Speed Reading Can it Really Be Done

Speed Reading â€" Can it Really Be Done Suzy S. Want to learn how to read faster? Tempted by all the promises of speed reading programs and classes? Find out if theres truth behind the strategies in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI teacher  Elaina R Imagine a library full of frantic-looking students, their eyes darting back and forth as they flip through textbooks. These students are attempting the controversial art of speed reading. Unfortunately, many of these students will probably find that they remember very little of the information they are so busily scanning. This begs the question: do these strategies for learning how to read faster really work? Or is it a fantasy thought up by busy students? Let’s explore the concept of speed reading, whether or not it works, and what might work better. What is Speed Reading? Speed reading involves quickly glancing through text. The goal of this type of reading is not to absorb every word. Instead, readers want to quickly understand the gist of the text. They want to be able to regurgitate important themes and summarize the text, even if they miss the details. As you can imagine, speed reading only works in certain situations. Unfortunately, reading a textbook isn’t one of those situations. There are certain things you cannot scan through with good results. Speed reading is best for simple reading, such as: • Mainstream news articles • Advertising emails and letters Speed reading is bad for complex reading, such as: • Textbooks • Scientific articles • Literature Speed Reading Techniques For lighter reading, here are some tried-and-true techniques that can help you glean the overall themes quickly. Although these techniques probably won’t help you read Chaucer any faster, they might help you clear your inbox or read the news in less time. The glance-over: Look over chunks of text a few lines at a time, picking out important elements (such as nouns and numbers) as you go. The diagonal: Cut a diagonal through each paragraph with your eyes, searching for these important key elements. Just read faster: Look at each line individually, but at a very rapid pace. Better Than Speed Reading If you are tempted to try speed reading in an academic setting (you forgot to study for the big test, for example), know that you arent going to learn how to read faster in one night. Instead, here are a few techniques that may be more useful to you: Read just a hair faster: Instead of attempting to read at lightning speed, go for just a slightly brisker pace than usual. Don’t go overboard â€" just be conscious of your speed and, while still reading and processing each word, see if you can handle a few more words per minute. Chapter summaries: Many textbooks come equipped with summaries at the end of each chapter or section. Others have key words grouped at the ends of chapters. Use these! If you have to study a whole textbook in one night, read all of the summaries and look up any specific topics that are confusing. Headings and tables of contents: You can also go through textbooks and look just at the headings and subheadings. Alternately, take a gander at the table of contents. Use this as a guide to help you revisit (and properly read!) the hardest sections. Study buddies: Get together with classmates, compare notes, and test each other. If you don’t know where to start, try randomly flipping to a page in the book and asking each other questions from it. If one section is no problem, move on to the next one. This goes without saying, but the best way to get to know the material is to actually read it. Learn how to manage your time so that you can complete assigned readings, take notes, and really absorb the material before crunch time. Not only is a natural reading pace more effective, it can also be fun. If you have trouble managing your time and studying well, consider hiring a tutor to help you hone these skills. Elaina R. is a writer, editor, singer, and voice teacher based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her book  Slaying Your Admissions Essay Dragon  shows how to write application essays that are actually fun to read. Elaina has served as an editor for several notable books as well, including NFL great Adrian Peterson’s autobiography  Don’t Dis My Abilities. Learn more about Elaina here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  RLHyde

5 Good Audition Songs for Musicals by Voice Type

5 Good Audition Songs for Musicals by Voice Type Sign up successful For some initial pointers check out the video below, then keep reading as we share 20 more good audition songs for musicals. Well include selections for each voice type, representing a mix of both classic and modern shows! Good Audition Songs for Musicals Sopranos This Place is Mine from “Phantom” by Maury Yeston. Everyone sings from the OTHER “Phantom” don’t make that mistake! Funny divas can really sell this song. It’s as big as anything you’d find in the major hits from that era (and you know what they are!) but this song is hardly overdone. “To Keep My Love Alive” from “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” by Rodgers and Hart. So outrageously funny! This is for the soprano who’s also a comedienne. Plus, it’s always good to have some Rodgers and Hart in your repertoire! “Unexpected Song” from “Song and Dance”. This is an absolutely beautiful ballad from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lesser-known works. You can’t go wrong with a single song in the show, in fact; it’s a one-woman show and you have a lot of great audition songs to choose from! “One More Kiss” from “Follies”. It’s not always a good idea to bring in Sondheim unless they specifically ask for it (too complicated for many accompanists), but this is a simpler tune in the style of song from an old operetta. Belters/Mezzos “How ‘Bout a Dance?”  from “ Bonnie and Clyde” by Frank Wildhorn. This is a sassy and fun song perfect for a younger actress that belts. This musical is fairly recent, but due to the fact it was not a hit well, chances are not too many other people will be walking in with this one! “Wherever He Ain’t “ from “Mack and Mabel”. What a score! This is an up-tempo, rag-timey song that is just plain fun to sing by a spunky leading lady. While “Mack and Mabel” is respected for its glorious score by Jerry Herman, this show never took off! “Home “ from “The Wiz”. This a pop-like song that builds. Memorable melody and you can really put some emotion behind it. Perfect if you’re auditioning for something like “Dreamgirls” (but again, it’s best to avoid those songs unless they specifically ask for them). “All Falls Down” from Chaplin.This song is sung by the character of Hedda Hopper in the show. It’s a real scene stealer! Another modern (2006) musical that was not a hit, but has a marvelous score (see a theme here?). “The Music That Makes Me Dance” from “Funny Girl”. We all know that Barbra owns “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, but this lesser-known ballad from the show is gorgeous and a solid choice. Tenors “A Bit of Earth” from “Secret Garden”. If you need something a little more modern that’s a moving yet simple ballad, this is a great choice. “When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love” from “Finian’s Rainbow”. This is a mid-tempo song for a tenor with charm and personality, from a more “classic” show. “Seeing is Believing” from “Aspects of Love”. Another one of Sir Andrew’s flops but what a score! This may be a better choice than “Love Changes Everything” from the same show, which many performers tend to oversing. “Shiksa Goddess” from “The Last Five Years”.  This is for a comedian! A mid-tempo number from another more modern show with very clever lyrics that will leave the audition panel rolling. “You are Beautiful” from “Flower Drum Song”. Ballad for a young lyric tenor from one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lesser known shows. Baritones “C’est Moi”- from “Camelot”. Need something classic? Are you a solid actor? This one’s for you. “Gonna Be Another Hot Day” from “110 in the Shade”.  Mid-tempo as well as lyrical, and could suit a variety of types. “I’ll Be Here”- from “The Wild Party”. Wonderful song from another more modern show for a baritone who is a bit more pop/jazz-like and comfortable with some vocal improvisation. “Love Sneaks In” from “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”. Need something current that’s also a ballad? Perfect choice! “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway”- from “Spamalot”. Perfect for the man who is an “actor first, baritone second”! Very patter-like and needs a comedian to sell it but that goes without saying, doesn’t it? See Also: Best Audition Songs for Baritones [Video] Repertoire selection becomes a piece of cake once you establish who YOU are (comedian, ingenue,  baritone, belter, etc.). After knowing your type, it’s all simply a matter of two really big things: what shows are being cast (all modern? All classic? A mix of the two?), and what YOU truly enjoy performing. There is so much out there that theres no excuse for using a song you think is just okay as an audition piece. The audition panel will always be able to tell! Have fun discovering new shows and songs are one of the best parts of being a “musical theatre geek”! Want even more audition  song ideas?  Check out our list of 400+ songs to sing,  and our newest article the 50 best audition songs for musicals. Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Rande Archer

How Will the AP Physics B Exam Change in May 2015

How Will the AP Physics B Exam Change in May 2015 In May 2015, the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics B exam will undergo some change. Reviewing the breakdown of these changes below will help students to ensure readiness for the new exam when it premieres. The need for change The National Research Council (NRC) recently determined that the AP Physics B course covered too wide a breadth of material so wide that students were not developing a deep enough understanding of concepts. To improve exploration of such materials, and to expand the scope of knowledge covered, the NRC made a recommendation that AP Physics B be divided into a two-year course, effectively doubling its length. Content is now divided across two years, the first of which is the equivalent of a first college semester of algebra-based physics. The class will cover: Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; electronic circuits; and mechanical waves and sound, with an emphasis in inquiry labs and physics state standards. The second course will serve as a second semester college-equivalent course and will cover fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Splitting the course into two separate entities will provide for more hands-on learning, as well as a greater overall understanding of the curriculum. These are some great tips on how to ace your AP courses. Changes in learning objectives When the AP Physics B course becomes two courses, the learning objectives will also change to reflect the new organization. These objectives will now fall under seven categories, which outline the framework of introductory physics. The learning objectives are presented as a checklist that provide exactly what a student is responsible for knowing and demonstrating in order to receive college credit. The learning objectives also define what will be on the exam; questions that do not match up with one or more objectives will not be on either test. Each objective is associated with both knowledge of physics and basic foundational science principles. Course vs. test While the AP Physics course is recommended to be taught as two courses, each lasting the duration of one year, each school is responsible for setting their own AP schedule. Students who do not take AP courses are still eligible to take AP exams. This means that the exam can be taken, no matter how you have prepared for it. While it is recommended that students and teachers follow the approved exam schedule, a student has the opportunity to try their hand at the test under any circumstances. To be more prepared for the exam, it is recommended that students take Physics over two years, on the same lines as the AP Physics course. Here are 3 questions to ask yourself before taking an AP course. The test The AP Physics exam will be offered in two exams: one for AP Physics 1 and the other for AP Physics 2. Each exam requires three hours, and both can be taken in one year. Like the previous exam, the two will require students to complete both multiple choice and free response questions. Questions on the new tests will assess how well students understand physics conceptually, which means test takers will be required to demonstrate understanding by applying science practices. This involves more writing in free response sections, though the tests will contain fewer of these questions. The free response questions will focus heavily on qualitative and quantitative explanations, reasoning, and justification of answers given. The changed tests will also include a question focusing on experimental design. This question will require students to demonstrate a full range of knowledge in order to explain the various steps of an experiment. Also, while the old test emphasized the use of mathematics to solve problems, the new test will be more cumulative in its approach, asking students to rely on a breadth of knowledge involving math, reasoning, knowledge of the scientific method, and so on. These are 3 common mistakes to avoid on AP exams. Test format The former AP Physics B exam involved 70 multiple-choice questions over a 90-minute time period and six or seven free response questions over a 90-minute time period. Now, the AP Physics 1 exam will have 50 multiple-choice questions over 90 minutes and five free response questions over 90 minutes. One free response question will deal with experimental design, another will deal with qualitative/quantitative translation, and the remaining three will take the style of short answer. The AP Physics 2 exam will follow the same format, but will limit the number of free response questions to four, cutting out the third short answer question. While these changes may seem significant, they will ultimately leave students better prepared for college physics. Working with AP Physics B tutors can be of great help in this process as well. By spreading the acquisition of knowledge over two years, students will be more knowledgeable, prepared, and confident in their abilities to perform advanced physics.

Becoming a Russian Teacher

Becoming a Russian Teacher How to Become a Russian Teacher ChaptersPostgraduate Qualifications for TeachingApplying to Teacher Training ProgrammesDifferent Teaching Training ProgrammesTeaching Russian PrivatelyTeaching Russian as a Private Tutor“It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.” - Fyodor DostoyevskyThere are around 280 million Russian speakers in the world. Russian is an East Slavic language and is an official language in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Moldova. In fact, Russian is the biggest member of the Slavic languages.The language was the official language of the Soviet Union (USSR) and as a result, became an essential part of politics in Russia and Eastern Europe.  Nowadays, the language is still widely spoken and has become very important in language learning. You can learn more about Russian online.Learning Russian is a great way to discover a new culture, a new civilisation, and Russian literature.Would you like to travel from Moscow to Saint Pete rsburg?Would you like to teach Russian language courses?That could be a good motivation for learning Russian. Once you've been studying Russian for a while and have gained proficiency, you can start passing on your language skills to other people interested in speaking Russian.Have you thought about teaching Russian?In this article, we'll be looking at the PGCE, how to get onto a course, some other teacher training programmes, and becoming a private Russian tutor. LavaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LarisaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors InaRussian Teacher 4.88 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IrynaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvgeniaRussian Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnastassiaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NikolaRussian Teacher 5.00 (4) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MargaritaRussian Teacher 5.00 (3) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPostgraduate Qualifications for TeachingJust being able to speak Russian won’t be enough to teach it to secondary school students. You’ll need a teaching qualification.There's no simple way to become a Russian teacher. You have to work at it. (Source: freephotocc)The most common way to teach in secondary schools is through the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).  As the name suggests, this is a qualification you do once you’ve completed your degree. Usually, a teacher will complete a degree in the subject they wish to teach and then complete the PGCE to gain the necessary teaching skills to teach it.During your undergraduate degree, you’ll focus on understanding Russian grammar, Russian culture, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading, and writing.  Your degree will help you become a master of the language. You’ll also probably have an opportunity to spend some time in Russia to further your understanding of the language and culture.Of course, you may want to consider doing another language alongside Russian since very few schools teach the language and it’s always a good idea to have another foreign language on your CV.  Once you’ve finished your degree, it’s time to start looking at teacher training opportunities.As we said, the PGCE is the most common. This is the programme that includes university tuition as part of the teacher training.  The first part of the application through UCAS is called “Apply 1”. There’s also “Apply 2” for those that are rejected, withdraw from their offers, etc.The application process is long and complicated (like all application processes of this nature), but there are plenty of resources out there, especially those provided by UCAS themselves, to help you with this.  Once your application is successful, then the real work can begin.Applying to Teacher Training ProgrammesIf you want to teach Russian (or any other language) in a secondary school, you’ll need to be a qualified teacher.Make sure you practise for your interview. (Source: StockSnap)This means that you’ll need a teaching qualification and qualified teacher status (QTS).  To get this, you’ll need to do a teacher training programme. Before you can do a teacher training programme, you’ll need to apply to one.As we said earlier, there are two application statuses: Apply 1 and Apply 2. During Apply 1, you can make 3 choices for training programmes you’d like to do.These choices need to all be made at the same time as you can’t add further choices under Apply 1. Training programmes have academic and non-academic criteria that need to be met.Apply 1Three choices. Any route, subject, age group, etc.You don’t have to use all three choices but you can’t add to them.Make your choices carefully.Apply 2One choice at a time.Unlimited choices.Occurs if your Apply 1 choices were unsuccessful, declined, or you withdrew from them.You can still apply for a programme you were unsuccessful for in Apply 1.You’ll have to attend an interview before you can be offered a place.  You’ll have ten working days to respond to offers. In Apply 1, this ten-day period starts once you’ve had responses from all your choices.  Of course, working in a secondary school isn’t the only way to teach foreign languages or Russian. LavaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LarisaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors InaRussian Teacher 4.88 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IrynaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvgeniaRussian Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnastassiaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NikolaRussian Teacher 5.00 (4) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MargaritaRussian Teacher 5.00 (3) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDifferent Teaching Training ProgrammesJust like teaching in secondary schools isn’t the only way to go, the PGCE isn’t the only way to become a teacher.The PGCE includes a lot of work and study. (Source: StockSnap)There are over a dozen different ways to get qualified teacher status (QTS) in the UK.  You can find teacher training programmes in England through the Department for Education.  If you’re looking for programmes in Wales and Scotland, you can search using UCAS’ own search tool.  The process is a little different in Northern Ireland.Once you’ve found the right training programme for you, you’ll need to get your application ready. Take your time comparing different programmes and doing your research.Of course, you don’t need to teach as part of the national curriculum. There are plenty of other ways to teach Russian. You can teach in private language schools, associations, or as a private Russian tutor.Teaching Russian PrivatelyIf y ou don’t fancy being a teacher in a state school, you can take your teaching to private institutions or even work for yourself.Outside of the national curriculum, there are fewer formal qualifications required to teach Russian. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can just walk through the door and start teaching. You’ll need to be good at both Russian and teaching and be able to prove it. While qualifications are always a good way to prove this, experience, references, and even the interview are also good ways to prove yourself worthy.The advantage of working in language schools or at associations is that you don’t need to find your students.  Additionally, the students will have chosen to learn Russian and will have more enthusiasm than secondary school pupils who may be being forced to study a given subject.Of course, that doesn’t mean that all your students will be nice and you won’t get to choose them like you would if you were a private Russian tutor.Find good Rus sian courses London on this platform.Teaching Russian as a Private TutorIf you decide to become a private tutor, you’re the boss. You don’t need any formal qualifications in Russian or teaching.Work, work, work! (Source: Free-Photos)Of course, you’ll be operating within a free market and you’ll need to prove yourself to your students through your teaching. Word of mouth, reviews, and recommendations will be your best friends when it comes to finding students.In this line of work, you can choose your rates, your timetable (given it works with your students), and what and how you teach.  You can teach general Russian tutorials or specialise in certain aspects of the language such as:Russian GrammarThe Cyrillic AlphabetRussian conversation skillsGrammatical conceptsRussian verbs, adjectives, nouns, adverbs, etc.Russian sentence structure, syntax, and words and phrases.So are you ready to start teaching Russian?Before you start helping students with their language study, think c arefully about the type of language course you want to teach.Would you prefer teaching Russian as a second language in a school or would you prefer tailoring Russian courses to private students?Do you want to teach Russian in the UK or abroad?While western European languages are commonly taught here in the UK, in places like Ukraine, Ukrainian and Russian are both used.  If you want to teach Russian courses, you should think about going to places where it's a common second language.There are no official requirements for private tutors so if you want to start teaching Russian vocabulary to beginners, you can start teaching your Russian language lessons while studying Russian as an undergraduate at university, for example.Even if you're not doing Russian studies, you can always teach people about the Russian alphabet and Russian speaking culture with intensive private tutorials. As long as you know what you're teaching and are good at teaching it, you can teach whatever you want as a private tutor.While being fluent in Russian will help, if you don't use the right teaching techniques, it won't matter if you know every conjugation, personal pronouns, and tonnes about the language of the former Soviet Union.If you want to become a private tutor, consider making your profile on Superprof today. You can offer both one-on-one tutorials and online tutorials!

What is the ASVAB Test Get ASVAB Tutor Help Today! - Private Tutoring

What is the ASVAB Test Get ASVAB Tutor Help Today! Jelena Feb 10, 2016 Find a top rated ASVAB tutor near you! It's simple and secure - Get real results fast. Find expert private tutors at reasonable rates today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson  ASVAB or The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a military entrance test that measures your ability currently and predicts your future occupational and academic success in a military career. The ASVAB is the most taken multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. Its common for test takers to be looking for ASVAB help before they take the test. Over one million high school students and post-secondary students take this test. This test is used by all five branches of the U.S. Armed Services to determine the eligibility of the applicants for enlistment and qualification for a military career opportunity. The five branches of the U.S. Armed Services that use the ASVAB test are: Army Navy Marine Corps Air Force Coast Guard The ASVAB determines your skills by measuring your strengths, weaknesses, and your potential to make it far in the branch of military service that you might be pursuing. Who Can Take the ASVAB? This test is meant for both men and women planning to enlist in any of branches of the Armed Services. The requirements for taking the ASVAB are: You must be between the age of 17 and 35 years You need to have a high school diploma/GED equivalent, or you need to at least plan to graduate from high school or gain a GED certificate You have to be a U.S. citizen or an immigrant with permanent residence with naturalization documents You have to meet other requirements (marital status, dependents, moral character) What is Included In the ASVAB Tests? The content tested on the ASVAB is divided into eight subject areas (sub-tests): General Science This subtest measures your knowledge of the physical and biological sciences. Number of questions: 25 Time limit: 11 min Arithmetic Reasoning Measures your ability to solve various arithmetic word problems. Number of question: 30 Time limit: 36min Word Knowledge Measures your ability to choose the correct meaning of words given in context and to find the best synonym for a particular word. Number of question: 35 Time limit: 11 min Paragraph Comprehension Measures your ability to perceive and find information given in written passages Number of questions: 15 Time limit: 13 min Mathematics Knowledge Measures your knowledge of general mathematics principles; algebra and geometry included. Number of questions: 25 Time limit: 24 min Electronic Information Measures your knowledge of radio principles, electricity, and electronics. Number of questions: 20 Time limit: 9 min Auto and Shop Information Measures your knowledge of wood and metal shop practices as well as knowledge of automotive maintenance. Number of questions: 25 Time limit: 11 min Mechanical Comprehension Measures your knowledge of physical and mechanical principals and your ability to visualize how illustrated objects work. Number of questions: 25 Time limit: 19 min How Long is the ASVAB? You are given approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to finish the test. You Might Also Like: How to Study 25 Study Tips You Need Now ASVAB Help How Can You Prepare for the Test? There are three possible ways of preparing for the ASVAB test: Self-study If you are a highly self-motivated person, then you will probably choose to study on your own. You should make a schedule and a calendar to follow your progress. This is a bit challenging method to prepare for the ASVAB because you will need to collect the study material on your own and you might find it hard and time-consuming to get any questions you have regarding the study material or questions resolved.   You need to make sure that you test yourself and cover all areas and sections of the test during your review process.   Repeated review and studying of the different areas will make the actual test easier and you will feel more comfortable during the exam itself. Team or Small Group Study Some of us like to work in groups, and prepping for the ASVAB exam is a perfect time and method of preparing for the exam.   A small group of like-minded friends can make an excellent study environment and can be very motivating.   Group or team studying makes you stick to a schedule and be responsible about what you need to get done.   You will be letting others down if you dont show up or know the materials that are supposed to be covered each day.   You have others that you can ask questions of and run through various scenarios as well. Attending Classes Online and offline classes are a great way to prepare for your test. You can hire ASVAB tutors to guide you through your study process and to help you cope with the material. Private tutoring can be either online or in person home tutors , depending on your location and what works best with your schedule. Why Choose an ASVAB Tutor? Finding an ASVAB tutor, or tutor for any other test, is probably the best choice because it will save you hours of searching for the right material or answers. When you hire a tutor for your test, he or she will have the material ready for you, and is skilled in the topics that you need to know. ASVAB tutors also have practice tests prepared for you, as well as having completed the study material and tests themselves. This will enable you to be thoroughly prepared and comfortable about what will be on the actual exam. A regular study schedule is another “plus” of ASVAB tutoring. Your ASVAB tutor will make a personalized schedule, drafted based on your strong and weak points. The tutor you hire will get to know your weaknesses and will help you turn your weaknesses into your strengths. Having a tutor help you with all the problematic questions and areas is crucial because you need to learn things the right way, and you need to understand why the answer is right or wrong. Clearing up any questions or problematic areas is exactly what your tutor is planning on doing. ASVAB practice tests are provided by the tutor you hire. These practice tests not only help you determine problematic areas but also prepare you mentally for taking the test. Many of us have the “exam anxiety” that includes nervousness, loss of focus or concentration and fear when taking an exam. When you have a chance to see what the test will look like before taking it, and what will the questions be like, it’s less probable you will panic on the day of your real test. You will be prepared and armed now only with great knowledge but with self-confidence and good concentration. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com Hiring an ASVAB tutor to help you with your test will make studying easier and will help you to comprehend the material better and in a shorter time. Not only will it help preparing for an exam, it can also help you score better.   The ASVAB tutors will personalize the study program for you and will do everything to make it easier for you and to make studying more interesting. You will feel much better and more motivated knowing there is a tutor who is willing to help you out and is going to be on your team as you prep for this test. Choosing private ASVAB tutoring is the fastest way to learn everything you have to know to pass the exam and start building your career in the U.S. military. ASVAB practical tests, study material, a personalized study schedule and the ASVAB classes, both online and offline, are your way to ace the ASVAB and get ready for your new military career! Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson

The Tutorfair Foundation Celebrates 1,000 Volunteer Placements

The Tutorfair Foundation Celebrates 1,000 Volunteer Placements On Wednesday 30th October 2019, The Tutorfair Foundation placed its 1,000th volunteer. This is a huge milestone for a small organisation and a testament to the power and appeal of volunteer-led solutions in education. At the Foundation, we spend most of our time thinking at the scale of one project at a time, asking what can a handful of volunteers do for these students or this school? At this landmark moment in our journey, we want to step back and ask a bigger question: what have we done with our first 1,000 volunteers? We asked the Foundation’s Director, Joss Serraillier, to give us his thoughts. Why do so many tutors volunteer? The effectiveness of one-to-one and small group tuition is beyond question. Every year, schools across the UK spend hundreds of millions on individualised support for their students, and in the private sector the market is booming. In London, as many as 40% of students have had a private tutor supplement their education. Every educator in the country can tell you the problem this raises for a society in which a child’s academic success is still so closely linked to their parents’ income.   In setting up programmes and recruiting volunteers, we have to answer a lot of questions. We’re asked about the practicalities and logistics of the placement; travel arrangements and timetables. We’re asked about age groups, class sizes and how to work with teachers. But we’re never asked why. Why do you do this? Why should I help? It’s plain that tutors understand implicitly both the value that they can add to the lives of students from less advantaged backgrounds and the rewards that they’ll get in return. And, therefore, they understand the Foundation’s mission. Our opportunities remove the barriers between tutors and the students who need them the most â€" and that’s enough to turn the wheel. We receive volunteer applications every single day from tutors from a wide variety of backgrounds â€" all with a drive to learn, to grow, and to do what they can to help. Where did it all begin? The first tutor to volunteer for the Foundation was one of Tutorfair’s founders - Mark Maclaine. A market-transcending tutor with more than 20,000 hours experience, Mark volunteered with students at Central Foundation Boy’s School as part of a collaboration with The Access Project.  He recalls that the most important outcome from the sessions was not in topics covered or questions answered, but in the shifting attitude he saw from his tutee towards their teachers. Seven years later came number 1,000 â€" Janet. An astronomy Ph.D and butterfly enthusiast, Janet tutors A-Level physics at Oaklands School in East London. Already travelling up to London each week to tutor, Janet discovered the Foundation looking online for opportunities to tutor on a voluntary basis. You can read her thoughts on the rewards of volunteering here.   Who have we helped? At the end of October 2019, Tutorfair volunteers have provided free tutoring to 9,419 students across many projects and partnerships. The projects are selected on the basis of students’ need. Any school in which more than 50% of the student population qualifies for Pupil Premium Grant is eligible for support from the Foundation, but not all projects have been school-based. The Foundation also supports extra-curricular projects in areas of high deprivation and worked with students struggling with mental or physical ill-health, bullying or displacement. What do we want to do next? The Foundation is currently running a number of volunteer projects across London and Birmingham. If you would like to volunteer you can sign up here  to find out more. We hope to reach our next milestone â€" 10,000 students helped â€" before the end of 2019/20 academic year. Nesta’s pilot of Tutorfair On-Demand has come to an end and we are seeking grant funding to continue to improve and expand the service. If you would like to support our fundraising efforts in any way, contact the team at foundation@tutorfair.com. To help us reach our next 1,000 tutors we want to step up our in-school programme in the New Year. We’re always on the lookout for fresh partnerships; for organisations who share our ethos and our aims and would either like to fund or to benefit from the work that we do at the Foundation. If you or your organisation would like to be involved with the work that we do, you can reach out to me directly at joss@tutorfair.com.

In the Defense of Journalism

In the Defense of Journalism Taken from Jazzed About Stuff Facebook, Twitter, videos uploaded from iPhones to YouTube; information comes swiftly speeding all over the globe to reach those thirsty for information. It’s amazing how, within seconds of some major news event, anyone with complete access to the internet can be updated with the knowledge of that event’s existence. Today in our internet age the consumer is incredibly fortunate to be able to acquire information at the tips of their fingers in an instant, but while the digital age is booming with new possibilities, journalists are becoming concerned about their own futures. As young students of journalism, naturally, they’re thinking about the future and whether it’s a waste of time to go into such a field that, to a large amount of individuals, seems so up in the air. With the amount of uncertainty that exists during a time when tuition costs are high, jobs are limited and student loans still need to be paid back after graduation, journalism seems less appealing to those attempting to make a career out of it. So why not just give up on journalism and let the non-journalists on the internet do all the work? Well, the journalists of today are retold over and over again as to why journalists still exist and why they will most likely continue to exist in the future. The Crystal Cox case reminds us that journalists need special protections, as a part of their work, to ensure their sources remain confidential,” CJ Cornell wrote in an article for PBS’s Idea Lab. “Occupy Wall Street represents countless examples where journalists are granted special access.” Crystal Cox refers to herself as an “investigative blogger” and not a journalist. What’s the difference you ask? Well Kevin Padrick, an attorney and co-founder of Obsidian Finance Group in Lake Oswego, Ore, was able to sue Crystal Cox for defamation after she blogged that he acted illegally and unethically as a trustee in a federal bankruptcy proceeding. Because she wasn’t tied to any news publication with legal teams, and didn’t have the definition of a journalist backing her up with her freedom of the press, she ended up losing her case and ended up having to pay $2.5 million to Padrick. The backing that Cox lacked ended up hurting her in the long run, but for others, lacking the proper skill and training can lead you in the path toward inaccurate information. The regular Joes on the blogosphere may get a story out through Twitter as soon as it happens, but fact checking, research, interviews and proofreading from journalism professionals will answer the who, what, when, where, why and how that you may not get from a tweet. Journalism school encourages eager young people searching for careers, in starting a conversation and spreading knowledge about the world around them, to learn more about gathering accurate information and distributing the truth to people willing to stay in the loop. The digital age obvious creates new challenges and situations that did not exist in the older days when print journalism was king, but if journalism adapts and uses these new technologies as tools, rather than large obstacles, to produce the same quality work in a new and exciting way, then journalism will thrive. “Never forget that journalism is all about the public,” said Geneva Overholser, director of USC Annenberg’s School of Journalism, in a recent Nieman Journalism Lab article. “We can easily focus on the new technologies, the new social media tools, and the new possibilities for financial support. Yet the far more interesting and promising change is the new way of working with the public to make journalism better than it has ever been.”

12 Reasons Your Resume May Have Been Overlooked

12 Reasons Your Resume May Have Been Overlooked Image via https://pixabay.com 1. The Formatting is Off While it may seem simple, ensuring that your resume is formatted properly is essential when applying for jobs. Making a simple mistake in the formatting can make you seem unprofessional or careless to the person evaluating your application. If a recruiter looks at your resume and sees sloppy or odd formatting, they may simply move on without even reading what it says. Make sure that, above all, your resume is consistent. The font should be the same throughout, and the font size should be consistent as well. Double-check that the spacing is the same within each line of each section, and keep the margins on either side of the page even. Before you send your resume off to a recruiter, print it out so that you can see it on paper, as this will help you identify any mistakes and ensure that it looks neat. 2. It Looks Unprofessional While you do want your resume to stand out, make sure that your accomplishments are what creates this effect, rather than trying to catch a recruiter’s eye with a funky font or a bright color. You should always type up your resume in a professional font and a dark color. Make sure that you keep your language professional as well. Your resume is not the place to use contractions or slang. If you’re worried that some of the language used on your resume is too casual, try asking a friend to read it over, as they’ll be able to give you a fresh perspective and may spot some issues that you overlooked. 3. You Focus on Common Characteristics While certain characteristics, such as being responsible and organized, are important for most jobs, they’re also probably the most common qualities that applicants put on their resumes. No matter how true they are for you, they probably won’t make your resume stand outâ€"in fact, they may cause your resume to be overlooked because recruiters won’t see anything in your resume that they can’t find elsewhere. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing to include these typical characteristics on your resume, make sure that you also emphasize some qualities that make you unique. For instance, if you feel like you work particularly well with others or feel like you stand out in the direct way that you deal with people, these would be good characteristics to work into your resume so you won’t be overlooked. Infographic by Christine Ascher Whenever you’re applying to a bunch of jobs at the same time, especially during the school year when you’re busy with schoolwork, it can be tempting to just send out the same resume to every job that you apply for. However, in many cases, this is a mistake and can cause your resume to be overlooked, as it may not seem to relate directly to the job at hand. While similar positions may require a similar background and strengths, every company nevertheless looks for different qualities in their employees. 5. You’re Not Using Specifics Simply listing your past accomplishments on your resume may cause your application to be overlooked by a recruiter. If you’re not including specifics on your resume, then you’re probably not standing out. After all, a recruiter may not know what a big deal it was for you to win a certain award unless they know details such as how big the pool of candidates was and how many people are typically chosen for the award. You always want to include specific numbers and statistics on your resume when describing your past responsibilities as well; for instance, rather than just stating that you tutored students, write how many students you’ve helped and include a specific example of how much one of your students was able to improve their grade with your help. Putting these specific details on your resume will give a recruiter a much better idea of what your capable of, and will keep them interested as they’re able to fully understand the accomplishments that you’re most proud of. 6. It Seems Unfocused                                                                                                                                                               One common mistake that students make on their resumes that can cause it to be overlooked is including as many positions and accomplishments on it as they can, whether or not they’re truly relevant to the job that they’re applying for. While it may be tempting, especially for a college student who doesn’t have a ton of past experience to choose from, to include everything that you can think of on your resume, it’s far more important that your resume is tailored to the specific field that you’re interested in. If your resume seems scattered, a recruiter may think that you’re not truly interested in that area, but are merely submitted resumes everywhere to see if anything works. Though, of course, it’s not a bad thing to have a diverse range of experiences and interests, make sure that it’s clear what your main area of focus is on your resume. If you do have to include some experience in a different area, make sure you highlight how the skills that you gained from that position can translate into this new field. 7. You Don’t Explain the Purpose of Your Past Responsibilities Another common resume mistake that can cause your resume to be passed by is the failure to highlight the importance of your responsibilities in past positions. Simply listing your duties in past jobs doesn’t make much of an impression on recruiters, as it doesn’t show them the significance of what you were doing. If you explain the purpose of each of your responsibilities, they’ll get a better idea of the significance of your role, as well as your overall purpose in that role. For instance, if you spoke to customers over the phone in a past job, include a statement of purpose after describing that responsibility, such as “to ensure customer satisfaction.” In addition to highlighting the importance of what you did, this will also show recruiters that you were aware of the bigger picture in your past jobsâ€"in other words, rather than being focused only on your own job, you understood how your role contributed to the more general success of the company. 8. It’s Confusing Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to evaluate your own writing from an objective standpoint. As a result, sometimes a description that makes perfect sense to you can leave a recruiter confused. Especially if you’re used to working in a certain job where you may have used a specific software or had unusual responsibilities, a recruiter may have trouble understanding exactly what you’re trying to say when you describe your duties. Try to read your resume from the perspective of an outsider to see if it would make sense to someone else reading it for the first time. It can also be a huge help to have a friend read over your resume to let you know whether or not it seems clear to them. Because recruiters tend to receive a large volume of applications, they’re probably not going to take the time to decipher what you’re trying to say if they don’t understand something on your resume; instead, they’ll just move on. For this reason, it’s essential to make sure that y our writing is clear and easy to understand for an outsider. 9. It’s Unbalanced One thing to keep in mind when working on your resume is that you don’t want it to appear too heavily slanted towards your academic achievements or professional experiences. Instead, you want to show that you have excelled in both of these areas. If you dedicate a lot of space on your resume to your academic achievements, but fail to highlight your work experience, for instance, a recruiter may assume that you don’t have valuable work experience. Conversely, if you have a wide range of work experience on your resume but don’t mention much in the way of academics, someone looking over your resume may think that you’re leaving off academic information for a reason. Most recruiters are looking for someone who has done well in school, as this shows them that you’re hard-working, and who has work experience, as this shows them that you can do well in a professional environment. For this reason, having a resume that focuses all on one area and neglects the other can cause your re sume to be overlooked. Image via https://pixabay.com 10. The Experience You’re Listing Isn’t Recent While most college students only have a limited amount of experience to highlight on their resume, given that they’re relatively new to the working world, it’s still a good idea to keep in mind that the experience you should list on your resume should be recent. In other words, if you’re listing positions that you occupied before starting college, that may cause a recruiter to pass on your resume as they might believe that you haven’t been trying to gain new work experience more recently. Though the most important thing to keep in mind when listing work experience on your resume is its relevance to the position in question, it’s also a good idea to make sure that you’re focusing on the more recent jobs you’ve hadâ€"especially as they’re probably better than the ones you had in high school or early on in your undergraduate career. 11. You Don’t Highlight What Makes You Unique While you don’t want your resume to be too crazy, it is a good idea to highlight some characteristics that make you unique and can set you apart from other applicantsâ€"otherwise, a recruiter will have no reason to pause and take a second look at your resume. Including a section for additional skills is a great place to let your unique talents shine, so make sure you don’t leave it off. If you speak a second language, excel in a certain sport, or play a musical instrument, for instance, these are great things to mention on your resume. While they may not necessarily translate into skills for the job that you’re applying for, they’ll give a recruiter an idea of your interests and hobbies outside of the workplaceâ€"which will, in turn, give them a better idea of what you might be like to work with, which another important part of the hiring process. 12. The Address on Your Resume Doesn’t Match the Location of the Job Though you may be perfectly willing to move to a new city for a job or internship, a recruiter won’t necessarily know this when going through your application. As a result, if you’re applying for jobs far away from where you currently live, a recruiter may overlook your resume simply because they’re not sure how realistic it is to expect you to move. For this reason, when you’re applying for jobs that would require you to move cities, make sure you mention somewhere in your application, perhaps in your cover letter, that you’re okay with relocating. That way, a recruiter will understand the situation and won’t pass over your resume simply due to your location. Your resume is probably the most important part of your job application, as it gives a recruiter their first impression of your personality, experiences, and strengths. Getting your resume just right is therefore crucial. Make sure that you read it over several times before sending it out, and that you take some time to address the potential issues listed above in order to ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward when applying for those jobs.