How to Develop Your Study Skills- Work Smarter, Not Harder - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Develop Your Study Skills- Work Smarter, Not Harder - Introvert Whisperer How to Develop Your Study Skills- Work Smarter, Not Harder Studying is a skill in itself. You can learn how to study effectively. It is not just about knowing ‘what you learn’ but also about ‘how you learn’ that could give you the edge when studying for exams. This is especially true for people who are holding down a full-time job during the day while studying at night as much as it is for those in full-time education. There are a number of tips and tricks that can help with developing your study skills. Time management is a major aspect of this. The ideal way to maximize your study time is to do it in 30-minute blocks of study and take a quick five-minute break to refresh your brain, then go back and study again for another 30 minutes and repeat. Other tips for effective study include organizing a dedicated study space, using past exam papers to study more productively, maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. For a visual illustration of how to develop your study skills, see the below infographic created by Study Medicine Europe.

Where Can You Take a Photography Course in London

Where Can You Take a Photography Course in London Where in London Can You Take Photography Lessons? ChaptersLearn Photography with a Professional PhotographerAttend a Photography Course in LondonGain Photographic Insights and Tips from a ClubLearn Photography OnlineI've never made any picture, good or bad, without paying for it in emotional turmoil â€" W. Eugene SmithWhether you've caved to technology entirely or are a steadfast holdout of film photography, this quote reflects the emotional, deeply personal aspect of photography.In London, where life moves so fast, where can one learn to marry his soul to the art of photography?Who are the best teachers to learn depth of field from? White balance? Focal points?Who will show us how to frame a scene, pose a subject, capture and immortalise the finest moments of our lives?For the beginner photographer and the intermediate shutterbug: where to learn lighting techniques and other tricks of the trade?You can take this as a guarantee: for everyone enamoured of the art of photography, there is a lesson. Whole courses, even!Let's go find th em, shall we?Learn photography in Edinburgh too, or join a photography class in Belfast.Nevertheless, our capital city sees more tourists every year than any other part of our country, and it is a safe bet that every one of them brings a camera.How can you distinguish tour groups who point DSLR cameras at anything remotely picture-worthy from those learning photography basics with their newly-purchased digital SLR?One way is to take  note  of their camera settings.The sad fact is that the cameras of today are so complicated, so feature-laden, that most amateur photographers content themselves with the auto setting, never venturing into manual set up.Mark Wilkinson is in the business to change auto-amateurs into photographers who capture amazing shots.With nearly 20 years  of experience as a photographer, he works with small groups  exclusively, the better to instruct them on fashion and portrait photography.London being one of the fashion centres of the world, your learning fashion photography could lead to a thriving and lucrative business!His weekly workshops focus on shooting models out of doors. Using natural light enhanced by reflectors, he teaches how to photograph the human form for maximum effect.Find out about photography classes in Leeds.Included in the teaching is how to give models instruction for posing and expression, metering natural light and capturing light effects.Speaking of light...Mark divides his workshops between day and evening: learning how to shoot in waning light or by streetlight.The cost for the daytime workshop is £195; evening lessons are £125.What we like about Mark Wilkinson is the size of his workshops: four people at most, so that he can divide all of his time equally between participants, answering all questions.What we don't favour as much is the fact that one must have basic knowledge of one's camera and principles of photography; otherwise instruction will be dispensed on the fly, with the hope that every workshop parti cipant can retain the information.Intermediate and advanced photographers would benefit the most from these workshops, but where are beginners to turn?Find a photography course in Cardiff!Amateur and professional photographers find much to snap at in Trafalgar Square Source: PixabayRon and Lou Smith maintain that London is an exciting place to live and work, and to photograph.Lou, originally from Edinburgh, has found her beat in the art galleries around town. Formally trained in Visual Arts â€" she holds a BA Honours degree, she has transitioned from painting into digital photography.Ron's love of black and white photography was nurtured at Art College, through capturing and processing  landscapes and abstract scenes.Although he built himself a darkroom and still uses a film SLR camera, he feels inspired by the possibilities inherent in digital photography.He has been a teacher of photography for eight years.Could there be a better pair of mentors to learn the basics of photography from?Together they form London Photo Tours Workshops, offering a host of seminars, courses and photo excursions in and around the city.Their beginner's class is limited to only six participants because they want to teach everyone how to use their own cameras instead of touting general features and applications of the most popular cameras brands and models.It would be sheer luck that everyone in a workshop has the same model camera, wouldn't it?Before snapping the first picture, you would be told  everything about using your camera: what all the buttons and dials do, what the menu represents â€" including histograms, and how to set your camera for optimal image capture, in any light or movement conditions.Participating in a scheduled workshop would cost £90; a private workshop, of three or more people, would run each participant £125.Learn about Manchester photography courses.What we love about London Photo Tours is the passion and experience that drive this pair of tutors, week a fter week, into city streets, to help people learn how to create photographic art.What we are less keen about is that there is no image editing, processing, post processing or retouching education.Those would be such great follow-up courses for these masters to offer!We will have to find another place to learn what to do after taking all of those pictures...Attend a Photography Course in LondonThe Photo Academy London offers an impressive array of courses aimed at the amateur photographer, all the way up to advanced photography and specialisation courses, in fashion,  photojournalism, or other areas.They even have courses on post production, image editing and using Adobe Lightroom!This school can take you from fundamental camera operation all the way to darkroom developing, with stops at niche interests along the way.Are you interested in learning more about studio photography or portraiture?There is a class for that within PAL's curriculum!Prices vary according to the instruction y ou seek. A basic course in camera operation starts at £40 for a two-hour session; a five-month course on basics of photography costs £680, with all lessons conducted during evening hours.You could then go on to select a masterclass, either in photojournalism or fashion photography, which will run you more than £1,800Photo Academy has some great programmes, but you could also  look into  DSLR Photography Courses, whose workshops include training in Photoshop as well as Lightroom.Before editing any images, you must first capture them.That is why these workshops are so great: they present a variety of themes, for photographers from beginner to intermediate, and even classes for aspiring videographers!Have you long believed that commercial photography would be among the most lucrative career fields?You can learn macro photography â€" imaging tiny subjects like jewellery and food, through their photography programs.If you are as yet undecided on what make and model of camera and kit t o invest in, no worries: they will lend you some for free!Are you a fan of Nikon or Canon? If so, you are in luck; those are the brands they work with the most!Their courses are generally kept small, seven participants at the most, so that everyone can benefit from the individualised attention that learning their art demands.Prices fluctuate between £75 and £125 for four to six hours of instruction.Niche fields, such as wedding photography and still life photography command slightly higher prices.What if you are looking for more formal training in photography? Perhaps a degree programme?If you live in the Midlands, reading about photography courses in Birmingham might help you.Many universities in London offer photography degree programmes Source: PIxabay Credit: Tero VesalainenEach of these universities offers a three year programme in photography training, to culminate in the award of a BA Honours degree upon successful completion:University of WestminsterLondon Metropolitan Uni versityLondon South Bank UniversityKingston UniversityLondon College of CommunicationMiddlesex UniversityUniversity of RoehamptonWhile the UK has no law or regulation demanding formal education and certification for professional photographers, having a degree in photography gives you more credibility, and more access to work   and photo shoot opportunities.Click here for information on photography courses in Glasgow.Perhaps you are just a keen amateur of photographic arts, and want to exchange knowledge with like-minded people?Gain Photographic Insights and Tips from a ClubIf your skill behind the lens has brought you a measure of fame, and you wish to share your knowledge about travel photography, wildlife photography or documentary photography with eager peers, a photographic society is a good place to find your audience.Conversely, if you have no time for photography courses  but have a burning desire to learn all about shutter speed, aperture and exposure, you would be likely to find a mentor or two at your local photo club.London Photographic welcomes people of all experience levels, whether they love the digital or are die-hard practicers of film photography.We're fairly certain that you will find at least one kindred spirit among their more than 7,000 members!Their calendar is jam-packed with activities, outings and lectures; everything from using flash to night photography is covered.Should want to enrol with a more established society...The Camera Club was founded  more than 130 years ago, at the dawn of photography's growing popularity.Today, members enjoy the use of the club's digital image processing  software and equipment, including their photo printer.If you are a fan of film, you would gain access to their darkroom after accreditation. You must pay for the use of chemicals.In fact, accreditation is necessary before using any of the club's extensive  facilities. It consists of a walk-through and acknowledgement of the rules, rather than any tuto rials on studio lighting or composition.Is your parents' coral anniversary just around the corner?You might consider booking one of the club's fully equipped studios to snap shots for the party announcements.Whether you are hoping for an introduction to photography or are already a seasoned professional, it is a sure bet that you could pick up photography tips from other members of this group.Membership is £120 per year; with seniors and students receiving a discounted rate.If you are not sure whether this is the right group for you, you could visit â€" attend a few events before making a decision.Advice on photography clubs in Liverpool.What a dilemma! You need photography lessons in order to use that new digital camera you got for Christmas, but have no time for photography class or club meetings...You can take photography online courses anywhere, as long as you have a strong connexion Source: Pixabay Credit: SasintLearn Photography OnlineLiving in one of the world's most interna tional and artistic cities matters not at all when it comes to online learning.From the Orkney Islands to the Isle of Man, all you need for online  photography courses learning is a sincere desire and a stable Internet connection.And a reliable source of quality education, of course.Digital Master Class can be counted as a quality provider of photographic learning.If you are contemplating moving beyond the selfie, plan on investing in good photographic equipment and perhaps even moonlight as an event photographer, DMC's accredited  photography courses could help you achieve your goals.Their Level 3 professional photography course covers everything from basic composition and exposure to RAW conversions and building a portfolio.If you are entranced with visual storytelling and want to take your talent behind the lens to the next level â€" even if you don't want to go pro, you could learn a lot from these masters of photography.Or...Superprof has a fine retinue of photography tutors re ady to offer their guidance.If you are looking for basic photography lessons in easy to understand, everyday language, Superprof's photography tutorials are sure to help you find your way.You could learn to photograph architecture from a master photographer in Paris or... what about street photography from a professional in colourful  Mexico?As an artist, the world is yours to define. As an online student, you define your world.London, our beautiful, international capital, has everything to offer the professional photographer.Learning what to photograph and how to capture your subject for maximum effect takes a bit of training.Now, you know where to find the level of guidance you need to expand your photography skills!If you're not a Londoner, read our blog on photography courses throughout the UK.

A Student Perspective on Columbia University

A Student Perspective on Columbia University Philip earned his bachelors degree in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University. He specializes in psychology tutoring, algebra tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, he shares his experience at Columbia University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Philip: Unlike many urban campuses, Columbias main campus is quite centralized; most of the undergraduate buildings are within a rectangle bounded by 114th Street to the south, 120th Street to the north, Amsterdam Avenue to the east, and Broadway to the west. It really feels like a self-contained, traditional college campus in the middle Manhattans Morningside Heights neighborhood, complete with quads, walking paths, and all the features usually associated with a college campus. While all three of the main freshman dorms are conveniently located within this six-block area, some undergraduate housing (including fraternities and sororities), professors offices, and administrative buildings are slightly farther away. However, all of the resources and facilities you will need as an undergraduate are located within short walking distance to on-campus housing, with the notable exception of the football field and some other athletic facilities. Cars are not only unnecessary for transportation, theyre strongly discouraged. Since Columbia is located in Manhattan, where space is scarce, parking is not provided for students. A student would either have to park their car on the streetwhich is a huge hassle in the short-term, let alone all yearor pay large fees to a parking garage. Fortunately, New York City has a top-notch mass transit system, and the bus and subway systems will take you anywhere you need to go. Bikes are an excellent option, but they must be stored in your dorm room and may prove to be inconvenient for most purposes. If you do choose to bring your bike, bring a quality bike lock and be very carefulbike thefts are very common in this area. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Philip:This varies greatly from class to class. Professors with high-powered research careers tend to be less available for one-on-one contact. These professors often delegate office hours and similar duties to their teaching assistants. However, most professors and some TAs do have regular office hours, but some are available by appointment only. For large classes with a consistently high volume of students (e.g. organic chemistry, biology, science of psychology, introductory sociology), a TA or professor is usually available for office hours every day of the week. Academic advising at Columbia is pretty laissez-faire; it is incumbent upon each student to formulate a strategy for programs and classes, and while each student is assigned an academic adviser, they rarely reach out to you individually. However, motivated students will find that Columbias academic advising offers various specialized programs and resources to help guide each individuals academic future. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Philip:Incoming first-year students at Columbia are required to live in on-campus housing for their first year, with very rare exceptions. While housing is guaranteed for all Columbia College and SEAS (engineering) students for four years, students who opt out of on-campus housing at any point in their undergraduate careers will lose their guaranteed housing, and may not be able to re-apply for housing. For example, if a sophomore chooses to live in an off-campus apartment, they may not be eligible to participate in the housing lottery for junior year. Freshmen are traditionally assigned to one of three residence halls, all conveniently located on the main campus: Carman, John Jay, and the Living Learning Center (LLC). Carman is comprised of four-person suites, with two rooms of two students each. This dorm is ideal for students who want a more lively social scene. John Jay consists of small single rooms, while the LLC includes larger suites of four or more students. There are two main dining halls for undergraduates, both located close to undergraduate dorms. The quality of the food itself is fairly top-notch, although their hours of operation vary from day to day and some students have complained about overcrowding at times. JJs Place, located in the basement of John Jay, is a casual dining hangout open only on nights and weekends. JJs is also included in the meal plan and has been recently renovated. Students can watch TV on flat screens (nearly one per table), play board games or foosball, and enjoy some delicious food. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Philip:I think it is safe to say that most programs of study offered at Columbia College and SEAS meet extremely high academic standards. However, certain programs are especially prominent. Columbia is the site of many seminal experiments in neuroscience, physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and psychology, and the biological sciences department is staffed by some of the worlds top researchers in their field. Columbia Journalism is consistently ranked as the number one graduate school of journalism in the world, and the Pulitzer Prize is determined by Columbia Journalism faculty. The most popular majors include economics/political science, sustainable development, history, neuroscience (my own major), and financial economics. Because of my proximity to excellent neuroscience faculty as well as knowledgeable and motivated students with similar research goals to my own, I have felt very fortunate in the academic and professional guidance I have received as a prospective neuroscience researcher. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Philip:There are ample opportunities for incoming freshmen to meet students with similar interests and goals, from NSOP (Columbias week-long undergraduate orientation week), to hundreds of clubs and student groups. While Columbia is home to a dozen or so fraternities and sororities, Greek life at Columbia is less prominent here than at most large universities. However, rush events can be a great way for freshmen to meet other students, Greek or non-Greek. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Philip:Columbias Center for Career Education (CCE) is an excellent resource for students seeking professional guidance, networking opportunities, internship and job interviews, and more. Columbias LionShare website allows students in any Columbia University program to search for internships and jobs in their field. CCE also hosts workshops and classes throughout the school year, from topics such as time management to resume writing. Columbia hosts various job and internship fairs, from industry-specific events to those limited to juniors or seniors. These events are often well-attended by representatives from top employers in every industry. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Philip:Although Columbia has study space in its libraries, residence halls, and other school buildings, it can be very difficult to find a place to study during midterms and finals season, often forcing students to enter and walk around several campus buildings before finding a decent study area. The most common study location is the enormous Butler Library, followed by secondary libraries belonging to the business school, law school, architecture department, and East Asian studies department. Many residence halls have excellent study spaces conveniently located on their top floors or basements, and many dorms have been recently renovated for additional study spaceincluding Broadway, Schapiro, McBain, and Carman residence halls. It would behoove incoming students to scope out lesser-known study spaces through trial and error, and develop a list of go-to study spaces to reduce time spent wandering around the library during finals week. Describe the surrounding town. Philip:Columbia University is located in Manhattans Morningside Heights neighborhood, part of the Upper West Side. The neighborhood is roughly bounded by 125th street to the north, 110th Street to the south, the Hudson River to the west, and Morningside Drive to the east. Morningside Heights is a primarily residential neighborhood populated by students and faculty of Columbia University, Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, Manhattan School of Music, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and Bank Street College of Education. Because of the density of educational and cultural institutions in the neighborhood, Morningside Heights has been referred to as New Yorks academic acropolis, a term that also refers to the areas relatively high elevations. While Morningside Heights is a markedly different kind of setting from the familiar college town, local businesses, landmarks, and place names reflect Columbias strong presence in the community. Popular restaurants along Broadway include Community Food and Juice, Mels Burger Bar, Koronet Pizza, Thai Market, and the famous Toms Restaurant from the TV sitcom Seinfeld. Because of Columbias proximity to the 1 train, students can also explore downtown neighborhoods. A twenty-minute ride from Columbias 116th street station can bring a student to Lincoln Center, where they can watch world class performances. Thirty minutes will bring them to Times Square, and forty minutes will transport them to the trendy neighborhoods of West Village, Chelsea, and Soho. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Philip:Columbias four undergraduate colleges (Columbia College, Fu Foundation School of Engineering, Barnard College, and General Studies) are comprised of about 8,000 students. Class sizes vary, with large lectures in introductory courses, such as General Chemistry or Science of Psychology, often seating 150 students or more. However, most classes at Columbia are smaller than 25 students, and some seminars can be as small as six students. I was generally satisfied by my class sizes, especially in core curriculum classes. The availability of TAs and after-hours tutoring options supplements the already excellent student-faculty ratio. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Philip:My favorite and most memorable class was Genes and Development with Dr. Tulle Hazelrigg. The class size was less than a dozen, and the curriculum was simultaneously challenging and fun. One day after class, Professor Hazelrigg brought us to her genetics lab in Fairchild Hall where we observed some specimens of C.elegans nematodes with the fluorescently marked protein GFP. The nematodes were marked using a technique innovated by her husband, who had won a Nobel Prize just a couple years prior for his pioneering work with green fluorescent protein. While watching the fluorescently-marked nematodes in Dr. Hazelriggs lab, I felt like I had stumbled upon a piece of scientific history in the making. Check out Philips tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Act Test Dates Tips For Middle High School Preparation

Act Test Dates Tips For Middle High School Preparation 0SHARESShare Middle school or High school involves a period of transition for the teens. Here are a few tips for preparing for back to middle or high school Stay positive. Get organized with the accessories needed. Have good food to pump in energy and vitality to face the new environment For the Middle School Make familiar with the locker system and take care of the keys- you get two lockers from now on The parents can accompany their children to find their way in the school on the first day It is good to review the student handbook to fall in line with the new set up Be prepared to adapt yourselves to six classes a day , more homework and different teachers Have a revision of Math and Science to get used to the new course ware without trouble. This is especially useful while doing Math Level 1 or Math Level 2. Act Test Dates: For High School Take care of the ACT Test Dates at the outset of high school to get enough time for ACT prep Map out your workload and plan accordingly Make new friends, don’t give up the old and manage peer pressure Join sports teams and decide about it at an early stage Discuss with your friends how to study for The ACT You can utilize the services of Tutor pace. Com to do your homework in Middle school or High school courses with success. [starbox id=admin]

Tips for Researching College Scholarships

Tips for Researching College Scholarships With school on break, summer is a great chance for high school students to dedicate time to the college search, including looking for scholarships. The process of finding and applying for scholarships takes commitment and effort, however. Here are a few tips for teens on how to approach the task this summer: Repeat this mantra: The scholarship search starts freshman year. Teens should start thinking about college freshman yearand how to pay for it through financial aid and scholarships. Early on, they should visit the guidance counselor to ensure some of the notable/local college scholarship programs are on their radar. They should also start to browse websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb.com and the College Boards Big Future scholarship database. Talk to alumni who earned scholarships. Word of mouth can be an invaluable search method. Parents should encourage their teens to talk with friends (and friends of friends), older siblings and others in their high school network about how they approached the scholarship search. That could turn them onto possibilities they werent aware of previously. Create a spreadsheet. A Google sheet or Excel spreadsheet is a helpful tool to keep track of any scholarship research. Teens should include the scholarship name, scholarship provider, website, application deadline, criteria/eligibility information, award amount and any documentation required. Its also wise for teens to include a column for ranking each scholarship in terms of how qualified they think they are (to help them prioritize when they start applying). Create a timeline. The college application process ramps up significantly junior year, and it can be helpful to use summer break (even if your teen is just a soon-to-be sophomore) to start planning ahead. Many scholarship deadlines fall between October and March, so fall of senior year is a good time to start applying. That means by junior year, teens should have a working list for scholarships to which they plan to apply. Be open to the possibilities. Sure, that full-ride scholarship that a local foundation gives out to students in your state might be most appealing, but teens shouldnt disregard smaller scholarships. They are likely to be less competitive and lesser knownand nabbing several of them adds up quickly. Search online and locally. As mentioned above, there are several scholarship websites where teens can start exploring whats out there, but every community and every state has local scholarships too. Teens should check out the websites of big employers in town, community organizations and nonprofit organizations. A visit or call to the local library or community center is also worthwhile. Start working on the essay. For many students, the essay is the most dreaded part of the scholarship application. Teens who are headed into senior year should check to see whether the scholarships theyre considering have released essay prompts yet and start brainstorming ideas. Those who are starting sophomore and junior year in the fall can still use summer to make a list of experiences, role models, life lessons and personal growth moments that could be essay-worthy topics. Start thinking about teachers who could write recommendation letters. Summer break offers the opportunity to reflect on the year, including the teachers and other mentors who were influential and helpful (great people to keep in touch with). Teens can keep a list of these people for when the time comes to start requesting recommendation letters. Many teens assume scholarships are reserved for only the top-tier students with impeccable academic and extracurricular records, but thats simply not true. The truth is, there are many scholarships available for all kinds of students. Encourage your teen to take advantage of the slower pace of summer to do some research and dedicate time toward this effort.

That Rings a Bell How to Study for the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of the Behavior Section of the MCAT

‘That Rings a Bell’ How to Study for the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of the Behavior Section of the MCAT MCAT Medical School Admissions The Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section was newly introduced to the Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT) in 2015. It was implemented to emphasize the importance of social science skills in medicine and foster the growth of social and cultural competence in future physicians. This section integrates and tests psychology, sociology, and biology concepts while utilizing statistical models. Arguably, this portion of the MCAT requires a heavier burden of memorization of facts, models, and theories than other sections. However, in some ways this allows students to see a greater score increase on this section based primarily on the time dedicated to this section. Below, we will discuss how to approach studying for this section of the MCAT and techniques to improve your score. Just as with investing your money, the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT requires diversification! While most students tend to utilize one set of preparation books for content review, there is a benefit to studying from several review books for this section of the MCAT. This is because there is a significant amount of material that the student is required to have memorized and not all preparation books in the past have been comprehensive. In addition, reading multiple review books reinforces concepts that the student has been exposed to previously. While this strategy requires a large investment in time, it is highly beneficial and students have previously commented on the drastic improvement of scores in using even just two review resources for this section. Another way to approach the diversification method is to find a set of flashcards online that cover all the material in this section. Since the test has now been given for over two years, many students have made and shared their own resources. This is a great way to save time when studying for the MCAT because these resources are free and often high quality. Make sure to do your homework and compare the material to the official AAMC list and read through the online comments prior to committing to a Anki or Quizlet deck. When I studied for the MCAT Memorang was my personal favorite! Because this section is primarily theory or fact driven, most students benefit from spaced repetition studying through flashcards to commit these facts to memory. It is also helpful to draw comparison and contrasts between theories while learning these concepts. This is a common high yield method of memorization and will serve students well since most of the theories are somewhat similar. A common mistake students make in studying for the MCAT (especially this section) is not spending enough time learning to decipher graphs and studying statistical methods. This section heavily emphasizes and tests analytical skills and ability to interpret data. Because graphs and data sets are something that most students have not been exposed to since early education, they tend to be overlooked by most students. It may seem tedious to review these basic concepts, but from experience I can tell you that almost every student comments that they overlooked a label or detail on a graph or data set and missed at least one question because of it. Make sure you spend time on this material to earn those easy points and see optimal score improvement! Although this section may seem straight forward due to its recall nature, it is vital that students understand how this section is tested. Many students make the mistake of studying the material, but do not focus on testing themselves with practice questions and passages. This process solidifies memorized materials, identifies weaknesses, and ultimately provides students with an idea of how material will appear on test day. I cannot emphasize the importance of this enough because while students may understand concepts individually the test often integrates and compares concepts from psychology, sociology, and biology. It is important to be able to draw relationships and compare these concepts. This is a practice that is extremely helpful during the content review portion of your study schedule, as well as during the practice portion where you are exposed to many passages and practice exams. This process is where the greatest score increases come from and helps students reach those to p scores. Finally, remember to enjoy your time spent studying for the MCAT. This process is the culmination of a series of investments you have made in time and energy while taking your prerequisite courses. This process will yield great dividends during the application and interview process if you put in the time and energy early on.

Exam anxiety

Exam anxiety With exam time just around the corner, many students will begin to suffer with exam anxiety during the next few weeks. There are four main areas that can contribute to exam anxiety: lifestyle issues information needs studying styles psychological factors You may have tight muscles, constant low grade headaches, insomnia and/or an upset stomach. These symptoms can in turn affect your behaviour. You may find that you are unable to concentrate or focus when studying. Many students neglect their normal routine near exam time. Some may turn to binge eating or constant snacking. Others will drink coffee or take other stimulants thinking it will help them concentrate for longer periods of time. Fear, worry, frustration or panic are all symptoms revealing that you maybe under exam stress. Anxiety reduction techniques can help reduce the above symptoms. If you find yourself confronted with constant negative thoughts, you can use thought replacement techniques to overcome this problem. Try interrupting negative thoughts with the following statements: I can do this! I will do my best I can pass this exam I will focus only on the question in front of me. Irrational thinking is not reality. It is your preconceived perception of yourself or your abilities. Put yourself into a positive frame of mind by imagining how you would LIKE things to go. Imagine yourself turning up for the exam feeling confident and relaxed. A good private tutor can help you organise your study skills, focus on aspects that need the most attention and also boost your confidence in your own abilities. If you know you will start to panic near exam time, talk to your tutor, explain what issues are worrying you the most. Experienced tutors know too well what students go through near exam time; not just because they have other students who suffer similar issues but from their own personal experience! If you have studied hard for your exams but feel you lack confidence and need that extra boost until exam time, click here to find the perfect tutor for your needs. Best of luck!

8 Online Language Learning Resources for Kids and Kids at Heart

8 Online Language Learning Resources for Kids and Kids at Heart 8 Online Language Learning Resources for Kids and Kids at Heart Looking for the best online language learning programs for your kid(s)?Good for you!Whether youre a language learner yourself or just an awesome parent, giving your offspring access to  the joys and endless benefits of acquiring a new language  is one of the best things you can do for them.Same goes for if youre going to be tutoring kids in a foreign language.Or hey, you might just be curious about what kind of language learning resources are out there for kids because you figure they might be fun and work for you, too!Regardless of your situation, youre in for a treat today.Were going to look at the best in online language learning for kids.Lets get to it! 3 Characteristics of a Kid-friendly Language Learning ProgramBefore I give you the resources that youre looking for, Im going to give you the three characteristics of a kid-friendly program. Think of them as the three equally supportive legs of a stool.ActivityA language learning program tailored for kids is highly interactive. It engages the senses and imagination and makes the kids an important part of the learning process. When dealing with children, a straight-up passive lecture is not effective. They barely can sit still, much less keep their eyes on the lesson. Youre dealing with short attention spans and so you need to hit them with activity after activity that keeps them engaged in the lesson.A kid-friendly program gives children something to doâ€"with their hands, their eyes, their imaginations. It doesnt expect them to get through the whole thing without a fuss.So an online resource  full of boring text wont be a hit. It will barely register. If a language learning program is full of paragraphs, then move on.Kids dont think of language learning as a linguistic goal made up of words and phrases, they think of it as an activityâ€"a game, a dance, a song or an audiovisual experience. They engage in the experience and forget that theyre already learning about the language. So its like youre layering the lessons behind some fun activities. Its not like adult programs where the language lessons are so explicit and in your face. Its not like kids are going to say to themselves, Okay, today Im gonna memorize 10 vocabulary words about food.CreativityIm sure youve had the experience of asking your little one to do something she doesnt want to do. Youre feeding her, for example, and she stops opening her mouth, resisting you at every turn. So you start getting creative. You turn that tiny spoon into an airplane, doing backflips and somersaults in the air. Sometimes its a train choo-choo-choo-ing into her mouth.Eating is an activity, but your way is more fun and creative.Memorizing a list of words from a sheet of paper is also an activity. But its hardly creative. When dealing with kids, a program has to rise to their level of creativity and imagination. Im talking about bright colors, moving objects, talking animals, cartoon characters, changing scenery, storylines, rescue missions, i nterplanetary drama, etc.Suddenly, your kid isnt just learning about numbers, hes counting gold coins in Czech so he can buy the flying pony hell use to rescue the princess. And when hes done saving her, he gets to meet her familyâ€"the king, some rowdy unclesâ€"and along the way, learn about family vocabulary. Thats an activity, and a creative one!VarietyThey say that variety is the spice of life. If the same thing is done over and over, the novelty soon wears off. Its not a challenge anymore. It becomes a chore. Kids will only engage with material if it still interests them. If theres something new, something unexpected.They don’t care if they learn the language lessons you want them to or not. They dont look far into the future and think, Being bilingual will raise my value at work. Theyre in the present, thinking, What’s in it for me right now?And if its the same thing over and over, theyll have nothing to do with it.A good online language learning program for kids knows thi s. Thats why the creators throw in plenty of different activities. They try to teach the same lesson in different ways. For example, a lesson about numbers can be taught in a song. It can also be taught in a story, or a game, so the kids dont get sick of the same lesson. Because hey, its not really the same lesson. (Wink!)Resources can also test for the same vocabulary set in different ways, even involving different skills. They can test for pronunciation by asking the children to speak into a microphone, they can do word pairs and they can make the activity more interactive by asking the kids to type in the answer. They can also tap into that competitive spirit and facilitate language contests with other students online.A good rule of thumb is that a really good online resource for kids will have at least five different types of creative activities.With all that being said, Im now going to show you some of the best online resources for kids today.8 Online Language Learning Resource s for Kids and Kids at HeartSome of these programs are specifically made for kids, while others are all-ages programs that just happen to have features great for kidsâ€"both types of programs have their advantages. With programs designed for kids, you can rest assured that your children are being catered to by experts, whereas with general programs, you may be more inclined to join in on the fun!Little PimAdults might run for dear life at the sight of a bear, but kids think theyre cute and cuddly.Little Pim, that lovable panda, can be your childrens video guide to learning any or all of the 12 languages on offer. What used to be recorded on multiple DVDs can now be video streamed or digitally downloaded, but you still get that Little Pim cuteness and goofy goodness that won the program over 25 awards.Their learning system, the  Entertainment Immersion Method,  was developed by top language teachers and neuroscientists. It employs repetition, play and child-friendly themes to tap int o toddlers’ natural love for learning. The videos are a combination of animations and live-action clips that introduce topics like colors and numbers. They run for only 5 minutes to accommodate an audience of 0-6 year olds.You can choose from a combination of download, streaming, DVD and book options. Prices vary depending on exactly what you want, but are generally affordable. For example,  the full French program, which comes with two books, is $131.99.Along with the books and DVDs, you can also get other physical products including flashcards, CDs, toys and posters.The program is said to teach your little ones 360 basic words in the target language. To me, that sounds like an awesome deal!Muzzy BBCMuzzy BBC is the BBCs answer to language learning for all ages. This immersion program, described as The Worlds #1 Language Course for Children, is centered around animated characters and stories in video episodes. The episodes are designed to naturally build on one another, enabling your child to learn through an engaging, interactive method, rather than traditional teaching.Muzzy BBC currently offers courses in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian, English and Korean. You can get started with the online program for $9.95 per month, or save by going with a semi-annual or annual plan. You also have the option of a DVD set with a risk-free trial period and payment plan.The program will introduce your child to 600+ vocabulary words and cover the following subjects in the target language:Telling TimePeople PlacesPast, Present Future TensesTransportationFoodAsking QuestionsOccupationDays of the WeekLife at HomeFamily FriendsSince Muzzy BBC is effective for all types of learners and meant to let your child learn the language naturally, its a great low-pressure way to expose kids to a second language at any age.FluentUFluentU is your best bet for authentic language learning videos the whole family will enjoy. While other programs often only have a han dful of videos, FluentU has a wide variety of video clips that cover all language levelsâ€"from absolute beginners to advanced learnersâ€"as well as all ages.FluentU takes real online videos and turns them into lessons that are personalized and digestible. You wont have to struggle to get your kids away from the TV to do their language practice, because theyll be able to watch the same sort of stuff theyd be entranced by on TV, anywayâ€"but in the target language.Videos range from content made specifically to appeal to childrenâ€"like cartoons, music videos and movie trailersâ€"to content you may enjoy yourselfâ€"such as politics, news and TED talks. This means you may want to help select content thats appropriate for your childs age, level and interests, but this is a great opportunity for you to get involved in the language learning process and for you and your kids to learn both individually and together as a family.You can easily sort and search videos, and once you get started, FluentU begins to personalize your content and make recommendations for further viewing.FluentU covers the worlds major languages, currently offering Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese,  English,  Russian, Italian and Korean,  with an upcoming program for  Portuguese. (There are over 1,000 videos for Spanish alone.)Each video clip has an interactive transcript so kids can closely follow whats being said in the clip. Each word in the transcript is in itself a mini language lesson, because when kids hover on a specific word, everything they need to know about that wordâ€"pronunciation, translation, usage example, etc.â€"pops up.FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU 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.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz 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.Ever wanted to take your child to another country to let them experience language and culture immersion? Now you can do just that in the safety of your own home and at a fraction of the costâ€"$15 a month for a Basic subscription and $30 for Plus.FluentU enriches your childs learning experience, making the process of learning a pure delight. Try it on the website or download the app from the iTunes store  or Google Play store.Dino LingoDino Lingo is an award-winning language program that offers lessons in over 40 languages. Theyre known for the package they send you that contains DVDs, colorful posters, flashcards and coloring books.They do have online subscriptions, and for $99.95, you have a full years access to their online content.Its called Dino Lingo because a dinosaur introduces your kids to the target language. The online portal gives you access to six 35-minute videos that teach your toddler topics like household items, family, body parts, clothes, nature and actions. Your kids will happily repeat these lessons over and over.Another feature is online games like Word Wheel, where kids click on the correct picture after hearing an audio prompt, and Memory Card, where vocabulary and mental acuity are honed at the same time.Parents can also print some easily downloadable worksheets and activity books, so you can not only work closely with your little one, but also get a window into the things that shes learning. You can gauge her progress and give her a helping hand.PetraLinguaThis i s a multimedia vocabulary builder suitable for learners aged 3-10.PetraLingua has courses in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German and Russian.Each course has around 20 lessons that range from colors and clothing to fruits and vegetables. There are 10 different activities and exercises for each lesson. Each lesson opens with an introductory video that identifies the vocabulary set that can be learned in that lesson. This is then followed by a parade of reinforcing activities, exercises and interactive gives that the kids perform to help them learn the words. These include listen-and-repeat, listen-and-click and word-matching tasks that allow the kids to deal with the words in different contexts.All told, each course features around 500 basic words, 80 language learning videos, 11 language learning songs, 140 interactive online games and a talking picture dictionary. For as low as $3.99 a month (if you get the annual subscription), you have yourself a great deal.Mango LanguagesTh is one is suitable for ages 6 and up.Your kids are going to use headphones on this one. The uniqueness of the program lies in its focus on conversational skills. If you want your kids to study in the morning and try out their newly learned phrases on the whole family in the afternoon, go with Mango Languages. It has that effect on children.Each lesson starts by listening to a few lines of basic dialogue or conversation. It might be a greetings dialogue or a question-and-answer type of conversation. Theres a clear text of the whole exchange presented on the screen so learners can follow along. Everything is color-coded to make this easy.In the remainder of the lesson, the whole dialogue is deconstructed and broken down into lines, phrases and words.Theres a Play icon on every line so learners can self-pace and repeat the lines as often as needed. The learner is guided line-by-line and hears how each word is correctly spoken. If you hover the mouse on a particular line, up goes a tran slation of it.The lesson zeroes in on individual words and phrases. And in addition to the replay button, learners can use a microphone to compare their own pronunciation with how native speakers do it.And you can do this in over 60 languages, including Pirate language! For only $20 a month, you and as many as five kids can start learning practically any language in the world.LanguagenutLanguagenut is the perfect vocabulary builder, pronunciation partner and spelling teacher for learners 5-14 years old. The program amply covers all bases and touches on all four key linguistic skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The program has specific games that address each.Its widely used in schools in 32 countries around the world as a supplemental language teaching tool. But the program can be equally valuable for homeschooling families.Languagenut may tackle the same topics (numbers, colors, greetings) as many other language programs, but it has some of the most graphically compe lling interfaces this side of language learning. It teaches target words and phrases through games, songs and stories. Your child would find it very hard not to learn and engage. The games alone are worth the price of admission. (What do you say to 14?)At £9.99 per year, itd be a crime not to get Languagenut for your kids.DuolingoDuolingo is the most popular language learning program online. Its probably because one, its free, and two, it gives adults permission to be like kids.What I mean is that they divide the lessons into very manageable bits, make the pacing very gradual, add audio prompts and pictures, and, last but not least, feature an animal cartoon character. Mix all of these into language learning content and you have a concoction that could work with kids as well as adults. (Well, at least kids who already know how to read and spell.)This is another program you can easily participate in with your child. Instead of leaving him alone, you can guide him and give instant fe edback and praise, which would make for great bonding time!Duolingo is one long activity where through repetition, vocabulary is embedded and kept fresh. Learners are given little tasks. The idea is, the more of these teenie tiny tasks they do, the more theyll remember of the target language.Learners may be asked to choose the translation of a word from the given choices. Sometimes the actual translation needed to be typed by the learner. Sometimes the task goes the other way and learners are given the English translation and will be asked to supply the target language equivalent.Duolingo repeats the tasks, goes forwards and backwards between languages, mixes and matches previously learned words and keeps learners on their toes. It also does a good job of remembering the words learners have difficulty with so they can be offered for review.Duolingo may look simple and straightforward, but theres actually a lot going on under the hood. If your kids stick with Duolingo, theyll pick up a greater number of words than with a lot of other programs.Check out these seven programs and test them for yourself.Each of them has their strengths and specialties, so choose whatever fits your situation.And if you really want to make the best of it, learn a language with your kid. Two birds, one stone.Good luck!