5 Reasons to Thank Your Teacher on National Teacher Day

5 Reasons to Thank Your Teacher on National Teacher Day Celebrate National Teacher Day this year by genuinely thanking those instructors of yours. Teachers do so much for students, families, and the communitymore than were able to see during the school day. Even if your school doesnt celebrate the day formally, you might consider sending your teacher a note or stopping by after class with an encouraging word. Here are five reasons to thank these hard-working folks in our lives: 1. They provide resources particular to your learning styles and needs Throughout the year, teachers get to know your learning styles, personality, interests, strengths, and weaknesses through your schoolwork and participation in class. They know you academically in a way no one else does, and they are able to support you better because of that! With all of this information, theyre able to provide resources that are specific to you through mediums like written feedback, individual meetings, book recommendations, and of course, they are always there to answer your questions. 2. They challenge us to be more innovative, thoughtful, and creative Teachers provide the environment and structure that foster creative and critical thinking. Practically speaking, theyre there for us on a daily basis, and they juggle a handful of student needs within a single classroom (multiple times a day!). On a deeper level, theyre committed to bringing complex, thought-provoking ideas into that classroom that open our eyes to new perspectives and push us to new types of thinking. 3. Theyre constantly adapting and self-reflecting Teachers work with many types of people throughout the day besides students, like parents, administrators, counselors, and community members. Theyre great at balancing the needs of the classroom with parent perspectives and goals for the school. Throughout the day, they may make tons of split-second decisions because theyre constantly adapting to the environment and reflecting on what they can do better or what would be most effective for students. [RELATED: How to Make a Good Impression on Your College Professor] 4. Their workdays extend beyond school hours Its no secret that teachers often come early to school and leave late, as they are planning lessons, grading papers, collaborating with other teachers, and reflecting on the day. Many teachers dont have aides in their classroom, and those who do could often still use additional support for what is typically a one-man operationand just as you have homework, they often bring work home as well! Even when all their books are closed and the last paper is graded, their minds are still busy considering what they could improve for tomorrow, next month, or even next year. 5. Their impact extends beyond academics The impact from our teachers usually begins in the academic sense, but is often much more than that. Many teachers end up becoming mentors and role models for students. They offer another trusted, listening ear in your life for issues school-related and otherwise. These individuals provide great perspectives and resources for your future, and they are pillars of loyalty and encouragement. [RELATED: Avoid These Myths About College Professors] Take a moment to reflect on the ways the teachers in your lives have helped you on your journey. A word of thanks is always great, but if youd like to take it a step further, think about perhaps making a gift (baked goods are often a good option!), buying a small item of appreciation, or going in with a group of friends or classmates for something larger and even more special. Your school might also celebrate National Teacher Day, so consider checking to see if you can help with the festivities. But in the end, what matters is that you have taken the time to think about what your teachers have done for you, and in turn, let them know what it means to you. Happy National Teacher Day to all the great teachers out there!

My Experience at Columbia University

My Experience at Columbia University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Benjamin is a Brooklyn tutor and 2015 graduate of Columbia University. He holds a Bachelors degree in Linguistics and tutors several subjects, including algebra tutoring, computer science tutoring, and writing tutoring. Check out what Benjamin had to say about his time at Columbia University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Benjamin: Columbia University has a decidedly urban campusafter all, its extended name is Columbia University in the City of New York. Public transit in Manhattan is fantastic and inexpensive, and with it, you should be able to get anywhere you need to without a car or a bike (although we do have a free bike-share program). The school has intra- and inter-campus shuttles, but the campus is so compact and walkable that I never needed to use any of them. Columbia Universitys campus and the surrounding neighborhood (Morningside Heights) always felt safe to me. Both are well lit, and students are out at all hours of the day and night, not to mention that we have a lot of late-night grocery stores and pizza places. Dorms are particularly secure, since only current students have access to them. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Columbia University? Benjamin: Professors, advisers, and teaching assistants are generally very accessible. With professors, it is important to proactively reach out if you are having a problem (or if you just want to chat), which is why it is always a good idea to go to office hours. The vast majority of them want to help you if they can, and they love it when students show an interest in what they are teaching outside of just showing up to class. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Benjamin: The dorms themselves vary a lot from year to year and building to building. The newer ones tend to have a lot of great amenities, such as central air conditioning, island kitchens, and big common spaces. The older dorms sometimes have these features if they have been renovated recently, and they all have a lot of character (e.g. high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, wood floors, etc.). In general, your housing options improve every year, so you will likely end up with something great for your junior and/or senior years. All the dorms are located close to classes and dining halls because the campus is so compact, and you have a good chance of having a fantastic view of the New York skyline and/or the Hudson River in almost all of the buildings. One of the biggest advantages of having such a compact and walkable campus is that you are never far from your friends (especially since the vast majority of undergraduates live on campus all four years). It is generally easy to make friends in your dorm if you make an effort, particularly as a freshman. In fact, most of my best friends lived on my freshman floor. Dining hall food in general can get very tiresome, but Columbia Universitys is pretty good as far as they goit is relatively fresh and interesting, and there are four different locations at which you can use your meal swipes. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Columbia University? Benjamin: Columbia Universitys American studies department has a number of superstar professors, and the computer science department is growing quickly. The political science and economics departments are also large and well funded. I studied linguistics because I had a longstanding interest in English grammar and foreign languages throughout high school. There is no linguistics department at Columbia University, so I had to make my own major. The upside of this was that I became close friends with a lot of the other linguistics majors, got to know my professors really well, and had a lot of flexibility in which courses I could take. The downside was that most linguistics classes were offered only once every two years (as opposed to every semester), and there was very little institutional/monetary support for thesis research, summer programs, etc. 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? Benjamin: Its very easy to make friends! Doing one of the pre-orientation programsCOOP or CUEis a good way to meet people right off the bat, but you will have many opportunities to make friends otherwise. I made a lot of friends in my dorm, and through extracurricular activities and my major. Greek life has a growing presence on campus; it can be a big part of your life if you want to be, and if you do not, you will barely even know it exists. How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Benjamin: Columbia Universitys career center is accessible and helpful, particularly if you are interested in jobs in the non-profit, legal, and finance/consulting sectors. They arrange on-campus interviews for practically every large company, non-profit, and government agency you can think of, from IBM and Goldman Sachs to the FBI. How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges at Columbia University? Benjamin: Space is generally somewhat limited at Columbia University given its location. However, the main library is open 24/7, and you can almost always find a seat in a library if you want one. There are a ton of different libraries and other study spaces, and the university is in the midst of a huge expansion that should free up some space on the main undergraduate campus. The Columbia University student center is not as user-friendly as the Barnard College student center across the street (the Diana Center), but you will have full access to that one as a Columbia University student. Describe the surrounding town. Benjamin: It is New York, which is pretty much all you need to say. You will never run out of things to do. Restaurants near Columbia University tend to be a little mediocre and overpriced, but there are a few gems. You can also find great food if you go just a few blocks outside of the neighborhood in any direction. I did not leave the neighborhood much my freshman year because everything you need to survive is within a few blocks of campus, but I would recommend getting out into the city as much as you possibly can. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Benjamin: Columbia University is a medium-sized school, and there are between 1,000 and 1,500 students in each undergraduate class. Class sizes vary wildly depending on your majorI have had courses with over 200 students, and some with only three or four. The bigger classes are almost always large lectures, so it does not really matter how many students are in them (especially if you have a separate section). I always found teaching assistants and professorseven in the bigger classesto be responsive and accessible. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Benjamin: During the second semester of my freshman year, one of my professors invited our whole class over to his beautiful Riverside Drive apartment for dessert, and talked to us about his work at CERN on the Large Hadron Collider. It was inspiring to hear an accomplished professor talk about such important work, and to see that he took an interest in us even as a group of bewildered freshmen (not to mention that there was a lot of chocolate). Check out Benjamins tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Online Algebra Tutor Knows The Mantra For Top Scores Via Unique Solutions

Online Algebra Tutor Knows The Mantra For Top Scores Via Unique Solutions Learning Algebra is the toughest thing for many college students due to the mental traumas they cherish from their childhood about the subject. Many kids get alarmed on seeing letters in the place of numbers with imagined ideas about their applications in the initial stage that they fail miserably when they come to the point of solving an Algebra equation or word problem at an advanced level. ‘X’ and ‘y’ are very common letters in English alphabet but when they are incorporated in Algebra sums, they take a special place in the form of unknown values. It is only right guidance that can lead to success stories in Algebra classes which mantra is known to an online Algebra tutor. How online Algebra tutor debunks myths about Algebra learning From the early start of Math classes, kids have been given the impression that Math is the territory of the gifted brains and it can be accomplished by a selected few who have that so called Math brain. This popular myth about Math expands when students start doing Algebra. Algebra is considered as the exclusive realm of those who possess key skills in numeric with an ability to analyze problems from a logical angle. How To Sort And Solve Elapsed Time Story Problems http://t.co/j3zGC5Q6m8 #algebra #backtoschool #homeschool pic.twitter.com/dzdb9M73Rl â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) August 4, 2015 Even those who were found to be stupendously excellent in their numeric calculations like addition, subtraction and multiplication at primary level go down in their Algebra grades at middle and high school because they are troubled by the myth about Algebra variables, unknown values and the ways they are incorporated in Algebra sums. When they reach college level, most of them try to do away with Algebra due to their fear cherished over years. All Algebra myths should be busted only with the help of a virtual Algebra tutor who knows how to unknot the tricky mental dilemmas of students with his psychological diagnosis and counseling and thus takes steps to lead students in the right path in learning Algebra. How to Solve #Algebra Word Problems in 5 Steps http://t.co/kg6CqctO6O #backtoschool #homeschooling pic.twitter.com/wApx3S0D5R â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) August 4, 2015 One on one personalized classrooms with tech support helps tutors unravel the fact that Algebra is simple to do. Even topics like Linear Functions are easy to do if college grade students assess their skills in the subject with confidence and head for difficult areas in the subject with boosted morale. Algebra homework help online- exact approach for top notch scores When learning Algebra itself is riddling, Algebra homework is certain to puzzle minds and put them in dilemmas that bring no way out. Last minute hiccups in Solving Inequalities or Solving Absolute Value Equations are tremendously tricky during homework hours. Taking Algebra homework help online from subject experts will lead them in the right path with unique methods. Online tutors in Algebra for college Grade are able to thwart any challenge posed to them in the homework topics of advanced learners in the subject and render solutions in the background of white board teaching through step by step analysis. They know how to tap the right skills from students with proper methods and help them do their homework in Algebra with custom made techniques. College Algebra assignment help gears up your grades towards the helm of success When learning Algebra and doing homework is this much a struggle for learners, it is but natural for them to get boggled by assignments in Algebra topics, that too, when they have time constraints to add to the fuel. Algebra assignment help from virtual tutoring quarters can make things easy for them with correct answers and easy solutions. It is only a matter of a few minutes as to when you approach them and what help you demand from them. The subject experts take care of the rest of the matter with their 24/7 services and get you your completed assignments for enhanced scores in Algebra assignments. How To Study For A #Math Test Without Losing Your Mind http://t.co/eZ7iCRSVvX pic.twitter.com/gtYneR2Bc2 â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 16, 2015 Conclusion Thus learning Algebra is a matter of smart help via online tutoring resources enabling you to get hold of successful scores in the subject at all levels of learning including college grade.

Time Management Strategies for the MCAT

Time Management Strategies for the MCAT The MCAT is typically considered a fast-paced exam. Certain sections can seem harder to finish within the allotted time than others, but all the portions of the test require students to employ time management strategies in order to succeed. The Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences sections each have 52 questions that must be completed in 70 minutes, while Verbal Reasoning consists of 40 questions in a 60-minute window. Below are several key time management strategies to exercise while sitting for the exam to ensure that you do not exceed the time limit and forego points. 1. Monitor the time This simple technique may seem intuitive, but on exam day, many test-takers forget to note the time. Wear a reliable watch, and locate the clock in your exam room as soon as you sit down. Be certain you understand the pacing of the section you are working on. You have approximately one minute and twenty seconds for each question on the Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences portions. For Verbal Reasoning, you will have one minute and thirty seconds for each problem. Do not become obsessive about the time, but establish landmarks within each section to ensure you are on schedule. For example, when you have 35 minutes remaining in Physical Sciences (the half-way mark), you should be finished with at least 26 (half) of the questions. Here is some great information on how to manage your time during MCAT prepas well. 2. Move on from difficult questions Utilizing this time management strategy can seem difficult at first, because the majority of students hope to answer every single question correctly. However, recognizing your limits and moving on from a very difficult question that you cannot seem to grasp will ultimately earn you more points. By moving on, you allow yourself to answer easier questions in the section. If you still have time remaining after you have completed the remaining problems, return to those you initially omitted. These are5 strategies for MCAT practice teststhat you may finduseful. 3. Read the question line before the stem Many question stems on the MCAT consist of several lines of text. In order to quickly understand what information you must know, read the last line of the stem before the beginning. This will focus your skimming of the rest of the stem. Many times, it is not even necessary to read the remainder because you will be able to answer the question immediately. However, you should always skim the stem to ensure you understand the full problem. 4. Practice beforehand Though this is not a time management strategy you can rely upon come test day, it is crucial to complete timed practice sections and full exams to gain familiarity with the pacing of the MCAT. Practicing well in advance will also aid you in understanding the types of questions you will be asked on test day. Moreover, you can practice applying the above strategies during your sample exams to further build your time management skills. An MCAT tutorcan even guide you through each individual step. Timing is a major component of success on the MCAT. Many students struggle to earn an extra point or two simply because they do not reach the questions at the end of a section. Pacing yourself by watching the clock, moving on from difficult questions, reading the question line of the stem first, and completing practice examsbefore test day are all important strategies to help you beat the clock.

Approaches to Studying in College

Approaches to Studying in College You will often find homework, projects, and exams to be very different in the college world than they were in the high school world. This doesnt always mean harder, just different although yes, they will often be significantly harder. But the major differences that make these assignments so much more difficult include the tighter time constraints, drastic changes in environment, and lengthier tasks in question. All of this will be so brand new to you, nothing like the days when you came home at 3 p.m. to sit and work on worksheets at your kitchen table. With all the surrounding distractions, identifying a successful study atmosphere on a college campus can initially seem like a lost cause, so here are some paths you can take that will guide you in a helpful direction. Study Groups: Never, ever, ever underestimate the power of a study group. Even if youre one of those people who prefers to work independently and thinks groups slow productivity down, youd be surprised at how many more answers you can come up with just by working with other people. Whether it be in a lecture or a small discussion class, if youre having trouble understanding a concept, odds are other students are too. By coming together and literally talking through it, you have multiple minds working, reading, and brainstorming aloud. Since youve all been through the same class sessions with the same professor and are therefore on the same page with this particular curriculum, you automatically form the best team to nail down the answers to your questions. One student may have missed a bullet point that another student picked up and some students may grasp a concept where others have no idea where to begin. These groups are the ultimate way to put the pieces of the puzzle together an d find the solutions upon you when you least expect it. It really does roll back to the old clich, two heads are better than one. Libraries, Coffee Houses, and the Student Union: These are the quintessential college spots you always hear about. No matter who you are, these will be prominent parts of your college experience just by physically living on campus you cant help but find yourself in one of these buildings from time to time. Some, actually many, students go particularly out of their way to head to these places over and over again. Why? Because they make great study spots. Caffeine is readily available, you are never alone, and most importantly, they are open late. The latter cant always be applied to the coffee shops, but certainly for the libraries and most likely the Student Union. These are terrific alternatives to your noisy dorm or drafty apartment and the way their atmospheres cater to students leaves you never feeling out of place. These are environments where its acceptable to show up in sweatpants and set up camp with your laptop open, Red Bull by your side, and midnight snack in hand. This a pproach to studying culminates a key part of the collegiate experience. Professors and Office Hours: The idea of office hours is usually blown off by students right when they read it on the syllabus or first hear the professor speak of them. The reason for this is that office hours are usually held at random times in the afternoon when students either have another class or just dont want to take the time to attend. If you want to understand class material better and none of your efforts independently or with fellow students has worked, then going directly to the source should be your next step. Your professor is required to hold office hours, a time when he or she is guaranteed to be in their office and ready to answer any questions you may have, so why wouldnt you take advantage of it? If you have another commitment at this time, such as class, then email your professor to set up a different time to meet and they will almost always accommodate you. If you arent busy during this time, you must overcome the laziness and get yourself over there. Talking to your professor one on one and being able to ask follow-up questions you might have been too nervous to ask in class will do wonders for you comprehension of a lesson plan. This is the ultimate way to get a real handle on things and receive actual insider advice on how to triumph the academic challenges in front of you. It is the most personalized learning you will get. Plus, showing up in the first place will ensure you stand out positively in the professors mind for outwardly showing effort a perk that may help you when grading time comes around. The common element in all of these studying approaches is self-discipline. In college, no one is there to make sure you get all this work done on time nor are they there to wake you up and get you to these classrooms when you need to be in them. Succeeding in college relies on your ability to take full responsibility and control of what you do. Put yourself in the right places with the right surroundings and you will study well.

How to Find a Dance Instructor

How to Find a Dance Instructor How to Find the Right Dance Teacher for You ChaptersWhere Can You Find Dance Teachers?Choose a Dance Teacher Based on Their SpecialityGet a Private Dance Tutor for Classes at Home or OnlineChoose a Dance Teacher Based on Your LevelThe Pros and Cons of Each Type of Dance TutorHire a Dance Tutor According to Their Experience and QualificationsWhether you’re doing chacha, rumba, or disco dancing, there are plenty of dancers ready to teach you all about their style of dance. Salsa classes, Jive classes, pole dancing classes - they are all options!Beginners can often find it difficult to find the right tutor or dance teacher for them. This is because a teacher that works for one student may not work for another. It’s therefore essential that you make the right choice when choosing your tutor.Got no rhythm?Are you always embarrassed at dance parties?Would you like to learn how to dance?Here’s our advice for choosing the best dance teacher for you! SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jamie Dance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhere Can You Find Dance Teachers?Young dance students often worry about getting the wrong type of dance lesson when they first start.Conservatoires and universities are often home to the best dance teachers. (Source: Vladislav83)If you want to choose a good dance instructor, there are a few solutions. Firstly, if you choose to attend a dance school or a dance academy, you may have the option of attending your first class for free as a taster session. This is your opportunity to see if you get along with the teacher and if their teaching style works for you.As a student, you have to feel at ease with your tutor and comfortable with the teaching techniques they’re using. Our advice is to observe their class for an hour, if you can, and then talk with the other students in the class, too. The aim is to choose a tutor whose personality and teaching styles work well for you. Don’t hesitate to ask the other students in the dance studio a few questions.Here are some of the places you could find dance lessons:Certified dance schoolsUncertified dance studiosNational conservatoiresRegional conservatoiresClassified ads offering private dance tutorialsDance associationsNational dance centres, theatres, and music schoolsThe atmosphere is also important when it comes to choosing the right dance class.  While some students prefer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, others might prefer the more serious approach taken by conservatoires. You should also work out what you r favourite style of dance is before choosing your dance classes.Find dance classes in London.Remember also it's not just in London you can find dance classes. Look out for dance classes glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham too!Choose a Dance Teacher Based on Their SpecialityWhy not learn about different types of dancing thanks to private dance tutorials?As a general rule, beginners or intermediate dance students will start learning a common style such as modern dance, jazz, or ballet. It’s quite easy to find a number of different tutors and dance teachers offering these styles around the country.However, there are also tutors offering rarer styles such as Bollywood dancing, Latin dance, African dance, etc. and there are even a number of different tutors who offer a few different styles and can mix and match their classes depending on what you’re after.The best thing is to talk to the tutor beforehand so you know what types of dancing lessons you can get now and in the futu re.Whether you want to learn hip hop, tango, salsa, or breakdancing, you can find a tutor specialising in it. (Source: picography.co)There are so many different types of dance tutorials to take your fancy:Argentine tangoBachataBallroom dancingBalletChachaCuban salsa or Puerto Rican salsaDance fitness (Zumba, etc.)FlamencoHip HopLatin danceMerengueOriental danceRagga DancehallSwing danceTapThe FoxtrotWaltzWest Coast SwingWhether just a simple beginner’s class to gain some confidence on the dance floor or an intensive course on how to dance a certain style, you’re bound to find someone to meet your requirements.  Why not find out about new dance styles with a qualified and experienced dance tutor? SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGet a Private Dance Tutor for Classes at Home or OnlineEnjoy a fun and interesting dance class without having to leave the comfort of your own home.  The average rates for dance tutorials around the UK on Superprof are between £15 and £30 per hour.Private lessons are generally cheaper than paying to attend dance schools or conservatoires. There are also a lot of benefits to getting private tutorials over group classes. You can get instruction more regularly than in group classes and after just a few sessions, you’ll see yourself making a lot of progress in terms of your technique and your understanding of music.The student can even ask their tutor to give them some extra exercise s to do between lessons!Here are some of the places you could find out about dance tutorials:Online classifieds sites (such as Superprof)Ads in local newspapersAds in schoolsFrom the mouths of different dancersPrivate agencies offering dance classesTutors advertising their dance tutorials on social mediaHiring a private tutor is therefore a good choice for students of any level as well as for couples, small groups, children, teens, and adults.If you're getting married, learning to dance together could be a great idea for you and your partner. Firstly, it's a fun activity and an interesting way to learn about new styles of dance and secondly, you can get wedding dance lessons for couples so that you're ready for the first dance at your upcoming wedding.Why not impress all your guests and showcase all the new dance moves you've been taught?On Superprof, there’s also the option to get online private dance lessons. Dance tutorials over webcam mean that students can practise their rout ines without having to leave their house and they’ll also have the option of using some of the best online resources. By taking dance tutorials on Skype, you can choose from the best tutors in the UK and the best tutors from all over the world.Choose a Dance Teacher Based on Your LevelDon’t run before you can walk. The same can be said for dancing.When it comes to the arts, it’s pointless trying to rush your learning: in just a few hours, your tutor should have a good idea of what your level is and the best ways to help you progress. Instead of wasting time (and money) by getting lessons that aren’t right for your level, you should work out what your goals and do an appraisal of your abilities.There are three main levels when it comes to dance tutorials:Beginners’ dance tutorialsIntermediate dance tutorialsAdvanced dance tutorialsExperienced teachers will tell you what levels they teach and there are also teachers offering lessons for all levels which means they can be you r teacher for a while.In addition to the level offered by the tutor, you should also keep your personal goals in mind. Some teachers, like those who work in the conservatoires, may not meet all your requirements. The best thing to do is to talk to them about your objectives before your first lesson so that you’ll know if they can meet your expectations.Whether you are putting on a show, going out dancing, or preparing for the first dance at your wedding, there are specific tutors who’ll be able to help you.The Pros and Cons of Each Type of Dance TutorThe right tutor will make sure you feel at ease in each lesson.  This is more a question of the tutor’s and the student’s personality over anything else.Make sure you're learning in an encouraging and relaxed environment. (Source: Jabore)Another criteria a lot of students forget is the tutor’s first aid skills. It’s not uncommon for a few accidents to occur, especially leg and ankle injuries. A good idea would be to check wh ether or not your tutor is trained in first aid.Here’s a brief list of what you should look out for during your first dance tutorial:How they teach the lessonHow they adapt the choreography to the level of their studentWhether the tutor is patient and caringThe explanations of dance stepsHow the tutor motivates their studentTo what extent the tutor respects the limits set by the studentThe tutor’s open-mindednessTheir knowledge of music and dancing as an art formTheir artistic creativity and how they improviseThe materials and resources they bring to a lessonHere’s a brief list of what you shouldn’t expect to see from your tutor:Not adapting the difficulty to the level of their studentIgnoring the student’s musical preferencesPainful or difficult choreographyNot warming upGeneric teaching techniques that aren’t adapted to their studentHaving too low a level for advanced studentsStudents are well within their rights to try out one or several tutors in order to find the ri ght one. The goal, after all, is to look forward to your next lessons rather than to dread them.Hire a Dance Tutor According to Their Experience and QualificationsGet dance tutorials from a tutor who’s famous for their talents as a dancer!The way you're taught is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a tutor. (Source: ionasnicolae)When it comes to the arts, a lot of students prefer to work with an experienced dancer rather than an experienced teacher. Of course, a dancer or choreographer who’s been part of a number of famous shows is probably pretty experienced.Nevertheless, the more experienced a tutor is, the more they’ll probably charge. A lot of beginners prefer to get a self-taught tutor to help them learn to dance or a student to teach them in order to save a bit of money.There are a number of different qualifications your tutor might have:A level 3 qualificationA degreeA postgraduate degreeA PhDHowever, be careful! An experienced dancer isn’t nece ssarily a good tutor. Qualifications in dancing only prove how good of a dancer your tutor might be. You need to see if they have experience with teaching or teaching qualifications, too!To make the right choice, make sure you do your research first and that the way your tutor teaches is right for you! Don't be tempted to just go for the first advert you see when you type 'dance classes near me'.

Writing Anxiety - Private Tutoring

Writing Anxiety BobbiM Apr 3, 2014 Do you have writing anxiety? Many students experience a great deal of stress when asked to write something for a class, especially if they are asked to write during class under the added pressure of time limitations. Students might be anxious about having to think up a good idea, flesh the idea out, and then have their writing evaluated by their instructor. They sit staring at a blank page waiting for the words to come. This is sometimes called writers block and it is a very frustrating experience. However, writing anxiety becomes harmful when students experience writers block almost every time they try to write. When students are anxious about writing, they try to avoid it as much as possible because they find it such a stressful activity. Coping with writing anxiety: -Write often. Like any skill, your ability to write will improve with practice. You may want to keep a daily journal where you record your experiences. Or you might want to do some free writing by giving yourself a fixed amount of time to write about whatever you want. Another alternative is to sit on a bus or in a coffee shop and write some character sketches about the people you see. Work from a plan. Its helpful to make a list of the points you want to make and them use your list to guide you when you are writing your paper. If you are having trouble organizing the points you want to make, talk to a classmate or a tutor about your ideas. Most campuses have a writing center or a place where students can talk to a tutor a out their papers at any stage-from choosing a topic, to reading rough drafts, to critiquing final drafts. For essay tests, predict questions. Use your class notes and topics emphasized in the text to predict the kinds of questions that might be asked. Start early. Because students were experience writing anxiety try to avoid writing, they often procrastinate until the last minute. Sometimes these students believe that they can write only under pressure, but they are fooling themselves because they are actually making their stress level greater by waiting until the last minute. If they do not make a good grade on the paper, they blame it on the fact that they have trouble writing instead of the fact that they churned it out quickly. Excerpt from  College Success Strategies  by Sherrie L. Nist and Jodi Patrick Holschuh.

English Listening Exercise A Fast TED Talk

English Listening Exercise A Fast TED Talk I really like using TED talks for listening exercises, mostly because theyre really interesting (for both me and the people using them as exercises, I suppose). What I like about this one is that, besides telling an interesting story, Damon Horowitz, a Google employee, entrepreneur, and philosophy teacher at San Quentin State Prison, tells his story really fast. Im guessing most ESL/EFL students will have to watch the video below twice.Why should you listen to Damon?Damon Horowitz is a philosophy professor and serial entrepreneur. He recently joined Google as In-House Philosopher / Director of Engineering, heading development of several initiatives involving social and search. He came to Google from Aardvark, the social search engine, where he was co-founder and CTO, overseeing product development and research strategy. Prior to Aardvark, Horowitz built several companies around applications of intelligent language processing. He co-founded Perspecta (acquired by Excite), was lead arc hitect for Novation Biosciences (acquired by Agilent), and co-founded NewsDB (now Daylife).Horowitz teaches courses in philosophy, cognitive science, and computer science at several institutions, including Stanford, NYU, University of Pennsylvania and San Quentin State Prison.Watch the video, then see if you can answer the questions.Where does Tony live?Whose gun did they have?What did they originally intend to do with the gun?Punk. He took some money ____ ____ ___ _____, thatll ___ ___.Lets __ ____.Sorry, ___ its worse ___ ___ ____.I want __ ___ what  _ ____.In that moment, ____ __ __ ____ by Tonys name.