What to Know When Colleges Visit Your High School

What to Know When Colleges Visit Your High School The following piece was written by Rachel Korn. Rachel has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is a former University of Pennsylvania admissions officer, as well as the founder of her own admissions consulting firm. Investigating colleges demands intensive work reading websites/blogs/books, talking with your guidance counselor, contacting current college students and alumni, touring campuses, and attending presentations and fairs. Sometimes, however, you have the easy opportunity to meet with a college representative right in your own high school during your school day. Every year, college admissions officers travel the U.S. and the world conducting high school visits (HSVs), typically dropping by four to five high schools per day to meet with students in their own environments. Meetings are often conducted in guidance offices and you need to obtain permission to leave class for them make sure you investigate the procedures and policies at your school. Admissions officers normally start planning fall HSV travel in the summer. They dig into their files with itineraries and data from previous years visits to brainstorm and build new schedules that support recruitment needs. After confirming the visits, the colleges send out notifications announcing the dates, times, and meeting locations look for such notifications on your high schools bulletin boards and website. How does a college pick the high schools to visit? There are two major criteria:1.A high school is a feeder school, one from which several students apply annually. Students may or may not be admitted in large numbers, but many apply. Even if the admission rate is low, the college wants to maintain a strong relationship with the high school and ensure that applicant numbers stay strong and grow.2.A high school has potential to send the right kind of applicants. Such a school may currently send few or zero applicants, but its students with valued demographics might apply with increased exposure to the college. These may be high schools in states from which the college does not receive enough applications, schools with desired ethnic diversity, and low-income high schools. Colleges experiment with HSVs to see if in-person visits can break any barriers to applying and encourage more applications. What happens during the visit? Admissions officers are often allocated little time for HSVs, but they will describe the unique aspects of their schools, provide informational materials, put you on their mailing lists, and allow some brief questions. Afterwards, they will write up their impressions of your school and record the number of attendees for future planning, noting successes and problems and making recommendations for the next travel season. They will also likely later be reading your applications, working with your guidance counselor, and serving as your contact people for follow-up questions in the coming admissions season. After conducting hundreds of HSVs across the U.S. in my career, I believe that nothing tells me more about your community than a glimpse into your high school. Colleges ability to get into your environment (as much as their time and budgets permit) allows a deeper understanding of your application. HSVs provide you easy access to college information, but they are equally important to the colleges: in admissions committees, the representatives can describe what they saw in your school and help advocate for you better with a deeper picture of your background. Visit RachelsAdmissions Consultingsite. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Online Verb Phrase Definition Tutors Tutorpace

Online Verb Phrase Definition Tutors Tutorpace Verbs are the words which define the action in the sentence such as walking, singing, dancing, talking, eating and may more. Verb phrase in the part or phrase in the sentence which contains directly or indirectly words of the verb. Mention here are some examples of verb phrases in different sentences. She was walking slowly to her class. He should think before speaking his speech. Anna might eat her pie right now. She must go to her music class today at 5 PM. My mother is making all of us delicious lunch. You have told about the birthday part to all your classmates in the school. Ben is writing his homework from the past two days. The pet was not happy to learn the new skills yesterday. Walking on snow, we had so much fun last winter. It takes two children to play the board games. Everyone like to sing songs once a while. The party at Steves house was very good, everybody could not stop dancing. Open the window to let the fresh air inside. Finally they can afford to buy a brand new car. I like talking long walk under the bright summer skies. She like to run on open fields. The monkey watched the two cats fight over a rat. Texting on the phone is very common in todays world. Words were spoken well by everyone. Ted like to eat a lot, he doesnt miss a meal ever. Those boys are not trying very hard to win the match on Saturday.

Is Life Coaching Regulated

Is Life Coaching Regulated Life Coaching Regulations ChaptersLife Coaching RequirementsLife Coach Certification Life Coaching CredentialsFinding a CoachWhat Happens During a Life Coaching Session?Feeling Comfortable With a CoachA life coach is someone who aims to help and empower others to make, meet and exceed personal and professional goals. This can include achieving promotion in the workplace, becoming happy and fulfilled in your relationships, or exploring your potential and achieving other ambitions.Using techniques based on psychological principles and their own intuition, life coaches provide their clients with the tools to face difficult situations and push past any emotional barriers that might be stopping them from achieving their goals.Life coaching is about objectivity and empowerment; they can’t do something for you but they can help you do it for yourself.Life coaching is a natural career choice for many, and a second career choice for some. It’s a career that requires compassion, good listening skills and the abilit y to creatively problem solve. There are no legal standards required to become a life coach, but certification is available through the International Coach Federation (ICF).A coach can provide you with tools that can improve your life Photo Source: UnsplashLife Coach CertificationThis provides a set of universal standards and experience that coaches should achieve. Although not legally mandated, it’s the closest thing the industry has to legal requirements.Certification is offered through the International Coach Federation (ICF), a membership organisation of trained coaches. ICF sets standards for coaches provides independent certification and accredits programs that deliver coach-specific training.Getting certified gives life coaches an advantage over those who don’t, as many clients prefer to work with someone who is certified. To get certified by ICF, a life coach must complete the following at an ICF-accredited coach training program:Coach skills trainingMentor coachingEthic s trainingSession observationFinal examThere are many organisations that purport to offer life coaching certification, but ICF is one of the only legitimate credentialing bodies. AntonellaLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IsamLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyLife coaching Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr. UzomaLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (4) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MicheleLife coaching Teacher 4.73 (7) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PimmiLife coaching Teacher 5.00 (10) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliverLife coaching Teacher 4.33 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JennaLife coaching Teacher 4.80 (5) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLife Coaching CredentialsICF offers three levels of coach credentials:Associate Certified Coach: Achieving this level requires at least 60 hours of train ing and 100 hours of coaching experience.Professional Certified Coach: This credential requires at least 125 hours of training and 500 hours of coaching experience.Master Certified Coach: The highest credential requires at least 200 hours of training and 2,500 hours of coaching experience.ICF certification is not exclusive to life coaches and is available to anyone pursuing a career in any type of personal coaching.Finding a CoachThere's a huge variance in the effectiveness of professional coaches and while life coaching remains unregulated you can still follow some general rules to find a great coach.  Get recommendations from people you know well and trust. Has a friend had a great experience with a coach? Then begin there. But ask your friend if the coach paid them for the referral. That can be common practice. A reputable coach will always tell you, up front, if they paid for your referral.  Look for coaches certified by ICF. Yes, there are good coaches who aren't certified by these organisations, but increasingly, better coaches are getting these certifications, because they are a stamp of approval from a trusted source.  Only work with coaches who use written coaching agreements. Your agreement should give you an idea of what to expect and will likely reflect the code of ethics followed by that coach.Look for coaches who have joined a professional organisation, such as the ICF, that requires members to sign a code of ethics. Of course, unethical coaches can sign codes, but if the coach is upfront about the ethical code they are bound by, then you at least have something with which to measure their behaviour. The good news is that these organisations have online coach directories of their members.  Work with coaches who have a substantial amount of coach-specific training.  Most genuine coaches have had coach training, including the ones who've been practising for decades. The ICF only allows coaches with at least 60 hours of coach-specific training to j oin their organisation, so that's a good number to keep in mind, but their entry-level certification requires 100 hours. You should have an informal meeting with your coach before you start working with them. (Source: burst.shopify.com)What Happens During a Life Coaching Session?If you do decide to get a life coach it’s good to know what to expect. Life coaching sessions typically last between 45 minutes and 60 minutes (depending on the coach you choose). Sessions are conducted over the phone, face to face, over email, via Skype or even through instant messaging.During the session, your life coach will ask you several questions, such as what you want to get out of life, what areas you want to change and where you see yourself ending up. Although a life coach will work with you, it is ultimately up to you to reflect upon certain ideas or to challenge your own perspective to help you move forward to achieve your goals. You will never be forced to make any decisions you don't feel co mfortable with and all sessions will be confidential, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings privately.Life coaching is a partnership between you and your life coach, who will encourage you to explore how to make positive changes in your life. A life coach will also offer support and feedback to help you to stay focused on your goals and keep you moving forward.How can coaching sessions help you?Feeling Comfortable With a CoachWhilst it is recommended to go with a coach that has the right qualifications and memberships, they don’t mean much if you don't get on with your life coach.Rapport is one of the most important factors of life coaching, and when you need help in life it is arguably more important than any qualifications. If you don’t feel comfortable with your coach, you’re not going to gain much from coaching session.It’s a good idea to get in touch with a coach before you book a session. You can get a feel of what the coach is like before you commit your time and money.If you don't feel it’s right trust your instinct â€" this is not a sales pitch, you are choosing someone to help you reach your personal goals so make sure you find someone you’re comfortable with.Life coaching can be a valuable tool in life, whatever your situation, so don’t be put off by the industry’s lack of regulation.

Improving Mental Maths with Tas from the Tutorfair Foundation

Improving Mental Maths with Tas from the Tutorfair Foundation One of the Foundation’s most prolific volunteers, Tas F, has set up Arithmetic Intelligence - an elite Maths club aimed specifically at elevating the arithmetic capabilities and mental Maths skills in young learners.  We asked Tas to tell us more about  Arithmetic Intelligence... What is Arithmetic Intelligence? ‘In my experience as a Maths tutor,’ says Tas, ‘it is vital for learners to master arithmetic operations as it helps them to build a strong foundation in Maths, especially from a very young age.’ With numeracy, we know that confidence is key. Helping learners to feel at ease with Maths helps them come to enjoy the subject and never feel threatened by it. Arithmetic Intelligence teaches learners to approach problems through visualisation rather than memorisation, helping to boost confidence by enabling them to work arithmetic operations mentally at speed. ‘So often, students will memorise a formula without knowing how and when to apply it to a problem.  By learning to visualise problems, learners are able to decipher the relevant mathematical concepts at play and find their way to a solution much more quickly.’ The club’s Maths practice is underpinned by two very successful methods of Maths that aren’t usually taught to students in the UK. These are Japanese Soroban (Abacus) Maths and Singaporean Maths.  Using these methods, ‘students acquire and apply mathematical concepts and methods that they actually enjoy using, often developing a keen interest in Maths as a result.’ So what do we know about these methods? Soroban (Abacus) Maths The Soroban (Abacus) is a calculating board that has been widely used in Japan, China and Korea since time immemorial.  With the help of the Soroban board, students develop a profound understanding of place value, building strong conceptual foundation to underpin their learning.  Thereafter, students are able to visualise numbers and perform advanced arithmetic operations mentally and with great ease. Myriad research has established that students who use the abacus not only develop stronger mental Maths skills, but also improve their ability to concentrate, memorise information and solve problems. Singapore Maths Developed in the 1980s, the Singapore method aims to help children solve Maths problem with visual aids â€" either concrete materials or pictorial aids. Also known as the CPA, the Concrete Pictorial Abstract approach to learning suggests that learners develop mathematical thinking by understanding how something works â€" not by memorising formulae. Starting by solving simple word problems, learners are taught to use visualisation and pictorial concepts to find solutions, gradually applying and developing their mathematical thinking to process more and more complex stimuli. Tas is proud to say that, using the advanced arithmetic skills and problem-solving abilities learned during Arithmetic Intelligence classes, many of her students have won certificates of excellence in Maths at their respective schools If you’d like to find out more about Arithmetic Intelligence, you can visit the website here

Creating Classroom Behavior Charts that Actually Work!

Creating Classroom Behavior Charts that Actually Work! Classroom behavior charts, or daily report cards, are a common evidence-based intervention for kids with ADHD. When used correctly, they are an excellent tool that can help students with ADHD stay more focused, organized, and in control of their behavior. Too often classroom behavior charts arent designed or used correctly for students with ADHD, and as a result, the intervention leads to no improvement or very temporary improvement in the childs attention or behavior. In my previous post I discussed guidelines for creating effective behavior charts at home for kids with ADHD. Many of these guidelines apply to classroom behavior charts as well, but there are important additional details to attend to when charts are used at school. The good news is that just like home behavior charts, when you follow these guidelines youre setting a child up for success and are likely to see improvements in his or her ADHD symptoms and behaviors. Classroom Behavior Chart Guidelines Write clear and positive behavior goals. Your chart should communicate to your student exactly what it is that he or she needs to do to succeed. Always write the goals in a way that tells your student what to do rather than what not to do. For example, Raise a quiet hand and wait to be called on before you speak, is a much more effective goal than, Dont shout out answers before youve been called on. The first example communicates to your student exactly what it is you expect of him or her. Not only do you want him or her to stop shouting out answers before he or she has been called on, but you want him or her to sit quietly and raise his or her hand. It leaves very little room for misinterpretation! Focus on behaviors that occur frequently across activities and situations. The most successful behavior charts are those that focus on a few key problematic ADHD-related behaviors that occur throughout the day across many different classroom activities and situations. For example, Keep your hands and feet to yourself, is an effective goal that can be used all day in almost any situation. In contrast, Dont grab pencils from your neighbor during Writers Workshop, only targets a behavior during one activity. Choose goals that are within reach. Create behavior goals that your student can achieve at least 80% of the time. Goals should aim to stretch your student beyond the point he or she is at right now, while still being within reach. This might mean that you focus on intermediate behavior goals that are a step in the right direction, rather than ultimate end goals. Using reminders can be an easy way to create intermediate goals. For example, if you add a goal called, Get started right away, when your student has never (or only rarely) ever done this in the past, then he or she will probably not be successful. Instead, you can set an intermediate goal of, Get started right away with only 1 reminder. You can drop the reminder once they have mastered this goal. Include no more than 4 behavior goals on the chart. Most kids with ADHD can handle only 3 or 4 behavior goals on a classroom behavior chart. If more goals are included, students and teachers quickly lose track of them. The easiest way to keep the number of goals small, is to follow guideline #2 above: Focus on behaviors that occur frequently throughout the day. In addition, start with the highest priority behaviors. Then, over time, once those behavior goals have been mastered, you can replace them with new targets. Provide feedback and ratings consistently at multiple time points throughout the day. The least effective classroom behavior charts are those that are rated by teachers only at the end of the school day. Students with ADHD need constant feedback about their behavior, in the form of verbal praise and physical ratings on their behavior charts. Behavior chart check-in times should occur at least twice a day, and ideally three times a day. To be consistent, link check-in times to regularly occurring daily activities, like before lunch or after morning recess. Always share the ratings with your student at each check-in period. Between check-ins, praise your student when you see him or her behaving in a way that is consistent with his or her goals. Some older students with milder ADHD symptoms can switch to a single check-in at the end of the day after they have had their behavior chart in place for at least a few weeks. In these cases, continue to provide praise throughout the day and swi tch back to a 3-times per day schedule if your student starts to slip on his or her behavior goals. Use a positive points-based rating system. All classroom behavior charts should include a point goal that the student should aim for each day. These types of systems reward the child with points when he or she does something well and move him or her closer to his or her goal. In contrast, negative points-based systems punish a child when he or she doesnt do something well and move him or her further away from his or her daily goal. For example, if a child starts off the day with 10 points, and then loses a point every time they violate a classroom rule, then they are being punished rather than rewarded. Negative systems are less motivating and less effective for all kids, and especially kids with ADHD. systems should also be avoided because the sad faces act like a punishment and can be highly demotivating. Set daily point goal targets that dont require perfection. When kids are learning new behaviors or improving behaviors that are difficult for them, they will make mistakes. If daily point goal targets require kids to achieve each of their behavior goals 100% of the time, then they will rarely reach their daily target and will quickly lose interest in their behavior chart. Instead, set daily point targets that are between 70% - 80% of the total number of possible points that the student could earn in a day. Provide consistent daily rewards at school or at home. Kids with ADHD need frequent rewards to stay motivated. Rewards should be provided every day that the daily point goal is achieved. School-based rewards can work well, but in cases where strong parent-teacher communication is feasible, rewards provided at home by parents who have reviewed the classroom chart are even more effective. For kids who prefer larger rewards, weekly rewards can be used in addition to daily rewards. Whats most important is that the rewards are highly motivating for the student. If you notice that the student has stopped putting effort into his or her behavior goals, then revisit the reward options and find out if the student is still motivated to earn them. Classroom behavior charts that are designed specifically for students with ADHD can be highly effective when they are used consistently. Focus on setting clear, achievable goals and point targets, providing regular check-ins and feedback throughout the day, and providing rewards that your student is excited to earn. Your effort will pay off when you see big improvements in your students behavior! 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.

Language Learning 101 Top Strategies and Tools

Language Learning 101 Top Strategies and Tools Language Learning 101: Top Strategies and Tools Kató Lomb is my favorite polyglot.She was, to put it mildly, a total badass.She became one of the first simultaneous interpreters  and learned 16 languages.The primary part of her learning method involved reading books.Let me say that again: She taught herself languages to the point where she was able to do the most mind-bogglingly difficult kind of interpretation, by reading.But how? Like, what exactly did she do?Id love to know, because Id like to do it, too.Lombs book  How I Learn Languages  goes into some detail about her methods, but not as much as you might expect considering the sheer level of awesomeness she achieved.Polyglots today, too, willing as they may be to share their language learning philosophies and opinions, can often be difficult to emulate.It can even seem like many people who have learned languages have basically no idea how they did it.Thats not to say you shouldnt try to gain useful tips from language learning superstars. And yes, there are strategies that h ave actually been shown to be effective for language learning.But more importantly, there are multiple strategies that seem to be effective for language learning.As a learner, you owe it to yourself not to be limited by any one persons idea of what works.Today, were going to take a long, relaxed look at some tools, strategies and resources that seem to be helpful for learners. Well also see what research and science have to say about them.Consider this post a sort of dashboard you can use to maximize the comfort, efficiency and fun of your personal language learning.Ready to get started? Language Learning 101: Top Strategies and ToolsThe Best Way to Learn a Language: What Language Learning Strategies Really Work?Below are some language learning methods that show promise.Its important to remember that no study about something as subjective as language learning will be 100% definitive.Its also worth mentioning that one approach probably wont do everything for you. In fact, theres ev idence that using more strategies can mean more successful language learning.And one more thing before we begin: We talk about learning styles in the language learning community a lot, with the best of intentions. But you should know that, scientifically speaking, the idea of learning styles is bogus.Sure, you may prefer certain ways of learning to other ways of learning, and if they help you feel inspired to study, great! But again, theres no reason to limit yourself based on a preconceived idea of how you learn best. This is an open bar, so help yourself.Spaced RepetitionYou may have seen some language learning programs advertising that they use some form of SRS, meaning a spaced repetition system or spaced repetition software.  Simply put, the idea behind spaced repetition is that when youre studying to memorize something, reviewing the material at spaced intervals is more effective than mashing it into a single session.Spaced repetition isnt just about algorithms in apps, its a broader concept thats been shown to be generally effective. What this means in plain English is that regular review is important and helpful.Many hardcore learners swear by the flashcard system Anki, which has become a staple of input-based learning. Some use it as their regular method of study and to learn a lot of vocabulary very fast.Heres something to keep in mind, though: Its not necessarily important to make SRS-based learning your main study approach. For many people, thats not even realistic, especially if youre making your own flashcards. Continually creating your own learning system is a lot of work.Thankfully, you dont have to be an input hound to take advantage of SRS. In fact,  using SRS for review for just a few minutes a day can improve your retention by leaps and bounds. One study involving EFL students showed that students who spent as little as three minutes a day on computer-generated spaced repetition exercises  retained nearly three times as much vocab as other students.Later on in this post, well look at some specific SRS-based tools you can use for your learning.Comprehensible InputComprehensible input is a term used by linguist Stephen Krashen to describe a concept that means pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Its the idea that learners need to be able to understand the material theyre reading or listening to in order for natural learning to take place.This doesnt mean that you cant be taking in material thats a bit over your head. In fact, thats part of the idea: By deducing the parts you dont know from what you do know, you learn the language.Comprehensible input  seems to be  effective for vocabulary retention. Theres additional evidence that input-based study can have many positive effects on language acquisition.So thats all well and good, right? But it may not immediately be obvious how you can apply this to your own studies. How can you ensure your study material meets comprehensible input standards?Here are a few ideas:Use graded readers. These make it easier for you to select and read more material at your level, which gets you more appropriate input, faster.Learn core vocabulary first.  This doesnt directly provide you with level-appropriate material, of course. But learning the most common words in a language first will give you a greater variety of texts and listening material to choose from. Which will, in turn, give you more input.Listen to and read your input extensively. In order for comprehensible input to be effective, it doesnt just need to be comprehensible. You also need to actually take in a substantial amount of it.For some insight on what exactly extensive reading and listening is, read on.Intensive and Extensive Reading and ListeningYou can read for enjoyment over a longer period of time (extensive), or read in shorter bursts in order to more closely analyze and interact with the material (intensive). You can do the same for listening.Both of these types of input are important and ca n help your learning in different ways.Theres evidence that extensive reading can not only aid in vocabulary retention but also increase motivation. Extensive reading may be more effective overall because it provides exposure to more material. However, intensive reading may be more important at the lower levels of learning  (the article in this link downloads automatically).As with extensive reading, there are indications that extensive listening may not only increase proficiency, but also motivation. Intensive listening may have its own distinct benefits. In one study, students who did a series of dictation exercises even discovered that  their speaking capabilities were positively affected by the listening exercises.Weve already discussed some ways to implement extensive reading above, including using graded readers. If you find readers that include reading comprehension questions or exercises for short texts, you can use these for intensive reading as well. Otherwise, try searchi ng [your target language] reading comprehension practice to find online reading exercises.For intensive and extensive listening, you may want to try keeping a listening journal. An article by Anthony Schmidt  details suggestions for engaging in and tracking intensive and extensive listening using a journal. These involve using sites like FluentU (more on this below) and TED Talks. The article is written from the perspective of an ESL teacher, but the activities can easily be adapted by independent learners for their own studies.ShadowingShadowing revolves around a pretty basic concept: You read along with an audio resource, matching its pace, intonation and pronunciation as closely as you can.It was introduced under the name shadowing by polyglot Alexander Arguelles. In its original, now rather quaint incarnation, shadowing is weirdly specific. Youre supposed to go outside with a text, corresponding recording and headphones. Then, you stand up straight while walking around, blasting yourself with the language and speaking along with it as simultaneously as possible in a loud voice.Arguelles is another one of my favorite polyglots and I love that this technique is a thing. However, Ive tried shadowing the old-school way and Im not entirely convinced that the fresh air and exercise part of it is in any way crucial.Look, it makes logical sense to me that attempting to speak along with a recording could be really effective for pronunciation. It also makes sense that occupying yourself with walking and reading while also speaking might help override your normal inhibitions and allow a deeper level of learning.But sort of like with making large amounts of SRS-optimized vocabulary input ones primary learning method, I dont think its a realistic option for the average person. I get stressed out having to go to the grocery store some days; Im not going to be out in a park seven days a week yelling in Korean and opening myself up to any number of awkward interactions.Ho wever, multiple studies have shown the basic technique of shadowing to be an effective learning method. And its simple enough to do the reading and listening part on your own, indoors or wherever you want. Its also simple to alternate shadowing with any listen and repeat prompts you encounter in language learning materials.Speaking of types of learning materialsLearning with Authentic MaterialsThere are certain advantages to using materials specifically designed for language learners. As weve explored above, learner-based content can better aid comprehensible input by better pinpointing a certain level.But there are marked advantages to using authentic materials, or materials intended for native speakers, too.From the study mentioned in the extensive reading section above, we already know that extensive reading itself may increase motivation. However, a separate study on extensive reading with online content showed that  authentic texts, specifically, may be motivating for students. Also,  the value of learning with authentic materials is somewhat self-evident. After all, interacting with authentic material is the goal, the dream. Its the ideal outcome, something that any learner will need to do eventually.The trick is balancing the need for authenticity with level-appropriate material for comprehensive input. To an extent, this is a balance you can achieve as a learner. There are some sites or programs that sort out authentic material for you. You can also use certain tricks to find level-appropriate content.Once you get to an intermediate or advanced level, the exact level of authentic material tends to be less of a concern. When youre still a beginner, however, you may find appropriate authentic material on:Shopping sites.Travel or real-estate sites.Childrens educational sites.Wikipedia.Some Wikipedia articles contain more complex sentences, sure. But they also tend to contain more cognates than your average reading material, making them easier to decipher. Additionally, they follow a certain basic format of headings and subheadings that can help you make more accurate guesses at what youre reading about.Learning with FeedbackThe importance of feedback, especially early in your learning process, is also somewhat self-evident. If you dont have any opportunity or capability to correct your mistakes, its tough to improve your language skills. The question surrounding feedback is more a question of when and how much.Feedback in the language classroom is a complicated and delicate subject. There are ongoing discussions about exactly how corrective feedback should be applied. As a learner, you dont necessarily have control over how any tutor or teacher you work with might choose to incorporate feedback. (Though you should certainly feel okay about taking some control over your own lessons.)When you learn independently, however, you dont have the potentially extremely valuable personalized feedback that a teacher can give you.But theres also something to be said for taking responsibility for your own learning.  One study  showed that students who worked out the correct answers to their own errors with other students and a teacher improved their language skills more than those who were only given corrections and a possible follow-up to ask a teacher questions.Whether or not youre primarily learning with a teacher, it may be beneficial to go over your wrong answers from tests, quizzes or apps with others. You could do this with friends, or you can get in touch with native speakers  through HiNative or another language exchange app.If youre learning on your own and have questions that require more detailed explanations, you may want to get an online tutor, even if only temporarily.Now that weve looked at some strategies you can apply to your language learning, lets look at some resources that align with them.Are Language Learning Apps and Online Programs Actually Beneficial?The short answer is yes. Heres the long answer:In 2018, The Atlantic published a piece by David H. Freedman titled How to Almost Learn Italian,  which details the authors experience using the popular language app Duolingo.In the article, Freedman talks about how he was sucked in by Duolingos addictive features but found, a week before leaving for Rome, that he didnt have the Italian language skills necessary for basic interactions. He quickly grabbed some other resources, including a phrasebook, and found he was able to cram practical language pretty effectively.In other words, it seems Duolingo hadnt given him the exact vocab he needed, but it had given him an understanding of the language that made vocab memorization easier and faster. He later got in touch with the CEO of Duolingo, Luis von Ahn, who verified that the way the app had worked for Freedman was the way it was supposed to work.This story illustrates a couple of important aspects of language apps. One is that theyre still new enough that we often dont really know what to expect from them.Another is that its only logical to assume that an app that drills you with complete sentences and gets you to study every day would be effective up to a point. It doesnt make sense to expect a language app to do everything for you, no more so than expecting a textbook to do everything for you.That doesnt mean, though, that we cant expect greater and greater developments from language apps in the future. It also doesnt mean that they arent already a wonderful tool to use now. In general, studies have linked positive results to popular language apps (well look at some in a moment).They may offer some unique positive benefits as well. For example,  researcher Fernando Rosell-Aguilar suggests  that learners may find apps useful for making errors privately and quelling performance anxiety.Here are some apps (also available to use online) you may find useful for your own learning.FluentUFluentU is unique in that it already brings together many of the strategies discu ssed above, and gives you material to practice all of them.FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news, commercials, vlogs, speeches, comedy skits and moreâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.The program sorts these authentic videos into six levels and gives you interactive captions, customized quizzes and multimedia flashcards that can be used in a variety of ways.All of this means that you getThe opportunity to use authentic materials early on, and comprehensible input via authentic materials.Level-appropriate materials and features for both intensive and extensive reading and listening.Corrective feedback through quizzes, along with explanatory grammar notes.SRS that helps you know when its time to review words, but that you dont have to adjust yourself or think about too much.Audio that can be used for shadowing.FluentU is a great way to consolidate your learning and to hit a lot of important points in your studies. Plus, it keeps tr ack of all the vocabulary you learn, so you get a 100% personalized experience.DuolingoA study done with learners of Spanish  suggested that for beginner learners, an estimated average of 34 hours with Duolingo was roughly equivalent to a semester of college. It was found to be more effective for beginners than advanced students. It was also more effective for those who were motivated by the prospect of using the language for travel.This all seems consistent with the story linked above, and probably with what most of us already know about Duolingo: Its fun, its popular, its geared towards earlier learners and you have virtually nothing to lose by using it.Getting started is easy, and the format is simple. You work your way through a variety of quiz-like exercises that serve as lessons, and there are grammar explanations available if you need them.With Duolingo, you get corrective feedback that you can explore further on your own. Input should be fairly comprehensible since its doled out by level.Duolingo tests both your reading and listening skills, though the robotic audio can sometimes give you pronunciations that sound a bit off. It also spaces out your learning by letting you know when its time to review material youve learned.Youll eventually need more, but Duolingo has likely gotten a lot of people learning a language who wouldnt be doing it otherwise. For more on what you can expect from Duolingo, check out this New York Times article on the subject.BabbelQueens College conducted the study on Duolingo above and did a similar one on Babbel, which showed that Babbel may be even more effective than Duolingo. It was found that beginner users only needed 15 hours with Babbel to cover the equivalent of a college semester of Spanish.Ive tried Babbel myself and I havent found it as engaging as the two apps above. However, thats not the same as saying that its not effectiveâ€"in fact, I understand why it would be. Babbel is a bit more sophisticated than Duolingo and some similar apps. It focuses on practical language and situations. It allows you to interact with the language through a variety of exercises, some of which include voice recognition.With Babbel, you get intensive work with the language. You get native speaker audio thats comprehensible for your level. As with most apps, you get  corrective feedback.What you get with Babbel is probably more like what you get with classroom learning than any of the other apps on this list. If youre more of an independent learner like me, you may find that stifling, but if you want a lot of guidance, you may find its perfect for you.busuubusuus lessons are topic- and communication-based. The program covers level-appropriate material and prompts for  reading, writing, listening and speaking. With busuu, you can easily track your progress and test your level at any time. I think this is all fantastic.Personally, however, I find busuu a bit too involved for my tastes. There are different stages of each lesson you have to passâ€"there are activities and rewards and opportunities to connect with native speakers, too.For me, that feels like a bit much for one app. I enjoy gameification, but I like to have more control over my learning than busuu offers. That doesnt mean that it doesnt have advantages for those who want it all, though.Im bringing up my personal feelings about busuu and Babbel to show that, regardless of whats supposed to be efficient or effective, individual preferences can make or break whether youll actually get any studying done.On the other hand, you can miss out on a lot if you just listen to what other people say about a given product. If I wanted, I could gripe about how these apps are actually bad for language learners just because I dont prefer them myself, when solid research suggests exactly the opposite  is true.busuu has also gotten high marks in the efficacy department, falling between Babbel and Duolingo in terms of how good it is at replacing coll ege coursework (which, it should be stressed, isnt everything). Like Babbel, Im including it here because research indicates that it gets results and that a lot of people like using it. You could very well be one of them.50LANGUAGESI dont have a study to cite for this app. Im including it here because, like FluentU, it offers content that aligns well with some of the strategies discussed in this post.Its pretty basic, but its free and includes great material for beginners. Lessons are vocabulary-based, with complete sentences for context and audio recordings of each word or phrase that can be played separately or together.This makes it compatible with shadowing, comprehensible input for earlier learners and material for intensive reading and listening.It also offers corrective feedback in the form of flashcards and quizzes.Online Language Learning Course Resources: Your Structure and SupportOnline language courses come with their challenges and may not give you as thorough of an exp erience as an in-person class. However, they may still be a good option for learners who arent currently in a college class, due to the low cost and accessibility.The main catch to taking online courses may be that it takes self-discipline to actually finish them.  Harvard Business Review reports that only 4% of people who watch a Coursera lecture (see below) actually go on to do the whole course. However, many people who do complete courses report they experience practical benefits as a result.Heres where you can get your language learning course fix online.CourseraCoursera is a big name in online learning and currently has courses for Spanish, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, English, French and Russian.Its always worth checking the latest offerings. Courses are taught by professors from actual universities but can enroll thousands of people. You can generally join and complete open courses at any time for free, with certificates available for a fee.AlisonAlison is more of an all-you-can -eat buffet when it comes to language courses. You can pick and choose between specific subjects in a language, like tourism, dining out, writing skills, conversation skills, etc.They currently offer courses for English, Spanish, German, Irish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Swedish and Japanese. Like Coursera, Alison provides free materials to learners, but charges a fee for certificates.Open CultureHeres a list of free course resources that may be especially helpful if youre learning a lesser-taught language.Open Culture includes materials here for learning Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Luxembourgish, Maori, Urdu, Tagalog, Romanian and many more.Language Learning Podcasts: An Underestimated Study SupplementPodcasts can be fun, informative and, best of all, anyone can have one, right? As it turns out, the podcast format may be just as useful for language learning as for dispensing any type of information.  Multiple studies have shown podcasts to be a great all-around learning tool.Na tive-language podcasts are perfect for extensive listening practice, and some podcasts intended for language learners are great for intensive listening practice, particularly for beginners. Lets start with those.Innovative LanguageInnovative Language delivers some lessons that are available on their YouTube channels for free; others become accessible when you subscribe. Either way, you can carry engaging, level-appropriate audio featuring native speakers on your phone with you throughout the day. Lessons are currently available in 34 languages.Coffee Break LanguagesCoffee Break Languages gives you podcast-style lessons that teach French, Italian, Chinese, German and Spanish. You can access lessons for free on their website but have the option of signing up for additional content. Lessons include discussions of cultural subjects, grammar points and more.News in SlowThis collection of slowly-spoken news podcasts is fantastic for learners of Spanish, French, Italian and German.Simplifi ed audio based on cultural material is such a good language learning tool, especially around the intermediate levelâ€"though News In Slow is available for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners. Its essentially learner-friendly material with an authentic flavor.More Language Learning PodcastsLooking for more podcasts for a specific language? Here are a few lists to get you started:The 9 Most Riveting Korean Podcast Resources for Language Learners9 Elite Russian Podcasts for Winning Learners10 Awesome French Podcasts for French Learners9 Awesome German Podcasts to Accelerate Your Language Learning8 Japanese Podcasts for Accelerating Your Learning7 Italian Podcasts for Mastering the LanguageNative Language Podcasts and Radio: Necessary Language Listening PracticeSo now about that extensive, authentic listening. We already discussed why extensive listening is important. However, you may also be interested to know that even passively listening to speech while doing other activiti es  can be beneficial to your learning.Here are a couple of sources to provide you with a continuous stream of your target language.TuneInTuneIn gives you access to stations and podcasts from all over the world. Browse by language or location to find what youre looking for.RFI LanguagesDont want to spend time searching? RFI (Radio France Internationale) broadcasts world news in 16 languages.More Authentic Language PodcastsWant more? Below are some lists of radio stations and podcasts for specific languages:Authentic Brazilian Portuguese Listening in 11 Podcasts6 Native Chinese Podcasts for an Authentic Learning ExperienceThe 5 Best Spanish Talk Radio Stations to Give You Spanish Ears5 Great French Talk Radio Shows for Your Learning and Listening PleasureImprove Your German Listening with 9 Made in Germany PodcastsThe Best 3 Japanese Radio Stations and Their Top Talk Radio ProgramsTune In to the 6 Best Italian Radio Stations for Learning the LanguageLive and Breathe Russian? Check Ou t These 10 Radio Stations for Language LearningLearning Korean with Radio: 7 Essential Tips for Streaming SuccessYoull Need Lots of Foreign Language Reading Material, Too!And all the better if its free. Here are some accessible resources for your intensive and extensive reading needs.Project GutenbergYou wont find the freshest reads here, but you do get public domain texts in over 60 languages.The Foreign Language Library OnlineThis is a simple, non-intimidating resource you can use to read short articles in your target language, provided your target language is English, French, Spanish, German or Russian.You can search by language or topic category. Categories include Literature, Movies, History and In the News.Deutsche WelleHeres another news site offering up a linguistic smorgasbord. Choose from current events in 30 languages.Everything Else: Language Learning Websites for Additional Language PracticeSo at this point, weve covered almost everything in terms of language learning r esources you can access from a computer or phone, but not quite everything. There are always those resources that serve their own very specific purposes or are just handy to have bookmarked.Here are a few you might find helpful for practicing and testing your skills along the way.italkiOn italki, you can quickly find an online teacher and pay by the lesson with no long-term commitment. This makes it a convenient resource for getting speaking practice or having your language skills evaluated.Its also a great resource for  getting in-depth feedback or explanations of concepts youre struggling with.Lang-8With Lang-8, youre able to test your other language output skill: writing. On the Lang-8 website, you can write posts thatll then be corrected by native speakers, and you can provide the same service for others.Its like an open pen pal platform thats focused on corrections and more convenient for everyone. This is a good way to get personalized feedback without a teacher.Freerice.comHe res a straightforward vocabulary game that includes quizzes for English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Latin. Theres nothing mind-blowing about it, but its an easy and fun way to memorize new words.If you play regularly enough, youll see some of the same words go by again as you work your way up through the levels, which will help you get in some review and repetition.Plus, as you play, youre earning donations for the World Food Programme.BBC LanguagesBBC Languages is just an all-around good free resource to be aware of. It gives you access to audio and video courses and links to sources for authentic materials.  Content is available for 40 languages.Whew, thats a lot! Hopefully, you see now that effective language learning isnt about any one big solution. Its more about applying certain key principles and strategies when and how you can.Most of the resources above are instantly accessible, and many of them are free. So theres no reason not to start building up a language rou tine that works for you right now.Happy learning, and have fun!

This Cover Letter Will Land You That Internship

This Cover Letter Will Land You That Internship via Pixabay What is a Cover Letter? A cover letter is an extension of your resume. It allows you to dive deeper and explain your experience and skills in your own words. It should be sweet and to the point, no longer than one page. It should consist of three to four paragraphs: introduction, explanation, and closing. Keep in mind that the hiring manager is looking at hundreds of resumes and cover letters and you need yours to stick out. That is where formatting and content come in. Format The format of your cover letter should match the format of your resume. It should be the same font and the same header. Your name should be the same on each; if you include your middle name or initial, then it should appear on both documents. Your contact information should also be the same. When writing a cover letter, you must have your contact information somewhere at the top, whether it is formatted in the header or right aligned at the beginning of your cover letter. You also need to add the contact information of whom you are sending the letter to. Example: Name Title Company Address This information should always be left aligned and right before you start your letter. If your cover letter looks incorrectly formatted, the hiring manager may toss it aside without even looking at your name, which is why it is so important to make it look clean and easy to read. via Pixabay Greeting The greeting line in your cover letter is an important detail. In order to be seriously considered for an internship, your greeting should be directed towards someone. Most of the time you are able to find the name of the hiring manager. If it is not mentioned in the job posting, copy part of the description and Google it to see if it shows up anywhere else on the web. You can always search LinkedIn as well. If you cannot find a name to put, use their title or position in the company. This would include, “Hiring Manager” or “Human Resources.” Never put “To whom it may concern.” It looks lazy and unprofessional. It says a lot to the employer if you are able to research the job posting and find the name of the person reviewing applicants. Introduction Your introduction should do two things: inform the reader of where you go to school and how you learned about the internship. This should be one or two sentences long. Example: I am a junior in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University studying English. I am writing to inquire about the Editorial Internship at Penguin Random House posted on Bookjobs.com. Body Paragraph Your body paragraph is where you will go more in depth about your skills and experiences. This is your chance to highlight something on your resume that needs more explanation or directly relates to the internship you are applying for. Using keywords such as utilized, programmed, generated, awarded, chosen, wrote, analyzed, implemented, and created will grab the reader’s attention. These words show leadership and that you take action. Try to only stick to one or two topics in this paragraph. This is not an opportunity for you to explain everything on your resume. Keep in mind that your cover letter is your chance to explain one of your greatest accomplishments or an experience that relates to the internship position. via Pixabay Call to Action The last and final paragraph of the cover letter should be about two or three sentences in length. Make sure to thank the reader for taking the time to read through your cover letter and for considering  you for the internship position. You can also ask for a personal interview in this paragraph; don’t be afraid to sound confident. Also, make sure to add your phone number and email address in this paragraph as well. Example: Please consider my request for a personal interview to further discuss my qualifications. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or first.lastname@university.edu. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Signature Always end the letter with “Sincerely,” leaving a space for your signature, and then your full name printed. It is not required but may help show that you go the extra mile if you print out the cover letter, sign it, and then email or submit it. Follow All Instructions An internship may require you to add something else to your cover letter. If you are applying to a publishing company, they may ask for the last three books you have read. Make sure to read the instructions very carefully and follow them. Ask for a Second Set of Eyes It’s always a good idea to have someone else read over your cover letter before sending it in. It can be easy to miss your own mistakes, especially after reading through it a few times. Remember, your cover letter represents your writing and communication skills, not just your experiences.

?? How To Get Into University (If You Have No GCSEs)

?? How To Get Into University (If You Have No GCSEs) How To Get Into University (If You Have No GCSEs) Did you know that receiving private tuition has a dramatic impact on your ability to get into university for a certain subject? Universities love that despite your lack of GCSEs, you have been proactive in your learning and highlights your drive to excel.Obtaining a solid selection of GCSEs is like having a key that opens countless doors. It can lead to various jobs, apprenticeships, college, sixth form and, of course, university.Each university course will have its own specific set of requirements. Often, universities will specify the minimum grades they expect at GCSE maths and English alongside the more requirements for more advanced qualifications, such as A-levels. Usually, to be eligible to apply, you would need at least a C in both of these subjects.Without the required GCSEs, even if you have the necessary A-Levels, the institutions will likely reject you as a candidate.So, what should you do if you didn’t make the grades? And what if you don’t have any GCSEs at all?Well don’t give up on uni just yet. There are an array of options out there for people without GCSEs. Luckily, it just so happens that we’ve got the low-down on them for you. See what the score is below!Functional Skills: The GCSE EquivalentFunctional skills are a great qualification for those that are looking to secure the equivalent of a GCSE grade C in English, mathematics or ICT â€" the three most common subjects needed for university entry.Each course provides learners with a broad understanding of the topics and equips them with the skills they’ll need to obtain the GCSE equivalents. To get your GCSE grade C equivalent, you’ll need to successfully complete a Level 2 functional skills course. What’s great about these courses is that they can usually be completed in a matter of weeks!The way the courses work is simple:Learners go through enrolment, initial assessments and diagnostic assessments. Next, students undertake training, either online or in the classroom, complete practice tests and finally, once they’re ready, they take their final exams. To help guide them through the process, each student has an assessor that will mark their work along the way and give them feedback to ensure they can achieve the best possible results.Whilst it’s possible to work through the courses yourself, learners who are doing several courses at once in preparation for university could really benefit andhire a private tutor to provide additional support. These tutors can also provide you with additional guidance for university admissions and give you pointers on your transition to higher education.For those students needing to secure those all important English, maths and ICT grades before applying to university, taking Functional Skills could be the perfect option. With such a quick turnaround time it could be exactly what you’re looking for!Whilst Functional Skills can be a great start for more vocational university courses, you should bear in mind that these qualifications are only useful for students who are seeking the equivalent of a C grade. If a student needs an A or B, they would need to look into GCSE retakes instead.Looking Beyond The Traditional:There are many routes into university beyond securing the more established GCSEs and A levels. Of course, every university is different, but providing you choose the course that’s right for you, there’s almost always a way to prove you’re capable enough to secure a place.The BTEC OptionWhilst Functional Skills are an alternative to GCSEs, there are a growing number of students also opting to take a BTEC over the more traditional A-levels.Each year, over a million learners take on BTEC courses to acquire some hands-on qualifications. These are far more vocational in nature than A-levels but are still accepted by many top universities.There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across the following areas:Applied ScienceArt and DesignBusinessChildcareConstructionEngineeringMediaHealth a nd Social CareHospitalityICTPerforming ArtsPublic ServicesSportTravel and TourismSo, students are not limited in their academic options. These courses will certainly meet the vast majority of university requirements, but they also have the added value of providing students with the vocational knowledge and skills they’d need to go straight into full-time work.An Educational Shake-UpIf BTECs, Functional Skills and GCSEs weren’t enough, the UK government also recently announced that they’re planning to expand their repertoire of available qualifications to include T-Levels.T-levels: What are they?Described as ‘the same quality as A levels’, T-levels are an option for 16-19-year-olds hoping to focus on a more technical form of educationThese courses will be developed and implemented over the next 4 years, eventually acting to simplify the manner in which the nation delivers vocational training, providing greater clarity on the value of this type of qualification in comparison to the A-level.Similar to BTEC courses, T-levels will give young people a chance to study across 15 sectors, in subjects ranging from construction to beauty. These courses will replace thousands of others to create a much more transparent job market.Take a look at the list of some of the proposed courses below. They will be released gradually over the next 4 years.Childcare and EducationDigitalConstructionLegal, Finance and AccountingEngineering and ManufacturingHealth and ScienceHair and BeautyAgriculture, Environment and Animal CareBusiness and AdministrationCatering and HospitalityCreative DesignBut will universities accept T-levels as an A level equivalent? Well, as the courses are still being developed, it’s too early to say for sure.What we do know is that so far a number of institutions including Sheffield Hallam, Nottingham trent and Liverpool University have all gone on the record as holding a positive inclination towards the proposed T-levels. And whilst many of the mor e prestigious universities aren’t committing to the T-levels just yet, it is likely that with time, the value of the new qualifications will become more obvious.And there you have it, proof that you can get to university without GCSEs! What’s more is that with a growing focus on technical skills and experience in the job market, taking the path less-travelled may well give you the competitive edge on your fellow university graduates!Written by Nicole B from The Learning Station.Now that you have read our article about how to get into universities without GCSE's, we think you might find these articles about alternatives to university, and what do to if your child's A-Level results aren't what they hoped!Alternatives To University Your Child Might Not Have Thought AboutHere's How To Help Your Child To Get A Successful CareerHelp! What To Do If Your Child Doesn't Get The A-Level Results They Expected