Students often experience significant academic pressure, with this having the danger of defining the learning experience of the student and leading to various negative future implications. In tutoring, this pressure can go one of two ways: it can either contribute to this building pressure, creating more stress and anxiety, or it can change the experience, helping and supporting the student instead of overwhelming them.

To help foster an enjoyment for learning, an important thing for the tutor to do is to establish a safe learning environment where the student feels comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Without fear of judgement, students are able to build a trusting relationship with their tutor where they feel supported and willing to take risks in their learning. By encouraging students to make mistakes and learn from them, the tutor is not only able to build confidence in the child but also promote resilience and a growth mindset. It’s also important to get to know the student in a way that recognises their individual needs and strengths, because not everyone learns the same or at the same pace. It is crucial to develop an understanding of what workload the student already has outside of tutoring, their responsibilities, extracurricular commitments, and personal circumstances, in order to ensure that tutoring has the desired effect of supporting the student rather than burdening them with unnecessary pressure.

Ultimately, effective tutoring should prioritise both academic growth and student wellbeing, ensuring that learning remains a positive and empowering experience. Tutors play a key role in shaping not only academic outcomes but also the student’s long-term relationship with learning, thus reinforcing the need to create learning experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude towards education.

Annabelle Molloy