I’ve worked with so many students, each one different from the next. I’ve learnt that everyone learns in their own way. Spending one-on-one time with these students has taught me just how much their confidence (or lack thereof) can affect their progress. Sometimes it’s not the maths problem or the reading passage that’s the problem, it’s the stress behind it.

One of the most important things I’ve learnt is that students need to know they are supported before they’ll open up. Some need a few minutes to relax, some need a challenge to engage, and some need to talk for a minute before we even start. But once they feel safe, the learning is so much easier. I’ve seen students who would never bring a book to read suddenly excitedly show me what they’re reading. I’ve watched kids who thought they were “bad at maths” ask for harder questions. Those little shifts are what mean the most to me, more than any worksheet we complete.

Tutoring has also taught me to look for the small things. A student tapping their pencil, taking a while to answer, or pausing before writing something down usually tells me more about how they’re doing than the work on the page. And being able to adjust in those moments is what builds trust.

My favourite part of tutoring is seeing those small improvements over time. Not just better grades, but kids who are more confident and more independent. When students start to believe in themselves, everything changes. Their attitude, their effort, their willingness to try.

Tutoring isn’t just about schoolwork. It’s about helping kids believe they’re capable, even when the task in front of them looks overwhelming. It’s about acknowledging the small wins and showing students that they can grow, with the right support. And to be honest, my students teach me just as much as I teach them.

Daniella Siljeg