In the fast paced world of tutoring, it’s easy to assume that the more a tutor speaks, the more effective the session will be. After all, the role of a tutor is to explain concepts, offer feedback and answer questions. However, there’s a surprisingly powerful strategy that’s often overlooked. Giving student’s the time and space to think and not filling every moment with words, can be one of the most impactful tools in a tutor’s toolkit.

In tutoring, we’re often focused on providing immediate solutions, particularly when a student struggles with a problem. Sometimes, the best way to help a student is not to give them the answer straight away. When we remain silent, we encourage students to process the information themselves, which leads to deeper learning. This pause gives them the opportunity to problem solve, make connections and internalise the concepts at their own pace.

There’s a key difference between helping and solving. Helping is about guiding the student towards the answer, while solving is about doing the work for them. If a tutor rushes to fill the silence with instructions, there’s a risk of robbing the student of the opportunity to develop independent critical thinking skills. When we allow silence, we’re teaching them to become more self reliant and to trust their own thought process.

Silence also creates a reflective space for students to express any confusion or thoughts they might be hesitant to voice. Sometimes, students don’t know how to ask the right questions and the quiet moment gives them the space to clarify their thoughts and find the words they need. This unspoken moment can lead to powerful breakthroughs where a student makes a realisation on their own.

Of course, silence doesn’t mean complete inaction. It’s about striking a balance between speaking and giving the student time to engage with the material. When used thoughtfully, silence can enhance a student’s confidence and self awareness, making the learning experience feel more empowering rather than dependent on the tutor’s input.

So next time you’re in a tutoring session, try embracing the silence. Give your student the space to think, reflect and explore the material at their own pace. You may be surprised by the results and it’s often in those quiet moments that true learning happens.

Isabella Naumovski