Are Volunteer Tutors Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 1:1 Volunteer-Based Tutoring Programs

• In Event: Informing Educational Policy and Practice Using Research Synthesis

Abstract

One-on-one volunteer based tutoring programs have been developed in response to low academic performance, a growing sense of volunteerism in the United States, and a desire to find low-cost interventions. In 2006, Ritter and colleagues published a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of one-on-one volunteer-based tutoring on academic outcomes, finding overall positive impacts. Since 2006, several large scale program evaluations have occurred, and meta-analysis methodology has improved, both of which could change previous results. As such, this paper updates the prior meta-analysis in order to ensure stakeholders have access to the most recent research. Overall, these findings confirm that 1:1 volunteer programs positively impact literacy outcomes, with a larger effect size than before (g=0.42 vs g=0.23).

Author

• Dominique Tunzi, Vanderbilt University