How Differentiated Instruction Challenges the Notion of the Traditional Teacher

How Differentiated Instruction Challenges the Notion of the Traditional Teacher The Challenge to Traditional Teaching: Differentiated Instruction ChaptersThe MisconceptionsThe PremiseThe MethodsThe OutcomeThe premise of teaching used to be simple. The teacher had knowledge s/he was tasked to impart; the students must acquire that knowledge and demonstrate mastery through periodic exams.Since the 15th century, when the Aztecs implemented the first universal compulsory education system, learning has been treated as a one-size-fits-all proposition.If you are this age, you should be capable of understanding these concepts and performing those tasks.Early educational philosophies did not take into account socioeconomic differences, any particular ability or disability to learn on the students’ part, and certainly paid no mind to learning preferences - all factors which have been shown to impact a student's ability to learn.Gender was a factor in formulating educational standards, but only with regard to how much schooling female students would be exposed to and what subjects they would study.Male or female, conformity was the ord er of the day and if students could not adapt and learn, they were generally held to blame.So what if you couldn’t read, didn’t understand arithmetic and your writing was illegible? It was all your fault; you just weren’t working hard enough!This educational philosophy did not change significantly until the mid- to late-twentieth century, when great leaps were made in understanding how both the human brain works and how people absorb knowledge.Now we’re seeing a revolution in pedagogy, one that inevitably empowers students by addressing their multiple intelligences in a learning environment designed to encourage them to thrive.Certainly, these changes are a boon for students of every type; the onus is on the teachers to break away from the traditional model and embrace new teaching methods.How hard can it be?Superprof wades into the fray. We’ll talk about the misconceptions that shroud traditional teaching and the differentiated model, cover the premise of both methodologi es and draw our conclusions.Are you ready for a bit of professional development?it is a fact.For as long as there have been teachers, those beings have been considered all-knowing, especially by younger students. And don’t parents encourage their young learners to listen to and obey Teacher?Don’t parents all urge their students to ask their teacher any questions they might have about their homework, or if something is not clear?Because surely, that worthy is the authority on their subject matter... right?Common Misconceptions about Traditional TeachersAre teachers all-knowing? No, they are fallible, just like any other human.Obviously, teachers have extensive knowledge of their subject matter.That doesn't mean that they are the absolute authority on it - unless they are well-published and have conducted extensive research into their particular field, as Carol Ann Tomlinson has (she is the authority on how to differentiate).Another popular misconception is that teachers impart kn owledge. If we accept the definition of 'impart' as 'pass on information', then in fact, that is exactly what teachers do.The misconception is the idea that the information the teacher communicates will be received, understood and assimilated to its fullest degree.The accepted proof that the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student has been successful is high marks on examinations.If an entire class scores particularly well on exams, that teacher is generally thought to be exceptional, regardless of any background information that might impact students’ efforts, such as working with a tutor and how much effort s/he put into mastering it outside of class.Differentiated InstructionPerhaps because of its relative newness as a teaching strategy, there is plenty of misconception about differentiation.It is individualised instruction: not true.Teachers would drive themselves mad trying to teach each of their 30+ students individually!Differentiated instruction does involve some individual attention but by no means would teachers be called on to work with each student one on one.Whole group learning is still very much a facet of differentiated learning, as are small groups â€" as long as group work is complemented by learning activities that promote mastery.Differentiated learning is student-led: not true.Students do not choose the curriculum or select topics â€" that remains the teacher’s function. However, students are accorded a measure of input on how they receive instruction and work with it.By no means are we suggesting anarchy in the classroom or that you cater to your students’ every whim. Students may propose ideas for work and learning activities but, ultimately, it is the teacher’s responsibility to exercise classroom management and determine students’ workload.Some education professionals read about differentiated instruction and think it must be a magic bullet to solve all of the problems inherent in our educational system.Unfortunatel y, that too is not true.Differentiating instruction is a step in the right direction on many levels but it does not provide an easy solution to the challenge of educating learners of all types.What, exactly, is differentiated instruction, then?Differentiated instruction is not a one-on-one teaching method! Source: Pixabay Credit: KmicicanThe PremiseWe all know that the traditional educator dispenses information and that students’ demonstrate mastery through homework assignments and periodic exams.We also know that summative assessment â€" exams at the end of a learning unit, a semester and indeed at the end of one’s primary and secondary stages of education are not necessarily the best indicators of student achievement.Differentiation of instruction calls for formative assessment, meaning that teachers maintain an ongoing evaluation of student performance that allows adapting learning materials to students’ potential.It sounds like a lot of work but, once you have gathered all of the background knowledge you need about your students â€" their learning style, their competencies and interests, it will be very easy to notice and record their progress.In a differentiated classroom, learning is facilitated â€" as opposed to students being taught.In effect, the traditional teaching model calls for students to essentially be passive in their learning.Differentiated instructional strategies require students to take an active part in their education â€" not just by completing assignments and sitting exams but by having a measure of input on how they learn and what work is required of them.Find out how deeply differentiated instruction impacts students' learning...The MethodsHistorically, teaching has been a one-way communication: Teacher talks, students listen and, hopefully, learn.How many of you have had a teacher who, when asked a question, directed you to read your textbook and find the answer yourself?The lecture style of teaching has its merits. Just ask un iversity professors who may have more than 100 students in class at one time. For mature learners who know how to learn, attending lectures and taking notes is a very effective way of picking up new information.Primary and secondary school students do not yet understand their learning methodology so it is up to their mentors â€" their teachers to show them how.And that’s what differentiated instruction is really about: teaching students how to learn.Whereas traditional lesson plans call for teachers to do a lot of talking and involved little to no student engagement, differentiation demands student-centred learning.In fact, the teacher does not take centre stage at all. Students are assigned:Project-based learning, which involves students working together to complete a curriculum-related project,Inquiry-based learning, when groups of students are given questions to answer or scenarios to resolveProblem-based learning, in which students learn by solving open-ended problems.In such classroom activities, the teacher’s job is to circulate from group to group, posing questions designed to encourage students to come up with solutions on their own.Through these activities as well as cooperation with others, students learn to challenge their own intellect, making learning an activity in itself.Meanwhile, the teacher has plenty of time for curriculum development and to observe their students’ learning processes.What does differentiating in the classroom leave for tutors to do?Even the best teachers cannot guarantee students' mastery of subject material! Source: Pixabay Credit: Anne KarakashThe OutcomeWe all know the outcome of traditional teaching strategies. As passionate and knowledgeable as teachers can be, those qualities still don’t guarantee those students will gain mastery â€" or even a deep understanding of their subject material.That uncertainty is evidenced through test anxiety; a very real phenomenon that affects a surprising number of students. One of the primary causes of test anxiety is feeling unprepared for such an assessment even after having done plenty of studying prior to the exam.What is the outcome of differentiated teaching?Because it is a student-centered learning initiative rather than a direct instruction model, those prospective test takers have gained an understanding by design.Nobody told them what  to think of the subject matter; through a variety of means, they found how to think about it by themselves.They have gained a thorough understanding of the material on their terms and in their own way, meaning that, in the course of their learning, they also gained empowerment.Isn’t student empowerment the ultimate goal of effective teaching?Now calling on every teacher who wants to make a difference in their students’ lives and learning:Would you incorporate differentiation strategies in your classroom if it meant different learning styles you have been tasked to teach were all addressed?If your gifted student s were assigned classwork more in tune with their intellect than their age group, and your lesson planning allowed for even your SEN students to keep up with the curriculum?Of course you would!Now discover the ultimate in differentiating education!

Why Your Kids Will Benefit from Learning the Guitar.

Why Your Kids Will Benefit from Learning the Guitar. Learning the Guitar Helps Children Develop and Reach Milestones. ChaptersGuitar Classes - an Extracurricular ActivityThe Intellectual and Moral Benefits of Learning GuitarThe Physical Benefits of Playing GuitarAs a general rule, children should be at least 7 or 8 years old before they begin playing guitar - any younger and they lack the physical maturity to play. Their hands are too small and their fingers too chubby to place them properly on the strings and frets! They can't really get their hands around the fretboard at all, in fact.So before you enroll them at a music conservatoire, a slow introduction to the world of music might be more appropriate. They can approach different styles and instruments with all of their curiosity at a young age, and choose the instrument that suits them best once they’re older.This is a great way to get them in the musical mindset of a guitar player before they got onto learning guitar chords, the major scale, and guitar solos. Musical knowledge will be a great advantage before they start their guitar lesson; i t will set a solid foundation for when they sit down to actually learn how to play guitarLearning to play guitar can be a great advantage for children, but before you sign them up for classes with a music teacher, there are a few things you should know. Starting with beginner guitar is a really good thing for a child to do   - so get them on that guitar course!We imagine Ryan looks better than he plays.Once they’re 8 years old, children have the physical and mental maturity to be able to concentrate for at least 15-20 minutes, and they can then take suitable first guitar classes.Physically, their fingers will be long enough and strong enough to be able to play the strings, so they can sit down with a new guitar and try to learn and play songs.There are also guitars specially made for different age ranges - there are half guitars for 7-8 year olds, 3/4 guitars for 10 and 11 year olds, and full-size guitars for adolescents and adults. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discov er all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGuitar Classes - an Extracurricular ActivityGuitar lessons for beginners are often considered the perfect extracurricular activity for children, because of the benefits they offer. Beginner guitar lessons are a wonderfully social experience - and the educational method of the best guitar teachers will help your children develop way beyond just guitar practice.Let the Guitar Open their MindFirst of all, children can quickly learn how to play small pieces of music. This helps them explore new horizons and discover new cultures through styles of music like rock, blues, reggae, country, funk, and jazz.Each musical style has its own unique history which can greatly enrich your child’s appreciation for the music, and a good teacher should be able to explain them to your child during lessons.So, a good mix of jazz guitar, blues guitar, classical guitar, and rock guitar can help your kid develop in a much broader way - as such a mix can be intellectually stimulating as much as fun.Meet New FriendsAnother advantage of guitar as an extracurricular activity is that it allows children who wouldn’t normally meet at school or in the course of their daily routines to form new friendships. In addition to learning how to play the pentatonic scale and power chords, perhaps your child will encounter children from different social classes and backgrounds to their own at guitar class.This is one of the best parts of the guitar. It is a social instr ument. Only classical guitarists really play solo - so, your children will certainly be making friends whilst practicing their barre chords, guitar tricks, and favorite songs.The Intellectual and Moral Benefits of Learning GuitarWhether you’re a child, adolescent, or an adult, music can give you many benefits. You may not always realise the side-benefits of becoming a guitarist, but we promise you, they’re there.Learning to Play the Guitar takes ConcentrationConcentration is often one of the first skills that children must master when they’re learning how to play the guitar.Learning this instrument takes all of our mental and intellectual capacity to execute precise actions - getting our fingers on the right fret, nailing an accurate fingerstyle, and getting to grips with chord shapes.Even learning the basic chords might be a challenge when your child first starts guitar classes. One they've learned the fundamentals,  they will progress to putting together a series of chords, learning a specific technique like picking, or developing increased flexibility in their  right hand.By learning to concentrate, children have to develop their determination and their will power - they learn to focus their thoughts, and stay focused.Some guitar lessons will help your child increase their concentration. This skill will help them in other areas of their life, for example, in solving math problems at school, playing chess, or even studying for a test.Support your child through their musicIn a world where we are constantly buffeted by sounds (telephone rings, TV, video games, and other background noise), as well as vibrations and electronic notifications, playing music can be a refuge into your own peaceful world.In your personal sanctuary, with an acoustic or electric guitar in your hands, all of your senses are engaged - while your eyes read notes and guitar tabs, your ears are listening for any wrong notes, the muscles in your hands and arms are working hard to strum the strings, and your brain is monitoring all of these different actions.Guitar Classes Help to Improve MemoryChildren, by definition, are quite young, and at a  young age they function like sponges and absorb a large quantity of information.As kids grow older their tastes begin to develop and form little by little.Learning guitar isn’t so complicated on its own - once they  learn the major and minor chords, and maybe even arpeggios and blues scales, learn how to place their hands on the neck of the guitar and strum the  strings with either their fingers or a pick, they can already hear and play a number of songs in whatever style they choose.Children have the ability to literally drink in information, and learning guitar will help them to structure their memory and improve this skill.Guitar Lessons Help to Teach DisciplineGuitar lessons will also help improve children’s self discipline. In order to play their instrument well, they will have to spend many hours practicing their chords, riffs, and solos.Playing guitar won’t just happen with a wave of a magic wand.Just like any profession or sport, musicians and apprentice guitarists will need to repeatedly practice the same chord progressions and piece of music over and over again if they want to get it right. They will need to study their tablature, learn to tune their guitar, and work on their licks and frets.By persevering in their practice sessions and keeping on with music theory  when they're frustrated, children will then be able to apply that same dedication to school and to life in general.The frequency of their guitar classes will also help to reinforce to children the importance  of discipline.Listen to Others Playing the GuitarWhether you’re learning guitar and taking classes with a private music teacher  or in a group with other students, you will learn to refine your sense of hearing.Children will learn to recognise the different sounds of their guitar, as well appreciate the pauses, and understand the styles of different pieces of music.Children will also learn how to listen to other guitar players, especially if they're learning in a group. They will learn to hear the emotion represented in the melodies of the music, and by hearing the errors made by others when they accidentally place their fingers incorrectly for a chord, they will learn to recognise their own.Music is something to share, and by listening to others, children will also learn about themselves.Socialization and Patience - Responsible Guitar PlayingTo sum up all the points we’ve made earlier, we know without a doubt that practicing guitar, especially in a group, will allow children to improve their socialisation and develop their patience.Taking guitar classes teaches responsibility - each student must start and stop at a specific moment, and not do more or less than they’re meant to. They must practice constantly and regularly in order to achieve results, and learn to be on time for class.All o f these rules will help them to develop their character, patience, self motivation, and respect for others.One of the benefits of playing guitar is the ability to play by yourself, while also being able to easily accompany other guitarists and instruments.Children will learn to correct themselves and to accept their differences and mistakes.Learning an instrument is truly a class in sharing and patience.Learning Guitar Increases Creativity and Critical ThinkingBy learning guitar from a young age, children will learn to develop their critical thinking. They will not only correct their own errors, but will respond to the inevitable wrong notes of others as well.By building up a relationship with their guitar teacher, children can increase their knowledge of music and the guitar and learn new styles and techniques.When they read sheet music or guitar tabs, they will learn to analyse and deconstruct a piece of music by examining its structure, and this analytical ability will benefit th em in other parts of their life.Finally, by learning different pieces of music in different styles, children will engage their artistic sensibilities and creativity. They will grow to appreciate the general culture of music and begin to identify their own preferences.Maybe this one's too young to play the guitar!The ability to learn, practice, create, discuss with their teacher and exchange ideas with their fellow students will help your child express themselves and indulge their imagination.Of course, there may not be a guitar teacher near you - but your child can still take online  guitar lessons - through Skype, for example.Expressing Emotions by Playing GuitarMusic is a universal language - you often hear that it’s a channel to express the soul of the musician, and it’s definitely a way to explore your emotions.Playing the guitar is a different language that doesn't need words to be understood.By playing the guitar, children will explore new dimensions of their personality, give voice to what is in their hearts, and make artistic choices. Jamming with their friends and playing solos can be as therapeutic as it is noisy!The Physical Benefits of Playing GuitarOf course, taking guitar lessons will also help children develop physically, and also strengthen the links between physical and mental action. As they learn to place their fingers on the neck of the guitar, coordinate their hands, play a simple rhythm, and pick out strings with a pick in their right hand, children will improve their coordination and learn to use their hands independent of one another.Learn how to play the guitar correctly - and feel the benefits!To play an entire piece and concentrate on the music, you also need to be in excellent physical condition. Learning guitar will help improve your child’s general control of their body, and they will learn how to master their breathing and vocals while also holding their body properly.If they’ve done all that, they’ll be able to play th e guitar and sing at the same time, and will be rivaling Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan in no time at all.

Great side-hustles for introverts to try - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Great side-hustles for introverts to try - Introvert Whisperer Great side-hustles for introverts to try It’s a great time to make an extra buck or two on the side of your regular job, but for many introverts, the idea of constantly meeting new people as an Uber driver or using ToursByLocals to find visiting tourists to show around is not the ideal way to spend your time off. Fortunately, behind the safety of your laptop screen and/or painter’s canvas (or however else you express your excess energy) it’s still possible to supplement your normal wage by earning something on the side for doing what you love. Of course, most people have heard of Etsy, though it may be somewhere you wonder when you’re trying to buy something for around the home rather than hoping to sell. But if you have a crafty hobby that churns out reasonable results at the end, you never know who might spot it on your new online shop and make an order. It’s a big market out there on the internet! Less well-known is Shutterstock where â€" if you’re capable of taking professional-looking photos or videos, and especially if you live in or like to visit iconic locations â€" it’s possible to license your work in the form of stock images. But you don’t have to be creative to hide away at home and generate some extra income. If you have knowledge or experience to burn, it’s possible to write and sell stuff on demand via Fiverr or even compose your own ebook to distribute via Amazon Direct Publishing. Or perhaps you want to get out of the house but keep to the kind of company that respects the needs of your blood pressure â€" in which case, trying getting yourself on Rover and out-and-about as a dog-walker. There are plenty of great ideas for a side-hustle in this new infographic, and while they won’t all be suitable for every disposition, you’re sure to find some introvert-friendly options on how to make a few extra dollars.

ordering fractions

ordering fractions Learning about fractions is one of the basic and important topics in math. A fraction is number written in p/q form. Where p is the numerator and q is the denominator of the fraction. The denominator of a fraction cannot be equal to zero i.e. q not equal to zero. Fractions can be compared by checking if the fractions are lesser than, greater than or equivalent to each other. Fractions can be ordered after comparing them to each another. Ascending order or descending order can be used to order any group of fractions. Example 1: Order the following fractions from smaller to larger fraction: 3/11, 8/11, 4/11, 1/11, 10/11. Solution: Given are five fraction 3/11, 8/11, 4/11, 1/11, 10/11 in random order. Arranging from smaller to larger is called as ascending order. Since the denominator is the same compare the numerators of the two fractions. The fraction with the smaller numerator is the smaller fraction. This gives 1/11 3/11 4/11 8/11 10/11. Hence, ascending order of the fractions is: 1/11, 3/11, 4/11, 8/11, 10/11. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) Order the fractions 4/5, 1/5 and 2/5 from greater to smaller? a) 1/5, 2/5, 4/5 b) 4/5, 1/5, 2/5 c) 4/5, 2/5, 1/5 d) None of these. Correct answer: option c. Explanation: In the given question the denominators are the same compare the numerators of the three fractions. The fraction with the greater numerator is the greater fraction. This gives 4/5 2/5 1/5.

Equity in Education

'Equity' in Education Improving Academic Performance The word ‘equity’ often carries a loaded meaning, and in no realm is the debate more polarizing than in the field of education. When it comes to education, equity appears to be a noble goal â€" an end in and of itself to which society should aspire. . A recent article in The Atlantic highlights some of the most relevant issues in the debate by contrasting the American system to the Finnish system. Click here to read the Atlantic ArticleIndeed, the lessons gleaned from the comparison are quite striking â€"Finland’s move to a national system focused on school equality hasbeen linked to a massive increase in student performance while theincreasing inequities apparent in the American system have paralleleda considerable decline. However, with regards to equity of educationin the United States, the debate often reduces itself to a small setof practical realities, some of which go far beyond schools, teachers,and students. If equity is indeed the ideal goal, what hurdles mustbe overcome for us to get there? More importantly, what practicalsolutions are there for students caught in a system where the gapbetween the “haves” and “have nots” continues to grow?The American school system is in urgent need of reform â€" it’ssomething that every politician and American can (should) get behind.However, one philosophical and one practical question divide mix anddivide the public:1 ) How should we define “equality” with regards to education?2) What is the most equitable way to fund schools?With regards to the first question, many will argue that equality ofeducation means identical educational programs and facilities acrossall grade levels (this is essentially the Finnish model). Othersopine that equality means equal access to a public school which meetscertain minimum standards set by the Federal/State/Local government(this is the American model today). Still others will argue thatequality of education is purely about equal outcomes for studentpopulations.1) Equality of programs (current Finland)2) Equality of access (current US system)3) Equality of outcomes (objective of NCLB?)No matter which goal one believes our society should strive for, it isclear that the underlying practicality of how whether/how to equitablyfund schools stands in the way. This issue is deeply rooted in thefabric of America. The American Federal system checks the power ofthe federal government by empowering state and local governments tocontrol many government functions (e.g., police, fire). The eleganceof the system, in theory, is that people will vote with their feet ifthey disagree with state policies, and thus the best policies will winout in the long run. The control of education funding is left tostate and local school boards and comes primarily from local propertytaxes. Only national/interstate matters fall under the control of theFederal government. It is this system which is responsible for themassive disparity in funding between the best and worst schools inthis country â€" and this level of funding can be directly linked tooutcomes (I cite no literature here, but challenge the reader toreader to find either empirical and experiential evidence to thecontrary).In fact, the question about equity in education really comes down toeconomics â€" who will control funding, and how will those decisions bemade. The reality of this debate in the United States is that localfunding will continue to hold sway unless the greater good ANDindividual good is demonstrated to be better with State control.Thus, for all the rhetoric that national politicians put on the stateabout national education reform, the real power rests with the stateand county tax authorities. It is the beauty of the American Federalsystem which perhaps brings change closer than one might imagine.Populists rejoice!

Decoding College Tips for Time Management [Part 1]

Decoding College Tips for Time Management [Part 1] Improving Academic Performance So, you’ve survived four years of high school; Congratulations! Just as you’re getting comfortable, the world and its karma throw you into a completely new environment called college. That’s right. You’re a confused freshman once again. All of a sudden you have no clue. “What’s going on, where to go, how to make friends, and where in the world are my classes?!” Not to mention the lack of parental control and the copious amount of “free” time. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. I’m here to tell you that there is a helpful tactic in deciphering it all. TIME MANAGEMENT. Here are a few tips to make sure you make the most of your time in college, without flunking out. SET GOALS…and WRITE THEM DOWN. We all know the fantastic feeling we can get out of crossing something off the To-Do list. But the existence of such a list isn’t just a boost of confidence, it keeps us organized. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending all of your time wondering how to get everything done instead of doing. Setting reachable, daily goals for yourself will allow you to organize the chaotic world of college and your time in a way that aidsprogress and achievement. We all love to cross those goals off the To-Do list, so make it a priority to create a new list for the next day each night before you go to bed. Just think of how many tasks you’ll get to accomplish! Now that’s something to look forward to. GET A PLANNER…and USE IT. Now that you’ve decided to set goals and make daily To-Do lists, where are you going to write it all down? In a planner! Especially when dealing with a new class schedule, club meetings, and activities that aren’t programmed into your brain yet, it is immensely helpful to have one place that displays every obligation you have. This way, you can keep track of plans and work around them. Without a planner, you WILL forget things. College is stressful enough; don’t let yourself make it any harder. BLOCK AND BALANCE YOUR COURSES. When building your schedule for the next semester of college, it’s important to note that blocking courses back to back instead of spreading them out over the course of a week is the most effective use of your time. As a freshman, you may not like this idea; one or two classes a day sounds pretty awesome. But in reality, you will spend those awkward amounts of time between classes on Facebook or eating a long lunch. If you can schedule classes back to back on two or three days in a week, you will find that you have larger chunks of time better suited to studying. Also, make sure you’re balancing courses and not spending too much time focusing on one and neglecting others. It is important to know where your strengths and weaknesses lie in each subject area and to plan your time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is for every 1 hour of class, commit to two hours of study time. Although this may seem excessive, if you follow this guideline, things like midterms and finals will be much easier to conquer. OWL? OR ROOSTER? It’s important to be honest with yourself when determining your best times to study and focus. Some of us are night owls while others are more productive in the morning hours. Although many times we’d like to think we could wake up at 7am and finish all the homework we didn’t do the night before, that’s not a good idea if you just aren’t a morning person. Just because your new roommate studies at 4pm doesn’t mean that will work best for you too. Listen to your body’s natural biological clock! It’s important to be honest with yourself and schedule study time appropriately. GET HELP BEFORE YOU REALLY NEED IT Most teaching assistants have office hours all semester. They are free to attend, and you can ask questions in a quiet, 1-1 environment. As the year progresses, you could probably go every week, perhaps more than that, and get free, private tutoring from your professor â€" because almost nobody seems to take advantage of these office hours until right before a big test, midterm, project, or final. Similarly, many colleges offer free private or small group tutoring at places that have names like “Academic Resource Center,” etc. The same story goes for these resources as well. Don’t be afraid to use these services. The earlier, more proactively you use them, the quicker you’ll understand the material, and the less time you’ll need to spend rushing around before a big test. Time invested now will save time later, and you’ll almost always end up with a better grade in the class. If you are a college freshman feeling overwhelmed, let me tell you a little secret: you’re not the only one. Making good use of your time and staying organized is a big part of becoming a successful university student. STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO OF DECODING COLLEGE: TIPS FOR TIME MANAGEMENT Note: We really liked the below article and leveraged it as a source in this blog postUSNews hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'f08a3c58-464f-4164-a82e-313b7951bbb2', {});

Tips From An Orange County private Tutor Too Much Homework

Tips From An Orange County private Tutor Too Much Homework Tips From An Orange County Private Tutor: How to Handle Massive Amounts of Homework Tips From An Orange County Private Tutor: How to Handle Massive Amounts of Homework One of the most common complaints an Orange County private tutor receives from parents and students involves the massive amounts of homework given at a younger age (even as early as 1st and 2nd grade). More homework means less time for socializing, family time, extracurricular activities, and exercise which leads parents to wonder how they will be able to help their children achieve a study-life balance and still keep their education and grades on par with their peers. 1. Get organized Although organization won’t make homework go away, it can certainly help make it easier. Young kids generally spend too much time digging through papers from months past and are confused as to which assignments are due tomorrow and which are not due until next week. Maintaining an organized backpack and homework folder can make the transition from school to homework easier and more effective. Although it’s important for children to learn how to organize on their own at some point, younger children may need help from a parent or tutor to organize their backpack once a week or so (READ: 10 Study Tips From an Irvine History Tutor). 2. Conference with the teacher Its always a good idea for parents to take the opportunity to speak with their childs teacher during conference time. This is an opportunity to ask the teacher why they are assigning large amounts of homework. Is each piece of homework essential to the childs education? Some teachers will provide take-home packets that build upon a concept to be covered later in the month, making the assignments paramount, while others will hand out busy work to help keep kids out of trouble (sometimes at the request of parents). Additionally, some teachers give out more homework than they used to in order to help children succeed on their standardized tests later in the year. Regardless, at the end of the academic year, teachers look back at what worked in a classroom and what didnt. If they received overwhelming feedback that there was too much homework, they might adjust their syllabus and curriculum for the following year. However, if they dont receive feedback from parents they may not know their students are overly stressed. Communication between teacher and parent is essential for continued success (READ: SAT and AP Exam Survival Guide). 3. Prioritize Parents should look at what their child needs to do most and what they might be able to do later in the day when they are a bit tired. For instance, if a child is struggling in English but is an expert in science, it’s better for them to do their difficult English homework right after school while their mind is still fresh. On the other hand, if they know their math times tables like the back of their hand, they may be able to quickly and successfully complete his homework later in the evening even if they are feeling mentally fatigued. 4. Hire a tutor Second to test prep, homework help is probably the most requested subject for tutors. Many private tutors can provide help with any subject up to a certain grade level, meaning that they might be able to help a 3rd grader with any topic they happen to need help with on a given day. Private Irvine academic tutors can also help a student get organized and help them streamline their homework to make sure theyre not doing more than is required. For example, if a child has done questions 1-50 in their math text book, but later find out that they only needed to do all of the even numbers from 1-50, they will have spent twice as much time as was necessary. Homework help tutors know to look for these types of issues right away. Bottom Line At the end of the day, parents know whats best for their children and they know how much homework their kid can handle and how to help them find a study-life balance. However, it never hurts to consult a tutor or conference with their childs classroom teacher to find out new and innovative ways to complete the large amounts of homework expected of young children these days. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about.

10 Habits of Happy and Successful Students

10 Habits of Happy and Successful Students Happiness is not as unattainable phenomenon, as we often think. It can be quite simple to become a happy and successful person even if you are a stressed student with many deadlines. Here are 10 habits of happy and successful students you should know: 1. Happy students check results of studying and appreciate their  own achievements Try to study as hard as possible for you at this very moment. It will give you a lot of opportunities in the future. To stay happy and not to become a depressed person  during the studying appreciate your work and have a rest sometimes. 2.  Successful students  have strong relationships with others Don’t you know how important it is to have your family and friend’s support when you have exams? Researchers have shown that in the age of 70 those people who treasured relationships with family and did everything possible to support them are the happiest! 3. They believe that time is more valuable than money In the survey, it was found that the majority of happy people would prefer to have more time than money. It  proofs that people who value time, not material goods, get more out of life. 4. Successful people plan expenses and look for opportunities Inability to pay necessary bills is stressful for anyone. Therefore, the psychologists recommend to realistically assess your gains and not to purchase things that you can’t afford yet. Do you really need to have a Starbucks coffee or you can spend your day, week, or even month without it? 5. Happy students are able to notice the beauty around The scientists note that people who often pay attention to the pleasant things that happened to them or just notice everything beautiful around are more satisfied with their lives and feel healthier  than others and this makes them happier. 6. They spend a lot of time with friends Spending time with your friends makes you happier, doesn’t it? Particular pleasure we get in the company of the closest people influence on us. Be around people who consider themselves successful! Their sense of joy quickly transferred to all those who are in their close environment. 7. Happy students take care of their loved ones and often encourage them Psychologists say that people who often show spontaneous acts of kindness, much happier than those who do not. 8. Successful students spend money on experiences rather than material things There is a trend that people are much happier and even healthier if they often spend money on emotion. Although the purchase of desirable things makes a person happier, feeling of euphoria from the acquisition of things lasts less than the joy from experienced unforgettable travel or other experiences. 9. Happy people regularly participate in sports It is proved that exercises help to fight psychological problems, lack of discipline, and cope with stressful situations. In addition, studies have also shown that physical activity is directly connected with the feeling of happiness. 10. They learn how to be present here and now Some studies show that people who practise meditation are able to appreciate every moment of life and thats why they are much happier than others. Enjoy your life and be a happy  and successful student with Tutorz.com. On our website, you can find a tutor or a life coach and make your life a little bit easier and happier!