Is It Worth It?

Is It Worth It?If you need a General Chemistry Tutor Pay as You Earn program, you might have heard all the hype. If you're interested in learning more about it, here's what you need to know.There is a fee involved, but if you compare this to the fee that you'll pay if you take a free online course, you might not think that there is much of a difference. You should know, though, that there is. And you need to make sure that you're getting your money's worth. If you're only using a free program to prepare for your test, don't waste your time trying to do well on it.If you choose to use a paid Genreal Chemistry Tutor Pay as You Earn program, you will get your money's worth. By the time you finish it, you'll have a lot of knowledge about chemistry. In fact, you'll probably have more than a passing grade.There are hundreds of tutors in the online learning community who are also taking a fee in order to complete their paid programs. This could be a really great idea if you find yourself ne eding help with other types of subjects. But for those who simply want to study chemistry, paying a fee for a tutoring service can be a very good choice.When you choose a tutor, it's important to find one who you trust. What are his or her credentials? Are they licensed? Are they certified?Even though there are many good tutors who offer paid courses, it's important to find a legitimate online school so that you can be sure that you'll get your money's worth. And when you find a reliable program, make sure that you visit the school to see if the instructors are licensed. It's important that they are, as the state where they live requires them to be certified. For each online program, you need to check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against the school.Be sure that you can communicate easily with the instructor. The teacher should be able to answer all of your questions and direct you to the information that you need to know. Some online programs give you access to online forums so that you can ask questions.

5 Habits to Avoid During Class

5 Habits to Avoid During Class Ever wonder why youre just not grasping that material in class? We usually blame the subject matter for being too difficult. Sometimes that is correct, but maybe youre just standing in your own way and dont even realize it. Having trouble thoroughly understanding the material isnt always a comprehension issue. As a matter of fact, it is more often an issue of focus. Unfortunately, that tends to be a difficult thing to control when youre tired, bored, or just not interested in the material. There are many habits, however, that we can consciously stop, and several of these are what hurt a students ability to focus the most. You may also want to check out these tips on how to prepare for college classes. Whether these habits are due to laziness, a need for entertainment, or a hope for getting energized, the main effect they are producing is distraction. Listed below are some common habits you should make sure to avoid when in the classroom. Bringing your laptop: In the last few years, this has become more and more of an attractive concept to students. Many teachers are even banning it in recognition of its distracting ways. Being the essential item that it is, students are finding it increasingly more difficult to pass on bringing this beloved object of technology with them everywhere they go. Laptops may be convenient to pack up and later open up once you get settled at your desk, but they will take away from your classroom experience more than youll ever realize. Even if you bring it for the sole purpose of typing out your notes or following Powerpoint slides online, that bright screen is still going to distract you. With Facebook and Twitter just a click away, your odds of staying focused are not looking good. Save yourself the trouble and just leave your computer in your room. Having a disorganized backpack: School schedules can make a young person quite busy, so its understandable how one can end up with their books and pens completely jumbled in their backpack. Especially if youre running late, its more than likely that youll end up just tossing in whatever notebooks and writing utensils you can find at the last minute. You may have the necessary items all set, but once you arrive to class in an unexcited state, the last thing youll want to do is have to search through a messy bag for things to take notes on/with. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to find a well-sharpened pencil when it comes time to take notes. Also, when the teacher references a page in the textbook, youre probably going to miss out on seeing that reference for yourself if its a chore to get that book out of your backpack. Make it easy for yourself to get all of these materials out in a timely fashion so you wont be cheated out of keeping up with the class. These are 6 ha bits to become a more organized studentthat you may also want to take a look at. Snacking too much: This is another one that several teachers are forbidding. Maybe you skipped breakfast or are just antsy for lunch, but too many snacks during class will divert your mind. You may think it will help you concentrate since you are fulfilling your hunger and it may do that a little bit but you will mostly be distracting yourself and others. Aside from the fact that crunching on a bag of chips or slurping down a smoothie will probably annoy your classmates, your enjoyment of these treats will usually take priority over your attempt at absorbing the teachers lecture. It is also more difficult to ask a question or participate in class discussion when your mouth is full. If you need just a little something to tide you over that wont take more than about a minute to eat, thats one thing. But bringing a platter of snacks to get you through the entire class period will do more harm than good. If anything, who likes dealing with a mess of crumbs and wrappers? Texting: This is a classic tool of distraction for students everywhere. It is also an action that is almost always on the do not list for teachers, but students tend to sneak past it. Well, the teachers restrict this with good reason. Not only will you be distracting yourself with whatever conversation you are having, but the great effort taken to keep the act of texting discreet will distract your mind even more. If this is how you spend your class, youll walk away only having learned how to keep your phone out of your teachers sight. Needless to say, this is not the knowledge your teacher intended for you to leave with. Over-accessorizing: Bringing too many items to class is a sure-fire way to get distracted. For instance, if you make the top of your classroom desk appear as an office desk, youve brought too many things. Having a notebook and pens surrounded by a soda, a granola bar, highlighters, chap-stick, and that laptop of yours, will not help you in the long run. There is nothing wrong with being prepared, but keep all of these things organized in your backpack until and if you need them. Setting so much in front of you right away creates your own little world apart form the classrooms, and the classrooms world is the one you need to be in. Additionally, avoid hats that can somewhat block your vision or too much jewelry that can get in your way. Just keep things simple when you head to class. You may also want to check out these tips on the best study habits!

Italian Language Certifications How to Validate your Level

Italian Language Certifications How to Validate your Level Learning Italian for Must-Have Certifications ChaptersWhat is a CILS?Why Sit for PLIDA?What Do You Need DITALS for?Discover the CIC!You are in love with la lingua d'Italia. From buongiorno to buona notte, everything is molto  bello, che meraviglia, come perfettamiente Italiano!Are you taking Italian language lessons for the pleasure of it, or did you have some greater purpose in mind?Anyone with a vocational need for speaking Italian must prove language qualification, at whatever level s/he is required to or capable of.The certifications we introduce in this article are all targeted to non native Italian speakers who, for academic or other official reasons, seek immersion into the language of Dante.CILS has the same number of steps, or levels, as CEFRL Source: Pixabay Credit: Coolfinger the test taker may find himself confronted with dialects (versus the expected Standard Italian, for example). Pronunciation is likely to be only minimally fluid.Level B2 represents high-intermediate ability to speak and understand Italian. At thi s point, the non native speaker should demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and be able to converse in Italian with little to no difficulty.Levels C1 (fluent in the language) and C2 (mastery of the language) designate students of Italian who have deep comprehension of language mechanics as well as a near-native speaker vocabulary.The Italian speaker at C levels will have absorbed the art of communicating non-verbally in Italian â€" body language, and uses proper tone and inflection.Testing at these levels would include aspects of Italian culture and history, as well as global concerns that impact Italy.No matter what level of Italian speaking you qualify  for, your exam will test two major aspects of your language ability:1. Reading comprehension, measured through an array of more or less advanced or technical passages.2. Oral skills, including speaking and listening. Here, a proctor will engage you in conversation, or a discussion over more formal matters. You may also have to gi ve a short discourse over a prompted subject.In all, this exam covers the four fundamental areas of language learning, during which your fluency and use of Italian will be constantly assessed.For more information on when, where and how to take this exam, you should direct yourself to the Italian Cultural Institute nearest you.Passing the CILS is a tangible validation of your Italian mastery, recognised by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and by universities from Genoa to Sardinia.Since the inception of this exam in 1993, more than one hundred thousand candidates have earned their credentials.Counting yourself among that number would indeed be a heady accomplishment.Why Sit for PLIDA?That acronym stands for Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri, which translates in English to: Projects for Italian Language Dante Alighieri.The result of this exam's successful completion is a diploma issued by the Dante Alighieri Society, an institute designed to promote Italian culture arou nd the world.It is recognised by the highest authorities in Italy, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education; by universities and research institutes throughout the country.It is also accepted by the Italian Ministry of Labour, meaning that this credential on your CV will most certainly enhance your job prospects, were you to want to relocate to Genoa or Venice, to enjoy that fabled Italian lifestyle!This exam is also formatted and graduated to conform to CEFRL, reflecting 6 progressive levels.In keeping with the CILS, the PLIDA addresses all four areas of language learning: listening and speaking skills, and the ability to read and write proficiently.To make the Italian language more relevant at more accessible to a greater segment of language learners, this certification process has diversified into:Junior PLIDA, designed for the learner aged 13 to 18. The exam format is perhaps gentler than the standard test, using methods that younger learners would recognis e and feel comfortable with.Successful completion of this exam ranges from A1 to C1 levelsBusiness PLIDA addresses the Italian language needs of anyone in commerce or industry: banks and international trade, among others.This exam will certify successful candidates at B1, B2, and C1 levels.You can prepare for PLIDA in several different ways:by taking courses that address this exam specificallyby engaging a private tutor to work with you at homeby participating in Italian language courses elsewhereby joining Italian expats in your cityThat last one may well be the best way to learn Italian and steep yourself in the culture!Manchester would be the place to go for full membership and participation in the Dante Alighieri Society. It is the only campus in the UK where you can sit for the exam.After paying a nominal fee of £19 for annual membership, you could take Italian courses for as low as £89, plus the cost of the textbook.The campus also offers tutoring expressly for the PLIDA.For more information â€" including the fee schedule and the official registration form, please refer to Manchester's dedicated site.Teach Italian anywhere in the world with your DITALS certification Source: Pixabay Credit: Mary1826What Do You Need DITALS for?The two previously detailed exams would appear to certify every aspect of Italian language learning for speakers of other languages.If so, what is the purpose of this exam?This test is also sponsored by the University of Siena, but it addresses a very specific slice of the population who speak Italian as a second language, namely: those who wish to teach Italian.For this certification, your Italian language skills are only half of the evaluation.DITALS will test your ability to impart Italian language instruction to diverse populations.You can qualify as one of two stages:Level 1 certifies you to teach Italian to a specific group: adolescents, college-level learners, adults, Italian for business, etc.Level 2 is a much higher qualif ications process, generally for people who have substantial experience in teaching.Besides a profound knowledge of Italian language and culture, a qualifying DITALS score involves teaching methodology, demonstrated in a real classroom setting.Hence, it is essential to be well prepared.This exam is only administered in Milan.As you would have to travel to Italy for this exam, why not matriculate at the venerable Leonardo da Vinci school, for a preparatory course?There, you can mingle with other student teachers, observe their teaching and communication styles, and benefit from course instructors, who are the most qualified mentors of test candidates.Drawing from their experience is the best way to prepare for this exam.Be sure to tell them grazie mille for all of their help!Discover the CIC!The University of Perugia sponsors this professional degree course. Of the four certifications discussed in this article, the CIC is the most highly valued by the commerce and industry sector.As w ith the previously-discussed exam, the CIC offers two levels of certification:CIC Intermediate corresponds to level BI on the CEFRL. Mid-level managers, and others who deal with operational issues in business would seek this qualificationCIC Advanced is designed for business leaders; those who plan and discuss strategy with their Italian counterparts. Any executive working with an Italian firm would need this degree of certification.For both qualifications levels, the exam comes in five parts:Oral comprehension (listening skills) is deduced by a proctor, speaking in technical terms. Among the discourse the candidate may encounter vocabulary from regional dialects, and other advanced Italian words and phrases.Oral expression involves the test taker expounding on a topic relevant to business, using the most advanced, professional vocabulary at his disposal. Italian pronunciation is also assessed.Writing skills: the candidate is tasked with composing a passage relating to business. Wor d choice â€" nouns and adjectives, verb usage, grammar and sentence structure are all evaluated.Reading comprehension is determined by discussing a few passages relating to business.Grammar and Vocabulary, as it relates to business: technical terms and knowledge of current industry trends score highly in this portion of the examYou can parlare with the University of Perugia staff who direct this programme for more information, including testing dates.That worthy may put you in contact with the Italian Institute for Culture in the UK, for extra help and tutelage.For an expat in Italy, success comes through a CIC! Source: Pixabay Credit: Open ClipartThe Acronym RoundupIf you intend to use your Italian language courses for more than a holiday trip to Italy, it would be advisable to obtain a certification that would endorse your Italian language ability.For the professional, the Business PLIDA or CIC would be advised.Conversely, exchange students wishing to do at semester at the prestig ious Sapienza University of Rome would be better represented with a DITALS or CILS certificate.Concerning CILS or PLIDA, it is important to test at, or close to your level.As time and money are always vital considerations, it would be best to not under- or overestimate your skill.To properly assess you level of Italian learning, you could test your Italian language ability online.These certifications are not easy to come by.With due appreciation of your love for this romance language, we recommend that you help yourself to an additional Italian language course or two.You might cast about for free lessons online, download an app that will permit to you chat with native speakers of Italian, or even participate in cultural events such as film festivals or cooking classes.What if you just started to learn how to speak Italian?The bottom line is:As you learn to speak Italian â€" or even if you have an entire lexicon of Italian phrases memorised, you should cast an eye toward these certif ications.Your learning experience should logically result in practical usage of your second language.Whether your Italian studies lead to a CILS or PLIDA; or if your phrasebook contains the vernacular suitable for a DITALS or CIC, your resume will be all the better for you speaking Italian fluently.Bene, caro: andiamo!Find your own private tutor on Superprof to help you master the Italian language:Italian lessons LeedsItalian courses LondonLearn Italian online

Dutch Grammar Rule Exceptions Do You Know Them

Dutch Grammar Rule Exceptions Do You Know Them What Are The Main Exceptions Of Dutch Grammar Rules When Learning Dutch For Beginners? ChaptersDutch Grammar Rules: Nouns, Articles And Gender ExceptionsLearning Dutch Spelling And Dutch Alphabet Pronunciation: Vowels And Consonants In WordsLearn Dutch Spelling Rules And Exceptions Of Verbs And Their InflectionsThe Dutch PronunciationDutch Compound NounsHow To Learn Dutch EffectivelyMany learners of Dutch as a second language or foreign language use to get stuck when learning Dutch as it is a very extensive language compared to many other languages. There are many rules you won’t get immediately and will cost you a lot of effort even when you think you know how to apply them.Flag of the Netherlands. (Source: Visualhunt)Dutch grammar is so broad and complex that there are always exceptions to several rules that normal should be taken into account for better mastering the language.It’s a fact that grammar is a language’s most important aspect for understanding how it literally works, it is the fundament of the structure of the whole. So, it will be necessary to ful ly understand the pitfalls in order to master the Dutch language.You won’t always find in books or other learning materials what some main exceptions are when we study this complex language, therefore we will mention some of those rules where most people will slip up.Not to terrify you but even speakers of Dutch as their mother tongue will many times get into confusion or forget how to use some of those rules. Although, whenever you are up to date with this data, you will quickly be immune for falling into such pitfalls in the future.To introduce you to frequent mistakes that Dutch learners use to make, we can see learners make mistakes in the use of all kinds of grammatical aspects. We will mention exceptional rules you won’t be introduced to in most other parts.De ruimte (The Space).Nouns with endings in -isme, -ment, -sel and -um are considered neuter and nouns with these endings are followed by the definite article ‘’het’’. Nouns of two syllables beginning with be-, ge-, ver- and ont-, as well as diminutive nouns are followed by ‘’het’’: Het schaap (The sheep); Het monument (The monument).Check for more examples.These are just some basic examples. To be specific, you will easily get in trouble with this rule and you will not easily understand when to apply ‘’de’’ or ‘’het’’.What many other sources don’t tell you is that there is not any specific method to apply to differentiate the nouns according to what they belong to. The only key for this is to get really familiar with the nouns and little by little you will get more used to it.Learning Dutch Spelling And Dutch Alphabet Pronunciation: Vowels And Consonants In WordsThe principle rule is that alone standing vowels as e, a, i, o and u are pronounced as short vowels; when they are repeated or accompanied by another vowel they become long vowels: ee, aa, ie, oo, uu. In one-syllable words, alone standing vowels are short and when the vowel is repeated, they will become l ong sounded: man (short ‘a’); maan (long ‘a’).In words with two syllables as in for example ‘’haken’’, the ‘’a’’ is pronounced as a long vowel sound because of that the first syllable is closed with a single consonant ‘’k’’. If we repeated that consonant: ‘’hakken’’, the ‘’a’’ becomes a short vowel sound.The same applies in: Boten (long ‘o’) and Botten (short ‘o’); Leken (long ‘e’) and Lekken (short ‘e’).We can find this in all kinds of words, they can be nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. When for example a one-syllable noun or verb has a long sound (e.g. Raam; Leek), when they are changed with an inflection or get converted into words with two or more syllables, one vowel will be removed but the sound will be still a long vowel sound: Raam ? Ramen (here the a is still a long ‘a’); Leek ? Leken (still a long ‘e’).When we see a short vowel in a one-syllable word (Ram; Lek) or a by consonants closed syllable w ithin a word (‘a’ in ‘’Buurman’’), when the word is inflected and converted into a word with more syllables, the last consonant in most cases should be repeated in order to let the short vowel stay short: Ram ? Rammen; Lek ? Lekken; Buurman ? Buurmannen.Because if we spell it as ‘’Buurmanen’’, the ‘’a’’ will be pronounced as a long vowel sound, which is WRONG.With an exception for some words: Blad (short ‘a’) ? Bladeren (plural - long ‘a’); in this example the short vowel in its singular form becomes a long vowel when pluralised.Lijd), that they don’t add a ‘’t’’ to the end while this is OBLIGATORY: Ik houd ? Jij Houdt; Ik lijd ? Jij lijdt.The past participle in Dutch grammar is written with a stem ending in -d and a prefix such as ge- or be-: Hoor ? Gehoord.Exceptions are when the last letter of the stem is a t, k, f, s, ch or p; here the verb in past participle should end in ‘’t’’: Hoop ? Gehoopt.This leads many people to confu sion, they use â€"t at the end of a stem when they should add â€"d and vice versa.Gebeuren (to happen) ? Gebeurt (happens) ? Gebeurd (happened).I studied these and more grammar rules during my Dutch courses LondonDutch language grammar. (Source: Visualhunt)The Dutch PronunciationYou probably know that there exist some tough pronunciations. Pronunciations that cost Dutch learners the most effort are:‘eu’ [ø] as in ‘’Neus’’ (nose)‘uu’ [y] as in ‘’Muur’’ (wall)‘u’ [?] as in ‘’Mus’’ (sparrow)‘ui’ [Å"y] as in ‘’Fruit’’ (fruit)‘eeu’ [e?u] as in ‘’Leeuw’’ (lion)‘ou’ [?u] as in ‘’Goud’’ (gold)‘ij’ [?i] as in ‘’Lijm’’ (glue)As well as the consonants:‘g’ and ‘ch’ [x] as in ‘’Goed’’ and ‘’Acht’’ (these have different intensities in pronouncing depending on the regions where the language is spoken, in Flemish and Dutch from the south usually pronounce it softer)‘r’ [r] as in ‘’Ro od’’ (red), this ‘r’ is very different from the English one‘w’ [?] as in ‘’Weer’’ (weather)Always take into account that the ‘v’ is always pronounced as ‘f’It is no issue if you speak without pronouncing everything flawlessly and full fluency, but these pronunciations will help you a lot.Check for a broader list of Dutch pronunciation  and learn more about the most common Dutch errors.Dutch Compound NounsAs a beginner, you might quickly become confused when seeing large words or notice that several words together form one word. In Dutch we will find multiple nouns with an aggregation of an adjective, verb or preposition.Examples of those nouns are ‘’koffiekopje’’ (the coffeecup), ‘’rugzaktoerisme’’ (backpack tourism), ‘’kosten-batenanalyse’’ (cost-benefit analysis), and even longer ones as ‘’voetbalverslaggevingsjargon’’ (football coverage jargon).Unlike other languages, in Dutch the nouns and adjectives, verbs and preposit ions that describe the noun go together without spaces in between.How To Learn Dutch EffectivelyDutch is a very broad and complex language and the Dutch grammar can at first sight be literally a nightmare. Most grammatical aspects can vary a lot and even while knowing the exceptions you will not learn it overnight with such easiness.In order to achieve our aims and master the language we should:Practise with full dedicationHave a lot of consistencyHave as much attention possible to the smallest detailsAt first build up a reasonable basis of grammar knowledge before further developing your skillsAttain a better reading comprehensionImprove your writing skillsTrain your vocabulary as much as you can (especially nouns with their belonging articles and verbs)Challenge your listening skillsMOST IMPORTANT: interact as much as you can with Dutch speakersHaving conversations in the Dutch language. (Source: Visualhunt)Dutch is a language you will not learn just from books and learning materi als, there will always be things that make us improve the language from social interaction and having an effective conversation. While you endeavour to speak with other Dutch speakers you will come across many expressions, sayings, colloquialisms and linguistic aspects you will not get from most books.At the same time you will become familiar a lot faster and you will be challenged to use the knowledge you already know and possibly correct yourself when you are wrong.The most important thing of social interaction in Dutch is that you will find parts where no specific theoretical rules or methods can be applied. Such as the variety of different uses of Dutch words, nouns, gender, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and so on. They many times can’t be explained with ease and it is a matter of memorising.We also should consider what we are studying Dutch for. If we learn Dutch for a specific purpose, then we should prioritise this purpose and learn vocabulary and all related to this specific kind of purpose.Now you have a jump on basic grammar for when you start your Dutch lessons!

Finding Something-Worst Thing You Can Do For Your Career

Introvert Whisperer / Finding Something-Worst Thing You Can Do For Your Career Why “Finding something” Is The Worst Thing You Can Do For Your Career The Worst Thing You Can Do For Your Career I just finished responding to a note a long time follower wrote me.  She has been unhappy in her occupational field for several years.  Lost her job and did a job search to “find something”.  The “something” she found was not something she liked.  Now more than ever before she is yearning to find an occupation she is passionate about. This story is a fairly consistent story and that’s why the statistics around job dissatisfaction stay at 60-70% of all workers. That’s a whole lot of unhappiness. I do find it an interesting thing that as important as making a decision is about a career direction, the process for making a decision is elusive and a person usually chooses the worst thing you can for your career. The age-old process of launching a job search to “find something” is about as good as it gets for most people.  They then spend decades being unhappy yet continuing to do the same thing repeatedly.  (The true sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results) I know it’s a tough decision and I know it’s easy to give up and to give into “finding something”. But think of this problem like this: It’s not JUST a job; it’s half your life.   Half your life. Isn’t half your life worth the time, effort and sometimes frustration to figure this out? Would you rather be in the 30-40% of happy satisfied workers? Or the 60-70% who hate what they do? Next time the feeling that you need to change careers comes over you, do the work to first figure out YOU.  Yes, that’s where the process starts.  You have to understand what resonates with you first. Obviously, the process involves other things and figuring out YOU isn’t simple but once you do â€" you’ll be glad you did.   The main message for you is this:  Your life is too important to relegate half of it to chance.  â€œFinding a job” is like winning the lottery.  Most of the time you won’t win.   You deserve the time it takes to figure out the RIGHT job. Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Multiplying fractions 0.5

Multiplying fractions 0.5 Multiplication is one of the common used arithmetic operation in mathematics. Multiplication is denoted by a cross sign . In multiplication the order of the numbers doesnt change the answer. So multiplication of two numbers is always commutative and associative. Multiplication can be applied to different types of numbers such as fractions, integers, decimals. Fractions are the numbers written in p/q form. A fraction number cannot have denominator equal to zero. Fractions can be changed to decimals and vice versa. Example 1: Danny runs 0.5 miles every day. If he ran continuously for 4 days. How many miles did she cover? Solution: Number of miles ran each day = 0.5 = 1/2. Number of days he ran = 4. Total number of miles Danny covered = 4 x 1/2 = 4/2. (Here 4 and 2 have GCF 2. Divide numerator and denominator by 2.) This gives (4 2)/(2 2) = 2/1 =2. Hence Danny ran 2 miles in four days. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) What is the answer when 42 is multiplied with 0.5? a) 24 b) 21 c) 42 d) None of these. Correct answer: option a. Explanation: Here given for the multiplication 42 x 0.5 =? First multiply 42 with the number 5; 42 x 5 = 210. Then multiply 42 with the number 0; 42 x 0 = 00. Now add the two derived answers 210 + 000 = 210 and place a decimal point 21.0 Hence 42 x 0.5 = 21.

GMAT Study Planning Fundamentals Choosing a GRE Preparation Method

GRE/GMAT Study Planning Fundamentals Choosing a GRE Preparation Method GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog This is the first in a multipart series on how to go about studying for the GRE or GMAT. We don’t plan on going into detail on specific concepts covered on the GRE or specific test-taking strategies in this series. Instead, the intention is to cover higher level, foundational issues around preparing for these exams, such as what type of support to get, what materials to use, what mindset to cultivate, etc. This article is being posted on our GRE blog, but we’ll switch from GRE to GMAT over time, as the concepts are broadly applicable to both exams. To start, let’s point out that we are often asked what materials we recommend our students use to prepare for the GRE. We generally have a clear answer to this question (it focuses on using the Official Guide to the GRE and a few other free or low cost materials), but before exploring that question in the next installment of our “GRE/GMAT Study Planning Fundamentals” series, we need to answer a higher-level question. What is your preferred approach to studying for the GRE in the first place? You need to match your materials with the overall approach you are most comfortable with and which will work best for you. So, in this initial article, we’ll explore various approaches to preparing for the GRE. There are two basic, initial dimensions to the question of how to prepare for the GRE: “offline vs. online” and “type of support.” Offline vs. online is almost self-explanatory. It means, will you primarily be working offline with physical books, potentially meeting someone in-person to review, or will you be heavily leveraging the internet and using an online course or app? The “type of support” dimension breaks down into the following options: Self-study using a test prep book, such as the official guide mentioned above, or something from Princeton Review, Barron’s, Kaplan, or many other sources Self-paced course or “app” â€" good examples here would be GRE prep from Magoosh, Dominate the GRE, or PrepScholar Full service real-time class or course Private GRE tutor The “right” approach to studying for the GRE is partially a function of personal preference, particularly when it comes to offline vs. online. But, it’s also a function of the type of student you are and your particular strengths and weaknesses. The below matrix may help you think through your options. Let’s make our way through the above matrix and explore the pros and cons of these approaches. Box 1 will be the upper left (private tutoring completed offline), and then box 2 will be the one below it. So, box 4 is self-study completed offline. We’ll then consider box 5 to be private tutoring completed online, and box 8 to be the lower right, or self-study completed online. As we evaluate each box, we’ll be concerned with ultimate effectiveness for various types of students (i.e., ability of the approach to lead to a higher GRE score), but also cost and convenience. Let’s start by discussing Box 1, or private tutoring completed offline and in-person, and Box 5, private tutoring completed online over the internet. We’ll compare these boxes to each other, as well as to the rest of the matrix. Private tutoring is probably the most customized way to prepare for the GRE. IF you have a good GRE tutor, he or she will help you develop a customized plan, explain concepts in ways that more quickly make sense to you, and function as a mentor to accelerate your GRE prep. On the other hand, 1-1 GRE tutoring can be very expensive, and because each tutor has his or her own approach, there is a downside that involves a lack of structure and too much time spent on this or that topic, whereby a student ends up feeling like they have spent a lot of money and spent a lot of time, but still don’t know all they need to know to get a high score. In general, though, with private GRE tutoring, assuming you have a good or very good GRE tutor, you’ll get an approach tailored to your unique situation (timing, strengths, etc.) that is expensive but effective in building your skills and preparing you for test day. If you are an average test taker and just looking for an average score or above average score, this option could be less attractive to you. A class or an “app,” or even self-study, may strike a better balance of effectiveness, cost, and convenience. Classes tend to “teach to the average,” meaning they cover topics at a pace that makes sense for the average student. However, this means that for someone who is really struggling, the class might be go too fast. But, for someone shooting for a 90th percentile score at a minimum, the same class might be going too slow. If you have spiky strengths and weaknesses, the class approach is also problematic. For the mathematically gifted but verbally challenged student, half the class is a waste, and the other half may progress too quickly. In all these cases, private tutoring, due to the customized approach, is a great option relative to classes. But for the average student, it’s a harder call. If you compare private tutoring to a self-paced app (box 6) or self-study (4 or 8), the average student may just find that they must be extremely disciplined and hard working to prepare adequately on their own without support of a tutor or course/app to provide guidance on concepts and practice problems. But, self-study is clearly much less expensive. Our biased view, in part informed by the hundreds of hours the author of this article spent self-studying for the GMAT instead of getting a private tutor, is that the use of an app or private tutor is a good investment. Regarding the online vs. offline question, or box 1 vs. 5, many students continue to feel like there is no substitute to sitting down with someone in-person to study or receive private tutoring. And it’s true that a lot is communicated through non-verbal cues, etc. However, I should note that the right type of online GRE tutoring, with a clear video and easy to use online whiteboard, can feel very much like an in-person experience. You see the tutor’s face, and he or she sees yours. You see the whiteboard, just like you’d see the paper. You are both looking at the same e-book, just as if you were looking at a physical book. When you consider these points, the fact that online tutoring is obviously more convenient (no travel, easier to fit into everyone’s schedule, etc.), the fact that online sessions can be recorded for later review, and the fact that the GRE is given online anyway, our view is that online tutoring is a better option than in-person tutoring (when done right, with an effective platform). In part 2 of this article, we’ll review the rest of the matrix and explain why, in our view, boxes 3, 5, and 6 are the best approaches to preparing for the GRE for the majority of students.

Improved Academic Performance through Better Nutrition

Improved Academic Performance through Better Nutrition Improving Academic Performance Numerous new studies show a promising link between good nutrition and optimal academic performance. So, let’s explore whether you should start drinking green smoothies and munching on kale chips to increase your likelihood of getting that ACT score or grade you want (to use a few examples of strategies we've encountered...). Starting at birth studies show that nutrition can drive intellectual development, as children who breastfeed were associated with better academic and intellectual performance (Horwood et al., 1998). Indeed, Horwood’s study actually showed small but significant performance increase that was both pervasive across various standards and long lasting. A 2008 study by Florence, in the Journal of School Health, further illustrates the validity of this claim by surveying 5,800 5th grade students in Nova Scotia, Canada in one of the largest nutritional cohort studies ever done in schoolchildren. After assessing the students on several factors to measure the effects of diet quality on academic performance, multilevel regression methods were used and data was adjusted for gender and socioeconomic status of their parents. The data clearly showed not only an association between diet quality and academic performance, but it also helped identify specific dietary factors that contributed to this a ssociation (Florence et al, 2008). Tip #1. Breastfeed your children (if you can). So it seems like “we are what we eat” right from birth. If that is indeed the case, what should we be doing to maximize our academic potential in the middle school through graduate school years? You’ve probably heard about the “most important meal of the day”. Yes, I’m talking about breakfast! A multitude of new data is showing that consuming some tasty eggs or oatmeal in the morning after you wake up can have benefits ranging from metabolism stimulation to increased energy levels, increased focus and even weight loss! Indeed, a survey study of breakfast eaters vs. non-breakfast eaters showed that although eaters of breakfast generally consumed on average more calories per day, there was no prevalence of obesity or overweight tendencies in breakfast eaters (Barr et al., 2015). Tip #2. Simply eat breakfast! So far, the good news is that eating more food (such as breakfast) will make you more prone to better health and smarts! What if I now told you that eating fatty food would improve your cognition too? Sound crazy? It’s true! But not just any fats. So if you were on your way out the door to grab some Mickey D’s for your pre-study snack, think again! The fats your body, and more importantly, your brain needs are called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s). These fat molecules are able to readily travel the body and enter mitochondria, our cellular powerhouse, without the need of special transport molecules called chylormicrons (Page et al., 2009). They are found naturally in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, and medium chain triglycerides are also sold as dietary supplements. You will soon see that the last dietary tip in this article is to eat less refined sugars. Normally, your body burns sugar first for energy. However, MCT’s provide your body with an alternate fuel source that is readily absorbed and shown to increase cognitive performance. Studies also show that consuming omega 3 fats, typically found in nuts like almonds and fish like salmon, have positive effects on infant brain development, adult ability to focus, and Alzheimer’s disease. Tip #3. Eat good fats. This one might sound like a “no-brainer”, but genuinely ask yourself this question: Are you drinking enough water? Indeed, this is a question you have probably pondered many times before. If you are most Americans, the answer to that question is most likely “No!” A 2013 study by Riebl demonstrated mild dehydration (i.e. 1â€"2% body water loss) might in fact impair cognitive performance. So do yourself a favor and stay hydrated during those cram sessions! Tip #4. Drink enough water. There’s one more factor we shall discuss in regards to modulating diet to maximize academic performance. I’d like to call my friend Captain Obvious to the rescue here. Here’s what Captain Obvious has to say, “eating junk foods, especially with too much refined sugar, is bad for you, your health and your grades!” Indeed, a 2015 study by Burrows published in Public Health Nutrition demonstrated worse academic performance in Language Mathematics in students that ate unhealthy snacks at school. There’s a barrage of new research surfacing on the negative effects of refined sugar in particulr. Some studies show that refined sugar is just as addicting has hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin! How the sugar industry can get away with something like that is a discussion for another time. For now, steer clear of the Twinkies and Cheetos and opt for the apple and broccoli! Tip #5. Eat less sugar. Let’s sum up the dietary changes you can make today to improve your grades and academic performance: Breastfeeding: Okay, so this isn’t something a student can do, but it’s definitely something an expecting parent can take into account! Eat Breakfast Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s) and Omega 3: Coconut Oil, Avocados, MCT oil, Almonds, Walnuts and Salmon Drink more water! Eat less refined sugar and junk food Whether eating healthy and good grades was something already obvious to you, or whether this information was new to you, either way, the science shows by taking control of your diet and nutrition, you can take control of your academic performance! Such research calls for emphasis on nutrition programs offered by schools to encourage healthy eating. Hopefully, over time, we can change our ways and develop a generation of smarter, healthier students! About the Author Gaurav Dubey is a biology, chemistry, mathematics, and ACT/SAT tutor from Naperville, IL who has worked with MyGuru for several years. He attended the University of Miami, where he earned his B.S. in Biology and his B.A. in Philosophy. He went on to earn his Master's of Science in Biotechnology at Rush University before working at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics and creating his first scholarly publication on using stem cells to create neurological disease models. Recently, he was accepted to the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine to earn his PhD as a PIBS (Program in Biological Sciences Student). He is also the founder of The Biolitics Podcast, a show aimed at discussing modern day, hot button biopolitical and bioethical issues that are in constant debate. More than just a show, BIOLITICS is a movement that attempts to make science more accessible to everyone in hopes of inspiring minds, both young and old everywhere, to view the world through the lens of the natural born scientist we all have within us. References Barr, S. I., DiFrancesco, L., Fulgoni, V. L. (2015). Association of breakfast consumption with body mass index and prevalence of overweight/obesity in a nationally-representative survey of canadian adults. Nutrition Journal, 15, 10.1186/s12937-016-0151-3. doi:151 [pii] Correa-Burrows, P., Burrows, R., Orellana, Y., Ivanovic, D. (2015). The relationship between unhealthy snacking at school and academic outcomes: A population study in chilean schoolchildren. Public Health Nutrition, 18(11), 2022-2030. doi:10.1017/S1368980014002602 [doi] Florence, M. D., Asbridge, M., Veugelers, P. J. (2008). Diet quality and academic performance. The Journal of School Health, 78(4), 209-15; quiz 239-41. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008.00288.x [doi] Horwood, L. J., Fergusson, D. M. (1998). Breastfeeding and later cognitive and academic outcomes. Pediatrics, 101(1), E9. Page, K. A., Williamson, A., Yu, N., McNay, E. C., Dzuira, J., McCrimmon, R. J., Sherwin, R. S. (2009). Medium-chain fatty acids improve cognitive function in intensively treated type 1 diabetic patients and support in vitro synaptic transmission during acute hypoglycemia. Diabetes, 58(5), 1237-1244. doi:1557 [pii] Riebl, S. K., Davy, B. M. (2013). The hydration equation: Update on water balance and cognitive performance. ACSM's Health Fitness Journal, 17(6), 21-28. doi:10.1249/FIT.0b013e3182a9570f [doi]

Pay Rise for Teachers - Tutor Hunt Blog

Pay Rise for Teachers Pay Rise for Teachers Pay Rise for TeachersSchoolsAfter a long pay freeze teachers are to receive as much as a 3.5% raise Ever since 2013 teachers have had to endure their pay increases being capped at 1% - and for the last 2 years their salaries have been completely frozen. Of course austerity measures have affected many different professions in the public sector - but many have felt the 1% cap, which showed little signs of ever being lifted, has been particularly harsh on the teaching profession. Recent analysis published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies has revealed that school funding has been cut by 8% since the Conservatives came to power. The good news is that teachers are due a pay rise from September, as the public sector pay freeze has finally been lifted. The government has announced a 3.5% pay rise, with those on the main pay scale receiving the full 3.5% raise, and those already enjoying the upper ranges (mainly heads of departments) getting a 2% raise. `Leaders,` such as school heads can expect a 1.5% rise. The Education secretary Damian Hinds expressed what this rise, the first in many years, would mean for teachers: `This will mean that teaching continues to be a competitively rewarded career, and I will continue to work with the profession, Ofsted and the unions on issues like excessive workload, professional development and flexible working, to make sure teaching remains an attractive, fulfilling profession.` Indications that teachers were in line for a pay increase were revelled some time ago, but teachers had to wait many weeks for the news to be confirmed, and the hard figures to be published. The costs for this increase will be pound;508 million, spread over 2 years, but will not actually be funded by any new money from the treasury. It is understood that the schools themselves will not actually have to pay the full costs out of their budgets. The department for education is working under the assumption that the schools will have been budgeting for a one percent pay rise for some time, and will be in a position to cover the majority of the pay increase; the remainder will come from savings elsewhere in the budget of the DOE. Teachers` unions have been fighting for a pay rise for many years, and have always been clear in their opinion that the long pay freeze has been contributory to the growing recruitment and retention issues in the profession. There are many who say that the 1.5% raise is not sufficient, especially after such a prolonged period where wages have not risen at all. five major education unions, which represent teachers and school leaders throughout England and Wales, were asking for a 5% fully-funded pay rise. This figure was calculated to provide a cost-of-living increase, along with acting a first step towards restoring `the real value of teaching salaries to 2010 levels`. One can only imagine the unions will be disappointed with the figures offered. According to the Department for Education, established teachers will see their salaries rise by between pound;1,184 and pound;1,366, while the salaries for new teachers will grow by between pound;800 and pound;1,000. This all sounds like good news - who wouldn`t want a pound;1000 pay rise? Of course with inflation currently at around 2.4%, the real value of these pay increase are largely negated in real financial terms. 19 months ago0Add a Comment