The Best Dutch Revision Guides

The Best Dutch Revision Guides Improve your Dutch with These Resources ChaptersThe Best Books for Revising DutchThe Best Websites for Reviewing DutchThe Best Apps for Dutch RevisionSacrificing learning for economic reasons is really never a good idea â€" not on the part of individual students nor on the part of the entities whose mission is to provide access to study materials and teachers to guide the learning.There are a few problems with that philosophy, the main one being that, if there is little to no demonstrated interest in learning a given subject, nor is the pool of qualified teachers sufficiently large to deliver diversity in instruction, why continue to expend resources when they could be better applied elsewhere?That is exactly what happened to Dutch language instruction in our schools.Still, there are language learners who are actively looking for outlets to certify their language skills, which obviously means that there are students who wish to learn Dutch and make the language of Amsterdam a central part of their lives.Fortunately, we liv e in the information age: anything we could ever want to know is virtually at our fingertips!In consideration of those who have a passion for the Dutch language; for those who have applied themselves throughout their secondary school years only to discover that sitting Dutch GCSEs will be a much more convoluted process...For those frustrated at the fact that Dutch A-Levels have been consigned to history, your Superprof now presents the best Dutch learning and review resources so that, when you are ready, you will be able to face your certification exam with the greatest of confidence.Yes, there are certification exams; they’re just not the ones you expected!Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als Tweede Taal (NT2).Unlike the publications meant for native speakers, this dictionary indicates the usage of de or het for every word and gives sample sentences. It also gives the plural of nouns and details a bit of verb conjugation.The word definitions are given only in Dutch which, if you are at least at GCSE level, should be a boon because it provides an extra opportunity to read and understand your second language.If you are not yet that advanced, you may need a bit of grammar study.Should you have a good grasp of Dutch vocabulary but you lack a thorough grounding in language mechanics, Concise Dutch Grammar would be more your cup of tea.Perhaps you may actually prefer the edition that includes poetry and essays so you can get your reading practice in: what a great way to gain exposure to both the language and culture of the Netherlands!Another great way would be to talk with a Dutch native speaker or two...You might be surprised at the number of websites to help you learn Dutch! Source: Pixabay Credit: FirmbeeThe Best Websites for Reviewing DutchThe aforementioned Van Dale dictionaries are just a small part of that group’s resources for learning Dutch.Indeed, you will find so much more on their webpage, which includes a free dictionary (nowhere near as good for your purposes as the NT2 we mentioned above!), select articles covering current events and a full page dedicated to language training.Naturally, the page is in Dutch â€" what a great way to hone your reading skills! If in doubt over any word or topic discussed, you may, of course, run it through their built-in translator.Of everything they have to offer, their Online at School utility is the crown jewel of their site!For only €1.50 per student per year, they grant access to the spelling, meaning and pronunciation of thousands of words and, if you feel you need it, you may also engage their translation function.Unfortunately, there is no chat function on their site...However, there is italki!This platform allows you to connect directly with a Dutch native, schedule language sessions in accord with your calendar and timetable and get all of the chat time you need with a native speaker of Dutch.You do not pay a fee to join; however, each tutor sets their own rates per lesson, generally c harging a reduced rate for their first lesson.What if there were a better deal to be had?Superprof has more than 100 Dutch tutors, a substantial number of whom have relocated to our country and most of whom give their first hour of lessons at no charge!You might choose to learn with:Lars, who specialises in conversation at the native level, has earned glowing testimonials from his students!Amrita, another stellar Dutch teacher, offers lessons by webcam or in person if you live in the Birmingham areaElisa, who lives in Salford, has taught all levels of Dutch language learners. You should check out her unusual methodology...Superprof verifies all teachers’ credentials to ensure you the best learning experience possible and permits you to give feedback on your Dutch teacher so that future students will know how much you enjoyed learning with your Superprof.Why calculate time zone differences when you can review exam particulars with a Dutch Superprof in Great Britain?Before we move o n to discover the best apps for Dutch study, let us present one more site which has earned honourable mention:Forvo is a pronunciation guide, handy if you get stuck saying common phrases or some of those combination words that the Dutch language is renown forYou may use a wealth of apps to review Dutch on the go! Source: Pixabay Credit: JeshootsThe Best Apps for Dutch RevisionHands down, DutchPod 101 gets top billing from anyone learning Dutch.Of course, you, being more advanced in you speaking, may well have to skip ahead to find lessons that will challenge you!Nevertheless, there is value to be had here, the best possibly being the community chat function where you would meet with other language learners to discuss lessons and practice speaking Dutch.Other features include both audio and video lessons, flashcards and downloadable lesson notes.While there is no fee to partake of this learning programme, Glossika charges a monthly rate of $25 to learn and review Dutch after a free t rial.This language programme makes use of all of the modern teaching philosophies such as spaced repetition and their  mass sentence method, as they call it.Otherwise known as the 10,000 sentence method, this learning method postulates that, if confronted with enough sample sentences in the same language, the learner will assimilate word patterns and grammatical structure, and will soon start building new sentences without further instruction.You may be interested in knowing that this is the same theorem that drives machine learning!While there is arguably some merit to the method, it may prove a bit too cumbersome for a learner at your level who, after all, is looking for review materials.In that light, you may find it strange that we would recommend Duolingo...That language learning app’s selling point is its level testing: before you engage in learning anything, you should submit to a simple test to determine your understanding of Dutch, after which you will be presented with s entences and activities suited to your level of learning.What we really like about this app is its ways of engaging learners in all areas of language study.You would be called on to read, write, speak and listen to Dutch phrases and be challenged to demonstrate your understanding of such through periodic quizzes.Further incentives â€" as though fluency in your second language weren’t enough, include virtual badges and medals, pinned to your profile page.It is quite unfortunate that the language you so love, that boasts so many reasons to learn it, is not more popular. That means there are not as many resources to learn it or avenues to certify your skills and abilities... and that is such a shame!Nevertheless, we hope that this list of review resources will help you prepare well for when you sit your Dutch language certification exam.Good luck!

5 Online Math Case Studies That Will Teach You the Power of Tutors

5 Online Math Case Studies That Will Teach You the Power of Tutors Well, you are in high school and are tumbling over Algebra and Physics every day. You can use an online math tutor. This lets you score at the top level in class. Simple it is. Just open the net and see what you can do for your Math or Science. Lots of resources roll-up because you have entered the world of online math tutor. Today, you hang over online Math tutoring centers more than visiting Amazon or Flip cart. You talk and sleep e-tutoring, why breathe it! Shall we analyze the reasons? Here are 5 online Math case studies that will teach you the power of tutors. 1. Online tutoring top deals increase student engagement by 110% Summer is on and tutoring deals are more in the air. You have crash programs for subjects, orientation courses, language classes, and review sessions. The deals are more and you feel like spending half of your vacation on online classes. Their big deals, discounts, rebates and incentives-useful and enjoyable. May more than in summer camps and tents. It is very simple to do. Get a reliable tutorial and try with it- register and sign in for a deal. If it suits you and your journey starts there for no end. Tutors of your choice, favorite timings, deals at cost-effective rates lead to wise spending of money and good use of time. Great are the days ahead with tutoring deals that show up your extreme involvement in learning. @TutorPace Offers 10% Discount on Online #Assignment Help for Improved Grades http://t.co/P1NO7BttIg #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/vJs9iihJwU â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 10, 2015 Math is fun in this situation. Math tutoring deals are loveable for the fun and game you enjoy throughout. 2. Online Math tutoring goes viral- in person tutoring is blown to the wind Gone are the days when you went after a private tutor, sat with him for limited hours and listened to his monologues. Online Math tutor comes to your desk, talks to you in terms that are understandable, makes easy Math via strategies and leads you through difficulties in homework without threatening you. It is pleasant environment where you do Math, not memorizing its rules. You learn, do not read.  You play and understand concepts. Online Math tutoring is your lifeline and will be so in future. Relax and learn in the company of tutors, not like the private ones who flabbergast you with formulas and theorems and pour out lengthy pieces of instruction for solving problems. 3. Cutting edge tech tools increase productivity- more outputs for less money You are with your lap, desktop, mobile and are not going to sacrifice any of your excursions, picnics, social interactions for the sake of learning. Mobile learners increase in number in recent years and also the mobile tutors. Easy to interact and wonderful to work with are these tech tools. Your privacy is secure, your time is not wasted and Math queries are answered on call at any time. Tutors are friends, not persons with a superior outlook and your ideas are heard, shared and adhered to when they prove suitable. Math learners express their grievances and get them addressed at once through chat, instant message and email. Science is not an easy to learn stuff for many students if they miss the essence of the concepts and do not know https://t.co/NpN1hjxreW â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) March 29, 2016 Technology is the key factor for the success of tutoring online and its role is undeniable in successful Math learning .Online tutors spring to action in any wee hour for the sake of a needy student. 4. Positive feedback and parent cooperation- a big lead in online tutoring success Parents have equal craze for tutors online. Moms and dads along with kids wish to see how e-tutoring works, what kind of help they can get and how to make the best use of it. In the case of Math, parents are in a soup with messy problems and need to do something for homework. When they get help from online tutors, they understand how to solve problems along with their kids and get ahead with the system for more in store. Over the years, Math tutors from various quarters are receiving commendations from parents who see improvement in their kids’ grades with their naked eyes. Recording tutoring sessions and reviewing them during exams is a great tool for Math success for both parents and kids. It is a chain of response from various corners as one good word leads to the other and slowly everyone has started appreciating the dedicated services of online Math tutors for improving their kids’ knowledge. 5. One on one tutoring- a breakthrough in the tutoring methods Your kid may have Math phobia .It is impossible for her to express it in class where the teacher is the ruling authority without giving room for individual interaction. You might wonder what your kid is doing in her Math class and are not sure of teacher’s ideas about her performance. Being confident in Math learning is very crucial for keeping up with the classes and preparing for Math tests and https://t.co/VQ45EFLxmk â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) March 3, 2016 One on one tutoring session in virtual centers blows off such fears and brings the tutor and the ward face to face for personal interactions. Kid is there with the tutor, say, for half an hour or one hour and is able to express what traumas she undergoes in her Math class. The tutor takes time to understand her struggles, explains the causes for them and finds out remedies that suit the kid to the most in her learning activities. Do you need any more proof for the success of online Math tutoring? Help your kid with personalized tutors at best rates with top deals and enhance her knowledge through tech tools that are empowered for quick transmission of knowledge. It is a kingdom of empowered knowledge through tech medium that you travel around today. You can maximize your kid’s learning opportunities to allow her to grow in a learning environment that boosts her morale and inspires good educational skills in her. Want to make it today? Come to Tutor Pace for more details. The tutors wait for you to avail their help and add advantage to your kids’ Math learning. You have any other good news to be shared about online tutoring? Share with us and help more parents enter our fold.

What is the Spanish Curriculum Like in National Education Systems

What is the Spanish Curriculum Like in National Education Systems National Curriculum Spanish: What You Will Learn ChaptersLearn Spanish Early on in your EducationSpanish Language and Culture: An Indispensable Duo For Becoming Bilingual!Spanish Language Programs for TeenagersSpanish Language Program in High SchoolThere are over 70 million second language Spanish speakers in the world, making it one of the most spoken foreign languages. This is primarily because of the standing that Spanish has due to it being the second most spoken native language after Chinese, as well as the fact that it is an official language in 20 countries, primarily in Central and South America.For English speakers, it doesn't pose as many problems as languages such as Arabic, Japanese, Russian, and Korean, mainly because it shares the Latin alphabet that we use in English, and certain parts of the grammar are very similar.The rise of language learning worldwide has seen Spanish become more and more popular. You can choose to learn Spanish with a tutor, at a language school, or even online. But most people's first encounte r with the language of Cervantes is at school as part of their national curriculum.National education systems generally aim to train students in foreign languages so that they can fend for themselves if they travel abroad.And although these systems differ across the world, we can see some overall patterns about what level of Spanish is taught at different stages of the national education process. TadeoSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterSpanish Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MartaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SharonSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TanyaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jose manuelSpanish Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearn Spanish Early on in your EducationYour first exposure to learning Spanish will more than likely aim to allow you to understand, write and speak traditional and conversational Spanish.Spanish vocabulary (Spanish words and phrases), Spanish grammar (adverbs, adjectives, possessive pronouns, personal pronouns, syntax, alphabet…), conjugation (tenses, verbs) and spelling are only one part of linguistic training!Learning Spanish from an early age gives you a solid foundation in the language.This is because learning a foreign language is largely based around spoken training and Spanish conversation. And don’t forget the importance of learning about  Spanish and South American culture (literature, painting, history, geography, politics, and civilization)!Ideally, students should aim to understand, interact, and express themselves in the Spanish language in their goal of fluency. Training in a foreign language opens them up to another culture, and this should not be underest imated throughout the course of your Spanish learning.In learning Spanish, students will acquire a valuable communication tool to travel or work abroad (particularly the Spanish speaking countries of Europe and Latin America: Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Colombia etc). They will know how to speak to a native speaker easily.Generally speaking, Spanish in the national curriculum delves deeper into the language, with more frequent training in reading and oral and written expression.But don't worry if the country that you live in doesn't offer Spanish until a lot later on in the education process. You can always take classes with a tutor, but you should make sure that you choose the right Spanish teacher for you.Spanish Language and Culture: An Indispensable Duo For Becoming Bilingual!When you are a beginner,  studying the Spanish language  isn’t just training in grammar rules and verb memorisation all the time!No, the language of Cervantes and Picasso is before all else a ri ch civilisation, full of important historic figures including Salvador Dali and  Frida Kahlo. It comprises beautiful countries and landscapes, from the vibrant Spanish capital of Madrid to the Mexican beaches of Puerto Vallarta.This is why students, throughout their primary school studies, learn to:Speak about their daily life in Spanish via story telling, explication, description of facts, debates on current events…Communicate verbally using polite, everyday expressions and phrases.Analyze using various materials and resources, such as music, poetry, and films.The aims of most Spanish teachers center around 3 points:Study Spanish to express yourself and understand others.Study Spanish to discover and meet others.Study Spanish to develop arguments.These 3 points add to other notions that students must absorb:Everyday Spanish vocabulary  to do with meals, time, family, professions, transportation, numbers, distances…The arts:  Spanish literature, music, cinema, and art…Geograph ical points:  mountains, rivers, countryside…Heritage:  monuments (Alhambra, Sagrada Familia…), Spanish and South American traditions, gastronomy…Cultures from the Spanish speaking world are very important to the Spanish language. source: visualhunt.comIf you plan on taking your Spanish learning further, perhaps even as far as university, you’ll need supplemental instruction on Spanish literature, and other cultural studies, as well as a more rigorous training in grammar and conversation. Better get those flashcards ready!Spanish Language Programs for TeenagersFor some students, their Spanish language training won't start until they are 11 or 12. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn languages beforehand. Spanish language programs for teenagers allow students to improve their linguistic abilities, from verbal to written expression and comprehension, through quizzes and other types of testing.It is probably at this age that students start to take t heir first tests in Spanish.So let’s dive a bit deeper in the depths of this scholastic program, whose final goal is to bring each student closer to fluency of the Spanish language:Spanish alphabet: well yes, Spanish speakers possess their own alphabet accents! There is the famous “tilde,”  mainly found over the “n” like this:  Ã±.  And also the double “l” as in  â€œCómo se llama.”Punctuation: students discover early on that exclamation points and question marks are sometimes inversed in Spanish! Examples: “ ¡Estoy aquí!” and “ ¿Cómo te llamas?”Hours, dates and seasonsPrepositions, adverbs, and connecting wordsPersonal pronouns, the formal voice (USTED and USTEDES in plural).Numbers and adjectivesGerunds and associated expressionsQualitative adjectives and possessivesPresent indicativeThe foundational verbs “ser”  and “estar”Spanish verbs and tensesExpressing habit and repetitionYou can expect the examination of Spanish civilization to play a role as well throughout their training, although the degree to which this happens depends on the local and national education authorities where you live. Typical you can expect to see some of the following topics:The professional worldSpanish in the worldImportant Spanish and South American cities and monumentsLocal lifestyle and foodSpanish mediaFamous works of artFamous people in the Spanish speaking worldHumanitarian activismYou may also find that Spanish courses London can be quite helpful in mastering the language!Pablo Picasso is an emblem of Spanish culture.Typically, when students reach the age of 14 or 15, they should be capable of exchanging basic information verbally and in writing, and understanding the gist of a simple text.A foreign language is not just a grouping of words, tenses and grammar rules. It’s a whole universe to learn!  In high school, private lessons in addition to the regular Spanish course could become useful, especially to prepare for college entrance exam s. Be careful to find out how much Spanish lessons cost in order to not bankrupt yourself!You have to choose the right Spanish instructor to help you learn a second language. To do so, we recommend figuring out your expectations and communicate this clearly to your teacher candidates. Questions to discuss are your aims, his or her methodology, where you will be working, etc.Once you have found the right teacher, he or she will prepare personalised classes to help you learn to speak Spanish. Your specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses will determine the exact make-up of the class. This means that the focus could centre around Spanish verbs or conversational Spanish, depending on you.Spanish Language Program in High SchoolAs you get older and have more years of Spanish under your belt, you can naturally expect to study more complex aspects of the language. The students should possess intermediate level Spanish, although they are probably not bilingual in English and Spanish.High sc hool Spanish programs cannot be explained in a few lines. Still, here are a few points that students will learn:Nouns, suffixes and articles.Indirect speech and tense agreementThe conditional and imperative tensesSubjunctive imperfect and pluperfect tensesQualifying adjectives, superlativesNegation and restrictive construction “no…si no”Aspects of actionPersonal and impersonal obligationsExpression of desire, need and regretIn terms of Spanish civilization, students might encounter aspects of the following in a Spanish test:SpainLatin AmericaImportant cities in Spain and South AmericaLegends and tales of the Hispanic worldEconomic and social Spanish lifeThe modernization of citiesThe Spanish Civil War and its heroesNew family rolesLatin American dictatorsSpain has beautiful cities, like Madrid!  Aims of High School Spanish ProgramsThe objective of the high school Spanish program is to make students more independent in their practice of the Spanish language. They must become ac tors in the learning process and not just spectators!At the end of high school, students should ideally be able to:Engage verbally in discussions of two or more people.Understand the majority of verbal messages: debates, radios shows, news on television, etc.Present, formulate or readapt a work on paper: synthesis, presentation, etc.Be able to give a point of view and opinion in Spanish verbally and in writing.At the end of their training, students should be able to comment on a document, and know about the history and culture of Spanish speaking countries.They must also be able to understand more complicated speeches,  verbally present an artistic or literary work,  take part in a debate, discussion or even read a text  to a speaking partner with little difficulty.Students today are lucky as they benefit from new technology to help them learn how to speak Spanish. This includes a variety of YouTube channels with Spanish videos. Such channels offer free Spanish lessons, podcasts, an d a variety of other Spanish online tools. This permits them to learn Spanish fast.YouTube videos are great because you can hear the words pronounced by a native speaker in many cases. This gives you a true picture of Spanish vocabulary that you won’t get in your Spanish class textbook. Instead of learning conjugation on paper, listen to how correct verb usage sounds with your own ears!Because they are unlimited, videos allow you to learn Spanish online at your personal rhythm: when you wake up, in the car, while you eat lunch or exercise, or at night before sleeping… On YouTube, you can benefit from Spanish tutorials (made by Spanish language teachers, native Spanish speakers and Spanish enthusiasts) and find free Spanish lessons and exercises.There is a huge variety of YouTube videos available to help you. The video sharing website has over one billion users everyday, so naturally the content is vast and varied. Some examples include PolyglotPablo, 123TeachMe, Why Not Spanish, Maria Espanol, Spanish101pod.com, Learn Spanish with Paulino, Professor Jason, ProSpanish, and a personal favorite, Tu escuela de español!With all of these resources, you have everything you need to do well on your high school Spanish courses and exams. Be sure to use these resources to prepare for your Spanish lessons, so that you can cement the basics in order to give you a great foundation to tackle the trickier parts of the Spanish language.

How Does a Songs Key Affect its Sound

How Does a Song’s Key Affect its Sound Sign up successful As a rule, it was believed that music in the key of C sounds strong, simple and pure. The key of G, which has one sharp, sounds brighter and lighter. D major with two sharps, even more so. Each additional sharp in the key signature adds more brightness and sparkle to the sound, while each flat contributes softness, pensiveness and even melancholy. Also as a general rule, major keys sound happy, light, and regal; the minor keys are typically sad, dark and introspective. In the 17th century, Athanasius Kircher developed a system of colors associated with musical intervals and then tied them to emotions. For example, a major sixth was seen as both fire red and warlike. This colored hearing is known as synesthesia. 19th century composer Alexander Scriabin also claimed to  see music as colors. Tempo and Emotion Another aspect used in conjunction with key signature to evoke emotion in the listener is the tempo or speed that the music is played. Fast music usually sounds happy, while slower tempos tend to sound sad or melancholy. By combining tempo and key characteristics, composers can produce a strong emotional response for listeners. Many of these general rules have stood the test of time. The original key characteristics were developed in the Baroque and Romantic periods, when chamber and orchestral music was mostly instrumental. It was important for a composer to be well-versed in these emotional associations of key signature and tempo in order to convey the emotional intent of their work. Even the body has its own rhythm. We breathe at a certain tempo when we’re relaxed. We breathe faster when we’re scared or angry. Our heart beats faster or slower based on our emotional state. Composers have tapped into these biological functions to evoke physical responses from listeners. Modern Music and Emotion Today, we have the benefit of video to enhance how music affects emotions, by tying visual images directly to the music. Modern lyric writing makes expressing emotion much more direct, as well. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn from the past. As a composer, no matter what your style of music, you can take these key and tempo characteristics and apply them to your music. The concepts of key characteristics and tempo have even been brought into the computer age. Companies like The Echo Nest use complex computer algorithms to analyze hit songs from the past for characteristics such as key signature, tempo, and chord progressions to determine what common traits make a hit. As a composer, you can do this too. Study the past. Do some basic research on key characteristics and use what you learn in your own music. As a musician, the greatest goal you can have is to touch your listener on an emotional level. Learning and understanding how music affects emotions will make you a better composer and performer. Photo by Surat Lozowick 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

Ask an Admissions Expert Joie Jager-Hyman

Ask an Admissions Expert Joie Jager-Hyman Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Joie Jager-Hyman is known internationally for her expert advice on the college admissions process. She is a graduate of Dartmouth Collegeand served as the Assistant Director of Admissions for the university later on. Joie is also the author of Fat Envelope Frenzy: One Year, Five Promising Students and the Pursuit of the Ivy League Prize, a book on college admissions that was positively recognized by the Wall Street Journal, and has another book that is planned to come out in 2013. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Joie: I suggest that students start working on their common applications in the summer before their senior year of high school.July is a good time to work on the main personal statement and the short answer.August is a good time to start the supplements for Early Decision/Action schools. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Joie: Understand the application componentsgrades, test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendationand ask yourself, What is missing?What can you say about yourself that will add something to your application? Dont just write about your activities because those are already in your application.Think about what makes you unique and go from there. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Joie: Very few topics are off limits but there are certain topics that are very common and writing about one of them will make your essay a little less likely to stand out.These topics include: sports (especially I won the big game), community service, and trips/vacations.Because these are so common, it can be hard to write something original about them. In no circumstances should you write your college essay about writing a college essay.The only thing the admissions officer knows about you is that you are applying to college so that does not add anything to their understanding of who you are and how you will contribute. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Joie: Not working on it enough.One draft isnt going to cut it here.Really think about how you are using the space and make sure that you are making the best possible case for how you will contribute to a campus. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Joie: Academicsgrades and test scoresare most important. If a student is qualified academically, then the question becomes: how will this person contribute to the school? What will he or she add to the community?What makes him or her unique? VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Joie: Academics are the most important part of the application. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Joie: If possible, it is always great to visit.However, I truly believe that the best way to get to know a campus is not just to go on a tour but to talk to real students.Theyll give you the scoop on the colleges pros and cons. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Joie: Early Decision can give students who a nice boost in the application process.So if you have a first-choice college, its always good to apply Early Decision, especially if you dont need to shop around for financial aid.Students who do want to compare financial aid offers should consider applying to some schools early action, which is not binding. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Joie: Academics are the most important part of the applications. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Joie: Its always a good idea to keep a folder of excellent work throughout your junior year of high school so that you can go back and reference what you have done when you ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation. The more details, the better the letter so feel free to communicate with your teachers about how you feel you have excelled in the classroom. Visit Joies website, College Prep 360, to check out her admissions consulting services.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Every Child has a Right to Education

Every Child has a Right to Education Tutorfair’s  intern, Hannah, explains how her experience on the VSO  (Voluntary Services Overseas)  ICS (International Citizen Service) programme in Malindi, Kenya has influenced the way she views everyone's right to education internationally and in the UK. To provide some context to this piece, ICS is a government funded 12 week programme for young people aged 18-25 to contribute to long-term projects in a developing country as part of a cross-cultural team. “Education is the most important weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela. This is indeed one of the most powerful statements in the world and one of the most true. My time in Kenya certainly taught me a great deal about the value of education because I saw how much children enjoyed learning and the opportunity it created for them. It definitely confirmed to me that going into teaching is the right step for me and I am very excited to be starting Teach First in June 2014. In the meantime it is my pleasure to be working with Tutorfair to broaden my knowledge about education in the UK and see the wonders that their one-for-one charity promise provides. My experience in Kenya however also made me aware of the issues that are preventing education from taking place. Based in Malindi, a popular tourist destination, we as volunteers soon realised the advantages and disadvantages tourism can bring. One of these disadvantages is the impact on school attendance because children instead work on the beaches to bring income into the family. There are many other factors which influence this such as a lack of sexual reproductive health awareness leading to teenage pregnancies and, despite primary education being free in Kenya, parents still struggling to pay for school uniform and additional costs. Hannah launching a peer education project (which aimed to combat the issue of school drop-outs) at the primary school in Jimba, a village outside of Malindi, Kenya Yet, without an education, children are unlikely to get the jobs that they aspire to have. And, children certainly have these aspirations. When working in a primary school in an outside village called Jimba, we asked the students what they wanted to be when they grew up. The list was incredible and varied from lawyer to pilot to policeman. Our job was to then teach them about why education was important to reach these desired careers. It is a human right to receive an education and every child should be able to exercise that right. Our primary education awareness day in Malindi, named ‘Right to Education’ aimed to highlight this by celebrating children and the importance of education with around 500 students, teachers and parents. Mural painting at VSO Cycle 5’s Community Action Day named ‘Right to Education’ - Central Primary School, Malindi, Kenya Of course, Malindi is just a small pocket of the world where children are struggling to go to school. Across the world, there are 57 million primary aged children who don’t get the chance to go to school. Despite this staggering figure, developing regions have made significant strides in expanding access to primary education. Since the United Nations’ Millenium Development Goal to provide universal primary education was set in 2000 to 2011, the enrolment rate grew from 83 per cent to 90 per cent, and the number of out-of-school children dropped by almost half. The problem is that international aid to basic education fell in 2011, which has hindered the progress to reach the  millennium goal by 2015. The fight is therefore on to make educational development central to the post-2015 agenda. UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Director-General Irina Bokova writes in the foreword to their latest report  â€œas we advance towards 2015 and set a new agenda to follow, all Governments must invest in education as an accelerator of inclusive development” and donors shouldn’t “step back from their funding promises”.[1]  For her, the report’s “evidence clearly shows that education provides sustainability to progress against all development goals. Educate mothers, and you empower women and save children’s lives. Educate communities, and you transform societies and grow economies”.[2]  Sadly however, the list of barriers preventing universal education is vast. The nearest school might be too far away; many children need to stay at home earning money for their families; or in war-torn zones, attending school, or making the journey there, m ay be hazardous. Then there are the children in school but still not receiving a good education. Perhaps the class sizes are too big, or the school doesn’t have sufficient learning resources, or the teachers haven’t had sufficient training. According to the same UNESCO report, “around 250 million children are not learning basic skills- even though half of them have spent at least four years at school.”[3] This is why the report proposes strategies to overcome this by providing the best teachers for all children. But again this requires more funding. This picture shows how lucky we are in the UK to have an education system that is free for all and generally easily accessible. Of course, I know and you know that it is nowhere near perfect - with huge educational inequality across society. In the UK, nearly 50% of students claiming free school meals get no passes above Grade D at GCSE and just 16% of these young people will progress to university, compared with 96% of those from independent schools. As I have discovered whilst working at Tutorfair, many of these privileged children will have received the benefits of private tutoring. And that is why I love the way Tutorfair works. For every student who pays for a tutor in London through Tutorfair, a disadvantaged child gets tutoring for free. Tutorfair  works with schools where high percentages of children are on free school meals, supporting the children identified as having the greatest need and are consequently working to narrow our own education gap here in the UK, like many other organisations are doing. One of those is Teach First, whose programme I will be starting in June this year. Now the biggest graduate recruiter in the UK, it trains enthusiastic graduates to teach in schools in challenging circumstances to help achieve the vision where no child’s background should limit the opportunities they have in education and in life. Education is powerful and we need to work to spread its power both internationally and in the UK. So I challenge you to do your bit for education at home and globally. Can you donate your time by volunteering at a local school or abroad? Can you donate some money to international aid or to UK educational charities? Can you share your passion for education by spreading the word, campaigning for more change or by even sharing this blog post? Development in education is working but it needs more support and everyone can do their little bit to make a huge difference. [1] http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/efareport/reports/2013/ Is cited in article here:  http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47034Cr=educationCr1=#.UvtMLPRdVPK [2] Ibid [3] Ibid

Learning English with Television Series Friends

Learning English with Television Series Friends A lot of my English students tell me they like to practice their English listening skills by watching television series from the U.S. Big Bang Theory, Friends and Two and a Half Men are the series that come up most often.Ill admit it right now, I dont like any of these shows. I think their jokes are obvious, easy and not very original. I greatly prefer The Office and Louie. When I first discovered that people outside the U.S. like these shows so much, I was about as disappointed as when I learned a good Argentine friend of mine really loves going to McDonalds. Really, our culture does have better things to offer than McDonalds and Friends.But, I can completely understand why these shows would be popular for English learners, precisely for the reasons I mentioned above. The jokes arent that difficult to understand, and the shows have just the right combination of interesting and simple to keep someone who is learning a language interested. I do the same think when Im learning  Spanis h, but I use Pixar movies.So, despite my dislike of these shows personally, Im going to try to use them as listening exercises in more of our articles. Here we go.They wouldnt let me post this video from YouTube, but you can watch it here.What does Phoebe yell at the beginning?Go ahead and _____.Its a nice story, I _____ ____ its a _____ ____ ____.Yeah, I just dont ___ __.What does Phoebe mean when she says Dont get me started on Gravity.Uh oh, its Issac Newton, and hes ______.What does Phoebe say the really question is?How does Phoebe win the argument?I cant believe you _____.What does the line above mean?Ok, I have to admit I laughed at some of that. Contact us if youre interested in taking a class, or have any questions.

Teach Away Telegram - August 2011

Teach Away Telegram - August 2011 In the August edition of the Teach Away Telegram, we discuss whether or not international teaching is a feasible long-term career option. We also have a look at a very exciting teaching program that recently launched in the Republic of Georgia. And finally, one teacher shares what he learned while teaching in the United Arab Emirates â€" and why he is going back this fall!If you have any feedback on the Telegram, or if there is a particular topic you would like to see featured in an upcoming issue, please feel free to drop us a line. We love hearing from you.Happy reading! - The Teach Away TeamIn this issue:Teaching Overseas: A Long-Term Option?Georgia On My MindTwo Years in the UAE: A Teacher's StoryTeaching Overseas: A Long-Term Option?Teaching overseas for a year is often considered something one does after graduating university. Let’s face it, if you’re a native English speaker, possess a Bachelor’s degree, and you are open to new countries and cultures, teaching English ab road for a year is one of the best ways to get some of that desperately needed experience - and money - after university.As the emphasis on English language learning extends to more and more countries around the world, the need for English teachers grows in unison. Many governments have recognized that in order to develop as a nation, communication in English is key. Because of this, these governments have initiated education reforms - the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia are two countries that come to mind - focusing on introducing English to their youth, and in some cases, through immersion with other subjects like Science and Math. Private organizations have also used these government initiatives to develop their own English schools to not only teach English to children, but also to adults.All this growth is great, but can you teach overseas and still raise children, stay connected with friends and family, or even save a substantial amount of money? Is a long-term career oversea s feasible?In short, yes.Since the need for teachers is always growing, many international teaching programs now offer longer-term renewable contracts, as well as family allowances in order to attract a larger pool of qualified teachers. Opportunities allowing family visa sponsorship and comfortable accommodations are becoming more common; some also subsidize schooling for children.Staying connected with family and friends back home shouldn’t be much of a concern, especially considering the technological era in which we live. An internet connection and a webcam, along with some well-timed scheduling, are all it takes to see and talk to those you miss.Now, after considering family and friends, many people think about finances. Initially, teaching overseas may not seem to be the most lucrative option, but the cost of living is much lower in many countries, and this can add up to substantial savings for teachers. With the appropriate credentials and experience, more lucrative program s with salaries approaching $6,000 US/month are also accessible.Let’s think about all of this for a second:Teaching overseas provides you the chance to travel and experience another culture, learn a new language, build upon your resume, earn a steady income, live comfortably, bring a family in some opportunities, and still stay connected with family and friends. And of course, you’ll be able to meet new people, many of whom are teaching overseas and connecting via social networking pages like Teach Away’s Facebook page. So, what may have once been considered as a quick stint to build some experience and earn some money after graduation has quickly blossomed into a very feasible career option. Adventure and stability now co-exist teaching overseas.  Georgia On My MindHave you heard of Georgia? No, not the US State home to Coca-Cola’s headquarters, CNN, or any one of Ted Turner’s moustache-sporting enterprises; but Georgia, the country positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.Ever since prying itself free from Soviet reign in 1918, the country has been trying to re-establish itself as the world power it once was during the reign of the Roman Empire. The country’s economy has recently experienced a major shift since the government announced an initiative to focus on building English language skills through the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program (TLG).This program, aimed at public schools from the primary to secondary levels, allows native English speakers from Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa to work alongside a local Georgian teacher to teach English. As education is a priority to the Georgian government, resources and support for teachers in this program are on the rise. In fact, Georgia’s Ministry of Education has given so much attention and funding to the program that at present, 75% of all classrooms now have computers and high-speed internet.But the focus is not only on classes and student success. Teac hers are being supported as much as possible as well. Foreign teachers are provided the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Georgian culture by staying with a host-family, traveling to famous areas including the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains via organized tours, and dining on delicacies including khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (a Georgian take on dumplings).With 6-month and 12-month teaching contracts available that offer stipends equal to what many local Georgians earn per month, this is a great way for anyone with the minimum of 2 years of post-secondary education to travel, teach, and experience life overseas.For more reasons why Georgia should be on your mind, contact us here at Teach Away, or better yet, apply online.  Two Years in the UAE: A Teacher's StoryThis month, we spoke to Milad Mazaheritaghizadeh, who recently finished a 2 year contract in the United Arab Emirates. Milad taught grade 2 in Al Sameeh, Al Rahba, about 30 minutes from the city of Abu Dh abi. While Milad is currently enjoying some time in North America with friends and family, he is gearing up to return to teaching in Abu Dhabi this fall.When we asked Milad why he applied to teach overseas 2 years ago, he cited the need for a new challenge as his primary reason. “My friends were talking about this opportunity in the Middle East. After some time, I thought why not?” He had been teaching in Toronto for 2 years and the drastic change of pace the United Arab Emirates seemed to offer appealed to him; he was ready to try something new.Despite being ready for a change, Milad admits, “The UAE was not what I expected. I thought it would be more traditional, because it’s a Muslim country. It was much more Westernized than I expected, and it definitely caters to expats. In terms of the actual classroom experience, I didn’t know what to expect.”As it turns out, Milad suggests the best attitude is to expect the unexpected. When he first started teaching in the UAE, t he education reform project in Abu Dhabi had just launched. Resources were scarce and most classrooms were bare. Now, schools are improving the number of resources available to students and teachers, and there is an increasing amount of support available to staff.“The worst thing a teacher can do, in my opinion, is expect teaching in the UAE to be like teaching in Canada or in the US. There is definitely a different way of life, and you learn to adapt to it. You learn to go with the flow. Don’t ask why the little things are the way they are; you’re just there to do the best job you can do. You have to see it for the great opportunity it is.”While many teachers make the move to the UAE for the lucrative tax-free salary, in order to gain more teaching experience, and to experience teaching in a different setting, Milad says that teaching overseas can definitely advance one’s career. “Teaching in the UAE allowed me to experience new things, grow as a person, experience diff erent teaching styles and different education systems, and develop my adaptability as an educator.”When asked why he will be returning to the UAE this fall, Milad talks about the best part of the job: improving student achievement. “It’s a great feeling to see an actual change. You see a substantial change in the kids, whereas in North America, results aren’t that dramatic. You’ll see kids make huge strides in their language ability level, and that’s the best part.”