Smarthinking online tutoring contributes to increase in student performance
Pearson | December 10, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
by Pearson
Smarthinking positively impacts student performance
In 2017, several professors at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, partnered with Pearson to investigate the impact of Smarthinking™ online tutoring on student performance in a variety of humanities courses.
Key findings include:
- Instructors teaching writing-intensive courses indicated that their students’ writing skills, confidence, and work quality improved as a result of the interaction with Smarthinking tutors.
- Students expressed appreciation for the fast turnaround and expert grammar and writing assistance provided by Smarthinking tutors.
Click here to read the full case study or continue reading to learn more.
Why did Morgan State University adopt Smarthinking?
Karen Rubinstein, Director of Academic Technology Services, thought Smarthinking would add value as a complement to their on-campus academic support services.
How was Smarthinking implemented?
The study evaluates comparative outcomes for students required to use Smarthinking versus students for whom Smarthinking use is only suggested, not required. The cohorts consisted of
students taking a variety of courses in the humanities in spring term, in summer term, and in January term.
Rubinstein states, “Many of our instructors in writing-intensive courses require students to submit drafts. Two instructors agreed to require or strongly recommend that students engage Smarthinking tutors one or more times during the term. A total of five courses across three terms formed our study.”
Did Smarthinking impact student performance?
Two professors, Holland and Crosby, both indicated that their students’ writing skills, confidence, and work quality improved as a result of the interaction with Smarthinking tutors.
Did students like using Smarthinking?
Among students (n=64) responding to an end-of-term survey about their experiences with Smarthinking:
- 89% indicated that they would access Smarthinking tutors for other courses.
- 83% indicated that they had more confidence in their academic skills after working with Smarthinking tutors.
One student said:
“Smarthinking was actually more helpful than I had imagined. There is no reason why I shouldn’t get a good grade on my final thanks to Smarthinking. It’s nice having an extra pair of eyes on my work but also not the task of being face-to-face.”
