Nigel – Tutor Interview Questions

What sparked your passion for history, leading you to tutor this subject?

I have an inquisitive nature; a wonder about how life fits together. Why do people do the things they do and how their own history and story makes them who they are. 

Inspired by my history teacher I have become a qualified history teacher and now have nearly 20 years of experience. I left teaching in the classroom full time as I lost my passion for teaching. Until a chance meeting at a party where I was asked if I would tutor a student. Reluctantly I agreed and have not looked back since. Tutoring is the best job I have ever done!     

How has your background in history shaped your life or career path?

Yes! History is what I do. I love talking about it, thinking about it and being challenged by and about it! The best holidays are places with something to learn or go to learn about. I also have a passion for education, learning and access to learning. Currently I am completing my MA Education specialising in Special Education Needs. Education is my true passion.

For someone unsure about diving into history, what advice would you give?

Find someone, something or somewhere that you find interesting and explore. Think about how this has shaped the world, the community or even you.

What’s your preferred method for teaching complex history concepts?

History needs to be taught in layers, we need to understand the knowledge to be able to apply. So, all concepts need to be built from the foundation of good quality knowledge.

Is there a particular area within history that you find most fascinating, and why?

Well this changes depending on my current interest. I currently have an interest in the Making of America; the story of the Native Americans, the white settlers and the African Americans. But, then I teach life in Germany and remember how interesting it is! Then I teach the Anglo-Saxons and Normans and remember the gore and brilliance of William I. Oh, I forgot about the Russian revolution! So, many different time periods and interesting events.

What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of tutoring history?

The moment when the student is making their own argument based on the knowledge you helped them learn. They are telling you the reason and then adding justification and counter arguments. Then they do their own research and add more information and knowledge.