Teaching multiple students struggling with different learning difficulties has taught me effective skills to navigate sessions in a way that optimises focus and maximises their learning outcomes.

It’s important to choose activities that are engaging for the student, picking options that connect to their personal interests and current learning needs. This helps the student feel more invested in the task and reduces resistance. Another good strategy for keeping students focused is switching activities as needed to prevent fatigue or overstimulation. This allows for constant stimulation and keeps the session feeling fresh and purposeful. By switching activities as needed, the student is able to explore different learning tasks without becoming overwhelmed or disengaged.

Additionally, implementing brain breaks throughout the session is a great way to stay on track without the student losing interest. What we do depends on the student — sometimes a quick game of Uno is perfect, and other times it’s drawing or Wordle that helps them reset mentally. Incorporating these quick breaks supports emotional regulation and boosts motivation when returning to work. Also, allowing the student to make their own choices about what we learn and focus on each session promotes a sense of control and autonomy that is especially valuable for students with attention or learning challenges. Giving them this control initiates a sense of respect between the tutor and student where their voice and opinion are heard and acknowledged. Ultimately, this creates a collaborative environment where the student feels confident, supported, and willing to engage.

Overall, structuring the tutoring session around each student allows for the most effective, beneficial lesson, ensuring their individual needs are genuinely supported. This personalised learning environment allows them to feel confident, capable, and engaged throughout the learning process.

Annabelle Molloy