Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Advantages of Prep Tutoring

Advantages of Prep TutoringPrep tutoring is becoming a popular form of online education for many high school students. The main benefit to this type of education is that it is quickly accessible and allows students to be flexible with their schedules, while also allowing them to achieve their academic goals.Tutoring can be done in the classroom, in the library, or through an online course. In many cases, these tutors are approved by the school, and although they are not necessarily required, they can provide a great deal of value to a student. This type of education is rapidly gaining popularity, as it allows students to meet their educational goals within the shortest amount of time.Some of the advantages of prep tutoring are that you are able to take an online course and earn your degree or certificate while learning at the same time. You may find that your college or university will allow this type of education. It is an excellent way to build up your skills before getting a job a nd making a decision about which field you will apply for.Many of the advantages of prep tutoring are that you are able to meet the goals you have set for yourself by taking online education. It allows you to work on your major, or your field of study, while simultaneously maintaining a college or university degree or certificate.These courses can be taken by students who are already in their early to mid twenties, but have decided to go back to college. They are not required to have the grades necessary to graduate on time, as they are considered an accelerated program, and many universities do not view this type of education as appropriate for transfer students.Many universities and colleges consider online courses as an option when taking transfer students. However, there are several considerations to make when selecting a prep tutor. First of all, you should choose someone who has a working knowledge of the subject that you are working on. If you have taken some college courses, then you know that tutoring can help you learn new skills, so you should choose a teacher who is well versed in the subject. You should also make sure that you find a tutor who is reputable and has the proper credentials to earn a teaching degree. For more information on this type of education, you can visit the web site below.

Friday, March 6, 2020

The Indirect Effects of Independent Reading

The Indirect Effects of Independent Reading Improving Academic Performance “The amount of free reading done outside of school has consistently been found to relate to growth in vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and general information. Students who read independently become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas, and have greater content knowledge than those who do not. -Research Journal of the American Association of School Librarians The indirect effects of independent reading are well documented and, in some ways, almost obvious. You can split the effects into two categories: direct and indirect. The direct effects are perhaps the most obvious. The more you read, the more information you’ll accumulate about a variety of topics. If you read about finance, you’ll learn finance. If you read history, you’ll learn more history. If you aren’t a great public speaker, obviously reading a public speaking book can help you improve. In addition, your vocabulary naturally expands, regardless of what you’re reading. Even if you are only reading fiction, you’ll still learn about people, places, concepts, ideas, etc. that apply in the real world. The indirect effects of increased reading are less obvious, but perhaps more important. By reading more, even more fiction, you naturally will improve your command of the English language (spelling, grammar, usage, etc.), reading comprehension skills, ability to apply logic, understanding of cause and effect, and more. In fact, the benefits of reading independently can be downright surprising. According to the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, there is a strong correlation between independent reading and mathematics achievement. Studies show reading and writing skills not only lead to general academic success, but are also directly valued by colleges and employers as high as almost any other factor. At the same time, we see the average 12th grade reading scores declining in the U.S. between 1992 and 2005. The most surprising study I’ve found was conducted by Dr Alice Sullivan and Matt Brown, who analyzed the reading behavior of approximately 6,000 young people being followed by the 1970 British Cohort Study, which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. According to the Institute of Education University of London’s review of that report, “reading for pleasure was found to be more important for children's cognitive development between ages 10 and 16 than their parents' level of education. The combined effect on children's progress of reading books often, going to the library regularly and reading newspapers at 16 was four times greater than the advantage children gained from having a parent with a degree.” Interesting, and luckily or unluckily depending on your situation, the reading comprehension skills can be much more difficult to build quickly. At MyGuru, when we’re helping students prepare for standardized tests, we tend to find that, paradoxically, the most stressed out students are those that are really struggling with the math section of the ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT, but those that are truly lacking basic math skills can be the easiest students to help. “We can teach you how to solve quadratic equations by “completing the square” if you’ve forgotten most of the algebra you learned in high school. We can teach you any math that you once learned and have now forgotten. We can even teach you a lot of math that you never learned in the first place. Unfortunately, we cannot re-teach you how to read and comprehend…improving your reading comprehension skills takes time, persistence, and focused practice.” John Easter - Senior GMAT, GRE, ACT, and SAT tutor for MyGuru (John holds a B.A. in English and B.A. in Mathematics, Indiana University-Bloomington, and M.A. in Mathematics) What does it mean to read intentionally? You’ll get the most benefit out of reading more if you do so intentionally. There are actually two contexts in which to interpret what this means, and it goes back to the direct vs. indirect distinction we made above. First, you are reading intentionally if you know you aren’t great at managing your schedule and being organized, and so you buy a book about personal productivity, making to-do lists, using calendar tools, etc. However, you are also reading intentionally if you know that, in 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 months you’ll be taking a standardized test with a “verbal” component. So, with that in mind, you stop yourself while reading and ask questions like: What was the author’s main point? What evidence does his use to support that point? What type of evidence could be used to challenge the point? Etc. Or, on an even simpler level, I know that a magazine like the Economist is not always easy reading. Even when I try to read it, I sometimes find myself losing the point, but continuing with the article, just trying to pick up whatever info I can, to say that I read it. To read intentionally would always be to challenge yourself to stop, think critically about what you’ve read to ensure you understand the logic, and move on only once you’ve truly understood the paragraph, article, or chapter. You can do this while sitting in a room with your parents, friends, girlfriend, or spouse. They don’t need to know that you’re not just reading, you’re reading intentionally to build your comprehension and critical thinking skills. How to learn more? I’d recommend reading the New York Times, Economist, or Wall Street Journal, anything non-fiction, that you’re interested in, and in particular, historical fiction. Historical fiction is set in contexts which are real, but which involved characters and plots that are fictional. So, they are the best of both worlds in a sense. You can learn a lot of real information, while also being highly entertained. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'f08a3c58-464f-4164-a82e-313b7951bbb2', {});

The Price of Peace Documentary to Air in April

The Price of Peace Documentary to Air in April via Pixabay.com This documentary is largely focused on war: how do we prevent it? What are we willing to pay for peace? Can this peace continue into the future through the lessons we’ve learned throughout history? Johan Norberg, Free To Choose Media Executive Editor, poses that penultimate question: What is the price society is willing to pay for peace? Norberg, an international commentator, author, presenter and editor, focuses on globalization, entrepreneurship and individual liberty. He continuously commentates/contributes on television and radio worldwide as well. The documentary is one-hour long as focuses on historical events that served as turning-points, focusing largely on the lessons we took away from these events. According to a recent press release, these events include: an examination of the present day situation in Korea not only through the lens of North Korea’s current nuclear capabilities and cross-border saber-rattling, but also with a cautionary tale of 1976 Korea Tree Incident from Brian Bishop, Major General, U.S. Air Force (RET) and former Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Command and U.S. Forces Korea and others who were there; delving into the human side of the equation, including a vivid interview with the son of Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov, the Russian commander widely credited with averting World War III in 1983; interviews with Falkland citizens and Sir Max Hastings, author and journalist about Argentina’s ill-conceived invasion of the Falkland Islands; linking together such diverse topics as pre-World War II Europe, where British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain proudly declares to a cheering crowd in 1938 that the Munich Agreement meant ‘peace for our time,’ to the Masai tribe of East Africa and their use of deterrence to protect cattle, and thus their society.” The documentary also includes a historical analyst, Victor Davis Hanson, who details conditions necessary to maintain peace. In addition, highly respected military, history and foreign policy experts lend their voices to the documentary as well, providing a depth of knowledge and experience necessary to such a discussion. The Price of Peace is a production of Free To Choose Media, which tells powerful stories that advocate for individual well-being and fresh perspectives both globally and nationally. Such an endeavor was funded by Robert and Marion Oster and L.E. Phillips Family Foundation, as well as by Sarah Scaife Foundation and The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc. According to the  press release, the documentary is produced and co-directed by Kip Perry, Ellen Bentov serves as writer, co-director and camera while Thomas Skinner and Bob Chitester serve as executive producers. The full trailer for the documentary can be seen here.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How best to judge ability at GCSE and A-level

How best to judge ability at GCSE and A-level It's summer, and in the UK that means only one thing for many of our young people: the nervous wait for GCSE and A-level results. Their teachers and private tutors are arguably just as tense: those of us who have spent the last year coaching children in the techniques of the Maths GCSE or the English A-level are unlikely to get a good night's sleep until we know whether our efforts have paid off. But are exams really the fairest way to grade our teenagers? Certainly as private tutors a lot of the work we do (especially in the last term of school) is centred on exam techniques, yet every year the 'exam culture' debate rages on. Some suggest that exam techniques should be taught in schools to a much higher degree. On the one hand, this would provide a strong basis for all students facing the rigours of exams, but on the other it could easily take time away from teaching core subjects. So, what alternatives are there? One option is an emphasis on coursework. This can give students the chance to shine without the pressure of a three-hour window to demonstrate their ability. A flexible system can allow pupils to choose their own topics and style, providing a more enjoyable learning experience. But does it penalise those students who thrive in exam conditions? A second possibility is the eradication of testing altogether, instead providing certificates of achievement based on students' continuous performance throughout the year, as assessed by their teachers. This sounds like a fair system, but it could be vulnerable to the subjectivity of the teacher, as well as the risk of human error. As this year's GCSE and A-level grades are eagerly awaited, the debate continues. What is the fairest way to judge the ability of our young people? An overarching focus on one evaluative method can lead to an unfair advantage for some, so is a mixture of both the answer? Or do you think your tutees would thrive if exams and coursework were to be removed altogether?

A guide to teaching locations in Abu Dhabi

A guide to teaching locations in Abu Dhabi If you’re thinking of applying for a job teaching in Abu Dhabi, you’re in good company! Abu Dhabi is still one of the most popular places to teach abroad this year, offering incredible salary, job perks and the chance to gain top-notch teaching skills and experience. We recently announced that Teach Away is looking for candidates for a large number of English-medium teaching positions in the Abu Dhabi public school system. To apply, you’ll need to have a teaching qualification from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia, as well as a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of teaching experience. Vacancies being filled for the 2017 school year include the following: English Teachers Elementary Teachers Middle School Math Teachers Middle School Science Teachers High School Chemistry Teachers High School Physics Teachers High School Biology Teachers The Abu Dhabi public school system, one of the biggest and most respected education programs in the world, has schools located all over the Emirate and successful candidates will be placed in one of the three main regions in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain (the Eastern region) and Al Gharbia (the Western region). If you’re thinking of applying to teach in Abu Dhabi, then it’s important to do your homework on what it’s like to live in all of the three regions, as each offers a different pace of life and opportunities for teachers. To make your research easier, we’ve included a quick introduction to each of the three regions in Abu Dhabi: Living in Abu Dhabi City The largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi city bears lots of similarities to Dubai and is one of the most popular locations for expats living in the UAE. Although Abu Dhabi city has its fair share of skyscrapers, high-rise buildings and urban attractions, it’s far less built up than Dubai, with wide avenues and lots of green spaces. While Abu Dhabi city has numerous shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, it’s also preserved its rich cultural heritage, with monuments like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn and the Heritage Village scattered throughout the city. For sun worshippers and adventurers, Abu Dhabi city has some spectacular beaches including Corniche beach as well as wildlife and theme parks. Living in Al Ain Al Ain is the second largest city in Abu Dhabi, located around 130 km (roughly an hour and a half’s drive) from Abu Dhabi city. One of the greenest spots in the Gulf region, Al Ain is also nicknamed the Garden City. Al Ain is fast growing in popularity with expat teachers due to the high standard of living and its reputation as the cultural gem of the UAE. It’s also the education hub of the UAE with the United Arab Emirates University and other leading education institutions headquartered in Al Ain. Teachers living in Al Ain will have plenty to see and do in their free time. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Al Ain boasts a large array of art galleries and museums including the Al Ain National Museum and the Al Ain Palace Museum. The region is also home to the world-famous Al Ain oasis as well as a camel market, safari park and zoo. Bonus for thrill seekers - the largest man-made white water rafting facility in the world is also in Al Ain! Shoppers won’t need to travel to Abu Dhabi city - Al Ain has three large large malls and several traditional open-air marketplaces (also known as souqs). Living in Al Gharbia Al Gharbia is a haven for teachers looking for a slower pace than Abu Dhabi city. It’s also home to some of the most incredible scenery the UAE has to offer. Making up more than two thirds of Abu Dhabi, Al Gharbia is comprised of two main areas - the Liwa Oasis and Sir Bani Yas Island on the western coast. Al Gharbia is mostly desert and sand dunes, with hundreds of miles of stunning coastline. Al Gharbia is the most traditional part of the UAE, offering authentic events and festivals throughout the year. Abu Dhabi is the most geographically-diverse Emirate, with plenty of islands, deserts, cities, oases and beaches spread across its three regions. While successful hires will be placed in any one of the three regions above, Abu Dhabi has a great public transportation system that allows you to easily travel anywhere else in the region in your free time! Head on over to our job board today and get started applying for teaching jobs in Abu Dhabi!

4 Natural Beauty Product Swaps

4 Natural Beauty Product Swaps Image via https://foreo.com Rebecca Casciano, a natural beauty  expert and makeup artist, explains, “The cosmetics industry in the United States is not well regulated … so there are a ton of harmful ingredients in most commercial cosmetics.” While many celebrities, and real world girls alike, are utilizing the no makeup movement as a means of liberation and self-expression, some girls just don’t feel quite as comfortable. I personally am not one to leave my house without at least a dab of concealer under my eyes. So how do us makeup lovers combine the best of the benefits of going natural with the enhancement provided by makeup? The best way to go about this, and to do your skin some good, is to swap a few of your basic chemical riddled makeup with products crafted with natural ingredients. Although it may seem difficult to find effective, budget friendly, and natural makeup products, there are a ton of little known brands that offer some amazing earth and skin friendly products that will have you swapping your MAC blush for a guava cheek stain. Check out some of these natural alternatives for your basic beauty essentials. Foundation The majority of foundations out in the market contain heavy pore-clogging ingredients that can potentially lead  to breakouts. Not to mention that foundation is a base product that covers your entire face, therefore you definitely want to consider the ingredients in this product. If you suffer from breakouts and continue to cover them up with layers of foundation you may be doing yourself a disservice. Often switching to a natural, plant-based foundation may make the biggest positive impact on your skin. Many foundations contain ingredients like  dimethicone, which can trap bacteria and cause more breakouts and blackheads. Since foundation is the makeup item used on the largest area of skin and often worn from morning until night, a healthier alternative is vital for healthier skin. Image via http://crueltyfreekitty.com For a natural foundation alternative, try the W3ll People Narcissist Foundation Stick ($29). It feels light on the skin and it’s convenient to apply on-the-go. Blush Many widely used blush products contain carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting chemicals. Utilizing a natural blush is a smart alternative due to the ample surface area that this product covers (leading to even more breakouts on your cheeks) and the proximity with which you place it near your eyes. Image via https://media1.rankandstyle.com For a beautiful natural blush swap try the Kjaer Weis Cream Blush  ($32). This cream based blush creates a more natural hue than a powdered blush and results in a sheer wash of color. The best part has to be that it contains natural oils like jojoba and almond to keep your cheeks super soft and glowing while nourishing your skin. Lipstick Although the makeup industry has been making more of an effort to switch to naturally based lip colors, most of your most beloved lipsticks still contain lead and a petrochemical base of ingredients. “You’ve probably heard the estimate that over a lifetime, a woman may eat over four pounds of lipstick,” says Rebecca Casciano. This presents a huge health risk, when said lipstick that is being swallowed contains harmful ingredients such as lead and synthetic pigments. Considering the risks of constantly applying and reapplying dangerous ingredients onto your lips, I would definitely suggest trading in your designer gloss for a naturally based lip color. Image via http://cdn2.ahalife.com Check out Ilia Beauty Lipsticks in Neon Angel and Wild Child ($24) for a healthy pop of color to your face. These luscious organic lipsticks glide on smoothly on your lips and won’t dry out thanks to their natural oils. Hairspray As an avid user of hairspray (I don’t feel fully ready for a night out unless I do my flip-of-the-hair-apply-spray-final-mirror-check), this one is a biggie for me. Think about it this way, anytime that we spray something into the air (especially close to our face) we inhale it as well. This is why it is so important to use non-toxic hair care products. Image via http://cdn.shopify.com For a natural, non-toxic, and effective hairspray try Yarok Feed Your Hold Hairspray ($18). This spray contains essential oils that provide volume and hold (without all of the harmful chemicals) and it also smells amazing!

Getting The Best Berger Maryland Tutoring Maryland

Getting The Best Berger Maryland Tutoring MarylandIf you have not looked at a school that offers high quality tutoring Maryland, there is something that is wrong with your education. A few of the best teachers are hard to find and difficult to locate, but there are still plenty of things you can do. Berger Maryland is a great place to begin because of their extensive academic and tutoring staff.The Berger academic tutoring program includes both online tutoring as well as on-campus sessions. This makes it easier for those who have already picked up some college or university credits and want to try to graduate faster.The most effective Berger Maryland courses start with very basic skills classes, such as mathematics and reading. If you take just a couple of classes in each of these subjects every semester, you will end up making solid progress. If you find that you are having trouble understanding concepts, then one of the team members can help you along.The Berger Maryland staff offe r custom-tailored lessons, using computer programs that match your learning style and schedule. Online tutorials include learning management systems and interactive tutorial software, allowing you to work with your classmates from anywhere in the world.From the classroom, Berger Maryland has a tutoring service that provides individual, one-on-one attention. They also have custom learning guides that teach algebra and geometry to students in all grade levels.Berger Maryland's basic tuition and fees for tutoring are reasonable, which makes it more affordable than going to a standard college. There are no classes needed to enroll and no required fees for tutoring Maryland. Because the services are delivered online, you can take classes even when you're working or spending time with your family.Berger Maryland prides itself on working with educators across the country. They work with teachers, universities, and other educational institutions, so you know you are working with the best.