5 Things First-Generation College Applicants Should Know

5 Things First-Generation College Applicants Should Know The following is a guest post written by Sarish Kasat of Admissionado, a premier college admissions consulting company focused on helping students get into their dream schools. No matter your background, the college application process can be a beast. From targeting schools and taking campus tours, to tracking down letters of recommendation and (maybe the most important thing of all) telling a compelling narrative throughout your application, theres, well, just a ton to consider. And if you dont have the good fortune of having parents, siblings, relatives, or friends who have actually gone through the process themselves, things can get even hairier. Welcome to the world of first-generation college applicants. Whether a student is considered a first-generation applicant simply because their parents never attended college, or because their parents are immigrants who have never navigated the U.S. college landscape, the additional barriers these students face can be daunting to say the least. Lets face it, applying to college isnt simple for anyone. When you start with the complexity that is the nature of the beast, and then add elements such as language barriers and a lack of a natural support system, the process can get downright scary. And many times, it can contribute to continuing on-campus struggles. Its not all bad though. There are a plethora of helpful resources available to first-generation students. The key to success is simply figuring out how to gain access to or utilize these resources. Thats why weve put together a quick list of advice for first-generation college applicants. 1. Mentors can provide much-needed, real-world guidance2. There are scholarships and grants out there, specifically for you3. Many resources are available in the community4. Many campus resources are available to help you succeed5. Professors and advisors are there to help (so talk to them!) Now, lets break these things down one-by-one with some next steps to help guide you through the process and get you started. 1. Mentors can provide much-needed, real-world guidance Three words: find a mentor. It could be a teacher, guidance counselor, advisor, or coach. It could be the older sibling of a friend whos already gone through the college application process, or even a member of your local community center. The basic thing to remember here is that there are a ton of people out there who are willing to help you, but you have to raise your hand and ask them for help. Its important to find someone who can guide you through this process and help you make more informed decisions. If your head is spinning trying to think about who is the best candidate, simply start by asking a trusted teacher or stopping by your guidance counselors office to talk about college. The possibilities here are endless, but the mantra is singular: find a mentorsomeone you trust. 2. There are scholarships and grants out there, specifically for you What if I told you that there is money out there that exists specifically to help pay for your college education? Believe it? Its true. Now, more than ever before, people (and companies) are taking note of the obstacles first-generation students face, and many organizations are trying to find ways to help. One of these ways is by offering scholarships specifically for first-generation college students like you! Open your favorite browser (if youre not in it already) and start looking for opportunities. Google is your best friend here. You can also use websites like Fastweb, College Board and Unigo to help find scholarship opportunities that are relevant for you. The Admissionado First-Gen Ten is a great scholarship opportunity to check out as well, as it is specifically for first-generation students. And, as always, dont be afraid to ask your mentors for help in the search. 3. Many resources are available in your community Its no secret that academic advisors and counselors are often spread thin across hundreds and hundreds of students. This can make it difficult to schedule a meeting with them, and can leave students (and parents) feeling like theyre getting the short end of the stick when it comes to advising them on their future. Luckily, there are organizations like ImFirst.org that exist specifically to help guide first-generation students and their parents through the process. Find local organizations like this in your community or connect with national ones like Im First. 4. Many campus resources are available to help you succeed Once youre on campus, its easy to become overwhelmed with your surroundings, but rest assured, the majority of your surroundings are designed to help you succeed! Aside from talking to your professors and advisors regularly (which well get to in a moment), make sure you visit your schools career and writing centers whenever possible. These are free resources that can help you think through your career path and make sure youre on the right track in terms of identifying a major, minor, courses, and everything else that will help you maximize your college experience. You should also consider joining a first-generation student organization at your school. An organization such as this will expose you to older students who have been in your shoes and are brimming with good advice. Additionally, an organization like this will, in time, give you the opportunity to mentor and support incoming first-generation students. Pay it forward, right? Check out the Campus Life section of your schools website to look into any on-campus organizations you think youd like to join. Lastly, look for opportunities to land an on-campus job, become part of other on-campus organizations, and/or take part in resident-life activities in your dorm. Especially if language is a potential barrier for you, these are amazing opportunities to 1) meet and engage with other people and 2) practice your soft skills. This not only forces you out of your comfort zone, but also encourages you to nurture existing interests and find some you didnt even know you had. 5. Professors and advisors are there to help (so talk to them!) Much like weve advocated that you talk to your high school teachers and guidance counselors, once youve enrolled in college, start building relationships with your professors right away. We recommend attending office hours and introducing yourself to at least one or two professors that you genuinely admire or respect. Get to know them and make sure they know you as well. It can definitely be intimidating to introduce yourself to a professor (which is why so many students coast through their courses without doing so), but youll find that, in almost all situations, theyre very happy to interact with you. Making sure that you stand out to them, as both a human being and a courteous, engaged student, will pay dividends in the future. Additionally, most new students are assigned an academic advisor when they start school. Make sure to utilize this person! Your advisor can help guide you through selecting a major, minor, specialization, and/or concentration, as well as provide you with valuable information on specific courses. They can also connect you to other types of academic support services available on campus such as tutoring and writing centers. Once youve decided on a major, your faculty advisor will be another resource. They can offer you real-world guidance geared specifically toward the field youve chosen to study, which is extremely valuable. All in all, its important to remember that you arent in this crazy college thing by yourself. There are so many people and resources available to help you succeed, both on the way to college and once youre there. Sometimes, the hardest part is just finding them and being courageous and disciplined enough to utilize them. Be confident in yourself, and youll be hurdling every obstacle in no time! The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

What is it Like to Attend Centre College

What is it Like to Attend Centre College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Trish received her bachelors degree in English from Centre College and is pursuing her masters degree in English at the University of Colorado-Boulder. She is currently a tutor in Denver specializing in graduate test prep, English, Spanish, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at Centre College: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Trish: Centre College lies in the middle of a small, fairly quiet town. I always felt very safe both on campus and in town. The vast majority of students (98%) live on campus, which I highly recommend. You can easily walk anywhere on campus, and to a variety of restaurants, although a car really comes in handy for trips to the grocery store or trips to nearby Lexington. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Trish:The student/teacher ratio is excellent, and most faculty members are truly invested in their students success. We dont have TAs; faculty members do all of the teaching and grading themselves and are always willing to meet outside of class. Because the school is relatively small, you tend to form strong mentor relationships with faculty members and staff the college president even makes a point of knowing each student by name! You get to choose your faculty advisor after the first year, and you meet with at least once each semester. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Trish:Centre College is a tight-knit community. Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year and you quickly develop relationships with the students in your building and on your hall. The women who lived on my hall freshman year are still some of my closest friends today. On-campus dining options are somewhat limited, which I think really brings students together the main dining hall, Cowan, is a major social center and Cowan sitting is a much-beloved method of procrastination. Campus is small, so no matter which dorm you live in youll have an easy walk to class. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Trish:At a liberal arts school, having a well-rounded education is a high priority. No one field felt more valuable than the others (although glassblowing is a unique Centre College specialty). I knew almost immediately that I wanted to major in English, its been my favorite subject for as long as I can remember, and I had an excellent and supportive group of faculty members who I still turn to for advice even though I graduated several years ago. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Trish:As a freshman, youll go through several days of orientation which will really give you a chance to get to know the people in your class. Many students are involved in Greek life at Centre College, but the Greek system is by no means the center of social life. There are tons of ways to get involved in campus life: clubs, intramural sports, student government, etc. Plus, even if youre not involved in any organizations, its hard not to make friends at Centre College. Both the administration and the students themselves really work to create a feeling of community. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Trish:While the Career Services department is small, its easy to get one-on-one attention with a counselor, and the Centre College alumni network provides a built-in system of connections. Our alums are notoriously supportive of one another; partly because Centre College graduates tend to be responsible, hardworking, and conscientious individuals. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Trish:The library was always my go-to spot. With the possible exception of finals week, theres usually plenty of room to study there. Plenty of other spaces (with varying amounts of background noise) are available throughout the campus in dorms, academic buildings, and the student center, which has several spaces available 24/7. And when the weathers nice, theres nothing like grabbing a blanket and lounging on the lawn although this one carries a heavy risk of accidental napping. Describe the surrounding town. Trish:Danvilles not the most exciting place on earth, but the college is right downtown, close to a variety of restaurants and shops. The downtown area has been revitalized in recent years and several local restaurants have live music on the weekends. For a little more adventure, you can always head up to Lexington (a 40-minute drive) or Louisville (an 90-minute drive). I particularly recommend tailgating at Keenland during horseracing season, exploring the Bourbon trail, and braving the infield at the Kentucky Derby. Also, Centre College guarantees every student the chance to study abroad so, if you get sick of Danville, just head to a foreign country for a semester! How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Trish:Although the college has grown a little bit over the past few years, it remains very small at about 1,300 students. I loved the small class sizesusually anywhere from 6 to 30 students. You get a lot of individual attention and form close relationships with students and faculty. On the other hand, if you want to skip class, fall asleep, or text in class without the professor noticing, Centre College may not be your best bet. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Trish:Its impossible to choose just one. Ive visited the zoo for a natural science course (we got to pet a baby elephant!), enjoyed literary discussion over a home-cooked meal at a faculty members house, slurped down snails in Spain, attended class in Samuel Johnsons house, and tracked constellations on a professors farm, to name a few. Centre College offers no shortage of extraordinary experiences. Check out Trishs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Assignment Help Online Is An Efficient Process To Improve Students Skills

Assignment Help Online Is An Efficient Process To Improve Students Skills Assignments are an integral part of the grading system. Every student has to deal with them across various subjects in the course of every academic year. Turning in quality assignments is a sure shot way of scoring good grades and maintain a very good GPA. However, sometimes students may find it difficult to write their assignments. It is either due to the complexity involved or poor understanding of the topic of at hand. Enlisting assignment help online from professionals is a good option in such scenarios. Not only does it help students complete their assignments on time, it also ensures better understanding of the topic involved. Read on to learn why most students require help with assignments. Also how availing the right help can help in achieving better grades. Do You need Instant Online Assignment Help? from Tutor Pace Why do students seek assignment help? Today’s student is burdened with a lot of responsibilities and often has to manage a tightly packed academic schedule. It is not to mention their trysts with extra and co-curricular activities. Sometimes, students also have to spend a lot of time commuting to classes and this tends to sap their energy and concentration levels. Here are the top 3 reasons why most students require help in their assignments: Absence in school/college during when the particular topic was being taught This is perhaps the top most reason as to why students require help with their assignment. When a student misses lectures or classes, it becomes very difficult to study the topic on his/her own. And when the topic is a toughie, it becomes impossible to get a clear picture without help. Hectic Schedules The standards of education today are very high and the expectation placed on students is even higher. Whether it is assignments or projects, they are expected to come up with new ideas. Present different takes on the topic at hand. Given their schedules, it does become overwhelming at times to manage with all the academic work. Tough Topics Even when students attend classes and lectures, when a particularly tough topic is the focus of the assignment. This becomes very difficult to grapple with its complexities and nuances on their own and professional help is required in such cases too. Thus, seeking assignment help online is a smart choice. It helps them submit their work on time and also results in them having a thorough understanding. The understanding of the topic on which the assignment is based too. Online #AssignmentHelp â€" A Few Clicks Away From You http://t.co/OJtZl6GeUb #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/nFvH2AWY98 â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 9, 2015 How is assignment help beneficial to students? Apart from the timely submissions of assignments, here’s how getting professional help with your homework/assignments can help students. Saves time The most important benefit of availing help is the time saving factor. Also, when students seek online homework help or assignment help, they can save time spent on commutation. When they learn online, they get to explore the advantages offered by the internet and connect with experts from across the globe. This helps in widening perspective as well and thus is beneficial in a lot many ways than the traditional medium of learning. Learning from anywhere and at anytime is another important advantage of online learning. Benefits students who find certain subjects/ topic very difficult to cope with Another important advantage of online tutoring or homework/assignment help is that students who find it difficult to concentrate in a jam packed class will be able to do better in such a medium as it offers individual attention. The classes can be customized in such a manner that students get to spend more time on topics that are difficult for them and focus on them till they master them. Check out #Homework Help Is Just A Click Away Now With Online #Assignment Help at: http://t.co/3pJDl7H3qb via @StreetArticles â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 9, 2015 Exposure to various writing styles Writing assignments in a catchy manner is very important and presentation styles, flow of ideas and general conceptualization are often important aspects considering for grading them. Seeking professional help ensures that students get exposed to various writing styles, learn to co-ordinate their ideas and present them in a fresh manner. Thus, their writing styles improve by leaps and bounds and this is very helpful in higher grades. Cost Effective Services Excellent professional help that helps in honing writing skills, helps students learn complex topics inside out and master them is today available at pocket friendly rates. Thus, students/parents needn’t worry about having to shell out a fortune on getting professional help to tackle assignment and homework troubles!

Revue Musicals

Revue Musicals What Type of Musical is a Revue? ChaptersRevue Musicals’ Fascinating HistoryRevue Musicals in Popular CultureThe New Stage for Revue MusicalsYour Best Chance to See A Musical RevueSince the early days of human civilisation, music has featured in stage shows to underscore the story’s events or bring to light a character’s motivations or thoughts.Often, such a chorus was an integral part of the show, one which, if omitted would leave the audience scratching their heads over some aspect of the story.Those ancient songs set the stage for musical theatre… if you’ll pardon the pun.The earliest examples of stage musicals usually revolved around a story. The songs â€" sung by the actors rather than a separate body on a side stage or in a gallery, were not so much an aside to the audience as an expression of the characters’ emotion or longings.Obviously, such shows had to follow a script; likewise, the music and lyrics were written specifically for the show.More recently in the history of musical theater, such so ngs made their way onto the airwaves and became hits in their own right.  Memory, from the musical Cats (written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, in case you didn’t know) is a prime example of a show tune going mainstream.For the most part, musicals of all types follow that long-established formula: story, scoring, acting… to some measure of fame.The revue musical, however, is a breed apart. For one, there tends to be a deficit of story in favour of a varied performance consisting of singing, dancing and acting out sketches.It is quite possible you’ve been exposed to such a show but maybe just didn’t realise it at the time.That is why your Superprof now puts down the opera glasses to put revue musicals in the spotlight. CarlActing Teacher 5.00 (5) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaActing Teacher 5.00 (8) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ElifActing Teacher 5.00 (10) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CalumActing Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1s t lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChristopherActing Teacher 5.00 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriActing Teacher 5.00 (8) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielActing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CiaranActing Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRevue Musicals’ Fascinating History You shouldn't expect conservatory-trained vocals during a revue, it will be more of a music hall type performance! Image by James Brocka from PixabayRevues are the vaudeville of the well-to-do.Historically, stage entertainment catered to all levels of society: the rich had opera and, for their lighter entertainment needs, the operetta, which tended toward the comical. At the very least, it was certainly more lighthearted than regular opera fare.Meanwhile, the lower echelons of society enjoyed ribald burlesque and campy, risqué vaudeville shows which, themselves, were comparable to operetta for their light tones, with a touch of irreverence thrown in for extra measure.While we in Great Britain pretty much maintained the revue musical’s format and traditions, when such fare arrived on American shores, it, like its Vaudevillian cousin, underwent substantial changes.Whether in Europe, in North America or on our lovely isle, the revue as a form of entertainment became immensely popular .So much so that, while early cinema goers could get tickets to a show for a few pennies, revue tickets commanded several pounds… and people paid!In the purest sense, the shows were disjointed: a short monologue or comedy sketch followed maybe by dancing girls; their number segued into song and the whole cycle repeated.If they did have an overarching theme, it was satire, with public persons or current events often the target of the shows’ derision.Big names from the genre’s Golden Age, from just after the First World War until the Great Depression include:Yvette Guilbert: a French revue performerMaurice Chevalier: a French entertainer who found fame at London’s Palace TheatreFlorenz ‘Flo’ Ziegfield: producer of the Ziegfeld Follies â€" the top Broadway revue productionsEddie Cantor, the Apostle of Pep, a multi-talented comedian, dancer and singerAnna Held found her fame through Ziegfeld’s FolliesW. C. Fields rose to prominence as a juggler in a revueThe Marx Brothers: before they found fame on the silver screen, they were wildly successful VaudevilliansYou might see, by that list of names, that being a revue artist demanded more than just one skill; comedic timing and a visual talent â€" in W. C. Field’s case, juggling were also necessary because, more than anything, a revue was a visual treat.In the US, Hellzapoppin is a particularly good example of such a revue.The show revolved sight gags and slapstick, with less emphasis placed on scantily clad females and saucy dances.Remarkably, this show was constantly revised to remain relevant; for instance, when it played in 1944, it depicted Mussolini in blackface while American president Roosevelt, normally so eloquent, uttered nothing but gibberish.Revues were grand fun but, unfortunately, after the Second World War, with the emergence of cinema, radio and television, the revue was forced to retreat from centre-stage, back to smaller venues such as nightclubs and improvisation theatres.Find out ho w revue musicals compare with the most elemental of Broadway musicals: the concept musical.Revue Musicals in Popular Culture One very popular circus troupe is often mistaken for a revue show because it features adaptations of popular stories and lots of visuals, set to music Image by Michelle Maria from PixabayA musical revue relies on performers’ or groups’ individual talents. That means that they are not choreographed as other musicals might be, nor are the services of a playwright required, even though there are spoken lines.Remember: a revue musical does not tell a story.Obviously, within those parameters, there is not much room for the typical activities and artistic guidance that any other musical demands: writer, choreographer, lyricist, set designer… even more telling is the difference in the terms identifying such a show’s ‘master’.A book musical’s head honcho is called a director; a revue producer is known as an impresario.For the most part, today’s musical revues have done away with the sketches and physical aspects like slapstick, and they no longer necessarily draw on satire to entertain. Instead, they may comprise of a single composer’s work.Side by Side by Sondheim is a prime example of such a musical revue.The title itself is a play on the title of a Sondheim song from the 70s musical comedy, Company, for which Mr Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics.Side by Side by Sondheim is a showcase of the vast body of music by one of the most renown and prolific composers in theatre history. In a departure from traditional musical theater style, a narrator recounts why and how Mr Sondheim wrote a song.The show was nominated for a Tony Award for its Broadway production; in London, it was nominated for a Lawrence Olivier Award.Even though this show is rather dated, there are occasional performances, most recently in 2012, in Sidney.Unlike film musicals that become Broadway shows â€" films like The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast that you can stream or enjoy on DVD, revue musicals do not generally translate well to the small screen.Where or how would you be most likely to catch a revue today?The New Stage for Revue MusicalsToday, revues have found their home on school stages.If you’ve ever seen the film Mr Holland’s Opus, you might remember that, due to budget cuts, the schools’ faculty music department opted to do a Gershwin revue.You might know that George and Ira Gershwin wrote such gems as An American in Paris, Rhapsody in Blue and I Got Rhythm.If you are a Glee fan, you’ve probably heard their mashups â€" of songs, themes or genres, which were often implied to become the school’s end of year show.Are you noticing a theme, here?Common in Canada, Norway and Denmark as well as UK schools, they feature popular songs with lyrics revised to express (satirical views of) current events or of matters relating to student life.These shows are in no way theatrical; they are meant for student entertainment, after all! And, you would be more likely to groan ‘Mamma Mia!’ because of the sheer silliness than compare such fare to that sma sh Broadway musical.Still, they are great fun, even though songs featured in such revues seldom are heard beyond the stage they are performed on.Unlike jukebox musicals, where the music is well-known… Don't look to a theatre company to put on a revue; try your local medical school instead! Image by Michael Drummond from PixabayYour Best Chance to See A Musical RevueIt is quite unfortunate that the revue musical in its original form is all but gone but, if you’re bemoaning the fact that you never had the chance to catch Kander and Ebb’s But The World Goes Round…Rest assured that there is no need to moan just yet.There is a longstanding tradition for students of the medical, legal and veterinary professions to stage a revue.Even better, especially if you are a musical theatre aficionado: it is a revue in the purest sense, complete with sketches, parodies and, of course, the usual song and dance.Funny, that. You would think it would be a school of music that would put on such musical comedies, wouldn’t you?So popular are these shows that London’s five United Hospitals medical schools compete against each other every year, in an event called the UH Revue â€" sort of a monste r, comedic face-off, with the most outrageous group taking the top prize.If you’re hoping to buy tickets but are wondering which school’s show to find tickets for, consider this: both The MD’s Comedy Revue and the St George’s troupe have taken top prize six times apiece.What if you’re nowhere near London but you still want to witness such a music circus? You’re in luck!Do you have a school of veterinary medicine or a law school anywhere around? If so, there is a good bet that they are rehearsing their revue right now!Don’t forget to check your local university medical programme; they’re probably harbouring a creative team or two who are getting ready to put on their show soon…If all else fails, you can head to The Fringe for the music theatre you crave.Granted, The Fringe is more of a spectacle than a theatre festival; maybe that is why the Birmingham Medics Revues, the Cambridge Medics Revue and the MD’s Comedy Revue fell so at home performing there.Mind you, we don’t just mean the Edinburgh Fringe; the Brighton Fringe, the Windsor Fringe and the Buxton Fringe all regale audiences yearly with a new musical revue.Wouldn’t you like to catch one… or would you prefer tickets to a rock musical?

How To Tackle Geometry Problem Effectively And Score An A

How To Tackle Geometry Problem Effectively And Score An A Geometry is the study of shapes and angles and can be challenging for many students. Many concepts are completely new and this may cause concern about the subject. There are lots of posts/theorems, definitions and symbols to learn before geometry begins. Through a combination of good study habits and some study points, you will get success in learning geometry. Geometry in itself is problematic for most students and when it comes to topics like geometry. They require a lot of imagination and understanding, students flounder and flail at problem-solving. Having a firm grasp of underlying concepts is a must. When it comes to geometry and seeking geometry homework help is essential whenever a student gets stuck solving a problem. We have collated a few tips and techniques from online math tutors who are experts in geometry. They will help students gain mastery over the subject and to score straight ‘A’s in it; read on. Get proper tools for solving geometry problems! Having a clear set of tools is very helpful when it come to solving geometry problems. The see-through and clear kinds are the best ones to have and online geometry tutors swear by them. A clear protractor, ruler and a good compass along with a pencil and eraser are the first things you need in your geometry class. Draw wherever necessary For any wordy problem, draw whatever is given in the problem. This will help you visualize better. For instance, if you have a problem that involves two circular tracks, one within the other or simply a circular track and you need to measure some area. The best way to solve this is by drawing the diagram proportionately and marking whatever details have been presented in the problem. It will give you a clear picture and help you solve the problem quickly. Read the question and go through it more than once to understand the geometry in it entirety The question could be wordy and may have a lot of clues and hints. Reading it thoroughly and understanding what it is all about completely is essential to solve it. Also, having a plan of action and solving it in your head is a very good way to go about problem-solving. Map geometry to the real world and try to understand its applications More often than not it is this correlation with the real world that is missing. This is why students fail to understand concepts. If you consider the volume of say a cylinder, envision a real-life object that is similar to a cylinder and then understand why calculating a volume is helpful. Also, while visualizing the object, it is easier to understand its dimensions and thus calculate easily. Teachers should come up with assignments that help students map geometry to the real world. Even if a student requires geometry assignment help, he/she can take help from online tutors or their class teachers and get them done. This sort of an exercise will help them relate to the subject better. Be sure to use these tips while solving math  problems next time! Tutor Pace offers a 20% discount on online tutoring sessions; if you require help with your subjects lessons, we are the right place for you!

Active Learners Part 1 - Private Tutoring

Active Learners Part 1 BobbiM Mar 25, 2014 Active learners reflect on information and think critically.   Being reflective is an important part of active learning because it means that you are thinking about the information. In other words, you are processing the information. You may make connections between the new information and what you already know, identify concepts that you may not understand very well, or evaluate the importance of what you are reading. An active learner reflects constantly. In contrast, passive learners may read the text and listen to lectures, and even understand most of what is read and heard, but they do not take that crucial next step of actually thinking about it. Active learners are engaged learners. They listen actively to the professor for the entire class period and they write down as much information as possible. You must think about the information before you write. Active learners know that learning involved more than simply putting in time.   Most students know about the importance of having good time-management skills and expect to invest time in studying in order to be successful. But just putting time into studying is not enough. It is the quality if that time- why you actually do with it- that makes the difference. Active learners get assistance when they are experiencing problems. Because active learners are constantly monitoring their understanding, they know when their comprehension breaks down, and they ask for help before they become lost. In addition, active learners often predict the courses that may give them trouble. They have a plan in mind for getting assistance should they need it. Active learners may hire individual tutors, take advantage of free peer tutoring, or seek assistance from their professors. Although passive learners may seek help at some point, it is often too little too late. In addition, because passive learners do not reflect and think critically, they often dont even realize that they need help. Excerpt from College Success Strategies by Sherrie L. Nist and Jodi Patrick Holschuh.

Studying Strategies to Help Students with Learning Differences

Studying Strategies to Help Students with Learning Differences Whether or not students have diagnosed learning differences, every student has a unique learning process. Here at AJ Tutoring, we work to leverage student’s strengths and create individualized learning plans to best meet their needs. Some students may have a 504 or an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to help meet their needs at school, but there are also studying tips and tricks to improve learning at home. We want to offer parents some suggestions to unlock the hidden potential of their child’s abilities. As always, its important to maintain a Growth Mindset.Students with learning differences (LD) are just as capable as everyone else. In fact, learning differences also carry significant strengths. For example, people with LD often have a greater capacity for empathy; people with ADHD are excellent creative problem solvers; people with dyslexia excel at spatial reasoning, and so on.After navigating an education system that wasn’t designed to work with their strengths, kids w ith LD frequently internalize their struggles in school. This can lead to anxiety and depression, which further exacerbate the problem. Therefore, it is crucial to build a student’s confidence and their motivation to succeed. Specific, immediate, and positive reinforcement for a students effort is key. Remind your student that they have unique strengths, and it is normal to sometimes need help adjusting your learning techniques.Some learning differences that AJ Tutoring frequently encounters are ADHD/ADD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia. Whether or not your child has one of these, if they fidget, have trouble concentrating, reading, or writing, there are things you can do to help!Here are several at-home accommodations that could benefit every student. Again, each learner is unique, and sometimes it takes testing several strategies to find out what works best for him or her. If your student has a significant impairment, it may be useful to see a educational psychologist for further testing and to help create an individualized plan for them. Here is a list of AJ Tutoring-recommended psychologists.Trouble ConcentratingAlways study in the same area, so that you associate that space with productivity.If you are losing motivation, change up the space you choose can also help.Take 5 minute “brain breaks” every 25 minutes you study. These can be shorter, longer, or more or less frequent based on your  student’s needs.Play “beat the clock” and set a timer and assign a specific task this simulates the adrenaline and motivation that are tied to procrastinating.For homework that requires a computer, turn off the Wifi or using a website blocker such as “Stay Focused” to inhibit distracting websites.If possible, work while it is still light out and in a place with natural light.Trouble Sitting Still, or FidgetingUtilize stress balls, silly putty, fidget cubes, or other things that you can do with your hands while you study.Stand up and walk around wh ile you study.Chew gum.Use special pens and doodle while listening.Trouble with Writing: Handwriting Use special pencil grips to increase dexterity.Use a tablet/ computer when possible.Use a smartpen.Trouble with Writing: Written Expression of Ideas Allow and encourage the student to come up with their own abbreviations for note-taking.Use a speech to text program for writing papers (i.e Dragon).Trouble with ReadingUse a bookmark to follow along on a page.Use a text reader.Some textbooks are available as audiobooks.Have instructions read aloud and talk through the problem verbally.Use a text magnifier for small text.Check for understanding after a student reads instructions to themselves.General Learning TipsMake sure that you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and are not hungry when you study.Study at the same time each day, and schedule when you are going to complete assignments.Add structure whenever possible, such as to-do lists, schedules, and specific and measurable goals .Study in a clean space with minimal distractions and all necessary tools at hand.It is crucial, especially with students with learning differences, to provide as much positive reinforcement as possible to help build their confidence in their ability to succeed. Here at AJ Tutoring we weave these study skills and confidence-building strategies into all of our work with students. Our tutors provide much more than content expertise; they help their students have a positive educational experience, increase their motivation and build lifelong habits.

Breakfast Changing Lives One Day at a Time

Breakfast Changing Lives One Day at a Time lifeofpix.com However, a new survey conducted by TODAY revealed some positive news that I’m reporting to brighten your day! Breakfast is changing us all for the better! Yup, it’s a ridiculous statement but there’s some merit to it, and it’s all true (at least, for viewers of the TODAY show). For one thing, according to the survey, a total of eight out of 10 participants agree that breakfast routines help them to stay healthier throughout the day (and most make healthier breakfasts as well). The survey revealed that 86 percent are eating breakfast each and every day. The most important meal of the day is helping people stay on track throughout the rest of the day, and that’s a big deal when it comes to health. The study also revealed that these breakfast routines are changing people’s ideas of what it means to eat a healthy breakfast. In other words, the French toast strips aren’t cutting it, and people are opting for protein bars, smoothies, and other healthy alternatives. The study also revealed that morning time with the family is now just as important as dinner time. So for you and your roommates, this means that breakfast before class is a great way to spend time together, get to know one another more, and get that extra quality time to help build your relationship. Another interesting aspect of the study was that it shows redefined gender roles in that dads are the most common breakfast makers in the morning. Progress! The study also revealed that breakfast meetings are becoming more common and that it’s bettering our vocabulary when it comes to food. Did anyone know you could eat an avocado if it wasn’t in guacamole? Well, we do now! Kind of. The study also revealed that a big aspect of this new appreciation for breakfast comes from social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat, where individuals can continuously update their friends on their every move, including their mealtime habits. The survey also revealed that one out of every two participants found that the morning was the best “me” time, which is a big reason why they loved their breakfast time. This is also a great time to meet new people as we look the freshest and ready for coffee dates. Plus, these dates easily fit into your schedule, so long as you’re a bit of an early bird. And ever have a late night out with friends? People are still getting up early to have breakfast as a group, something that’s becoming much more popular according to the survey. And this is all not to mention the way that these habits have changed fast food now, McDonalds has all day breakfast, Starbucks is continually adding new drinks to its menu, and other chains are opening earlier or remaining open 24 hours for those early birds and night owls. And how many times since you’ve been in college have you had breakfast for dinner? Probably more than you’re willing to admit. But that’s because breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and we’re now ready for it whenever we want it. Literally. And 77 percent of participants claim they are seeking new blenders and other tech items simply because of their morning routine. People are now becoming more creative, taking the time to prepare their food to post a picture of it instead of simply throwing something together and leaving the house. It’s perhaps a generational thing, as the previous generation is used to the traditional bacon and eggs while this generation turned to avocado toast and yogurt bowls with your favorite fixings. Essentially, breakfast has become such an important part of our lives again that it’s actually defining us for the better. It may be ridiculous, and perhaps not the good news that you’re really waiting for, but it’s something in the midst of all this dreariness! And something is without a doubt better than nothing. So put together some breakfast for dinner, skip over the news channel and watch a new TV show or movie, or simply snuggle up with a good book or a loved one (if they aren’t one and the same). Because it’s about time something good happens in our lives, even if that thing is simply a good breakfast. Stay safe out there!