences. They can slow down or speed up lessons, modify explanations, and gently yet tenaciously introduce alternative approaches until the student grasps the material. Furthermore, tutors can identify specific and vital gaps in a student’s knowledge and provide or suggest relevant supplementary resources. They can also offer alternative explanations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This real-time adaptability is crucial for fostering effective learning and bridging knowledge gaps.
Mentorship and Guidance
Beyond subject-specific knowledge, tutors provide essential mentorship and guidance to students. They can help students set realistic goals, develop effective study habits, manage their time efficiently, and navigate academic challenges. Tutors can also offer insights into higher education options, career paths, and provide advice on personal and professional growth. This holistic support fosters self-confidence, resilience, and very often equips students with essential life skills beyond the classroom.
Johnny Manning, Director of Manning’s Tutors, notes that ”AI is bringing about the 5th industrial revolution, even as society is getting to grips with the 4th. As with previous revolutions, this brings with it great opportunities and threats to the way we live and work. Paramount to ensuring the outcomes are positive will be ensuring the benefits are felt widely in society, and not just for the few, and ensuring that the value of human interaction and connection is not eroded in the process”
While AI and chatbot technology have undoubtedly transformed the educational landscape, tutoring companies continue to be indispensable in providing students with a comprehensive and effective learning experience. The human connection, personalised approach, and adaptive instruction that tutors offer cannot be replicated by AI. By building strong relationships, offering real-time feedback, providing adaptive instruction, and offering mentorship and guidance, tutors and tutoring companies play a crucial role in empowering students to reach their full potential.