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Why AI won’t replace personal tutors anytime soon

2 September 2024
Posted in Schooling
2 September 2024 Justin Valderama

As technology advances, it is reasonable to question if artificial intelligence (AI) will take over tasks that people have historically occupied. For parents, one urgent topic is whether AI can replace personal tutors for their children. After all, AI tools are getting more intelligent and accessible, providing everything from fast math solutions to personalised learning experiences. Despite these advances, there is no need to be concerned. Here are the reasons why AI won’t replace personal tutors anytime soon.

1. The human touch is more important than ever

One of the primary reasons AI will not replace personal tutors is that learning involves more than simply collecting knowledge. Education is a primarily human experience, and there is something unique about the relationship between a tutor and a student. Personal tutors understand a child’s emotional state, learning style, and particular problems, in addition to their academic needs.

For example, your child’s struggles with math. An AI tool may be able to lead children through the stages of problem-solving, but it will not recognise your child’s frustration or know how to support them when they are about to give up. A personal tutor, on the other hand, may offer much-needed encouragement and assistance. They may adjust their teaching method on the go, providing additional explanations or adjusting the approach to make the class more interesting. The human touch is something AI cannot duplicate.

2. Customisation is not just about algorithms

AI can undoubtedly personalise learning experiences. It can change the level of difficulty of questions based on your child’s performance and even recommend areas to focus on. However, the data and algorithms on which this type of customisation is based restrict its potential. It’s a one-size-fits-all strategy that lacks the specifics that a personal tutor can provide.

A tutor sees more than just the statistics. They see the entire child. They may recognise tiny indications, such as a wrinkled brow or a hesitating reaction, that indicate confusion or misunderstanding. They can ask probing questions to get to the source of the problem and design a learning plan that is tailored to your child’s specific requirements. This level of customisation much exceeds what AI can currently provide.

3. Building confidence through interaction

Confidence greatly influences a child’s capacity to learn. When children believe in themselves, they are more inclined to take on tough tasks and persevere despite setbacks. Personal tutors excel at building confidence through positive reinforcement, patience, and encouragement. They celebrate small wins and allow students to observe their development, which increases self-esteem.

AI, on the other hand, may provide praise in the form of a virtual “Well done!” message, but it lacks the warmth and sincerity that a personal tutor provides. It’s the distinction between hearing “Great job!” from a computer screen to someone who genuinely understands and cares about your child. That personal connection is critical for developing a development mentality in children and helping them believe in their own skills.

4. Adapting to real-world challenges

Life is unpredictable, and learning does not always follow a straight line. Personal tutors are adaptable and can handle the ups and downs of a child’s academic career. Whether it’s changing the lesson plan after a difficult day at school or providing additional assistance before a big test, tutors are available to address the real-life issues your child confronts.

However, AI seeks a predetermined path based on algorithms. It cannot account for a child’s terrible day or the stress they may be experiencing before an important exam. It cannot offer the sensitivity and understanding that a human tutor can. This capacity to adjust in real-time to a child’s demands is one of the primary reasons why AI won’t replace personal tutors anytime soon.

5. Value of human interaction

At its foundation, education is about more than memorising facts and numbers. It is about developing critical thinking abilities, creativity, and the capacity to successfully communicate with others. These are the skills that are best developed by human connection. Personal tutors facilitate talks, urge students to think critically, and encourage them to express themselves. This contact is critical for building well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding in the real world.

In contrast, AI’s capacity to participate in meaningful interactions remains restricted. It can supply knowledge and answer questions, but it does not encourage children to think critically or explore alternative viewpoints. Personal tutors, with their capacity to engage in dynamic, thought-provoking conversations, are critical for assisting students in developing these higher-order thinking abilities.

Conclusion

While artificial intelligence is clearly a great tool that may help your child’s education, it is not a substitute for human instructors. Tutors give invaluable personal touch, customisation, confidence-building, flexibility, and interactive learning. AI may supplement instruction by providing extra information and practice opportunities, but the function of a personal tutors remains important.

So, when you look at your child’s education in the future, keep in mind that personal tutors are here to stay. They’ll continue to play an important part in helping your child realise their full potential by offering advice, support, and human connection that AI can’t equal. In fact, the greatest strategy may be to employ AI together with tutoring, combining their abilities to provide your child with a thorough and successful learning experience.

Why AI won’t replace personal tutors anytime soon

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