Tutoring for students is often seen quite plainly as a means to an end- a way to pass that important exam and progress to the next stage. What is less commonly discussed is the positive impact that private tutoring can have on pupils way beyond their exams and academic careers. The skills that can be taught in these early stages are transferable into the future careers and personal lives of many young people, some of which will be explored here.
Time Management and Organisation
Setting and adhering to schedules, setting and keeping to realistic deadlines, and organising subject notes and knowledge are just some of the activities that a student receiving extra tutoring will regularly engage in. Unlike in school, these activities are personalised and allow the student to take their personal circumstances into consideration. These skills will help to avoid common modern day issues such as burnout, and provide the student with the skills needed to effectively manage things like finances in the future.
Self Discipline and Responsibility
While still there to guide, tutors encourage their students to tackle independent work and take responsibility for their progress. This echoes the learning styles used at universities and beyond, setting students with the skills needed to excel at later life stages. Becoming self-sufficient and accountable for one’s own work is a vital skill that will be valued throughout the student’s life and career. Not to mention the role self-discipline plays in persevering through personal challenges and reaching long-term goals.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
The critical thinking and analytical skills that tutoring can boost during a pupil’s academic career encourage them to approach problems methodically and break down complex questions and issues. The element of personalisation prevalent in tutoring plays a significant part in allowing students to discover what problem-solving methods work best for them. In later life, these skills can help pupils to avoid impulsive decisions, overcome obstacles and evaluate information critically (which is especially vital in today’s era of widespread misinformation).
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Often one of the biggest obstacles tutors help their students overcome is self-doubt and hesitancy. While this often manifests itself in their academics, the supportive environment and celebration of small successes a student receives through tutoring can lead to a more positive mindset overall, and a willingness to take on new challenges without fear of failure. Confidence is a crucial skill to possess in the workplace, whether it be for pitching ideas, participating in meetings or even building productive relationships with colleagues.
In conclusion, the skills that private tutoring can help a student develop have potential uses way beyond their academic careers. Providing the right tutor for the student’s needs is found, and there is an understanding of the importance of mutual effort, there is little reason why their sessions cannot go on to have a lifelong benefit.
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