When we think about tutoring, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a structured, serious session focused on mastering content. While this approach is necessary for academic success, one often overlooked element that can make a huge difference is humour. It may sound unconventional, but humour in tutoring can be a powerful tool that enhances learning, eases anxiety and even fosters a deeper connection between tutor and student.

Humour has the ability to disarm. Student’s often come to tutoring feeling stressed or frustrated with the material they’re struggling to understand. The pressure to perform can create a barrier to effective learning. When a tutor incorporates humour, it breaks that tension and creates an environment where the student feels more relaxed and open to new ideas. A well time joke or light hearted comment can quickly change the tone of a session, transforming it from a chore to a more enjoyable experience.

Moreover, humour can make complex or boring topics more engaging. For example, when tutoring a student in mathematics, a tutor might use playful metaphors or create funny scenarios that tie into the concepts being taught. It could be something as simple as comparing the process of solving equations to “chasing down a runaway train”. These random comparisons make the material more relatable and memorable, which helps students retain the information longer.

Humour also fosters connection. In a one on one tutoring environment, the relationship between tutor and student is key. By sharing a laugh, the tutor shows a more personal side, which can help the student feel more comfortable and less intimidated. A strong rapport encourages students to open up, ask questions and make mistakes without fear of judgement, all of which are crucial for effective learning.

Ultimately, while humour shouldn’t overshadow the seriousness of the learning material being taught, but serve as a bridge between the student’s current state of stress and their potential for learning. By infusing tutoring sessions with a bit of fun, we remind our students that learning doesn’t have to be a daunting process, but it can be a journey full of curiosity, creativity and even laughter.

Isabella Naumovski