The Arrowsmith Program 

Brain Training vs Tutoring - What is the Difference?

Eaton Arrowsmith

Brain training is becoming popular as many people are looking to improve and boost brain cognition. Our brain is a complex organ which controls the center of our body; responsible for regulating daily functions and other essential factors such as memory, learning, and problem solving. 

Therefore, a healthy brain is essential to maximize performance, set goals, and achieve professional and academic success. 

Brain Training & Tutoring 

Brain training and tutoring are both methods of intervention that seek to help an individual improve school performance. However, both have their differences in terms of approach, underlying factors and the individuals' overall needs. 

Brain Training

Brain training focuses on having a set of exercises and other activities to improve memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving skills. This type of training is beneficial for people of all ages, who need to boost a wide variety of cognitive functions such as working memory, spatial awareness and their way of processing information. 

The main objective of brain training is to strengthen, boost and improve cognitive functioning.  Brain training requires mental engagement and deep concentration. In fact, many individuals are losing focusing ability given the multitude of distractions individuals face. An effective brain training program helps individuals achieve cognitive functions that they can use in their daily lives.

Tutoring

Tutoring focuses on improving academic performance that may include mathematics, reading, and writing. It provides personalized guidance to help students improve their understanding about a certain subject.

Tutors are able to simplify and explain concepts for students such as through practice tests, interactive exercises, illustrations, diagrams and other types of visualizations. 

Overall, the main goal of tutoring is to help the student become equipped with the proper achievement skills to succeed and feel confident about their abilities. Tutoring can be an effective way for students to improve academic understanding, and confidence towards their own personal learning experience. 

Brain training requires consistency to strengthen weak cognitive functions and retain information more efficiently. It’s an intensive but interactive training program that improves brain functionality, regulation and overall cognitive flexibility, the cognitive capacity of being able to shift attention from one subject to another effectively.

Therefore, there is a clear distinction when compared to tutoring, which simply helps a student either improve an academic achievement or further understand new academic subject concepts by providing additional academic guidance and exercises but unfortunately the cognitive weaknesses remain weak.

Mr Wayne Stagg

Head of the Arrowsmith Program