Academic Research
Bloom's 2 Sigma Problem
Hundreds of academic studies have proven that one-on-one tutoring is the most effective method of improving academic outcomes. Most noteworthy of the academic studies, perhaps, is the work of educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom, who published "The 2 Sigma Problem: The Search for Methods of Instruction as Effective as One-on-One Tutoring." Bloom’s study demonstrated that students who received personalized tutoring performed exceptionally well, with an average of two standard deviations (2 Sigma) higher than those in the control group who underwent traditional classroom teaching.
As quoted by Bloom: “the average tutored student was above 98% of the students in the control class.” Further, about 90% of the tutored students…attained the level of summative achievement reached by only the highest 20% of the control class.
Bloom concluded, “Under the best learning conditions that we can devise (i.e., tutoring), the average tutored student is 2 sigma above the average control student taught under conventional group methods of instruction.”
Robinson's Accelerated Student Learning with High-Dosage Tutoring
Carly Robinson and her research team at Brown University's Annenberg Institute found that high-dosage tutoring can produce large learning gains. Utilizing Robinson's design principles and methods, Two Sigma Tutors has created the optimum tutoring paradigm.
The following design principles were noted by Robinson et al:
Frequency
Tutoring is most likely to be effective when delivered in high doses through tutoring programs with three or more sessions per week.
Group Size
One-to-one tutoring is most effective.
Relationship
Having a consistent tutor over time may facilitate positive tutor-student relationships and a stronger understanding of students' learning needs. Highly personalized learning experience delivered by caring adults.
Delivery
Strong evidence that tutoring can be effective when delivered at a distance.
About Two Sigma Tutors
The 2 Sigma Advantage
Tim Driscoll is the founder of Two Sigma Tutors. Tim earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton University and was a four-year letterman on the Varsity Hockey team before playing professionally in the Boston Bruins organization. He later earned an MBA from the Sloan School of Management at MIT.
To assist his two teenage daughters improve their academic performance and attain their educational goals, Tim put his statistics and analytical background to great use researching the most effective ways to improve learning outcomes. Based on his extensive research and ecumenical findings, Tim devised and implemented a bespoke one-to-one tutoring solution for his daughters.
Over their ensuing high school years, Tim’s daughters’ grades improved, their confidence soared, and they ultimately were admitted to the universities of their choice.
One-to-one tutoring is the most effective way to boost academic learning. Hundreds of studies have found that high dosage tutoring – defined as more than three days per week – has demonstrated large positive effects for both Math and Science academic achievement.
In their research, Robinson et al found that, “Positive tutor-student relationships lead to greater academic, social and motivational outcomes.” Two Sigma Tutors is a relationship-driven model that focuses on fostering positive mentoring relationships.
While every Two Sigma Tutors relationship will be unique, all our tutor-student relationships will leverage the design principles recognized by academic research around the subject of accelerating student learning. Namely, we will deliver one-to-one tutoring in high dosages through long-term relationships, resulting in an optimization of academic achievement.
Two Sigma Tutors take great pride in our team of hand-picked tutors, who are carefully selected from Ivy League and NESCAC universities. All our tutors are actively engaged in advanced studies of either high-level math or science at the graduate and post-graduate level. After an initial consultation and evaluation of your student’s academic strengths, weaknesses, and individual learning style, Two Sigma Tutors will pair your student with a dedicated tutor who possesses the expertise, teaching style, and communication skills necessary to meet your student’s needs.
Our Expertise
Excellence in Math and Science
Our priority is helping highly-motivated students tackle Math and Science. Mathematics tutoring is available for Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Science tutoring is available for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. STEM electives tutoring is available for Computer Science, Earth Science, Coding and Robotics. We focus on accelerated learning for students in high school and grades 5-8.
Pricing
Two Sigma Tutors designs and implements bespoke one-to-one tutoring programs for all of our students. During the initial consult we will consider all factors necessary to implement the optimal advanced learning plan for your student.
INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE
Thirty hours of one-to-one tutoring.
$3,000
TWO SIGMA PLAN
Four hours of academic tutoring per week.
$1,280 per month
