The Tutors’ Association’s Annual Conference: Mental Health

October 31, 2019

• Advice for Parents
• / Topical

Written by client manager Rosie Reynolds

On Friday, I attended the The Tutors’ Association’s Annual Conference. The event was held at The Royal Society in St James’ Park, a beautiful building appropriate for the occasion. 

We spent the day listening to speakers with varying backgrounds in the education sector. 

I noticed a common thread throughout a majority of the talks I attended; mental health in young people and how this relates to tutoring. For anyone who has or is currently a tutor, the notion that you are just an educator is justifiably simplistic. Your tutee may also see you as a role model and someone to seek advice from, particularly if they are struggling with their mental health. 

The pressure placed upon children and young adolescents to out-perform and over-achieve is unremitting. Many feel as though this anxiety is heightened through the instantaneous and seemingly relentless sharing of information online. In a few clicks you can be exposed to a world competing with itself; the new Forbes’ rich list, the latest Tesla model and the first space selfie. I believe that the internet’s portrayal of success often glorifies an unreachable goal. The almost daily replenishment of success stories and the value placed upon material rewards has created an environment in which winning is the only option. Whilst the stress of school work and exams is difficult enough, educators should also take into consideration the harm that social media may cause and take action to help their students. 

Dr Kathy Weston’s talk highlighted a specific issue within the topic of mental health and young people. Her argument suggests that children are not equipped or encouraged enough to be resilient, particularly when it comes to making mistakes in their schoolwork. Learning to accept a low grade or an incorrect answer at a young age is an essential skill needed in life. Being able to recognise a mistake and move forward in a positive and constructive way not only improves one’s own wellbeing, but it is a skill that employers look for. 

Dr Weston has produced some great podcasts that we have been listening to in the Kings Tutors’ office. One in particular addresses how as parents you can guide your children to accepting their mistakes as something beneficial. For instance, if a child gets a 6 in a paper instead of an 8, the way in which a tutor or parent reassures the child can have a hugely positive impact on their wellbeing and progress. Encourage the student to accept their mistake and move forward positively, as mistakes are an important part of life and provide an opportunity for growth. 

Being patient with your student when they make a mistake and asking how they are getting on are small acts that can make a really positive difference. School life and exams bring a huge amount of pressure. This can be overwhelming, especially when the student add’s their own personal pressure to the mix. It is so important for tutors to provide their students with the tools that teach one how to accept failure and move forward. Instead of dramtising an incorrect answer to a maths question, encouraging your student to accept it as part of the learning process and move forward is a skill that will translate in later life. 

The key message that I took away from the conference was the matter of mental health and adolescents. The varying angles that the speakers took offered fresh perspectives on the topic and explained different ways that one can help. It was also lovely to meet many tutors and hear about new and exciting developments within the tutoring industry. A great day out and an event that I hope to attend in 2020!