Homework Help vs. Tutoring

By Anissa Pletcher

Choosing the best supplemental academic program for your child can be difficult and overwhelming with all of the options available. Depending on your child’s needs, it is essential that you find the correct fit. A common perception is that tutoring is the same as homework help. The two programs are in fact very different, each with their own merits.

First, let me say that it is imperative your child is given a diagnostic assessment before choosing a supplemental academic program. This assessment should be designed to measure achievement level and mastery of specific skills. The assessment should provide a clear picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. If your child is functioning on grade level or higher but is struggling with a class, homework help may be the best option. If your child is functioning on or below grade level, tutoring may be the right choice for your child.

The basis of homework help is to review the material taught at school. The instructor’s goal is to make sure assignments are complete and answers are correct. For a student who is not working at grade level, homework help is a temporary, short-term resolution. Homework help generally puts out fires, instead of building foundations. You can expect personal attention, typically one-on-one.

However, consistently having one instructor devoting his/her time to one child does not encourage independent learning. It also doesn’t prepare the student for the reality of the classroom, where the ratio is typically at least 20:1. Instructors providing homework help generally do not use other materials that explain concepts in other terms. This can be frustrating for a child who didn’t understand the material in class and doesn’t understand it now. Homework help prepares a student to pass a class.

The basis of tutoring is to teach skills missed in previous grades. A tutoring program cannot commence without the completion of a diagnostic skills assessment. The tutor’s goal is to raise the student’s grade equivalency level, gain new skills and build a foundation for future learning. For a student who is not working at grade level, tutoring is a permanent solution.

Tutoring is designed to detect and fix deficiencies in a student’s core knowledge by building a curriculum designed to meet your child’s individual needs. Typically, tutoring is performed in small groups. The goal of small groups is to give students personalized attention, while guiding them to the point in which they become independent learners and can do the work on their own.

Tutors generally use a variety of materials and incentives. This allows tutoring to be concept-based and provides the student with several exercises on one topic – all stated in a variety of ways. Students continue to work on deficient skill areas until mastery is achieved.

In addition, material is reviewed with post-tests to ensure mastery. Because the student is working on material that is grade-appropriate for the level they tested at, children receive instant success that builds their confidence level. Tutoring fills gaps in earlier education to prepare for the next grade and even college.

As a parent, you want your child to be successful. Choosing the supplemental academic program that best fits your child’s needs is important in laying the groundwork for future academic achievement.

Anissa Pletcher is the education adviser at KnowledgePoints, a tutoring and enrichment center for students PreK-12. For more information, visit www.knowledgepoints.com or e-mail anissa.pletcher@knowledgepoints.com.