Choosing the Right Radio For Learning English

Choosing the Right Radio For Learning EnglishTo learn English, you will need the right Radio for learning English. There are many things to look for when making this choice.Of course there are hundreds of different radios to choose from and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. One of the more popular ones are CD's, most commonly found in a library or used as a passing fancy at the local convenience store. Although it can take some time to learn how to use a radio, once you do, you'll be able to tell the difference between a typical radio and a really nice CD player.Another great radio for learning English is the one you might find playing in your vehicle, though it is far more common in a vehicle than a laptop. Although both provide information, they are two entirely different platforms.The second method for learning English is through the radio, but this one is a bit harder. You might have heard that you'll have to pass a test before being allowed to receive instruction fr om the radio. If you want to use the radio for learning English, you'll have to pass the test first.In most countries, there are special public radio stations that you can listen to with the remote. This means that you will not have to listen to the boring, old channels for English language lessons. Instead, you'll be listening to a very well made radio station and it will provide an instruction guide for you to follow along with.Finally, if you can't decide which Radio for learning English is best for you, you should know that you can download a software program that will help you learn English. A lot of these programs will go through a test on the radio to make sure that you can understand the instruction. If you pass this test, you will then be given the option to purchase the Radio for learning English program directly. Although you don't have to listen to any radio if you are not able to study English with the aid of one, it is important to know about the different methods for teaching English. By knowing how to use the radio for learning English, you will be able to go to school with a full head of hair in a matter of months!

Guitar Lessons Near Me Learn the Guitar in London

Guitar Lessons Near Me Learn the Guitar in London Opportunities for Learning the Guitar in the UK's Capital. ChaptersStudy the Guitar at the City Academy LondonNail Your Guitar Technique with Guitar Lessons LondonTake Lessons with Professionals at The London Guitar InstituteGo Folk with Guitar Tuition at Cecil Sharp HouseJoin a Class at the London Guitar AcademyAim for a Degree in Guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music PerformanceFind a Private Guitar Teacher at SuperprofExplore Spanish Guitar with Flamenco ExpressLearn at the London Guitar SchoolTake a Summer Course at London Music SchoolJoin the Best Musicians in the World at the Royal Academy of MusicCheck Out Guitar Classes at Greenwich Music SchoolLearn Guitar from Those who Know at Tech Music SchoolFind a Guitar Specialist at the London Music FactoryPractise and Improve at the London School of ArtsConclusionThe impression among Londoners is that anything is possible within its ever-expanding boundaries. And it’s quite easy to see why this impression exists: with some of the most incredible cultural treasures in the world â€" from the art galleries to the museums to the sports teams â€" to the nightlife, restaurant culture, and architecture, anyone would agree that it’s really not too shabby.Yet, over the years, one of its major assets is its wealth of musical culture, heritage, and output. Almost anywhere you look in central London â€" from the Royal Opera House to Ronnie Scott’s to the Roundhouse â€" you will see venues, not to mention musicians, that are known all over the world.Honestly, though, this would all mean little if there were not the opportunity to learn and play music yourself. Luckily, London offers such opportunities in bucketloads. From private guitar lessons to music classes â€" and in every style from funk, folk, and fingerstyle to pop, jazz, and rock â€" you will find everything you could possibly need to get the training to play in one of these venues yourself.As we’re here to talk about guitar lessons, rest assured: whether you are an absolute beginner, an intermediate player , or a proper musician looking to take a different genre to the next level, in London every style of guitar teaching is possible. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStudy the Guitar at the City Academy LondonThe City Academy is a wonderful institution based in north London â€" but operating in different locations across the city â€" that offers arts, dance, and music lessons to adults. From singing lessons to piano lessons, the Academy prov ides courses that are taught by professionals in the field, and they are designed to fit around your schedule â€" at the weekend, evenings, or during the day.The Academy offers guitar lessons â€" classical and acoustic â€" to beginners and those at a higher level, and you will combine basic techniques, with basic chords and training on how to read music.Nail Your Guitar Technique with Guitar Lessons LondonGuitar Lessons London is run by Hawi Gondwe, a professional guitarist who has played and performed with the likes of Amy Winehouse. His team of tutors covers the extent of England’s capital, and they have online guitar lessons too.The team of guitar instructors cover every genre of music you could imagine, from indie to blues to jazz guitar. They can all cover grades or just recreational guitar playing, and they are a very experienced bunch.Take Lessons with Professionals at The London Guitar InstituteThe London Guitar Institute has two schools, in the City of London and in Mayfa ir, and they aim their varieties of guitar course at adult learners. There are three types of course available â€" either one-on-one, in a group, or with the famous Stefan Joubert â€" and all of these courses are available in different styles â€" from classical guitar to blues guitar lessons.Go Folk with Guitar Tuition at Cecil Sharp HouseThe Cecil Sharp House is the only centre in England dedicated to folk art and culture. Whilst it runs plenty of events, lectures, and even weddings, it has a number of educational courses and classes. The guitar instructor there, David Delarre, takes two courses â€" beginner and intermediate â€" and he will help you explore the repertoire, chord progressions, and guitar techniques of folk music.Learn guitar like a folk artist.Join a Class at the London Guitar AcademyBased in Queen’s Park, the London Guitar Academy runs one-to-one sessions, group classes, and studio recording opportunities. It has an absolutely massive selection of different cours es ranging from beginner, through lead guitar playing, songwriting, fingerstyle guitar, and ukulele.It also has social guitar ensembles â€" for kids and adults â€" and, like most guitar tuition organisations, it offers home tuition too.Aim for a Degree in Guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music PerformanceIf you want to play guitar at the highest level, you might want to seek instruction at one of London’s newer higher education music centres, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.Options for playing guitar at degree level come in the BMus in Popular Music Performance or the BA in Creative Musicianship â€" both of which will give you a serious grounding in music theory and a comprehensive training in everything to do with professional guitar method.An option for the serious guitarists out there.Find a Private Guitar Teacher at SuperprofWhether you are a serious guitar player, or you just want to be able to strum along to songs or jam with your mates, you’ll find someone to show you how to play better with Superprof.This is an online platform that links up tutors with students seeking private lessons. So far there are over five million tutors on the platform worldwide, and, in London alone, there are 191 guitar teachers waiting to help you learn to play your axe. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsExplore Spanish Guitar with Flamenco ExpressYou might want to learn to play the guitar in a slightly dif ferent way, however. Maybe you ain’t so keen on nailing the licks and riffs of the electric and want something a little more romantic. Luckily, Chris Clavo at Flamenco Express offers flamenco guitar lessons, and this guy has worked with some very serious musicians and institutions. He’ll teach you flamenco improvisation and how to solo Spanish style.Accompany flamenco dancers with your classical guitar!Learn at the London Guitar SchoolThe London Guitar School operates all over the capital and is run by Eilidh McKellar, a Scottish guitarist who has played on stage with the blues legend, Joe Bonamassa, and who has recorded with artists signed with major labels.The School’s courses are comprehensive, covering everything from music production to the blues. Online, meanwhile, you’ll find a load of free guitar lessons, which might give you an insight on how the classes are going to go!Take a Summer Course at London Music SchoolAlongside BTECs in musical performance, diplomas in gu itar, and evening classes, the London Music School offers a well-regarded guitar summer school. Over two weeks, you will learn everything from scales and modes to recording and performance technique. You’ll be expected to do two performances a week as well as songwriting classes and ensemble practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from some visiting famous musicians.Join the Best Musicians in the World at the Royal Academy of MusicThe Royal Academy of Music is one of the most famous conservatoires in the country. So, if you like your musical education to be world-class, prestigious, and surrounded by famous musicians, this might be the place for you.You’ll receive a degree or a postgraduate qualification in music if you can get your guitar playing through this challenging and intensely rewarding course.Check Out Guitar Classes at Greenwich Music SchoolThe Greenwich Music School, based in Greenwich and Charlton, is a music charity that has been praised for its work with young children. It excels in its diverse courses for those under the age of six, but runs courses for ages six to nine and for seven to nineteen. Grown-ups of Greenwich fear not, as there are plenty of adult opportunities to learn instruments or music theory at Greenwich Music School too.Learn Guitar from Those who Know at Tech Music SchoolThe Tech Music School is very proud of its alumni. And so they should be, as past students at this school have gone on to play with some of the greatest artists in contemporary music.Now owned by BIMM (the British and Irish Modern Music institute), they offer diplomas, vocational certificates, and full-time three-year degrees, in drums, vocals, guitar, or music business.Play guitar in a recording studio - and learn the behind the scenes of music tech.Find a Guitar Specialist at the London Music FactoryEstablished in 2014, the London Music Factory is yet another school offering home tuition to music students across Greater London. Depending on your area, you will be provided with a different tutor â€" however, rest assured that they are all proper musicians guaranteed to improve your playing.They’ll offer you a free trial lesson, so take advantage of this so you know what you are getting.Practise and Improve at the London School of ArtsThe London School of Arts is a music school in Enfield teaching over seven hundred students how to excel at the instrument. You can take drum lessons, lessons for the violin or cello, for the clarinet and, of course, for the guitar.They offer classes in thirty, forty-five, or sixty-minute slots, with one of seven expert guitar tutors.ConclusionNow, if you're not a Londoner, don't fret! Here, we have guidance on the best guitar tuition in Manchester, the best guitar lessons in Birmingham, guitar classes in Leeds, and guitar education options in Glasgow. There's also an article on the UK's best guitar classes!

Upcoming ACT Test Dates

Upcoming ACT Test Dates Prepare for Upcoming ACT Test Dates High school students have the opportunity register for one of the six ACT test dates each school year. The ACT exam is designed as a standardized achievement test to assess the college readiness of American high school students. You can elect to send your ACT scores to colleges and universities that you are interested in attending as part of your application portfolio. Your ACT score is an important indicator of your college potential and the degree to which you are prepared for advanced studies. Careful preparation for the ACT is crucial for maximizing your success. Huntington Learning Center is proud to offer a variety of programs designed to prepare students for the ACT exam. Our professional tutors are skilled at determining each student's level of readiness and crafting personalized preparation programs through either individual or group tutoring. These tutoring sessions will help you understand both the format and content of the ACT exam while boosting your confidence and readi ness.There are several ACT test dates remaining for the 2013-2014 school year; December 14, February 3, and April 12. As you prepare for the exam there are specific things you should do in the months, weeks, and days leading up to the ACT exam. In the months before the ACT exam: Createa study schedule Waiting until the last minute to cram for the ACT likely won't boost either your score or your confidence. The most effectiveway to prepare is to plan and maintain a consistent study schedule. Thisallows you time to map out all of your studying and ensure every area ofthe exam is covered during your preparation. Creating a consistent weeklyschedule is a great way to ensure the studying gets done. Make sure youhave extra study sessions on the schedule each week in case unforeseen circumstances arise. Enroll in ACT tutoring If the thought of preparing for the ACT exam seemsoverwhelming you may want to enroll in an exam prep program at HuntingtonLearning Center. We offer three different programs designed to fit anyneed. The Premier program is ideal for students with 6 to 8 weeks tocommit and will fully prepare you for the ACT exam. You can begin tutoringwith the 28-Hour program immediately and will benefit from the 5 to 7weeks of preparation. The 10-Hour program is perfect for students withlimited time who want to prepare in a single exam content area. In the weeks before the ACT exam: Take apractice test The ACT website offers several practice tests for your use. Scheduling time for a simulated test experience is a great way to prepare for exam day. You should mirror exact testing conditions asclosely as possible paying special attention to what tools you can use and time limits for each section. Score the practice exam when you arefinished to learn which areas still require additional preparation. Focus on your weakest areas Once you've completed the practice test you can use the results to modify your preparation schedule. If you feel confidentin an area shift your focus to others that may be weaker. Don't waste thedays leading up to the exam on subject areas that you are already fullyprepared for. In the days before the ACT exam: Confirmyour test time and location It's important to know exactly where yourtest center is and what time the exam begins. Verify this information withyour exam confirmation, the ACT website, and a map or other drivingdirections. If possible, take a test drive to find your exam center andknow exactly how long it will take to arrive. Understand test center rules All of the ACT test dates utilize the same testingguidelines and regulations. Understand what you can bring into the testing center, what items are approved for use on the exam, and the time limitsfor each section. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in adismissal from the exam center or a nullification of your score. Are you and your friends preparing for the upcoming ACT test dates? Share this important information with others that are preparing for the ACT exam.

How to Teach Common Core Reading

How to Teach Common Core Reading So how do you teach Common Core reading, anyway?A National Reading Panel Report published in 2000 suggests that there are five major areas where students struggle that can be supported with direct instruction or coaching:Phonemic awarenessPhonicsFluencyVocabularyComprehensionPhonemic AwarenessPhonemic awareness has to do with the ability to think about and pronounce sounds in spoken words.  Direct letter instruction is useful in helping students understand the link between the spoken and written word. This is especially true of students who are younger, are learning English as a second language, or who have some sort of learning difference. However, for the vast majority of students, learning phonemic awareness in a vacuum reaches peak usefulness at around 18 hours of direct, focused instruction this includes instruction from teachers at school, intervention specialists, and tutors. PhonicsPhonics bridges the gap between spoken and written English, teaching children the relationshi p between letters on a page and written English. Phonics is a useful tool in instruction for students of all backgrounds and strengths, but it is important to remember that it should not be treated as a workbook activity. Just like with phonemic awareness, teaching phonics works best in the context of speaking and reading. And while phonics is important to teach, its usefulness is generally limited to decoding and encoding, and it doesn’t necessarily address issues having to do with comprehension.FluencyThe third element of successful instruction is instruction in fluency. Fluency here means the ability to read a text rapidly and accurately with expression. This distinction means that we are discouraging students from simply decoding and word calling and encouraging them to read as we do as adults scanning the page ahead even as we read aloud and instilling emotion into our words.VocabularyThe fourth pillar is vocabulary. Both oral and reading vocabulary can be taught directly an d through reading. In teaching how to learn vocabulary, it’s as important to teach the skills necessary for vocabulary acquisition (dictionary and internet use, root study, etc.) as it is to directly teach words themselves.  With direct instruction, we can successfully introduce 8 10 words a week. Indirect instruction covers words encountered in reading and listening to adults speak and is often a larger component of vocabulary acquisition if only because there is no vocabulary filter on the world. ComprehensionThe last component is comprehension. Comprehension can be seen as our overall goal in reading instruction, of course, but coaching comprehension strategies creates good readers just as surely as learning vocabulary and working on fluency. Good readers read for meaning rather than words. They read with purpose and ask questions as they read. Comprehension strategies are skills we can and should teach at every level of reading instruction rather than waiting for students to get to an arbitrary ‘acceptable grade level.’ So why do students struggle? Every student is different, but after working with thousands of students here at AJ Tutoring, we’ve noticed that there are some commonalities as to where students struggle at what time. Problems with phonemic awareness and phonics generally manifest early in the reading process. Issues with vocabulary tend to develop over time as the relative vocabulary sizes of students who read for pleasure and those who don’t diverge. In our practice here at AJ, we tend to see vocabulary problems come to a head as students are preparing for middle and high school entrance exams like the ISEE and SSAT. Fluency is also a problem that can come up at any time as the pace of a class outstrips the pace of a student’s learning. Reading comprehension, similarly, can become a noticeable problem as late as high school or college even with comfortable readers if they don’t have the skills to know how to ask themselves qu estions and engage with text.How we can help The Common Core requires students to read more than ever, but the type of reading and how they are assessed on that reading can seem pretty different from how most of us learned to read. Instead of reading only fiction, our students are being pushed to branch out and read nonfiction earlier and earlier. However, the core strategies for teaching Common Core reading remain the same. So how do you teach Common Core reading, anyway?A National Reading Panel Report published in 2000 suggests that there are five major areas where students struggle that can be supported with direct instruction or coaching:Phonemic awarenessPhonicsFluencyVocabularyComprehensionPhonemic AwarenessPhonemic awareness has to do with the ability to think about and pronounce sounds in spoken words.  Direct letter instruction is useful in helping students understand the link between the spoken and written word. This is especially true of students who are younger, are learning English as a second language, or who h ave some sort of learning difference. However, for the vast majority of students, learning phonemic awareness in a vacuum reaches peak usefulness at around 18 hours of direct, focused instruction this includes instruction from teachers at school, intervention specialists, and tutors. PhonicsPhonics bridges the gap between spoken and written English, teaching children the relationship between letters on a page and written English. Phonics is a useful tool in instruction for students of all backgrounds and strengths, but it is important to remember that it should not be treated as a workbook activity. Just like with phonemic awareness, teaching phonics works best in the context of speaking and reading. And while phonics is important to teach, its usefulness is generally limited to decoding and encoding, and it doesn’t necessarily address issues having to do with comprehension.FluencyThe third element of successful instruction is instruction in fluency. Fluency here means the abilit y to read a text rapidly and accurately with expression. This distinction means that we are discouraging students from simply decoding and word calling and encouraging them to read as we do as adults scanning the page ahead even as we read aloud and instilling emotion into our words.VocabularyThe fourth pillar is vocabulary. Both oral and reading vocabulary can be taught directly and through reading. In teaching how to learn vocabulary, it’s as important to teach the skills necessary for vocabulary acquisition (dictionary and internet use, root study, etc.) as it is to directly teach words themselves.  With direct instruction, we can successfully introduce 8 10 words a week. Indirect instruction covers words encountered in reading and listening to adults speak and is often a larger component of vocabulary acquisition if only because there is no vocabulary filter on the world. ComprehensionThe last component is comprehension. Comprehension can be seen as our overall goal in read ing instruction, of course, but coaching comprehension strategies creates good readers just as surely as learning vocabulary and working on fluency. Good readers read for meaning rather than words. They read with purpose and ask questions as they read. Comprehension strategies are skills we can and should teach at every level of reading instruction rather than waiting for students to get to an arbitrary ‘acceptable grade level.’ So why do students struggle? Every student is different, but after working with thousands of students here at AJ Tutoring, we’ve noticed that there are some commonalities as to where students struggle at what time. Problems with phonemic awareness and phonics generally manifest early in the reading process. Issues with vocabulary tend to develop over time as the relative vocabulary sizes of students who read for pleasure and those who don’t diverge. In our practice here at AJ, we tend to see vocabulary problems come to a head as students are preparin g for middle and high school entrance exams like the ISEE and SSAT. Fluency is also a problem that can come up at any time as the pace of a class outstrips the pace of a student’s learning. Reading comprehension, similarly, can become a noticeable problem as late as high school or college even with comfortable readers if they don’t have the skills to know how to ask themselves questions and engage with text.How we can helpThe number one thing is, obviously, for children to read. To read often and widely, to read alone and in groups. Current research on teaching literacy suggests that to create high progress classrooms classrooms where students consistently attain high levels of academic achievement regardless of their background and are successful at Common Core reading we must structure our tutoring time in such a way that students are interacting with text at least seventy five percent of the time. Our ModelOur sessions are built on  the “read write read” format. A typ ical session might include a brief warm up activity, such as using a three minute singalong as a shared reading activity to promote fluency or a quick game of memory to practice sight words before moving on to the main part of instruction. ReadThe second part of our sessions is generally in the form of guided reading. The tutor introduces a text at or slightly above the student’s reading level for the student to read out loud. The tutor may pause the reading to ask questions about what the student thinks will happen next or to double check that the student has been thinking about what is happening in the text. Guided reading can also be a good time to address issues having to do with phonics and phonemic awareness in the context of meaningful text and to promote good habits in attacking unknown problems. WriteThe next part of session is typically dedicated to writing. For younger students, this time might be as simple as working writing just a couple sentences at a time that the t utor and student can check and read aloud together. For older students, this can be as complex as an ongoing writing project such as a short story or longer essay. ReadThe last part of the session is generally reserved for another reading activity, although for older students there is some flexibility. These second reading activities generally are smaller in scope and may include activities like having the student dictate a sentence to the tutor, which they can then read back, or creating and reading sentences from individual words written on moveable sentence strips. For older students, this time is valuable for teaching the sorts of skills they will be expected to know as part of Common Core reading, such as how to read for meaning in nonfiction and synthesize information into usable pieces. This can be done either with direct reading instruction or through ongoing projects that require students to gather information from multiple texts, such as small research projects that can be done in session.Planning and resultsThe last five minutes of session are generally reserved for a recap of instruction for that day with the parent and discussing any homework. This ensures that parent and tutor are on the same page about progress and areas of difficulty, and is also a good time for positive reinforcement for students. To be told that they are doing a good job with something is one thing. To be praised in front of a parent by an instructor can be even more powerful. Our goals for our studentsIt is always our goal as tutors for our students to outstrip us and to gain agency and independence as readers and learners. We’d love to talk with you about how we can meet that goal and master Common Core reading together!

University applications how to help your child choose

University applications â€" how to help your child choose If your child is heading back to school for their final year of A-levels, they will soon have to decide whether to apply to university. If they can be reasonably confident of gaining three or more passes at A-level, your child has every chance of securing a conditional offer from a UK university, so how can you help them choose which courses and institutions to apply for? Choosing the right university is an incredibly hard decision to make. You and your child need to spend some time researching various universities and courses. An English degree at one university can be quite different from an English degree somewhere else. Teaching methods, projects and course content vary widely so take your child to as many open days as possible in order to give them a better idea as to what life at the university will be like. They can meet lecturers and other students and find out all they need to know about the courses on offer. Your child should also consider the location of the university - how far away it is, and whether it is based in a city or in the countryside. The cost of living is important too: find out what sort of budget you'll need to put aside for accommodation and travel costs. A university with a good track record is imperative, and you should try to find out the proportion of graduates that actually find employment after they complete their courses. All these facts and figures can be obtained from the university and will aid them in making their decision. Once your child has made their decision, support them as much as possible. Moving to university can be an intimidating experience for many young people, but with your help they should take to their new student life quickly and easily.

Algebra Too!

Algebra Too! So, last night I was doing something I do not do much of these days, I was tutoring. The student is the son of a dear friend of mine who is struggling with Algebra 2. Now I know this young man is not alone in this position, as I would have to say at least half the people I’ve ever known struggled with Intermediate Algebra. In fact, I recall many years ago, sitting in a mathematics course that had me over a barrel. In other words I was not doing well. Barely passing would have been an accurate description. I’m not really a math guy myself, but I have proven that if you are committed, and I don’t mean committed to a nut house, but really determined and willing to work twice as hard as anyone else in the class and willing to reach out for plenty of help, you can pass almost anything, eventually. Yet I digress, I was sitting in a course called Differential Equations asking myself how I will ever pass this class, when the professor announced, if anyone was interested in a little extra credit, see him after class. Well you know where I was after class . I was given a stack of midterm exams from two intermediate algebra classes he teaches. This was a lot of exams too; I would guess seventy or more. So I spent the whole weekend grading these algebra tests. When I brought them back to the instructor I said; I think I messed up here. “Why”, he asked, “because, half of these students failed the exam”. He said, “That’s about right”. Wow! So this young man I’m tutoring is very smart, but typical in Algebra land, it seems. What I began to see was this kid was more likely bored than he was confused by X and Y Planes. Then I remembered when I started my own education at Santa Monica Community College. I had to start with high school arithmetic because I avoided all things mathematical back then. I seemed to have a lot trouble. But the word was out, that if you have trouble with math there is one teacher you need to take. I will not give his name out here, because he is probably still teaching there and if you attend that school you will hear very quickly about who he is. For now, we’ll call him … Mr. Brown. His classes are filled to the brim, always. He starts his class lecture by yelling out to the room that he loves math and do you know why, he shouts. And all the students that have had him before shout back; “Because Math is beautiful!” “That’s Right”, he would exclaim. Math is beautiful! He went on to explain math is beautiful because 2 + 2 ALWAYS equals 4! ALWAYS! It never equals anything else. Well you get the idea. Mr. Brown also believed that learning the material was much more important than getting a grade. So, he backed it up with action. Every student in his class had a choice of taking one of the exams over again, if they were not happy with their grade. This exam would not be the same exam as the one before but if the grade was better, it would replace it, just as long as you learn something. He was and probably still is a funny man that enjoys teaching, a lot. And his students felt that, including me. I have had good teachers and bad teachers and what got me through the bad teachers was getting a tutor to translate mathematics into a human language that a slug like me could understand. And it was not as boring or intimidating. In fact, “It was beautiful!” Hooray for the Mr. Browns out there! Algebra Too! So, last night I was doing something I do not do much of these days, I was tutoring. The student is the son of a dear friend of mine who is struggling with Algebra 2. Now I know this young man is not alone in this position, as I would have to say at least half the people I’ve ever known struggled with Intermediate Algebra. In fact, I recall many years ago, sitting in a mathematics course that had me over a barrel. In other words I was not doing well. Barely passing would have been an accurate description. I’m not really a math guy myself, but I have proven that if you are committed, and I don’t mean committed to a nut house, but really determined and willing to work twice as hard as anyone else in the class and willing to reach out for plenty of help, you can pass almost anything, eventually. Yet I digress, I was sitting in a course called Differential Equations asking myself how I will ever pass this class, when the professor announced, if anyone was interested in a little extra credit, see him after class. Well you know where I was after class . I was given a stack of midterm exams from two intermediate algebra classes he teaches. This was a lot of exams too; I would guess seventy or more. So I spent the whole weekend grading these algebra tests. When I brought them back to the instructor I said; I think I messed up here. “Why”, he asked, “because, half of these students failed the exam”. He said, “That’s about right”. Wow! So this young man I’m tutoring is very smart, but typical in Algebra land, it seems. What I began to see was this kid was more likely bored than he was confused by X and Y Planes. Then I remembered when I started my own education at Santa Monica Community College. I had to start with high school arithmetic because I avoided all things mathematical back then. I seemed to have a lot trouble. But the word was out, that if you have trouble with math there is one teacher you need to take. I will not give his name out here, because he is probably still teaching there and if you attend that school you will hear very quickly about who he is. For now, we’ll call him … Mr. Brown. His classes are filled to the brim, always. He starts his class lecture by yelling out to the room that he loves math and do you know why, he shouts. And all the students that have had him before shout back; “Because Math is beautiful!” “That’s Right”, he would exclaim. Math is beautiful! He went on to explain math is beautiful because 2 + 2 ALWAYS equals 4! ALWAYS! It never equals anything else. Well you get the idea. Mr. Brown also believed that learning the material was much more important than getting a grade. So, he backed it up with action. Every student in his class had a choice of taking one of the exams over again, if they were not happy with their grade. This exam would not be the same exam as the one before but if the grade was better, it would replace it, just as long as you learn something. He was and probably still is a funny man that enjoys teaching, a lot. And his students felt that, including me. I have had good teachers and bad teachers and what got me through the bad teachers was getting a tutor to translate mathematics into a human language that a slug like me could understand. And it was not as boring or intimidating. In fact, “It was beautiful!” Hooray for the Mr. Browns out there!

Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School

Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School Taking a Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School: 5 Things to Do Taking a Year off Between Undergrad and Grad School: 5 Things to Do Although a few students will continue straight from undergrad to their graduate studies, most will need to take at least a year off. Applying for a postgraduate program while simultaneously studying for senior year finals is too much for most people. However, many students feel as though they are in limbo during their gap year. Realistically, certain things have to be accomplished before students can re-enroll full time and give 100% of their attention to their studies, but there are better and worse ways to spend a year off. Students who accomplish some important tasks will likely have an easier time once in grad school. 1. Take required exams Each graduate program requires a unique set of entrance exams. Whether a student is taking the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc., these exams require a ton of time and attention. Attempting to study for these tests during senior year of college may produce disastrous results. Although some students may be able to consider and take them over the summer, a gap year is an ideal time to take care of this arduous task. In fact, most graduate programs in the US will not accept a student without good scores on these exams our private Irvine test prep tutors are here to help. 2. Look at short term and long term finances Although undergraduate programs are time-consuming, grad school can make them seem like they were a piece of cake in comparison. It’s difficult if not impossible for many students to work regularly while in a demanding graduate program. Thus, its important that students understand their financial situation. First, will they receive any financial support or a stipend from the university? Will they be able to work as a TA in conjunction with their program? Or, will they be left to their own devices. Taking out graduate student loans on top of already mounting undergrad loans can leave students in a tight spot upon graduation, so its good to have a plan in advance. 3. Form a specific career goal Its also a good idea for grad school applicants to have a solid career goal in mind. Some people love to study in their chosen field or just want to delay the ‘real’ world. Others want to increase their earning potential in the future. Regardless, its important to have a specific career goal or position in mind before starting a grad program. Many undergraduate degrees can be used in several fields because a lot of companies simply require a bachelors degree in any field to be hired. However, graduate degrees are not required for the majority of non-academic jobs, so its important students know what, specifically, they want to do with their degree (READ: Irvine College Tutor Tips: Waitlisted? 5 Ways to Cope). 4. Work as an intern in your field A gap year between undergrad and grad school is an ideal time to work as an intern. During a gap year, students won’t receive college credit so they’ll have to search for a paid internship. Although these are challenging to find, many high demand fields offer interns a fair sum to work in the field temporarily. Interns wont have to worry about resigning from a long term position or losing connections since they were only expected to be on the job for six months to a year. Additionally, this is a great resume builder for grad school applications and future employment. 5 . Get into a work day routine One of the more practical things students can do get into an everyday routine. Undergrad students may be used to an irregular schedule where they stay up late or have a free day in the middle of the week. Once they start work after grad school they’ll have to get quickly into a daily routine so why not start now?   If a student is taking a couple of years off from their studies, they’ll need to adjust to an 8 to 5 routine ASAP. Still applying to grad school? Our Irvine graduate school consultants are here to help. 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.