Friday, March 27, 2020

Free Tutoring - Where to Find the Best Tutoring

Free Tutoring - Where to Find the Best TutoringWhen it comes to your child's education, one of the most important things you can do is to start tutoring nearby. Sure, tutoring can be expensive, but if you are willing to start with an affordable tuition fee, you can find free tutoring all over the country. As a parent, you don't want to leave your child's school at the end of the day, and there are plenty of places where you can get in touch with a tutor.One option is to go to your local school or to find an alternative school to go to. There are lots of local schools who offer tuition fees, which you can apply for on their website. If you do not know your child's name, or they have a very difficult language, you can write down the names of the teachers who helped your child at school and email the teacher. The teacher will be able to see if they would like to see your child, and offer their advice and see if you should get them as a tutoring teacher in their school.Another option is to look up a local internet search to find websites that offer tutoring nearby. This is probably the best option, because they also offer high quality services, so you can be sure that they will be of the same level as the high end tutors.At the very least, it is recommended that you pick out an online lessons that you can afford, so that you will be able to easily and quickly pay for the tuition fee that you will need. In fact, if you cannot afford the online tuition, you can hire one to come and meet with your child at your house, and they will provide the lessons for free. You need to make sure that the tutor has a good reputation in the area, and that you are comfortable with him or her before you accept a teaching position.For the best possible results, it is a good idea to ask the right parent for a recommendation. Many families have found success by getting recommendations from other parents. It can be easier to pick a teacher who is more experienced than one who is new.It is also important to remember that tutoring can be different for every student, so it is important to not be stuck doing the same task for someone. Try out different methods, and try different teachers. Remember that you are providing a service, and when you meet with a new teacher, you should be able to learn from them so that you can get the best results.As you can see, there are a few basic guidelines that you can follow to help you find the best tutoring. If you start at the beginning, you will be able to get the best results, and find the right person to help your child.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Focus The New Key to Academic and Professional Success

Focus The New Key to Academic and Professional Success Improving Academic Performance I just finished listening to a great podcast episode from Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman’s Psychology Podcast (one of my favorite podcasts because it’s generally, entertaining, informative and practical as it relates to helping you better understand the world around you) about the concept of Deep Work. In this blog article, I’ll offer a very brief summary of the podcast episode (very brief, because I want you to listen to the podcast) and two key takeaways: 1) that focus is one underappreciated key to success in today's world and 2) that skill and mastery are derived from sustained, deliberate practice, not inborn talent. Quick Summary The podcast was a discussion between Dr. Kaufman, who is a professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and Cal Newport, a professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University, about Newport’s new book, Deep Work. The theme of the book is that in the new “knowledge” economy, the most successful students and professionals will be those who cultivate the ability to be highly focused so that they can think about issues on a deep level to be able to solve complex problems. Newport and Kaufman hit on many topics, including some that we talk about regularly on this blog and some that we do not. Here are a few examples: The importance of deliberate practice in building skill, and the differences between deliberate practice and deep work (though they are related) The relative importance of IQ in determining success (it’s perhaps much less important than is commonly assumed) The downside of trying to “find your passion” (few people have pre-existing passions; people end up loving what they do as a result of a complex mix of factors, and instead young people should focus on studying hard, acquiring knowledge, being curious, and building skills) First key takeaway: focus is the key to making yourself indispensable Newport argues that focus is the key to creating value in today’s economy. He points out that any task which is easily automated is ultimately going to be outsourced or performed by a computer or a machine. So, students should get comfortable with the notion of building a career in which you are solving complex problems that require you to engage with your work in a deep focused way to design unique, valuable solutions. Kaufman notes that, in his research, designing something unique and different is the definition of creativity. So, in that sense, creativity is the key to being valuable in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven world. Critically, Newport points out that you don’t have to have a very high IQ to do this, and that focus is a skill that can be cultivated. I would argue that it’s a skill you should begin to cultivate in high school and college, not only because you’ll need it in the workforce in the medium to long term but because it will lead to better grades in the near term. You can probably imagine the types of behaviors that don’t lead to deep and sustained focus: checking your email constantly, multitasking, social media usage, etc. Newport recommends some simple strategies for building your ability to focus, including trying to schedule time FOR social media, and avoiding it for the rest of the day (for example). Second key takeaway: skill and mastery come from sustained, deliberate practice (even in the hard sciences like mathematics and physics) not talent Because I’m familiar with Newport’s Study Hacks blog, I know that although he has a PhD in Computer Science from MIT and is now a professor at Georgetown University, in high school he wasn’t in the most advanced calculus class available at his school (he took AP Calculus AB, not BC. If I remember the story correctly, he didn’t even get a score of 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam). So, he didn’t really consider himself a math person. But, something clicked in college, and he realized that with practice and focus, he could become increasingly good at math. Newport himself is a good example of the importance of sustained, deliberate practice. The average person would probably agree (though note, I think they would be wrong) that by senior year of high school, the math class you’re in tells a lot about whether you’re on a path to a PhD in Computer Science. But at that point, a lot of schooling remains. That perspective assumes that talent and natural ability plays a much more important role in the process of learning math than it actually does. Sure, some minimum amount of ability/talent/IQ is necessary to get a PhD in Computer Science. But more people probably have that minimum amount than is commonly assumed. Why? Because deliberate, focused practice is more important to building math skills than most people realize. In the podcast episode, he notes that mathematics undergraduates are always somewhat amazed by how “smart” the graduate students are who teach them. Those same graduate students are always amazed at how “smart” the junior professors are with whom they interact. And, the junior professors are amazed at how “smart” the senior tenured professors are. But Newport’s point is this. Any given person at each point in the chain I just described used to be at a different point in the chain. The graduate student was at one point an undergraduate. They didn’t “get smarter.” They just kept building their skills, and were thus better equipped to solve increasingly complex problems, which made them seem more naturally gifted to those who hadn’t put in that hard work. Summary Whether you’re a high school or college student, young professional, anyone else really, it’s important to realize that focus is what leads to the ability to solve complex problems. So, instead of worrying about how “smart” you are in a given area at school or at work, worry about how focused you are on the required work in that area.

How to land a job teaching English abroad without experience [With job postings]

How to land a job teaching English abroad without experience [With job postings] There’s that old catch-22 that gets trotted out time and time again. “You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job.” If you’re wondering whether it’s really possible to get hired to teach abroad without any experience, you’re not alone! In fact, that’s one of the most commonly asked questions we get at Teach Away. You’re in the right place, though, as we’re about to answer it for you. So let’s get started with the quick answer: The good news is that, even without any teaching experience, there are literally thousands upon thousands of opportunities available for fluent English speakers looking to travel and teach abroad. All you need to do is figure out where you’d most like to teach, what kind of overseas English teaching job you’re looking for and what qualifications you need to get there. Do you actually need experience to teach English abroad? Take it from me - your lack of teaching experience doesn’t make snagging a great-paying job teaching abroad an impossible feat. By any stretch of the imagination. However, there are two basic requirements to teach English abroad that you can expect most overseas employers to impose on any aspiring ESL teachers. Those are: English fluency Bachelor’s degree (any major) While it could certainly help you get a job, you don’t need to be a certified teacher or have a degree in education (or English, or linguistics for that matter) to teach English abroad. Of course, having a teaching license from your home country and/or teaching experience is always a plus when looking for jobs teaching abroad. Especially if you’re interested in teaching in the Middle East, where requirements tend to be a little more strict. Essentially, the more you have on your resume that relates to the opportunities you’re applying for, the more desirable you are to employers. But for anyone who has their sights set on teaching in Asia, Europe or South America, professional teaching experience is not the be all and end all. How about teaching abroad without certification? This really varies, but TEFL certification is becoming more and more of a basic requirement. We do advise you to do your research into the typical qualifications to teach in different countries, though. Each of these will vary from job to job and country to country, so make sure you do your research! But all in all, if you’re looking to make yourself as hireable as possible, it’s worth bearing in mind that preference tends to be given to job candidates who have some sort of ESL certification. And the most commonly recognized qualification for anyone interested in teaching English abroad in a 120-hour TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Remember, because the application process for teaching abroad is done online, your employers won’t necessarily get to meet you in person before handing a whole classroom full of English language learners over to you. They’ll want to feel confident that they’re hiring someone they can trust to do the job and do it well. You can build this trust and show them that you’re both prepared and eager to do the job by getting TEFL certified. You’ve likely come across a variety of different TEFL certification courses, online, in person, or in the destination country of your choice. Choosing the right TEFL course can definitely be overwhelming. Been there, done that! The main takeaway is to find a TEFL course that is: Recognized by hiring schools abroad Equips you with knowledge and skills you need for the foreign classroom Of course, the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures is a fantastic one, but let’s face it, ultimately you need to be able to do what you’re being paid to do. And that’s teach! So you’ll want to find a TEFL course that is the best bang for your buck, while also preparing you for the job. Recommended reading: Why you can't teach English abroad without certification Tips for tailoring your resume when you don’t have teaching experience. Okay, so now you know that the experience needed to teach abroad varies. Can you still use the experience you do have to help you find a job overseas? The answer’s yes! What many employers are really looking for are transferable skills that will come in handy when in the classroom. Maybe you don’t have real-world classroom experience just yet, but having any kind of experience like those listed below is hugely advantageous. Stuff like: Experience working with children Experience traveling or living abroad Industry-specific experience (like IT or business English) Volunteer experience Experience in a classroom setting For example, if you’ve worked as a camp counselor or a tutor, that will give you an edge because you’ve already gained skills on how to work with children. Or if you have experience traveling or volunteering abroad, employers will feel confident that you won’t get homesick or quit halfway through your contract. And don’t forget, you’ve been a student yourself! You already have experience in the classroom and know the drill! Plus, if you have specialized knowledge that focuses on a specific industry or learning environment, like teaching business English or adult learners, be sure to emphasize that on your application. Employers are looking to see that you have skills related to the students you will be teaching and showcasing those abilities will go a long way to helping you find a great job teaching abroad. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. International teaching jobs that don’t require experience. There are some countries or jobs that will require you to have some teaching experience or a teaching license. For example, many English teaching positions in Abu Dhabi or Dubai require both. However, there are lots of places, like Japan, Thailand, Costa Rica, Spain or France, that will happily hire someone without any prior experience. As long as they’re TEFL certified and from an English-speaking country, that is. If you’ve got your TEFL and degree in tow, it’s also easy to teach English somewhere like China without any previous teaching experience. Watch this video: Requirements for teaching English in China Again, while you might not have any professional teaching experience, one crucial way you to ensure you find a great opportunity is by taking a reputable TEFL certification course. Next steps for finding a teaching job overseas without experience. You can absolutely find an opportunity to teach abroad without any teaching experience, travel the world, and get paid well while doing it! Countries and schools that are hiring English teachers are hiring you because you already speak English, not because you have decades of teaching experience. Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to be prepared to actually teach the language you know so well. That said, if you’re looking to gain some teaching experience before committing to a teaching contract abroad, then there are definitely great opportunities to teach English online. Teaching English online is a great way to earn some extra cash in your spare time, all while gaining some relevant experience teaching English in other countries without actually having to fly there! Recommended reading: Want to teach abroad? Try teaching English online first. Or, you could always check out local postings where you live now. There are a lot of opportunities available to someone who speaks English and has a TEFL certification right near their home. Just check out local tutoring centers or services offered to those learning English as a second language. This is a great way to build your experience and find out if you’re ready for the classroom abroad! So, long story short, you don’t need teaching experience to get a job teaching abroad. But the more training and experience you have, the better your teaching contract will be. As a next step, try asking yourself these questions: What experiences do I have that would be relevant to teaching abroad? Have I traveled before? Where do I want to teach abroad? Am I ready to teach English abroad? Do I want to teach adults or children? Asking yourself questions like these will help you determine what opportunity you’re looking for and what you have to offer as a potential candidate in the TEFL industry without prior teaching experience. If you’re passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures, then teaching English abroad is a great way to do just that, while funding your living expenses. And it’s really not as much work as you might think, we promise. It’s time to stop making excuses and take the first step. To help get started, check out some of Teach Away’s current ESL job postings - no experience necessary. Good luck!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

First Tutors now listing online tutors

First Tutors now listing online tutors We have recently found there to be increasing demand for online tuition using freely available Internet technology as an enabler to remote learning. For some subjects this will work particularly well, e.g. languages where the tutee may require substantial oral work or help in a more piecewise fashion, alleviating travel requirements. We now list online tutors for all requests where we do not find a full compliment of local tutors so as to give parents and tutees the best possible choice of tutor. If you are a tutor with us, and wish to offer your services via online means simply log in to your members area, visit the 'Tutoring Details' section and update your preferences (near the bottom). Requests will still work in an identical way to contacting local tutors with the exact same terms and conditions applying to everyone. Once you have found an online tutor and finalised your relationship you'll need a platform to use for the lessons. There are many options here, but we would recommend Skype for this purpose because it is totally free and supports most computer / hardware combinations and allows you to talk, send instant messages and transfer files without impacting your phone bill! You can even add advanced features such as interactive whiteboards should you wish to. We welcome your feedback on this implementation, if you have any comments or suggestions please do let us know. For example, perhaps tutors would like the freedom to offer online tuition on a per subject basis? Or perhaps tutees would like to be able to order their online tutor results? or to view more than 10 online tutors at a time? We welcome and value your feedback, so do get in touch if you have a suggestion!

6 Comedians College Students Love

6 Comedians College Students Love Photo Via: pixabay.com 1. Chris D’Elia Perhaps best known for his interpretation of drunk girls, Chris D’Elia is a college favorite, and for good reason. While his stand-up is a bit on the vulgar side, he is a comedian that speaks best to the millennial generation, as his routines are young, fun and upbeat. That being said, he is currently touring and has tickets available for sale, so if you’re looking for a new comedian that’s likely to speak his mind, this is your guy! 2. Iliza Shlesinger A newer comedian growing exponentially in fame, Iliza Shlesinger brings the female voice to comedy in letting her viewers in on the inner workings of the female brain. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot going on there. For a preview, check out her comedy album “War Paint,” and you’ll probably get the idea. She has incredible impressions/voice gimmicks that set her stand-up aside from similar female comedians, and it’s her relatability that really resonates with her audience. Again, Iliza is currently touring so tickets are now available for all looking for a good laugh! 3. John Mulaney If you’re going to watch one bit, and one bit only, of John Mulaney’s, I strongly suggest the Salt and Pepper Diner. And once you’ve seen that bit, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to watch the rest of the stand-up that Mulaney has to offer. The Chicago native has had several specials on Netflix, still available for your perusal, and is currently on tour as well, which means that you can see him live. And trust me, you’re going to want to. His super relatable, self-deprecating stand-up routine is going to have you in stitches, without a shadow of a doubt. You’ll fall in love with his dog, Petunia, and you’ll fall even harder for his stand-up routine. 4. Amy Schumer One of the biggest names in comedy right now, Amy Schumer has starred in several films, performed stand-up in more cities than you can count and still manages to maintain a semi-normal, relatable and understandable personal life. Schumer’s voice is offensive as much as it is full of heart, which sets her stand-up in a league of its own. She isn’t afraid to offend anyone just as she isn’t afraid to be herself, whatever that means. If you’re looking for honest stand-up that will have you laughing (and likely cringing as well), this is the person to see! 5. Kevin Hart While currently under a bit of a magnifying glass due to past comments that have taken him out of the running for the Oscars hosting gig, his stand up is still one of the best acts that comedy has to offer.  Kevin Hart has sold out stadiums with his stand-up routine, and for good reason. Hart is certainly self-deprecating, but he also has that charisma and natural stage presence that keeps you enthralled from the beginning to the end of his routine. Hart pokes fun at himself, his celebrity friends, money, love life, kids: anything you can think of, he has probably made fun of it. And you can bet it’s hilarious, no matter what! 6. Gabriel Iglesias Known more commonly by his fans as Fluffy, Gabriel Iglesias is the first to tell you that he is not a Hispanic comedian. He’s just a comedian… that happens to be Hispanic. Iglesias can use his voice in ways that are unrecognizable, makes people laugh with his stories of fame and fortune as well as those of his personal, very normal life. Really, Iglesias can make just about everything funny, and after watching just one of his stand-up specials, you will definitely find yourself in love with the comedian. They say that laughter is the best medicine, which holds true in the world of comedians. So while you may have found yourself at the brink of stress throughout the entirety of the past month, it’s time to finally relax and have a good time and, of course, laugh. When it comes to having a good laugh, these six comedians will have you clenching your stomach in fits of laughter, guaranteed. So whether you’re gifting tickets to a friend, family member or roommate, or simply treating yourself to a night on the town full of laughter, these comedians all put on quite a show.

How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements

How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements Waiting has  become nearly obsolete in todays connected world. Gone are the days of bringing your film to the store to get developed. Even the satisfying shake of a Polaroid would feel like forever compared to the instant gratification of a cell phone selfie. When you can receive an immediate answer to a burning question simply by asking a device on your countertop, next week’s exam feels like a lifetime away. For today’s youth, planning long-term seems  like an impossible task. That’s how Inara felt when she started Kumon as an 8-year-old struggling with math. She  would sit in class, working on simple subtraction, and peek at the work the students next to her were completing. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t imagine herself ever being able to tackle the complex algebraic equations she saw on their worksheets. However, she soon realized that by learning the basics first and progressing step-by-step, what at one time seemed impossible was now achievable. Inara started setting long-term goals for Kumon, with smaller goals to work toward along the way. First, she aspired to finish all 200 worksheets in the level. Next, she planned to reach Level G and earn her yellow Kumon bag. Finally, she would complete the reading program.Kumon helped Inara learn the importance of working methodically to achieve long-term goals, but it wasn’t her first experience setting lofty expectations. When Inara was 5, she joined Scouts, where she started off conservatively. Her first camping experience was inside a building, using a box for a tent.  She progressed to more difficult camping trips as she got older, honing her skills and developing independence. After years of practice, her hard work paid off with a life-changing experience. Inara joined her fellow Scouts on a back country camping trip, completing an arduous four day hike up a mountain over tough terrain. It was challenging but thrilling, and only possible because she had set ambitious goals and worked toward them for years. Balancing Kumon, Scouting, and school was difficult for Inara. There were many times when she thought she wouldn’t be able to continue, but she persisted. Every time she struggled, she looked at her peers completing higher level work and pictured herself in their place. Program completion seemed unattainable to 8-year-old Inara, but by setting benchmarks along the way and keeping a clear goal in mind, she ultimately achieved it. We’ll leave you with the story of Inara’s journey in her own words. Perhaps the best part of accomplishing a goal is recounting everything it took to get to that point. “When I started the program, I didnt really know what I was getting into,” said Inara. “On my very last day, I just remember feeling so accomplished that I get to walk out of here. I was looking at everyone else sitting in those desks thinking, theyre still going through the program, but I finished it. It was a great feeling to be able to do that.” You might also be interested in: SUCCESS IN KUMON INSPIRED THIS YOUNG STUDENT TO EXCEL IN THE POOL 4 Simple Tips for Setting Goals with Your Child in the New Year Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup This Student Learned the Power of a Routine with Kumon How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements How Setting Long-Term Goals Led One Kumon Student to Big Achievements Waiting has  become nearly obsolete in todays connected world. Gone are the days of bringing your film to the store to get developed. Even the satisfying shake of a Polaroid would feel like forever compared to the instant gratification of a cell phone selfie. When you can receive an immediate answer to a burning question simply by asking a device on your countertop, next week’s exam feels like a lifetime away. For today’s youth, planning long-term seems  like an impossible task. That’s how Inara felt when she started Kumon as an 8-year-old struggling with math. She  would sit in class, working on simple subtraction, and peek at the work the students next to her were completing. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t imagine herself ever being able to tackle the complex algebraic equations she saw on their worksheets. However, she soon realized that by learning the basics first and progressing step-by-step, what at one time seemed impossible was now achievable. Inara started setting long-term goals for Kumon, with smaller goals to work toward along the way. First, she aspired to finish all 200 worksheets in the level. Next, she planned to reach Level G and earn her yellow Kumon bag. Finally, she would complete the reading program.Kumon helped Inara learn the importance of working methodically to achieve long-term goals, but it wasn’t her first experience setting lofty expectations. When Inara was 5, she joined Scouts, where she started off conservatively. Her first camping experience was inside a building, using a box for a tent.  She progressed to more difficult camping trips as she got older, honing her skills and developing independence. After years of practice, her hard work paid off with a life-changing experience. Inara joined her fellow Scouts on a back country camping trip, completing an arduous four day hike up a mountain over tough terrain. It was challenging but thrilling, and only possible because she had set ambitious goals and worked toward them for years. Balancing Kumon, Scouting, and school was difficult for Inara. There were many times when she thought she wouldn’t be able to continue, but she persisted. Every time she struggled, she looked at her peers completing higher level work and pictured herself in their place. Program completion seemed unattainable to 8-year-old Inara, but by setting benchmarks along the way and keeping a clear goal in mind, she ultimately achieved it. We’ll leave you with the story of Inara’s journey in her own words. Perhaps the best part of accomplishing a goal is recounting everything it took to get to that point. “When I started the program, I didnt really know what I was getting into,” said Inara. “On my very last day, I just remember feeling so accomplished that I get to walk out of here. I was looking at everyone else sitting in those desks thinking, theyre still going through the program, but I finished it. It was a great feeling to be able to do that.” You might also be interested in: SUCCESS IN KUMON INSPIRED THIS YOUNG STUDENT TO EXCEL IN THE POOL 4 Simple Tips for Setting Goals with Your Child in the New Year Ring in the New Year with Kumon’s Goal Setting Tips Roundup This Student Learned the Power of a Routine with Kumon

Biochemistry: Choosing a BN Major

Biochemistry: Choosing a BN MajorBN Chemistry is a popular subject taught by some of the top graduate schools in the world. Many biology and chemistry professors are keen to get their students interested in BN because it teaches students how to understand biochemical processes and how to make sense of chemical reactions.To some degree, all biochemistry revolves around the idea of chemical reactions. But, BN Chemistry is important because it encourages students to think of chemicals as real things that can interact with each other in certain ways. It also helps them to learn the basic building blocks of organic molecules and inorganic compounds.BN Chemistry can teach students how to make sure that a chemical is reacting in the right way and at the right rate. For example, a biochemist might want to know how to avoid the formation of harmful byproducts from an organic compound. If the reaction is too fast, the byproducts will build up, which will eventually kill the organism.In order t o avoid such problems, BN Chemistry has to be taught in the correct way. Although an instructor can probably be trusted to do a good job, a student can do a better job than the teacher if they understand the interactions between molecules and understand how to design experiments to get at the right answers.BN Chemistry requires a good deal of hands-on experience. Students often need to build cell cultures or a variety of chemical systems from scratch. This allows them to learn the basic fundamentals of biochemistry and also to experiment with different types of systems, especially those that do not have adequate biological resources.Another reason why BN Chemistry is popular is because it does not require biology majors. Most of the science classes used to teach the principles of biochemistry are not taught to biology majors because they lack the appropriate skills. If a biology major wants to learn about biochemistry, they usually enroll in some other course.Overall, Biochemistry i s a more accessible subject for biology majors, as well as a more interesting one. But before choosing which major to study in, students need to think about their own needs and interests. Choosing the right minor is a wise decision for students who want to continue on with their science education.