Educational experiences significantly impact one’s ability to grasp mathematical concepts. Often, individuals are either taught to memorize formulas or encouraged to deeply understand principles, which affects their perception and performance in math. A startup named Brighterly, based in Ukraine, intends to shift this paradigm for new generations of students across the United States, offering an innovative approach to math education through online tutoring for students from 1st to 12th grade. This platform aims to tackle the challenges facing US mathematics learning by providing accessible and flexible learning options.
Why Focus on the US?
The issues surrounding US math education have been persistent, with many students lagging behind significantly in skills. This has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of qualified teachers. Eugene Kashuk, founder and CEO of Brighterly, highlighted the vast gaps within the US education system due to its decentralization and lack of standard curricula. Despite recommendations, there is no uniform adoption of math programs across states. Kashuk stated,
“Kids fall prey to poor education due to the disarray.”
Can a New Approach Make a Difference?
Brighterly’s solution is to offer affordable math tutoring compared to traditional methods, which are often costly and inconsistent. The platform capitalizes on Kashuk’s previous experience in creating a marketplace, ensuring a seamless connection between students and tutors. With a focus on personalized education, Brighterly adapts its curriculum to meet individual student needs, employing a game-based strategy to maintain engagement. This approach seeks to enrich students’ learning experiences, pushing beyond the typical classroom environment.
In the past, similar educational platforms have emerged, promising personalized learning experiences. However, many faced challenges such as scalability and maintaining curriculum standards across diverse educational needs. Brighterly differentiates itself by integrating a robust recruitment and training process for tutors, ensuring quality teaching. Kashuk explained,
“Tutors undergo intensive training and evaluation to ensure effective teaching methods.”
This rigorous protocol aims to ensure that tutors are well-equipped to handle diverse student requirements.
The inception of Brighterly coincided with the onset of the Ukraine conflict, resulting in temporary disruptions as the team adjusted to the new reality. Despite these challenges, the platform expanded rapidly, enlisting a global workforce to cater to US time zones. The company initially relied on Ukrainian tutors but expanded globally due to logistical challenges posed by the war. Today, a diverse team from various countries underpins Brighterly’s operations, providing a rich pool of talent for delivering math education effectively.
Brighterly’s educational model emphasizes long-term learning, encouraging students to engage with math continually rather than seeking quick fixes. Most students remain with the platform for six to twelve months, fostering a strong foundation in mathematical concepts. Kashuk emphasized the importance of sustained learning journeys, stating,
“Math is a journey that requires long-term commitment and consistent effort.”
The approach taken by Brighterly highlights a significant trend towards personalized education, where learning can be tailored to fit individual needs and pacing. This model, while not new, demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of adapting teaching to student capabilities. As Brighterly considers expanding into other subject areas, such as literacy, it continues to address educational challenges with adaptive solutions. The focus remains on providing flexible, accessible, and effective tutoring, meeting the evolving demands of students and educators alike.
