Is your child struggling with a subject such as maths, science or languages? Do they need help with homework, or have they lost confidence after a bad result? Private tutoring is one possible answer. Here is what it actually brings, at home or online, and when to consider it.
1. An individual approach, at the student’s own pace
In class, the teacher follows one curriculum for the whole group. They rarely have time to explain a concept several times to a student who is falling behind.
In a private lesson, the coach focuses on a single student. They can:
- go back to where a concept got stuck, sometimes several years earlier;
- explain it differently, with other examples, until it is understood;
- set extra exercises that target the student’s own mistakes;
- adjust the pace: move faster through what is mastered, slow down on what is still difficult.
Private lessons are also flexible in length. They can support a student throughout the year when difficulties persist, or provide short-term help for a specific goal, such as passing an exam or catching up.
2. A relationship of trust with the coach
With a single adult, away from the eyes of the class, many students finally dare to say what they do not understand. That is often where real progress begins.
A good coach masters their subject, but can also put themselves in the student’s shoes. They spot where the difficulty comes from: an old gap, a misread instruction, a lack of method or simply stress. Then they help the student overcome it, step by step.
This relationship only works if there is a good connection. That is why choosing the right coach matters as much as their knowledge: their profile must suit the student’s age, needs and personality.
3. Regaining motivation and self-confidence
A poor result, whether on a mid-term report or at the end of the year, can be very discouraging. Yet motivation plays an important role in school success. It is best to act early when a child starts to give up.
The coach knows their student’s strengths and weaknesses. They can point out progress, even small steps, and help the student believe in their abilities again. A mistake becomes a step in learning, not a verdict.
Private tutoring does not replace support from a health professional when a child is deeply unhappy. It does offer a reassuring setting where the student can make mistakes without fear.
4. Learning to get organised
Some students understand the material well but are poorly organised: homework done at the last minute, incomplete notes, revision badly spread out before exams. For them, coaching in study skills can make a big difference.
The coach helps the student develop skills that go well beyond a single subject:
- planning their revision and homework over the week;
- managing their time and stress in the run-up to exams;
- taking clear notes and reviewing them effectively;
- gradually becoming independent.
5. The benefits of private tutoring at home
Lessons often take place after school or at the weekend, when the student is already tired. Holding them at home, in a familiar setting, makes the session more relaxed. The student asks questions more easily and dares to answer without fear of being wrong.
At home, the coach can also observe the student’s study habits and give practical advice:
- does the student have a schedule to organise their revision and homework?
- are their class notes complete and well organised?
- do they work at a tidy desk, away from their phone?
Online lessons are a good alternative when schedules are tight, for a university student or for targeted revision. Some families combine both formats depending on the time of year.
Personalising, yes, but wisely
Every student learns in their own way, and that is the whole point of one-to-one support. One caveat, though: research has not confirmed that teaching according to a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic “learning style” improves results. Personalising means starting from the student’s actual gaps, goals and pace.
For a child with a learning disorder (dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD…), the coach provides tailored academic support. They work alongside a speech therapist or other specialist, without replacing them.
What about digital tools?
Online exercises, practice platforms, artificial intelligence: digital tools can help a student revise at their own pace. They remain tools. Understanding why a student is stuck, encouraging them when they lose heart and helping them get organised all take human support.
When should you consider private tutoring?
A few signs can alert you:
- grades dropping in a subject, or gaps building up;
- homework becoming a source of conflict at home;
- a child losing confidence or saying they are “useless”;
- an important exam ahead, or a tricky transition such as starting secondary school.
The earlier you act, the easier it is to catch up. Needs vary with age: discover our private tutoring for primary school and our private tutoring for secondary school.
How do lessons work with My Sherpa?
Since 2003, My Sherpa has been organising private tutoring at home anywhere in Belgium, or online. In practice:
- an educational advisor assesses the student’s needs and proposes a suitable programme;
- they then choose the coach who fits that programme and your availability;
- our coaches are selected in a one-to-one interview, on their subject knowledge, teaching skills and personal qualities;
- the first three lessons serve as a trial period: if the connection is not there, you continue with another coach at no extra cost.
Session length, schedules, payment: you will find all the answers in our frequently asked questions.
