My Perfect Students and Ideal Class Environment

My ideal online class is intimate—no more than 8 students during a one-hour session. This size creates the perfect balance: enough time to provide individual attention while maintaining the collaborative energy that makes learning fun and dynamic.

In larger classes, I've noticed how struggling students often withdraw completely, becoming nearly impossible to reach. This observation led me to deliberately cap my private tuition groups at 8 students. While one-on-one sessions can be valuable, they sometimes create too much pressure for students. I've found that peer learning offers unique benefits—students gain inspiration from classmates, share diverse perspectives, and develop collaboration skills essential for their future careers.

What makes a perfect student? It's refreshingly simple: someone willing to engage and put in effort. I feel genuine excitement when a student pauses thoughtfully before saying, "I'm not really sure..." This shows they're genuinely processing the material, considering possibilities, and inviting collaboration rather than shutting down.

I'm particularly mindful of my teenage students' reality—they're navigating intense hormonal changes, complex social dynamics, and identity formation while being constantly reminded about exams.  One of my sons described his grammar school teacher maintaining a daily countdown to exams on the whiteboard. Rather than motivating students, such approaches often create unnecessary anxiety.

My private tutoring business, Achieve English, has reconnected me with the joy of teaching in a way my regular position with larger classes cannot. These smaller group sessions create a genuine educational buzz—where barriers come down, authentic learning happens, and students discover their capabilities in a supportive environment.

Wishing you all a joyful Easter 🥚🐇! For those with Year 11 students at home, I hope revision is progressing smoothly and without stress. If it's not quite going to plan, please take comfort in knowing you're in good company! Feel free to explore my previous blog posts for helpful revision strategies. For families with younger children, I hope you're embracing this opportunity for quality time together and some well-deserved relaxation.