Conclusion

In summary, the main contributions of this research are:

• The design and development of an architecture, which supports dual-user adaptivity in the domain of home tutoring.

• The articulation and development of a set of novel tutoring rules based on Talent Education philosophy, which define tutoring best practice.

• Empirical evidence that indicates the effectiveness of adaptive strategies based on self-efficacy in supporting the parent as tutor and strategies based on affect in supporting the child as tutee.

This research presents interesting insights into the broader question of how adaptive technology can be exploited to simultaneously support dual users. It seems that providing a rich basis for adaptivity is a challenging task and it is not always clear how best to support both users.

The results of this study may be significant for researchers and practitioners. For researchers, it demonstrates that it is possible to develop dual-user adaptive educational systems that simultaneously support two users with different needs. For practitioners, it demonstrates that Talent Education philosophy may be applied in mainstream education. In particular, this research demonstrates some evidence of generalisability in so far as it illustrates how tutoring tactics informed by Talent Education can be applied in different domains, namely mathematics and Suzuki violin. Additionally it demonstrates to both researchers and practitioners how taking into account a tutor’s perceived self-efficacy and tutee’s affective state may have a positive effect on learning.

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Appendix A

Letters of Interest

Letter to Suzuki Violin Parents

Dear Suzuki Parent,

We know that parental involvement boosts academic success and student achievement. However, we also know that sometimes practice times at home can be challenging! To help you with your practice time at home, there is now the opportunity to get involved in the Parent and Child Tutor Programme.

The Parent and Child Tutor (P.A.C.T.), is a computer application that provides personalised support, for you the parent, during Violin practice with your child at home. P.A.C.T. takes us step by step through home practice and provides suggested activities, games and lots of interesting ideas. It also reminds us of the key concepts of Suzuki’s philosophy.

This programme is aimed at Book 1 Suzuki parents and children. In order to get involved, all that is required of you is a computer with internet connection (preferably Broadband) and a commitment to use P.A.C.T. for 8-12 weeks. Computer skills are not required, as we will show you what to do.

So if you would like to get involved in this free trial of P.A.C.T. Please contact us at [phone number] or [email].

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards, _________________ Orla Lahart

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Letter to Junior Infants Teachers

Dear Junior Infant Teacher,

We recognise the importance of parental involvement in children’s homework and we know that this involvement can impact positively on a child’s academic success. We also know that for numerous reasons parents do not get involved in homework activities. For this reason, we have developed the Parent and Child Tutor (P.A.C.T.).

P.A.C.T. is a computer application that provides personalised support for parents during Maths homework. P.A.C.T. takes the parent step by step through their child’s Maths homework and provides additional games as well as lots of interesting ideas.

P.A.C.T. is aimed at Junior Infant children and their parents. If you think this may be of benefit to the children in your class all we ask is that you give a copy of the enclosed letter to the parents. Of course, P.A.C.T. was developed in accordance with the Primary School Mathematics curriculum and has been approved by experienced teachers.

If you have any questions or you would like a demonstration of P.A.C.T. Please contact us at [phone number] or [email].

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

_________________ Orla Lahart

Letter to Mathematics Parents

Dear Parent,

We know that parental involvement in homework activities boosts academic success and student achievement. However, we also know that sometimes homework can be challenging! There is now an opportunity for you to use the Parent and Child Tutor (P.A.C.T.) which can assist you with your child’s homework.

P.A.C.T. is a computer application that provides personalised support for you and your child during Maths homework. P.A.C.T. takes you step by step through your child’s Maths homework and provides suggested activities, games and lots of interesting ideas.

This programme is aimed at Junior Infant children and their parents. In order to get involved, all that is required of you is a computer with internet connection (preferably Broadband) and a commitment to use P.A.C.T. for 4 weeks. Computer skills are not required, as we will show you what to do.

So if you would like to get involved in this free trial of P.A.C.T. Please contact us at [phone number] or [email].

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards, _________________ Orla Lahart

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Induction Pack

Induction Pack Letter

Dear [Parent’s Name],

Thank you for your interest in the Parent and Child Tutor (P.A.C.T.). I look forward to working with you over the next couple of weeks.

Your induction pack includes:

1. The Induction Tutorial CD

2. A User Manual

It is best to begin by watching the Induction Tutorial as it gives an overview of P.A.C.T. and how it can be used. It is about 8 minutes in duration. The User Manual contains additional instructions and support.

The web address for P.A.C.T. is

http://www.parentandchildtutor.ie/maths.html and your login details are below. Please ensure you close both Internet Explorer windows after each practice.

Username: [username] Password: [password]

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email].

Thank you,

______________ Orla Lahart

User Manual

The Parent And Child Tutor

User Manual

This User Manual details everything you need to know to use the Parent and Child Tutor (P.A.C.T.).

Step 1 – Controlling the Volume

Make sure the volume is turned up on your computer. To check the volume, click on the volume button in the bottom right hand corner of your screen (Fig 1). Ensure that the volume is at its maximum (Fig 2) and that the mute box is not selected.

Figure 1Volume Button