Monday, March 23, 2020

Why Should You Learn How to Draw

Why Should You Learn How to Draw Learn How Drawing Tutorials could Benefit You ChaptersHow Learning to Draw Can Change your CallingLearn How to Draw for a Career in Graphic ArtsHow to Draw Develop your Artistic SenseHow Drawing Lessons Relate to MathsLearn to Draw for PleasureTop Ten Reasons to Take Drawing ClassesDoodling, drawing, sketching, rendering: all verbs that describe the first step in producing a masterpiece, of making visible a concept or idea, of expressing what translates poorly into words.Why should people learn how to draw?  you wonder...People with artistic talent are in high demand these days. In itself, that is an excellent reason to study art.Don't let your stick figures, cartoons or pencil portraits idle around in your sketchbooks!If you or a student you know struggles to learn maths, learning how to draw can help: not just to understand proportion and dimension, but to ease anxiety and release stress.Those are still not the only reasons to grasp your graphite pencil.If you've ever wandered past a museum of fine art and wondered what peopl e saw in all of those musty old canvases and tableaux, perhaps you need a boost in art history, or world history.Actually, the two go hand in hand.Let us go on now to discover a few of the reasons taking art lessons is a good idea: to improve your sense of aesthetics, to disconnect from the world for a while; to relax and maybe, to put you on a new career path.Find out how to take drawing courses London here.If you learn how to work a Wacom tablet, you too could skip to higher job satisfaction Source: Pixabay Credit: Fotographie-LinkPress DesignerAdvertisement LayoutWeb designerTattoo artistSpecial effects editorVideo game designerAnd that's just to name a few!By combining your love of drawing with other interests â€" professional and/or personal, you could surely find your way to a financially rewarding, personally satisfying career.If you think about it, art is all around us: on the telly, in adverts, at the supermarket; on your computer, Smartphone and tablet.Somebody creates tha t visual feast! Why not you?You might believe it hard to break into such a specialised market, but it is in fact easier than you think.All over the UK, there are fine institutes of higher education dedicated to training and placing artists of all types into lucrative positions.Although a the first requirement of a career in cartooning (or drawing pencil portraits, or any involving art production) is creativity, it certainly helps if you have an education in drawing techniques.Learn How to Draw for a Career in Graphic ArtsA graphic designer embodies the perfect blend of creativity, skill and passion.Traditional portrait painting also demands those qualities; the main difference between those two artists is their medium.A graphic artist's medium is  digital.  They wields a stylus rather than a charcoal pencil.No messy watercolor or smelly acrylic painting. In fact, the only smell that might emanate from her studio is if her computer overheats.This time of year, graphic designers every where are working long hours to promote holiday shopping deals: you can imagine how busy they all are!Such artists do not work like Christmas elves: they are employed year-round, cleverly conveying messages in their drawing and painting.For example: an artist designing an auto would emphasise sleek lines, aerodynamic shapes, and a passion-invoking colour.Thanks to our relatively modern consumer society, there is no end to the ways graphic artists can apply their imagination.Yes, imagination, as well as talent, and skill in using a Wacom tablet are the trademarks of the graphic designer.Of course, you don't need to become a graphic designer in order to flex your imagination...Children approach drawing paper with no trepidation whatsoever. How about you? Source: Pixabay Credit: JodumaImagination and creativity are twin drivers of art production.Producing art is easier said than done, isn't it?As adults, sometimes we lack the courage of children who, when faced with a blank piece of pa per, have no qualms about grabbing colored pencils and filling it with shapes and colors.For us older ones, the mere sight of a sketchbook immediately fills us with dread.What should we draw? Will we represent it well? Will we be judged for our efforts?Have you ever watched kindergartener draw? Especially the way they draw the features?Their drawings can be very simple: a human face â€" maybe mum or dad, a rose... and don't they love to draw animals?When you quiz your young Cassatt about what she drew, her answer might differ from what you had interpreted from the simple lines and scribbles on the paper.In spite of children's as-yet undeveloped right brain and burgeoning fine motor skills, we find that they are creative to the utmost degree, unashamed to splash color on plain surfaces and calling it art.Your childhood creativity lurks within you, even now.Unfortunately, creativity cannot be bidden. It is a complex process that takes time to realise it is again welcome in your life.T o develop your artistic sense anew, you will have to coax it out of hibernation. Forget potential ridicule; self-expression is much healthier than fearing derision.Take a look around your world: the explosion of colour in the spring, the delicate tracings of shadows in summer; the impermanence of frost on your window pane , these winter nights.Before you can learn step by step drawing, you must develop your sense of the artistic.What is beauty? Why does that landscape drawing arouse such a powerful welling of emotion? Why has the human figure inspired such works of art?By apprehending the world in this way, you will see art in a new light.And, the next time you are confronted with a blank sheet of drawing paper, you will eagerly put your Prismacolor pencils to work.Or, maybe you would prefer executing a pen and ink drawing...Whatever style of art you choose to express yourself in, be it pencil or pastel, you can be sure to keep the fire of inspiration stoked.In any instance; at ever y moment: something is crying out to be noticed, captured and presented.Sketch whatever you see! Draw anything! The more you draw, the stronger your drawing skills become, and the more inspired you will be to draw even more subjects.And find subjects related to art...How Drawing Lessons Relate to MathsArt instruction is more than learning how to sketch and appreciating aesthetics.Learning how to draw a cat, portrait drawing, the human body, a still life...None of these can be successfully executed without understanding the concept of space â€" and its inverse, negative space.Mathematical notions will help you render realistic drawings.What is linear perspective?How to draw the human form with realistic body proportions?Questions such as these, that have a direct impact on drawing art, require knowledge of various mathematical conceptsMeasuringGeometryRatio and proportionLines, simple shapes and contour: all are relevant to maths, and to figure drawing.Math and drawing  represent rea lity each in their own way. Nevertheless, they are intimately related disciplines.Just think, for a moment...Early Key Stage maths books are filled with cartoon drawings to help children master the concepts of addition and subtraction... right?And when you were studying fractions, didn't you envision slicing a pie, or an apple?How many sketches did you draw, hoping for a quicker solution to maths challenges?Interestingly enough, although creating art is considered a right-brained activity, drawing requires logical reasoning, something generally thought originate in the left brain.The relationship between math and drawing has long been proven.Phi (pronounced fee) is considered the perfect proportion; a ratio that every artist, consciously or subconsciously incorporates into his design.This golden ratio is found everywhere: in paintings, architecture, in sculptures of the human form.Leonardo Da Vinci was a firm believer in Phi, demonstrating it vividly in his Vitruvian Man pencil sket ch.Who would dare argue with the epitome of the Renaissance  Man?Leonardo gives witness to the golden ratio in all of his artwork Source: Pixabay Credit: VerberaLearn to Draw for PleasureUnless, like Van Gogh, you have an overwhelming compulsion to draw and paint, and thus stake your entire fortune and reputation on it, you may simply consider it fun to draw.At once relaxing and invigorating, basic drawing is a source of pleasure for many.Especially if you share your art with your closest friends.In this busy, noisy world, more and more people find they wish to express themselves outside of the twitterverse and other social media.These days, people wish to give substance to their inner mood.What better way to do that than picking up a colored pencil or other drawing tools?Drawing is a way to empty your head of cacophony, to drill down to that one bright light: your beacon of sanity in a crazy, crazy world.To paint is peace incarnate, your inner landscape transmitted onto canvas.Espe cially in these days of media saturation, when visual pollution is a real concern to our health and well-being.How can we disconnect from it?From the first day of your Drawing for Beginners course, you can start to build an island of tranquility, where your only concern is pencil strokes and blending techniques.If your schedule doesn't permit a single drawing lesson, you can take drawing tutorials at home, or learn drawing online.Your talent for drawing faces may provide your besties with an exceedingly personal gift.Imagine their surprise at seeing themselves  caricatured,   their likeness framed and ready to display, with your autograph in the bottom right corner?Sure, they could pose for a selfie under mistletoe, but would that be anywhere near as meaningful?Your ability to draw realistically â€" or draw cartoons can bring pleasure to, and to others in your circle.And, in the end, wouldn't that be you, doing your part to make the world a better place?Instead of store-bought gifts , give your besties the best of you Source: Pixabay Credit: GellingerTop Ten Reasons to Take Drawing ClassesWe've given plenty of reasons for learning how to draw so far:RelaxationHappinessSelf-expressionDeveloping a heightened sense of beauty and aestheticsTaking your place in a cutting edge career fieldGetting better at mathsWhat other reasons could there be?Those are only the tip of the iceberg, dear Reader. Other justifications for investing in drawing materials include...Expanding your ConsciousnessWhile some great art was produced during the time that phrase came into vogue, we use this phrase in the modern sense: that you can learn any number of new things.When you sign up for your first drawing course, you will not learn  just  the basics of line drawing and shading techniques â€" to add textures and dimension to your art.Discovering art teaches you a new way to look at the world.As your drawing skills improve, you will find that you are framing everything you see as though it were destined for your sketchpad.Isn't that much better than worrying about crowds and gifts for everyone on your list?Communicate in a Style Uniquely Your OwnDrawing is a mode of expression in its own right.  Is it not always easy to find the right words? A drawing can sometimes say so much more!Are you worried how your artistic expression will come across?That is what an eraser is for.As you learn how to draw people, or draw from a one point perspective, you can let go and be yourself behind the pencil or brushes you hold.In art drawing classes, you will most likely reproduce other artists' work to master those techniques.Once you've perfectly reproduced others' drawings, you will be able to let yourself go; to work your own style.Art as TherapyOne would have to live a hermit-like existence to not be aware of the turmoil going on in the world today.A trip to the art supplies store might de-stress you, at least a bit, with the thought of depicting something beautiful to counter all of the sensational revelations each news broadcast proclaims.If you are adept at cartoon drawing, you could create a storyboard out of updates to news reports.Should you prefer to draw faces, there are plenty of newsworthy â€" and scandal-worthy ones to sketch.Or, you could invent a hero: draw manga to combat society's ills.If you are into cute, you could draw a bunch of chibi.The possibilities are endless, and all you have to do is get back the verve and élan you had as a child, when drawing dinosaurs kept you enthralled. Except this time around, you will be working with fine-tuned skill.After years of writing and other precise hand movements, you are ready for charcoal, crayons, and... maybe painting lessons?Why not?

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is it Like to Attend Concordia College

What is it Like to Attend Concordia College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Shantel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Education from Concordia College. She is currently a tutor in Boston specializing in ESL/ELL tutoring, readingtutoring, writingtutoring, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at Concordia College: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Shantel: The campus is set in a smaller town of about 40,000, and it is across the river from Fargo, North Dakota (population: 114,000). The campus is incredibly picturesque. It is hidden from the rest of the world by beautiful trees, making it feel like you are in your own world. There is a gorgeous bell tower, a pond with a fountain, and beautiful buildings with impeccable landscaping. The campus is very safe and well-lit. Campus security will walk with students if they would like them to. Many of the buildings are interconnected, which is helpful in the winter.There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, ice cream shops, and fast food places within walking distance. Quite a few students will come with a car if they live a few hours away, so it's never a problem to get a ride somewhere. There are ride share boards for going home for weekends or vacations. A local taxi service offers a discount to college students, so having a car isn't really necessary. A bike would be help ful, but its also not necessary. Everything on campus is an easy walk away. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Shantel:One thing I loved about Concordia College is how easy it was to talk with professors. There are no teaching assistants, and academic advisers have an open door policy. Your academic adviser is often a professor that you will have for your major, and I got to know mine very well. Students will have the same professors multiple times, which helps to build those connections. Freshmen classes may be 20-30 students, and upper-level courses can be as small as seven. The average class size is 18, and the student to faculty ratio is 12:1. Professors hold regular office hours, but they are available via email at almost any time, and they welcome students walking in to say hello or to ask a question. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Shantel:First- and second-year students are required to live on campus to help build community. All of my college friends now, ten years later, are people I met in my first year of college, and my best friends are women who were on my dorm floor. Dorms for first and second years are not co-ed, and they are separated by building. The RAs are fantastic! They plan social events, mixers, and are always available to talk to students. My freshman RA and I are still very close. There are two dining halls on campus with a huge variety of options. There are campus apartments for juniors and seniors, where many students will live. I chose to live off-campus, and I partially regret this decision, even though it was a good glimpse into real life. I missed the community of the college. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting yourparticular area of study? Shantel:There are 65 majors, and most students will double major or at least have a major and a minor. I was an Education major, but I also was required to major in English and minor in Communications. The reason behind this is so that I'm more of an expert in my content area. Concordia College is a liberal arts school, so students are required to take several core classes in various subject areas. I enjoyed being able to expand my knowledge in other areas. I took a meteorology course to fulfill my science requirement, and bowling (which took place at a local bowling alley) to fulfill my physical fitness credit. With the Education major, students are out in schools in their first year. There are mini practicums/student teaching opportunities each year that lead up to the senior year semester of student teaching. I loved all of the opportunities to get in the classroom and practice teaching, learn from veteran teachers, and gain experience. VT: 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? Shantel:There is no Greek life at Concordia College, but there are over 100 clubs. I was active in several, and I made a lot of new friends. There is an activity fair every fall where students can learn about all of the clubs and intramural sports groups. Concordia College has all of the college sports you'd need (including hockey), plus an active music scene. Concordia College is most well known for music (not sports). The Concordia College choir, band, and orchestra all do tours each year, many of which include an international trip. There are several different levels for each group for students with varying abilities and time commitments. My favorite part about Concordia College is that the week before school is freshman orientation week. All freshmen are assigned a club and do many of the activities with that group. Clubs are led by an upperclassmen who is trained, and students get to know each other in a smaller setting. Club leaders make door signs for each student and come by to welcome them as they arrive on campus. It's a great way to get to know the campus and to ask all the questions students are wondering. Freshmen all take a common class with their club throughout the first semester. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Shantel:The Career Center is fantastic, and students also have access to a psychologist and a campus pastor. There are many counseling groups happening on a rolling basis, including a grief group. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Shantel:It's never hard to find space on campus to do anything. The campus is small, and there are only 2,400 students. It's small enough that you usually recognize someone as you're walking around campus, but there are plenty of new people to meet. Finding a quiet study cubby in the library is easy to do. There are more computers than students need, and there is a lot of outdoor space where students sit and chat. There are study areas in each dorm, and nooks and crannies all over campus. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Shantel:The surrounding areas population is 224,000, and there are two other colleges nearby. Minnesota State University Moorhead is not far away, and NDSU (North Dakota State University) is just a short drive. The NDSU Bison are well known for their impressive football and hockey teams, so going to a game there is always fun. The Fargo-Moorhead area is heavily populated with college students, so there is plenty to do. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Shantel:With only 2,400 students, freshman classes may be 20-30, and upper-level courses can be as small as seven students. The average class size is 18. I loved the smaller class sizes, especially as I got into my upper-level courses. It was great to have so much personalized attention, and my ideas were always heard. Professors all know their students very well, and they remember us years later when we visit. They love teaching and are approachable. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Shantel:I really enjoyed my History of the English language course, and the professor who taught it was hilarious. He loved his subject matter and really taught me what it was to be a good teacher. I took just as many notes during his class about the content as I did his teaching methods. I also did a semester abroad, which I highly recommend to anyone! I studied in Norway and traveled to seven other countries as part of my program. It was the most incredible experience. During spring break, some classes will have an opportunity to travel abroad. For example, I took a literature class that had the option to go to France with the professor over spring break. I regret not going on that trip. There are plenty of opportunities for travel with groups like Habitat for Humanity. Check out Shantels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

A Level Biology Revision Resources And Techniques

A Level Biology Revision Resources And Techniques A Level Biology Revision Notes, Guides And Online Resources ChaptersTips For A Level Biology StudentsGuides And Resources For GCSE Biology RevisionHiring  A Biology TutorIf you have just started an A Level Biology course in the last couple of months or you are almost a whole term (where has that time gone!) into the final year of biology tuition, then you might be interested in finding out where to source the best revision guides and online materials for this subject. After all, it is nearly impossible to pass the test with a notable grade on just knowledge alone!Below is some information on where to find such resources and how to use them to improve your technique during the exams. You may also benefit from some of our  helpful tips, designed to help you to get organised before the assessment.Dont be fooled into thinking that if you've completed past papers in other subjects, then you've acquired all the experience and techniques you need - a top Biology response will have very different criteria than an English question, for example.Don't g et too comfy just because you have done some past papers for other subjects already - Biology revision and past papers won't be the same as them. Photo on Visualhunt.com MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTips For A Level Biology StudentsLearning doesn't come naturally to everyone. Remember also that, even if some of your classmates seem to breeze through the syllabus, they might be battling their very own demons deep down, whether that be dealing with insecurity, health problems, issues at home or anything that might cause them yo feel anxious on top of their studies. However grave your concerns, the main thing to remember is to not suffer in silence.If it is keeping up with the content that causing you to get distressed, then you can tackle this head on by hiring a tutor to provide you with some additional help.A tutor who specialises in the Sciences and who has relevant experience in getting students to pass or even excel in areas of the Biology A Level syllabus could be just what you need to calm your nerves and build up confidence ahead of the culmination of the course.What's more, your peers don't even need to know that you are falling behind! Privately hired tutors can help in a range of ways - find more information on this below.Aside from getting direct help with your studies, there are many other ways that you can make life easier for yourself when studying towards your A Levels, and the grea t thing is that many of these are actually free.The key to learning success is to plan, so don't leave everything until the last minute and wind up full of tension - get organised now and take inspiration from our tips below to help you with your Biology studies.The key to good revision is planning, so make sure you think ahead about how you tackle exam revision. Photo on VisualHunt.comBuild A Study And Revision PlannerIt is never too early to start thinking about your exams, even if they are over a year away.You can use many online tools to help you build a trusty revision planner, one of which can be found via The Student Room, but it is just as easy to create a hand-written diary if you prefer in which you can put all your school-related information.In this planner, be sure to write down all of your key dates, like the dates of the exams if you know them already. This will give you a goal to work towards. Don’t forget to keep the journal up to date by putting in anything and ev erything linked to your Biology studies.If you find it easier to create your study planner digitally, you can benefit from linking it to your mobile phone calendar and then receiving alerts without having to remember to carry around or consult your diary.This is perfect for pupils who rely heavily on their phones as they can use the device to their advantage and to encourage learning with ease. You can even download tailored revision apps onto your phone too so you can do much of your exam preparation from your phone.Ask QuestionsDon’t be afraid to ask questions throughout your Biology course, and don’t leave it until it is too late!Your teacher will be more than happy to help you when you have questions about the course or the exam, by either offering you advice or by pointing you in the direction of resources to look at.Don't feel that you have to wait until your next scheduled lesson either - most teachers have a school email address that they can be contacted on or are avail able to chat to during break times by knocking on the staff room door.So, don't sit at the back of the class wishing you had asked that question - the chances are that some of your peers are probably wondering the same thing! Moreover, if you vocalise your query, you might find that you get an even more detailed response than you could have found elsewhere which will stick in your brain for the duration of the course.However, don’t forget that there are many others ways to get answers nowadays too if you missed your chance in class or if you are still searching for more expansive answers. For instance, the Internet is a huge network that connects us with resources but also with people who have similar interests and who can offer helpful discussions.Forums like the one found on The Student Room are specifically designed for students to interact with eachother, share their concerns, offer advice or simply to vent frustration about their education.Make Use Of Biology Past PapersAs yo ur teacher will no doubt have told you, past papers are one of the best forms of revision that you can do in the run up to exams. Past papers not only give you an idea of the types of questions you can expect come your exam, but they also help you to develop a good exam-writing style.To pass the exam with flying colours, you really need to tick all of the boxes that the examiners are looking out for, some of which might not be things that come naturally to you (for instance, repeating all of the keywords from the question asked as your construct your response - these small but easily forgotten details are sometimes the key to getting the correct focus in a given question and therefore achieve a better mark).Guides And Resources For GCSE Biology RevisionThe BoardsOther equally helpful resources can be found on each of the exam boards’ websites as well, including information about the grading system.For example, the Eduqas website has a Question Bank tool which enables pupils to cre ate custom question papers in just a few clicks from a catalogue of past papers,OCR, meanwhile, proposes high-quality resources which can be searched by qualification type and resource type, to help you find the right documents for you. You can also download a skills guide from their site to match your personal skills to particular qualifications. This could be a worthwhile activity for those unsure where they are heading.Revision WebsitesIf you have not yet come across it, be sure to visit BBC Bitesize for your learning needs throughout the course.This website, dedicated to UK students of all ages and taking a variety of exams, will help to break down the topics in an easy way and will additionally make learning that little bit more fun.As well as BBC Bitesize, Revision World is a fantastic place for students to go during times of need. This easy to use website offers students study help, coursework assistance, essay writing tips, past papers and many more valuable resources to mak e revising easy and enjoyable.Finally, as mentioned above, why not download a revision app which has been developed in line with your specification for a really convenient revision solution?Revision apps are handy because you can be sent alerts or revise whilst on the go. Photo on Visual huntGetting hold of revision materials online is brilliant as most resources are easily accessible at the click of a button, plus they are usually free. If they aren't free of charge, then you may have to pay a small sign up fee or just register your details to receive alerts and updates by email or SMS.Be cautious, however, of any resources that you find on unofficial websites as their suitability for your course cannot be guaranteed. Also, you can never know who wrote them, if they are even specialised in Biology and what their purpose for writing them is.If you can, try to stick to official sources like educational sites and materials produced by teachers, examiners and other specialists.Hiring   A Biology TutorFurthermore, although it requires a little more financial dedication than looking for help at school, in books or on online forums, you might find it useful to hire a tutor to help you to improve your level of understanding of the topics in Biology. No matter your ability or level, Superprof has hundreds of teachers offering support from a  biology tutor A level  to science tutors at KS1.If you choose to go down this road, you are better off finding a tutor earlier on rather than getting close to the exam and realising that there are large gaps in your learning. That said, tutors are normally happy to schedule in sessions to help specifically with exam revision, helping you to tackle your exam in a logical and organised way.Tutors are particularly useful if you are falling behind for any reason, if you want to ensure a better grade or if you have specific requirements to meet in order to study Biology at the next level. Visit Superprof for more information.

6 Tasks for the Summer Before Graduate School

6 Tasks for the Summer Before Graduate School The summer before graduate school is an exciting time. How you use the next few months can influence your transition back into life as a student, especially if you took time off after graduating college. These are 3 tips for starting graduate school. Here are six tasks for the summer before graduate school: 1. Arrange your move If youre moving to a new city, one of the first things to think about is where youll live and how to get yourself (and your belongings) there. Youll need to find a place to rent or buy, so check out online listings, and, if youre able, visit potential apartments or houses in person. Then, decide how much you want to bring with you, and schedule transportation and/or shipping for your items. Also arrange for people to help you move friends or a moving company. Make sure youve tied up any loose ends with your old landlord (if applicable), and dont forget to update your address where necessary. 2. Communicate with current and incoming students Communicating with students in your program is a great way to ease the transition into the school year. Contact your department for email addresses, or find your classmates through social media. This way, you can ask current students any questions you may have, such as recommendations for housing or what to expect when you move. You might even be able to ask them if there is anything you can do to mentally prepare for your first semester. Getting in touch with your incoming class is also a great idea. You may be able to get to know people youll soon be studying with. 3. Buy a planner and other school supplies Being organized is key to successas a student. These 6 habits will help you become a more oganized student.Take some time to buy supplies that will help you in this regard. Think about whats worked for you in the past: what kind of folders, binders, and writing utensils do you want to use? Do you need a physical planner, or will you use a calendar on your phone? Once you start your semester, you may need to head back to the store for additional items, but aim to start day one strong. 4. Research campus and local resources A huge benefit of being a student is the variety of resources at your fingertips. If you live close by, visit campus and see what kind of resources are available to you in terms of technology, the library, and your specific department. You may even find some good study spots while youre visiting. Check out local community resources, as well. What can your town offer you thats related to your graduate work, such as organizations or job opportunities? If youre not able to visit, contact other students or research online. 5. Read for pleasure before schoolwork sets in Before youre assigned your first batch of schoolwork, take some time to readfor fun. Visit your library or bookstore and savor the free time you have left. Find online magazines or newspapers that interest you. Hopefully youll enjoy your assigned readings and be able to budget in reading time during the school year, but doing so in the summer is a great way to enjoy your remaining months. You may even find books that are fun and relate to your chosen path of study. This guide to summer GRE prepmay help you get a head start! 6. Enjoy summer events in your city Before you move, or even if youre staying in the same location, look for summer events to attend before the school year starts concerts, street festivals, movies in the park, plays, etc. You can plan activities according to your schedule and interests, like trying new restaurants or being outdoors. Find a way to enjoy the summertime before you hunker down with your studies. Preparing for the next chapter in your academic life is both exciting and nerve-wracking, but the six tasks listed above are a great place to start in the summer before graduate school.

Move onto Brilliant Scores through Online English Homework Help

Move onto Brilliant Scores through Online English Homework Help Learning English is a big affair if you miss essential knowledge in areas like vocabulary. Areas like grammar, essay writing and spoken English. Reading and interpreting poems, understanding principles of criticism and appreciating a dramatic character. This becomes tough learning for students with poor knowledge in English. English homework becomes a long process under such circumstances. Students feel flabbergasted when they are inundated with lots of homework schedules in a short period of time. With presentations in public speech and English essay writing assignments around them during homework hours. They feel messed up and search for the support of a subject expert to come out of their mess and complete their language assignments. Need of English homework help for crossing the hurdles A language student has to strengthen his basic skills in English writing, reading, speaking and listening and are the four major skills of English. For this, individualized tutoring sessions with personal attention is a must-which is possible through an experienced tutor who is well versed in the nuances of English and in student mentalities towards language learning. Online tutors have proven records of success stories in the field with their custom made approaches to students and thus are able to cast away the learning issues of students within a short while. Online  English homework help from experienced tutors showcases improved results for students in all language learning areas especially in writing, speaking and reading. Students are able to feel the difference in their learning capabilities once they enter the portals of online English tutoring and understand methods through which they can improve their vocabulary, spoken language skills and writing efficiencies. The tutors are ready to help in wee hours and can undo any hurdle in doing language homework. Essay assignment help-tool for embellishing essay writing skills Essay writing is an important part of English assignments and many students find it extremely difficult due to lack of proper writing skills. They lack in fundamental grammar, sentence construction and right expression through proper choice of words. The net result is their inability to convey their thoughts in impressive language with proper diction. Essay assignment help from established websites through veteran writers and English scholars can help students overcome their hurdles in writing academic essays. Online writers and tutors with their versatile experience in writing methods can instruct students with proper techniques for writing different types of essays. Their essay writing help is the saving factor for students who do not know the guidelines for essay writing. Further, they highlight the methods of embellishing essays with their proof reading and editing. Thus, online help is the best help for writing English essays and scoring one’s best in English homework.

How to get the most from your childs tutor

How to get the most from your child’s tutor So you’ve found your private tutor. But your job doesn’t end there. There are a lot of things you can do to help your child’s tutor do the job well.   Treat the tutor well. People who are treated well and feel like they can make a difference work harder than someone who doesn’t. So be friendly and make the tutor feel welcome. Plan with the tutor. After the first lesson, ask the tutor for a basic road map of the work to be covered with your child, to discuss with you before the next lesson. Remember that the very nature of personal tutoring is that it is an organic relationship that develops between a student and a tutor so don’t demand timetables and lesson plans. But do discuss ideal goals over the upcoming lessons such as the topics your tutor hopes to cover. Ask about preparation. Ask the tutor if there is any work your child could do in preparation for the next lesson, such as practice questions or mini tests. Do remember not to go overboard as your child needs to have free time too. An overload of work is likely to hinder performance. Show appreciation to the tutor. If your child has made positive comments about the tutor to you, then take the time to share these with the tutor. If you’ve seen some positive effect, then say what a difference you’ve seen. Nothing motivates an employee more than genuine appreciation. This could range from acknowledging the teaching - because you have seen improvements in your child’s work or have received positive feedback from school - to acknowledging their kind manner, punctuality, positive attitude or even the tutor’s shoes. Just make sure it is genuine and your tutor will feel appreciated. Dealing with problems. If there are any concerns you have, I’d encourage you to bring them up with the tutor. Having said this, try to avoid statements that start with “you”, such as “you don’t work hard enough” or “you aren’t making a difference”. Instead, phrase your concerns for what they are, genuine concerns. For example, “I’m concerned that Harry doesn’t seem to be making any progress” then ask them what the tutor thinks. It’s important to remember that sometimes students do take a while to build up confidence before they’re ready to ‘launch’ so take this into account and listen to the tutor. You will help most by working together. That said, if your tutor becomes defensive and there is no progress then it may be time to consider your options. One of these may be to find a new tutor. Meet some of  Tutorfair’s  tutors. Click on the picture or name to visit the tutor’s profile page. Matthew S - Recent Cambridge graduate passionate about education. Subjects include Maths, Physics and Chemistry Layo A - An infectious enthusiasm that makes learning engaging. Subjects include English, History and Drama Stuart M - A fun, supportive academic with years of teaching experience. Subjects include Biology, Chemistry and Physics Illustration from www.southbaytutors.com  CC-by

Calling all Australian and New Zealand teachers Bangkok job fair happening in January 2018!

Calling all Australian and New Zealand teachers Bangkok job fair happening in January 2018! Here at Teach Away, we’re really excited to be teaming up with International School Services (ISS) for the second year in a row to host an international teacher job fair in Bangkok, Thailand, from January 5 - 8, 2018. At the job fair in Bangkok, the world's top international schools from across the Middle East, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa will be hiring teachers for a huge range of teaching positions across all grade levels and subjects for the upcoming school year. Not sure whether a teacher job fair is the right move for you? Check out our earlier blog, covering the top reasons why you should attend a Teach Away job fair! To our Australian and New Zealand teachers: We hear you! We know that attending a job fair is one of the best ways to land a teaching job abroad and we don’t want you to miss out. But the job fairs in Europe and the US are so far away and probably a no go for you, right? But because this particular fair is taking place in Bangkok, getting there should be (relatively speaking at least) easier for you. So, why not ring in the New Year in beautiful Thailandand continue your job search, all at the same time? If you’re a qualified teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of teaching experience, we strongly encourage you to check out the full list of schools hiring at the Bangkok job fair and get your application in ASAP for your chance to attend. We wish you the very best of luck with your application and hope to see you in Bangkok in the New Year! PS: If you do happen to clinch a spot at the Bangkok job fair, be sure to read up on how to prepare for a teacher job fair!

Instant Classics 14 New Language Study Tips to Whip Out Now

Instant Classics 14 New Language Study Tips to Whip Out Now Instant Classics: 14 New Language Study Tips to Whip Out Now Theyre faster than a brisk drive in the country.Theyre easier than a connect-the-dots puzzle of a twig.No, theyre not some unique but remarkably disinteresting and ill-conceived superhero teamâ€"theyre quick, easy language study tips!While they might not save the world, they could revolutionize how you study a language.The great thing about these tips is that it doesnt matter how long youve been studying languagesâ€"they work for learners of all levels.Whether youre looking to learn a language fast  or simply want to test out some new  language learning strategies, these  study techniques  might just be your ticket to  language learning success.So go ahead and try out these study tips right away!Theyre sure to become favorites. Instant Classics: 14 New Language Study Tips to Whip Out NowTry something new.When you do something all the time, its easy to fall into a habit. Whether its eating the same breakfast each day, taking the same route to work or studying using the same familiar methods, you might find yourself stuck in a rut. And with language learning, this rut can have serious consequences.You might not be learning as much as you could, or you may even be getting bored of language learning. Luckily, your learning routine can be reinvigorated by trying something new. Switching tactics can help you see the language in a different light or even reignite your passion for learning.FluentU is one innovative and super easy option to rejuvenate your study routine. FluentU uses authentic, real-world videos, including music videos, movie trailers, news and more, and converts them into powerful learning tools. Each video is captioned, and these captions are annotated, giving you quick, easy access to any words definition, example sentences and an associated image.Another option that could be surprisingly easy and fun is to try starting a YouTube channel in your target language! You can vlog about daily life to give people abroad insight into what life is like wher e you live. Meanwhile, youll also get tons of great speaking practice, and you can even pick up a little reading and writing practice in the comments section.Alternately, if youre not at a stage where you can start a channel in your target language, it may be easier to start a vlog or blog where you talk about and track your language learning.These are just a few ideas: Be creative and try out anything new that might be genuinely fun for you.Use your phones lock screen to learn vocabulary.Your lock screen usually just sits there and looks pretty. But what if it could help you study your target language?The good news is that your lock screen can do just that. Just screenshot a vocabulary list and set it as your lock screen to increase your exposure to those vocabulary words you just cant remember.On most iPhones, you can do a screenshot by pressing the power and home button simultaneously.On most Android devices, you can take a screenshot by holding the power and volume down buttons at the same time.You can then set your lock screen in your devices settings.Now, every time you look at your phone to check the time or see if you have any new texts, youll also see your vocabulary words, and keep them fresh in your mind.Up the ante. Bet on yourself.Chances are, someone in your life thinks you cant do it, so consider making a bet. It doesnt even matter if its something tiny. Just making the bet will give you the added motivation you need to prove your critics wrong.If you need an outside service to keep everyone honest, you might try a betting service that allows custom bets, such as Tedbets. All you have to do is decide what youre betting on, invite your friends and agree on a wager.Sometimes, putting your money where your mouth is is the extra motivation you need to keep you on track to your goals.Get competitive.Its no secret that competition is a tremendous drive. Why else would so many people be so desperate to get the latest Instagrammable foods without regard for their flavor?Yes, competition is a huge motivator, so you might as well harness it to propel you towards fluency. All you have to do is set goals with a learning buddy (or buddies) and see who can meet them the fastest.One fun way to do this is to  set up a Facebook group dedicated to the competition. Then, you can take turns setting your goals and posting them to the group page. Whoever achieves the goal first simply needs to post to the group to let everyone know that theyre done.To ensure that cheaters do not prosper, other members of the group are then entitled to quiz them on the information as they see fit. If its found that the contestant did, in fact, learn the material the fastest, they get a point.Every few weeks, tally up the total points each of you has received. Whoever has the lowest total point count treats everyone to a round of coffee, during which you can practice your conversation skills together!Use a translator app incessantly.Translator apps can be any lan guage learners best friend.  Whenever you use a word in your native language that you dont know in your target language, look it up quickly in a translator. Once you start paying attention, youre likely to notice tons of words that you use in your native language that youve never thought to learn in your target language. For instance, do you know the word for squirrel? Probably not. What about fingernail? Despite being very common words, theyre just not priorities, so many language learners overlook words like this.Luckily, with your handy translator app, you dont have to leave these words unlearned! Everyone has their favorite, and lets be honestâ€"its often Google Translate (available for iOS and Android). Google Translate has plenty of resources to help you learn new vocabulary. For instance, you can use your camera for instant translationâ€"perfect for translating words from your target language or from your native language to your target language for a little extra learning.Plu s, Google Translate offers voice translation. The next time you have a few free moments, try reading excerpts from your favorite book into Google Translate to learn a few vocabulary words you may never have realized you didnt know.Translate to your target language in your head.Weve all had it happenâ€"theres an incredibly boring meeting or lecture, and its nearly impossible to stay focused. All you can do is caffeinate heavily and hope you dont noticeably drift off. However, boring moments like this dont need to be a struggle to stay awake. Instead, they can be a language learning opportunity.Whenever youre listening to something in your native language that isnt as captivating as youd like, just translate to your target language in your head.  You can practice your target language and keep your focus on the boring material. Not only can this help you stay awake during even the dullest lectures and meetings, your language skills will also likely improve.Now thats the best kind of mu ltitasking.Use any new vocabulary you acquire ASAP.Many learners experience a major problem learning vocabulary. Even if you go over your vocabulary lists time and time again, you may soon forget the new vocabulary. Thats because while youve studied it, you havent actually used it.Using your new vocabulary is a helpful way to reinforce vocabulary and also prepare you to continue using it. If you have language learning friends, now would be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them. Purposely try to work in the words youve studied most recently.If you dont have any language learning friends, thats alright, too! Talk to yourself in your target language using the words you just studied.Pick the right time of day for you.Everyone has different times of day when theyre most productive, and this is true for language learning as much as anything else. Therefore, you should take time of day into consideration when selecting when you do the bulk of your studying.For instance, if yo ure most focused in the mornings, that would be a terrific time to study. Get hangry before lunch? Maybe avoid studying until you have a good meal in your belly.The main key here is paying attention to what works for you. Why waste time studying when your brain just isnt working at its fullest capacity?Make your studying revolve around your interests.One of the nicest things about language study is that it can revolve completely around your interests. After all, if the goal is learning new words and reinforcing grammar, you can do that just as easily by enjoying resources youre actually interested in. This will not only motivate you to study, it will also give you the vocabulary you need to continue enjoying your interests and hobbies.For instance, if youre interested in sports, watch a sportscast in your target language. If youre a news junkie, try watching the news in your target language.Sling  allows you to stream international TV live for a monthly fee. Otherwise, many TV chann els offer online streaming or at least some programming on their websites.You can find names of international channels by searching by region on the International Television Expert Groups website. Then, just search online to find their websites.If you have other hobbies, there are certainly resources for those hobbies in your target language, too. For instance, if you love cooking, try searching recipes in your target language for some awesome dishes youll definitely want to make tonight.If studying feels like work, change how youre studying.You dread doing it. Its boring. It seems slow moving. You just dont like it. If any of these things ring a bell when it comes to studying, its time to change what youre doing.Because if you dont like studying, youre less likely to do it consistently. And thankfully, studying really doesnt need to be something you hate doing. There are plenty of different ways to study, so all you need to do is find one that you like.For instance, if you dread st udying vocabulary lists, try a different method to learn vocabulary. There are plenty of resources to learn vocabulary that dont involve slaving over word lists.For instance, you might try vocabulary quizzes or games, like the  user-submitted vocabulary quizzes on Quizlet.You can also listen to music in your target language. Resources like Lyrics Training  can connect you with great foreign language songs along with supportive learning materials, like a fill-in-the-blank style game that challenges you to understand the song lyrics.Whenever one study method starts to feel like work, its time to try something new. This can re-energize you on your road to fluency.Write what you hope to learn by hand.In the internet age, it might seem old-fashioned, but it doesnt hurt to write things out by hand. Whether youre hand writing vocabulary lists, grammar rules or conjugation charts, writing out material is a helpful learning tool thats often underused nowadays.While the study of the effects o f writing by hand on learning is complex, handwriting requires more time and visual focus than typing, and the very use of hands may aid in language development. In fact, one study found that children actually learned spelling better when writing by hand.So go ahead and do things the old-fashioned way. Sometimes, traditional methods really are the best!Get on your feet!You dont have to just sit around while you study! Get up and move around, and you might see improvements to both your health and your learning.Thats because moving while studying could help keep you awake and focused. One study  suggests that kids who move around while learning may absorb more information than those who remain sedentary. While its unclear if these same results could be replicated with older learners, its worth a shot. At the very least, you can save a little time by combining studying and exercising.Your physical activity can be whatever you enjoy. For instance, you might try jumping up and down as yo u repeat vocabulary words. You could try dancing to music in your target language. You could hit a punching bag as you go through verb conjugations. It might even release some conjugation-related aggression. Regardless, getting physical is a fun, easy way to break up your usual study routine and provide a new, invigorating approach.Study some vocabulary before you sleep.Regardless of what time of day works best for the bulk of your studying, you might want to set aside a few minutes before bed to go over some vocabulary.If studying at night just isnt your jam, you dont have to do it very long, but a little studying before bed could help you retain more information.  One study  that tested participants on their memory of word pairs found that those who studied just before bed remembered more than those who studied in the morning. The researchers suggest that this is evidence that sleep can help stabilize memory.Given this possibility, it might be worth whipping out your vocabulary li st once more before bed. It could help you remember the words with less effort, and maybe even inspire some cool dreams in your target language.Reward yourself for your accomplishments.Hey, studying a language is hard. You deserve a reward!As you study, set small goals for yourself and reward yourself for achieving these goals. This is a fun and easy way to keep yourself focused on the task at hand and motivated to keep working towards your objective.Your reward can be anything you enjoy. If you love video games, maybe give yourself fifteen minutes of game time for each fifteen minutes of studying you complete.Not only will you be eager to meet your objective so you can get your reward, having consistent rewards can also serve as a helpful reminder to study. For example, if you consistently use video games as a reward for studying, over time, you might come to associate the two.It might be easy to forget to study if you dont have a rewards system, but if you know you get to play vid eo games after you study, you might remember to study whenever you feel like playing a video game.These quick, easy language study tips could transform the way you learn, so give them a chance to change your world!