How online tutoring can help students with learning differences

Educators want to help their students succeed in every subject, but children and teens with learning disabilities need extra help. Teachers don’t always understand or receive training to fulfill that role, but parents can look into online tutoring if their child is struggling. This guide explains how tutoring helps with learning differences and why so many kids perform better on assignments and standardized tests with a bit of after-school education.

It encourages their self-confidence

Kids pick on each other for various reasons, so children with learning disabilities may not feel comfortable asking questions in front of their class. They could even become embarrassed about not understanding a tutoring lesson because neurotypical kids surround them at their generalized in-person tutoring session.
 
Online tutoring encourages self-confidence growth because kids get one-on-one time with their tutors. They can ask any questions or voice concerns as needed and eventually take that confidence with them to the classroom and the world beyond.

It allows kids to focus

Teachers have to keep a steady pace to get through their curriculum before standardized testing begins. Advanced students have to slow down and get bored, but students who need more time may fall behind. Allowing kids to go their own speed is one of the most significant ways online tutoring benefits for special needs students. They can cruise through subjects that come naturally and focus on the more challenging problems until they can figure them out independently.

It minimizes test anxiety

Reducing test anxiety is another one of the tutoring benefits for special needs students. An online instructor will get to know each student personally and give them tools to conquer their fears. When your child starts experiencing test anxiety symptoms during class, they can reflect on tips like breathing techniques and reading patterns that their tutor taught them.

It helps identify learning styles  

Tutors know numerous learning styles and quickly match them with kids who aren’t sure how to understand course material better. A kid with ADHD might not try physical learning until they get a tutor specializing in sensory learning. A child with autism might get more out of their time in the classroom by doing hands-on exercises, like puzzles or games.
 
Although a traditional teacher might not be able to work these styles into their schedule because of strict school system requirements, a tutor can morph their lessons into advantageous learning styles for anyone who needs a different approach. 

It matches students and educators

When your child begins a new school year, they likely won’t get to pick their teachers. Online tutoring can help students with learning differences because they can schedule their tutoring in advance with experts who specialize in the teaching style they need. Instead of hoping for the best over the nine-month school year, you can match your child with the best educators right away and trust that they’ll succeed.

It introduces new test-taking strategies

Tutors can also show students how to take tests in the classroom differently. They might recommend that your child try taking a test with soundproof headphones on or request a few extra minutes in a particular subject area. They’ll have experience working with kids who need many different forms of assistance, so they’ll have better helpful suggestions than what a traditional educator might be limited to because of their position or school system.

It makes students feel empowered

Children don’t have much autonomy in their lives because they’re so young. Fostering individual empowerment is another way that online tutoring benefits for special needs students. They’ll take on the responsibilities of entering video meetings and taking notes on their computer. When they have more command over their education, they’ll feel empowered to chase their goals.

It introduces lifelong skills

While kids experience more independence through online tutoring lessons, they’ll also learn lifelong skills. These are some of the many tutoring benefits for special needs students because they can utilize these skills throughout their lives.
 
Kids have to figure out time management as they work on homework and tutoring lessons during the evening. They’ll brush up on their communication skills because their tutor won’t be in the same room to read their body language. Everyone needs these abilities to graduate and thrive in adulthood, but it can all start with a few tutoring lessons on the family computer.
 

Learn how tutoring helps with learning differences

Learning differences make school a tougher challenge for some kids, but they don’t have to make each lesson feel impossible. Online tutoring can make children feel more confident and in control of their education because of incredible benefits like these. Connect your child with an online tutor so they feel more comfortable in the classroom and learn essential skills that will continue to help them later on in life.

About the Author

Ginger Abbot special education

Ginger Abbot is an education and lifestyle writer with a passion for learning. Read more of her work on Classrooms.com, where she serves as Editor when she’s not freelancing.

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