Take your tutoring to the next level

At Explore Learning we are proud to deliver tutoring that extends beyond a child’s immediate needs. Yes, we can help them to pass the next test but we have dreams that reach further than that. 

Our tutors are the people that make the difference. How do they do it? It’s all down to nurturing a growth mindset. 

Fostering a growth mindset in children helps them embrace challenges, persevere through difficulties, and view mistakes as opportunities to learn. When we use our time with a child to not only teach them skills, but also develop attitudes and habits, then our tutoring can have a life-long impact.

Understanding the Growth Mindset

Psychologist Carol Dweck coined the phrase growth mindset. It is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, where people see their abilities as something inherent and unchangeable. 

Children with a growth mindset are more likely to:

• Tackle new challenges

• Believe that anything is possible with the right amount of effort

• Make mistakes and see them as an opportunity to learn

• Listen to feedback and ask for help when unsure

• Be inspired by other people and want to learn from them.

8 steps to coaching a growth mindset 

1. Model a growth mindset

Talk about your own learning process alongside the child you are tutoring. “It’s okay not to know the answer straight away. These are the steps I’m going to take to help me figure it out…”

2. Praise effort, not just outcomes

Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try “I’m impressed by how hard you worked on that problem.” This encourages children to value effort and resilience over immediate success.

3. Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities

Celebrate mistakes and explain to children that they are a great way to grow our brains. We’re much more likely to build neural pathways by having to practise something a few times.

4. Set realistic and incremental goals

At Explore Learning we use our smart learning tool, Compass, to deliver bite-size activities. By breaking large tasks into smaller manageable objectives children can:

• Focus on mastering each small concept in maths and English

• Grow in confidence and pride as they master skills 

• Understand that progress is made through small incremental gains 

5. Use growth-oriented language

The words you use as a tutor can shape a child’s self-perception. Use language that emphasises growth. Instead of “This is too hard for you”, say, “You’re still learning this, and that’s okay. We’ll figure it out together.”

6. Foster a love of challenges

Help children view challenges as opportunities to grow. Celebrate their willingness to try difficult things.

7. Provide constructive feedback

Constructive feedback emphasises what can be improved and how to improve it. Keep it specific, actionable, and positive.

8. Encourage reflection

Reflection helps children internalise what they’ve learned and recognise their growth. After completing a task, ask:

• “What part of this was hardest for you?”

• “What steps did you take to get there?”

• “What will you try differently next time?”

Tutors have a unique opportunity to influence a child’s perspective on learning and growth. By modelling a growth mindset, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a positive environment, tutors can help children develop the belief that their abilities are not fixed but can grow with effort and persistence. This mindset not only enhances their learning experience in school but also lays the foundation for lifelong personal growth.

Take your tutoring to the next level at Explore Learning

If you’re inspired to impact a child’s journey today and in their future, then join us at Explore Learning. We are a leading provider of tuition for 4-16-year-olds across the UK supporting over 27,000 children every week. 

Combining great people with cutting-edge technology allows us to deliver tutoring with impact. Children make significant progress in their maths and English - on average 19 months academic gain in one year. Our unique adaptive curriculum means each child has their individual learning needs met whilst allowing our tutors to shine. No marking or planning, instead time to build genuine connections, inspire confidence, resilience and, of course, nurture a life-long love of learning!