Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Ratio Simplifier- Maths Online TutoringTutorpace

Ratio Simplifier- Maths Online TutoringTutorpace Ratio is the quantitative comparison between quantitates or numbers. Ratio is a very commonly used operation in mathematics. Ratio helps in solving questions related to comparisons, proportions and many more. The symbol of ratio is :. For example, a / b can be written as a : b. Here a / b is fraction form and a:b is the ratio form. The simplification of ratio is writing the given ratio in the most simplified from possible. Example 1: Are the ratios equivalent? 50 students taking Math class and 75 students taking English class. 30 students taking Math class and 45 students taking English class. Solution: Here for the given question the ratio is between the number of students taking Math class and the number of students taking English class. The first ratio given is Number of students Math : English = 50 : 75 Simplifying the ratio gives 2 : 3. The second ratio given is Number of students Math : English = 30 : 45 Simplifying the ratio gives 2 : 3. Therefor the two ratios are equivalent. Example 2: Simplify the given ratio 48 : 96 Solution: Here the given ratio is 48 : 96. Here the numbers 48 and 96 are divisible by 2. Simplifying the ratio gives 24 : 48. The ratio is further divisible by 3. Simplifying the ratio gives 8 : 16 The ratio is further divisible by 8. Simplifying the ratio gives 1 : 2 Hence the simplified form of the given ratio is 1 : 2

Friday, March 6, 2020

Buying Your First Guitar a Guide

Buying Your First Guitar a Guide The Guide to Buying your First Guitar ChaptersTips and Tricks to Choosing Your First GuitarKelsey’s Advice For Buying Your First Classical, Folk and Electric GuitarAll the Specifics That You Need to Know Before Buying Your First GuitarWhere to Buy Your Guitar: Store, Internet or Pre-owned?More Advice For Buying Your First Guitar!The Essential Accessories that You  Cannot ForgetCaring For Your GuitarBefore buying your first guitar and learning how to play it, it's necessary to keep in mind the different types of guitars.My name is Kelsey and I am a professional guitarist and guitar teacher.I will share my expertise to help you choose your first guitar.The perfect guitar that suits everyone does not exist. It is necessary to make your choice according to your musical style.Here are some recommendations and directions regarding your purchase.First, let’s talk about guitar sizes.Here are some things to consider when buying your first guitar.A neck too large or too long, a case too imposing, or an unsuitable guitar size c an be very problematic for both children and adults.Therefore, throughout this article, I will explain the different sizes and who they are best suited for. Then I will give some recommendations of different products and where to buy them to prepare you for your guitar lessons online or in person!Guitars for Children: Different Sizes According to their AgeBuying a guitar for a child is not always easy.How to buy a kid’s guitar?Guitar 1/4 - 110cm | 5-6 years oldThe 1/4 guitars are between the toy and the real musical instrument.With their small size, they are particularly suited for very young children.Guitar 1/2 - 125cm | 6-8 years oldThe 1/2 guitars are meant for children.Its sound is closer to a traditional guitar than the 1/4 guitar.Guitar 3/4 - 140cm | 8-10 years old3/4 guitars are the ultimate learning guitars. They are massively used for guitar lessons for children aged 8-10 years old. Their fretboard and body shape are both slightly smaller, but not enough to affect the sou nd too much.Guitar 4/4 - 150cm | 10 years and olderThe 4/4 guitar is the standard size guitar used by teenagers and adults. They provide more powerful and warm sounds than the smaller guitars. This information is very practical for acoustic guitars (classical or folk).On the other hand, I advise against buying an electric guitar until your child is of age to play on a standard size. Smaller size electric guitars are not usually well made, and any guitar player will notice that it is not the best guitar.  Kelsey’s Advice For Buying Your First Classical, Folk and Electric GuitarThe Classical Guitar: Some Buying RecommendationsSizes 1/4 and 1/2 for children 5 - 8 years oldFor children 5 - 10 years old, the price margin will be between $60 - $150.YAMAHA CGS102A - 1/2 and 1/4 Guitar$120The Yamaha brand is, in my eyes, the reference in terms of children’s guitars size 1/4 and 1/2. Yamaha is aimed towards children and allows them to start on a quality instrument for a little more than $100. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge illustrate Yamaha’s desire to offer an instrument with impeccable quality at an economic price.LYONS Classroom 1/4 Guitar$67This is a good compromise to start at a low price point and an early age! Indeed, this guitar is not on the same level as Yamaha’s standard, but it will still allow you to enjoy a good product for less than $100.Size 3/4 for children 8 - 10 years oldFor children 5 - 10 years old, the price margin will be between $60 - $150.YAMAHA CGS103A - 3/4 Guitar$130True to Yamaha’s reputation for quality, this 3/4 guitar offered at a very affordable price would be the perfect companion to a young musician of 8 - 10 years old.FENDER MC-1 - 3/4 Guitar$130Fender is a brand that I particularly like. Very famous in the middle price range, their guitars are of excellent value for their price. These instruments astutely combine playing comfort and a warm sound.Size 4/4 for children from 10 - 11 years old to teenagers and adultsUnl ike children under 10 years of age, for teenagers and adults, a guitar will cost between $150 - $200.CORT AC200-OP$194I want to talk to you about CORT because I greatly appreciate this brand. Cort manufactures guitars whose value for money is unrivaled in the market. The constant with these guitars: the sound is always clear and brilliant.YAMAHA - C40$140The Yamaha C40 classical guitar benefits from the quality and know-how of Yamaha in the manufacture of nylon string guitars. As I said before, nothing to add, Yamaha is a good product!FENDER - CN90$230In addition to being the most affordable nylon string guitar from Fender, the CN-90 resonates with fantastic classical elegance, while adding real value. The Folk Guitar: Some Buying RecommendationsSizes 1/4 and 1/2 for children 5 - 8 years oldStagg Folk Blue Burst$110It is quite rare to find folk guitars in sizes 1/4 and 1/2. The STAGG brand offers this product for a little more than $100.Size 3/4 for children 8 - 10 years oldYAMAHA - FOLK 3/4 JR1$135We return once more to the YAMAHA brand. Its 540mm short neck is easy to play, even for the smallest hands, while the small dimensions of the body guarantee an excellent hold. This is perfect for beginner guitar lessons.FENDER - MA 3/4 STEEL$140This is perfectly suited for music schools, students, and beginners who feel more comfortable with a guitar of smaller dimensions.  Size 4/4 for children from 10 - 11 years old to teenagers and adultsAs far as adult folk guitars are concerned, the choices are much larger and more extensive. Here is a list of products that I recommend.  Between $100-200Between $200-300CORT - AD810EPIPHONE - EL-00 ProEPIPHONE - DR100IBANEZ - AEG1211-NTYAMAHA F335CORT - LUCE L100-OYAMAHA FG730S SUNBURSTYAMAHA - FG700STAKAMINE - GD10EPIPHONE - Hummingbird ProFENDER - CF60FENDER CD280SFENDER - CD140SIf you already have a specific brand or model of guitar that you want to buy, head on over to Guitar Center to find the guitar of your dreams!The Fe nder Sonoran has an atypical look that makes it an ideal guitar for beginners.This guitar is magnificent, it has a destroyed look and finishes, and an impeccable polish.This is an acoustic-electric folk guitar, which means it is equipped with a preamp for sound. I used this guitar when I first started and it is a real treat to begin with.The sleek maple neck on this electric guitar and its atypical look make it an ideal guitar to start guitar lessons.A major asset: its finishing is impeccable!The only downside: the bassThe Electric Guitar: Buying RecommendationsSizes 1/4 and 1/2 for children 5 - 8 years oldYou will find 1/4 and 1/2 guitars between $80 - $110.A reminder that at this age and with these dimensions, the guitars lean more towards the toy rather than the instrument.The sound quality is not yet a priority, hence the lower price.Size 3/4 for children 8 - 10 years oldFrom this age on, there is the Squier brand that offers guitar sets at very attractive prices, that is, less than $200. I do not recommend it. I have seen its shortcomings on several occasions with students. Inaccessible, unplayable, etc.First solution: Go with the Stagg brand which offers a finishing and sound that’s much less degraded than Squier’s.Impeccable quality should not be expected, but it works without problems and is in a reasonable price range, between $100 - $120.If you are looking for a guitar with a better range, IBANEZ offers 2 products:IBANEZ - GRGM21-BKNIBANEZ - GRGM21-WHSize 4/4 for adultsThe price of electric guitars for teens and adults can vary between $150 - $2000! It all depends on the style you decide to play. Each brand has its different series and styles of sound.The Fender guitar remains an essential reference in the field of electric guitars, in particular, the STRATOCASTER series. Adapted to many styles, this series is a real “Swiss Army knife” for guitar playing styles and all guitar lessons.You can also find very interesting products for less than $ 200:EPIPHONE - LES PAUL SPECIAL IIEPIPHONE - SG SPECIALIBANEZ GRX20ZCORT G110LAG - ARKANE66Feel free to follow these recommendations.I advise you, however, not to buy an electric guitar for your child until they are old enough to play on a standard size.Looking at buying your first guitar? We hope you find this helpful.Indeed, most of the time the models suited for younger children sound very bad. They are often unplayable and unreliable, with poor stability of tunings, poor acoustics, unreliable intonation, and wobbly guitar pickups.  All the Specifics That You Need to Know Before Buying Your First GuitarDreadnoughtJumboElectro-acoustic  Folk Dreadnought Guitars are the big guitars of cowboys with metal strings. It is the most versatile and popular type of folk guitar. Perfect for rhythm, it adapts well to fingerpicking and accompaniment. Its size, on the other hand, is quite a handicap for those small in stature and women.Jumbo Folk Guitars or more “classic” forms: it sounds p retty crystalline, with less bass than in a dreadnought. But playing it is more flexible; you can brush the chords or play with a pick. The size doesn't necessarily affect the playability.Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar: you can also go with an acoustic-electric variant. Indeed, a classical or folk acoustic guitar is not equipped to be sounded loudly like an electric guitar. The acoustic-electric guitar is equipped with a preamp and a jack output.With or without microphones?Even if an acoustic guitar sounds without a microphone, it is necessary to amplify it when playing in a group of other loud instruments (electric guitar, piano, drums…)Therefore, some acoustic guitars are equipped with a microphone allowing them to connect directly with an amp (different from the amps for electric guitars).The microphone is different from that of the electric ones and is not seen: it is a sensor, integrated into the bridge.It is, therefore, a useful tool in the guitarist’s toolbox. Several opti ons are available to you when buying your guitar.Going to a specialized store to buy your guitarThese shops are the only places where, not only can you buy your guitar, but you can also test it before purchasing it. You can try it out and listen to the sound, etc.In addition to that, you could possibly get useful advice from a salesperson. At the very least, they may ask you questions that you have not yet asked yourself. And, more often than not, they will be guitar players who know their stuff - about guitar brands, guitar cases, types of electric guitar strings, a guitar amplifier, as well as anything else you might want to know about the body style.  For me, the guitar shop or guitar store is an ideal solution for making the purchase.Buying a guitar on the InternetThe Internet is a great place to quickly purchase a guitar. Keep in mind that you lose the benefit of trying it out in the store, as previously discussed. If you don't know the type of guitar that you want then maybe i t is not the best option.However, it remains a solution for those who cannot go to a store.Finding a pre-owned guitarBuying a used guitar allows for the possibility of paying a lower price than at the store or on the Internet and also negotiating with the seller.Another advantage is, with a little luck, you can meet with the seller and try out the guitar. This is a very positive point for seasoned guitarists, but I do not think that it’s good for a first purchase.More Advice For Buying Your First Guitar!Beware of beginner sets and low prices. Oftentimes these are not very advantageous. Being a beginner is not an excuse to buy a bad quality guitar. Specialized sellers will be able to advise you on the purchase of your first guitar. In short, to start playing the guitar, it is better to choose a classical or folk guitar. How to make the right choice? Follow the advice of your music teacher, but don’t forget to ask the right questions, whether for you or your child. You now know ab out different models to help guide you in your selection and you know the main characteristics of each guitar.It is important to recall the main advantages and disadvantages of the classical guitar and the folk guitar. The right choice is a personal decision.The Classical GuitarIn general, many teachers ask beginners, especially children, to start with this type of instrument. The reasons are simple:They are available in all sizesThe strings are evenly spaced so that finger placement is easier. But this can also be disadvantageous for working the bars… we can’t have everything!The frets are largeThe strings are flexible, which is more suited for children’s sensitive fingersThe price is attractive. Children grow up fast and it is true that you will have to buy several guitars as they grow bigger…that cost must be taken into account!On the other hand, the classical guitar cannot play all styles of music, but it still offers beautiful possibilities. Don’t you want to try flam enco?The Folk GuitarIf you are not afraid of hurting your fingers, you will certainly be drawn to the folk guitar. Yes, with its steel or bronze strings, the tips of your fingers will get callouses!However, once this detail is taken into consideration, the folk guitar does not lack assets:With a neck that is longer and narrower than the classical guitar, you will be able to work the bars and climb the treble more easilyYou will also be able to play various styles, including blues, folk, and even country… Yee-haw!By learning on a folk guitar, you can more easily switch to the electric guitar later on.In any case, think especially of your comfort when learning to play the guitar. Not to mention the sound, which remains a notable difference between these two types of acoustic guitars. The classical guitar will have a soft and warm sound, while the folk guitar will have a more metallic and crystalline sound. Choosing a guitar is also a matter of personal taste.The Essential Accessorie s that You  Cannot ForgetGuitar accessories? Yes, it’s not enough to just buy a guitar, you also have to think about the necessary accessories to help you play at your best! We do not alway think about that when we start…You don’t want to find yourself helpless with an untuned guitar, right? Or worse: a string-less guitar!Find out when and how to buy your next set of guitar strings  - and whether you need steel strings or nylon strings, Ernie Ball Slinky or Elixir.And say goodbye to back pain and bad posture with well-chosen accessories…So take a trip to your favorite music store and invest in all the tools that will be useful to you. No, I don’t push you to buy. You will see that these tips prove to be very helpful!Find out also how to choose the right strings for your guitar...The CaseCall it what you want - a gig bag or a guitar case - but you are going to need something to cover your musical instrument. Sometimes, these come in a beginner guitar pack, but not always.Th is is absolutely the first thing that you need to get with your first guitar. Otherwise, how are you going to get it to your friend's house for a jam session? How are you going to even get it out of the shop?The pickIt’s essential for strumming the strings, are you already perplexed by all of the options?There are all different sorts to choose from, how to decide?There are plastic, wood, metal and even glass picks. Each has its characteristics, but to start it’s better to choose a plastic pick since it’s easier to handle.On the other hand, for just a few cents you can have several models of different thickness (and also with a different rigidity). Let’s not forget what all guitarists will tell you: the pick is the accessory that is lost the most often. It is better to have a few on hand, to avoid spending an hour searching everywhere for it.The capodasterDon't forget essential accessories like the capo!If there is a necessary accessory it is the capodaster, or “capo” for the insiders. This bar that blocks the strings has two uses:It changes the pitch of the instrument to continue playing with the strings you know. This allows you to play faster without changing the position of your fingers.It avoids difficult positioning of fingers when bars and chords are not mastered.How to choose?There are two main variants. The classic capodaster that requires the use of both hands to be installed, and the spring capodaster that can be placed with one hand thanks to the spring system.What other accessories might you need?The tuner and the metronomeIt’s not always easy when you begin to tune your instrument by ear. Therefore, it is very useful to invest in a tuner, especially since it’s not very expensive. You can find one starting at $10. With a tuner, you will be able to make sure that the notes you play are correct.It’s also important to correctly follow the rhythm of the song. At first, you may not be able to keep track of the pace with your foot while playing properly. So let the metronome do this job for you and focus on the placement of your fingers. The metronome’s price is similar to the tuner: starting at $15.If you don’t like having too many objects, there are models that combine the tuner and metronome functions, in the $20 range.The footrest and strapCan’t find a good position to comfortably play the guitar?!It's important to adopt good posture when learning how to play!If your back is hurting from playing the guitar, it’s no wonder if you don’t have a footrest. You can always use a stack of books, a shoe box or any object that you have on hand, but the best thing to use is a footrest. In the price range of $10, it allows you to raise your foot to maintain the correct position without tiring yourself.To play standing (and even sitting), think of the guitar strap. When standing, the strap allows you to hold the guitar. When seated, it helps you secure the instrument.Caring For Your GuitarYou are now perfectly eq uipped. Before you leave, I can’t resist giving you a few last tips to take care of your new guitar. Admit that it would be a shame to ruin it…Rest assured, it is not complicated to take care of a guitar and knowing when to change the strings, just adopt some simple, but essential habits.The guitar’s enemy is the moisture in the air, otherwise known as humidity. Indeed, it should not be forgotten that guitars are made out of wood! One would tend to say that you must be wary of humidity, and while this is true, contrarily the main risk for an instrument is dryness. A guitar that retains moisture will swell, but regain its initial shape afterward. On the other hand, if it dries out too much, the wood shrinks and this is when problems appear: cracks, paint peeling off, etc…To avoid this, store your guitar in its case or cover and never leave it in direct light (especially sunlight), too close to a radiator or excessive heat source.Avoid leaving your first guitar on the beach, i n the sand and in the sun!The strings tend to oxidize. I’m not talking about the classical nylon guitar string, but those of the folk guitar. Metallic strings are also sensitive and not to be neglected. They tend to oxidize with sweaty fingers. To avoid this:Wash your hands before playingAfter playing, clean the strings and under the strings with a soft clothWhen you change the strings, take this time to clean the tuning pegs, on the neck and each fret (metal bars). If the wood is not varnished, dust and deposit risk inlaying the wood. For a gentle cleaning, you will need a soft cloth that’s slightly wet with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing soap. Rub gently to remove dirt encrusted along the frets. Also, think about oiling the key to protect it.In your favorite music store, you will find many products specifically designed for the maintenance of your guitar. Fast Fret is one of the most famous. As a cleaner and lubricant, it protects the strings and key, helping them st ay clean and shiny longer. This prevents the sound quality of your guitar from deteriorating. It’s easy to apply, but you must remember to use the product regularly.Finally, the varnish of the body can be attacked under the effect of perspiration. Also, remember to clean it regularly with a soft cloth.Now that you have the essential information, it’s time to buy your first guitar. The first guitar also usually goes along with guitar lessons. Find a guitar teacher here on SuperPROFAnd one day you could end up playing the guitar onstage… who knows?To get you started, why not consider taking private lessons.  Searching for guitar lessons London  produces the most results on Superprof but there is a lot more choice if you're willing to learn online.If you've chosen a bass guitar, then you might want to opt for bass guitar lessons.

How to Find Students for Your Economics Lessons

How to Find Students for Your Economics Lessons Where to Look for Students Who Need Help Studying Economics ChaptersDetermining Your AudienceWhat Aspect of Economics?What Not to do When Teaching EconomicsFinding Economics StudentsLet's face it: Economics teacher jobs are simply not the most glamorous positions in academia.Think about it: We all know who Stephen Hawking was and who Ruth Lawrence is, but does anyone know â€" without looking it up, who won the 2015 Nobel prize in Economics?Annual science, peace and literary prize disbursements are well publicised; of less renown is the prize for Economics, perhaps because it was added some 70 years after the foundation of the award, as an afterthought to the already established categories.To answer the above question: Angus Deaton, a British native, won the prize that year for his analysis of consumption, poverty, and welfare â€" honourable work!Yes, I had to look it up... Interesting aside: since this prize's inception in 1968, only one woman has won it; a fact you might divulge to give incentive for more female students to study economics!B ut first, you have to find students... never mind their gender.Let us detail a few ways you, perhaps forlorn at the prospect of unwilling, unmotivated students, could attract and engage learners to the insightful world of economics.framework of economics, your teaching strategies and even whether you yourself are an economist are all factors in determining your value as a teacher.The more positive your reputation, the more you will be in demand. The more you are in demand, the more you stand to earn.The more you earn, the better off you will be, economically... how is that for balancing supply and demand?Discover the various online tutoring jobs for economists.Students needing an Economics tutor may advertise for help in your local paper. Source: Pixabay Credit: Alexa_FotosFinding Economics StudentsPresumably, by this time, you have winnowed all potential economics students to your targeted demographic, outlined your teaching strategy, and perhaps even prepared a few  Powerpoint pre sentations.It is now time to fill your schedule!Doing so might not be as hard as you first thought.According to the University of Bristol, statistics show that students embracing Economics has been on a slow but steady increase, year to year.Thus it would not be unreasonable to post a flyer on school dormitory billboards, or in campus teaching buildings.In fact, as exam time approaches, you may consider canvassing campuses where the subject is taught, offering test preparation help or in-depth clarification of economic concepts and specific topics related to economics, such as investing.You may also consider talking with the head of the Department of Economics. If your credentials are sufficiently impressive, those teachers may refer their struggling students to you!As long as you are canvassing, why not visit your local library and Council office?Your local library may already host workshops and homework help on various academic subjects. If Economics is not on their list, nothing says you can't propose becoming their instructor!If your local Council has a continuous learning initiative, you may volunteer your services to teach basic principles of economy, or give lectures on economic development after Brexit â€" as an example.Even a volunteering opportunity can generate glowing testimonials and add to your reputation!Other ways of promoting your Economics tutoring would be to place an advert online, at sites such as Gumtree or your local Freeads.While we maintain that any way to get your name out there is good, there are two major pitfalls to such advertising:1. It would be difficult to attach any endorsements and references made by previous students2. You may feel compelled to pay for premium placement of your advert, lest it gets lost in the shuffle.The old saw:  It takes money to make money is not a viable economic standard!Besides, spending unnecessarily does not guarantee a more fruitful outcome of your teaching venture.That is why we advocate creating a teaching profile, and Superprof is the platform that best supports teachers and students.As a Superprof tutor, you set your price according to your experience â€" with space on your profile page to list said experience. You can choose whether to meet prospective students face to face or via webcam.Your future students benefit from your detailed CV by being able to select the perfect tutor for their needs.An additional incentive for them to choose you would be your offering the first hour of instruction for free!Rather than being constrained by guidelines of any formal learning institution, or becoming a part of the traditional workforce by signing on with a tutoring agency â€" another way to find students, you have the option of sharing your expertise with students who seek you out.You, specifically.With your detailed online profile â€" complete with raves by other students, those applying themselves to the rigours of economic philosophy will surely feel relieved at finding you!We now outline the pros and cons of various means of finding students: what do you think of each?MethodProsConsPosting an advert online or in your local paperHigh visibility lots of traffic succintPossible cash outlay Potential to be overlooked No room for details or testimonialsHandbills or flyersList all of your info opportunity for face time Definite time and money investmentLibrary or Council tutorGain exposure refine teaching methods build reputationgenerally volunteer work; no payEnlisting with a tutoring agencyGuaranteed a complement of students students are pre-screened more or less steady workLess leeway to teach as you would like Possibility of teaching in groups A portion of your earnings goes to the companyEstablishing a profile online with SuperprofFree set up List all qualifications and referrals High visibility Different delivery methods Set your own hoursWe can't think of any!What should you put in your lesson plans?

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Basic Algebra

Basic Algebra Algebra is one of the very prominent and important branches of mathematics. Basic algebra also has equations with unknown variables and it involvessolving for the unknown variable. Variable is an element which is inconsistent and unlike constants, it keeps changing its values according to the situation. There are many methods to solve for unknown variables in a given algebraic equation. Example 1:Given is a basic algebraic equation, 6x 3 = 4x + 11. Solve the equation to get thevalue of x. To solve for x, we have to add/subtract few terms on both sides of the equation. Subtract 4x on both sides to balance equation 6x 34x = 4x + 114x Now, combine the like terms, this gives 2x 3 = 11 Add 3 on both sides: 2x 3 +3 = 11+3 Combine the like terms: 2x= 14 Divide 2 on both sides: 2x/2 = 14/2 The answer is: x = 7. Example 2: Given is a basic algebraic equation, 8x 5 = 3x + 20 Solve the equation to get the value of x. To solve for x, we have to add/subtract few terms on both side of the equation. Subtract 3x on both sides to balance equation 8x 53x = 3x + 20 3x Now, combine the like terms, this gives 5x 5 = 20 Add 5 on both sides: 5x 5 + 5= 20 + 5 Combine the like terms:5x= 25 Divide 5 on both sides:5x/5= 25/5 The answer is: x = 5.

Developing a Customized Study Plan

Developing a Customized Study Plan Academic Performance Explained Podcast In the fourth episode of our podcast, MyGuru founderMarkSkoskiewicz interviews Mike Zilis, a political science professor at DePaul University. In this podcast episode, Zilis discusses the importance of creating a customized study planto improve academic performance. Key Insight from Podcast #4 Every customized study plan should include three components: concepts, mindset, andexplicitpreparation for test day. When most people study for a test, they simply focus on learning the concepts that are likely to be tested. However, people often forget that theirgeneralmindsetand confidence level and ability to execute to the best of their ability under pressurecan be just as important in determining their test scores. Successful students tend to berealistic optimists. They recognize their weaknesses, but they are still confident that they can improve their scores as long as they put in the work. It is also important to prepare for test day itself. Taking a standardized test can be a high-pressure situation, and everyone handles this pressure differently.With practice, you become more comfortable performing under pressure. So,it is important to take timed practice tests before test day.This type of practice will help you build confidence. In addition, it will actually make you better atactuallytaking the test, as opposed to just doing individual problems.

How Soon is Too Soon Diagnosing ADHD in Young Children

How Soon is Too Soon Diagnosing ADHD in Young Children Getting kids the help they need as early as possible will set them up for success later in life. There are numerous early intervention programs available for kids who fail to meet their developmental milestones on time or struggle with speech problems. But when it comes to behaviors related to ADHD, like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention in young children it can be harder to identify the source of the problem, and harder to know how to help. How soon is too soon to start thinking about an ADHD diagnosis, and when can you start to intervene? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADHD can be reliably diagnosed in children as young as 4-years-old. Although its important to note that not all kids with ADHD can be identified this early. Kids who receive diagnoses at this young age are more likely to be boys than girls, and their symptoms will cluster more around hyperactivity and impulsivity than difficulty paying attention. Why? During the preschool years the demands placed on kids attention are generally fairly light. At school or day care, activities are brief, they change frequently, and they are designed to be engaging and active. They are exactly the type of activities that kids do well with when they have short attention spans! As a result, attention challenges may not be obvious at this age. If youre the parent or teacher of preschool age children, or have spent any time around preschoolers, then you know that in general kids at this age are very active, and most behave pretty impulsively they act first and think later. So, how can you tell the preschoolers with ADHD from the preschoolers without ADHD? The kids with ADHD are much more hyperactive and impulsive than their peers. They rarely sit still, although some may sit for longer stretches of time if theyre watching TV or playing videogames. They run and climb on things excessively, to such an extent that their parents and teachers worry about their safety. Some of these kids may have already had trips to the ER because of falls and other accidents. Their high activity levels and impulsive behavior also cause serious challenges at school or day care. Their parents receive calls from school at least once a week, and sometimes kids with these ADHD symptoms are asked to leave their day care or preschool program altogeth er. At home, mealtimes are a challenge because of difficulties with staying seated at the table, even for a few minutes. Going to a restaurant, church, or participating in any activity that requires sitting feels next to impossible, even when parents provide activities to keep their kids entertained. More active family outings may feel difficult too, because its hard to keep the child from running off or having a meltdown if he or she doesnt get their way. When it comes to diagnosing ADHD in preschool children, higher levels of activity and impulsive behavior alone arent enough. Diagnosing ADHD at any age can be challenge, but in young children it is especially difficult. Kids who are anxious, have learning differences, a history of trauma, social challenges, or other mental health concerns can behave in ways that mimic ADHD symptoms. A thorough assessment by a medical doctor or psychologist to rule out other causes is essential. This assessment should include gathering detailed information from parents, teachers, and the child to determine whether or not ADHD is present. When a preschool child is diagnosed with ADHD, behavioral interventions, especially those that are put into place by parents and teachers under the guidance of a trained therapist, are the first line treatment according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Kids who dont improve with intensive behavioral interventions can be treated with medication, in addition to ongoing behavior therapy. ADHD medications have been shown to be effective with kids as young as 4-years-old, although they may not work quite as well as they do for older children and may be accompanied by greater side effects. One treatment to avoid is one-on-one therapy, where the child talks directly to the therapist week after week without parent involvement in the sessions. At this age especially, it is essential that parents are involved in sessions and are learning new skills that they can use at home to help their child. If you suspect that your preschooler may have ADHD, talk to your pediatrician. Let them know about your concerns and request a thorough assessment. If ADHD is the source of the problem, then start treatment as soon as possible. Getting help for your childs ADHD now will set him or her up for success in elementary school and beyond. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Four bad reasons to transfer Universities

Four bad reasons to transfer Universities A third of university students will transfer courses, or universities at least one time during their undergraduate years, according However, while there are plenty of viable reasons to transfer, doing so is not always the right move. Let's count down the top four reasons to stay the course... 1. You're Homesick Approximately 16 percent of transfer students switch universities before returning for a second term, according to further figures from the NSCRC. A common reason? Because they miss home. Unfortunately, homesickness is a very real part of the university experience, but the only way past it is through it. When you start to feel homesick, revisit the reasons why you left home and went to uni. Will switching universities offer a permanent solution, or just a temporary fix? Also, don't forget that there are plenty of ways to feel connected with loved ones back home thanks to modern technology. Phone calls, video chats, and text messages help bridge the distance without necessitating a move. 2. You're Not Making Friends Developing meaningful friendships takes time. Rather than throwing up your hands and starting somewhere new where the same set of challenges are sure to await, commit to establishing a social network on campus. Student clubs, study groups, and intramural sports teams offer the chance to connect with like-minded classmates. And remember: many of your fellow students are facing the same set of challenges. Your efforts in reaching out may deliver a valuable lifeline to another struggling student. 3. Your Classes Are Too Hard (or Too Easy) Establishing a study schedule and getting a grasp on college-level expectations takes time. If your classes are beyond your capabilities -- or if your capabilities are beyond your classes -- transferring isn't your only recourse. Instead, re-evaluate your course load. Could you be taking different or fewer classes? Are there independent study opportunities which might be more appropriate? Your academic advisor can offer valuable insights into finding coursework at your ideal academic level, please speak to student support. And remember, while you may initially have to endure dreaded prerequisites, a world of new possibilities opens up once they are completed. 4. You Had One Negative Experience It's easy to let a single negative event or interaction early on in your academic tenure set the tone for your entire experience. However, bad room-mates, difficult professors, and academic stress are part of campus life. Rather than characterising what could be an otherwise phenomenal four years according to one less-than-ideal experience, commit to rise above and persevere. Running away from a problem is not a solution, and will not help you grow as a person. Instead, learn what you can from the experience and move on with your head held high. In some cases, transferring is absolutely a smart decision: for example, if your current university doesn't have your major or if financial constraints become a factor. However, because of the significance of the decision, it's essential to make sure you have the right reasons before calling it quits.

What Language Should I Learn Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the World

What Language Should I Learn Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the World What Language Should I Learn? Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the World Chocolate cake or creme brulee?Vacation to the mountains or the beach?Puppy or adorable mini hedgehog?Ever had to make a decision between equally awesome options?If youre a language learner or aspiring language learner, then you probably know what Im talking about.How can you choose between all the exciting, challenging and beautiful languages out there?Lets make things a little easier for you.There are certain languages that are widely used not only across the globe, but also across key industries and fields.In this post, well show you the  worlds most used languages for business, academia, travel and more.Line these up with your own goals and youll be on the path to foreign language fluency.As for your dessert, vacation or pet decisions thats still up to you. How to Choose the Language Thats Most Useful to YouWhen choosing which foreign language is best for you, ask yourself, whats your learning purpose?Do you love to travel? Are you trying to broaden your career options? Are you an academic or a politician? Do you just want to be able to communicate with the widest group of people?When you first start learning a foreign language, your instinct might be to focus on one of the worlds most common ones. But there may be other languages that are primarily used in, say, your professional industry or the places youd love to visit.Answering the questions above will help you narrow your options as you explore the worlds most used languages.What Language Should I Learn? Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the WorldIn the list below, well start with the most used languages in the traditional senseâ€"the languages that most people speak across the world.Then well explore some languages that might not have as many speakers, but are commonly used within specific categories.Well also give you tips for studying and key facets of each language to look out for. But for all of these languages, its smart to get a strong dictionary for vocabulary building and try a cou rse or textbook for grammar study.Its also a good idea to start listening to natives using the language as soon as possible. FluentU is a great tool for thisâ€"it provides real-world videos such as movie clips, news reports, inspiring talks and more in your target language.The videos are organized beginner to advanced and come with interactive captions, flashcards and exercises to help you understand and develop your skills as you watch. There are also built-in progress tracking tools to keep you motivated and moving toward fluency.You can hear your target language authentically in a variety of contexts, all from your computer or mobile device. Many of the worlds most used languages are included, such as English, Mandarin, Russian and more.Note: all speaker counts for the languages below  are from Ethnologue unless indicated otherwise.The Big Three Most Used Languages InternationallyThere are three languages that top the list when we talk about the most used languages around the wor ld.  It goes without saying that any of these options will allow you to communicate in numerous countries and a variety of contexts, from personal to professional.Mandarin Chinese, for example, has 898 million native speakers. Its a useful choice for travel, business and academics.Then theres English, with 372 million native speakers. English is useful all over the globe, particularly in the world of business. Its unique because its got four times as many second-language speakers as native speakers.Spanish has 437 million native speakers and is steadily growing in popularity for both its global relevance and its cultural significance.These three languages are all great second learning options, but since they so comfortably fit a wide range of categories, were mentioning them here first and focusing on others for the remainder of the article.Most Used Languages for BusinessArabicThe Middle East is a hotbed of development in oil, infrastructure and real estate. Learning to speak Arabi c will help any professional wanting to work in those industries.Many consider Arabic a difficult language to learn. The grammar is immensely complex and it requires students to learn a new alphabet and sentence structure rules. Pronunciation is also very important and you may need to learn a number of totally new sounds.But with 295 million native speakers, itll be worth the investment if it aligns with your business goals.Learning tip:  Students wishing to pursue Arabic will want lots of writing and vocabulary practice as they learn the alphabet. A technique called shadowing can also be helpful to master new soundsâ€"just listen to Arabic audio and then try to mimic the speech in real time on repeat listens.PortugueseYou might not be aware that Portuguese is the official language of Brazil! Recent sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup have helped put Portuguese on the map as a relevant language for commerce and economic development.Portuguese has 219 million native s peakers and is quickly becoming relevant as more businesses begin exploring investment opportunities in resource-rich South America.Learning tip:  There are two major types of Portuguese you might be interested in learning: Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese. Once youve picked a dialect, make sure your learning resources cater to it.Most Used Languages in Politics?The UN named six official languages as the global standard for clear, effective communication between countries. These are Arabic, Russian, English, Chinese, Spanish and French.Therefore each of these languages will be helpful for international politics, but well focus on one thats increasingly relevant to todays global economy and diplomacy: Russian.RussianFuture diplomats, take note! With 154 million native speakers, Russian is an influential language with the potential to shape future political and trade agreements.Russia can be seen throughout history as a powerful player in international relations. Its rich in natural resources that make it competitive for energy and oil ventures.As one of the top oil-producing countries, Russia performs consistently among or near the top ten global economies.Learning tip:  Start your Russian journey by mastering the alphabet and pronunciation. Then move on to Russians somewhat complicated case system.Most Used Languages for TravelFrenchFrances colonial history has contributed to the widespread use of French throughout the world. With 220 million native speakers across 29 countries, French is the way to go if you want the widest array of communication options abroad.Countries that you can navigate with French skills include everything from Morocco to Canada to Senegal to Belgium to (of course) France.Learning tip: If you dont already speak a Romance language, youll first want to acquaint yourself with the grammatical gender system in French.Every noun is either masculine or feminineâ€"get a French pocket dictionary and commit to memorizing the gender a long with the definition of any new vocabulary word.Most Used Languages in Academia?The academic community involves many languages, but there are some that have a larger following than others.English is todays  lingua franca of the scientific community. Chinese and Russian are also widely used among scholars and have an array of political and economic benefits.But you may not realize German is a versatile and practical language to learn for communication with other researchers and academics.GermanGerman is an excellent choice for academics! There are 77 million native speakers and historically its a major language for research publicationsâ€"despite being overtaken by English in the 20th century.Today, Germany is home to many international corporations and a  world leader in engineering, science and technology.German skills are also extremely valuable for anyone studying philosophy, due to the number of influential writings from major German philosophers.Learning tip:  Understanding the grammar and sentence structure is very important for learning German, so look for courses that offer lots of sentence practice and good grammar coverage. Verbs are another tricky part of this learning process and you might consider flashcards to help you memorize the various uses and forms.When you realize youre ready to learn a new language, its important to think about what youll be using it for to ensure you get the best return on investment! Whether youre looking to learn a new language for fun or youre about to move across the world to start a new job, theres a language for every need and purpose.