Boosting student confidence during tutoring is essential for fostering a positive learning experience. Some of the ways I try to boost confidence in my students is:
1. Create a Safe Learning Environment
Establishing a welcoming and non-judgmental space allows students to feel safe when learning making them more likely to ask questions when they don’t understand something instead of letting it fall to the wayside. One way to introduce this safety is to build a friendly relationship with each individual student and to encourage their efforts, even if the answer they get is wrong.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Students often feel more confident when they see progress, no matter how small. Celebrate each step of improvement, whether it’s solving a problem correctly or grasping a difficult concept. Positive reinforcement can help boost their self-esteem and motivate them to continue working hard.
3. Set Achievable Goals
Helping students set realistic, short-term goals that are attainable. Breaking down larger concepts into smaller, manageable tasks can prevent students from feeling overwhelmed and allows them to experience success more frequently. Achieving these small goals creates a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the idea that they are capable.
4. Encourage Self-Reflection
Ask students to reflect on what they’ve learned after each session. This encourages students to recognize their own progress, which helps boost their self-confidence. It also reinforces a growth mindset, where they see their abilities as something they can improve with effort.
5. Provide Constructive Feedback
While it’s important to praise effort, constructive feedback also plays a crucial role. Framing feedback in a way that is encouraging helps students see challenges as temporary and solvable.
By combining these approaches, tutoring sessions can become a space where students not only improve academically but also develop the confidence they need to succeed.

Riva Burkett