How do I Tutor Difficult Students?

Tutoring is a highly rewarding yet challenging profession. While helping students excel is fulfilling, some present more challenges than others. In this article, we explore common types of "difficult" students and provide tips and advice to navigate these challenges.

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Understanding Shy or Nervous Students

Shyness or nervousness in students can stem from various factors, such as personality traits, lack of confidence, or feeling under pressure. Building a connection with the student over time helps create a comfortable environment, reducing their anxiety.

Additional tips:

Create a safe space: Assure students that making mistakes is part of learning, encouraging them to express themselves without fear.

Offer praise: Recognize and praise their accomplishments to boost confidence and enthusiasm.

Identify interests: Tailor lessons based on their interests to make learning more engaging.

Implement Active Recall for Revision:

Handling Unmotivated Students

Dealing with students who seem uninterested in learning can be frustrating. Discovering the reasons behind their lack of motivation is crucial in tailoring lessons to captivate their interest.

Effective tips include:

Set challenges: Utilize competitiveness by challenging students to improve, fostering a desire for progress.

Discover motivators: Identify their interests and incorporate them into lessons to make learning more appealing.

Encourage cooperation: Acknowledge and praise their efforts, building a positive environment that encourages participation.

Supporting Low-Ability Students

Labelling students as "low-ability" is inaccurate. Every student possesses unique strengths, and with dedication from both tutor and student, success is attainable. Praise, enthusiasm, and setting expectations contribute to fostering a positive learning environment.

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Additional tips:

Foster enthusiasm: Make lessons enjoyable to cultivate a positive view of learning.

Set high expectations: Communicate the importance of quality work, motivating students to take pride in their achievements.

Guide progression: Move students through challenging topics, ensuring continuous learning and growth.

Addressing Badly Behaved Students

Dealing with disruptive students requires understanding and communication. Discover the reasons behind their behaviour, build a rapport, and involve parents in finding solutions. Treating them with respect and setting positive examples can lead to positive behavioural changes.

Additional tips:

Politeness matters: Use polite language and request cooperation, treating students with the respect they deserve.

Lead by example: Demonstrate positive behaviour to counteract negative influences from their surroundings.

Reinforce good behaviour: Acknowledge and praise positive actions to encourage a repeat of such behaviour.

Guiding High-Ability Students

High-achieving and gifted students require unique strategies. Challenge them by focusing on areas where they need improvement, and don't hesitate to assign advanced work. Encourage hard work and study to ensure their full potential is realized.

In conclusion, tutoring is about encouraging learning, boosting confidence, and bringing out the best in every child. The advice in this article aims to assist you in achieving these goals and making the revision process easier for kids.