Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, we find that similar questions come up from year to year. Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
How will the 2021 Connecticut History Day Contests be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic?
At this point, we’re not sure if they will be virtual or in-person. The decision about the contest format will be made later in the Fall of 2020.
I’ve never judged History Day before. Is that okay?
Absolutely! We welcome veteran judges as well as new judges. Every Contest begins with a training session run by the State Office. Judging teams will consist of a mix of veteran and first-time judges.
What qualifications are needed to be a History Day judge?
No qualifications are required to judge a History Day event. However, judges should possess an interest in history and be comfortable interacting with students. Judging involves evaluating projects with a critical eye, making decisions and offering students constructive feedback on their work.
What is the "second round" and do I have to stay for it?
In some cases, a category has so many entries, there need to be two rounds. The first round sends 2-3 top finishers into a "final" round. One member of each judging team must stay after the initial judging process to participate in the final round with members from other teams in your category. You will need to decide with your judging partner(s) who will be your group representative. This final round judging team will decide the final rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd place).
What kinds of questions should I ask the students?
Questions asked during the judging process should give students the opportunity to talk about what they learned while creating their project. The Contest is the students' day to shine! The judge should never talk more than the student or make them feel as though they have not done enough research. Questions about their research process, sources used, inspirations for the topic, and what they liked about the project are all appropriate questions.
How do I sign up to become a judge?
You can sign up on our website by going here and filling out the form. You will be asked which regional event(s) you plan to judge. A confirmation email with instructions will be sent to you about two weeks before the event, and an e-mail reminder will be sent a few days before the event.
I am an experienced judge, why do I have to sit through the training that takes
place before the contest every year?
We realize that for experienced judges a lot of what we cover in the judges training will be familiar. However, it’s important that everyone attends and listens to the information covered. During training, CHD staff covers the annual theme (which in 2020 is a brand new one), discusses correct judging practices, and covers contest logistics (that vary from year to year). The training session is also important
because it’s where judges meet their judging teams and are able to ask questions of the State Coordinator. Experienced judges are vital in helping new judges understand the judging process.
Why can’t there be separate training sessions for the five categories?
Contest days are extremely busy with much to do. There is no way logistically to run five separate training sessions for judges. Although the five categories differ in how the research is presented, the elements of a good project (strong research, ties to the theme) are the same.
Why can’t you give us more time?
Judges often suggest increasing the amount of time in which to review projects and meet students. For instance, documentary judges who have twenty minutes per project, often suggest increasing the allotted time. We understand that it’s a tight schedule to follow, but one of the challenges with contest days is trying to balance the schedule. Increasing time slots would make the contest days much longer. As it
is, one of the biggest complaints received every year is that the Contests are “too long.” Additionally, it should be noted that Connecticut History Day follows National History Day standards for time allotments.
Are audiences allowed in judging rooms?
Except for exhibits, audience members are allowed in judging rooms. Audiences can consist of fellow competitors, parents, friends, and classmates. Audiences are welcome to watch the presentation and the interview. The only prohibition is that audience members should not exit/ enter when a presentation or interview is taking place. Judges should open the door at the conclusion of the interview and before the
next presentation starts in order to allow audience members in/out.
If the interview does not factor into the student’s ranking, why do we do them?
National History Day is an academic program whose goal is to help students build skills that will help them be successful in the future. The purpose of the interview is to help students gain confidence and communication skills. Additionally, the interview allows every participant to leave the contest feeling good about the experience, even if they do not receive a medal. Sometimes, judges have specific
questions about the project or accompanying paperwork. The judges are able to ask those questions of the students during the interview.
Why do judges have to return to the judges’ room after the last interview?
We ask judges to return to the judges’ room after finishing with student interviews for two reasons. The judges’ room is a “safe “zone in which students, parents, and teachers are prohibited meaning that all discussions are private. There is no chance of judges’ deliberation being overheard. If a category has a runoff, it is especially important that judges return to the judges’ room so that CHD staff is informed of the top finishers and can start the second round of judging promptly.
How will the 2021 Connecticut History Day Contests be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic?
At this point, we’re not sure if they will be virtual or in-person. The decision about the contest format will be made later in the Fall of 2020.
I’ve never judged History Day before. Is that okay?
Absolutely! We welcome veteran judges as well as new judges. Every Contest begins with a training session run by the State Office. Judging teams will consist of a mix of veteran and first-time judges.
What qualifications are needed to be a History Day judge?
No qualifications are required to judge a History Day event. However, judges should possess an interest in history and be comfortable interacting with students. Judging involves evaluating projects with a critical eye, making decisions and offering students constructive feedback on their work.
What is the "second round" and do I have to stay for it?
In some cases, a category has so many entries, there need to be two rounds. The first round sends 2-3 top finishers into a "final" round. One member of each judging team must stay after the initial judging process to participate in the final round with members from other teams in your category. You will need to decide with your judging partner(s) who will be your group representative. This final round judging team will decide the final rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd place).
What kinds of questions should I ask the students?
Questions asked during the judging process should give students the opportunity to talk about what they learned while creating their project. The Contest is the students' day to shine! The judge should never talk more than the student or make them feel as though they have not done enough research. Questions about their research process, sources used, inspirations for the topic, and what they liked about the project are all appropriate questions.
How do I sign up to become a judge?
You can sign up on our website by going here and filling out the form. You will be asked which regional event(s) you plan to judge. A confirmation email with instructions will be sent to you about two weeks before the event, and an e-mail reminder will be sent a few days before the event.
I am an experienced judge, why do I have to sit through the training that takes
place before the contest every year?
We realize that for experienced judges a lot of what we cover in the judges training will be familiar. However, it’s important that everyone attends and listens to the information covered. During training, CHD staff covers the annual theme (which in 2020 is a brand new one), discusses correct judging practices, and covers contest logistics (that vary from year to year). The training session is also important
because it’s where judges meet their judging teams and are able to ask questions of the State Coordinator. Experienced judges are vital in helping new judges understand the judging process.
Why can’t there be separate training sessions for the five categories?
Contest days are extremely busy with much to do. There is no way logistically to run five separate training sessions for judges. Although the five categories differ in how the research is presented, the elements of a good project (strong research, ties to the theme) are the same.
Why can’t you give us more time?
Judges often suggest increasing the amount of time in which to review projects and meet students. For instance, documentary judges who have twenty minutes per project, often suggest increasing the allotted time. We understand that it’s a tight schedule to follow, but one of the challenges with contest days is trying to balance the schedule. Increasing time slots would make the contest days much longer. As it
is, one of the biggest complaints received every year is that the Contests are “too long.” Additionally, it should be noted that Connecticut History Day follows National History Day standards for time allotments.
Are audiences allowed in judging rooms?
Except for exhibits, audience members are allowed in judging rooms. Audiences can consist of fellow competitors, parents, friends, and classmates. Audiences are welcome to watch the presentation and the interview. The only prohibition is that audience members should not exit/ enter when a presentation or interview is taking place. Judges should open the door at the conclusion of the interview and before the
next presentation starts in order to allow audience members in/out.
If the interview does not factor into the student’s ranking, why do we do them?
National History Day is an academic program whose goal is to help students build skills that will help them be successful in the future. The purpose of the interview is to help students gain confidence and communication skills. Additionally, the interview allows every participant to leave the contest feeling good about the experience, even if they do not receive a medal. Sometimes, judges have specific
questions about the project or accompanying paperwork. The judges are able to ask those questions of the students during the interview.
Why do judges have to return to the judges’ room after the last interview?
We ask judges to return to the judges’ room after finishing with student interviews for two reasons. The judges’ room is a “safe “zone in which students, parents, and teachers are prohibited meaning that all discussions are private. There is no chance of judges’ deliberation being overheard. If a category has a runoff, it is especially important that judges return to the judges’ room so that CHD staff is informed of the top finishers and can start the second round of judging promptly.