How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges

How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges At some point, all middle school parents experience the Sunday night homework announcement: suddenly, your student has a shoebox diorama due in third period history class tomorrowand he or she hasnt started it yet. With the move to middle school comes major change: shifting to bell schedules, an intense focus on social dynamics, and an increase in responsibilitiesincluding homework responsibilities. Even though the start of the middle school year brings more homework and higher expectations for time management, that first bell doesnt automatically imbue your middle schooler with all the skills to handle the change. For parents, its important to strike a balance between giving middle school students the autonomy they crave and the support they need when it comes to homework and time management. Ways you can help your middle school student with homework challenges include developing a homework tracking system, practicing task assessment, and encouraging the implementation of study breaks. Read on to learn how parents can help with middle school homework challenges: [RELATED: 4 Ways Parents Can Help Middle School Students Succeed] Middle school homework solution #1: Develop a tracking system Speak with your student about how homework changes in middle school, such as more frequent long-term projects and a heavier homework load overall. Together, brainstorm ways to keep track of homework assignments. Keep in mind that the school may have its own system, such as an online calendar or a mandatory student planner. If not, some ideas might include: Writing homework out on a calendar, in a planner, or on an app Reviewing new assignments as the first homework task each day Creating a checklist or chart for the kitchen (or another common area). Then, give your student regular reminders to stick to the plan youve created togetherthat way, he or she stays accountable. Middle school homework solution #2: Let your student struggle occasionally If the dreaded Sunday night homework crisis does occur, and your student has a book report due tomorrow for a book he or she hasnt read, consider simply letting your student endure the consequences of procrastination. Ask your student what his or her plan is to handle the short timeline. If he or she needs to go to the store for supplies, make yourself available to drive there, but dont do the project for your student. Having to turn in a late or sub-par assignment will help your student learn to avoid the same situation in the futureand you can help drive the lesson home by talking with him or her about a plan for approaching the work differently next time. [RELATED: Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences: What to Ask] Middle school homework solution #3: Practice task assessment Another skill you can help your student develop is to help him or her look at assignments ahead of time and analyze how much work they will take. If your student is sticking to a tracking system, you can help read over the assignment or look through the problems before they are due and estimate how much time, materials, reading, or other preparation will be required. Add those things to the planner or calendar as needed, and work with your child to spread out any heavy workloads in a realistic way. Middle school homework solution #4: Implement breaks and other study skills Middle school is going to require longer homework sessions and different types of studying. Help your student create good study habits by encouraging him or her to take regular, short breaks and to study using different methods like flashcards, rewriting notes, analyzing math problems that were missed, participating in group study sessions, and other techniques beyond simply reviewing notes. As your child gets into the pre-teen and teen years, your role as a parent will need to shift from helping directly with homework assignments to helping your student manage time and tasks effectively. Taking an active role in teaching him or her organization, time management, analysis, and planning skills while allowing more control over the details will build lifelong capability and confidence. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Childs Teacher] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Algebra Lessons

Algebra Lessons We know Algebra is a branch of mathematics. We know Algebra mostly related to numbers and variables. In Algebra we have a number of lessons. Those are 1. Algebra Basics In this we have Equation Basics, Proportion Basics and Word problem Basics. 2. Simplifying Simplifying introduction, simplifying multiple signs, combining like terms, Multiplication. 3. Substitution 4. Factoring 5. Equations Advanced solving Example 1: Solve the equation x^2 11x + 10 = 0 Solution: The given equation isx^2 11x + 10 = 0 We know, this is a quadratic equation in terms of x To solve this, we need to write the middle term as two parts. We can write the middle term 11x into two parts, those are - 10 x - x. Since the addition of -10x and x is 11x and product of 10x and x is 10 x^2 We can write the given equation as, x^2 10x - x + 10 = 0 x (x 10) 1 (x 10) = 0 (x 10) (x 1) = 0 X = 10 and 1. Example 2: Solve the equation x^2 5x + 6 = 0 Solution: The given equation is x^2 5x + 6 = 0 We know, this is a quadratic equation in terms of x To solve this, we need to write the middle term as two parts. We can write the middle term 5x into two parts, those are - 3x 2x. We can write the given equation as, x^2 3x - 2x + 6 = 0 x (x 3) 2 (x 3) = 0 (x 3) (x 2) = 0 X = 3 and 2.

Yoga Stretches for Beginners

Yoga Stretches for Beginners Basic Yoga Stretches for Beginners ChaptersTypes of YogaSimple Yoga Poses for Back PainPractising Yoga to Improve Your Core StrengthThe Best Yoga Poses for RelaxationThe ancient practice of yoga has many known benefits. In addition to being a great form of strength training, it is often regarded as the most relaxing form of physical exercise, claiming benefits for both body and mind.Yoga originated in India over 5000 years ago as a means of keeping the body strong and healthy. Today, it is a form of exercise which has swept the globe as many seek to use it as a means of strengthening as well as a source of healing.Yoga is known to promote a good posture, which prevents back pain, as well as improving joint flexibility. For these reasons, among many others, yoga is as popular among athletes as it is with the less sporty among us.Do you like the idea of bringing balance to your body and mind? We have put together plenty of tips on starting your yoga near me routine as a complete beginner. CarleyYoga Teacher 5.00 (5) £ 100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LynnYoga Teacher 4.89 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GenYoga Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JulieYoga Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AliceYoga Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LauraYoga Teacher 5.00 (6) £70/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UndramYoga Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LottieYoga Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTypes of YogaThere are several branches of yoga which differ from one another in various ways, from their primary focus to the intensity of stretching.Take a look at the most popular varieties of yoga and decide which one best suits your wellness goals:Hatha YogaThe term ‘Hatha yoga’ refers to yoga in a general sense, however, in the West, it is used to describe the basic stretches that are most often taught in yoga classes.Take a Hatha class to ease into yoga ¦ source: Pixaba y - HannahWellsThe aim of Hatha yoga is to gently stretch, loosen and relax the body in a way that is not physically exerting. In Hatha classes, yoga poses are often slow and held for a few breaths before moving on.Ashtanga YogaAshtanga yoga is perfect for yogis who love following a set workout routine. Although the movements are smooth and there is a focus on breathing, you’ll certainly work up a sweat by repeating the same sequence of movements!Vinyasa YogaVinyasa is similar to Ashtanga in its intensity and the way that it focuses on the smoothness of the transitions between poses, however, there is no fixed routine â€" perfect for those who enjoy a bit of variety! Vinyasa classes are often lively, too, as teachers play upbeat music to accompany the class.Yin YogaAt the opposite end of the spectrum to Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga, Yin yoga is focused on the meditative aspects of yoga and each gentle pose is held for minutes at a time. If you need to find your zen, his variety of yo ga is the one for you.Iyengar YogaIyengar yoga classes challenge you to pay close attention to the alignment of your body. Like in Yin yoga, poses are held, and you’ll use several pieces of yoga equipment to help you get the most out of each pose.Simple Yoga Poses for Back PainThe restorative and strengthening properties of yoga make it a popular form of exercise for people who suffer from all kinds of back pain.Not only can regular yoga practice release tension from your muscles and joints, but it can also contribute to an improved posture and prevent further back complaints.So, what are the most effective poses when doing yoga for back pain?Downward-Facing DogIf you’re a complete newbie to yoga, downward-facing-dog is likely one of the first poses you will learn.Make a V-shape with your body, keeping your hands and feet planted and your heels down. Relax, take several deep breaths while you hold the pose and feel the stretch in your upper and lower back.Downward dog is a funda mental yoga pose ¦ source: Pixabay - AndiPThis pose is great for elongating the spine and strengthening the lower back muscles.Spinal TwistThe seated spinal twist is good for people looking for relief for back stiffness.Sitting on the floor with your legs straight in front of you, bend one knee and put your foot flat on the ground. Support yourself with the arm on the same side as the bent leg, and put the elbow of your other arm on the outside of your bent knee.Cross your foot over for a more challenging stretch ¦ source: Pixabay - evitaochelThere are many variations to the spinal twist with a range of difficulties.SphinxSphinx pose is not just great for preventing lower back pain, but it is also incredibly simple to do.Lay on your front with your legs relaxed behind you. Next, support your upper body by bringing your elbows underneath your shoulders with your forearms out in front of you. As you inhale, press your chest outwards, and relax as you exhale. You should feel a stretc h in your abdominal muscles and your spine.The sphinx pose is known to strengthen the spine and tone other muscle groups ¦ source: World Peace Yoga SchoolCat/CowThe cat/cow movement is a combination of two yoga poses which stretches the back in a dynamic way whilst improving mobility. This is another very simple pose which is popular as a warm-up transition.Begin in a tabletop, with your hands and knees shoulder and hip-width apart respectively. Start with the cow pose by arching your back towards the ceiling whilst pushing your hands and feet into the floor as you drop your head down. To transition to the cat, arch your back the opposite way whilst moving your head up and looking forward.BowThe bow pose is quite an intense exercise, so you may wish to seek advice from a yoga instructor before attempting it.Begin by laying on your front, then bend your knees and reach back with your arms to grasp your feet. Lift your feet towards you and upwards, holding the pose for three breaths at a time.This pose is fantastic for strengthening the shoulders and upper back to improve posture and prevent injury ¦ source: Visualhunt - LCRF-FreetoBreatheHave you thought about padamasana  poses? Learn more here.Practising Yoga to Improve Your Core StrengthCore strength is an important part of a person’s general fitness and ability to take their training to the next level as well as their performance in sports. For this reason, yoga is a popular complement to the training programmes of many athletes.Working on your core strength may not sound too appealing, especially if you’re haunted by painful memories of planking competitions in school PE classes, however, yoga can add a different, more relaxing angle to building core strength.Here are some beginner-friendly yoga poses for people looking to strengthen their core:BoatThis is a challenging pose which targets the abdominal muscles, however, it can be made slightly easier by using a modified pose.Supporting yourself on you r seat bones, lean back and straighten your legs toward the ceiling, so that your body forms an upright V-shape. Reach your arms in front of you, either side of your legs.To make this pose more manageable, bend your knees and keep your calves parallel to the ground ¦ source: Dr WeilTriangleSlightly less intense than boat pose, the triangle can also be modified to become easier or more difficult. This is a common pose which is used by almost all yoga teachers.To perform this pose, stand with your legs about a metre apart. Turn one foot 90 degrees so that it’s in line with your mat, and turn the other slightly inwards. Stretch your arms out to your sides, then slowly lean to the side on which your foot is facing forward, while keeping your arms outstretched. Once your hand had reached the floor, look up at your other hand and feel the stretch in your legs and hips.This is one of the first yoga poses you will learn ¦ source: Visualhunt - LCRF-FreetoBreatheThe triangle pose targets the whole body and promotes good core strength as well as releasing tension in the legs, hips and shoulders.Upward-Facing DogIn addition to stretching large muscle groups, the upward-facing dog pose also helps strengthen key areas of the body. As a more relaxed strength pose, upward-facing dog is a great way to finish off your core-strength yoga routine.The benefits of yoga include an improved posture and injury prevention ¦ source: VisualhuntLay flat on your stomach, then place your hands under your shoulders and straighten your arms so that your hips and thighs come off the ground. Hold for up to ten breaths, pressing your chest up as you squeeze your shoulder blades.Check out our  blog on learning the tadasana pose!The Best Yoga Poses for RelaxationYoga is generally regarded as the most relaxing form of exercise. While lots of poses target key muscles, others are perfect for relaxing both the body and mind.Here are some simple poses you can perform to clear your head:Child’s P oseChild’s pose is often used to round off yoga classes, as it gives a gentle stretch down the spine with minimal effort.Begin by sitting on your knees, reach forward to rest your torso on your thighs and place your hands on the floor with your arms outstretched in front of you.You can hold this pose for as long as you like. You may want to focus on your breathing, or simply take note of how the pose affects your body ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapReclined Bound Angle PoseThis is a restorative pose which requires little effort whilst offering a good stretch.Simply lay on your back and pull each of your thighs upwards so that your knees are bent and the soles of your feet touch each other. Relax your arms by your sides.Notice how the stretch reaches deeper with every exhale ¦ source: Divinity MagazineCorpseA pose which requires absolutely no effort at all, the corpse pose is exactly what it sounds like:Lay on your back in a relaxed position.Your yoga instructor may offer you a bla nket for this pose as your body temperature drops ¦ source: Allwomenstalk Fitness 2018There is, however, a challenge involved with this pose: allowing your mind to relax. Once you have overcome the unfamiliarity of clearing your mind, the corpse pose may be your new favourite!Check out our blogs on more advanced poses like the warrior pose!

Everything You Need to Know about Magnetic Fields.

Everything You Need to Know about Magnetic Fields. An Introduction to Magnetism. ChaptersWhat is Magnetism?Different Types of Magnets â€" and Different Types of Magnetism.Is the Earth Magnetic?Magnets are one of the most common tools in our day to day lives, popping up in all sorts of contexts and places. Look at the door of your fridge â€" which is held tight by magnetism. Think about your headphones or computer speakers; magnets power them. Or play with your parents’ car window; that too is made possible by magnetic materials.Magnets are, quite literally, everywhere. Electricity and magnetism â€" and the science behind the magnetic field â€" are some of the most useful scientific tools we have. So much stuff would just not work if we didn’t have them.Yet, given the ubiquity of magnetic material and magnetic tools, we sort of take this phenomenon for granted. But if you stop and think about it, isn’t magnetism amazing? Isn’t it incredible that a piece of metal can move another through some invisible force? Don’t you think that the science of this stran ge process is actually pretty cool?No? Well, maybe that’s because you don’t know enough about it. So, with the intention of persuading you that magnetic force is actually one of the most interesting things in nature, let’s take a look at what it is all about.We’d be surprised if you didn’t agree by the end of this article. You can check out our full guide to magnetism and electromagnetism too! PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free! Discover all our tutorsWhat is Magnetism?Magnetism is the force by which magnetic materials attract and reject other magnetic materials. This is the most common way in which you see magnetism in action in everyday life, when bits of metal are pulled towards other bits of metal.This, incidentally, is what makes magnets so interesting â€" and so useful in day-to-day life. Magnetic force is a non-contact force, meaning that magnetic materials don’t need to be touching for their effect to be felt.Yet, this is not just magic â€" although it may once upon a time have been believed to be such. Rather, the forces that these materials enact are the result of a process that happens at a level too small for us to see with our eyes. At this level, everything is in motion.And what creates the force that we witness is the result of two phenomena at that level. The first being the ‘magnetic moment’ of a given element and its particles â€" and the other being an electric current.Magnetic Mome nts and Electrons.What is happening at a much smaller level is all about electrons, one of the subatomic parts of a material.These electrons move, or rotate, around the nucleus of the atom. And each one has a different charge â€" generally either positive or negative. Normally, the electric charge or spins of these electrons are balanced â€" meaning that the number of positive electrons is equal to the number of negative electrons.Nature tends to like stability and stasis and, in this context, this means that nonmagnetic materials are the norm, due to the fact that with the equality of positive and negative electrons, the magnetic moment of these electrons is cancelled out. This is helpful as, otherwise, everything in the universe might be magnetic â€" which wouldn’t be super convenient.Sometimes, the electrons in a material aren’t balanced â€" this is true. However, more often than not in such cases, their magnetic charge is not aligned â€" something that is a prerequisite for magnetism proper.Magnetism in the way that we recognise â€" with the two magnetic poles of a magnet â€" occurs when the electrons’ magnetic moments are all aligned, i.e. pointing in the same direction. Only at this point will a material produce a magnetic field strong enough to be relevant.Find a maths physics tutor here.Electricity and Magnetism.As we said, there are two sources of magnetism. The first is the magnetic moment of the given electrons and their alignment. The second is an electric current.Electric currents produce magnetism because electricity is the flowing of electrons through a material. With this, you have a phenomenon in which all the electrons become necessarily aligned through their motion â€" and this motion gives the electric wire a positive charge and a negative charge.Electromagnets.You’ll have probably heard of an electromagnet â€" or of electromagnetism in general. These are super-strong magnets that are powered by electricity. Along with the majority of things that are powered by electricity, you can turn these on and off too â€" which makes them quite convenient for industry.If you take a magnetic substance and wrap a coil of wire around it â€" with an electric charge passing through it â€" you will find that the resulting magnet is really very strong indeed. The whole coil becomes magnetized in this way, with the electrons from the wire producing a magnetic field that attracts into the centre of the coil.As soon as you switch off the electricity, the coil is no longer magnetic.This is a crucial part of electromagnetism. Electromagnets produce a strong magnetic field.What is a Magnetic Field?Magnets attract and repel other things that are susceptible to the force of magnetism. We know this.Yet, the important thing is what happens between the two materials that are magnetic. This is the magnetic field â€" an invisible field of force which is essentially the arrangement of the electrons in the surrounding area.You’ll have seen the diagrams of magnetic fields before. And what you’ll recognise is the dipolar nature of magnets â€" the fact that magnets have both a north pole and a south pole â€" as well as the magnetic field lines which we tend to draw between the dipoles.These lines represent the magnetic flux that emerge from the north pole and enter the south. The closer together the lines, the stronger the magnetization. These lines never ever cross, by the way.Iron Filings.One of the best ways to see a magnetic field for real is through the use of iron filings.Get yourself a bar magnet and a hand ful of teeny-tiny bits of metal â€" iron filings, essentially the dust of iron.Drop the iron onto the magnet and watch the magnetic field appear, with all the different lines of force included. It’s quite impressive, actually.Different Types of Magnets â€" and Different Types of Magnetism.You probably have the impression already that not all magnets are the same. Given that we know that there is such a thing as electromagnetic force, as well as ‘normal’ magnets, we can pretty much assume that there are more types of magnet too. We’ve already mentioned bar magnets, for example.Scientists love to characterise things â€" and you need to know the categories that they create.Diamagnetism.Let’s start with diamagnetism. This is the type of magnetism which everything has all of the time. However, it is not particularly ‘magnetic’ in the sense with which we are conventionally familiar.Rather, in a material that is ‘diamagnetic’, there are no unpaired electrons at all. And, in the presence of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic substances, the diagmagnetism is overwhelmed.Paramagnetism.Paramagnetic materials are those that are weakly attracted to any magnetic field to which they are exposed. The majority of chemical compounds are paramagnetic, because they usually have electrons that are not paired (see above). This means that even elements like oxygen are actually paramagnetic â€" something of which maybe most people are unaware.In paramagnetic substances, the unpaired electrons align to the magnetic field, giving the substance an overall charge.Ferromagnetic Materials.Ferromagnetic materials are those that we conventionally recognise as magnetic.These materials have unpaired electrons too. However, unlike in paramagnetic materials, the electrons in ferromagnetic materials tend to line up spontaneously. This means that they don’t need an external magnetic field in order to become magnetic.These materials are the commonly magnetic ones â€" such as iron (he nce the name ‘ferro’), nickel, and cobalt. Iron is a ferromagnetic materialTemporary Magnets and Permanent Magnets.These two terms â€" temporary and permanents magnets â€" are fairly common in conversations about magnetism. And the difference is probably fairly obvious.Permanent magnets are those that are ferromagnetic. These retain their magnetic potential even after they are not in the presence of an external magnetic field.Temporary magnets are those paramagnetic substances that require an external magnetic force. These things are like paperclips â€" objects that react to magnetism but are not themselves magnetic.By the way, heating a ferromagnetic substance messes with its magnetic potential. The energy of heat creates much greater atomic volatility â€" meaning that the electrons cannot remain aligned.Find out about transformers, one of the most important magnetic technologies!Is the Earth Magnetic?You know that the Earth has a magnetic field, right? That’s the reason why we give magnets the characteristics of having a ‘north’ pole and a ‘south’ one.The whole of the globe is magnetic â€" which is the reason why compasses work. If you were to pick a handful of mud, it wouldn’t be magnetic, but the size of the earth produces the biggest magnetic field on the planet.Why does it do this? No-one is quite sure. However, scientists think that it is because of convection currents in the Earth’s core â€" which are primarily made of iron and nickel. And it's that that produces the northern lights.Ever heard of electromagnetic induction? Find out about it here. The Northern Lights are the result of the Earth's magnetic field

Have You Been Learning English With LOI 30 Exciting Minutes of Present Perfect Continuous

Have You Been Learning English With LOI 30 Exciting Minutes of Present Perfect Continuous Have you been improving your English with LOI lately?  Maybe youve been working on the fun New Years 10 Day Challenge.  Or, you might have just completed this great tense review, and youre ready to learn more.  Whatever your motivation, were here today to learn the present perfect continuous tense.  First well learn  when and why we use this tense.  Then, youll get a chance to practice with some fun exercises.  We always love to hear from you, so dont forget to write your answers in the comments section, and well respond!First, well take a look at the structures of present perfect continuous.  After you read each example, say a sentence of your own.Sentence(Subject)+have/has+been+(verb)ingJames has been studying.QuestionHave/has+(subject)+been+(verb)ing?Has James been studying?Negative(Subject)+have/has+not+been+(verb)ingJames has not been studying.Next, lets learn  why we use present perfect continuous.Use #1: Duration: something that started in the past and has continued unt il now(Subject)+have/has+been+(verb)ing+for+(amount of time).Q: How long has he been running?A: He has been running for an hour.(Subject)+have/has+been+(verb)ing+since (date or time).Q: How long have you been working there?A: I have been been working there since last Monday.Use #2: General: these days, recently, lately(Subject)+have/has+been+(verb)ing+(these days/recently/lately).Q: I havent seen you in a while!  What have you been doing lately?A: Ive been traveling a lot these days.THINGS TO REMEMBER:When we use lately/recently/these days, were speaking  more generally than when we give the durationWe often use contractions when speakingI have= Ive, you have=youve, we have=weve, they have=theyveIt has=its, she has=shes, he has=hesBecause this tense refers to a time until now, it suggests we can  sense (hear, see, smell, taste, feel) the result of the action.Has she  been feeling alright?  (The subject  looks sick).Have you been drinking?  (The subject smells like alcohol).Have y ou been working out a lot lately? (The subject looks fitter).We cannot use non-continuous verbs in any continuous tenses.I have been having my computer for 5 years.I have been using my computer for 5 years.Now, lets listen to examples of this tense in some popular songs.  This video gets a little repetitive, so feel free to stop it around 2:00.Your Turn!Part I.  Fill in the blanks.  Use the subject and/or verb in parenthesis.He ___ ____ _______(to wait) at her house  for 15 minutes.How long ____ ___ ____ _______(you, to wash) the dishes?Shes  lost a lot of weight.  ___ ___ ____ _______ ___(she, to work out) lately?I ____ ____ ________(to watch) the series,  The Night Of ,  a lot these days.  The neighbors ____ ____ ________(to shout) for an hour.Now, check out these examples of present perfect continuous in some classic films:Part II. Create a present perfect continuous sentence, negative sentence, or question  for each picture.  Examples: It has been snowing for 3 hours.  How long has it been snowing?  We have not been driving because of the snow.2.  3.4.5.Part III.  Continuous and non-continuous verbs.Decide whether the sentence  is correct or incorrect.  If the sentence is incorrect, replace it with a correct example.  Remember, we CANNOT  use non-continuous verbs in the present perfect continuous tense.Have  you been preferring apples or oranges lately?Example: this is incorrect because to prefer is non-continuous.  A correct sentence would be: Have you been eating apples or oranges lately?I have not been listening to much music these days.They have been hating homework since last week.We have been dating for 3 months.She has been crying for 30 minutes.Part IV.  Answer the questions about yourself.How long have you been studying English with LOI?What have you been doing recently?What kind of music have you been listening to these days?Have you been exercising much this year?Have you been watching a good TV series lately?Part V.  Schedule a cl ass with LOI to practice all youve been learning in a conversation with a friendly native speaker!

3 Reasons Why a Private Tutor Provides Exceptional Results

3 Reasons Why a Private Tutor Provides Exceptional Results A private tutor can provide a seamless addition to a student's classroom education. With some huge benefits. Benefits that not only provide a small boost or linear increase in academic performance but an exponential one. So, if you are a student (or parent), who is currently considering a private tutor, here are three reasons why a private tutor produces exceptional results... 1: Engagement One of the naturally limiting factors of a classroom environment is personal engagement. Of course, the level of engagement will vary from subject-to-subject, teacher-to-teacher and class-to-class, but even in smaller class sizes, learning is typically very passive for the student (i.e. they are learning by watching or listening to someone else). While some students will be more suited to this style of learning than others, there are very few at any level of education who don't benefit from more personal engagement. According to one particular study, students will retain on average: 5% from a lecture (or classroom session, without taking notes) 10% from reading (without taking notes) 20% from audio-visual learning (such as a documentary or video) 30% from a demonstration 50% from a group discussion 75% by applying what they learn 90% by teaching others It is evident from these results that all of the lowest retention rates come from the most passive forms of learning, while all of the highest retention rates result from the most active forms of learning. What this also demonstrates, is that not all learning is equal. Anyone who has ever had to discuss, apply or teach any knowledge will know that it requires a higher level of thinking and comprehension. They will also know that it is, initially, harder to do. However, much like working muscles harder, these more active methods of learning produce significantly more mental stimulus; and as a consequence, a far stronger understanding of the material. How does a private tutor address this? A private tutor does not replicate the way that information is taught in a classroom Instead, he provides significantly more engagement for the student. This benefits them in 3 ways: It avoids any illusions of competence They understand, opposed to memorise It is a more enjoyable way of learning Let me touch these points in a little more detail. Illusions of competence An illusion of competence is when you think you have learnt something, but when asked to apply the knowledge it becomes apparent that you haven't. It is particularly common when listening, reading, and watching are the primary modes of learning. In situations such as these, information is usually held in short-term (or working) memory. If the information is not applied afterwards, it will likely not enter long-term memory and be forgotten in time. To understand how common this is, you only need to look at the nature of cramming before exams. In this instance, cramming describes the process of relearning (or re-memorising) much of the information a student went through in class. In other words, the initial learning was largely ineffective. Or was not learnt at a deep enough level. However, with the support of a private tutor, a student will also discuss and demonstrate what they have learnt. As a result, tutor and student will both recognise what the student has understood and (importantly) what they haven't. In addition to this, a student will typically find it far less intimidating to ask questions and fill in gaps in their knowledge as they go (compared to in a group environment). Using this type of engagement and interactivity during learning will make a huge difference to a student's understanding and confidence. They understand, as oppose to memorise A good level of knowledge is the key to doing well in exams. To discuss, apply, or teach a piece of information, you must be able to understand it first. However, the same is not true if you are watching, reading or listening (where you can get away with attempting to memorise what you have seen or heard). One of the most common ways I have seen students come unstuck in their exams is by thinking that memorising material is enough. Of course, there are some situations where this is true. Nevertheless, for the science subjects and maths, a student will always be examined on their ability to apply knowledge. So understandably, this will cause a problem for anyone who has mechanically memorised something opposed to understanding the theory or logic behind it. Without question, the understanding of a student increases through personal engagement and interaction. It's a more enjoyable way of learning Private tuition gives a student a voice in their education, opposed to being an observer. The ability to discuss their questions, concerns and ideas also mean they get a lot more enjoyment from what they are learning, particularly if the tutor can introduce variety through different tools and resources. Importantly, when a student starts to enjoy what they are doing, they start to become more passionate and motivated about what they are doing. Without a doubt, a passionate and motivated student will be one who is performing well. 2:Personalisation Probably the most beneficial aspect of private tuition is the ability to personalise learning to suit the preferences and requirements of the student. Just like for anything else, the one-size fits all approach to education will only benefit those who fit that size. A good example of this is my brother and me; he has dyslexia, and I do not. As a consequence, we learn in very different ways and responded very differently to a traditional classroom education. Learning uses so many different areas of cognition (for example, perception, attention, memory, visual and spatial awareness, language and other motor skills) that we all have strengths in different areas. The problem is that we cannot personalise education effectively enough to optimise every student's potential in a classroom environment. My guess is that this is why we see such an upward trend in homeschooling, private tuition, and more personalised approaches to education. At this point, I just want to clarify that I believe schools, colleges, and universities do an excellent job with the resources they have. However, there are some areas, such as personalisation, where private tuition clearly provides a distinct advantage. For the tutor, the key is to identify what the student requires to thrive and reach their potential. More than this, it is about using the right teaching approach and appropriate tools and resources to provide them with a platform from which they can leverage their strengths. 3:Accountability The third and final reason why I have seen a private tutor produce exceptional results is personal accountability. I am not talking about deadlines imposed for school assignments, but for: Hours spent studying outside of school Continuous monitoring of the student's progress throughout the year Committing themselves to a private tutor outside of school hours ensures that a student is scheduling regular times for additional learning. Time which might have otherwise been spent doing other things. Just 1-2 hours a week can make a huge difference over the academic year. Furthermore, regular tuition sessions enable's a tutor to measure and track a student's progress throughout the year. Accountability through a private tutor works in a very similar way to what a personal trainer does in the fitness industry. In this example, the personal trainer will find out what their client's goals are, take measurements when they start (and at regular intervals to monitor progress), hold them accountable for turning up every week, and push them that little bit harder than if they were doing it by themselves. The reason that personal training has become so popular is that it gets results for the client. Measurable, predictable results. It also fills the client full of motivation and confidence (because they can see their progress). If done well, private tuition can work in a very similar fashion. The benefit is that you end up with a student who has gained confidence and momentum throughout the year; and who will have significantly less anxiety during revision and examinations. In other words, they will perform better and usually reach the goal they set themselves at the beginning of the year. Looking for a tutor? I have been working with students at all levels of education since 2008, and I am still amazed at how impactful private tuition can be. Sometimes it provides refinement, and other times it enables a complete transformation. One thing I can say for sure is that it works. If you are considering it, I hope this provides you with a useful guide to what I consider the main benefits to be. If you would like to contact Scott D to arrange private tutoring please contact him through his Tutorfair profile. Scott is a Maths and Science specialist as well as a learning coach with many years experience in tutoring.

6 Good Habits to Pick Up when Starting High School

6 Good Habits to Pick Up when Starting High School These 6 Habits Will Get you Ahead in High School These 6 Habits Will Get you Ahead in High School 8th graders are getting ready to wrap up the year and move on to the challenge of high school. They should think about a few good habits they can pick up that will help them with the transition. One of the biggest things all 9th graders can work on is organization. Transitioning to high school should also focus on excellent note-taking skills and the appropriate use of supplemental study materials. If students can pick up good habits sooner rather than later, they are more likely to enjoy both the academic challenge of starting high school and the social aspect of being older and more independent. High school can either be challenging yet fun or overwhelmingly stressful depending on a students introduction to this new phase of their life. 1. Note taking and annotation One of the best habits students can develop is appropriate note taking and annotation skills. Many students breeze through a textbook without highlighting, underlining, or taking side notes. As a result, when they go back to study for the end of chapter quiz or to complete an assignment they dont remember which information was relevant and which was not. This can add multiple hours on the clock every week and lead to frustration. Instead, students are encouraged to annotate on a computer document that they cant lose quickly. Loose leaf paper can be lost just as soon as the notes are taken but a computer document aptly-named and labeled can easily be found later on. 2. General organization General organization is also an excellent habit to develop. Students who are organized in each class will be aware of important dates and deadlines, know how much work they need to complete each day, and have a better grasp of the subject matter overall. Staying organized is a key to success throughout high school (READ: 5 Best Math Apps for High School Students). 3. Supplemental study materials When adjusting to high school, its important that students know how to utilize supplemental study materials appropriately. For example, SparkNotes or CliffsNotes are an excellent help to understanding a novel or story but should not be used as a shortcut. Study guides and outlines are also extremely helpful when it comes to test prep and assignment completion. 4. Socialization Healthy socialization is also a huge part of adjusting to the 9th grade. Students will be meeting new peers and will have the opportunity to choose friends with good study habits and goals for the future. Making new friends is an important part of the overall balance of being in high school but excessive socialization, especially during school hours, can potentially become a detriment to a students good standing and academic success. It’s important for students to find a suitable balance. 5. Stress management New high school students will often be adjusting to a higher level of stress for the first time. By junior year, this stress can be entirely overwhelming if students havent learned a work-life balance. In some cases, a student may need a tutor to help conquer challenging assignments and concepts. Students can also join a study group or meet with their teacher on a regular basis. Additionally, it’s important to leave time for sports or other extracurricular activities that help manage stress over time (READ: 4 Differences Between High School and College). 6. Open lines of communication with teachers Many students feel intimidated by their teachers as they enter high school. However, teachers are the best resource when it comes to understanding classroom assignments and general concepts. Its a good idea for students to get comfortable asking questions in class as well as emailing the teacher or visiting during office hours to clarify information that will help them be successful throughout the next four years. Get ahead and stay ahead in high school with the help Irvine private tutoring from TutorNerds. Call us today for more information. 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 write.

16 Ways to Conquer Mathematics in 2016

16 Ways to Conquer Mathematics in 2016 16 ways to conquer Mathematics in 2016:Study. It can be very difficult to study for mathematics! But, I find that it can increase your math test scores dramatically. The best way I find to study in general for all subjects is to set a goal. Whether it be a list of chapters to review, a concept to go over, or a skill to re-learn, set a goal for yourself. In math, your text book can help you highlight the main points of a lesson. Look for the vocabulary words, big concept boxes, and the clear directions. Don’t waste your time deciphering!Practice. You aren’t going to get good at something that you haven’t practiced doing. I am a very good guitar player, and I didn’t just pick up my guitar and start playing, it took years of diligent practice. The odd numbers in the back of the textbook help, but don’t show you how to get to the answer. Try doing the example problems in the lesson!Use tools to your advantage: your calculator is your friend, but it is not your crutch. Sometimes it’s useful to be able to do simple math operations like add and subtract, or even complex ones, like graphing and finding intersection points. Use them appropriately, make sure you know how to do the calculations that your calculator is doing!Get Organized: Not only do you need to know when your assignments are due, have scheduled study/homework time, and balance school, work, and family, you need to be organized in the way you do your math. make your scratchwork neat, number your problems, explain things to yourself in your notes. The best person that can explain something to you is yourself. When you get something the teacher or professor has taught you, write down what made you get it!Take Good Notes: Many students struggle in class understanding, and then struggle even further at home! You are not alone. Math is hard! Make sure that you take really clear notes. It goes with organization. Write neatly and professionally, if someone were to find your notes, could they teach th emselves? I like to draw pictures, make mental notes, and doodle. Keep your pen in your hand, ready to write.Go to class: A lot of times, especially in college, students skip class because the teacher is boring, or the content is. Don’t do it, this results in an instant drop in your grade. It’s harder than you think it is to catch up in Math! And when you are in class, don’t be a library book. Meaning, don’t be checked out!Work hard: Math is not easy! You need to do your homework to the best of your abilities, especially if you don’t understand the subject.Points Matter: Don’t skip out on doing homework because it’s only a low percentage. If it’s 5% and you have a 65% in the class, and you didn’t do your homework, you missed out. You have to put in work in order to pass, don’t expect a free A. There are two grades in all classes. Effort and Actual. Your effort grade, is something that you give yourself. Make sure you have an A, meaning you give as much as you can . Your actual grade often reflects your effort grade.Put the Cell Phone Away: It is such a distraction. Music can help sometimes, but your brain is horrible at multitasking! Focus on one thing at a time, and you can accomplish more.Pace yourself: Waiting until the last minute to do your homework is something that I have watched students do over and over. I even do it myself. It is not something that will benefit you. You may get it done before the due date, but “cramming” and doing things last minute result in poor knowledge and understanding of the subject.Sleep: Staying up and doing homework is just simply not worth it. Six to eight hours of sleep will benefit you as a person! Running on four hours and coffee is not good!Be Healthy: Feed your brain good food! Be the best you can be! Your brain is the most valuable resource, when your brain is healthy, it is sharp and ready for anything! Especially those tricky math problems!Double Check: When it comes to the big test, the slee p, and the healthiness will help, but we are human! We make mistakes all the time. Make sure that you double check your work. Often times in Math, you can!Be positive: Being angry and frustrated is okay! But be positive. One more try, one more chapter review in the textbook, or one more problem can be the difference in understanding a difficult math concept.Reward: When I do good on a test, I like to reward myself! Weather it be my favorite restaurant, or a new pair of shoes, I always treat myself after getting a good grade on a test!Ask for help: Your teacher, your parents, your tutor, are all here to help you! They want you to succeed, so use them to the best of your abilities. Scheduling with Frog Tutoring can help you improve beyond the sessions, in the classroom, and in other subjects! Book me,Quentin Nolf, today!