Identifying and exploring the effects of different types of tutor questions in individual online synchronous tutoring in mathematics

Although we know that asking questions is an essential aspect of online tutoring, there is limited research on this topic. The aim of this paper was to identify commonly used direct question types and explore the effects of using these question types on conversation intensity, approach to tutoring, perceived satisfaction and perceived learning. The research setting was individual online synchronous tutoring in mathematics. The empirical data was based on 13,317 logged conversations and a questionnaire. The tutors used a mix of open, more student-centred questions, and closed, more teacher-centred questions. In contrast to previous research, this study provides a more positive account indicating that it is indeed possible to train tutors to focus on asking questions, rather than delivering content. Frequent use of many of the question types contributed to increased conversation intensity. However, there were few question types that were associated with statistically significant effects on perceived satisfaction or learning. There are no silver bullet question types that by themselves led to positive effects on perceived satisfaction and learning. The question types could be used by teachers and teacher students when reflecting on what types of questions they are asking, and what kind of questions they could be asking.

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify commonly used question types in online tutoring and explore their effects on conversation intensity, tutoring approach, perceived satisfaction, and perceived learning. The results showed that a mix of open and closed questions used by tutors contributed to increased conversation intensity, but not all question types had significant effects on satisfaction or learning.