Does My Child Really Need Tutoring? What's Better Alternative to Tutoring?

btbcoau
Apr 9
3 min read

Updated: Apr 12

What's Better Alternatives to Tutoring? — Does my child need more than just tutoring?

Everywhere you turn—your child's classmate, your neighbour's child, your friend's child, it feels like EVERYONE is in a tutoring class. Maths, English, NAPLAN prep, exam boot camps... it has become a mission for many families.

And if you’re not part of it, you might wonder:

💭 “Am I doing enough? Is my child falling behind? Are we missing out?”

But maybe the real question isn’t whether my child needs tutoring,

It is:

What kind of learning journey are we building for our children?

Not All Support is Created Equal: What's Better Alternative to Tutoring?

Let’s picture this: Two children are preparing for a journey.

🧳 One is handed a heavy backpack filled with worksheets, test strategies, and revision notes.

🧭 The other is taught how to read the stars, trust their instincts, and navigate uncertain terrain.

Both are aiming for the same destination: success.

But only one will keep going when the road gets rocky.

This is the quiet dilemma many parents face. Do we want our kids just to keep up—or to grow up equipped for life?

Is Academic Tutoring Enough in Today’s World?

In Australia’s competitive educational landscape, many families turn to tutoring to keep up, catch up, or get ahead. And yes, traditional tutoring academic tutoring has long been the go-to solution. It can prepare students for tests, reinforce schoolwork, and reinforce what’s taught in school.

But as the world becomes more complex, uncertain, and fast-moving, we need to ask:

📌 Is drilling more content really the answer?

📌 Are we building lifelong learners—or just better test-takers?

Because here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough:

Knowing more isn’t the same as learning better.

Tutoring vs. Learning & Development: What's The Difference?

Traditional tutoring is like a booster seat—it helps your child reach the table for now.

Whereas a Learning & Development Centre is a training ground—it strengthens the muscles that carry your child forward for life.

Traditional Tutoring	Learning & Development Centre
Focus on content	Focus on how the child learns
Marks & outcomes	Growth, confidence, self-awareness
Worksheets & revision	Reflection, strategy, habit-building
Temporary support	Lasting skills and mindset
Fills academic gaps	Builds capacity and independence

One isn’t better than the other—they serve different purposes and goals. But many parents have never been shown that there is another option. It is perhaps a better alternative to tutoring for some children.

Mindset + Motivation: Matter More Than Ever

A child who believes they can improve tries harder.

A child who understands why they are learning stays engaged.

A child who learns to think, not just what to think, will adapt and innovate.

This isn’t wishful thinking—it’s grounded in research.

📚 Psychologist Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset research shows that when students believe their abilities can improve, they are more resilient, curious, and willing to take on challenges. In her TED Talk, The Power of ...Yet, Dweck explains that people tend to approach problems with one of two mindsets: "Are you not smart enough to solve it, or have you just not solved it yet?" That one small word—yet—can make a powerful difference. It builds confidence, nurtures persistence, and opens up a path to future growth.

Our children just have to change their thoughts to:

I can’t do it... yet.

💡 Motivation science Ryan & Deci’s Self-Determination Theory proves children thrive when they feel autonomy, competence, and connection—none of which come from drilling worksheets alone.

Mindset and motivation change how the brain learns. When children are intrinsically engaged, brain scans show deeper learning and stronger memory formation.

Let’s Zoom Out: What Are We Really Preparing Them For?

📝 To pass a test or to master learning and own their learning journey?

📋 To follow instructions or to think independently?

🎯 To meet expectations or to discover their potential?

Because we can tutor them through this term’s exams…But what happens when they face life’s real challenges?

Some seasons in life call for traditional tutoring. Others call for something deeper. What matters most is knowing there are different paths—and choosing the one that aligns with your vision for your child’s future.