University of Oxford PhD student in history and Masters Graduate, delivering personalised lessons in history and general knowledge, or helping with admissions preparation! Over 5 Years Experience

Find out more about Josh

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have been deeply interested in history and the humanities for as long as I can remember. When I was a child I used to beg my parents to take me to museums, and asked for history books for Christmas. I have carried this interest with me always - I was never in any doubt that I wanted to study history and politics at A Level, and retained an interest in Religious Studies too! It is a testament to my love of history that I now study it at doctorate level, at the University of Oxford. My interest in private tutoring developed a bit later, but is no less strong for it. Three years ago I took on my first students, as a test of my knowledge and skills. The joy I got seeing their progress, seeing them understand concepts and historical ideas which they had previously found baffling, was overwhelming.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I specialise in military history, but am confident in any area of historical study; if I have never studied it before, but the student needs help, I will research the topic until I feel ready to teach! My favourite area of history is probably the First World War, particularly due to its pioneering use of technology to break the trench deadlock on the Western Front. Beyond warfare, I enjoy discussing 'history from below' - how ordinary people, who might not be our first consideration when usually studying the past, had massive impacts on the events of the world. Finally, I like to spend a moment discussing the current events of the day, particularly in the field of Geopolitics and International Relations. This helps students to stay up to date, and consider what historians might say of our time in years to come! I honestly can't think of subjects which I don't like to discuss (I am quite the chatterbox!) but if I had to choose one it would be subjects more related to mathematics or business.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  No role models spring to mind regarding my decision to pursue history in academia, but my Dad did go some way to set me on this path. My Dad isn't a historian, but when I was young he would take time to play history-themed computer games, board games etc. with me, and shared my love of all things historical. This is where I got my first love of the subject!

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  The first and most vital quality which all teachers must have is empathy. The approach of 'you should know this' is fatal when it comes to creating a conducive learning environment. If the student is struggling, why are they struggling and how can I help? If the student is succeeding, how can I help them push even further? This is impossible without empathy, as every student's needs and best approach are unique. Along with this, a love of subject is needed. How could I hope to inspire a love of history, and of learning, in my students if I had no such love myself? How could I instill interest and critical thinking in politics, if I didn't think the same way. Thankfully, as I say, I am a nerd for all things humanities!

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When in history class in Year 9, my teacher divided the class in two for a debate. The subject on the table was Sir Douglas Haig, focussing on the Battle of the Somme. It was terrific fun, as both sides sought to find evidence for/against him (I was put on the defending side). Not only was this debate valuable in itself - and an approach which I have taken on for my own students - but it also got us thinking critically around history. When I came to university, I felt prepared to tackle historiographical debate, such as that around Alan Clark's 'The Donkeys', which replicated my Year 9 experience.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  I found that schools don't teach students to write essays properly. This is of course not a universal failing, but is present for many students. This was a struggle I faced during college - though I had made myself an expert on the facts, I just could not seem to get the marks in exams! Finally, with lots of help I worked out how to critically write properly, and have since continued to improve in my writing skills. I therefore try my hardest to impart essay writing skills to my students, as it is so vital and a problem for so many students!

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  History and the humanities are the greatest passions of mine, with teaching as a close second! I suppose teaching and history would combine together to be my true passion. I wish to go into teaching history when I complete my doctorate, as there is nothing as good as inspiring students to do their best, watching them progress from strength to strength, whilst getting to spend all day talking about the subject which you love!

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I think my range of experience, across different strengths, ages and abilities gives me a real advantage. My youngest student has been six years old, and my oldest has been a Postgraduate Masters student. I have helped students get into Oxford, and helped those who were worried they might fail their exams. I have helped those who didn't care much for humanities, and those who loved the subject as much as I do. I believe that this makes me a Superprof, as I have learned to adapt my approach and technique to each individual student. It has taught me that there is no single 'correct' way to teach - tutoring is about building a professional relationship with the student, understanding their needs, strengths and weaknesses, and working together to achieve goal after goal!