Today, I had the chance to pause and think about what I’ve learned so far as a tutor.
Over time, I’ve realised that tutoring is as much about building confidence as it is about teaching content. A lot of students may already have the knowledge, but are held back by their own self-doubt. I’ve noticed that a simple reminder like “you’re on the right track” can make a huge difference. It’s amazing how reassurance can encourage a student to keep going, instead of giving up too quickly. Once they feel supported, they’re far more open to trying, making mistakes, and ultimately learning from them.
Another strategy I’ve found really helpful is guiding students to find their own errors rather than immediately correcting them myself. For example, instead of pointing out where they went wrong, I’ll ask: “Does this answer look reasonable to you?” or “Can you check that step again?” Often, they’ll catch the mistake themselves, which not only deepens their understanding but also develops critical thinking skills. When students get into the habit of spotting and fixing their own errors, they become more independent learners, which is a skill that will benefit them beyond tutoring sessions.
I’ve also noticed that this process helps boost their confidence. Realising, “I found the mistake and fixed it” is far more empowering than being told, “This is wrong.” It shows them they are capable of self-correcting and problem-solving, which naturally builds resilience.
At the end of the day, I’ve found the most progress happens when students are challenged, but also feel supported. Creating that balance between encouragement and independence has been key in helping them grow more confident and motivated in their learning journey.

Katreen Diab