Homework is a great tutoring tool to encourage students to take ownership of their learning and further develop their problem-solving and independent study skills.

It’s important for homework to be adjusted to the individual student, specifically in terms of the amount, difficulty level and type of task. For younger students, I find it best to balance questions—with most being content we worked on together that needs consolidating—whilst including a few harder questions to test their independence when learning. This builds confidence whilst also fostering a sense of self-responsibility. By working independently at home, students are able to practise applying strategies on their own and reflect on what they understand well versus what needs revisiting. This also ensures the student remains engaged in their learning throughout the week, even when away from their lessons.

Homework also plays an important role during tutoring sessions, where it provides the opportunity for students to receive feedback, and for the tutor to fill in any gaps in knowledge that may have been missed. This then allows the session to remain focused on the student’s needs and goals while ensuring that new content is introduced at an appropriate pace. Further, it helps the student recognise their own growth over time, reinforcing a positive learning mindset. Additionally, homework provides a great communication tool for parents and tutor to connect through, as it offers a clear snapshot of what the student has been practising and how they are progressing. It allows the student’s parents to remain informed and involved in their child’s learning. This also allows for transparency between student, tutor and family, whilst contributing to a consistent learning environment both during sessions and at home.

Overall, when used thoughtfully, homework supports consistent progress, strengthens communication, and empowers students to take an active role in their learning. By tailoring tasks to each student and integrating them meaningfully into sessions, homework becomes a valuable tool that enhances both confidence and long-term academic development.

Annabelle Molloy