Algebra Help For a Student With Dyscalculia

Algebra Help For a Student With DyscalculiaThe first place to start if you are looking for algebra help for a student with dyscalculia is on the Internet. However, it is important to remember that just because there is algebra help for a student with dyscalculia on the Internet doesn't mean that it will be of any use to the student.Most students with dyscalculia have problems with numeracy and their grades will suffer. A teacher should not expect a student with dyscalculia to be able to keep track of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other more complex concepts. An online course would be better as a substitute for actual classroom instruction.But is algebra help for a student with dyscalculia really necessary? Yes, some students with dyscalculia do have mathematical problems, but these problems are only slightly less difficult than the problems that normal children with dyscalculia have. Normal dyscalculia does not necessarily mean that a child has dyscalculia. They may just need to be taught the different ways of doing things.Many children with dyscalculia find that regular math classes just don't give them the mental stimulation they need. And when they aren't learning math, they aren't learning the knowledge that normal children who have dyscalculia need to succeed in school.Teachers often make assumptions about their students and a child with dyscalculia doesn't always fit neatly into that category. Teachers who want to help their students with dyscalculia often try to teach them a certain way.If the teacher teaches one method of doing something, then what the student does with that method is irrelevant. What they are really doing is creating an expectation that the child is doing something incorrectly, when in fact that is what they are doing.Using a good approach to teaching math is the best way to help students with dyscalculia. Even when teaching students with dyscalculia using algebra help for a student with dyscalculia, remember that the whole point is to teach students to do the math correctly and to instill the knowledge needed to succeed in school.

Finals prep Why You Should Book Your San Diego Tutor Now

Finals prep Why You Should Book Your San Diego Tutor Now Finals Prep: Why You Should Book Your Private San Diego Tutor Now Final exams are just a few days away, and students are frantically prepping for these important exams. Whether students are in elementary school or getting ready for college its important they do their best because finals are usually worth a large percentage of their overall grade and encompass a large amount of information from the beginning of class until now. Tutors can help students stay organized, review challenging information, and prioritize one exam over another. Students at any level are encouraged to book a session with their tutor today, so they are ready for final exams its never too early to start prepping for finals with the help of a private San Diego tutor. 1. Organize and prioritize One of the most important things students can work on with their tutor is to organize all of the information they need to study for final exams as well as prioritize one exam over another. For instance, they might be struggling in math but doing well in English and should prioritize their math study. Alternatively, one exam might be worth 50% of the overall class grade while another might be worth only 10%. Regardless of the situation, students should share their syllabus and class notes with their tutor so they can help students stay on track in this manner. 2. Work on review Every student should be reviewing information they learned earlier in the year, especially if the final exam is cumulative. However, this review can become overwhelming because encompassing an entire semester worth of material takes a lot of time and prep. Tutors can help students sift through chapter material in old tests and quizzes to see which information might be more important and which subjects a student needs to review based on their previous grades. A student may have done very well on something they learned three months ago but may not remember the specifics of that assignment. Even a little bit of a review can make it easier for students to soar through final exams. 3. Avoid distraction It can be very easy for students to get distracted from finals prep and focus more on social activities at this time of the year. Students are also distracted by the holidays and family visits that take up a lot of their time. Tutors help students focus on the here and now and help them get away from distractions that can potentially derail their finals study. Its much harder to get into social media or watch TV when a tutor is sitting across the table from the student. Avoiding distractions is one of the best ways students can make their finals prep effective at this point in the year (READ: Irvine Tutoring Tips: Make Studying a Social Activity). 4. Boost GPA One of the most practical reasons to book a tutor during finals week is for students to boost their grades on final exams, thus raising their overall GPA. This is especially important for students in 10th through 12th grade, who will be sending their grade sheets to potential colleges and universities as part of the admissions process. Some colleges give students a conditional acceptance but require they keep their GPA high during their senior year to ensure they are an all-around good student. Many finals are worth 25% or more of an overall class grade so working with a tutor is definitely worth the time and effort to ace exams. Its never too early to book your San Diego tutor for finals. End the semester strong with the help of our experienced and highly educated tutors. Call us today for more information. Great news, Orange County! We’ve launched   www.TutorNerd.com to offer the best online and in-home tutoring in SoCal. Get 50% off your first online or in-home tutoring session with code: SUCCESS. The code is for a limited time only, so book your tutor today! All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

10+ Ways to Language-Learning Success by Setting Goals

10+ Ways to Language-Learning Success by Setting Goals Its easy to feel overwhelmed  when youre learning a new language.False cognates  can trip you up, idioms  can seem completely incomprehensible, and you may run across some words so weird you  dont believe they  exist.Instead of letting this discourage you, take control by setting goals for yourself.Setting goals is arguably one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your success, and its remarkably easy to do.  Here are some tips to help you get started. Why Set Language Goals?Youve probably already heard a lot about goals. High school teachers love to talk about them, and so do bosses.Why? Because  research shows that people who set goals are more likely to achieve success.Goals help you achieve success because:Goals help you identify what you want to achieve. Its hard to achieve  success when you havent defined what success is. Setting goals helps you identify what you want to accomplish so you can start working toward accomplishing it. What does fluency mean to you?G oals keep you focused on whats important (and help  you ignore whats not).  Learning a language requires familiarity with  literally millions of different grammar points, vocabulary words  and cultural competencies. Setting goals helps you stay focused so you dont get  distracted by the many things you may need to learn in the future. By focusing on smaller bits of information, you make faster  progress and gain tangible skills.Goals save you time. Instead of memorizing vocabulary words you wont readily use, spend your energy learning words directly related to the way you want to use your target language. Setting goals helps you identify your ultimate reason for studying the language, which makes it easier to pinpoint the skills and information you need to learn first.Goals provide a way to  measure  your progress, which helps improve your motivation to learn more.  It takes a really long time to learn a foreign language well, and its frustrating to pour time into something that doe snt seem to have a payoff. By setting goals, you can identify the progress youre making and feel good about the work youre doing. Instead of kicking yourself for not knowing a new word you hear, you can congratulate yourself for learning the 25 new words you just memorized.Identifying Your Language GoalsThe first step to identifying your goals is to figure out why you are studying this foreign language.  Take some time to think about the big picture and ask yourself questions like:Why do I  want to learn this language?What would I  do if I could speak this language fluently right now?The answer to these questions is your ultimate goal the reason you are spending time, money and energy learning a new language.Its okay if your ultimate goal is huge, multi-faceted  or  even a bit vague. Maybe you want to learn Spanish so you can move to Spain. Maybe you want to learn French so you can talk to your boyfriends family in their native language. Maybe you want to learn Chinese so you can t ravel to China next year.Whatever your goal, just make sure you are honest with yourself about it. Theres no right or wrong.The next step is to break your ultimate goal into specific steps   the components that make up your larger goal. At this point, you arent setting tangible goals yet just identifying the things you need to learn in order to achieve your ultimate goal.At first, focus on identifying only a handful of the most important steps. Recognize that you cant list every possible thing you need to know  to become fluent  in German. Just list a few of the most important tasks you want to achieve along the way.  Here  is an example:Ultimate goal: To be able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients at the medical clinic where I work.Specific steps:Learn vocabulary for body partsLearn vocabulary for common diseasesLearn to ask what hurts and what is wrongLearn to talk about a patients medical historyLearn to express sympathy for pain or lossSetting Effective Language Goals Youve identified your ultimate goal and a handful of  specific steps. Now prioritize your specific steps and select one or two to focus on first. You will use these steps to generate your short-term goals.Research shows that the best goals are specific, short-term and moderately challenging. Follow these tips to write effective goals:Write down your goals. Its easier to remember and consult them if you can see them.Set  deadlines.  Its usually ideal to set deadlines  between one week and three months.Focus on tangible tasks rather than the amount of time you plan to spend studying. Instead of setting a goal of  studying  30 minutes a day every day this week, set a goal of  learning all the basic vocabulary words related to ordering a cup of coffee at a cafe.Identify specific things you plan to learn.  Focus on themes or outcomes you want to achieve, rather than identifying a  certain quantity of new words. For example, set a goal of learning the vocabulary words related to modes of transportation or body parts or types of clothing, rather than a goal to learn 50 new words.Challenge yourself, but dont push yourself too hard. If you set goals that are too difficult, youll waste time  stressing about them or beating yourself up for not achieving them.Use  optimistic wording.  Write your goals in a way that makes them feel achievable. A good model is this: By [time frame], I will be able to [achievement].Grab Your Paper and Pencil: Set Your Goals Now!Its time to get started! Think about what your ultimate goal is, write down some specific steps and identify  a few short-term goals for yourself.Use the examples below for inspiration as you start writing your own unique goals:Ultimate goal: To be able to speak Chinese comfortably so that I can move to China and use Chinese in my everyday life. Specific step: Learn the vocabulary and phrases necessary to go shopping in China. Short-term goals: By the end of this week, I will have learned the vocabulary words for type s of clothing and shoes. By the end of the month, I will have learned the phrases and basic vocabulary needed to talk to shop clerks in China.Ultimate goal: To be able to read the newspaper in German. Specific step: Learn vocabulary related to politics and the political scene in Germany. Short-term goal: By the end of this week, I will have learned the basic vocabulary words for issues related to elections.Ultimate goal: To be able to talk to my in-laws on the phone in Japanese Specific step: Learn pleasantries. Short-term goals: By the end of the week, I will have learned basic everyday pleasantries, including greetings and closings like How are you? and Talk to you again soon.If youre struggling, review the examples below for help:Instead of:  By the end of this week, I will have learned how to talk about medical problems. Try:  By the end of this week, I will have learned the words for all the primary body parts (i.e. arm, leg, heart, stomach).Instead of: By the end of this year, I will be able to have a phone conversation in Spanish. Try: By the end of this month, I will have learned how to use basic telephone phrases such as, Who are you calling for? and Dr. Smith is not available at the moment.Instead of:  By the end of this week, I will have learned all 500 of the words in my medical dictionary. Try: By the end of the week, I will have learned the basic terms  for simple diagnoses (i.e. a cold, the flu, a backache).Following ThroughGoal-setting  is not something you do once and forget about. For goals to be effective, you need to consult them regularly and set new goals every few weeks.Every few days, take a moment to review your goals and check your progress. This will help you identify  what to study next and feel good about  the progress youre making. It will also keep you on track when youre veering away from your ultimate goal.Although its important to follow through with  the goals youve set for yourself,  dont be afraid to change your goals if th ey no longer serve you well. As you gain confidence in your new language,  perhaps your ultimate goal will grow from being able to have a phone conversation to wanting to travel to a  country where your  foreign language is spoken. When you make discoveries like this, adjust your goals appropriately so that they can continue to serve your needs.Finally, remember that there are no right or wrong goals. The most important thing is that you believe in your goals and can visualize yourself achieving them.If you set goals with this in mind, you will find that they help you stay motivated and enthusiastic about your language learning, and youll be proud of what you achieve!Katherine Kostiuk is a freelance writer with  professional  experience in international education and English teaching. She has lived in four foreign countries and studied five different foreign languages. And One More ThingFor a shortcut to motivated, encouraging and goal-oriented learning, try FluentU.FluentU takes real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks, and turns them into language learning experiences, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.

6 of the Best Audio Language Courses for Learning on the Move

6 of the Best Audio Language Courses for Learning on the Move 6 of the Best Audio Language Courses for Learning on the Move Wheres the best place to learn a language?Wherever you want!Think about it this way: When you learned your native language, you werent too picky about your language learning venue. You absorbed all those sounds and words and grammatical structures on the spot, wherever you happened to beâ€"in a crib, in a high chair or watching Barney on the living room couch.Of course, your schedule might be a little busier now than it was back then. This time around, you should think about learning your new language on the move.Audio courses make language learning mobile so you can work towards fluency while youre driving into the office, doing chores, sitting on the bus, whatever!Learning a language on the move with an audio language course will also help you turn the slow parts of your day into time spent on something interesting, productive and ultimately life-changing.But, you say, Im not sure about learning a language using only audio. Arent audio courses just inferior versions of courses with both audio and visual components?No! On the contrary Advantages of Audio Language CoursesAudio language courses are an awesome way of learning a language. Not just because theyre convenient when youre on the go, but because they work.Your brain is wired for learning language by listening. Language is first and foremost something thats spoken, something we think about in auditory terms.Thats why its easier to internalize a new language by listening to it than reading it. You remember language based on the way it sounds, so when you learn with audio language courses, youre doing your brain a favor by letting it focus on the part of the language it cares about the most.Therefore, audio language courses are an especially efficient way of getting down the fundamentals of a language. After all, you learned by listening the first time around, so if it aint broke, dont fix it!Making the Most of Audio Language CoursesThat said, there are of course some differences in the way we learn thin gs as adults. When youre becoming familiar with a new phonetic system, it can save a lot of time knowing how things are spelled. And seeing a language written out can be a great way of reinforcing things and speeding up the learning process.With these benefits of visual learning in mind, the way to make the most of audio language courses is to place the auditory learning at the center of your study plan but to branch out and supplement it along the way with visual resources.This approach lets you keep the benefits of auditory learning as far as more deeply internalizing the language, making memorization more efficient and so on, while also shortening the learning curve by looking up how words are spelled, doing supplementary reading/writing and taking advantage of visual media.When you put audio language courses at the core of a comprehensive, varied language study plan, the result is a learning process thats powerful, streamlined and, of course, mobile!OK, so audio language courses are an effective and convenient way of learning a languageâ€"but which audio language courses are the best?Glad you asked! Here are some of the best audio language courses out there!6 of the Best Audio Language Courses for Learning on the MoveLanguagePod101LanguagePod101 offers language learning podcasts in dozens of languages, running all the way through the linguistic alphabet from AfrikaansPod101 to VietnamesePod101.For any given language, youll have several courses to choose between based on your skill level. Each course contains dozens of short, engaging audio lessons that you can access online or download. Cultural tips are also sprinkled throughout the lessons.LanguagePod101 is great for learning on the move not just because its an audio language course but because the lessons are short and entertaining, and the materials are conveniently available in a variety of formats.Since each lesson is fairly short, these courses are ideal if you want to squeeze your language learning into smaller time slots throughout the day or if you like to learn in short bursts. This is a great technique for memory retention, as it gives you manageable lessons to learn and ample time to absorb and process everything.This program  also goes out of its way to make the podcasts fun and engaging, so they can be a nice break from traditional language courses that have less personality.Overall, LanguagePod101 is a good option if youre looking for a substantial introduction to a language but want your course broken down into short segments you can listen to on the go that arent too demanding in terms of sustained attention.FSI Language CoursesThe FSI language courses, available in several dozen languages, were created by the United States Foreign Service Institute several decades ago. Although they were originally designed for training diplomats in a focused, immersive environment, the courses are now in the public domain. This means that the audio lessons and accompanying texts a re available freely for anyone to download.Each lesson is structured around a dialogue, new vocabulary and several different kinds of drills. The method is based on repetition, so some learners find the courses tedious.That said, the FSI courses are pretty comprehensive, and theres a reason  why  theyre still around decades laterâ€"they work. Theyve even inspired several commercial derivatives. And of course, theyre free.FluentUFluentU is an online platform for language immersion, so you can learn languages in context with engaging audio and video clips.FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’ s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.Radio LinguaThe  staple course by  Radio Lingua  is their Coffee Break podc ast series for learning French, German, Italian and Spanish. Coffee Break lessons build on each other and are structured as short, informal discussions with a teacher and a fellow learner.Radio Lingua also offers several shorter audio courses in other languages. Most notably, their One Minute courses are available in over 20 languages and give quick overviews of some language basics.Radio Lingua is a good choice if youre looking for something light and easily digestible but effective thatll get you started with the fundamentals of a new language.LinguaphoneLinguaphone  courses are comprehensive packages that cover all aspects of the language, including comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. However, the methodology behind the way the courses are designed puts listening and speaking at the center of the learning process. Linguaphone currently offers courses in 15 languages.Repetition isnt as big a part of Linguaphone as many other language courses, so some learners find that L inguaphones lessons move at a very fast pace. For this reason, many people use Linguaphone in conjunction with something that allows for more methodical, repetitive practice.If youre looking for a course that covers reading and writing while still keeping listening and speaking at the core of the learning process, Linguaphone should be high on your list. Of course, Linguaphones format makes it a little less portable than audio-only courses, but the heavy emphasis on auditory learning means theres still plenty of studying you can do on the go.AssimilAlthough most of Assimil  courses are designed for French speakers, they do have several courses for English speakers too.Assimil uses a highly dialogue-centric approach to language learning. Each course consists of a set of recorded dialogues and an accompanying book that includes the dialogues transcriptions  and translations.Because the same material is used for both Assimils listening and reading portions, theres a lot of flexibility as far as how you want to divide your time between audio learning and text-based learning. So you can focus on the audio when youre on the move, then return to the text when you have access to the book.You should give Assimil a shot if you want freedom to switch back and forth between listening and reading as you see fit or if you want to learn vocab and grammar in the context of entire sentences and conversations rather than in isolated fragments.Your Own!Still havent found exactly  the audio language course youre looking for? Or want something a little more personal to complement one of the above courses?No problem! Just create your own!One way to really step up your language learning game is to keep an audio language learning scrapbook. While youre going about your language learning, keep an ear open for audio clips you want to listen back to later.Collect these clips as MP3 files, voice memos on your phone and so on, and soon youll have your own custom audio language course. You can also create new clips by recording yourself speaking or asking a native speaker you know (e.g., a language exchange partner) if you can record them. Then you can revisit your auditory scrapbook when youre on the move and want to do some audio language learning.What makes this technique so devastatingly effective is that unlike with a store-bought audio language course, you can tailor the audio clips you keep exactly to your language learning needs. Pick stuff that hits your weakest spots. Stuff you find interesting. Stuff you know youre in danger of forgetting. Stuff that intersects with other aspects of your language studies.Of course, a custom language learning course wont provide external structure and direction the way a traditional audio language course does. But if you keep an audio language scrapbook along with all the other language learning materials youd otherwise be using, youll take your language learning to a new level.In the end, the reason curating a personal aud io language course works so well is that which auditory language learning techniques work best for you will depend on your individual language learning style. The best audio language course is the one that works best for you.With this in mind, dont be afraid to try several audio language courses to find the right fitâ€"in most cases, youll be able to get a free trial before you have to commit to buying anything. And definitely dont be afraid to switch it up if things arent working.Its worth the process of shopping around for a good fit because once you find an audio course that works for you, youll start internalizing the language more quickly and be able to fully enjoy how rewarding it is to learn by listening on the move!

Reviewing Online High School Tutoring

Reviewing Online High School TutoringIf you are looking for an excellent online high school tutoring program that offers flexible scheduling, you need look no further than a college program. Not only do these programs provide world-class tutoring, but they also provide a very relaxed learning environment. You will enjoy the ability to study at your own pace and the right teachers will help you in improving your knowledge in the areas of English, Math and Science.There are many different reasons why a high school student may have difficulty with reading, writing or math. Sometimes the stress associated with classwork can cause anxiety, sometimes it can cause distraction and sometimes it can be due to a lack of interest in the subject matter. Whatever the reason, most students who do not show enthusiasm in their studies find themselves with little chance of a successful career in their field.Online high school tutoring helps you overcome these problems by giving you the support you nee d at your convenience. These programs offer various classes that are intended to develop the specific skills of the student, allowing them to focus on their problem areas rather than their abilities. By working through this type of program, your course work will be focused on areas of particular interest, which can help you learn more quickly and more efficiently.Because online high school tutoring is a voluntary program, the program directors are often able to offer you something better than they would if you enrolled in a regular college. Your instructors may have additional qualifications in areas such as leadership, music, business, art, fitness, etc. All of these extra attributes make the program much more appealing. It may be more difficult to find an instructor qualified in a specific area than one qualified in an area of general interest.One advantage of online high school tutoring is that you will be able to study at your own pace. Many programs allow you to come in on your own time and check your progress, but others may require that you contact them whenever you encounter problems or changes in your learning plan. Most college programs will limit the number of hours you can be studying at a time.These programs will provide you with a variety of different ways to work through your course work. You can use flash cards, an online interactive whiteboard, online simulations, games and quizzes to help you learn faster. You will also be able to communicate in a forum through the use of email and instant messaging.Online high school tutoring is available for anyone interested in improving their academic performance. Before taking a course, you should consult with a tutor to discuss the different options that are available.

No Articles On The Web - Not Yet!

No Articles On The Web - Not Yet!I was really surprised to see that there were no articles on the International Journal of Mentoring and Tutoring on the web. However, I did find several websites that host articles on this topic. What is so surprising is that the subject is so commonly covered in journals worldwide.Why would there be so little information on the web about this topic? I believe that mentoring and tutoring are so important that it deserves a whole volume of its own website. There is a great demand for more information on this topic. Students from all over the world want to know how they can improve their grades, interact better with their teachers, be more proactive and effective in class, learn how to write coherent essays, avoid getting bad marks, become more conscientious and caring in school, etc.It's understandable that the editors of the International Journal of Mentoring and Tutoring would not want to have their content appear in a journal called 'International J ournal of Mentoring and Tutoring'. This is not a small issue. The editors want to limit the topics of their journal to meet their publishers' wishes, but if they are going to serve the needs of students, they must also serve the needs of teachers.Online journals do not have a problem with that. In fact, online journals are open to all types of topics. Mentoring and tutoring should be included in the topics that editors of online journals feel will serve the interests of their members. If a group of students or parents to submit a request to the editors of a journal for inclusion of a topic in the journal, the editors should be very willing to accommodate the request and consider it, provided that the topic has some significance to the students and teachers who are reading the journal.The online journals of these journals should allow submissions of subjects that are relevant to the interests of students and teachers. It is unfortunate that many online journals will not be willing to grant this request, because in their eyes, this would mean sacrificing the content of the journal. However, the students and teachers who are submitting a request for inclusion of a topic in their journal do not have to sacrifice the content of the journal.If you want to submit an article to an International Journal of Mentoring and Tutoring, then please feel free to do so. There are many useful tips and hints on the internet that could help you do so. I suggest that you also read the articles of other students and teachers who have written on the topic you are writing about.If you are concerned about the lack of information about this topic in online journals, please consider that there are so many students and teachers who are benefiting from this topic. I believe that the topics covered in online journals are the best and most effective ways to share information about this topic with people around the world.

Listen Up! Helpful Singing Tips Just for the Guys

Listen Up! Helpful Singing Tips Just for the Guys Sign up successful Its important not to force notes that you dont really have. You cant turn someone into something theyre not again, use the colors in your singing voice as a clue. Even if your range is relatively limited, a brighter, lighter sound implies that with training, youre likely to have a higher vocal range. Additional Singing Tips For Guys Know your voice not just your range, but how your voice works when youre not feeling your best. Avoid singing when youre sick if you can, but since we are our instruments, we all have days when were not 100%, but still have to produce the goods. Know what you can and cant do comfortably on these days. Avoid anything that will damage your voice this means smoking, some prescription medications (talk to your doctor), excessive alcohol consumption, and throat clearing. If this is a habit for you, break it as soon as you can. Get plenty of rest not just for your voice, but for your body too. Exercise again, not just scales and vocal exercises, but find a physical activity you enjoy, and stick to it. Singers and Singing Styles No discussion of singing tips for guys would be complete without considering artists who have taken their art form to a world-class level. Lets consider probably two of the most distinctive male voices of the last century the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and Freddie Mercury, the charismatic frontman of British rock supergroup Queen. Even though their musical genres couldnt be further apart, they have more vocal similarities than they do differences. They both have extraordinary vocal  facility and freedom. Pavarottis golden, bright, rich-toned vocal style incorporated the Italian sob a technique particularly used in verismo (realistic) operas. Mercurys extraordinary vocal agility, attention to words, and stunning musicianship made an impression on many. As you improve your skills, keep these singing tips in mind and always keep your particular vocal style in mind. You’ll begin to notice what works and what doesn’t for your range, and capitalizing on that will make you an even better singer! Photo by Unsplash 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

What To Know About The Updated SSAT

What To Know About The Updated SSAT The SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test) is one of two admissions tests for private / independent schools. The other is the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), but they are not exactly interchangeable. Some private schools favor the SSAT, while others favor the ISEE. All schools will publish their preference online. The SSAT is the first major test your child will be taking. There can be pressure; there can be stress and even anxiety. First, you need to know what you and your child are up against. And Varsity Tutors is here to help. See more from us on how to improve your SSAT score and comparing the ISEE and the SSAT. Or see our entire section on SSAT Test Strategies. The Admission Organization (creator and administrator of the SSAT) has made some fairly significant test updates that will impact your SSAT prep. New Elementary Level Test: The biggest change is the addition of the new Elementary Level Test, which will be used for admissions to 4th or 5th grade. Previously, there was no 4th or 5th grade admissions test. The Lower Level was the earliest test students could take for admission into grades 5-7. The SSAT is now renaming the Lower Level the Middle Level. The Upper Level will not change, and will still be used for admission into grades 8-11. Scoring updates: The SSAT is not changing its scoring policy; however, it will change what those scores mean. Most private schools will still consider percentile scores and not actual test scores. Actual scores can range from 1320-2400 (depending on test level), but they are ignored. Previously, the SSAT lumped all students into one scoring group (for each level). But, now they are establishing norm groups for international students. International students scores will not be directly compared to those in America/Canada. Question updates: Previously, some of the SSAT questions were taken from corporate test writers question banks. However, the test has realized that these questions do not adequately depict the material in independent/private schools. Now, 100% of the questions on the test will be written by independent/private school teachers. Experimental section: Each SSAT test will now contain experimental questions. These questions will not be scored, and will be analyzed to see if they are relevant for future tests. New Writing Prompt: Each writing prompt will still be 25 minutes; however, the test has again called on independent/private school teachers to update the writing prompts. Now, for the Middle Level, students will be presented two creative prompts and will choose to write one. On the Upper Level, students will be presented a creative prompt and an essay prompt and choose one. Also, students can now write on two pages instead of one. Visit the official SSAT site for updated SSAT prompts. These are the biggest changes to the new SSAT. In addition, the test has made minor updates, such as: increasing security, updating online score delivery (for no additional cost), eliminating standby testing (meaning students must register ahead of time and can no longer show up on test day and take it), considering computer-based testing. In 2012, the SSAT will not be computer-based, but test administrators are looking into it. Preparing for the new SSAT can be a confusing process. But, Varsity Tutors can help. Call us today for any questions on the new SSAT or to see how a private SSAT Tutor could help your child. Tutors are available and fully understand how to maximize your childs potential.

Violin Teacher Jobs How to Give Violin Lessons

Violin Teacher Jobs How to Give Violin Lessons How Do You Become a Violin Tutor? ChaptersTeaching Violin without QualificationsThe Rates for Teaching Violin PositionsTeaching Violin: Which is the Job for You?Being able to play the violin (either as a soloist or part of an ensemble) is quite the achievement. The violin, which is often thought of as an instrument for the elite, has a bit of an image problem.Being a violin teacher is quite different to being a science teacher or an English teacher since you have several jobs to do. Firstly, you’ll need to have the violin and teaching skills in order to help your students learn to play the instrument. Secondly, you’ll need to work towards changing the violin’s stuffy image and encourage students of all ages that it's the instrument for everyone.Most people in the world can learn the violin just like they would the guitar or any other instrument without any kind of special education. They just need to be methodical, motivated, and enthusiastic. They need to walk before they learn to run.This is where a teacher i s really important. Regardless of whether a student's a beginner, intermediate, or expert, they need a teacher who's invested in their learning, passionate about it, and can inspire them. The same is true whether they're teaching them the piano, flute, cello, saxophone, clarinet, etc.So how can you start teaching violin or music lessons? How do you start your job search? Teacher recruitment might seem like a minefield, but over the course of this article, you’ll learn the ropes (or should that be strings?).someone who actually teaches their students.Despite how important one recruiter might consider certain music qualifications, they don't necessarily give an indication of your teaching skills.Here are some of the key profiles that people are looking to recruit. If any of them sound like you, you're on the right path to teaching music classes yourself or finding education jobs in schools or music centres.A violin tutor may have to teach an individual or several students at once. ( Source: pixabay.com)A Self-Taught ViolinistLearning to play the violin by yourself might seem risky but there are several advantages. You can learn about music for yourself, however you want to, at your own speed.You can study exactly what you need to know, not waste time on techniques you’ll never use, and put together your own repertoire. You'll retain knowledge you’ve worked out yourself better than information you’ve been told since your brain is more active and information therefore goes in more easily.Becoming a violin tutor without qualifications can help you better understand the process your students are going through. This will help you better address any problems they encounter as well as foreseeing any problems they might encounter further down the line.The problem is that even if you've been playing violin since childhood, without being able to prove your grade, finding new jobs without the help of word of mouth can be tricky.Being an Excellent TeacherTeaching ski lls and adaptability are essential. Each student is different and you’ll need to keep this in mind. A good tutor will understand their students and adapt their teaching methods to help them.You can’t stick to just one method or the same exercises all the time. You need to work with the student’s learning style and speed. There’s no sure-fire way to teach any given lesson. There’s one method that works for some and other methods that work for others.Giving Private Violin Lessons OnlineIf you want to teach but don’t have qualifications, there’s never been a better time to be alive. There are online teaching jobs available to you. You could start your own website or blog and build a community.In order to earn your keep, you could offer tutorials that students have to pay for. These will help cover your costs, too. Be careful though, don’t overcharge your students or you’ll lose them.What about violin private tutorials?They’re quite trendy at the moment. Regardless o f whether you have a degree or diploma, you can still teach private violin tutorials and look for tutoring jobs London and indeed nationwide. While all the profiles are different, a passion for teaching is the thing they all have in common.With a good amount of experience and the necessary level, you have everything you need to become a quality private violin tutor. Make the most of that!Teaching Violin in Small Music CentresIf you’ve got the passion and the teaching skills, you can still teach outside of conservatoires (who ask for academic music qualifications) at music centres who’ll be happy to give you a chance.You’ll be free to teach violin in your own style be it music theory, reading music, and practising how to play the instrument, of course! Whether it’s a classical or electric violin, you can help your students to improve their skills and learn more about music.The Rates for Teaching Violin PositionsYou can’t deny that the violin is a complex instrument. Learnin g to play the violin needs a particular set of skills including a knowledge of music theory, for example. This knowledge comes at a price, regardless of how you learn. So what are the going rates for a violin tutor?A violin is an instrument that requires a good knowledge of music theory. (Source: Ylanite Koppens)Violin Lesson Prices by CityWhen it comes to prices, London tends to come out as the most expensive place to learn in the UK. In the capital, the average cost of violin tutorials is £32. Of course, this will vary depending on where you are in London, too.If you want violin tutorials in somewhere like Edinburgh, Manchester, or Cardiff, you can expect to pay around £10 less per hour. This is definitely an advantage of living outside of London. You should also work out your own budget.CityAverage CostLondon £32Manchester £23Birmingham £24Leeds £22Glasgow £18Violin Lessons in a ConservatoireThere are plenty of music schools in the country and, as you can imagine, they’re not free. Getting a degree in music can be a costly endeavour. You’re paying for the title from a reputable school of music, after all.You’re also paying for expert teachers, quality teaching resources, and structured courses. There’s at least one big music school in almost every big city in the UK and abroad. You’ll be spoilt for choice.The Price of Violin Tutorials in Person or OnlineThese two are quite similar. In both cases, you’ll have to trust someone that you’ll first meet online. Then you’ll have to choose whether or not you prefer tutorials over webcam or face-to-face with your tutor.At the end of the day, you get to make the call. Choose how you like to work, how you manage your time, and your passion for music.Teaching Violin: Which is the Job for You?Having a passion for music is great. Making a living from it is even better. Here’s how you can teach violin! Before you start applying to every job alert you get to your inbox, you should keep in mind that each type of vacancy is different, some recruitment processes are more complicated than others, and, in terms of salary, some places pay far better than others.Teaching Violin in a ConservatoireIn these reputable establishments, being the best is the goal. To teach violin lessons here, you’ll be expected to have at least completed an academic degree and they'll often ask for transcripts.You’ll also be expected to know the history of your instrument and be familiar with a whole range of techniques and music theory, for example. The degrees offered by the conservatoires are often the music qualification par excellence.Admission in these places is really competitive, for those wanting to be e a student, expect to complete an audition.A good violin tutor will tell you how to improve your posture. (Source: negativespace.co)If you're searching for a teaching job in a conservatoire, you should know that the vacancies are often few and far between and being on the faculty at one of these in stitutions means that you're a certified teacher and sometimes a seasoned concert performer. The personnel at these places are the crème de la crème.Your best quality, in addition to your teaching skills, is your experience with the violin. This is how you’re going to teach your students, after all.Become a Violin Teacher at a SchoolYou can also teach music in a school under the jurisdiction of the department of education. While the recorder is taught in most primary schools around the country, there are teaching positions for those trained in other instruments.In fact, secondary school students can do music GCSEs and A Levels with almost any instrument or singing. With 5 years of obligatory schooling and 2 of sixth form, students have plenty of time to master their instrument. While keyboard and piano lessons are some of the most common in the national school system, there are still job openings for violinists.If you want to teach in a national secondary school, you’ll need t o be a qualified teacher. This means you'll need have a degree in or related to your given subject as well as the PGCE. You can also opt for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree which while usually for primary school teacher, is available for secondary teachers in certain universities.Every candidate also has to pass police criminal record checks (the DBS). Of course, teaching in state schools is famous for the outrageous amount of administrative work that you'll be expected to complete. You could also decide to work in a school as a teaching assistant or substitute teacher helping students prep for concerts, for example.Teach Violin as a Member of an AssociationTeaching as a member of an association comes with a lot of benefits. Firstly, in the absence of qualifications or a violin certification, it can prove to potential students thinking about hiring you that you’re a quality teacher. They also have instructional resources for teachers, provide insurance in some cases, and can help you contact a talented instructor or musician if you need help.Of course, this isn’t a one-way street and you’ll be expected to provide lessons of a certain level and pay them. The costs of joining these associations can vary and are generally between £50 and £100 per year and there are even qualifications available from the associations that would be useful for any job seeker not willing to pay for a degree.In addition to their violin technique, a good tutor should have a communication skills, too. (Source: Clem Onojeghuo)What about Private Violin Tutorials?Private tutorials are great for those who have busy schedules or aren’t yet sure about studying a degree in music. With Superprof, you can find students seeking a tutor.As a private tutor, you can really help students who are struggling or need to progress quickly. Whether you’re teaching them to improvise, play jazz, classical, or any other style of music, your knowledge will be a of huge benefit to your students .Furthermore, as a tutor, you can choose the rates for your private lessons. Our tutors get to choose the rates that work for them. How you teach your students and what you focus on (positioning, fingering, reading music, etc.) is up to you, too.For students, on the other hand, they can find a teacher they like and who works well with their learning style.  If you provide quality lessons at the right price and are an outstanding teacher, most students will be happy to hire you and you can choose to be a tutor on a permanent or temporary basis.You should also look for education job fairs or music fairs where you can also apply to jobs, take part in workshops or listen to presentations, meet people, and learn about job postings before they're made public.