Why Struggling Learners Need More Than a Smart Tutor

If school has turned into a daily struggle and nothing’s working at home, turning to a tutor makes sense.

But finding the right kind of tutor can be tricky.

You might start with someone bright and friendly, who knows the subject inside out. That seems like the logical choice.

But for many struggling learners, that’s not enough.

Instead of getting unstuck, they stay stuck. Sometimes even more so.

Because when a child is already behind, confused or anxious, what they need isn’t just a smart person to sit with them until they “get” it.

They need someone who knows how to teach it. 

And that’s not the same thing.

The Common Misconception: “If they know the content, they can teach it.”

It’s a common and completely understandable assumption. After all, if someone is good at maths, spelling or science, shouldn’t they be able to explain it to a child who needs help?

But knowing a subject and teaching it are two entirely different skill sets. Especially when a child is already feeling stuck, frustrated or left behind.

I learned this the hard way when I was in upper primary.

Maths wasn’t clicking for me, and my parents (trying their absolute best to help!) arranged a tutor. He was a university student. Bright, well-meaning, confident in the subject. But he wasn’t trained in how to teach, especially not how to teach someone who was already anxious and unsure.

He explained things quickly and clearly… at least, clear to him. When I didn’t get it, he’d try again, just as fast, just as confusing. I spent most of the session trying to keep up, zoning out and quietly deciding I just wasn’t smart enough.

He meant well. But the experience left me more confused than before… and even more convinced I wasn’t good at learning.

If you’re looking for help with choosing the right tutor, our blog post “10 Questions To Help You Pick the Right Tutor” is the place to start!

What Struggling Learners Actually Need

When a child is falling behind, simply re-explaining the same thing (even kindly and patiently) often leads to more confusion. What they need is structured, strategic support, designed to build understanding and rebuild confidence.

And that kind of teaching doesn’t come from instinct. It comes from training.

Qualified teachers bring a specialised set of skills to every session, including:

• Step-by-step support: Instead of overwhelming kids with too much at once, they break things down into smaller parts so children can succeed one step at a time.

• Flexible explanations: If the first way doesn’t make sense, they try another. Some kids need pictures, some need movement, some need real-world examples or a silly story to help it stick.

• Games and play-based strategies: Learning doesn’t have to be dry. With the right tools and creative teaching, learning becomes fun and something your child starts to look forward to.

• Reading the room: Experienced teachers know when to slow down, when to lean in, how to spot when a child is about to give up and gently bring them back.

• Safe learning space: Struggling learners often feel anxious or defeated. A good teacher knows how to create an environment where it’s okay to get things wrong, try again and keep going.

• Real-world experience: Qualified teachers have worked with hundreds of children. We’ve seen where kids get stuck, what finally makes something click and how to get there, even if it takes a few tries.

This is what makes the difference, not just in academic outcomes, but in how a child feels about learning.

Why So Many Tutors Aren’t Equipped for This

Here’s something most parents don’t know: the tutoring industry in Australia is completely unregulated.

Anyone can call themselves a tutor.

There’s no legal requirement for qualifications, no mandated training and no child safety oversight.

Even large tutoring companies often rely on high-achieving university students or recent graduates with no teaching background. While these tutors may be bright and enthusiastic, they often lack the skills to assess learning gaps, adapt their approach or explain things in a way that makes sense to a struggling child.

That’s why, at Attain Education, every tutor is a qualified primary teacher. We don’t just know the subject. We know how to teach it, in ways that are developmentally appropriate, curriculum-aligned and matched to your child’s needs.

When children are taught in ways that make sense to them, real progress follows.

The Outcome: When Teaching Skills Make the Difference 

When the right kind of teaching is in place, something shifts.

Children who once felt overwhelmed begin to lean in with curiosity. They ask questions. They try again, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Things that felt too hard start to feel possible. Mistakes become part of the process, not something to fear. And over time, learning becomes something they enjoy, not avoid.

Because real learning isn’t by rote or racing to the right answer. It’s about learning how to think, how to grow and how to stay curious along the way.

What’s Next?

If your child is finding learning hard, what they need isn’t just more time with someone who knows the subject, they need someone who knows how to teach it.

And that’s exactly what we do.

If you’re exploring tutoring and want to make sure your child gets the right kind of support, we’d love to talk. Book a free 15-minute consultation and we’ll help you figure out what’s going on, what’s already been tried and what might actually make a difference.

Because the right tutor doesn’t just explain things, they open the door to real learning.

Book your free consultation call today with one of our primary teachers and let’s build a plan to help your child’s learning.