Study Finds Human Tutoring Outperforms Self-Learning Apps

The research, conducted in partnership with Leanlab Education, followed learners who had previously utilized a leading self-learning application before transitioning to Preply’s AI-assisted, human-led model. The results indicate that the presence of a tutor provides a critical layer of accountability and encouragement that digital-only interfaces struggle to replicate. Every participant in the study reported that Preply contributed more to their overall fluency than their previous app-based experience.

Beyond fluency, the data highlights a shift in learner engagement. The number of students who felt motivated to continue their studies was nine times higher under the tutelage of a human instructor. Furthermore, the proportion of learners who achieved their stated objectives at a high level jumped from 27% to 56% over the three-month period. For Preply CEO Kirill Bigai, these figures validate the company’s focus on the social nature of language acquisition, noting that the human element is what ultimately bridges the gap between completing digital exercises and achieving real-world communication skills.

Dr. Amber Wang of Leanlab Education emphasized that the study’s strength lies in its longitudinal design, as the same cohort experienced both learning formats. The findings suggest that while automated tools offer accessibility, personalized guidance remains the primary driver for students aiming to apply English in professional or everyday contexts. This preference for human connection extended to user advocacy, with the likelihood of recommending the platform climbing 135% compared to the self-learning alternative.