How To Earn Money From Tutoring

How To Earn Money From TutoringWhen we talk about the benefits of Bozeman tutoring, the first thing that comes to our mind is the abundance of money. There are many things that have been discovered about the money you can earn from tutoring with tutors in Bozeman. Tutoring in Bozeman is a cost-effective form of learning. There are many opportunities where a person can earn money from tutoring.One way to earn money from tutoring in Bozeman is by tutoring on your own. The best place to find tutors who are willing to tutor on your own is at the campus of a college or university. In order to get good quality tutors in Bozeman, one has to advertise and search for them, or visit community colleges or high schools that offer tutoring programs.Tutoring for money is also available through private tutoring companies. These tutors are also very popular in the U.S. because they are more experienced and have a better knowledge of teaching techniques and skills. A private tutor is reliable, and it 's easier to contact them since they charge fees.Tutoring is not limited to the United States. Some of the tutors are also from Europe and China. However, the tutors are mostly from the United States because of the time difference. However, people from countries like England, Germany, and Italy are also more likely to take up tutoring services because of the cheap price.As many Americans are less aware of tutoring, only a very few Americans have taken up tutoring as a profession. Most people who can earn money from tutoring are those who have low grades in school. They can be found in all walks of life including the working class, business, and sports people.Tutoring in Bozeman can be fun if you enroll at a college and learn from the local tutors in a college that caters to the students from high school. But if you decide to study abroad, you can choose from many tutoring agencies. You just have to make sure that the agency you choose can provide you with high quality tutors.Tutorin g in Bozeman can be a great alternative to money. So if you are looking for a great way to earn some extra cash, consider tutoring in Bozeman.

Should You Take the ACT Plus Writing

Should You Take the ACT Plus Writing Most high school students plan to take either the ACT or the SAT, but once you choose an exam, your decision is not yet complete. The ACT, for instance, offers an optional writing componentthe ACT Plus Writing. But should you take this sub-test? First, consider the basics The ACT Plus Writing lengthens the ACT by thirty minutes, and it currently costs an additional $16.50. You will be presented with a single prompt. This prompt will describe an issue and two opposing viewpoints. You must then support one of the two provided perspectives, or alternately, present your own. Of course, your score will not reflect the side you choose, and you do not have to argue for the viewpoint you actually holdjust the one about whichyou can write the most effectiveessay. The case for completing the ACT Plus Writing is fairly compelling: It may be required While the writing portion of the exam is technically optional, certain schools require it for admission. If you are sitting for the ACT during your junior year, you may have little idea about which colleges you will ultimately apply towhich means it may or may not be required. Some schools simply recommend that you take it - follow their advice. Colleges that do not require the ACT Plus Writing may still accept and examine your results, which couldstrengthen your portfolio. It can highlight key skills Though the ACT may feel like a mere means to an end, it is designed to allow you to showcase your skills to colleges. This is also true of the Writing section. By completing a short essay, you can demonstrate your communication skillsand schools are deeply interested in your ability to read, write, and thoughtfully argue. It is not multiple-choice The ACT Plus Writing is scored by two human readers. These individuals review and evaluate your essay, and then they assign it a score between 2 and 12. If you do not excel at multiple-choice testing, the ACT Plus Writing can be a wonderful way for you to stand out to colleges. You may also find these tips on how to improve your ACT scorehelpful. It may improve your ability to write well While studying for the ACT Plus Writing, you may realize that you are becoming a better writer. Often, the ability to write well is developed by continual practice. As you complete sample prompts, your skill set in writing quickly and clearly will improve. Writing tutors can also be of great use, as they can offer excellent feedback and direct your prep efforts accordingly. Remember thatACT practice testsmay help you improve your overall score as well. This will work to your advantage as you enter college, where you will be expected to write coherently startingthe first day of your first semester. Thus, sitting for the ACT Plus Writing may make you a more successful college studentif you prepare appropriately. If you plan to review for the other sections of the ACT, it may make logistical sense to proceed one step furtherin other words, to complete the ACT Plus Writing as well. While you might regret not taking it, it is unlikely that the reverse will be true. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?]

Piano Lessons Near Me The Best Options for Piano Tuition Across the UK

Piano Lessons Near Me The Best Options for Piano Tuition Across the UK Become a Proper Pianist in No Time. ChaptersOpportunities for Piano Teaching in LondonFinding a Proper Piano Instructor in BirminghamLearning the Piano in LeedsThe Best Ways to Learn Piano in ManchesterGetting to Grips with the Piano in GlasgowPiano Lessons In BelfastPiano Lessons In EdinburghPiano Lessons In Cardiff“A piano is just a piano. It’s made out of so much wood and wires and little hammers and big ones, and ivory. While there’s only so much you can do with it, the only way to find this out is to try; to try and make it do everything.”This line appears in a story, ‘Sonny’s Blues’, by the American writer, James Baldwin. The main character, Sonny, wants to play the piano and to become a jazz musician â€" an aim with which you’re probably familiar. Ultimately, Sonny gets there, becoming well-known and liked around the jazz clubs of New York. If you want to, if you can commit, and if you work hard at it, there ain’t no reason why you couldn’t do the same. As Baldwin writes, “the only way … is to try”.But it’s true! The piano can do everything if you make it. It’s one of the most versatile, most popular, and most truly beautiful instruments there is. Whether, like Sonny, you want to become a jazz pianist, or if you’d prefer to put your energies into the classical sonatas of Beethoven, say, or the pop songs of The Beatles or Elton John, there isn’t anything that needs to stop you.Really, though, one of the best things to turn a beginner pianist into a proper genius performer is a good piano teacher. Because, learning an instrument with a music teacher who is supportive, passionate about music making, and who has an appreciation of the difficulties and challenges of the learning experience is indispensable to the learning process.So, if you are based in the UK and are looking for piano instruction, you needn’t look any further. From private piano lessons to group piano classes â€" from a piano course on jazz to sessions on music theory and general musicianshi p â€" we’ve put together some of the best options for learning to play the piano across the country. We hope it’s helpful. But mostly, whichever way you decide to do it, we hope that you’ll find the way to make your heap of “wood and wires and little hammers and big ones” do everything you want it to do. Good luck!Find a piano teacher, learn the instrument, and get busking!the expertise and track record to help you get through your music exams. That applies whether you opt for private piano lessons on site in their music studio or in group classes aimed to help you nail the aural aspects of the ABRSM curriculum.Roundhay Music also offers training towards the range of graded music examinations, and their comprehensive range of music lessons â€" in instruments from the ukulele to the cello â€" is really really impressive. These guys let you borrow instruments too!Or Finding the Right Tutor for YouOtherwise, you might be more comfortable cultivating a personal relationship wi th a tutor outside of Leeds’s bigger musical institutions. The city is swimming with individual professionals offering personally tailored lessons in playing the piano, so that, if you want, you can indulge your niche taste for jazz piano or build up your repertoire of baroque harpsichord music â€" whichever you desire.Francesca Murray is one such tutor in the city that provides flexible tuition at your convenience, whether towards exams or not. You could also try Charley Hellier, a tutor that’s willing to travel, or Nick Eastwood, an accomplished musical educator who is also a professional piano accompanist.If these don’t work for you, try Superprof, a platform that hosts private tutors to suit all learning styles or musical tastes. You can even find piano lessons online and learn from the comfort of your home.Keep up your enthusiasm for piano with a proper piano instructor!Or Find a Piano Tutor in the CityFor those after something a little more lowkey â€" a casual lesson or training in a given genre or technique â€" you’ll find plenty of music tutors in the city to guide you through everything.You could think about enrolling in classes with the Manchester Piano Room or at the AB Piano School, two dedicated piano centres in the city that guarantee your progression in every aspect of your musicianship.Otherwise, try Superprof, an easy way to link up with qualified and experienced tutors in any field you want. Even if you don’t get on with the piano, you could try something else on here instead!Getting to Grips with the Piano in GlasgowGlasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, offers just as many â€" if not more â€" opportunities for learning how to play the piano as any city in the UK. And the diversity of its options is just as impressive. From community music schools to private lessons, from classes for kids and those for adults, Glasgow will not disappoint.Check out our full guide on piano lessons in Glasgow too!Dedicated Music OrganisationsGlasgow’s music schools are some of the most interesting in the UK. The Riverside Music College offers further education courses alongside instrument lessons in banjo, mandolin, and other more conventional instruments (including the piano!).The Glasgow Music Studios rises to Riverside’s challenge and now offers lessons in DJing, beat-boxing, and rap. At both schools, you’ll find piano teachers who are supportive, patient, and extremely knowledgeable, so check them out.You can also find piano lessons Derby.Private Piano TutorsHowever, if you are the sort of person who wants their piano lesson without any other distraction, private piano tuition is in ample supply across the city. Try Stuart Corkindale, or Desislava Hristova of Piano Lessons Glasgow, two musicians with jaw-dropping careers in music education.Otherwise, there’s always the opportunity for tutoring through Superprof, the educational platform that connects students to tutors who suit their style of study. So, whatever it is y ou want to learn, you’ll find it here.Piano lessons can last different times. Some lessons last for just half an hour, while others can go for 60 or 90 minutes.Piano Lessons In BelfastThere are so many reasons why you might be drawn to the piano:You learnt how to play the piano as a child and want to rekindle your interest as an adult;You want to learn to play great classical pieces by the likes of Chopin, Liszt, or Bach;You’re drawn to the versatility of the piano, and would like to try out some different styles, such as rock, jazz, or pop; orYou’d love to study music at university or need to prepare a piece to audition.Whatever your reason for playing the piano, it goes without saying that one of the most effective ways to improve as a pianist is to have a good piano teacher by your side.Thankfully, if you’re looking for a piano tutor in Belfast, there are no shortage of teachers who are there to support you when it comes to achieving your musical aspirations.For example, you might decide to take piano lessons at Belfast Music Academy. The courses at the academy are ten-weeks long, which is perfect if you’re looking to commit to a set period of piano tuition.The academy also supports students of any ability level (from beginners to advanced) and are happy to offer a variety of lesson types. So, if you’d really like to try your hand at composition or would prefer to prepare for piano exams with Rockschool, then Belfast Music Academy can help you.Alternatively, you might like to sample the piano classes on offer at MusicFirst NI. This music school offers tuition in many different instruments, including the piano. The school also caters to a wide range of ages, so whether you have a child who would like to play the piano, or you’re a mature adult looking to learn music for the first time, MusicFirst NI should be able to assist.Not to be left out of the list of piano tutors in Belfast is the Stormont School of Singing. This music school offers tuit ion in vocals (as its name might give away) as well as piano lessons. Like other music schools, there’s no pressure to take piano lessons for the purpose of sitting exams, and you are welcome to learn to play the piano for fun, or for another purpose, such as to build your confidence.Of course, if you do want to take piano classes specifically so you can take formal or graded piano exams, then the Stormont School of Singing is equally happy and able to prepare you for those exams as well.When it comes to lesson length, classes with most piano teachers tend to last anywhere from half an hour to 60 minutes. If you’re not sure how long your piano lessons should last, then don’t be afraid to get in touch with your tutor before booking onto a lesson to confirm the typical lesson length.If none of the music schools listed above takes your fancy, remember that there are lots of other piano tutors out there in Belfast as well. For instance, there are private tutors that are experience d piano tutors, and there are even some on websites such as Superprof.Edinburgh is home to lots of different music and comedy festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.Piano Lessons In EdinburghGlasgow isn’t the only place in Scotland where you can learn the piano! Another Scottish city where you can really find the help to make your piano skills shine is Edinburgh.With a variety of piano tutors available in Edinburgh, there are a few things you might want to take into consideration before booking a class with a piano teacher. For example:Take a look at prices and see whether the tutor you’d like offers lessons within your budget;See what experience the tutor has and whether that experience is relevant to your own goals when learning piano;See how long the teacher’s lessons tend to run; andConsider their location â€" will it be easy, or difficult, to travel to them for lessons?If you need some inspiration on where to find piano classes in Edinburgh though, we’ve out lined just a few tutors and music schools below. Of course, these aren’t the only piano tutors in Edinburgh, so feel free to have a further look around if none of the below seems quite right for you!Firstly, there’s AllegranDo, whose piano teacher is a member of the European Piano Teachers Association UK.  Lessons come in either 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or hour-long lengths, so you can really be flexible when it comes to how much piano tuition you’d like.Another option is Strollers Music School, which offers piano lessons alongside a variety of other instruments, from the guitar and trumpet to the vocals and violin. Lessons last around half an hour or an hour, and the school doesn’t place a huge amount of pressure on its students to attend weekly lessons.Of course, regular practice is one of the best ways to maintain and improve your abilities with the piano, so weekly lessons are often recommended by many music schools, but if you can’t always make weekly sessions, then S trollers is ok with that too.If Strollers or AllegranDo don’t seem to be the right match for you, then there’s also the Morningside School of Music. This music school also offers tuition across a range of instruments, including the piano. One of its selling points is that the school is open every day of the week, which is great if you need a little bit more flexibility when it comes to scheduling your lesson times. Lessons here tend to run for 30 minutes or 60 minutes.If you’re still not convinced that Edinburgh can be a wonderful place to learn the piano, it’s worth remembering that Edinburgh also has so much to offer as a city when it comes to music. There are a wide variety of festivals during the year, including the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Jazz Blues Festival, as well as the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.So, whether you’d like to hear the piano played in a jazz style, or would prefer to listen to chamber music, there should be a performanc e during the year to inspire and entertain you!Music school and piano tutors are there to help you achieve your learning goals, whether that's playing for fun or preparing for formal exams.Piano Lessons In CardiffIf you’re looking for piano lessons in Wales, then Cardiff has so much to offer.For example, if you’re serious about playing the piano â€" maybe you’re even considering a career as a professional musician â€" then you might want to try and get into the Royal Welsh College of Music Drama, where you can study the keyboard with courses such as:The BMus (Hons);“Postgraduate Programmes in Music Performance”; and“Postgraduate Programme in Collaborative Piano”, among others.Serious piano players may also like to have extra piano practice at places like the Music Rooms Pontcanna, which offers 90-minute long lessons to students who have grade 6 and above in the piano.Even if you’re looking to start studying for formal music exams, such as the ABRSM, there are tutors that can help you prepare.However, if you’re not at an advanced level when it comes to playing the piano, there’s still a lot of teachers out there that are happy to teach the piano to beginners or those with an intermediate ability level.Some piano tutors you might wish to work with are Helene Pello of Piano Lessons Cardiff, or Kath Thorne-Thomas. Kath Thorne-Thomas would be a good teacher to use if you had a particular interest in classical piano, as this is where her experience primarily lies.Alternatively, there’s also David Pert, who also takes active bookings as a piano player as well, be it in a solo capacity or for duo or ensemble work.How Often Do I Need Piano Lessons?Some music schools will require you to book in for a set number of piano lessons (for example, a block booking of ten weekly sessions). Other schools are more relaxed as to how many piano lessons you book, and how regularly you attend them.Generally speaking, many schools recommend having weekly lessons to try and help you get better as a piano player. That’s not to say you can’t make progress if you only have lessons, say, fortnightly, but often weekly is considered better for learning purposes.For example, if you’re set on taking formal music exams, then regular practice is a great way to prepare you for the theoretical or practical aspects of the exam.If you can only commit to irregular piano lessons, or you’re not sure whether you need you to make a block booking when hiring a piano tutor, make sure to ask the music school or tutor before you book about how many lessons they would recommend you take to achieve your learning goals.

17 Useful French Expressions for Talking About Your Feelings

17 Useful French Expressions for Talking About Your Feelings Sign up successful Thus, I created a couple of very cute and funny characters, Jacques and Marie, whose dialogues will show you how they express some of their emotions.  The dialogues will be in English so you can capture the essence of the context, but the expressions will be in French. And just to prove you that learning French can be very fun and entertaining, I suggest you avoid translating those expressions as you read them, but instead try to figure out what they mean, or even better write down their analogues in English. After the dialogues, Ill provide you with the most accurate translation possible and youll have a chance to compare it with your version. Dialogues Marie: Jacques, for the tenth time, please do the dishes! Theyve been sitting in the sink since yesterday! Jacques: Don’t worry dear, just go to work and Ill take care of it. Marie comes home after work, tired and frustrated…. she looks in the kitchen and sees dirty plates in the sink, plus a few fresh ones piled on the top “Mais c’est pas vrai?!”   Marie: Hey Jacques, I think that waitress is really rude! I want to call her manager and talk to him. I mean what kind of service is it?! Jacques: “Mais laisse tomber!” “C’est pas la peine.” Marie: Jacques, I failed my road test again! What am I  gonna do?! Jacques: “Mais c’est pas grave.” Youll do better next time. Jacques: Hey Marie, I went to a pet shop today. Marie: “Dis donc.” What were you doing there? Jacques: I got you a puppy the one that you always wanted for your birthday, but I figured: why wait, so I got it today! Marie: “C’est pas vrai!” …….   “Ohh…C’est trop mignon Jacques!” Jaques: So you wanna go pick him up? Marie: “Bien sûr!” Jacques: “On y va!” Marie: Hey Jacques, can you pick me up after work today? Jacques: Yeah, sure, around 8 PM? Marie: “Ça marche!” Jacques: But don’t be late! Marie: “D’accord!” Marie: Hey Jacques, you wont  believe what happened to me at work today! Jacques: What? Marie: You know Stella, the new accountant? She made a mistake and it was totally her fault but she just kept blaming it on me in front of everyone! “T’imagines?!” Jacques: “Ça arrive.” Marie: Jacques, can you be more supportive? Jacques: I am. Marie: Then why are you taking her side?! Jacques: “N’importe quoi.” I don’t even know her. Marie: So you really think she is right? “C’est ça?” Jacques: “Allez,” “Ça suffit!” I love you and Im always on your side no matter what. Marie: “Bah voila!” That’s all you needed to hear. Expressions Glossary Please keep in mind that depending on the context and particular forms, these expressions may have various meanings.  Here below, youll see what they mean in the dialogues youve just read. The pronunciation is written phonetically in brackets to make learning the phrases easier.  Lets take a look at the expressions “Mais c’est pas vrai?!”   Pronunciation: [Mai se pa vrai] Meaning: No way! I dont believe it! Youre kidding! Literal translation: But thats not true. “Mais c’est pas grave”   Pronunciation: [Mai se pa grav] Meaning: It’s not a big deal. It’s not that serious. Not a problem. Literal translation: But it’s not serious (aggravated). “Dis donc”     Pronunciation: [Dee donk] Meaning: Wow. Goodness. Hey. By the way. Well. Listen. Literal translation: Say then. “OhhC’est trop mignon!”         Pronunciation: [Oh se tro meenyon] Meaning and Literal translation: Aww, it’s so cute! “Bien sûr!”   Pronunciation: [Bjen sjur] Meaning and Literal translation: Of course. Sure. “On y va!” Pronunciation: [Onee va] Meaning and Literal translation: Let’s go! “Ça marche!” Pronunciation: [Sa marsh] Meaning: That works for me. Deal. It works. Ok. Literal translation: It works (runs, functions). “D’accord!” Pronunciation: [Dakkor] Meaning: Ok. Agreed. Got it/“Gotcha” (understood). Literal translation: Agreed. “T’imagines?!”   Pronunciation: [Timajeen] Meaning: Can you believe this? Literal translation: Imagine it? “Ça arrive”   Pronunciation: [Sa arriv] Meaning and Literal translation: It happens. “Allez”   Pronunciation: [A-le] Meaning: Come on. Literal translation: Go. “N’importe quoi” Pronunciation: [Neh(n) puhr te kwa] Meaning: Nonsense. Literal translation: No matter what. “C’est ça?” Pronunciation: [Se sa] Meaning and Literal translation: Is that it? Is that what it is? “Ça suffit!” Pronunciation: [Sa sjufee] Meaning: Enough! Cut it out! Stop it! Literal translation: It suffices. “Bah voila!” Pronunciation: [Bah vo-a-lja] Meaning: There we go. That’s it. Literal translation: There. “Mais laisse tomber!”   Pronunciation: [Mai less tomb-e] Meaning: Let it go. Forget about it. Literal translation: Let it fall. “C’est pas la peine” Pronunciation: [Se pas lja pehn] Meaning: It’s just not worth it. Don’t bother. Literal translation: It’s not the pain. Now that you know how to share your feelings in French, make sure to practice often! Try having a conversation in French with someone  and see how quickly you adapt to the language. If you need further help, find a French tutor  and enjoy learning all they have to offer! Post Author:  Roman N. Roman teaches French in San Diego, CA. Teaching for over 5 years, Roman is  a Russian and ESL instructor.  Learn more about Roman  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by MINES_ParisTech

Sample Mean - Online Math Tutoring

Sample Mean - Online Math Tutoring Definition: -The sample mean is the average of a group of numbers and is computes by summing all the numbers and dividing by the numbers. Because the sample mean is so widely used, most statisticians refer to it simply as the mean or average. The sample mean is represented by x?. The formula for computing the sample mean is given as follows Sample mean = Sum of all values/ Number of sample. x? = x / n Where.x= Sum of all values n = Number of sample Example: - Last years incomes of five randomly selected families were 36,150 95,750 54,985 77,490 23,740 Find the sample mean. Solution: -The sample mean formula is Sample mean = Sum of all values/ Number of sample. x? = x / n =(36150+95750+54985+77490+23740)/ 5 Since there are five sample So n= 5 =288115/5 =57623 Therefore sample mean of this data set= 57,623 Other example: - The age of 10 randomly selected students from a class are 21 19 27 22 29 19 25 21 22 30 Find the sample mean. The sample mean formula is Sample mean = Sum of all values/ Number of sample. x? = x / n =(21+19+27+22+29+19+25+21+22+30)/10 Since there are ten sample So n= 10 = 235/ 10 =23.5 Therefore sample mean of this data set= 23.5

What Motivates Us to Learn

What Motivates Us to Learn By now, most educators  are familiar with the advice, “Praise the process, not the outcome.” which was revolutionized by Stanford Psychology professor, Carol Dweck. This strategy focuses on instilling a “growth mindset” an understanding that intelligence is learned, not innate, in students throughout their education. However, in a new article, Dweck herself warns against blindly following her research. So we are going to take another look at what motivates students to learn beyond good grades. First, let’s review. Dweck’s RSAnimate talk, “How to Help Every Child Fulfill Their Potential,” identifies two learning mindsets: fixed and growth. Students with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is static, something you are born with, and if they can’t complete a task now, they never will. They believe that they must “look smart at all times and all costs,” that effort is a sign you don’t have ability, and that mistakes “reveal your limitations.” Students with a growth mindset, on the other hand, believe that intelligence is developed. They understand that the goal of education is to “learn at all times and all costs,” that “effort is what activates ability” and that “mistakes are a part of the process.” Dweck goes on to argue that praising children’s intelligence promotes a fixed mindset. Instead of building confidence in their ability to problem solve and work hard, children become attached to some vague idea of intelligence that feels impossible to improve upon. In a study done with 10 to 11 year olds, Dweck found that the majority of children who were praised for their intelligence chose to continue to do tasks they were already good at, while children praised for their process chose to tackle more difficult problems. Even when students returned to easier tasks, those in a fixed mindset got lower scores than those in a growth mindset. What happened next? Many parents and teachers took Dweck’s research to two extremes. Some thought the importance of praising the process should eclipse everything else, and doled out praise regardless of progress. Others were so hesitant to accidentally promote a fixed mindset that they only offered encouragement when their children or their students were struggling. What else can we do? If you find yourself falling into one of those two camps, try to remember that at the core of Dweck’s strategy is giving students enough information that they are able to recreate the behavior for which they are praised. “You’re so smart!” feels good in the moment, but it is difficult for students to simply “be smart” when they encounter their next challenge. Next time, point out something specific about the work  -  maybe the student took a unique approach, or it’s obvious that they tried a few solutions before they landed on the correct answer  -  and praise them for their creativity or tenacity instead. Rewarding your child for their good efforts is another popular approach, but it may be less effective than we think. Like Dweck, Dan Pink, author of “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” also did a RSAnimate talk by the same name on motivation  in 2010. Pink found that as soon as a task required creative or conceptual thinking, larger rewards actually led to poorer performance. To motivate your students or children, try to focus on one of Pink’s non-reward drivers: autonomy, mastery and purpose. According to Pink, feeling as though something is your own, knowing you are getting better at it, and making a contribution are powerful motivators of learning and performance. Best of luck!

20 Reasons to Use Games in College-Level ESL Courses

20 Reasons to Use Games in College-Level ESL Courses Copyright 2018 Bokomaru Publications There are many good reasons why serious games remain appropriate teaching tools in college-level second language learning courses for young adults. Before we get into those reasons, there is one thing that we should clear up. A serious game is not the same as other  games. Unlike a game played for amusement, fun  is not its primary goal. Fun is merely a useful byproduct of a well-designed learning activity.  A serious games primary purpose is pedagogical. Above all else, it is intended to support one or more of the goals of the course. Anyone interested in instructional design would do well to consider the pedagogical benefits of serious games. The Pedagogical Benefits of Language Learning Games Here is a list of 20 pedagogical benefits that games can bring to the language learning classroom:  task regulation,  motivation and strategic thinking,  preparation, memory and retention, meaningful communicative exchanges, cognitive fluency,  attention to form,  peer-correction and instruction, openness and respect,  patience and planning, mastery experiences and  ego-gratification, self-confidence and self-efficacy,  contingency planning and resilience,  energy and excitement,  reduction in  egotism,  problem-solving and effort,  creativity,  coherence,  self-directed learning, and  time-on-task. How Games Provide these Benefits Games have  rules. Rules can keep learners focused on key structures, allowing careful  task regulation. Games have  goals. Goals create  motivation and strategic thinking. Games are a form of  simulation. Simulations give us  preparation  for high-stakes communicative tasks. Games involve repetition. Repetitions  enhance  memory and retention. Games are  interactive. Oral interaction gives us  meaningful communicative exchanges. Games require speed. Speed stimulates the development of  cognitive fluency. Games involve decisions. Decisions can direct  attention to form. Games involve  feedback. Feedback means  peer-correction and instruction. Games involve turn-taking. Turn-taking ensures  openness  to the participation of others,  equality, and  respect. Games involve waiting for a turn. Waiting teaches  patience and planning. Games have  win-states. Win-states provide  mastery experiences and  ego-gratification. Games require skill. Skill development generates  self-confidence and self-efficacy. Games involve chance. Chance creates  contingency planning and resilience. Games have sudden reversals of fortune. Reversals of fortune provide  energy and excitement. Games have lose-states. Lose-states cause  reductions in  egotism  that do not damage the ego since game-play is a non-literal state. Games have  challenges. Challenges demand  problem-solving and effort. Games involve  problem-solving.  Problem-solving sparks  creativity. Games have  a beginning, middle  and  end.  Sequence offers  coherence. Games are a form of play.  Play  is Evolution’s toolbox for  self-directed learning. Games are pleasurable.  Pleasure maximizes  time-on-task. **This list is an adapted and expanded list from  Prensky, 2001, Digital Game-Based Learning, McGraw-Hill, p. 6. Please follow and like us:

Is Moving For A Job Worth It

Is Moving For A Job Worth It Image via Pexels Do’s and Don’ts Before evaluating whether or not you should move for a job, there are some do’s and don’ts to consider. Prior to entertaining the idea of relocating for your new job, let’s look over some influencing factors that can impact your decision to move away from home and into a foreign area. Do’s: Move for Increased Wages and Diverse Culture: In today’s job market, one of the biggest factors potential employees consider when looking into a new job is the salary/hourly wage. In some situations, companies and agencies have higher wages and salaries than those in your current area, which is a great incentive to want to relocate for a job. If your current job isn’t paying nearly as much as you would like, let alone what you can survive on while another position out of state is offering double, that’s a great reason to go for it! Additionally, diversified culture and community is another reason to relocate. If your current location is bland, with the same people and cultures, relocating for your job can also benefit you by giving you a diverse culture and community to live in and experience! Move for Entrepreneurial Opportunities/Supportive Business City: Every town and city is different from markets to work ethics. Some towns, like the one I come from, is full of either blue-collar workers or people with college degrees. Some places are more labor-oriented, while others are more creative and embrace entrepreneurial opportunities. Jon Simmons, a writer for Monster  writes, “A Bentley University survey revealed that 66% of millennials want to start their own business. But to do so, they want to live somewhere that can sustain and support that business.“ If you aren’t into the rigidity of school or think outside the box, consider relocating to a town or city that is more supportive of creativity, one that would be better for your future entrepreneurial ideas! Move for Adventure/Risk Taking: Sometimes moving for a job is less about the technicalities or formalities and more about just taking a risk and going out of your traditional comfort zone. If you are someone who has been in the same area for a few years, has an adventurous side and is seeking something new, consider relocating! Starting fresh in a new area can be fun, exciting and the beginning of a new adventure. Maybe the best job isn’t waiting for you, perhaps you’re not looking for any special kind of opportunity but instead, you’re just looking to experience something different, fresh and stimulating there’s nothing wrong with that! You dont want to regret things down the line  that you wish youd tried so  go for it now while you can! Image via Pexels Don’ts: Move for a Slight Pay Increase: One of the “do’s” stated previously was to move for increased wages, which is a solid reason to relocate. However, when considering to move for a job, you don’t want to move for a job that is going to pay slightly more than the one you currently have. Why? Because you have to consider the cost of moving, both literal and metaphorical, and if that slight increase in wages is worth the time, energy and possible hassle of moving away from home and somewhere completely new. There are plenty of factors to consider when looking at a salary for your new job, like cost of living, which will be addressed in the later paragraphs. Ultimately, remember that it’s not just about how much more money you’re making at this new job, it’s about a lot more than that! Move Laterally in your Career: It’s important to remember to consider the type of position you will be accepting when you move away from home. Will this new position be similar in type and rank in comparison to the one you have at home? If it is, Jon Simmons writes, “Neil Bondre, founder of The Interview Professional, an interview coaching company in San Francisco, advises millennials against accepting positions that are similar in rank in new cities, even if they’re unhappy with their current situation. Instead, he suggests making an upgrade or moving in the same city if the position is comparable compensation.” More for Someone Else:   We all have probably heard plenty of horror stories of people moving away solely for their romantic partner and for nothing else. It’s hard to go against this urge when you’re in a relationship, but do not move just for one person. Moving away is a huge decision, which can take an emotional and physical toll on you. Thats not to say that moving for this person isn’t worth all of that, but you’ll want to have extra reasoning and prospects in mind to make the decision more worth it and give yourself a sense of stability. Image via Pexels Is Moving for a Job Worth It? Heres What to Consider 1. Don’t Get Caught Up in the ‘Dream Job’ Hype: When we’re young, we all want to secure that job of our dreams and are willing to do just about whatever it takes to get it. Sometimes this means taking a chance and exploring your options instead of having a decided occupation of your choice picked out. This is the time to take risks and test the waters of different career options that may be of interest to you, so don’t worry about moving to a new place and not having it all figured out yet. Just make sure that you have the support and financial ability to do so! Image made via Canva.com 2. Weigh the Financial Costs: Perhaps one of the most important things to evaluate before you relocate for a job is whether or not you are financially stable enough to do so. This may seem obvious, but for some who act on impulse, this can sometimes be easily overlooked. There are a lot of costs when moving in general, but when you factor in moving out of state or hundreds of miles away, the costs increase significantly. While thinking about moving for a job, consider the following: Cost of living in Home City vs New Location: Moving to a new location that is significantly more than your current location but doesn’t pay enough to cover the difference isn’t a smart choice. Ruth Mayhew of Chron.com  suggests to research the cost of living in your current location versus your desired one and use a cost of living index. She notes, “A cost of living index measures affordability for geographic regions, with 100.0 for the baseline. Anything greater than or less than 100.0 means that food, housing, health care, utilities and transportation are higher or lower, respectively.” Current Salary to Salary Offer in New Location: This goes hand in hand with one of the “don’ts” from earlier, which was moving for a slight pay increase. While brainstorming and making your decision, be sure to compare your current salary to your new salary offer and include the cost of living in the new location to see if the difference is worth it. CNN Money has a cost of living calculator to make this step even easier for you! Shane Jones of the Muse notes that a cost of living calculator is, “useful in determining whether you’ll have a comparable net income after you factor in common expenses such as groceries, housing, and utilities.” 3. Weight the Quality-of-Life Factors: When considering to relocate for a new job, one of the most important factors to consider besides the obvious financial costs is the quality of life you’ll be having. Some things to evaluate are: Living in a Big City vs Small City: What is your preferred living area? Do you like a more urban, busy setting or do you prefer a more quiet, laid back area? When considering to relocate for a job, the location is an important factor to consider. You don’t want to have to work and live in a place that doesn’t sit well with you. Accessible Public Transit: If you are considering to move to an urban or even suburban area for your job, making sure you have access to public transit is very important. Whether this public transit is the bus, subway, the train, or even driving, it’s necessary to know how you’re going to travel to work from home and around the town on off days. Entertainment: Moving for a job is not solely about the job, as you will not be working 24 full hours a day, 7 days a week. Besides work, you need things to do in your free time to relax and have fun! When considering moving for a job, make sure that the city/town has an entertainment atmosphere and community that fits you and your interests. 4. Evaluate Your Career Options: Reviewing your career dreams, goals, and options is a key part in deciding whether or not you want to move for a job. Is it worth moving for the job or can you blossom in your career at your current location? Some things to ask yourself are: Am I on the Right Path? As you evaluate whether or not to move for a job, you should map out your career goals. What are you looking to accomplish in your current position at your job? Are you looking to progress in any way? Is your current position or current location holding you back from those goals? Consider looking to establish a foundation that can be built upon in a job, with upward mobilization and long-term success as the ultimate goal. Stagnant working positions, with no chance of advancement, whether in your current location or away from home is a red flag. Is the location dense with jobs that fit the industry I’m in? Sometimes our current location doesn’t match the job market or industry that we love. For instance, if you’re more of an artsy person, you’ll probably want to be in an urban area rather than a rural one, because the industries in each area type are vastly different. Trying to move away from home and relocate for a job in today’s economy is not easy. There are a lot of things to evaluate and consider, such as the financial costs, the quality of life factors, your career options, and the moving process in general. If you are considering moving for a job, just remember to weigh all of your options carefully and make the best decision for your mind, heart and wallet. Albert Einstein once said, “anyone who has never made a mistake, has never tried anything new.” It is never too late to start! As always, good luck.

Understanding Different Types of Intelligence

Understanding Different Types of Intelligence Understanding Different Types of Intelligence Many students, parents, and teachers become curious about the different types of intelligence. Although possible, it is very rare for a student to be gifted or talented in all areas of the brain. Additionally, intellectual gifts should not be confused with high achievement (READ: Ask a Nerd! IQ vs. SAT). Students who struggle with a particular subject can still study hard, work with a private Orange County tutor one-on-one and learn appropriate educational techniques and still improve. In the same vein, a student could be very talented in a particular subject or subjects but not receive a high grade. The latter type of student is sometimes referred to as an underachiever. So what are some of the different types of intelligence? Book smarts Some students have what we refer to as ‘book smarts’. These are students who can read and fully comprehend a text or a novel and who can study the right information for an exam without prompting and later recall the information for a test. These types of students tend to do very well in the traditional American school environment. High IQ Students with a high IQ, generally perceived to be about 130 or above (this particular number is highly debated by scholars and has changed throughout the decades), are often gifted in one or two areas but may be considered average in other areas. This presents somewhat of a problem for gifted and talented students in a traditional school setting. For example, if a student is heavily gifted in STEM subjects but struggling to comprehend character development in a novel, they may be confused as to why they do so well in some classes but receive C grades in others. Some private schools may be able to accommodate students who fit into different levels but it may be frustrating for the students and their parents nonetheless (READ: 4 College Prep Tips From an Irvine Tutor). It is important for high IQ students to know that it’s normal for them to do very well in one subject and struggle in another. Resilience and determination are part of growing up in our educational system. Social intelligence Some students may be considered average in certain academic subjects but may have a very high social intelligence. This is a valuable skill that can be used throughout life. Students who later become professionals will find that they probably interview well, get along with their coworkers, make good managers, and tend to have vibrant social lives. Students with high social intelligence are also good at finding loopholes and thinking outside of the box, and can generally find a way to make a situation work out whether they take the traditional path or an alternative one (READ: How to Balance Sports and Academics). Students with high social skills may still need help from a tutor in certain subjects. They may or may not test well and they may or may not have superior study skills. Students with a high social IQ social may find that they enjoy careers working with other people or serving in a leadership capacity. Technical intelligence Although this is not yet a recognized term, students with technical intelligence are generally very skilled at working with computers, machines, and other technology. For example, one student may be able to fix a computer or other electronic device by pressing two or three buttons while, on the other hand, one of their peers may struggle desperately to get their computers to work properly. Technical intelligence is becoming more and more of a lucrative skill as our society becomes more dependent upon and enticed by the convenience of electronics and other technological devices. Regardless of a talent in any particular type of intelligence, its important for students, parents, and teachers to know that each student is a unique individual and that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Even the most brilliant students will likely need help or guidance at some point in their educational career. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about.