Thursday, April 2, 2020

Benefits of an Online English Teaching Course

Benefits of an Online English Teaching CourseIf you are considering taking up an online English course, it is a good idea to choose an English teaching course that offers an online degree. The benefits of learning at the University level are many. A study at University enables you to hone your skills and also help your career in the UK. This article will look at the benefits that a University degree can provide to you.The main benefit of taking an English degree at the University level is to help you learn different skills. Learning a new language is not just a matter of keeping up with the latest news. If you want to be successful in the workforce in the UK, then you need to be confident in your skills and be able to use them to the best of your abilities.There are a number of different courses that will offer an online English degree. This can include short courses, or longer courses that are full time. If you are unsure of what is available, you should speak to a tutor. You can th en check out all the different teaching methods and course options available before choosing a course.You will have the opportunity to learn a range of different English language skills. If you are considering taking an online English degree, then you should consider that a degree can help you achieve an international reputation. You can use your degree to help you secure the best jobs in the UK. Most employers prefer those with an English degree, because this is an easy language to learn.An English degree is very popular in the UK. Some employers prefer those who have an English degree. These employers are looking for people who are well qualified and confident in their abilities. If you are able to show employers that you have the required skills, then you will receive a great pay rise. It is vital that you are able to speak English in order to be able to move forward in the workplace.If you are considering taking an online English course, then the benefits of a degree will help y ou. The important thing is to choose the correct course. The money you save by choosing an online course will be well worth it.It is important to choose the online teaching courses that will suit your needs. Online teaching courses should provide the flexibility and support that you need. You should not have to worry about paying for your classes. You should have a good tutoring service that can provide the support you need.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Pizza Recipes for Beginners

Pizza Recipes for Beginners How to Cook Like a Pizzaiolo ChaptersWhere Do Pizzas Come From?How Can You Make a Good Pizza Dough?Ingredients to Put on PizzasCooking Pizzas RightAdvice for Making PizzasSweet Pizzas“A pizza is a circle that comes in a square box that we eat in a triangle” - AnonymousOrdering pizzas is easy but how can you make them yourself?One in eight Brits doesn’t cook for themselves. Maybe they’d change their tune if they knew how to make pizza themselves.Which are the best types of pizza? How do you get the dough right? Which cheese should you choose?Be it a Margherita, pepperoni, or Funghi pizza, here’s how you can make them. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhere Do Pizzas Come From?Who’s never eaten a pizza?This Italian speciality has become famous all over the world. Whether it’s with a tomato or creme fraiche base, sweet, savoury, etc. there are tonnes of different types of pizza available on the market. While pizzas originated in Italy, it was their appearances in American popular culture that made them globally famous. (Source: marckbass8)In the UK, pizzas are the most popular food in restaurants, the second most popular in supermarkets, and the fourth most popular fast food item. The market itself is worth £78.7 billion!The history of pizza goes back to the late antiquity. The first signs of pizza date back to 997. Etymologically, the word has two possible origins. It may come from the German word “bizzo”, which referred to a “piece of bread” or the Greek word “pitta”, also bread-related.The first pizza started as a piece of bread with different ingredients on it. It would go through several iterations before becoming the pizza as we know it today.It started looking like a modern pizza around the Middle Ages when trade was booming. It’s also during this time that the Bretons started making galettes, the famous buckwheat pancake that would lead to the creation of cre pes.In Italy, the tomato and buffalo milk, which was used to make mozzarella, was incredibly influential on the development of the pizza. In Naples, people started by putting tomato onto their bread, like bruschetta as we know it today. The pizza wasn’t far away.In the 18th century, 1780, to be precise, Raffaele Esposito decided to call his cheese and tomato pizza the “Margherita” in honour of the queen. Furthermore, the pizza became popular and regularly eaten by the nobility.The pizza would later cross the borders and become the international success it is today.Discover some more easy recipes for beginners.How Can You Make a Good Pizza Dough?Every chef will tell you that good dough is the most important part of a pizza. Some prefer a thin base, others a deep pan. So here are two recipes for the dough you prefer. You must get the dough right if you want to make a good pizza. (Source: Skitterphoto)Dough for a Thin CrustFirstly, you’ll need the following ingredients:500g of flour1 sachet of baker’s yeast1 teaspoon of salt250ml of warm water1 teaspoon of sugarPour the flour into a mixing bowl and then make a well.  Place the salt, sugar, and baker’s yeast in a measuring cup. Pour the 250ml of warm water into a cup as you mix it with a fork.Cover this with cling film and let sit for around 10 minutes. At the end of the 10 minutes, it should be brown with foam on top.  Pour this mix into the mixing bowl and start mixing by hand.Once the water’s been absorbed into the mix, knead the dough on a flat surface with flour on it so that it doesn’t stick. Knead for a few minutes and then add some olive oil. Keep kneading for a few more minutes.You’ll then need to let the dough sit for around an hour. Cover it with a tea towel and put it near a heat source (pan, chimney, radiator, etc.).Afterwa rds, you’ll need to knead the dough for a few more minutes. Take as much as you’ll need since you can always freeze any extra dough.Now you need to spread the dough over an oiled dish.You can then cook it in the oven for 10 minutes at 250 °C.Dough for a Thick CrustFor a thicker dough, you’ll need:350g of flour (plus 100g for your bench).2 teaspoons of salt1 sachet of baker’s yeast3 tablespoons of olive oil250ml of warm waterThis recipe is a lot like the first. However, start by pouring the flour into a large mixing bowl and immediately adding the salt, baker’s yeast, and olive oil.  Then pour in the water as you delicately mix the dough. Keep mixing into the water stops sticking.Like with the other dough, let this dough sit for around an hour covered by a damp tea towel.Cover your bench with flour and spread out your dough before putting it in the oven on a tray. You can either oil the tray or use baking paper to ensure it doesn’t stick.Cook at 220 °C for around 12 minut es.Fancy something a little different?Learn how to make your own quiche. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsIngredients to Put on PizzasMaking the pizza dough is one thing, choosing the right ingredients is another. Here are some ideas for the most popular pizzas. There are very few ingredients that don't work well on a pizza. (Source: marker_photography)Tomato BasesFor every pizza, start by covering the base with tomato sauce.Pizza Napoletana: start with 6 ground tomatoes and a bit of olive oil. Cook everything for around 15 minutes, take the pizza out of the oven, add mozzarella, oregano, anchovies, salt, and put the pizza back in for another 6 or 7 minutes.Pizza Margherita: start with 6 ground tomatoes and a bit of olive oil. Cook everything for around 15 minutes, take the pizza out of the oven, add mozzarella, basil, salt, olive oil, and put it back in the oven for a few minutes.Pizza Regina: add ham and chopped mushrooms to the tomato base and put in the oven. Take the pizza out of the oven, add mozzarella and olives, and cook for a short while longer.Pizza Hawaii: Like before, but add cheese, ham, and pineapple once the base is cooked.White Pies (Creme Fraiche Base)For every pizza, start by covering the base with creme fraiche.Pizza Savo yarde: Potatoes, lardons, onions, and reblochon cheese.Pizza Carbonara: Lardons, onions, and egg on a white baseParmesan, tuna, smoked salmon, and goats cheese all go great on white pies.Cooking Pizzas RightIt’s not easy to cook a pizza correctly. Pizzaiolos use ovens that go up to 400 °C. Since your oven at home can’t reach these temperatures, you’ll need to adapt.The hotter the oven, the better your pizza will be. To make your pizza crunchy, you’ll need to have a big temperature differential. Make sure you preheat your oven before cooking your pizza. You can also keep a bowl of water in the oven while cooking it. The vapour will ensure the pizza isn’t too try. Place your pizza towards the bottom of the oven so that the cheese doesn’t burn but the dough is cooked.Advice for Making PizzasHere are some tips for making the best pizzas in the world.Make sure you season your pizza. You can add rosemary, basil, or even curry powder into the dough to give it a taste. Similarly , garlic and pepper can be added to the tomato or creme fraiche base.Stretch your dough out just like the pizzaiolos do, too! Flatten it out with your thumb.Consider preparing the dough in the morning if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more time it’ll have to rise.In a rush?Here's how to make a Croque monsieur.Sweet PizzasWho said pizzas needed to be savoury?There are more and more different types of sweet pizzas being created. Inspired by the savoury pizza, the dessert pizza is great for those with a sweet tooth. (Source: JohnNico)You can create a chocolate base with bananas and almonds. You can also make it like an apple by with an apple compote and apple slices. Of course, make sure you don’t cook it for too long in the oven.Why not serve it with some ice cream?Got a sweet tooth?Learn how to make your own crepes.Bon appétit!If you'd like to learn how to cook, consider getting private tutorials from one of the many talented private tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of cooking tutorial available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials involve just you and your tutor. These are usually the most expensive tutorials as you're paying for an individual tutor's time and all the bespoke preparation that goes into your tutorials but you'll also get the most cost-effective service.Online tutorials tend to be cheaper as the tutor doesn't have to travel a nd can schedule more tutorials per week. Of course, it can be trickier to learn without a tutor in the room with you.Finally, if you're looking to save some money, group tutorials tend to be the cheapest per hour. While you won't get your tutor's undivided attention, the cost of the lesson is divided between all the students in attendance.

Friday, March 6, 2020

4 Unconventional Ways to Get Better at Singing

4 Unconventional Ways to Get Better at Singing Suzy S. Did you know there are ways you can get better at singing that DONT involve singing? Find out the ideas in this guest post by professional  voice teacher  Molly R... The obvious thing to do when you want  to get better at singing is, of course, to sign up for voice lessons! You may have even found that teacher right here on TakeLessons.com. But singing is so much more than what goes on with your vocal cords. We also have to exude confidence and connect with our audience. We can’t always get the help we need to become dynamic performers from voice lessons alone. Here are some suggestions for  other classes that will  take you from a good singer to an unforgettable one! Dance  Lessons No one’s looking for you to become the next Fred Astaire, but it’s essential that you move well if you plan on singing on any stage. Any  type of dance lesson  will do: ballet, salsa, ballroom, and more. When the body’s more relaxed and agile, not only do you look more polished, your voice will be a lot more free. Gone are the days of “park and bark,” where you just stand there and open your mouth. To use your space effectively, you have to be comfortable with your body. Fear not, non-dancers: There are plenty  of lessons  out there that cater to beginners. I plan on taking a swing dance workshop this summer, and I am encouraging all my students to join me! Tai Chi and Qigong This is super simple, yet so very beneficial. Master the eight brocades in Qigong, and you have a marvelous way to connect with both body and  breath! Tai Chi and Qigong lessons help us conquer nerves, get better sleep, and move with more grace. Yes, many of us have heard how yoga does all these things, too, but many people would prefer something easier and gentler. Plus, Tai Chi and Qigong are perfect  for kids and senior singers! In addition to your private lessons, I recommend following Jesse Tsao on YouTube for tips  and inspiration. Acting  Lessons A great  voice becomes a spectacular  voice when the audience believes you know  what you’re singing about. One of the best ways to develop  your performance skills  is to take acting lessons. Even if youre new to acting, beginner acting lessons  abound.  You can even find teachers through TakeLessons (I happen to teach beginning acting, too!). Remember, each song you sing is a monologue set to music. Finding ways to express it dramatically, as well as musically, will set you apart from other  singers  who are  only focused on sounding good! To help you get better at singing, an acting coach will challenge you to create a character for each song, thus making each of your performances more meaningful to both you and your audience. To supplement your lessons, I also recommend reading the book “What Do I Do With My Hands?” by Rhonda Carlson, who has coached many Broadway performers. Improv  Lessons This one changed everything for me! These days, improvisational comedy workshops are offered everywhere, including at corporate events and schools to make employees and students feel more confident. Plus,  it’s plain fun! Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for any sort of performer. By taking improv lessons, you’ll strengthen your creativity by learning how to  think on your feet and to trust your instincts. You’ll also learn how to “play well with others meaning your fellow performers  and the audience. And did I mention just how much fun it is? Go for it! After performing in any improv situation, recitals, musicals, and  open mics will seem so much easier! So, what are you waiting for? As a voice student, you will always be learning something new to  help you  get better at singing â€" but, surprisingly, it’s not always about vocal technique! So  go sign up, and have a blast. When you’re having fun on stage, so is the audience! Post Author:  Elaina R. Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013.  Learn more about Molly  here! Photo by Nick Page Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Thursday, March 5, 2020

What Is Vegan Food And Where Do I Get It

What Is Vegan Food And Where Do I Get It What Is Vegan Food? ChaptersAdopting The Vegan LifestyleVeganism - Is It For Me?What Makes A Vegan Diet Plan Different To An Ordinary Diet?An Overview Of Vegan Health BenefitsAn Introduction To Substituting Your EssentialsCan't I Just Buy Vegan Foods From The Shops?Basic Vegan Foods SummaryBut for each inconvenience of becoming a vegan, there are twice as many positives, the main one being a healthy diet and lifestyle.Here is some information on the health benefits of vegan food. For a more in-depth exploration of vegan health benefits, visit my blog Vegan Health Benefits: Things You Should Know.Meanwhile, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and The Co-Operative offer some super products and Morrison’s, Aldi and Asda too have some good finds. Even if there are not specific vegan friendly ready meals, products like quinoa, lentils, avocado, banana, hummus, spinach and potatoes are available in every supermarket so you won't be limited.Basic Vegan Foods SummaryHere is a quick roundup on the vegan alternatives to your everyday basics. Whether you want to learn some easy vegan recipes or indulge your sweet tooth with some vegan baking recipes.So, as you now know, there are a wide range of products at your disposal to make becoming a vegan easier than ever before. If in doubt about what you can use to replace a particular product in your daily life or as part of a recipe, then consult our table below summarising the key substitutions.Non-vegan productRecommended vegan alternativeDairy milkSoya, rice, oat, nuts milkCheeseTofu or vegan cheeseEggsTofu, chickpea flour, soy flour, oat flour, rolled oats, aquafabaButterVegan butter or some margarinesYoghurtVegan yoghurtMeat stockVegetable brothHoneyLiquid sweetenerSugarBeet sugar, fructose, date sugar, maple crystal and natural organic sugarChocolateVegan chocolateIce creamVegan ice creamMeatTofu or vegetarian burgers, meatballs, sausages, bacon, patties and nuggets

What is it Like to Attend Williams College

What is it Like to Attend Williams College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Clare is New York City tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring,ACT prep tutoring, Reading tutoring,Writing tutoring, and Spanish tutoring. She graduated from Williams College in 2011 where she studied Spanish and Art History. See what she had to say about her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Clare: Williams College is located in an amazingly beautiful little town nestled in the Berkshires. You certainly do not need a car, there is a bus to nearby towns, and the Peter Pan Bus service can get you to New York City and Albany. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Clare:Professors at Williams are there to teach undergraduates, pure and simple. I had life changing experiences with professors who invited me over to their homes, helped me to get jobs, and guided me to what I wanted to do with my life. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Clare:Williams has an incredible first year housing arrangement called the entry system. Each entry is approximately 20-25 first-years who are designed to be a cross section of the freshman class. They are diverse not only racially, but financially, geographically, and in terms of interest. Each entry is led by two junior advisors, one male and one female, who have committed to live with freshmen for the full year. They are not compensated in any way, but because of the richness of the program, there is fierce competition to become a junior advisor. JAs love to give of themselves to make sure each first year at Williams is supported. Beyond freshman year, most students live on campus and are allowed to choose with whom they live. Roughly two-thirds of upperclassmen have singles, and the housing options are varied and all very nice. Seniors have the option to live off-campus (which in reality is in the center of campus, Spring Street) or in co-ops, college-owned autonomous housing. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Clare:Williams has legendary liberal arts and science programs. Because the student body is small and the endowment is large, students have incredible opportunities for research and exploration. I studied Art History at Williams, which might be the best place in the country to study Art History. There is a storied past of Williams professors and alumnae being utterly central to the arts in the United States. Scholarship and intern opportunities were abundant, and I learned a huge amount. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Clare:There is no Greek life at Williams, which is ideal for most students there. Its a small student body, but the entry system, extracurricular activities, and sports all help to create micro-communities. Overall, the effect is that students at Williams feel comfortable and included in whichever circle they find themselves in. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Clare:I am still getting advice and help from the Career Center! The staff is really well-connected and helpful, and lots of amazing companies (Bain, McKinsey, Teach for America, Goldman Sachs, etc.) recruit on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Clare:The facilities at Williams are really spacious and lovely. The library is currently being replaced by an amazing, eco-friendly new building, and the academic buildings and student center have lots of comfortable study nooks, group rooms, and couches. Dorm lounges are abundant (at least one on every section of the floor) and most buildings have really beautiful views of the mountains. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Clare:Williamstown is a naturally breathtaking place. They call it the Purple Valley because when the sun sets on the mountains, they look purple. Over the decades it has become an arts and cultural hub of Massachusetts, home to the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown Theater Festival, and very close to Tanglewood, MassMOCA, Edith Whartons home, the Rockwell Museum, Jacobs Pillow, and much more. Even if youll live in a city for the rest of your life, I think Williamstown is the ideal place to spend four years. The college would never bring 2,000 students to northwest Massachusetts and expect them to fend for themselves in terms of fun. There is always so much to do on campus that its difficult to find time for it all! The school brings comedians, bands, ensembles, dance groups, and plays to campus, and theres always a ton of college sports games, theater shows, and concerts to see. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Clare:Class size is a strength of Williams College. Aside from Intro lectures, most classes will be under 20 and then once you are a junior or senior, classes often shrink to 8-12 people. You get an incredible chance to learn from your fellow students and get personal attention from professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Clare:Williams is one of the only schools in the U.S. to have such a huge tutorial program, adapted from that of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. In every single department, there are multiple course offerings every semester that consist of two students and a professor. Each week, both students read a great deal (sometimes 200-300 pages) and one student will write a paper based on a prompt. The other student will respond to that paper, and then during the weekly class meeting (which is usually 2 hours), the two students will engage with the material and with the professor directly. It puts the onus of education on the students, and these kinds of classes are available at every level, from freshman spring to senior spring. My favorite tutorial was on violence and atrocity in Latin American literature. We discussed the effect of los conquistadores, wars, dictatorships, and genocide on the development of Latin American culture and literature. We read primary documents, poems, novels, and satire. We discussed the trends of trauma in literature, all in Spanish, and were able to guide the direction of conversation. Check out Clares tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How Online Algebra Tutor Is Helpful In Improving Your Scores

How Online Algebra Tutor Is Helpful In Improving Your Scores Want to improve your algebra? Wish to have first class marks in algebra? Algebra is a part of mathematics and anybody can score high in this subject with the help of online algebra tutor. Yep, online instructor is the only person who can help you in improving your knowledge in algebra. This teacher is experienced in teaching math and knows every important tip and trick how you can acquire better marks in the subject. You can find over hundreds of algebra tutors on tutoring websites but you should select the best one. Algebra is a huge topic of math and math is the basic subject which to explain the relationship of various important things. Learners will study relations and functions, with an emphasis instead of conceptual interpreting, application solving and analyzing graphical representation. It is not mystery web although learners get it as one they can choose online studying assistance to learn every topic with trained algebra tutors. Read more Online algebra tutors: Best Assistance To Help You Master Algebra Online tutoring offers descriptive online classes for every algebraic topic and chapter. Your lack of knowledge in  algebra can limit your chances of career growth. As per the college standard, learners can select any chapter and get online classes as per their convenience and request. These websites cover huge range of chapters from preliminary chapters to advanced topics. Metric conversions, fractions and absolute value are some most important chapters whereas co-factors, minors, determinants and linear equations are some advanced chapters that learners should understand entirely for good result in examinations. Given below are several major chapters covered by  Online Algebra Tutor: Algebraic Expressions Linear equations Algebraic equations Factoring polynomials Fractions Exponents Inequalities Radicals Besides these significant chapters, there are lots of other chapters, which are widely covered in your online  classes. Take help from a specialized online algebra tutor and improve your understanding power as per your learning requirements. Algebra is a method of solving difficult math through the use of equations, variables or formulas. To sort out their doubts and problems in this subject, learners can do a live chat and use the whiteboard. Whiteboard is a facility in which student can talk with the instructor for more interaction and easily understand loads of math sums. Numerous added benefits of tutoring website make this method of learning a powerful system for learners who afraid of Math.  Read more How To Improve Your Scores In Math With Algebra Homework Help Online tutoring websites provide personalized classes at any suitable time which is comfortable and for students, who desire to improve their marks in examinations and wish to take quality algebra homework help. Your online algebra tutor will help you in solving your homework. Algebra learners can opt for tutor assistance to understand the various important basics and chapters. Moreover, students can learn algebra in a friendly atmosphere with full of zeal. Below are several good aspects of online tutoring program: 24/7 availability with live tutor Immediate connectivity with qualified instructors Friendly environment Free demo session Step-by-step explanations VoIP usage Sharing whiteboard service Final Words: It is absolutely true that a large number of students want to join online algebra tutor for high score and quality College algebra homework help. Tutor Pace is the one stop learning destination for all students who wish to become genius in math. You can achieve very great score with the help of this website. So join it and gain great grades. Algebra Homework Help Available At Any Time from Tutor Pace

How Online Lessons Make Life Easier for Busy Families

How Online Lessons Make Life Easier for Busy Families Suzy S. Parents, you know the drill: September often means running around town from school to sports to errands and other activities. If your kids are interested in adding music lessons to the mix, why not make life a little easier? Online lessons offer busy families the convenience of in-home lessons, often at a lower cost. Earlier this week, CBS in Phoenix, AZ featured a segment about ten-year-old bass student Kaylin Womack, who has been taking online music lessons with TakeLessons teacher Alex A., based in Tacoma, WA. Check out the interview here! You can also read the accompanying article here.

Learning Training

Learning Training Learning: we all think we know what it is. But how does it work? What is training? Can we learn training, or even better train learning? In this post, well get to know a few learning methods and some exercises, which help improve the capacity for learning. By the way, the advice in this post applies to learners of all levels and ages. At AJ Tutoring, we find great success introducing new learners to core academic subjects like reading, writing and math as part of our K-8 academic tutoring process. We also help students develop key test-taking skills for their first encounters with standardized tests like the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT. We build on these very same skills as we work with students in challenging high school academic subjects like history and physics, all the way through exams taken for college admissions such as the SAT and ACT, and beyond to graduate school admissions tests like the GRE! Although the specifics of the course or the exam often necessitate individualized coachi ng and a customized approach, the principles of learning remain the same. A lifelong commitment to reading and thinking critically, developing quantitative skills and engaging with challenging quantitative topics like economics: these are the principles that will allow you to lead a rich life and stay sharp intellectually.With that mind, here are some pointers to improve core aspects of the learning process.Taking NotesTaking notes means listening. Not only passive hearing, but a true listeningfollow the materials in your thoughts. Taking notes also means choosing: discerning between important, less or even not important informationHere are 10 tips for effective note taking:Use a lot of paper, write only on one side; use different sheets for overview mind maps and other notes.Listen closely and think actively along.To differentiate between important and unimportant material, watch out for the speaker’s signals (e.g. remarks, summing up a section as transition, emphasis).Only start writing once a “unit of meaning” is finished.Check continuously if you understand the connections and note and expand them separately in mind maps or structure diagrams.Write in an economical way: make only note of the essential.Use useful abbreviations, which are still understandable later.Don’t abbreviate names or unknown technical terms.If certain quote or literature references are important, make note of them especially thoroughly.Make note of your keywords in a way, that shows the connections and relations between the different pieces of information. Use arrows, boxes or emphasis with a highlighter.Active ReadingThink about the material and make your own pictures. Use associations and mental pictures. Draw the pictures, use colors. Write summaries, try mind mapping. Be playful with the material and experiment with it. Explore, what about it is especially fun for you?Finding ExamplesKnowledge should be made alive and should be committed to memory in a multi-layered way.Wi th the help of examples you can make even “sober” material tangible, simplify it and take it the essence from it. It means to learn in a playful manner, handsâ€"on, with your whole body and all your senses.Examples:Create little cards and make a memory game.Go for a walk, so that all your senses are involved.You learn better in combination with a movement and the material can be recalled with that movement.DrawingYes, drawing! Train the right hemisphere of your brain! It is well known that drawing and doodling activates our brain. Find opportunities to draw something, for instance while on a phone call. Testing New KnowledgeLearning always happens in an active way: Try to use your new knowledge everywhere. Everything in your surrounding works according to this principle. Applying your knowledge in a new situation is a rewarding feeling and can motivate you to learn even more!

HEART Tutors and Paul Toughs Who Gets to Graduate - Heart Math Tutoring

HEART Tutors and Paul Toughs Who Gets to Graduate - Heart Math Tutoring HEART Tutors and Paul Toughs Who Gets to Graduate? HEART Tutors and Paul Toughs Who Gets to Graduate? June 2, 2014 Paul Toughs Who Gets to Graduate? makes me excited about HEART tutors role. Emily Elliott We tell our tutors, Your job is 50% delivering the curriculum and 50%  being  a positive influence.   Paul Toughs  description of  self-doubts around  ability and belonging as obstacles  preventing low-income students from graduating from college has been great food-for-thought on how HEART tutors can help.   In addition to the high-fives and explicit messaging around hard work and growth, our tutors have the opportunity to share their own experiences in a way that inspires students perseverance and confidence.    For some it is, I was in your shoes.   This was hard once for me, too.   I know you can do it.   For others it is, I know this is difficult, but when you keep trying and growing, look at my path as an option for what you can become. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/18/magazine/who-gets-to-graduate.html?_r=1 Ultimately a person has within themselves some kind of capital, some kind of asset, like knowledge or confidence. And if we can help bring that out, they then carry that asset with them to the next difficulty in life.” About two-thirds of all community-college students are placed into one or more remedial math classes, and unless they pass those classes, they can’t graduate. More than two-thirds of them don’t pass; instead, they often drop out of college altogether.