Tutoring is often seen as a process of filling gaps in knowledge, but at its core, it’s about empowering students to become independent learners. One of the impactful strategies in education is scaffolding, a teaching approach that provides structured support to help students achieve tasks they might initially find overwhelming. Reflecting on its application, I’ve realised how transformative it can be, not just for academic success but also for building confidence and resilience.
The strategy of Scaffolding in tutoring involves breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts, and guiding students step-by-step until they can master the skill independently. For example, when working with a student struggling with essay writing, I might start by focusing on a single element, such as crafting a strong thesis statement. Once they’ve mastered that, we move on to organising paragraphs, and eventually, they can write a cohesive essay with minimal assistance. This gradual release of responsibility fosters understanding while instilling a sense of achievement.
This strategy is particularly valuable when tackling texts or topics in the syllabus that students often find intimidating, such as Shakespeare or advanced mathematics. In my experience, scaffolding helps to demystify these challenges. Take Macbeth, for instance, a text known for its complex language and themes. By breaking it into smaller parts; analysing key soliloquies, exploring themes like ambition or guilt, and connecting these ideas to relatable situations, students begin to see it as less of an insurmountable challenge and more of a puzzle they can solve.
Scaffolding also aligns with the principles of differentiated learning, catering to each student’s unique needs and pace. It reinforces the idea that learning is a journey, not a race, and that struggling isn’t failing, it’s growing.
As tutors, our role isn’t just to teach content but to nurture self-belief. Scaffolding allows us to meet students where they are, offering just enough support to guide them forward while allowing them to feel pride in their own progress. With the right tools and encouragement, every student has the potential to succeed.
Isabella Naumovski
