Class participation often accounts for part of students’ grades. The teacher wants to see and hear them interact with the lesson and their peers. However, some students stay quiet and aren’t eager to raise their hands or go up to the board to work out a problem. Oftentimes this is because they are nervous about getting the answer wrong or don’t want others to know that they are unsure about what they are doing. Or perhaps they have trouble effectively expressing themselves.
Tutoring can be a great way to help students build these skills and boost their confidence. Working one-on-one with a learning specialist, they can find their voice and become more engaged in the classroom. Tutoring offers a variety of benefits such as:
Providing a safe environment to practice. Being in a one-on-one setting can be less intimidating than speaking in front of an entire class. Students have the opportunity to practice the skills they are learning while receiving constructive feedback. They do not have to worry about feeling embarrassed about getting an answer incorrect or not knowing it. The tutor is there to guide and support them, clearing up any confusion, providing step-by-step instructions, and reinforcing key concepts.
Proactively preparing for lessons. While tutoring often goes over material the student may not have understood in class the first time, it can also be used to preview upcoming topics. As students are working on foundational skills, they can be learning how it applies to what comes next. By getting a head start, students see the information more than once and can feel more prepared in class because they already have an idea of what they are doing.
Learning how to ask questions. Sometimes students shy away from participating because they are hesitant to ask for help. Working with a tutor can give them strategies for asking questions in class or explaining their thinking and how they reached the answer. They can talk through things in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Building confidence. As students improve their knowledge and understanding of topics they have struggled with, it can increase their confidence in their abilities. A problem they may have been unsure how to solve before, now they know they can do it. Or a process they were unclear about how it worked, now they understand each step. When a question is asked in class, or a volunteer is needed to do work at the board, they can feel less anxious about participating. They can also feel more comfortable asking questions or verbalizing what they need help with.
Learning is a process. No one knows everything; there is always more to understand. But working with a tutor can equip students with the knowledge, strategies, and skills they need to perform more effectively in class and demonstrate their abilities. Tutoring is a safe space to practice, learn, and grow at their own pace. Contact Crafting Scholars today to talk more about available programs for students in grades 6 through 12 and help your child unlock their potential.