As a tutor, your primary goal is to help students improve their language skills, not to debate opinions. However, there may come a time when a student expresses an opinion you don’t agree with. The question arises: Should you respond to their viewpoint or focus solely on how they express themselves in English?

The answer lies in staying aligned with your role as an educator. Your primary focus should be on the language skills being used. Is the student’s grammar accurate? Are their vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate? Are they articulating their thoughts clearly? By prioritizing these aspects, you ensure the lesson remains centered on their learning goals.

Responding to opinions can be a slippery slope, especially if the topic is sensitive or controversial. Engaging with the content of their opinion risks shifting the session from language learning to a debate, which can distract from the lesson’s objectives. Instead, acknowledge their perspective neutrally and redirect the focus back to language. For example, you might say, “That’s an interesting viewpoint. Let’s look at how you structured that sentence” or “You’ve made your argument clear; let’s work on improving the flow of your explanation.”

This approach ensures the session remains constructive and encourages the student to express themselves freely, regardless of their viewpoint. Your role is to guide them in communicating effectively, not to agree or disagree.

Three Possible Benefits of Prioritizing Speech Over Opinion:

• Keeps the session focused on language improvement and learning objectives.

• Encourages students to express themselves confidently without fear of judgment.

• Maintains a neutral and professional atmosphere, fostering mutual respect.

Thank you for supporting your students’ ability to express themselves while staying true to your teaching goals!