In my time as a tutor here at First Education, I have learnt about the importance of establishing a good tutor-student relationship. With an increased sense of trust and comfort created through a positive tutor-student relationship comes better understanding, better grades and an enhanced sense of confidence. Once the student feels comfortable telling you what is really needed, this can ensure accuracy and productivity in study and in focusing on what is needed. In my sessions, my students and I talk about what bothers them outside of school, what they find exciting, and personal goals they have. This establishes a better sense of trust and understanding but is also the foundation of learning. Students come to the lessons excited and motivated to learn. Empathy and being able to read the students’ emotions are enhanced with this positive relationship, gauging the students’ feelings towards topics, questions and even how they are feeling for that lesson. This will dictate the pace at which we move throughout the lesson, whether it is fast or slow, with more time spent on questions that bring about stress. Feedback is also more likely to be accepted with a positive relationship with encouragement that allows them to feel seen and heard. As the quote says, “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. A great tutor, without a doubt, brings knowledge, but also patience, encouragement, and genuine connection. That’s what makes tutoring not just effective, but transformative.

Marina Nouris