I’ve found that engagement is one of the most important factors in student success. When students are actively involved in their learning, they not only retain information better but also develop confidence in their abilities. Engagement isn’t just about paying attention—it’s about fostering curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to persist through challenges.

One of the most effective ways to engage students that I have found is by making the material relevant to them. Many students struggle with maths because they don’t see its real-world applications. I always try to connect concepts to their interests, whether it’s using statistics in sports, geometry in architecture, or algebra in financial literacy. When students see the purpose behind what they’re learning, they are more likely to stay engaged. I have also found in particular students often lack an overarching understanding of the content and where it is placed in the grand scheme of things. If i have noticed this, i usually stop my explanation and restart from a greater perspective. I have found students find this helpful and allows them to interact with the content more readily.

Another key strategy is interactive learning. Passive listening leads to disengagement, so I encourage active participation. Asking students to explain their reasoning not only deepens their understanding but also keeps them involved in the lesson. This also stops them from acting as if they have understood it just to move on. Students will often realise how little they understand something when they are trying to explain it back to you.

Building a positive and supportive learning environment is also essential. Many students come to tutoring feeling frustrated or anxious about maths. By being patient and celebrating small achievements, helps them build confidence. A growth mindset—where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn—encourages students to persist rather than shut down when faced with difficulty.

(the image I added is from an online session I had during COVID, we made the sessions more engaging by drawing little characters with the answers in speech bubbles)

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