Helpful Tips How to Tutor History + FAQ

Wondering how to tutor history? Becoming a history tutor can be a rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to help students learn about the world around them and how it has shaped the present.

However, it can also be a challenging role. As a tutor, you will need to have excellent communication and organizational skills. You will also need to be able to manage a variety of different personality types.

If you’re considering becoming a history tutor, or are already offering history tutoring, but want to improve your skills, read on for some helpful tips.

How to Tutor History

Here are ten helpful tips for how to tutor history more effectively, whether you do it online or in person.

1. Know your stuff.

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to be confident in the material you’re teaching. Become an expert in the periods and topics you’ll be covering.

In addition to reading textbooks and other scholarly works, visit relevant historical sites, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts.

Woman smiling overlooking Machu Picchu in Peru.

2. Make connections.

Help your students see how the past relates to their lives today. Point out how historical events have shaped the world they live in.

For example, you might discuss how the Industrial Revolution led to advances in transportation and how the American Revolution inspired subsequent movements for independence around the world.

3. Be engaging.

Bring history to life for your students by using stories, role-playing, and other active learning methods. This will make the material more memorable and enjoyable for both you and your students.

Pro Tip: If you are tutoring online, we have a free ebook for how to make amazing interactive online lessons!

4. Encourage questions.

Don’t just lecture at your students; encourage them to ask questions and participate in the discussion. This will help them learn more effectively and retain the information better.

5. Be flexible.

Each student learns differently, so it’s important to be flexible in your teaching methods.

Some students may prefer visual aids while others may prefer hands-on learning. Find out what works best for each student and adjust your approach accordingly.

Tips for How to Tutor History Online

6. Find reputable sources.

When searching for information online, it’s important to use only reliable sources. Check the author’s credentials and look for reviews of the work to make sure it’s accurate.

7. Use multimedia.

Take advantage of the fact that you’re not limited to printed materials when online tutoring. There are many excellent history websites, podcasts, and videos available that can supplement your lessons.

8. Be patient.

It can be challenging to communicate effectively online, so it’s important to be patient with both your students and yourself. If there are misunderstandings, take the time to clear them up.

9. Be organized.

When teaching history online, it’s important to be organized and have a clear plan for each lesson. This will help you keep on track and make sure your students are following along.

10. Design interesting materials.

Many online tutors, for history and other subjects, Canva is a great place to create engaging tutoring slides. Interactive materials can be created on Genially or with Ed Puzzle.

How to Be a History Tutor FAQ

Below, we list answers to some frequently asked questions from people interested in being a history tutor.

What Does a History Tutor Do?

A history tutor is someone who gives academic assistance with learning different parts of history. This usually happens in a one-on-one setting, such as in a home, library, or online.

They might help with things such as how to study for an upcoming test, how to write a research paper, or how to better understand the material.

What Subjects Do History Tutors Cover?

A history tutor can cover anything from ancient civilizations to more modern history. Some specialize in American history, while others might focus on European history. There are also tutors who specialize in military history or specific time periods.

Other history tutors might cover certain aspects of history study, like test preparation or writing research papers.

Who Can Be a History Tutor?

In some instances, more often in middle school or high school, history teachers may fill in as tutors by offering after-school help to their students. However, this is not always the case.

A student who does well in history class may become a tutor to other students. The only requirement is that the student has done well academically in the area of history they are providing aid for. A student could decide to tutor history on their own or be asked by a teacher.

Students may be highly effective as tutors since their classmates may feel more at ease discussing academic challenges to someone their own age. Furthermore, a student tutor might provide a less stressful setting than an adult tutor.

A history tutor is someone who has not just studied history, but has the capacity to teach others about it. A history tutor might be any individual with a clear interest in history and either a degree in history or a closely related discipline, like art history or social studies.

Related Reading: How to Find Online Students for Tutoring

This isn’t always true, though. Someone with experience in law school admissions or environmental science may have a serious passion for studying a certain period in history, like the Egyptian pyramids or the US Civil War.

These people might just enjoy tutoring to share their extensive knowledge. They may also have classroom experience and understand different teaching styles.

A qualified history tutor will be extremely knowledgeable about various aspects of American and world history, as well as the history of pop culture. They should also be familiar with the names, birth dates, and backgrounds of famous people.

Usually, a person providing tutoring from this standpoint will do so on an as-needed basis.

How Much Can I Make as a History Tutor?

When someone becomes a history tutor, they will spend time helping students with homework, preparing for tests, and answering questions about history.

Some tutors charge a fee for their services, while others work for free. Others may offer one lesson free as a trial, to see if their style suits the student’s needs.

The average rate for a tutor is $20-$50 an hour. Some tutors may charge more depending on their qualifications or how much time they are willing to commit.

What is a Tutor’s Work Environment Like?

A tutor’s working environment generally depends on his or her preference.

Some teachers and students who offer tutoring do so in a school setting, while others may act as home tutors either from their own residences or by traveling to the homes of those they tutor.

Online tutors have the luxury of being able to work from anywhere they have an internet connection. This is a great option for those who do not want to commute or be tied down to one location.

Some tutors work for companies that provide online or in-person tutoring services. These companies often have strict schedules or designated work hours that tutors must follow.

The best way to decide what sort of working environment is best for you is to consider your lifestyle and needs. If you enjoy working with children, then tutoring in a school setting might be the best option.

If you prefer a more relaxed setting, then working as a home tutor or online tutor might be better suited for you.

Whether you work in-person, online, or in a school setting, there is always the potential to establish a good working relationship with your students.

Do I Need a Degree to Be a History Tutor?

A teacher’s college degree is enough to qualify them to become a history tutor. History can be daunting, especially when studied at a high school, or especially the graduate school, level.

A student in this circumstance may need help retaining an abundance of names, dates, events and details that tutoring can provide. Although it’s stated on multiple websites, you do not usually need a college degree to become a tutor like you would for becoming a teacher.

However, to become a history tutor, one should have a high degree of history knowledge. People from any discipline can become history tutors as long as they understand the subject well. However, many students want a tutor with a degree.

Most history tutors have at least a bachelor’s degree. In terms of higher education, 10.7 percent of history instructors hold a master’s degree or above. However, it is still possible to become a tutor with only a high school diploma.

Many times, history teachers work as tutors to help their students; for that reason, their college degree will be sufficient. Since history can be such a complex subject matter, having more extensive knowledge may be beneficial.

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How Can I Become a History Tutor?

If you have a college degree in history or are a certified teacher, then you likely already have the qualifications needed to become a tutor.

However, if you don’t have a degree in history or teaching certification, there are still ways that you can become a tutor.

There are many online and offline resources available to help people learn how to become a tutor. There are also companies that provide training for those who want to become tutors.

In order to become a history tutor, you will need to have a strong understanding of the subject matter. You should be able to break down complex topics and explain them in simple terms.

Related Reading: Technology Needs for Online Tutors

You will also need to be patient, as some students may need more time than others to grasp the material. Finally, you should be able to tailor your teaching methods to each individual student’s needs.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a history tutor, the tips in this post will help you get started.

Skills for How to Tutor History

To make online history classes effective, history tutors should have the following skills:

✔️ Knowledge Of History

Online tutors should know more than just the basics of the topic they are teaching. The tutors must understand all aspects of a problem and how to give explanations to their students.

This is essential as online students are not in front of the teacher and cannot ask follow-up questions. The teacher should also be able to break down complicated topics into easy-to-understand concepts.

✔️ Organizational Skills

An online teacher should be able to manage their time wisely and be organized. This will help them to be able to cover all the material that needs to be taught in the allotted time.

They should also be able to keep track of their student’s progress and be available to answer any questions that may arise.

✔️ Communication Skills

It is important that an online history tutor be able to communicate effectively. This means being able to express themselves clearly in writing and verbally.

They should also be patient when dealing with students who may not understand the material right away. Additionally, they should be able to give feedback that is constructive and positive.

✔️ Understanding Of Historical Patterns

History is always changing as we learn new information. What was once thought to be the cause of a conflict or event may no longer be considered accurate. History tutors must stay up-to-date with these changes in order to provide accurate knowledge to their students.

No two students are the same, and therefore no two students will learn in the exact same way. A good history tutor is able to adapt their teaching methods to fit each individual student.

Some students may need visual aids while others may prefer to learn through discussion. It is important to be able to identify how each student learns best and adjust the lessons accordingly.

By having a variety of teaching methods available, a history tutor can ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn in a way that is best for them.

✔️ Potential Of Practical Use

It is not enough to simply teach kids the events of 1863, but rather a good history tutor should be able to explain why it happened and how those events have shaped our present.

Helping pupils understand these connections will make them better learners overall.

✔️ Encourage Students To Think Critically

While it is important for students to learn the facts, it is equally as important for them to be able to think critically about those facts. A history tutor should encourage their students to ask questions and form their own opinions about the events they are learning about.

By teaching students how to think critically, they will be better equipped to understand the world around them and make informed decisions.

✔️ Teaching Skills

A history tutor should understand various learning styles, as well as different techniques to adapt those to their lessons. A tutor should look for new methods to convey information to the whole internet class or help their student in memorizing dates.

It is also important to be able to assess how well a student is understanding the material. This can be done through informal conversations, quizzes, or tests.

By continually assessing a student’s understanding, a tutor can make sure that the student is keeping up with the material and progressing in their learning.

✔️ Lesson Planning

It is important for a history tutor to have a lesson plan for each class. This plan should include the objectives for the class, the material that will be covered, and how long each section will take.

It is also important to have a backup plan in case the lesson takes longer or shorter than expected. By having a lesson plan, a tutor can make sure that they are covering all the material that needs to be covered in the allotted time.

✔️ Exam Preparation

Some students may need help preparing for exams, and a history tutor can provide that assistance. They can help the student identify which topics will be covered on the exam and how best to study for it.

Creating practice quizzes or tests is also a great way to help students prepare for exams. By providing students with additional practice, a tutor can help them feel more confident and less stressed come exam time.

✔️ Small Group Facilitation

When working with a group of students, it is important for the tutor to be able to effectively facilitate discussion. This means that they need to be able to keep the discussion on track and make sure that all students are participating.

They also need to be able to answer any questions that the students have. By being able to effectively facilitate discussion, the tutor can ensure that all students are engaged in the material and are learning from the discussion

✔️ Technological Skills

In today’s world, it is important for a tutor to be comfortable using technology. This includes being able to use a computer and the internet.

Some students may prefer to learn using online resources, so a tutor needs to be able to guide them to the best websites and how to use them effectively. Tutors also need to be able to use social media, as this is a great way to connect with students and share resources.

By being comfortable with technology, a tutor can make sure that they are able to reach all students and provide them with the best possible learning experience.

✔️ Course Content Creation

PowerPoint or other electronic means can be used to organize your material. This is most beneficial if you will be reusing the same presentation for several students or classes. You can also create handouts, which can be used as a study guide for the students.

If you are using a textbook, it can be helpful to create outlines or timelines of the main events to help students follow along. You can also create handouts with key information or practice questions.

By creating course materials, a tutor can make sure that their students have all the resources they need to be successful. Online tutors can also share these materials with other tutors, which can help save time and resources.

Pro Tip: This is a huge part of what The Tutor Resource does! If you’re interested in having your tutoring materials work for you outside your tutoring time, we can help!

✔️ Research Paper Writing Help

One of the most common questions students have is how to write a research paper. A history tutor can provide guidance on how to choose a topic, how to do research, and how to write a paper.

They can also help students format their papers and cite their sources correctly. By providing students with help on how to write a research paper, a tutor can make sure that they are able to complete the assignment and get the best grade possible.

✔️ Study Guide Creation

A study guide is a great resource for students who are preparing for exams. It can help them identify which topics will be covered and how best to study for it.

A study guide can also include practice questions or quizzes to help students prepare for exams. By providing students with a study guide, a tutor can make sure that they are able to effectively study for the exam and feel more confident come test day.

Tutors who are able to create high-quality study guides can be a valuable asset to their students. Online tutors can also share these guides with other tutors, which can help save time and resources. The Tutor Resource can help you with this, also!

Additional Resources for How to Tutor History

If you are looking for more tips on how to be a successful history tutor, there are a number of great resources available.

The Tutor Resource offers a variety of resources for tutors, including how-to guides, tips, and tricks. We also offer a variety of materials and even a free ebook that can help you improve your tutoring skills.

The National Tutoring Association also offers a number of resources for tutors, including how-to guides and tips. While most of their materials are geared toward in-person tutors, online history tutors may also find them helpful.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can make sure that you are providing your students with the best possible learning experience.

Conclusion: How to Tutor History

Being a history tutor can be a rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to help students learn about the past and how it has shaped the world today.

In order to be a successful history tutor, it is important to have good communication skills, an understanding of how history changes, the ability to adapt to different learning styles, and good lesson-planning skills.

By possessing these skills, a tutor can help their students succeed in their studies. If you have a passion for history and want to share your knowledge with others, then becoming a tutor may be the perfect career for you.