What is Academic Enrichment?
Some learners struggle to keep up in class. Other learners have the opposite challenge. For some learners, their learning moves through content too slowly, causing a lack of challenge and making it difficult to pay attention and apply themselves in class. Some of these learners may even start to see their grades drop due to not being engaged with the content.
For those who need a bit more of a challenge, enrichment tutoring programs can be crucial to getting back on track.
An enrichment program is a tutoring program for learners who need to learn at a higher level than in a typical class. It allows learners who need an extra challenge in the class to remain engaged and interested in learning. These programs focus on specific subject areas learners excel in and work at a level that feels most comfortable for them.
Enrichment programs are meant for learners who quickly understand class content and, as a result, feel bored at school. These learners often need more advanced content to feel excited about learning.
Characteristics of a learner who would benefit from an enrichment program:
- Has a hard time maintaining focus
- Takes less time to understand ideas than the rest of the class
- Seems antsy during lessons
- Reads ahead
- Doesn’t seem excited about school
- Routinely achieves high grades
- Understands the content but receives lower grades
Benefits of Enrichment Programs
Increased Understanding Of Self
Many learners who are bored at school don’t understand why they are bored. These learners (and their parents) often question why they aren’t as engaged as their classmates. They may even worry that they have some type of learning or attention issue.
Enrichment programs help learners understand why they are under stimulated and offer resources to become more engaged during class. These programs relieve any anxiety about feeling different from the rest of the class while helping improve confidence once a kid can see their true potential.
Improved Study Skills
Enrichment programs teach proper study skills, including time management and test preparation. They also promote more self-directed learning skills. These core study skills help tremendously in higher education, as class content becomes more advanced.
Increased Interest In Learning
When learners are disengaged, their passion and interest in learning decreases. They don’t get excited about going to school and may start to “check out” in the class. Enrichment programs work to spark learners’ interest and engagement in the content they are learning.
Higher Motivation
Learners are more motivated to succeed when they feel challenged. With an enrichment program, teachers continually present learners with ideas that both challenge and engage them, resulting in higher motivation overall.
Paced Learning
Learners who can learn at their pace feel more motivated to learn. With enrichment programs, teachers can personalize sessions to the learner’s pace in each area—whether it’s a particular subject or a certain study skill. The content and is based on skill level rather than grade level, allowing teachers to target the areas learners need an extra challenge.