AI Tutoring: A Practical Solution To Boost Math Attainment
AI tools are now a mainstream EdTech resource in US education: 67% of middle and high school students and 60% of elementary, middle, and high school educators use them. With the increasing availability of tools like AI tutoring, schools now have access to cost-effective ways to boost achievement.
This article explains what AI tutoring is, outlines current types, and lists key considerations for schools to make the most of educational technology in their setting.
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In simple terms, AI tutoring is the use of artificial intelligence to deliver one-to-one academic support to help students learn at their own pace. Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) used for AI tutoring adapt instruction in real time, respond to student input, and provide immediate feedback.
Most AI tutors are accessed through a learning platform, where students engage in standards-aligned lessons. The best AI tutoring tools replicate the features of high-quality human tutoring:
- Clear explanation,
- Immediate feedback,
- Meaningful interaction,
- Personalized instruction.
However, not everything labeled as AI tutoring meets this standard. Some AI tools simply generate questions or give instant answers.
There are different forms of AI tutoring to consider. Currently, the two most popular forms are:
- Text-based AI tutoring
- Voice-based AI tutoring
Text-based AI tutors
While helpful for practice problems, text-based AI tutors rely on writing skills and use written feedback, limiting accessibility for some students. Often, text-based AI tutors struggle to diagnose misunderstandings or adapt lessons. Additionally, students may focus more on typing than on critical thinking.
Voice-based AI tutors
Voice-based AI tutors allow students to speak and listen through a voice interface, mimicking a real conversation. Speech recognition and natural language processing let the AI-powered tutor pivot instruction in real time, ideal for language learning or those who find writing challenging.
Consider how text-based and voice-based AI tutoring platforms promote student support and how well they replicate the features of effective one-to-one instruction.
Adaptive learning through AI tutoring
High-quality AI tutors work as adaptive-learning engines. They analyze responses, update an internal model, and adjust prompts to create an adaptive sequence.
Others offer limited interaction, acting as technology-powered answer engines rather than personal tutors. While these AI tools provide direct answers, they miss opportunities to diagnose misconceptions.
Voice-based AI math tutoring built by teachers
In response to growing demand for accessible, cost-effective tutoring, Third Space Learning developed Skye, an AI math tutor built by teachers and math experts. Skye delivers one-to-one tutoring using the same pedagogical framework and lesson plans as traditional tutoring.
How Skye works:
- Students speak and listen throughout the session, making lessons highly accessible
- Lessons are scaffolded using “I do, we do, you do” to build understanding
- Every lesson is created by former teachers and standards-aligned
- Adapts to learner responses in real time, offering prompts and learning pitched at the right pace
Why schools are choosing AI tutoring for math
According to research conducted in the UK, traditional one‑to‑one tutoring can add five months of progress. But, it costs around $55 per online session. AI tutoring delivers comparable student support at a lower cost.
Because AI math tutoring can deliver low-cost, personalized learning at scale, schools can provide access to extra help to more students.
A single AI tutoring license can cover hundreds of learners, turning previously unaffordable interventions into everyday practice.
7 benefits of AI tutoring
Well-designed AI tutoring systems go beyond marking or instant answers. When grounded in proven pedagogy and guided by expert input, they can deliver effective one-to-one instruction that accelerates progress and reduces administrative tasks.
Here are the core benefits of using AI tutoring in the classroom:
1. Personalized learning
AI tutoring platforms create a custom learning pathway for each student using diagnostic data and feedback. Each student receives the right content at the right time, at their own pace.
Skye begins with a diagnostic assessment and creates a custom learning pathway aligned to the state standards. Learners are guided step-by-step through lessons at the right pace.
2. Better student participation
Real‑time dialogue keeps learners active and accountable. Prompts to explain reasoning encourage metacognition and perseverance.
AI tutors like Skye prompt learners to explain their reasoning to check students’ understanding, and give verbal encouragement to keep learners focused.
3. Data-driven insights
Every response is captured and analyzed, giving teachers clear evidence of progress and pinpointing gaps to address through future teaching in the classroom.
After each AI tutoring session with Skye, the ITS generates a detailed report on the learning objective covered and whether it was achieved. These data-driven insights help teachers adapt classroom instruction and target students who need further support.
4. Improved accessibility
AI tutoring helps reduce the barriers that students with disabilities (SWD) and English learners (ELs) face. Voice-based platforms, in particular, remove the need to read instructions or type long responses, allowing more students to access support independently.
All lessons are designed to reduce cognitive load, with simplified language, minimal on-screen text, and clear visuals. Students can ask Skye to repeat or rephrase instructions if they don’t understand, helping to ensure equitable access.
5. Instant feedback
AI tutors deliver on‑the‑spot corrections, which isn’t always possible in whole-class or small-group settings.
Skye offers up to three scaffolded hints, preventing further misconceptions and building independent learning.
6. Adaptive learning
Unlike static chatbots, dialogue-driven AI tutors constantly adjust their instruction. Whether a student needs more explanation, simpler problems, or a challenge, it adapts to the student’s understanding as they develop new skills.
7. Greater scalability
Because AI tutors aren’t limited by tutor availability, entire cohorts can receive one‑to‑one support simultaneously without increasing workload or staffing.
Skye can run unlimited AI tutoring sessions simultaneously. Some schools are currently using Skye to deliver up to 120 sessions a week.
Challenges to consider
While AI tutoring presents many benefits, it’s not without challenges:
- Oversight: teachers still need to monitor content and respond to student needs.
- Equity: not every student has a quiet space or headset at home, though most platforms work well within school.
- Training: staff benefit from basic training to understand features and optimize implementation.
- Safeguarding: all interactions must be monitored, recorded, and reviewed.
It works best when paired with professional judgement and high‑quality classroom teaching.
How AI tutoring is used in schools
AI in education is growing rapidly. Here are 5 ways schools like yours are already using AI tutoring to enhance learning and student achievement.
- Revisit prior learning
- Practice key concepts
- Close learning gaps
- Prepare for tests
- Develop critical thinking, fluency and confidence
AI tutoring in practice with Skye
Across the US, schools are embedding AI tutoring with Skye into their everyday provision to improve outcomes without increasing staff load. Here are 4 ways AI tutor Skye is improving student outcomes:
1. Catch-up interventions
Standards-aligned, structured review helps elementary, middle and high school students consolidate knowledge quickly.
“The AI programme has allowed us to get more children onto the program because it’s so affordable and more flexible, and the content is consistent.”
David Gooding, Deputy Principal
Elementary school
2. Homework help, practice quizzes, and test review
On demand AI tutoring sessions beyond the classroom support homework and test readiness.
Students engage in spoken dialogue as they revisit key topics independently, receiving immediate feedback.
3. One-to-one tutoring
AI tutoring removes cost and scheduling barriers, ensuring every student who needs extra help has access to it.
“This innovative one-to-one math tutoring solution offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional one-to-one tutoring. The children are thoroughly enjoying the experience, and their engagement and focus are clearly evident.”
Chris Harris, Deputy Principal
4. Lesson cover
During staff absence, AI math tutors like Skye can step in as a virtual teaching assistant, launching sessions on demand.
Because Skye doesn’t rely on scheduling with a human tutor, sessions can be launched on demand and adjusted as needed.
What AI tutoring looks like in the classroom
A high-quality artificial intelligence tutoring session typically follows these steps:
- Diagnostic check: identifies gaps and informs the course content.
- Concept explanation: uses visuals and models to introduce new ideas.
- Guided practice: scaffolded practice problems to build understanding.
- Independent practice: encourages students to apply knowledge and demonstrate progress.
- Teacher insights: session data feeds into a dashboard, helping educators refine lesson planning and intervention.
Students using voice-based AI math tutoring often verbalize reasoning, strengthening mathematical fluency and reinforcing knowledge.
What to look for in an AI tutoring tool
Not all AI tools work in the same way or provide the same level of support. When assessing options, school leaders should ask providers whether:
- Content is standards-aligned
- Lessons are created by qualified teachers or generated by AI
- The platform provides a custom learning pathway
- AI tutors give feedback and adapt lessons in real time
- Sessions are recorded for safety
- The platform is FERPA-compliant and safe for all users
- It supports language learning for students with disabilities (SWD)
- Lesson plans and resources are age-appropriate
Safeguarding and data protection
Any AI powered education tool should have safety and privacy built in. At Third Space Learning, Skye is designed with safety in mind:
- Only authorized staff schedule sessions
- Students interact with vetted lesson slides, no open web access
- All sessions are recorded, transcribed and reviewed
- Safeguarding flags are raised automatically
- Student data is never used to retrain the AI
How to implement AI tutoring in your school
- Define goals and priority groups
- Choose AI tools and check edtech requirements
- Pilot with a small group of students
- Scale up to other cohorts
- Embed CPD for staff
Final thoughts
AI tutoring is not a replacement for teachers, it’s a tool that uses the best online tutoring strategies to enhance learning and help students achieve their full potential.
Whether you’re looking to close achievement gaps, prepare for tests, or free up staff time, AI-powered education offers a practical, affordable solution.
It’s one way of making education more inclusive, efficient, and effective for every student, in every classroom.
AI tutoring FAQs
AI tutoring delivers large-scale, adaptive one-to-one support at a fraction of traditional tutoring costs. When the platform is evidence-based, standards-aligned, and embeds safeguarding, AI tutoring provides improved achievement.
Costs vary by license model. A one-classroom entry voice-based license such as Skye can serve hundreds of learners, pushing the per-student price down to only a few dollars per year. Other platforms like Khan Academy offer their AI tool on a private subscription parents can pay for monthly.
Both are highly effective. Human tutors excel at empathy, nuanced questioning, and classroom environment, making them ideal for emotional support. AI tutors, powered by adaptive-learning algorithms, offer immediate feedback, unlimited availability, rich data, and consistent safeguarding controls.
AI tutoring is generally permitted under U.S. Department of Education guidelines, as long as it complies with federal and state privacy laws like FERPA. Schools are encouraged to use AI tools that support learning while ensuring student data security and educational quality. Each state may have additional policies, so schools should review local regulations before implementation.
