Importance of Organic Chemistry Tutor in Order to Prepare For the Exam

Importance of Organic Chemistry Tutor in Order to Prepare For the ExamIf you are planning to take your test on April 24, then you should hire an organic chemistry tutor in order to prepare for the exam. It is essential that you study and learn about the subject and its examples. Inorganic chemistry requires a great deal of attention and the more you understand, the better it will be for you. You should also make it a point to ask your tutor questions.There are many advantages of hiring an organic chemistry tutor ml. Firstly, you get an opportunity to brush up on what you need to know about the subject before the exam. Another advantage is that you get enough time to work on other parts of your exam preparation. Moreover, you also get guidance and help in all the possible ways.It is also important that you check with your own school whether they allow the tutor ml. If you do not have any idea about this, then you can find out if the school allows students to join chemistry tutors. The tutor ml should be able to answer your questions as they are helping you out. They should also be knowledgeable about organic chemistry. It will help them in answering all your queries.If you have a family and they have children, it is good to ensure that your tutor ml is working with a university. It will help you in meeting the teachers who have earned a Ph.D. Inorganic chemistry is a difficult subject and you should not put yourself in a position where you do not pass the exam.However, if you are taking this course online, then make sure that the school permits the online chemistry tutor ml. Otherwise, you will not be able to interact with him or her, which will make things much harder for you.When you start looking for an organic chemistry tutor ml, you can start from the internet and search for his details. Then, you can ask for recommendations from the friends and relatives you have. This will help you in the whole process.The one thing that you should be careful about when y ou talk to the professor or is to keep your mind clear about the subject matter. If you are convinced that you need help, then you should focus on getting the support that you need. Sometimes, there might be a need to consult a lawyer ml. After you have done this, you will have achieved a lot.

5 Must-Read Tips if You Want to Get Signed as a Singer

5 Must-Read Tips if You Want to Get Signed as a Singer Suzy S. Do you dream of getting a record deal? Here, Santa Monica, CA singing teacher  Lauren C.  shares her tips for breaking into the industry and getting your voice heard I coach a lot of young singers who aspire to secure record label deals and establish successful music careers. Some of my students have secured contracts with labels like Motown Records, and I myself have recorded with Grammy-award winning producers in Los Angeles and recorded tracks with chart-topping artists. So, what are the labels looking for today? What tips can you employ to get ahead in the cutthroat, competitive world of recording music? Heres my best advice on  how to get a record deal and make it in the industry. Do invest in voice lessons. We live in the era of The Voice, after all, and there is a taste for truly good vocalists in the entertainment industry as much as ever before perhaps more than ever before. We are in a golden age of vocal acrobats and technique. It’s hard to compete in this saturated market if you do not have real chops. There are always unique and untrained voices in the world of pop and rock, but its important to learn to sing in a healthy way to preserve your voice for many years. You will also more easily and quickly expand your range, and diversify the tones and vocal colors at your disposal. A good teacher will never hinder your style or your unique tone he or she will help you sing with healthy technique and increase your vocal potential. And gone are the days that voice teachers only teach classical technique. Many of us are still grounded in this technique; I am. But these days, many teachers teach all styles (I do) or are particularly suited to a particular singing style or genre. Find a teacher you gel with, and commit to years of study and regular vocal exercise. The Internet is your friend. Use it. We are all familiar with artists who have broken on the Internet. If you want to gain exposure, you don’t need to wait to get signed; in fact you  need  to start gaining exposure and attracting fans before a label is going to look at you these days. Create a YouTube channel, join SoundCloud and post your tracks, join TuneCore and distribute your own music via iTunes and Spotify, and check out ReverbNation. Utilize all social media platforms to cross-publicize your work. Post your latest SoundCloud release on Twitter, on your Facebook fan page, etc. Comment on and follow other artists to expand your network and get their comments and likes back. But don’t forget the Internet is not everything. Sing locally. Sing at your school, church, find a local open mic, get a permit to busk if there is an area in your city this is popular (like the 3rd Street Promenade here in California). Also, network make human contact and collaborate with other local musicians. Try co-writing most songs are NOT written by just one person. Check out Musicnotes.com  and download your favorite pop song. Chances are you will see at least two co-writing credits. Try to connect with people who may have more experience or knowledge than you, and see if they are interested in collaborating. Also, take constructive criticism along the way the only way to get better is to take notes, and improve what you need to improve. Opinions are subjective, but take it on board and see if it resonates with you. Always strive to improve. Note the difference between recording in the studio and performing live. Both are important, but they are two different animals. In the recording studio, the microphone is like a camera it captures everything. So never feel bad if you need a little auto-tune. Auto-tune is like Photoshop. A skilfull producer will auto-tune your tracks so that they sound tuned to the natural ear. You may sing very close to perfect tuning live, but in the studio, a fraction off is picked up and we hear it. Do find producers or a studio you can record some demos with. In the long run, you really want to produce commercial-quality tracks to be taken seriously by labels. And note that long before you have a label, you can get licensing deals on your own and get your songs into a film, commercial, or video games if the recordings are professional enough. Sometimes this is what brings more attention from labels and managers. On the other hand, working with producers can be expensive. If you are just starting out, see if you can find a less-experienced producer, and try to negotiate an affordable fee to start learning the ropes of singing in the studio. It can be nerve-wracking. Here are some additional tips for singing in a studio: Always warm up thoroughly before you begin. Do a full take through of the song, then go back to repeat sections or lines until you are in love with the delivery. When a take is the one, you always know! Unlike singing live, most recordings are takes spliced together. Remember that everyone is unique. What you do may not be what Rihanna does. Be kind to yourself and just focus on getting a great result. Finally, just as you would for singing live, stay hydrated with water, and use lozenges like Ricola. Split up a session over a few days if you need to. Determine what makes you unique. As a recording artist, you are a brand. This is different from someone working in musical theatre, for example that performer is pursuing auditions, getting hired, playing a role already written, and has probably performed dozens of times. You are more or less fitting a mold and doing a job for hire. But when you are a recording artist, you have the opportunity to be your own boss, write your own material, and create your own opportunities. To get ahead, you will need to define what is unique about your music, your voice, and your brand. So take some time to develop this, and think about all aspects of your brand. What do people see when you walk in the room? Is your look working for or against you? Think about clothes, artwork for albums, production styles, instruments, and vocal delivery and tone. Are you a power rock belter? Are you a subdued singer-songwriter? What about your voice is helping or hurting you when you try to convey your style?   If youre wondering how to get a record deal, these tips will help your brand stand out to reps. And that will lead you down the path to a successful music career.  Lauren C. is a singing teacher in Santa Monica, CA. Shes a classically trained soprano with  a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance. She teaches students  of all ages and in all styles ranging from opera to pop to rock.  Learn more about Lauren 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 Jared Polin

Why Introverts Tend to Be More Successful Than Extroverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why Introverts Tend to Be More Successful Than Extroverts - Introvert Whisperer Why Introverts Tend to Be More Successful Than Extroverts Introverts are often perceived as people who are reserved, quiet and hesitant. In comparison to their extrovert counterparts, introverts are sometimes regarded inferior and are assumed to be at a disadvantage in life, even in their careers. It is straightforward to see why extroverts are preferred over their quieter introverted counterparts in a society where speaking up is affiliated with accomplishments. The greater the personality, the more likely an individual will be to achieve success. Thankfully, this is not the case for introverts. Introverts have a lot of qualities that go completely unnoticed and are actually major drivers to achievement and success. In fact, introverts are among the worlds great minds such as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Page and more. Read and understand how traits of an introvert can stand out more successfully than an extrovert. Good Listeners Introverts process information internally. They listen all the time. They listen more than they speak-processing what they hear. Whether or not they  speak their  mind, they  think  about things. They have their own stance on everything. More likely they  have  the soundest judgment because they  always weigh  down things. So, if an introvert is quiet, don’t mean they are not paying attention, they are thinking internally about things that are said. Creative Through their introversion, minds like Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Larry Page, and Steve Jobs became successful professionals. Introverts are experienced and insightful thinkers. They constantly visualize, associate and innovate This is the same processing of the brain that is liable for the workplace excellence of other introverts. They resort to ‘out of the box solutions if things do not work and find better feasible and  effective solutions. They come up with new approaches  when the previous ones are  over-used. With nothing but their natural ability to think and visualize, everything is possible for them. Attentive Introverts are  not just great listeners; they are also  well-aware  of the environment they are in  and the things that happen all around them  because  they are observant and  attentive. In order to be successful, they can take notes  of both  the failures and successes of others and scoop up  what to do and what to avoid. Mindful Speech Introverts dont hop  into social discussions. If they are forced to enter into conversations unexpectedly, they would likely stumble over their thoughts. Introverts are constantly listening and thinking about what might be said in a conversation. They cautiously pick their words, thus  when an introvert speaks, you know that they are  carefully weighing their word  in hopes of conveying something important if they get an  opportunity. Self-Governing Introverts are not socially  interactive. If they have  a choice,  they would rather stay at home than join a party. Theyd prefer working on their own than with a team. Its not because of indifference or anything, nor is it because theyre selfish or just thinking about themselves. In fact, they chose to work alone to accomplish things that can be advantageous to everyone around, irrespective of whether or not others are consciously aware. Good Communicators Many people are amazed that introverts make excellent communicators in the public sphere. The reason is that they spend plenty of time preparing to make absolutely sure that they speak the best. So, their colleagues understand it well. For introverts, choice of a wrong word can mess up everything. This is an unwritten rule for them. They are extremely careful about communicating with others, and it has led them to become influential speakers when they communicate, whether through  speaking or writing. Insightful Introverts are not prone to judging people. They  take time to understand their colleagues, their behavior, their manager, their choices, and circumstances that seem trivial and impossible to break. They plan for the future; they are intelligent and specific. They offer their organization quality results since they are able to discern more than anyone else. Naturally, introverts are careful and cautious, especially with anything that entails risk. They have a habit of planning as much forward as possible because they dont want anything that might be cynical to baffle them. For an organization that wants someone to show maturity and plan for the future, this can be a valuable skill.   Author Bio

Where Will You Go Next 3 Study Abroad Programs for Green Majors

Where Will You Go Next 3 Study Abroad Programs for Green Majors In this series, the Varsity Tutors Blog showcases unique study abroad programs that offer college students a world of educational possibilities. Have you participated in an unusual study abroad program? Let us know at blog@varsitytutors.com. Studying abroad offers you the unique chance to discover a new culture and expand your academics. Regardless of your major, there are engaging programs offered to students abroad. If youre a prospective green major, there are a multitude of opportunities to advance your studies overseas. From Duke Universitys conservation program in Australia to the University of California, Davis sustainability program in Northern Europe, students can choose from a variety of study abroad programs for green majors. Keep reading to learn about three study abroad programs for green majors: 1. Stony Brook Universitys Sustainability and Renewable Energy course in Costa Rica Stony Brook Universitys three-week study abroad program allows students to learn about Costa Ricas efforts to become more sustainable. The program also showcases Costa Ricas commitment to utilize renewable energy sources by visiting facilities, spending time in ecovillages, and speaking to local experts. This course can benefit students studying sustainability, environmental science, and environmental design. While the program is busy and ambitious, the last two days are spent in the city of Puerto Viejo, where students visit a chocolate factory and a jaguar rescue center. Stony Brook Universitys program gives students the opportunity to earn an International Permaculture certificate, focused on regenerative design, biodiversity, and permaculture. All students complete an exciting capstone project focused on one or more aspects of Costa Ricas sustainability efforts. [RELATED: 3 Green Majors Students Should Know About] 2. Duke Universitys Australia: Evolutionary Forge and Conservator program Duke University offers students a month-long program focused on biology, conservation, and environmental history in the ecologically rich and diverse country of Australia. Students spend time in many parts of the country, from the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland to Sydney in New South Wales. The course gives students the opportunity to learn about biodiversity across Australia and how its been shaped by human activity over time. The country is home to some of the most stunning and unique ecosystems on earth. Coursework involves field studies that are supplemented by readings, videos, and classroom discussions. The course is open to students of any major, but is best geared toward those with a focus on biology, conservation, or environmental history. [RELATED: 5 Myths (and Realities) About Study Abroad] 3. University of California,Davis Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe program In this month-long program, students visit eight to ten cities across four or five countries in northern Europe that focus on sustainability, such as Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; and Lucerne, Switzerland. Some themes students will encounter include: Urban transit Renewable energy systems Waste management Urban planning. This program gives students the opportunity to visit some of the most exciting cities across Europe on foot, bicycle, and by train. Theyll also learn how many European cities have embraced sustainability as a part of their culture. This program may appeal to students studying landscape architecture, environmental science and policy, and community and regional development. Students focused on these areas of sustainability will benefit from learning about green urban planning principles and design approaches. [RELATED: How to Choose a Foreign Language to Study] Regardless of your career goals, there are a plethora of green study abroad programs to advance your knowledge. Identify the areas youre most interested in, and research available programs to find the right fit for you. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Types of Biology Degrees

Types of Biology Degrees How to Choose a Major in Biology ChaptersWhat is Biology?Aquatic BiologyMolecular BiologyStudying Botany in Today's WorldUnderstanding and Studying ZoologyLearning and Careers in EcologyKnowing About MicrobiologyMost people would tell you their interest for science goes about as far as searching their symptoms on the internet when they’re feeling a sick, more often finding illnesses ten times more grave than what is nothing more than a common cold. While the study of your own body is very important, studying science, and more specifically, biology, can help you understand the world around you.In fact, biology is a branch of science that is part of our daily lives. Everything from investigating far off galaxies to understanding microscopic processes, biologists seek not only to uncover how things work, but how these discoveries can be applied to help us and our complex ecosystem. If you’re interested in learning more about biology, we’ll start by defining what the discipline is exactly. MahimaBiology Teacher 5 .00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Biology?The simplest way to start defining biology is to take a peek at the common dictionary definition of the subject. According to Merriam Webster, biology is “a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and vital processes.” While this definition is a bit broad, considering there are about 7.7 billion people in the world, it does serve as a great starting point into dealing with the hist orical development of the field.At the origin of studying general biology is it's simple definition, which is described as the study of all living things. This includes everything from humans, plants, and the microorganisms living all around us.There are three main recognized branches of biology, which include botany, zoology, and microbiology. While it seems to counter the vision of modern biology and its concerns with everything genetic and cellular - general biology can trace its origins back to ancient civilizations.Biology courses rarely mention the fun and rich history of the disciplineAll three branches of biology involve the scientist interacting with many different disciplines, including developmental biology and biochemistry.Understanding some of the basic components of molecular and organismal biology involve knowing about concepts such as cell division and heritable characteristics.Aquatic BiologyThe evolution of marine biology from simply trying to classify different sp ecies of sea creatures, to understanding the chemistry and DNA of the organisms that make up the vast network of aquatic animals is vital.While many of the disciplines we will carry a complex history that spans the centuries, marine biology is a relatively new branch of biology. It is characterized by the study of the animals and plants that live in an aquatic environment.Advancements in computer technology have enabled biologists to both track the evolutionary pathways of sea animals, as well as understand their physiology at a much more detailed scale.If you're interested in understanding what type of work marine biologists do, it might come as a surprise that these scientists can be found in all sectors of the workforce. While oceanography is the most obvious job for a marine biologists, they can also work as educators, policy advisors, as well as curators.Molecular BiologyWhile understanding the extensive, centuries-long history of biology can be fun, it can also lead to confusi on: just how many branches of biology exist today? Here, we break down yet another specialization within the discipline: molecular biology.While molecular biology is a relatively new discipline, in comparison to fields like botany and zoology, its history is just as rich and complex. Molecular biology first gained traction with Gregor Mendel's experiments dealing with genetic inheritance.Understanding not only the process by which genes are expressed but also the specific molecules that enable this expression, became the central focus of molecular biologists throughout the 20th century.The advancement of biotechnology both provided the mechanism through which further experimentation on genetic material could be carried out, as well as became part of a new wave of biology dealing with bioinformatics.Today, this discipline strives to understand genomics, which is the sequencing of DNA. Meaning, it deals with understanding which gene information is located on what genetic material.Look up for a  biology A Level tutor  now.Technology can aid in understanding the structure and function of many animals and plantsCareers in this field, which can range from laboratory technicians to general practitioners, are diverse and vast. The first step to attaining those jobs, however, is to make sure you understand the core concepts involved in the discipline.While there are many basic concepts involved in molecular biology, you should place your focus on understanding gene expression, nucleic acids, and macromolecules in general. MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStudying Botany in Today's WorldBotany is considered to be one of the three main branches in biology, and it covers a wide range of topics. The simplified definition of biology understands it as the study of both plants and how these plants interact with their environment.While botany as a discipline tends to be viewed as only involving work like maintaining botanical gardens, it is in fact one of the oldest disciplines in the world. So old, actually, its roots can be traced back to 300 BCE.The reason can be found in its main goal: understanding plants. Again, human dependence on plants led to the explosion in both classifying and categorizing all the different species of plants, but also understanding what causes changes in their environment.Careers in this field cover a vast array of different topics of biology. Work in education invo lves either teaching or providing educational material in the form of museums, guides or promotional material. On the other hand, work in governments always involves either research, advising, or conservation efforts.Botanists are also involved in the fields of wildlife and medicine. Understanding the biological processes of plants and their characteristics is an integral part of understanding both disease and maintaining national parks.If you're unsure about how to get started with an undergraduate degree in botany, or are struggling with the subjects in botany covered in your biology class, check out this guide to understanding everything about the field.Understanding and Studying ZoologyZoology makes up the second branch of biology and involves the study of animals and their environments. While this branch also includes interdisciplinary work, its essence can be boiled down to understanding both the structure and function of the makeup of animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.S tudying these types of organismal processes involves a large amount of understanding of cell division, morphology, taxonomy, life science and neurobiology.While the first real attempts at zoology where made through intensive classification systems of hunting and domestication, it later became important to understand the evolutionary pathways of animals. This was explored in the 19th-century work by Charles Darwin, whose explanations and investigations became part of evolutionary theory.If you're currently studying topics in zoology, there are many different terms you should have a handle on. However, some basic concepts that you should understand are energy transfers, vertebrates, and habitats.Some careers in zoology, different to what has already been mentioned, include taking on a role in chemistry, mammalogy, and conservation biology.Find a Biology teacher now.Learning and Careers in EcologyEcology can be seen as the marriage of many different topics within zoology, botany, and o ther biological sciences. It is defined as the study of all living things and their interactions with their environments.Ecology is also a relatively new discipline, as it was heavily ameliorated and developed by 20th century, technological innovation. Today, ecologists are focused on understanding the biological systems at work around us.Ecology is often understood to be linked with environmental science. However, it should not only be limited to this specialization, as it depends on a range of various topics like population dynamics, conservation and computational biology.Fortunately, there are many places to study ecology both in the UK and around the world. If you are interested in studying ecology, you should start by understanding both the career prospects as well as the programs involved in the discipline.Living organisms are present everywhereKnowing About MicrobiologyPursuing a bachelors, masters and postdoctoral degree in microbiology can be extremely beneficial - however, it is important to have a thorough understanding of  what the discipline really is.This discipline involves everything from microscopy, phylogenetic studies, neurobiology and computational science. The history of the origin as it can be recognized today really didn't develop until the 20th and 21st centuries with the rise of advanced technologies.While careers in this field also include medicine, biochemistry and biophysics, they also involve subjects like environmental science, biodiversity and even life science. If you'd like to learn more about this field, start by understanding some of its basic concepts.It is important to do some research on the kind of bioscience degrees that are available in the biology department of the schools you are interested in. www.ucas.com is a great starting point when researching for minors and majors available for undergraduates and graduates. If you’d like to check out a specific university’s department of biology or department of life scienc e, you can either email the director of each or go to www.opendays.com to see the dates in which the university is open to the general public and for students.

What You Need to Know About the New AP Calculus Exams

What You Need to Know About the New AP Calculus Exams In the 2016-2017 school year, high school students sitting for the AP Calculus ABand BC examswill be facing a slightly different exam than those who tested before them. It is important for students to be aware of these changes so they can properly prepare for the new test format. Below are some things you need to know about the new AP Calculus exam if youll be taking it starting in the 2016-2017 school year. New topics The new AP Calculus exams will assess students in two new areas: LHospitals Rule will be added to the Calculus AB test, while the Calculus BC testwill see additions related to the limit comparison test, absolute and conditional convergence, and the alternating series error bound. Despite these additions to the test, there will be no content removed. The introduction of new topics ensures that the AP Calculus exams align with college-level coursework so that students may continue to earn equivalent college credit upon college entrance. Exam structure Although the basic format of these tests will remain the same, the internal structure will change a bit. The exams will still consist of a Multiple Choice and Free Response section, each worth 50% of the total exam score and both containing a part A and B. Part A of the Multiple Choice section will consist of 30 questions timed at 60 minutes, while Part B will contain 15 questions with 45 minutes allotted. In the Free Response portion of the test, Part A will ask two questions and Part B will ask four, allowing 30 and 60 minutes respectively to complete each section. Practice testscan be of great help once you familiarize yourself with the new structure. Curriculum framework This change will be most noticeable to AP Calculus instructors and tutors. Rather than using traditional topic outlines, the curriculum framework will utilize six Mathematical Practices for AP Calculus, also referred to as MPACs. MPACs set up students and teachers for AP Calculus success. Every math concept taught in the course can be traced back to one of the MPACs. The MPACs for the 2016-2017 school year are as follows: reasoning with definitions and theorems, connecting concepts, implementing algebraic/computational processes, connecting multiple representations, building notational fluency, and communicating. For in-depth descriptions of these practices, you can review more details online. In addition, the AP Calculus exams will use concept outlines. These concepts include limits, derivatives, integrals and the fundamental theorem of calculus, and series (for the BC test only). Within each of these mathematical concept areas, the curriculum framework specifies what students shoul d understand, be able to do, and know related to the concepts. This provides teachers very clear objectives to ensure their AP Calculus students are appropriately prepared for the AP exams. If you are a student entering an AP Calculus course for the first time, these changes will likely not affect you too much, except for needing to master a couple of new topics. However, your AP teacher will be adequately prepared to teach you this material and ensure your understanding of it. If you have questions or concerns about the new exam structure, speak with your AP Calculus teacher or seek additional help through AP Calculus tutoring. By learning what you need to know about the new AP Calculus exam, you are already taking steps toward AP success. Best of luck with your AP courses!

Middle School and High School Homework Help

Middle School and High School Homework Help Updated: March 2018As your child progresses from middle school into high school and nears college, the expectations will become much greater. It can be challenging for parents to know exactly how to continue to support their child outside of the classroom. While the level of parental homework help in elementary school is much more tangible, your involvement as your child grows and matures into an independent student should evolve accordingly.For many parents, questions about how to assist older students during homework time abound. Should you be helping with homework? How much? What should that assistance look like? Huntington Learning Center addresses these questions and others: How much homework is typical for middle school students? High school students? Ask your childs teachers what to expect when it comes to the amount of time that homework takes. A good ballpark is an hour of homework in sixth grade, 70 minutes in seventh grade, and 80 minutes in eighth grade. High school homework may vary widely from teacher to teacher, school to school. A recent survey by the University of Phoenix College of Education showed that teachers of high school students assign an average of 3.2 hours of homework per week (which equates 17.5 hours of homework per week for students with five teachers in different subjects). What should your role be in middle school homework?Being on hand for support and facilitating good homework practices are important, but too much parental help with homework in middle school can actually be detrimental. The best way that you can help your middle school student during homework time is by monitoring his or her study habits and productivity and helping nurture effective habits. If your child struggles on a regular basis, reach out to the teacher to develop a plan of action and they may also need tutoring help. What should your role be in high school homework?In high school, it is critical that students learn to become their own advocates and recognize when they need helpand seek help out when needed. Although you should intervene if you see your teen struggling with homework, in high school, completing homework is your teens responsibility. You can offer suggestions for breaking down bigger projects into manageable steps. You can serve as a sounding board as your teen identifies homework where he or she needs clarification with the teacher. And you can help your teen learn strategies for maintaining an organized planner. Under no circumstances should you take the lead on homework or help your child with its completion. How about Advanced Placement homework? If your high school student is taking any Advanced Placement classes, the amount of class work and homework may differ from your teens other classes. Advanced placement courses are on the college level and students can receive college credits for the courses at certain colleges if they receive good grades. Expect more homework in Advanced Placement classes. Why is homework so important? Homework offers many benefits as students move toward greater independence in school. It helps teachers reinforce what they teach in the classroom, extends student learning, builds students problem solving and time management skills as well as their sense of responsibility, and much more.Homework is an important part of your childs life as a student. If youre feeling uncertain about the best way to provide guidance for your child without overstepping your bounds, contact his or her teachers. They can help you understand your role at homework time and the most appropriate ways to support your childs learning without being directly involved in homework completion. Together, you can help your child become a self-sufficient, independent and successful student.

A Strategic Approach to Earning Higher Grades

A Strategic Approach to Earning Higher Grades Improving Academic Performance In a recent Linkedin article, I wrote about how we tend to underappreciate the importance of strategy relative to hard work or intelligence in understanding why some people succeed and others fail in any given professional, academic, or personal endeavor. I also suggested that my experience as a business strategy consultant has helped me realize that there are powerful principles of strategy development used by businesses that students could borrow to improve their academic performance. The idea that you can perform well in school by In that article, I introduced three particularly important elements of business strategy development. The strategy development process â€" or, the process companies use to come up with ideas for what to do or not to do to beat the competition. The concept of market attractiveness vs. competitive position, which explains whether a company is likely to succeed (or fail) because it operates in a good market (or a bad one), is doing something better than its direct competitors, or some combination The notion of key success factors vs. core competencies, which helps explains why a company is positioned well in any given market (or not) In this article, I’ll explore point 1 above, how an understanding of the strategy development process could help students improve their performance in any given class. What is a typical strategy development process, and how can it be applied to situations faced by students? Let’s start by exploring a typical business strategy development process. It consists of the following steps: Establish a goal. A typical corporate goal is to “double the value of the stock price in five years” Develop a fact-base of critical information and insights. In business strategy, this is typically a financial analysis of which products, regions, and customers generate most of your profits, a discussion of the size and growth of your key markets, and an assessment of how you compare to key competitors Identify key issues and opportunities associated with reaching your goal In business strategy, this could be a wide range of things, from “we are losing money in this market” to “this competitor is rapidly stealing our market share” Define and evaluate alternative courses of action This is a big one. Many companies come up with ideas to solve problems, and they either decide to take action or not. Instead, at least three different and reasonable “strategies” for reaching your goals should be developed. Businesses evaluate alternatives against criteria like the risk of the alternatives, how much they’d have to invest, the time it will take, etc. Develop a plan for implementing the best alternative Once a business knows what strategy it’s going to follow, it creates a specific plan of attack for what it will do and who is accountable for each action. How can this be helpful to a student? Envision a student sitting in his first AP history class of the year. He is given a syllabus, and told what books to read. The typical approach is to do the homework that is assigned, show up to class, and work hard. How could one apply a strategic planning process to that class to increase the chances of getting an A? Set a goal for your performance in the class. Decide you want to get an A. Tell someone your goal is to get an A. First, it’s critically important to set a specific goal. Business know that if you don’t set a specific, measurable goal that everyone understands and feels accountable for, you aren’t going to achieve that goal. Research done by Heidi Grant Halvorson, a professor at Harvard, suggests that setting specific goals is one of the most important things that separates more successful from less successful people. So it’s simple. If your goal is to receive an “A” in the class, that means you need to be getting ‘As’ on all homework, quizzes, and tests. It creates an entire mindset around how you’ll perform and what you’ll do that just doesn’t exist if you say “I want to do my best in the class.” Don’t try your best. Decide you are shooting for an A.. Develop a fact-base of critical information. How is the teacher going to run the class? Of course, “developing a fact-base” in the context of developing a strategy for a company vs. in the context of developing a strategy for getting an ‘A’ in an AP History class are going to be two very different things. When I say “critical information” in the context of AP history, I don’t mean facts and theories about events and people in history. That’s the content of the class, and that’s not the critical information I’m talking about. In my experience, most students just “go with the flow” as it relates to understanding how their grade in the class will be determined. Most will probably read the syllabus to understand whether homework is graded, whether attendance matters, how many tests there are, etc. After that, they focus on the next day’s homework. But if you pay closer attention to how the teacher is designing the class, you can discover a bunch of super helpful information that can be useful to you as you decide how to approach the class. For example: What percentage of your grade is determined by attendance, participation, homework, projects, quizzes, tests, midterms, and the final exam? Are you supposed to or allowed to work with classmates on homework? Do quizzes cover materials discussion class, from the book, or both? Can you share and discuss drafts of essays with the teacher in advance and get feedback? Does or she have office hours? Are the classes/lectures the focus of what is tested, or does assigned reading from the book or supplementary Identify key issues and opportunities associated with reaching your goal If your goal is an ‘A’ in the class, these types of issues and opportunities could be wide ranging. Here are some example “issues and opportunities” you might uncover: Most of the grade is determined by written essays, and I’ve historically not done well in essay-based classes (or vice versa, which would be a good thing) A fair portion of the grade is determined by class participation, and I’m uncomfortable speaking up in class (again or vice versa) There is a ton of work to do in this class (lots of reading, many quizzes, etc.) and my schedule is already very full There is a huge project that is worth 33% of the final grade, and I have 3 months to begin to work on it, etc. These issues and opportunities could have a negative or positive spin. But the important point is that they are all important factors to consider when thinking about your goal of getting an A in the class and designing a plan for reaching that goal. Define and evaluate alternative courses of action Here is where you, as a student, can step back and think about 2-3 broad ways to approach the class. Remember, everyone faces tradeoffs in how they spend their time and has their own personal strengths and weaknesses. No one has unlimited time, so you’ll have some choices to make as you attempt to get an A in the class. That said, I think that in the context of an AP history course, the “best alternative” will become clear based on a deep understanding of the teacher’s approach to the class. For example, if the class seems to place a lot of weight on quizzes, tests, and exams, with a few minor papers or a project thrown into the mix and no participation grade, then an approach to the class that focuses on carving out substantial time for reviewing class notes, completing all homework and assigned readings, and making sure you fully understand all major and minor points raised in class (perhaps even by attending office hours to ask questions) probably makes sense. An alternative approach would still have you keeping up with homework, but would have you writing essays in advance and getting feedback from the teacher, completing projects early and iterating with the teacher to improve your project grade, etc. If, for example, the class places a large weight on performance on a major essay you’ll have to write, and you typically struggle writing essays, you should have an alternative that involves planning ahead to iterate with your teacher and get feedback on drafts of your essay. You’ll naturally be able to map out the alternative that maximizes your chances of getting an A and is best aligned with your strengths and weaknesses. Develop a specific plan for implementing the rough alternative you’ve chosen The final step is to spend a little time putting pen to paper to write out the actions you’re going to take to get that A in AP US History. For example, I will: Sit in the front of the class to force myself to participate, since participation matters Focus on reviewing class notes relative to reading the textbook or supplementary articles for homework, as most of the tests are pulled from topics specifically discussed in class Complete essays in advance and iterate on rough drafts with the teacher Complete every single homework assignment, because that alone accounts for 20% of my grade Etc.

Explore the Outdoors and Learn!

Explore the Outdoors and Learn! Explore the Outdoors and Learn! It may not come as a surprise that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety. But did you know that it can also help kids focus and learn? Studies have shown that taking a walk in nature improves peoples’ moods, raises short-term memory test scores, and even increases concentration levels in children with ADHD. In one experiment, teachers holding lessons in nature noted far fewer interruptions from students than when the same lessons were taught indoors. Nature’s benefits are endless. Take advantage of them with these four tips. Bring the outside world inside. Research has shown that natural environments improve children’s ability to focus and learn. However, if you live in a city or are experiencing inclement weather, you may not be able to spend much time in nature itself. Why not bring nature indoors, instead? Create an atmosphere that is more conducive to learning by incorporating plants and encouraging the use of natural light in your kids’ study area. Adding just a little bit of greenery can brighten your kids’ moods and even improve their health. Integrate learning with nature. Turn the natural world around you into a learning opportunity. Do your kids enjoy gardening? Encourage your little ones to count out the seeds needed for a planting and see how many colors they can identify in your flower garden. Older kids can learn about volume by filling planting containers with soil or can help plan out a large vegetable garden by calculating the perimeter and area needed to accommodate all of your plants.   The learning opportunities are endless! Math is everywhere in natureâ€"even in plants themselves. Take the Fibonacci sequence, for example. The Fibonacci sequence is a numerical pattern that begins with 0 and 1, continuing its sequence with the sum of the previous two numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…), and is found almost everywhere in the natural world. You can find the pattern in the florets of a sunflower, the branches of a tree, even in the spirals of galaxies. Geometric shapes like triangles, cylinders, arcs, and lines can also be found throughout nature. Build nature into your children’s learning by selecting and reading books about specific topics such as galaxies, oceans, geology, and plants. Kumon’s Recommended Reading List features books about children exploring nature, such as  The Secret Garden  and  In the Tall, Tall Grass,  which will help pique your children’s interest in the natural world. Opt for a change of scenery Encourage your children to learn outside. Suggest reading books in the backyard or at a nearby park. By planning ahead, you can spend the entire day learning outside. Pack a picnic, books, and plan some fun outdoor games to play. Whether your kids simply take their Kumon to a park bench or you turn the woods into your own classroom, the trees and fresh air will give your kids’ brains a boost! Play with nature Turn your natural surroundings into the setting for a game. Scavenger hunts are a lot of fun, but can also be very educational. Have younger children find objects in every color of the rainbow, like red maple leaves and yellow dandelions. Older kids can identify different types of flowers and trees or even try to find as many examples of the Fibonacci sequence as possible. The opportunities are endless! Looking for more ways to explore the outdoors? Check out these helpful resources from our friends at PBS Kids. And explore the outdoors along with Jet in four all new episodes of Ready Jet Go! airing on PBS Kids this week! You might also be interested in: Explore the Outdoors Giveaway Reduce, Recycle, Reuse 5 POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOKS-TURNED-MOVIES TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER What are the School Readiness Skills that Preschoolers Learn in Kumon? Explore the Outdoors and Learn! Explore the Outdoors and Learn! It may not come as a surprise that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety. But did you know that it can also help kids focus and learn? Studies have shown that taking a walk in nature improves peoples’ moods, raises short-term memory test scores, and even increases concentration levels in children with ADHD. In one experiment, teachers holding lessons in nature noted far fewer interruptions from students than when the same lessons were taught indoors. Nature’s benefits are endless. Take advantage of them with these four tips. Bring the outside world inside. Research has shown that natural environments improve children’s ability to focus and learn. However, if you live in a city or are experiencing inclement weather, you may not be able to spend much time in nature itself. Why not bring nature indoors, instead? Create an atmosphere that is more conducive to learning by incorporating plants and encouraging the use of natural light in your kids’ study area. Adding just a little bit of greenery can brighten your kids’ moods and even improve their health. Integrate learning with nature. Turn the natural world around you into a learning opportunity. Do your kids enjoy gardening? Encourage your little ones to count out the seeds needed for a planting and see how many colors they can identify in your flower garden. Older kids can learn about volume by filling planting containers with soil or can help plan out a large vegetable garden by calculating the perimeter and area needed to accommodate all of your plants.   The learning opportunities are endless! Math is everywhere in natureâ€"even in plants themselves. Take the Fibonacci sequence, for example. The Fibonacci sequence is a numerical pattern that begins with 0 and 1, continuing its sequence with the sum of the previous two numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…), and is found almost everywhere in the natural world. You can find the pattern in the florets of a sunflower, the branches of a tree, even in the spirals of galaxies. Geometric shapes like triangles, cylinders, arcs, and lines can also be found throughout nature. Build nature into your children’s learning by selecting and reading books about specific topics such as galaxies, oceans, geology, and plants. Kumon’s Recommended Reading List features books about children exploring nature, such as  The Secret Garden  and  In the Tall, Tall Grass,  which will help pique your children’s interest in the natural world. Opt for a change of scenery Encourage your children to learn outside. Suggest reading books in the backyard or at a nearby park. By planning ahead, you can spend the entire day learning outside. Pack a picnic, books, and plan some fun outdoor games to play. Whether your kids simply take their Kumon to a park bench or you turn the woods into your own classroom, the trees and fresh air will give your kids’ brains a boost! Play with nature Turn your natural surroundings into the setting for a game. Scavenger hunts are a lot of fun, but can also be very educational. Have younger children find objects in every color of the rainbow, like red maple leaves and yellow dandelions. Older kids can identify different types of flowers and trees or even try to find as many examples of the Fibonacci sequence as possible. The opportunities are endless! Looking for more ways to explore the outdoors? Check out these helpful resources from our friends at PBS Kids. And explore the outdoors along with Jet in four all new episodes of Ready Jet Go! airing on PBS Kids this week! You might also be interested in: Explore the Outdoors Giveaway Reduce, Recycle, Reuse 5 POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOKS-TURNED-MOVIES TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER What are the School Readiness Skills that Preschoolers Learn in Kumon?