Accelerating Student Success with High Leverage Tutoring
At Open Think Learning (Portland, OR), we know that effective tutoring is a valuable tool to help students improve their academic performance. However, with so many different approaches available, how can you as a caregiver and conscientious parent determine which method of tutoring will truly make a meaningful impact for your child? In this post, my goal is to explain how our form of “high leverage tutoring” is a way to truly maximize learning outcomes in a relatively short period of time for most students. In the post below, we’ll explore what high leverage tutoring looks like at Open Think Learning, why it works and how it can transform the learning experience for students of all backgrounds.
What is High-Leverage Tutoring?
High-leverage tutoring refers to a tutoring approach that focuses on using research-driven methods and high-impact strategies to make the most out of every session. Instead of simply reviewing homework or reinforcing concepts that students already understand, at Open Think Learning, we target areas of greatest need as well as maximize student engagement, ensuring that every minute of every face to face session makes an impact and supports student progress.
Our highly trained team focuses on techniques that target key cognitive skills that support learning, and help students build skills that they can apply independently. This approach is not just about delivering content—it’s about empowering students to become more self-sufficient, motivated learners.
Why is High-Leverage Tutoring So Effective?
Here are five pillars of our tutoring philosophy that help us make strong gains with students:
Focus on the Most Impactful Skills: We are able to narrow in on specific areas that will have the greatest impact on each student’s academic progress. These areas could include foundational concepts that are prerequisites for future learning, such as phonemic awareness for reading, or executive function skills like organization and time management. Additionally, we might work on logic and reasoning to support critical thinking skills if this is an area that students need extra support in. By addressing these high-leverage areas, tutoring sessions become more efficient and result-oriented.
Research-Backed Techniques: We use evidence-based teaching strategies that have been shown to accelerate learning. These methods are not just “nice-to-haves” but are backed by decades of cognitive science research on how the brain learns best. Some of the most common techniques include:
Retrieval Practice: Encouraging students to actively recall information rather than passively reviewing notes. This strengthens memory and enhances long-term retention.
Spaced Repetition: Reviewing content at increasing intervals to reinforce learning and prevent forgetting.
Immediate Feedback: Providing feedback in real-time to correct misunderstandings and reinforce correct concepts.
Active Learning: Encouraging students to engage with the material by teaching it to others, solving problems, or applying concepts to new situations.
Maximizing Student Engagement: High-leverage tutoring emphasizes active engagement and multi-sensory learning from the student. This engagement leads to deeper understanding and helps students retain information more effectively. It also fosters a sense of ownership over their learning, which increases motivation and confidence. Rather than passively listening, students engage and interact with the material, and are constantly demonstrating their understanding. Tutors take on the role of a coach, guiding the student through hands-on activities, but allowing them the space to practice new skills in a hands on way.
Building Executive Function Skills: In addition to academic content, we often focus on strengthening students' executive function skills. These skills, which include planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation, are crucial for success both in school and in life. By teaching students how to manage their workload, break down complex tasks, and set achievable goals, we can help students become more independent and effective learners.
Addressing Gaps in Real-Time: One of the unique aspects of high-leverage tutoring is its ability to address learning gaps in real-time. When a student doesn’t understand a concept or has fallen behind in class, the tutor can pinpoint exactly where the student is struggling and provide immediate support. This is much more effective than waiting until the next test or quiz to identify gaps.
High-Leverage Tutoring in Practice: A Quick Example
At Open Think Learning, we first identify the root cause of each student’s unique struggle. Many of our students come to us with reading challenges. Reading challenges can be related to learning disabilities like dyslexia, attention difficulties from conditions like ADHD, poor visual processing, inadequate vocabulary, lack of background knowledge on a topic, hearing or vision impairments, brain processing differences, developmental delays, and even environmental factors like limited exposure to reading at home. After determining what the cause of the reading challenge might be through assessments and learning skill surveys, our skilled tutors then use focused strategies like retrieval practice and spaced repetition to strengthen the student’s skills, while also incorporating active learning techniques to keep the student engaged and motivated. Over time, students gain both mastery of decoding skills and the confidence and independence they need to become successful readers.
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Unlocking the Full Potential of Students with High-Leverage Tutoring
Improved Learning Outcomes: By targeting key skills and concepts with high-impact strategies, high-leverage tutoring helps students make significant progress in a short amount of time.
Increased Confidence: When students see improvements in their understanding and academic performance, their confidence grows, creating a positive feedback loop.
Greater Academic Independence: High-leverage tutoring fosters independence by teaching students how to approach learning on their own. They learn strategies they can use beyond tutoring sessions.
Support for Diverse Learning Needs: High-leverage tutoring is adaptable, making it an effective approach for students with a wide range of needs—whether they are struggling with a specific subject or just need more personalized attention.
By working with a tutor who uses high-leverage methods, your child can benefit from:
Targeted academic support tailored to their needs
A strategic approach that focuses on the most important areas for improvement
A positive learning experience that fosters motivation and engagement
Skills that translate to greater academic success and independence
At Open Think Learning we know and believe that tutoring is not just about helping students improve their grades; it’s about providing them with the tools and strategies they need to succeed long-term. By focusing on the most impactful learning strategies and areas of need, this approach empowers students to become active, engaged learners who are better equipped to face academic challenges.
If you’re considering tutoring for your child, be sure to look for a program that incorporates high-leverage techniques and fosters both academic mastery and social/emotional growth. With the right support, your student can thrive in ways they may have never thought possible.
Are you in the Portland, OR area and interested in learning more about how high-leverage tutoring can help your child succeed? Fill out our contact form today to discuss how our research-based tutoring methods can accelerate your child’s learning journey.