Superprof survey says confidence, not ability, is blocking student progress

A new Superprof survey of 923 U.S. tutors found that 77% often see students demonstrate a skill and still doubt they can do it, suggesting a confidence gap that may be hurting academic performance heading into back-to-school season. Tutors also pointed to fear of mistakes, avoidance of hard work and overreliance on technology as parts of the problem.

Why it matters: - Superprof says student success is being limited by self-belief as much as by subject knowledge. - The finding lands as parents and educators look for ways to re-engage students this fall. - A confidence gap can stop students from using skills they already have.

What happened: - Superprof surveyed 923 U.S.-based tutors in July 2026. - 77% of tutors said they frequently or occasionally see a student get the right answer or show a skill, then say they “can’t” do it or are “not good at” the subject. - The survey framed the issue as a confidence crisis affecting Gen Alpha learners. - Superprof is the world’s largest tutoring network.

The details: - 56% of tutors said students are more confident in their academic abilities than five years ago. - 53% said students avoid challenging work. - 41% reported increased fear of mistakes. - 40% said students give up after a single setback. - Tutors said many students understand material well but lack the self-belief to act on what they know. - Tutors pushed back on the idea that phones, social media and AI are the main cause of student struggle. - Tutors said those tools are more often symptoms than root causes. - The deeper issue, as tutors described it, is cognitive overload from constant digital information and weak instruction on how to use those tools for active learning. - 80% of respondents said building students’ confidence is now a significant part of their job, more than any other non-content focus reported.

Between the lines: - The survey suggests academic interventions alone may not be enough if students do not trust their own abilities. - That could help explain why some learners underperform even when they can demonstrate mastery in the moment. - The results also challenge a common blame cycle that places most responsibility on devices and platforms. - Instead, the data points to a mix of anxiety, performance pressure and low resilience.

What's next: - Superprof said families and educators heading into the school year should focus on how students see themselves, not only what they know. - Parents and students can visit more information to find a tutor. - Tutors interested in joining the network can also start tutoring through the same site. - Superprof said it connects millions of students with tutors for online or in-person lessons across more than 2,000 subjects.

The bottom line: - Superprof’s survey says the hardest part of learning may be getting students to believe they can succeed once they already have the skills to do it.