Tutoring can be a very powerful tool for learning, but its impact depends largely on the habits students have towards it. The most successful students don’t just attend tutoring sessions but they actively use them. Building the right habits can help you get far more value from every session!!

1) Prepare before each session

Effective tutoring starts before you sit down with your tutor. It is importantly to review your notes, attempt homework questions, and write down anything you find confusing. Coming prepared with specific questions allows the tutor to target problem areas instead of re-covering material you already understand.

2) Set clear goals

Know what you want to achieve from tutoring. This might be improving grades, understanding a difficult topic or preparing for an exam. Make sure to share these goals with your tutor and revisit them regularly. Clear goals give direction and make progress easier to measure! ☺️

3) Be an active participant

Tutoring works best when you engage fully. Ask questions, explain your thinking out loud and attempt problems even if you’re unsure. Making mistakes during tutoring is valuable as it shows where learning needs to happen. Passive listening rarely leads to long-term understanding.

4) Apply what you learn between sessions

Studying shouldn’t end when the session does. Review notes, practise problems, and apply strategies your tutor suggested. Using the material independently reinforces learning and helps identify new questions for the next session.

5) Reflect on progress

Take a few minutes after each session to reflect. What improved? What still feels challenging? Tracking your progress, whether through grades, confidence or completed topics keeps you motivated and focused.

It is very important to incorporate habits to suit and compliment your tutoring sessions to maximise the content you learn and work towards your academic performance 🙂

Amanda Susanto