Helen W.

London, UK

Post-colonial historian and tutor in London

Bio

I specialise in post-colonial history, I did my undergraduate degree in History with English and I have a masters in History of Political Thought and Intellectual History. This has... Read more

I specialise in post-colonial history, I did my undergraduate degree in History with English and I have a masters in History of Political Thought and Intellectual History. This has given me a broad knowledge of European history from the Renaissance to the modern era, in politics, philosophy and sociology. I am very interested in the interdisciplinary nature of history and I like to look at a period or focus starting with the broadest lens possible. As a post-colonial historian, I specialise in history that doesn't look solely at the perspective from Europe and or the West where the impact of colonialism is viewed as a historical act, but also at the shockwaves that are still being felt socially and politically around the world.
My style of teaching is primarily conversational, I prefer to have a strong dialogue with students about what they are learning and how they want to learn. I have found that teaching in this way is more inclusive and I have has very positive results from students with typical learning styles like dyslexia and dyspraxia. I personally find that history is a wonderfully interactive subject, that lends itself to a discussion, storytelling, critical analysis and debate. I will help facilitate the confidence needed for students to assert their arguments in a clear and well-reasoned manner. I would aim for any student to come away feeling that they had the skill set to hear or read something and be able to critically assess it.
I live in London, this is where I did my masters, at Queen Mary and UCL. It is a great city for a historian as there is fantastic access to history where ever you go. Read less

Teaching methodology

I like to engage my students through a relaxed conversational style. I find that an endless succession of dates completely disengages students from history. The utterly chaotic and... Read more

I like to engage my students through a relaxed conversational style. I find that an endless succession of dates completely disengages students from history. The utterly chaotic and interconnected nature of the subject pushes me to think differently with each student how to approach the critical analysis underlying the study. I prefer that the student leads the study and I guide them to achieve the best focus, I find that in this way they build confidence in their own ability and knowledge. Read less

• £25

  Hourly rate