Abstract
Tutoring is one of the most powerful academic interventions used to increase student achievement. In response, organizations are developing tutoring programs and discovering a common problem – a shortage of qualified and experienced adult tutors. We introduce Personalized Learning Squared (PLUS), a holistic tutoring platform designed to improve tutoring efficiency and workplace training. PLUS combines human tutors and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered math software to double math learning gains for low-income middle school students. In order to provide differentiated student support, tutors need to be trained in supporting math content and student socio-motivation. Currently, there is a wide range of experience among adult tutors, especially younger, part-time tutors. Not only do these tutors have varied initial skill levels, but there is also high turnover (40% annually) among such youth workers. PLUS specializes in providing efficient and low-cost tutor training while delivering situational experiences to inexperienced tutors. Through previous research, we isolated key competencies of successful tutoring, Social-Emotional Learning, Mastering Content, Advocacy, Relationships, Technology Tools (called our SMART framework) and developed synchronous, interactive training and, PLUS-housed, asynchronous lessons. We have documented evidence of tutor learning gain with typical tutors performing ~20% better on the posttest compared to the pretest simulations and scenarios. Currently, we are optimizing asynchronous lesson design using learner sourced data to create real-life scenarios and authentically challenging multiple-choice tasks. In addition, this present work discusses (a) determining the required training components and lessons completed by tutors to demonstrate mastery and (b) designing a personalized pathway to PLUS tutor certification.
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Acknowledgements
This work is supported with funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (Grant #2018-193694), Richard King Mellon Foundation (Grant #10851), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments (E6291). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this material are those of the authors.
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Thomas, D.R., Gupta, S., Gatz, E., Tipper, C., Koedinger, K.R. (2023). So You Want to Be a Tutor? Professional Development and Scenario-Based Training for Adult Tutors. In: Guralnick, D., Auer, M.E., Poce, A. (eds) Creative Approaches to Technology-Enhanced Learning for the Workplace and Higher Education. TLIC 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 767. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41637-8_44
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