Tutoring is not just doing worksheets, and going over homework over again. While that can be helpful for some students, I’ve found that adding a bit of creativity into sessions can make a difference in how students learn and engage in sessions. Creativity can make learning interactive and flexible, encouraging student activity.

Creativity can be as simple as turning questions and answers into discussions. This can be through encouraging conversation, asking the student to explain their thinking, come up with their own examples, or even to “teach” the concept back to me. This helps them understand the content more deeply, rather than just memorising it.

Creativity can be also using the whiteboard to map out tasks, working out maths problems, planning English creative writing, PEEL paragraphs. This can help the student if they are stuck on a task and unsure of where to begin. It encourages a student to think about the task at hand and work off a plan.

I also try to adjust how we approach tasks depending on the student. Some students work better when we break things into small challenges, while others enjoy a more relaxed, conversational style. Even small changes like this can make sessions feel less repetitive and more engaging.

Another important part of creativity is making space for mistakes. A student may make mistakes which can impact on their confidence. By creating a supportive environment, students become more willing to complete tasks, even those they find difficult, which is where real learning happens.

I’ve noticed that when sessions are more creative, students are not only more focused, but also more confident. They start to see learning as something they can actively take part in, rather than something they just have to get through.

At the end of the day, creativity in tutoring isn’t about making things harder, it’s about making learning more meaningful, enjoyable, and effective for each student.

Tamiah Mahoney