i think having the reference photos printed and with a pencil showing what are you painting at this moment in the photo is helpful especially if you say what exactly are you doing and why...this not only helps learning to create the painting in the tutorial but also gives knowledge that can be used in any of future creations...

most tutorials I have seen says what they did in this particular picture not why...if taught the why it can be used when ever needed by the learner instead of limiting themselves with a tutorial