This is what motivates summer students: It's not what you think

Key points:

This press release Originally appeared online.

A recent survey of tutors, students and parents reveals an overwhelming desire for greater academic support, as well as a desire for flexible, self-directed learning and regular assessment.

The survey comes from the tutoring network. Super teacherand uncover crucial insights into what American students want (and need) to learn over the summer.

“Our new survey will be a real eye-opener for those who expect summer students to focus on lightweight goals,” said Wilfried Granier, CEO and co-founder of Superprof. “The majority of our respondents are turning to tutoring solutions for academic excellence, growth and personal development.”

Key findings from the new survey include:

1. Academic excellence emerges as the primary motivator for students still in school, as well as for adult learners and their parents. Most respondents said academic performance was the main reason for undertaking summer learning. About 20 percent of students still in school said they were eager to explore new subjects or interests and 45 percent of adult learners said the same. However, a combined total of 69 percent said their main motive was to prepare for upcoming courses, develop better study skills or improve their grades. Parents echoed these sentiments: 60 percent prioritized preparing courses for their children over the summer and 20 percent encouraged the exploration of new subjects or interests.
2. Surprisingly, 80% of students want regular assessments. Time management emerged as the key challenge for summer learning, with 65 percent of students expressing a strong preference for flexible, self-directed learning. Despite this desire for flexibility, a large majority (80 percent) also affirmed the importance of regular assessments, exams, and check-ins to ensure they are on track.
3. Tutors were identified as providing the most helpful support. A large majority of students (60 percent) identified tutors as the most helpful support in achieving their summer goals, with educational apps or software (10 percent) and online courses or tutorials (21 percent) also mentioned.
4. Persistent gaps in fundamental knowledge remain. The survey highlighted the academic subjects that students are most eager to tackle over the summer. Math and foreign languages ​​top the list, though there is a notable discrepancy between what tutors consider important and what students are interested in. When identifying the subjects in which students lost the most learning during the pandemic, tutors highlighted math (34 percent) and English language arts (22 percent) as the top subjects still needing attention this summer, while students prioritize foreign languages ​​(28 percent) and math (24 percent).

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She holds a degree from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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