What Tutors Really Do?

Imagine you have a personal guide, that leads you through learning. This guide not only knows the subject inside out but also understands your unique way of thinking. How would your learning experience be?

When people think about tutors, several scenarios are playing in their minds. Some picture us as a college student helping schoolers with homework. Some retired teachers work with elementary students on their reading skills.

While these scenarios are certainly part of tutoring, they only touch the tip of the iceberg.

Today we are going into the world of tutoring. We will explore the various roles tutors play and the skills they need to succeed. The impact they can have on students’ lives.

So, whether you are considering becoming a tutor, or curious about the profession, here you will find the answer for what tutors really do.

More Than Just Teaching

At the most basic level, tutors teach one-on-one or small groups of students. We help them improve their understanding of a subject or develop specific skills. But to say that tutors simply “teach” is like saying that chefs just “cook”. There is so much more to that.

Personalized instruction

Unlike teachers, who teach dozens of students at once, tutors personalize instructions. No, tutors are not magicians.

We simply give lessons either to individuals or to small groups. These small groups count a maximum of 6 people.

That is why, we have the possibility to adapt to each student’s needs and individualize our instructions. And this personalization is perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of our work.

Besides, we do not just follow a textbook with our students. Instead, we assess the student’s current level of knowledge. Also, we identify gaps and create personalized learning plans.

Then, we adapt our teaching style to match our students’ learning style.

Building confidence

Many students who seek tutoring, struggle in a particular subject or skill. They may feel discouraged, anxious, scared, or even defeated. And a significant part of our job is to rebuild this confidence.

One of my students said the other day, that she was scared even to start lessons. And nowadays, she can’t wait for the next one.

We tutors celebrate small victories and progress with our students. Develop a growth mindset. We also make sure you feel happy making mistakes because they are your opportunities to learn.

Teaching study skills

You may wonder, why would tutors teach study skills. Well, often students struggle not because they cannot understand the material, but because they have no idea how to learn.

As a tutor, you will play a crucial role in teaching how to learn and more. For example, you will teach how to take effective notes. Also, you will introduce memory techniques and learning strategies.

Plus, you will have cases when you need to teach time management and organization techniques. Or demonstrate how to break down large tasks into manageable chunks.

Yes, we tutors do it all, and it is so interesting.

Providing accountability

Normally, teachers see their students for an hour a day. Tutors may see their students only 2-3 times a week.

However, we have closer relationships with our students. And here is why:

• We set goals with our students and track their progress

• Follow up on assignments and homework

• Provide regular feedback to our students

• And encourage consistency in their study habits

Over time you get to know your students better and you even develop friendships to some extent. Though, there are boundaries you need to know and keep, with your students. Still, it is different from the teacher-students relationship.

Once one of my students told me a very funny thing. She noticed that tutors managed to know more about her than her best friend.

Tutors Wear Many Hats

Sometimes I find tutoring job as a theatre, where you play many roles.

Let's explore some of them:

The Mentor

As a tutor, you will often become a mentor. Especially if you are working with older students.

You will have students coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages.

Some of them you may help with the college application process. Others will ask you for guidance in career choices or personal development.

The Cheerleader

I believe this is one of the most frequent roles we play. We are often a student’s biggest cheerleader. We celebrate success with them no matter how small or big.

Also, we provide encouragement during challenging times. You will find that many times your student needs your emotional support and encouragement more than instruction.

Indeed, emotional support can be just as important as academic instruction in helping your student succeed.

The Detective

Another very important and frequent role is a detective role. You will frequently need to uncover why your student is struggling with a specific topic.

After a plethora of explanations, practice, and repetition, sometimes there is still a gap. And here is where you start going through many theories and facts, trying to solve the case.

And once you identify it, you will become a doctor. You need to address that issue and not just the symptoms.

The Translator

Sometimes, you become a “translator” between the theory in textbooks and the student’s understanding.

Our job is often to find ways to explain complex concepts in a simple way. We frequently use analogies and real-world examples. Visual aids also make abstract ideas more concrete. In very complex cases, when I have already tried everything, I ask AI to give me more ideas to try.

At the end of the day, your student needs to understand it.

The Coach

We are also like sports coaches. As we need students to reach their full potential. And to challenge our students we also need to step out of our comfort zones.

As a good tutor, you will know how to reach a balance between support and challenge to promote growth.

The Skills That Make a Great Tutor

Now let's talk about the skills we, tutors, need to do our job effectively.

Great tutors possess a unique mix of knowledge, interpersonal skills, and teaching ability.

Subject matter expertise

Subject matter expertise seems obvious and not at the same time.

Tutors usually are expected to have deep knowledge of the subject. However, it is where the difference between a teacher and a tutor lies. We should know well what we teach.

We also should be able to explain concepts from multiple angles. As I mentioned above until your students understand and master it.

On top of that we are here to answer any questions related to the topic.

Patience

One of my favorite ones. Usually, my students tell me, I have the patience of an angel. However, this is not true. Like any other skill, it is trainable.

As students for life, we know that earning can be frustrating. And our students experience the same frustration when learning.

And as tutors, to explain multiple times and in different ways, the same concept is our job. Correct the same mistakes all over again.

Repeat the same rule or word multiple times until the student remembers. Some of the things students memorize for months.

As great tutors, we need to train our patience to work through these challenges without showing frustration.

Communication skills

Another great skill that is not only applicable to tutoring but to life in general. However, as tutors, we need to be great communicators.

There are multiple aspects to it. From explaining complex ideas in simple terms to details in communication with students.

Adaptability

Every student is different, and in general the same never works for a different student.

We, tutors quickly adapt our teaching style and methods. We suit the needs of each individual student.

Empathy

Understanding and relating to students' struggles is crucial.

We need to build trust with them and create a positive learning environment.

Most of the time you may be the best in explanation and the most skilled tutor. BUT, if you cannot build an emotional connection with your student, she will never learn anything from you.

Hence, we, tutors need to be able to put ourselves in our students' shoes. And approach challenges from their perspective.

Organization

If you do everything properly, your tutoring business will grow very fast. Moment to other you will work with multiple students maybe even across various subjects.

That is why it is so important for us to adapt, and keep track of their progress, assignments, and goals. All of this requires good organizational skills.

Creativity

We work with students coming from very diverse backgrounds, ages, and cultures. I for instance, at the time of writing this article have students of 17 nationalities. And you will too.

You will notice that sometimes traditional teaching methods do not work. And you will need to get creative.

This might involve designing games to teach concepts. Or finding unique ways to relate the material to your student's interests.

The Impact of Tutoring

While we help improve the academic performance of our students. Our impact goes beyond it.

Let's explore some of our long-lasting effects on our students:

Increased self-confidence

As students our students begin to understand concepts their confidence grows.

This newfound self-assurance, believe it or not, often extends beyond the subject being tutored.

For some unexplainable reason for me, I have many students that are talented in art. But only a few of them draw and do something with that. But still nothing commercial. All the other students are so ashamed of their work.

And believe me, their work is beautiful. People pay millions for less.

And over time, not that I influence them directly. But they start either drawing more or starting a blog, etc.

This is the effect of growing self-confidence. You will experience it too.

Improved study habits

The study skills and learning strategies we teach our students benefit them enormously. Most of the learning strategies can be applied throughout many subjects.

Hence, our students benefit from it throughout their academic careers and even into their professional lives.

Grow love of learning

Good tutors don't just help students pass tests. We inspire curiosity and a genuine interest in the subject matter.

Also, we inspire a lifelong love of learning. When the student learns how to learn, he knows he can learn anything.

Increased independence

We cannot tutor our students for decades or the rest of their lives. Otherwise, we need to question what dod we do wrong.

Normally our students should gain confidence and skills to keep learning.

The goal for us as tutors is to eventually work ourselves out. And we can do it by helping students become self-sufficient.

The Challenges Tutors Face

While tutoring is incredibly rewarding, there are also many challenges.

Here are some of the common ones we face:

Unmotivated students

Not all students that come to you are eager to learn. Normally, just a few of them are motivated. For example, someone who learned one foreign language already knows the process.

So they book lessons with you motivated to grasp the basics. To reach their fluency, the reasons differ. Most important, they are still motivated.

But most of your students will be either forced by parents or work. Some will be demotivated from multiple tries and fails. And some are even demotivated by previous tutors and decided to give it the last chance.

Unrealistic expectations

Many students come with unrealistic expectations. For example, I have an exam in three weeks. I need this score and also to increase my general knowledge of the subject. I can come 2 times a week because I am very busy at work.

Or, they are so much spoiled by advertising. Learn the language in 15 minutes. Or three months and you a pro in advanced math.

Well, many times you will need to explain that miracles don’t happen in learning. And manage high expectations while pushing for progress.

Diverse learning needs

Tutors often work with students who have learning disabilities or special needs. For example, attention disorder is one of the most frequent problems nowadays.

Adapting to these diverse learning styles and needs can be challenging. And you need to know how to teach right in this case.

Time management

One of the very challenging topics for tutors is time management. Most new tutors will be surprised how long at the beginning takes lesson planning.

Especially if you want to teach multiple subjects and have multiple students.

To manage all the tasks you will have, effective time management is essential.

Keeping up with changes

Educational standards can change frequently. There are so many technologies appearing every day.

Developments in teaching methods and techniques. As a tutor, you will need to stay updated on these changes.

This will ensure you are providing relevant instruction and continue to prosper.

The Future of Tutoring

As with many fields, technology is changing and developing. The tutoring world is not an exception.

Online tutoring platforms have grown exponentially. They made it possible for students to connect with tutors from anywhere in the world.

And for tutors to teach students on different continents from anywhere in the world.

At your disposal, there are virtual whiteboards, classrooms, video conferencing tools, etc.

Additionally, artificial intelligence and adaptive learning technologies revolutionized tutoring.

Many tutors and teachers are very careful with AI. However, it is a great supplement tool to traditional tutoring methods.

However, even as technology advances, the core of what tutors do remains the same. We provide personalized support, build confidence, and inspire a love of learning.

To sum up, what tutors do goes far beyond simply teaching material. We personalize instruction, build study skills, provide emotional support, and inspire a love of learning that can last a lifetime.

We remind people, that education is not one-size-fits-all. And with the right support, every student has the potential to succeed.

So when thinking about tutoring, remember: we do not just help with homework. We are shaping futures, one student at a time.