Thursday, March 26, 2020

Campus Tutoring in Tucson

Campus Tutoring in TucsonCampus tutoring in Tucson is great for children and adults. Campus tutoring in Tucson helps to educate students and help them learn through skills based learning, which helps the student to become more responsible for their success. It helps you grow as a person.Campus tutoring in Tucson is a combination of classroom and online classes that are conducted by trained and qualified tutors who help to teach students new and exciting skills. Tutoring includes on campus visits, telephone tutoring, and onsite and off site tutoring.Campus tutoring in Tucson is available in a variety of settings, such as in a classroom or an online environment. In the classroom, you can choose from one-on-one instruction or group instruction. Group instruction gives students a chance to interact with a professional tutor on a regular basis. On-campus tutoring is available for both children and adults.Online tutoring is offered in two formats, which are classroom based tutoring and onl ine classroom based tutoring. Tutors in a classroom based setting give specific attention to each individual student, helping them to identify areas that need improvement, and also, for students who have difficulty focusing on a particular topic, it can be used to focus their attention on a particular concept. Students who complete online classroom based tutoring are often rewarded with hands-on training, training that can lead to an academic or career success in their future. Online tutoring includes a wide range of activities, including lecture notes, projects, assignments, tests, and more.Many parents prefer to use the classroom based tutoring offered by tutors who work through the internet to teach their children. A child can communicate with their tutor through chat rooms, email, instant messaging, and online chats. Some instructors encourage you to do the work at home, while others encourage you to attend the class with your child or the tutor. Each type of college or universi ty offers a different method of tutoring, and they can be found easily on the internet.Tutoring can help your child to get better grades and improve his or her grades, and also help them to get into a college. Tutoring can even teach them to earn a college degree. Before choosing tutoring, parents should consider the range of subjects that their child is studying. They can decide on the curriculum they would like their child to receive and what type of tutoring they can do in order to help their child with a particular course.Tutoring will ensure that your child gets a well-rounded education and learns valuable lessons that will benefit him throughout his or her life. You can contact a Tucson tutoring school to help your child get a quality education.

Friday, March 6, 2020

How to Take Notes in a College Lecture

How to Take Notes in a College Lecture There are students everywhere. The room is intimidatingly huge. All you face is a giant powerpoint screen and a professor who appears to be miles away. As this professor shuffles through papers and produces a plethora of static to get their microphone clipped on sufficiently, you are probably feeling utterly clueless as to how you are ever going to learn anything in there. The classic college lecture hall is a setting youve seen in many movies and T.V. shows throughout your life, but once youre actually there, you may find yourself having to take a step back to figure out just how you should approach it. Its easy to hopelessly feel like youre totally on your own with this material since theres no way the professor could know who you are in a sea of 200 or so students. What can be even more discouraging is the fact that you cant just as easily raise your hand and ask them to go over something again like you could in a normal-sized class. The professor will typically go about their presentation at their own pace and rarely stop for questions. Even when certain lecture professors do encourage and answer questions, its a bit nerve-wracking to make your inquiry when youre 27 rows away from them. Hence, it would be safe to say that paying close attention and taking notes is the best thing you can do in this situation. Taking notes in a college lecture requires a slightly different style, however, than what you may be used to. As weve already established, it is rare that the professor will pause the lecture at your convenience, just as getting clarifications on specific concepts immediately in the moment is unlikely. Additionally, the session will generally be missing the discussion element exhibited in most classes that allows you the ability to catch up. All in all, your note-taking must be fast, organized, and substantive. There are a few tips you should follow to keep yourself thinking in such a quick and efficient manner. First off, find out if the professor posts his or her notes online. This is extremely common for many college lectures. However, this is not to avoid taking notes yourself. If you solely rely on the professors outlines and bullet points, you will not succeed, because youll be studying notes that arent your own. In a sense, notes are a reflection of a thought-process, and whose thought-process makes more sense to you than your own? The reason the professor posting notes online can be helpful is not because it replaces your own note-taking, but because it gives you stable reminders to check in on whenever you like. You know these notes are correct because your professor created them, so having them available gives you guidance on what you should be studying and creating your own specific notes on. Subsequently, knowing you have that resource available takes away the pressure of feeling like you need to write every single thing down that you see up on the screen in the lecture. This gives you the freedom to focus your attention more on what the professor is actually saying and take notes on statements that actually make sense to you. However, if the professor doesnt post notes online, you still dont have to give into that pressure to write every single thing down. Vigorously copying all the text in front of you into your notebook wont teach you anything. This would be the equivalent of neglecting notes in class while your professor does post notes online. You need to actively think as you sit in these lectures so you can learn and jot down notes that you come up with on your own as you go along, rather than trying to learn everything later by staring at notes that make no sense to you. This will ensure you only write down notes that have logically come together in your head. Later on, when you study these for a test, they will be statements that you understand and therefore you will save yourself time having to deeply re-learn anything. It will just be a matter of retaining information you already have found an understanding with. Of course, sometimes you may not be able to easily comprehend what the professor is saying, regardless of the notes posted on the screen and/or online. Additionally, there may be important statements or equations pointed out that are completely incoherent to you, but probably something that will be on an upcoming test. This leads to the final point of lecture note-taking recognize what is significant and what is not. Sometimes, you will have to copy down things that dont make sense to you, but its more important that you get them in your notes so you can make sense of them later. You also want to make sure you do not waste time copying down sentences that really arent that pertinent to the overall material you could be missing something helpful that the professor is pointing out that is not listed on the powerpoint. In addition to passing over points that arent important, you need to balance writing down what you understand and writing down foreign things that you will need to unde rstand. These are fundamental principles of note-taking for any class, but they stand out in lectures since note-taking is all you have, in a way. Keep in mind the options of study groups and visiting the professor during office hours as well. These endeavors require a foundation of solid notes, however. In the end, you must not fret because there are, in fact, other sources of help but gathering the information first and proceeding to break it down is up to you. Attendance and attention are crucial to succeeding in a lecture class. As long as you come in there every day ready to genuinely listen and transcribe those thoughts on paper, the quick-paced lecture environment will be a challenge you have overcome.

Summer 2013 SAT group classes at AJ Tutoring

Summer 2013 SAT group classes at AJ Tutoring Now that summer is almost here, its time to start thinking about summer SAT preparation!   AJ Tutoring offers several group class options for SAT preparation in June, July, and August 2013.AJ Tutorings summer 2013 SAT classes will take place at our Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose offices.   Two classes will run each month, one on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am-12 pm, and one on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30-2:30 pm.   As part of the SAT class, students will take at least three proctored practice tests at the AJ Tutoring office on Saturday mornings.   Group SAT classes are limited to 8 students and cover the strategies and content necessary for a strong performance on the SAT.   For a complete SAT class schedule, please consult our website.To sign up for an SAT class or talk to one of AJ Tutorings directors about summer test prep options, please email info@ajtutoring.com or call (650) 331-3251.   We cant wait to work with your student this summer!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Desmond T Maths, Science and Chess tutor in London

Desmond T Maths, Science and Chess tutor in London Desmond T provides maths tuition, science tuition and chess teaching from 11+ up to A Levels. He has tutored for over seven years now  and over 90% of his students have gone on to achieve A or A* at GCSE/A-Level!  He is a graduate in Civil Engineering from Imperial College London and  an awesome chess player. Desmond represented England at the World under 12 Youth Chess Championships in Brazil and won the under 18 British Chess Championships at the age of 15. Why do you love tutoring? Ever since I started tutoring, it has become a passion of mine as it gives me great pleasure in helping others achieve their goals, no matter what they are.  It is always challenging for someone to learn something new, whether you are a young child or maturing teenager, but at the same time it is satisfying when it suddenly “clicks.” Who inspired you in education? My old chess coach helped me find a new way of learning whilst having fun.  While preparing for some major chess tournaments, and with quite a lot of parental pressure, he was always able to bring the best out in me by keeping me relaxed through patience; a trait that I have tried to inherit. What else do you get up to besides tutoring? At the moment, due to workload, not a lot! But I have a passion for travelling and eating out; there is nothing better to the end of the day than eating a nice meal out! If you had a super power what would it be? Hmmmm, not sure, never really thought about this…..I suppose to travel at the speed of light because it would help me cut out the travelling time when teaching! What advice would you give to a parent on how to find a tutor? This is a very interesting question. It is important to understand what the tutor can offer and whether there is synergy between tutor and pupil. I believe that only in a relaxed environment can the child excel. There is nothing wrong about having a couple of trial lessons to see if they can build up that relationship. Desmond is a: Private Maths tutor  for IB, A-Level, GCSE, Common Entrance, 11+ Private Biology tutor for GCSE Private Chemistry tutor  for GCSE Private Physics tutor  for  GCSE Private General Science tutor  for Common Entrance, 11+ Private Chess teacher If you or your child needs help with maths, science or chess, feel free to check out Desmond’s personal profile on the Tutorfair website to  book a lesson. If you need some help learning any other subject not listed, we have expert tutors based in London that teach all kinds of subjects. Image from  en.wikipedia.org  CC-by

The Mentor Aspect of Tutoring, Examined

The ‘Mentor’ Aspect of Tutoring, Examined I’m a somewhat nontraditional tutor in that I’m not involved in academia as a student nor in my profession; I’m a filmmaker. I make short documentaries for non-profits and socially conscious organizations. That may seem odd, but, in the world of film the ‘why’ of a project is very important, and I think that emphasis carries into tutoring as well, specifically in the 'mentoring' portion. The who’s, what’s, when’s and how’s of tutoring are mainly logistical, and - though no doubt important - are just the framework and not the heart. Who = a student and an older, more wizened academic guide. What = ensuring the student is keeping organized, is up to date on certain concepts and information, has better study habits, and is completing their homework and studying for their exams, etc. When = whenever is scheduled. How = employing various well-thought-out strategies for guidance on learning strategies, study behaviors, and general academic know-how. But to gel all of those together and have a student embody them is key; and the only way to do that is through close interpersonal connection. This is where the mentor portion of tutoring kicks in. You can espouse all the grade-getting, paper-writing, subject-absorbing rhetoric that you'd like, but if a student doesn’t feel involved, connected and inspired - it’ll be, if anything, a temporary solution. The student will look to the tutor for guidance and help, but just as importantly: for challenge and inspiration - for a broadening of their perspective. The point is to transform their mindset from homework being difficult and tedious, to it being fun and enlightening. Now, often this is a tall order. But done with creativity, enthusiasm, and a certain amount of peer-pressure (the positive, beneficial kind) to encourage further grappling with the information - it can definitely be done. It’s the same psychological principle behind why going to the gym is so hard. If approached day to day as: ‘Do I want to go to the gym now?’ the daily question and decision saps willpower and becomes more ingrained with one's own sense of self-worth; to the degree that if you ‘fail’ to go, it feels bad and encourages giving up. But if your whole mindset shifts to think of yourself simply as: ‘the kind of person that goes to the gym’ there’s more of a focus on changing those deeper circuits in the mind, to not feel shame about missing a day and to start to change behavior because of a narrative re-wiring, and not a day-to-day willpower dilemma. It’s the same with tutoring, if a student’s prevailing mindset is ‘I’m not a reader and I can’t do it well’ then every time they are assigned reading homework or are asked to pick up a book, there’s a sapping of willpower there, a drain on the self. To remedy that requires changing how they think about themselves - a narrative re-wiring. And that’s done through small victories that create confidence, and by a tutor/mentor jumping into the fray with them to show that it can be quite fun. It’s no secret that we as people inherently learn through stories. We perceive our own lives as narratives and they inform who we are and how we see the world. That narrative can sometimes be destructive as it blocks student’s potential, making them think they aren’t good at something or just don’t have it in them. Sometimes it’s difficult for parents and family members to help with this as the closeness of family bonds sometimes makes younger folks immune to their advice or prodding. Sometimes it takes the catalyst of a particularly connective teacher or an engaged parent to spur that curiosity and I think that’s our role as tutor/mentors. Beyond the adverbs, algebra, and accounting, tutoring is fundamentally about relationships. That connection and the emotions therein are where the learning and magic happens and are why it’s vital to be a mentor as well as a tutor.

5 tips for getting a TEFL certification online while you travel

5 tips for getting a TEFL certification online while you travel Need a TEFL certification but you’re itching to take off to a faraway place ASAP? You can travel the world and get certified at the same time with an online TEFL certification course. As Teach Away's TEFL Program Lead, I get a lot of questions from prospective students who want to get certified but don’t want to hold off on their travel plans. Well, great news: you don’t need to delay either! The beauty of online TEFL courses is that they are self-paced, super flexible and can be completed from anywhere in the world. So you can study wherever your heart desires. In fact, there are many advantages that come with studying on the road. For one thing, if you’re not sure where you want to teach English abroad, traveling can help you make that decision. Visiting different countries can give you an idea of what places are really like before you commit to living and working in one location. Or, if you decide that you don’t want to settle down in one place, you can continue your nomad lifestyle by teaching English online. That’s right: once you’re TEFL certified, you’ll have a great way to make money while you travel. Pretty awesome, right? But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s circle back to doing a TEFL course first. How can you complete a TEFL certification course while traveling? Enroll in an online TEFL course that’s flexible and self-paced. Make sure you have all the tech gear you’ll need to take with you. Choose travel destinations with reliable WiFi access. Budget for a longer trip with a flexible itinerary. Start your journey and study wherever (and whenever) you want! 1. Choose a flexible online TEFL certification that you can do from anywhere. Everyone’s English teaching journey should start with a TEFL course because one thing is for sure: you'll need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad. If you’re ready to start your globetrotting adventure now, there are two great options for getting TEFL certified while studying abroad. The first one is doing an online TEFL certification course. This is undoubtedly the more flexible and affordable option. You’ll learn all the same content as in a face-to-face TEFL course, plus have the freedom to study from wherever you want, whenever you want. So then you can bounce from country to country or settle in any overseas destination you choose. Worried about balancing your free time with studying? Don’t! Since online TEFL courses are self-paced, you won’t be tied down to a specific schedule or time zone. The second option is doing an in-person TEFL course abroad. But this option can be very pricey, once you’ve factored in course fees, airfare, student visa costs and accommodations. Plus, you’ll be tied to one location for weeks, whether you like it or not. So if you’re looking for a TEFL certification course that can move with your travels, you’ll find that getting certified online is much more flexible than doing a course in person. Of course, choosing the right TEFL course for you will depend on your budget and travel goals. So you should do some research before enrolling in a course. 2. Gear up with everything you’ll need to study online while you travel. If you’re planning to study online while traveling, here are some things you’ll need to take with you: A laptop with WiFi connectivity Sure, mobile devices like tablets and smartphones have come a long way. But you still can’t beat the capabilities of a laptop when it comes to completing an online course. If you don’t have a laptop already, don’t worry about spending too much. Nowadays, there are laptops out there for every budget. Just look for one that’s light and small enough to fit in your carry-on. Laptop charger This may seem obvious, but I’ll remind you just in case: You won’t get very far if you can’t plug your laptop in, so don’t forget to bring your charger! Power adaptors You also won’t get far with a charger that won’t fit in a power outlet, so you’ll need to bring the right travel adaptors with you. Before you leave on your trip, double-check the outlets and voltages in the countries you’ll be traveling to and get the right adaptors for each place. A protective laptop case Since you’re going to be moving from place to place, it’s also a good idea to bring a protective case for your laptop to make sure it survives the journey â€" especially if you’ll be living out of a backpack! Headphones Online TEFL courses often include instructional videos, so you’ll want to pack some headphones for your listening comfort. If you can fit them into your budget, noise-canceling headphones are ideal for minimizing distractions when you’re studying in public places. Luggage locks Traveling with valuables can be stressful. So for your own peace of mind, it’s always good to secure your bags with a luggage lock. And if you’ll be staying in hostel dorms, always ask if there are lockers in shared rooms where you can safely store your tech gear. So, to review, here’s the short list of the things you’ll need to add to your packing list: What do you need to pack to study while you travel? Laptop Laptop charger Travel adaptors Protective laptop case Headphones Luggage locks 3. Plan a travel itinerary with optimal WiFi access. For any online student, a reliable WiFi connection is essential! So keep in mind that even though WiFi is now a given in many countries, it’s still not accessible everywhere. That’s why making sure that you’ll have reliable internet access on your trip will take a bit of planning. A good place to start is making sure any accommodations you book have good WiFi connections. Most hotels nowadays have free WiFi available in your room, where you can study with no distractions. Hostels normally have WiFi in rooms and/or common areas. Cafés and restaurants are another good source of WiFi, but will take a little more research on your part. There’s nothing more annoying than finding a cute cafe to work in, ordering a coffee, and then finding out it doesn’t have WiFi. Getting out and going somewhere local to study also means you don’t have to cut yourself off from traveling while you study. You can get your work done while enjoying the local scenery and delicacies at the same time. Also, keep in mind that you should plan your itinerary carefully if you want to visit remote places without internet access, like national parks, campsites or undeveloped areas. You should plan to visit these places when you know you won’t need to complete online coursework. 4. Extend your travels (and study time) by budgeting for a longer trip. It’s the eternal travel dilemma: do you take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime trip by packing in as many activities as you can, or do you take a proper break and really, truly, relax? It’s all about finding the right balance between travel and coursework. Studying is going to be an extra pull on your time while you travel. You don’t want to miss out on any experiences because you’ve got to hit the books (or, in this case, the online modules). There are a few simple ways to make sure you are staying on top of your studies and still having fun in your free time! Firstly, budgeting for a longer trip will put you under less time pressure and, hopefully, mean you can fully dedicate yourself to whatever you’re doing: whether that’s mastering a new teaching approach, or simply laying on the beach. You can also save money on longer trips by seeking out budget-friendly destinations, accommodations and transportation. 5. Enjoy traveling the world while getting TEFL certified. Once you’ve planned your trip, enrolled in your online TEFL course and packed everything you’ll need, it’s time to hit the road! But remember to be realistic. Don’t try to fit studying into a packed itinerary, or else you won’t have time to enjoy your travels. Finding the perfect balance between studying online and traveling will take some time. You won’t want to miss any opportunities in the destinations you visit, but learning something new can take time too. Two of the best tips for success for online TEFL courses are, firstly, don’t rush your studies. And, secondly, spread the work out rather than trying to cram everything in at the last minute. Most 120-hour TEFL courses take 4 weeks of full-time study to complete, but the University of Toronto OISE TEFL and International House UC Berkeley TEFL both give students 12 months to complete their online TEFL courses. To get the most out of your schedule, you can dedicate an hour or two a day to coursework and still be able to finish in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Your travels will not only be filled with new cultures, countries and friends but thanks to your TEFL course, brand new skills too. And who knows, you might like some of the places you visit so much that you end up living (and teaching!) there in the future. Time to take the leap! Whatever stage of trip planning you’re at, you can start your TEFL journey today by enrolling in a TEFL course and working on it at your own pace. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to set up a call with me. I’m always happy to chat about all things TEFL!

Efficient Multitasking How to Learn Different Languages at Once

Efficient Multitasking How to Learn Different Languages at Once Quick question: Whats even better than mastering a foreign tongue?Why, mastering two foreign languages, of course!If youve ever dreamed of studying multiple languages at once, youre not alone.While the very concept perplexes traditional students in North America, studying different languages concurrently is a commonplace occurrence in schools across Europe and Asia.In fact, many high schoolers across the globe are required to study two foreign languages to graduate.If you  jump into a multilingual study plan feet first right now, you might  find yourself lost in a maze of conjugations, vocabulary words and grammar drills.So before you  leap, take some time to discover the benefits of studying multiple languages, prepare yourself for the inevitable challenges and get equipped with the right strategies needed to juggle multiple languages over the long-term.Lets get started! Why Learn  Different  Languages at the Same Time?A Faster Path to MultilingualismAside from the sheer fun of st udying a language, learning to speak a foreign tongue provides a number of  incredible professional and interpersonal benefits. Some of the cognitive benefits of language learning include improved problem-solving abilities, memorization skills and creativity.  Studying multiple languages amplifies those benefits, providing your brain with plenty of stimulation and challenges.While studying two languages together may slow down your overall learning progress in a single language, it will allow you to advance at a similar pace through two different linguistic systems. Some students find this approach more appealing than studying a single language from beginning to end, before starting on another.Increased Challenge for Language LoversScientists believe certain individuals may possess the ability to learn a new language more rapidly and efficiently than other people. If youre one of these people, developing the capacity to speak a foreign language may not require the same amount of effo rt it takes some students.Choosing to study two different languages serves as an additional challenge that will keep your brain working overtime. There have been several reported cases of ambitious polyglots teaching themselves upwards of ten languages simultaneously, so regardless of how busy you find yourself on any given day, two should prove manageable if you remain motivated.Addressing a NeedLanguage skills arent merely an extra bonus for many students, but rather an essential component of their everyday lives. Whether youre a travel aficionado gearing up for a big trip overseas, or you instead plan to spend long hours working on a project with foreign colleagues, learning multiple languages may serve a real need.Some students also take on the two-language approach to complete university credits. No matter what your motivation for tackling this admitted challenge may be, sometimes concurrent studies are simply inevitable.Choosing the Right Languages to Study at the Same TimeThe Argument for Dissimilar LanguagesEven if you consider yourself the Michelangelo of language learning, you will encounter obstacles as you attempt to gain proficiency in two different languages. Researchers have explored how the human brain stores different languages, with a number of factors influencing the region where linguistic information resides. Bilingual children who learn two languages concurrently often store parts of different languages in the same general area, whereas students who take on a foreign language later in life store that information in different regions of their brain.When you learn two languages simultaneously, your brain will naturally make connections between the two. For this reason, it may be worth considering learning two languages at opposite ends of the linguistic spectrum. For example, while romance languages will share similar vocabulary words, grammatical structure and writing systems, a Germanic language and an Asian language share almost no simil arities. Its incredibly easy to trip into another foreign language when they share a similar syntax, but youre unlikely to toss out a Japanese word or two while speaking German, for example.Building on Previous Learning ExperiencesStudying incredibly different languages may prove beneficial for some students, but others instead choose to pick a language in the same family as one they already speak. This approach helps lessen the workload for students concerned about overdoing it. Remember, regardless of which language you ultimately choose, you will want to make time to not only study your new languages, but also to continually invest in retaining your skills in other languages you speak.Feeling stuck about where to begin? Consider this cheat sheet to learn about the specific benefits of many world languages. If youre feeling squeamish about committing to a particular language, look for local cultural groups that offer language learning opportunities.Meetup  organizes language learn ing groups in many cities around the world, which can provide a starting ground for your research. If you live in a larger city, contact your nearest foreign consulateâ€"many consuls work to promote foreign language education through various initiatives in their local communities.Crafting a Study Strategy to Learn Different Languages at OnceScheduling Time for StudyEven the most devoted budding linguistics often struggle to simultaneously focus on improving their skills in multiple languages. Not only is it vital to find a strategy for juggling both languages, but youll need to schedule time to keep both languages a priority. Some students find it beneficial to pencil language learning time onto their daily agenda, as a means of creating a lifelong habit. Even if you dont opt to schedule your time in this way, you will need to determine what rhythm works best for your personal acquisition style.Alternating between two languages necessitates serious time management skills. Some stude nts alternate between different languages each week, while others spend the morning learning one language and the afternoon studying another. Choose your preferred approach and work to maximize your efforts as much as possible.Are you familiar with the Pomodoro Technique? Developed by Francesco Cirillo, this productivity method uses short blocks of time (traditionally 25 minutes) to keep interruptions and distractions at bay. If you struggle to keep your language learning on track, use a free tool like Tomighty or Pomodairo to create these spurts of learning time. You can also get creative by exploring all of the unique ways to efficiently learn a language throughout the day.Setting Learning GoalsKeeping your study sessions spontaneous and incorporating a myriad of learning materials will no doubt keep your language learning enjoyable, but dont forget to set goals for yourself as you progress. Try to set defined goals and work your hardest to reach them as you improve your abilities in both languages. This will help bolster your motivation.According to research conducted at UCLA, setting process goals often proves more successful than focusing on your desired outcome. For example, it might be enticing to imagine yourself chatting up your gondolier on your next trip to Rome, but youre more likely to actually master Italian if you instead set small goals necessary to reach that dream.Dont simply visualize yourself speaking the languageâ€"instead, determine to master five new conjugations this week. Next week, you can focus on learning 40 new vocabulary words. Achieving these goals will provide inspiration, and each objective serves as yet another stepping stone on the way to fluency.Immersion in Two Different  LanguagesAre you familiar with the expression, Use it or lose it? Its hard to overstate the importance of immersing yourself in a foreign language, particularly in the beginning stages of your studies. Simple techniques like watching movies and TV offer a great starting ground, but youll also want to try to converse with native speakers on a regular basis.Online Immersion with FluentUOne way to immerse yourself in a foreign language is with  FluentU,  an online platform and app that takes  real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.  You can browse videos  by difficulty (beginner to native), topic (arts and entertainment, health and lifestyle, etc.) and  format (video blog, news,  shows, etc.).FluentU isnt just watching videosâ€"its about learning and actively practicing the language you hear in videos. FluentUs unique learn mode will teach you  all that the clip has to offer. Learn mode takes your learning history into account, asking questions based on what you already know, which  sets  you up for success.Creating an In-depth Study AgendaIt can be hard to keep yourself from favoring one language over the other, which is why its benefi cial to make commitments outside of your own time. Find a language exchange partner for both of the languages youre learning and schedule meetups in advance. Volunteer for cultural events, tutor at a language institute and make friends studying the languages you enjoy. Its one thing to skip over the 45 minutes youve allotted for your evening flashcards session, but chances are better than not youll want to keep the social engagements you have made.Another powerful tool for ensuring you progress in multiple languages is to create  an agenda for the month ahead and purposefully alternate between your chosen languages. It can feel frustrating to spend several hours mastering a certain skill in one language, only to find you need to put in time on another language. Instead, consider diverting your focus with an 80-20 approach. Devote 80% of your time for a given week on language A, before switching to language B the following week.The Importance of Memorization WorkUltimately, every lan guage learner begins to grasp linguistic concepts differently, which is why its essential to remain flexible and experiment with various learning styles. No matter how you juggle your joint learning endeavor, however, remember to keep a keen eye on how much time youre spending on memorization exercises.Focus on repetition techniques to drill new vocabulary words and grammatical principles into your brain. Be careful not to neglect actual practice of your new skills, by taking the time to put them into practice. One simple way to do this is by using a combination of flashcards and writing exercises.Take 10 new vocabulary words and spend a few days memorizing them. After you feel confident in your recall, write sentences using your new words. This helps solidify the links in your brain between your new found knowledge and its real-life application. You can also try this technique with other parts of speech, including verbs, possessive adjectives and prepositional phrases.Studying a fo reign language is perhaps one of the most fulfilling activities on the planet, but taking on two languages at the same time is no small undertaking. Carefully consider the pros and cons of learning two languages simultaneously, and make the decision that best works for you.If youve got the time on your hands to make it happen, focus on creating long-term goals to keep your studies on track. With hard work and a bit of luck, youll be a veritable polyglot in no time.Adam Zetterlund is a language enthusiast living in New York City. He spent five years honing his foreign language skills in Paris and London, and he currently partners with a number of international clients in a marketing capacity. Learn more by reading his blog.

Kumon Staff Pick Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Kumon Staff Pick Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Kumon Staff Pick: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry RRL Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Readers between 5th and 8th grade Why do you personally enjoy this book? I first read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry when I was in seventh grade, and it still resonates with me as an adult. The story takes place in Mississippi during the Great Depression. It is a story about a cotton-farming family who, despite the hardships they face, sticks together as a result of their strength and pride. This novel was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1977 for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Why do you think students would enjoy this book? The protagonist, and narrator, is nine-year-old Cassie Logan. Cassie is a spitfire whose experiences teach her a great deal about family and friendship during a time when she is first exposed to the struggles of the times. Students will enjoy this book, as it is told from the perspective of a strong-willed young child. The characters are so well developed that there is a strong desire to learn their fate. What skills and/or values might students gain by reading this book? Students will learn about the importance of family values, loyalty, and the gratification that they bring. They will also be exposed to American history and the importance of justice and equality for all people. You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: My Father’s Dragon Kumon Staff Pick: The Snowy Day Kumon Staff Pick: Clown by Quentin Blake Kumon Staff Pick: Fever, 1793 Kumon Staff Pick Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Kumon Staff Pick: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry RRL Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Readers between 5th and 8th grade Why do you personally enjoy this book? I first read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry when I was in seventh grade, and it still resonates with me as an adult. The story takes place in Mississippi during the Great Depression. It is a story about a cotton-farming family who, despite the hardships they face, sticks together as a result of their strength and pride. This novel was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1977 for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Why do you think students would enjoy this book? The protagonist, and narrator, is nine-year-old Cassie Logan. Cassie is a spitfire whose experiences teach her a great deal about family and friendship during a time when she is first exposed to the struggles of the times. Students will enjoy this book, as it is told from the perspective of a strong-willed young child. The characters are so well developed that there is a strong desire to learn their fate. What skills and/or values might students gain by reading this book? Students will learn about the importance of family values, loyalty, and the gratification that they bring. They will also be exposed to American history and the importance of justice and equality for all people. You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: My Father’s Dragon Kumon Staff Pick: The Snowy Day Kumon Staff Pick: Clown by Quentin Blake Kumon Staff Pick: Fever, 1793

DSU Chemistry Placement Test Preparation

DSU Chemistry Placement Test PreparationThe DSU Chemistry placement test is an exciting opportunity for all those who intend to pursue a degree in chemistry. To obtain a good grade on the test, one must have all the necessary prerequisites, which include chemistry, a minimum of a C in calculus, and a strong score on the verbal and math sections. For most students, the success of the test will depend largely on their preparation and performance.A thorough preparation is crucial to the success of a placement test. It is also important to make sure that you bring all your science work into the testing center, as this will help you concentrate on the actual test material and memorize it. Also, be sure to bring your textbook for each subject. During the actual test, you will likely be doing a quick overview of the various topics in the class and the particular text that you are studying.The DSU Chemistry placement test can actually be taken at your home, or even at your college. However, it is also important to make sure that you are prepared to take it on campus, so you will not be disrupting other students' studying. You can be certain to get a better grade if you prepare well beforehand.At this point, you should also make sure that you bring along any extra supplies. If there is a lab period available, make sure that you bring your lab materials, and don't forget your calculator and the chalk. It is a good idea to bring along as many textbooks as possible to help keep yourself updated with new texts, as well as lab items that you may be required to use during the test.Finally, you should always bring along your friend or family member with you for the chemistry placement test. This person should be able to answer any questions that you may have and also be helpful in gauging your overall preparation. It will also be easier for the examiners to assess your progress if you have someone else with you to act as your sounding board.Of course, making sure that you stud y for the test well beforehand is also a good idea. For example, make sure that you are studying your chemistry curriculum in the weeks before the test. You should also make sure that you have enough time for yourself to get enough rest before the test.The exam itself can also be challenging and can make for some anxiety, but the fear of not getting a good grade will actually make your test go more smoothly and faster. The key to a good result is to do all you can to prepare, which includes taking as many tests as possible.