What is it Like to Attend Hillsdale College

What is it Like to Attend Hillsdale College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Claire is a Phoenix tutor who graduated from Hillsdale College in 2011 with a Bachelors degree in French and Sociology. She specializes inmany subjects including GRE prep tutoring, Grammar and Mechanics tutoring, and French tutoring. See what she had to say about Hillsdale: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Claire: Its very safe. Hillsdale is a town of about 9000 people, and the college relationship with the town is pretty easygoing. People feel safe walking around town at night, even late. No transportation is necessary if you live in the dorms, since everything is close together you can get from one end of the campus to the other in about ten minutes. If you live off-campus, you need a car or bike, but youre required to live on-campus for at least the first two years of college unless youre a local resident. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Claire: Professors are very accessible. Since its such a small campus, personal relationships with your professors are encouraged and you often get to know professors within your majors and minors really well. Even my professors in core classes encouraged me to ask questions or talk to them about assignments on a regular basis, so I went into their offices all the time and felt comfortable expressing myself. The classes are pretty small, so professors are able to identify you personally. Academic advisors are also full-time professors; Hillsdale tries to match students with advisors in their major, though of course that can change over the course of your time in college. Because youre taking some classes from your advisor, you naturally develop a personal relationship with that person. VT: How would you describe the dorm life - rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Claire: Dorms vary in size and spaciousness, both for the rooms and the actual buildings. All dorms are single-sex, and there are visitation hours outside of which the opposite sex is not allowed in the dorm. There are single rooms and double rooms, depending on your preference, as well as suite bathrooms and community bathrooms. There is a lot of variety in that regard, and you can request which kind of experience you want in your application. There is one dining hall, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Youre required to purchase a meal plan through all four years at college unless you meet certain stipulations. The food in the dining hall is unlimited and includes vegetarian cuisine, hamburgers, Asian, American, etc. Theres also a student-run coffee stand in the main classroom building that is open during the morning and early afternoon. Numerous opportunities are provided for socialization, particularly for freshmen. There are dorm activities as well as class activities. There arent as many social events as there could be, but that has a lot to do with the smallness of the school. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Claire: Hillsdale is a liberal arts college; its major strength lies in history, English literature, and political science department. When I first started attending, I thought I would major in English literature, and indeed their English department is strong. However, I ultimately decided to major in French and Sociology, with a minor in German. Although all three departments are small, all of my professors were outstanding, and I was able to develop personal relationships with each of them. Additionally, I wrote an honors thesis for sociology on the topic of linguistic anthropology, and was primarily able to do so because of the close guidance of the sociology department. It was certainly an advantage at that time to have such a small group of people to work with. VT: 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? Claire: I think it would have been easier if I hadnt been so shy; I also didnt have a roommate, so my roommate couldnt introduce me to anyone! Freshman dorms have double rooms almost exclusively as I recall, which definitely helps with the social aspect. Also, as I mentioned, Hillsdale definitely makes an effort to bring freshmen into the fold, with various activities to help you get to know your peers. Greek life is somewhat significant but not overpowering. There are three sororities and three fraternities on campus, and they hold multiple events throughout the year. There is no pressure to go Greek, though, and most people (something like 65% or 70%) are not members of a fraternity or sorority. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Claire: The Career Center is primarily useful to business majors. They have many contacts in the business world, including businesses that hire Hillsdale alumni on a regular basis. The Career Center is also helpful if you want to practice interview skills, get advice on your resume, or check out GRE books. There are career fairs, and again those are mostly helpful if youre in business, economics or accounting. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Claire: The student union was built about five years ago, and it has a lot of space. Around exam time it can be hard to get a private room in the library or a booth in the caf, but you can always get a classroom to yourself. Its easy to get space to yourself for studying in the library, union, or dorm areas, wherever you prefer to study. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Claire: The town is small, and the area around the college is pretty much completely residential. All the entertainment and things to do are located either at the college or farther away by car. If you want to get to a restaurant or bar, you have to drive. The downtown area isnt much to speak of, so in general students either stay on-campus or drive to a bigger college town such as Ann Arbor. Hillsdale doesnt have much to offer as a town besides the college itself. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Claire: There were about 1,500 students attending Hillsdale while I was there, and about 340 in my class. Its a good size, because you get to know a lot of people and recognize most peoples faces at the very least. The core classes that everyone had to take naturally had the most people in them, and the largest class was Science 101, which had about 30 students in the lecture and 20 in the lab. The rest of my classes were significantly smaller, so the professor was able to give us individualized attention. I even had a German class that had only three people in it. Most of my classes had about 10 to 15 people in them. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Claire: At the end of my sophomore year, I got to go to Germany with some of my classmates and my favorite German professor, Dr. Geyer, for a month for academic credit. We studied history and culture, and of course spoke a lot of German. We stayed in southern Germany but traveled around to various cities including Berlin, Munich, and Rothenberg-ob-der-Tauber. It was a fantastic experience. Check out Claires tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Start your German Tutoring Jobs

How to Start your German Tutoring Jobs How to Become a Tutor for German? ChaptersQualifications Needed to Teach Foreign LanguagesDecide On Your Private German Tutorial RatesFinding Students when You Become a German TutorPrepare your German Tutor JobsSo you speak English and you've decided you want to teach private German tutorials to English speaking students. You’ve mastered your second language or you're a native speaker and a teacher with a passion for passing on knowledge.  The choice to teach private tutorials was an obvious one.Make sure you make your advert for German tutorials as attractive as possible. (Source: Anita Peeples)Becoming a German tutor and earning some extra money while teaching others what you know is a great idea. However, how do you work out your rates?How do you get the word out to every potential learner? How do you find customers interested in language learning?It’s normal in the beginning to feel this is really complicated. However, if you go step by step, you’ll quickly become the most in-demand German tutor in town! Ca lumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhy sics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsQualifications Needed to Teach Foreign LanguagesBefore you even work out your rates for online tutoring jobs, you’ll need know what qualifications you’ll need.Firstly, there aren’t any specific qualifications that you need to be a private tutor.  However, you should be able to justify your language skills (German phrases, vocabulary, verbs, education, language stays, teaching skills, German pronunciation, etc.) otherwise you’ll find it very difficult to find students.German tutorials: German skillsWhen you create your first advert, you’ll need to specify your level in German. Are you fluent, bilingual, advanced, or conversational?If you only did German for a year in secondary school and then dropped it, you’re going to struggle to find students.While there are no hard and fast rules for what level you should have, a German  degree’s usually a good benchmark.Make sure you do your research before your tutorials. (Source: Karol Dach)Maybe you have the level but not the degree. What should you do?You need to ask yourself these questions before you make your first advert.How many years have you studied German?Did you study German language courses at university or a language school?Is it your native language?Have you lived in Germany, Switzerland, or another German speaking country?Is German your mother tongue? Are you close to proficiency or fluency?Teach German for SchoolIf you can prove you know how to speak German, you can provide German academic support for school students without qualifications or being a teacher. Nevertheless, you have to prove to your students you r experience with German isn’t less than theirs.If you’re studying German A Level, your level will be good enough to teach German for beginners and primary school children but you’ll probably struggle to teach older students a new language or even new German vocabulary.To give your tutorials more value, why not take a level test?The TestDaf, for example, is a recognised language exam. You can test your comprehension (listening and reading) as well as production (speaking and writing). This is a well-rounded exam that can evaluate your general level in German.You can also find out more about the Goethe Institut and the qualifications they offer including the    Goethe-Zertifikat  which is also widely recognised.Provide Professional German TutorialsThere are plenty of tutors offering professional German private tutorials.  These are often aimed at adults wanting to improve their international career prospects.  They just need your help since  speaking the language of one of Eur ope’s most powerful countries is hugely beneficial when it comes to business.Prove your professional German abilities and make yourself stand out. To do so, you can take level tests that are more specialised than the ones we mentioned previously.How can you pass a level test for business German? (Source: Michal Kulesza)The PWD (from the Goethe Institut) is also recognised by businesses and the GDS (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom) is the most advanced professional German qualification. In fact, the GDS allows you to teach German classes in Germany!State TeachersThere are plenty of school teachers who also provide private tutorials in order to earn some extra money. If this applies to you, don’t forget to mention how many years of experience you have!Decide On Your Private German Tutorial RatesWorking out a fair rate isn’t the easiest thing in the world. There are several factors you need to consider for your German tutorial prices.Understand the Academic Support MarketDon’t h esitate to check out the competition and find out how much other German tutors are charging. Decide where to position yourself.Check out dedicated academic support forums and classifieds sites and find out the going rate for German courses. Have a look at foreign language schools and see what they’re charging for their German language course, too. This will put you in a good position to work out what a fair rate would be.Set Your Rates Based on Your Level of GermanBy looking at other tutors’ rates, you’ll see what the going rates are by level in German.For example, in London, native speakers tend to charge upwards of £30.  Student tutors tend to charge less than that.You also need to take your students’ levels into account and how good they are at speaking German.  If you’re teaching primary school children, you can’t charge as much as you would for sixth formers.Work Out Running CostsIt’d be silly not to consider your running costs when providing private German tutor ials.First of all, work out how much it costs you to get to your tutorials since private tutorials normally take place at the student’s home.You'll need to work out your transport costs for each German tutorial. (Source: Matthew Henry)You’ll therefore need to define an area that you’ll be willing to travel to and also work out your travel costs.The cost of school supplies (pens, printing, etc) should all be taken into account.Given that you also need to declare your earnings, you also need to take tax into account.Once you've considered all of these factors, you'll be closer to deciding upon your hourly rate.Choose the right organisationFinally, the organisation you choose to work with will affect the price of your private tutorials.You can become a private German tutor just by heading to a classifieds site.Certain sites require a certain number of years of experience.  Some require a cut of the amount for every hour taught.There are organisations that don’t charge any fees to aspiring private tutors.  Superprof, for example, doesn’t charge any commission on tutorials.Finding Students when You Become a German TutorNow that you’re ready to put together an advert, it’s time to start making yourself known as a private German tutor.Students wanting to learn German usually search things like “free German lessons”, “intensive German classes”, “learning German for free”, and “learning German on-line”! Even if you don’t teach on-line or for free, you can still find students!Using the InternetThe Internet hasn’t stopped growing and you now need to be on it if you want to find students who want to learn German.You can sign up for tutoring jobs London and websites or even on classifieds sites. You can even create your own website advertising your German tutorials.Social networks can be used to help spread the news, too.Network in your TownLook for German cultural centres or institutes and get to know the people there. This will help you create a German network and find more students.Why not get in touch with the German teachers in your town?  They can send struggling students your way and it’ll help them keep their pass rates up.Word of MouthWord of mouth is one of the oldest forms of advertising and it still works!  Make sure everyone knows you’re a private German tutor.Your friends and family will be your best promoters! You can bring it up  it at a family meal or on a night out with friends.  If they hear about someone looking for German tuition, they’ll be sure to mention you!Prepare your German Tutor JobsOnce you’ve decided upon your rates and found some students, it’s time to prepare your tutorials!Establish a list of goals for each studentEach student has different needs. You have to tailor your tutorials to them.Decide together on which skills they’d like to improve.Do they need to work on their speaking? Do they need to master German grammar?Make sure your student is involved in their tutorials . (Source: Matthew Henry)It takes time to learn a foreign language and it’s your job to make them want to put in the effort to learn by giving them clear and defined objectives.This will help you to prepare German exercises specifically for them.Explain each tutorial’s objectivesBefore each tutorial, clearly outline the lesson plan and its objectives by spending the first 5 minutes of the class explaining which skills you’re going to work on and the rules they’re going to learn.Prepare your tutorials in advance and make sure you’re organised.Distance Yourself from SchoolTutorials shouldn’t be like classes in school. You need to distance yourself from learning at school by making your tutorials animated and fun and keep your students interested.Everyone works better when they have fun. Make your lessons fun by using a variety of resources like German films, music, and YouTube videos to get them interested in German.Provide a Summary After Each SessionMany tutors provide a summary after each session. This is a great way to get the student involved in their own German learning and keep them aware of their progress.Don’t hesitate to recommend extra activities, films to watch, and goals to work on before the next session.A motivated student will want to learn even more!

3 Strategies for Learning Motivation in Winter

3 Strategies for Learning Motivation in Winter takelessons Motivation doesn’t strike by waving a magic wand or by drinking a special elixir. It isn’t something you’re born with, and you don’t stumble upon it by accident. True motivation requires a strategy. A strategy that you can rely on when the going gets rough. And of course, if you are learning anything worthwhile if you are striving for something great then the going will almost certainly get rough at one time or another. Whether you’re in the middle of a guitar course, mastering a new language, or studying ballet you may hit seasonal slumps or encounter scheduling roadblocks. That’s when a motivation strategy will be more important than ever.   One of those times is mid-winter during that tough, cold stretch between the holidays and springtime. Long after the New Year’s resolution spirit fades, the middle of winter requires a carefully honed motivation strategy to keep you on track. Let’s take a look at three proven ways to build a motivation strategy. Apply these tips to your life and stay inspired on the harshest winter day. 1. Revisit the Reasons Whether it’s singing, sewing, or mathematics; there are personal reasons why you chose to pursue that specific skill. There was a driving force, a spark of inspiration, and a deep-held impetus that set you on the path you’re on today.   Its essential revisit those reasons in winter; to remind yourself why you’re running at sunrise, practicing the piano after work, or reciting Greek verbs before bedtime. Keep that list close by and within sight every day â€" stick it on your refrigerator, or post it above your bed. Sit down with a pen and paper, and make a list of the reasons why you started this journey. Keep that list close by and within sight every day stick it on your refrigerator, or post it above your bed. A visual reminder of your personal motivation story will re-energize your learning and keep you on pace to reach your goals. Ready to learn? Browse lessons in language, music, art, and more. 2. Visualize the Outcome Even on the brightest summer day, it can be hard to see the big picture hard to imagine life beyond the current moment. During the mid-winter months, our ability to put circumstances into context is further challenged by seasonal struggles. When you experience a winter slump, it’s extra important to stretch your imagination. Make time to sit down with a warm mug of tea and picture very clearly what it is you want. Go a step further and either draw a sketch of yourself achieving your goal, or write an outline describing what life will look like when you reach the finish line. A morning exercise of putting pen to paper will fuel your motivation for the day ahead. Draw a sketch of yourself achieving your goal, or write an outline describing what life will look like when you reach the finish line. Perhaps your goal is to have a real conversation in Hungarian or dance salsa at a club competition. The process of visualizing yourself living your dream is a powerful reminder of why you are doing what you’re doing right now. And that will make all those hours of practice and study more meaningful than ever. Related: The Secret to a Happy Relationship? Learn Together 3. Evaluate Your Toolbox When you’re in the thick of your learning journey, you will likely experience a mixture of successes and hardships; elements that are working well and items you are struggling with. Mid-winter is the time to evaluate what you need to improve your experience. Taking the time to pause and evaluate can help you identify problem areas. Use this newfound perspective to enhance your toolbox and motivate your efforts. Start by making a list of what’s working. List all the tools you have that are helping you thrive. These tools could include a great vocal instructor or a well-equipped writing desk. Create this list with an attitude of gratitude for what has helped you come this far. Then, make a wish list of the tools you still need learning resources that could make your education more effective. Maybe you realized that you need a dedicated mentor, or that you would like a study buddy on the weekends. This list could also include tangible items like a new musical instrument or physical space for practicing. Taking the time to pause and evaluate can help you identify problem areas. Use this newfound perspective to enhance your toolbox and motivate your efforts. Ready to learn? Browse lessons to gain skills, have fun, and build a better you!

Java Programming Assignment Help-Virtual Help With Easy Solutions

Java Programming Assignment Help-Virtual Help With Easy Solutions Getting assignment help online is the easiest mode to seek solutions for your assignment hassles. You can be anywhere in the corner of the world but you can connect to an online tutor for your assignment writing help and get the best of the solutions for your intriguing subject topics. Providing assignment help for students is one of the most productive and beneficial services of many online tutoring companies. @TutorPace Offers 10% Discount on Online #Assignment Help for Improved Grades http://t.co/P1NO7BttIg #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/vJs9iihJwU â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 10, 2015 Java programming assignment help for grappling with the tough aspects of Java Java is a mature language which has internationalization features and also good security features. Students find learning Java highly beneficial as it is built into popular web browsers. All Android apps are written in Java. And as such, studying Java opens up various career options for students. If they lack in the fundamental knowledge of Java programming, students may not be able to excel in their assignments for Java and could find them mind boggling. The codes could land them in trouble and they won’t be successful in their end products. Java programming assignment help from established online tutoring companies can be the best way for students to tackle assignment hassles in the subject and get easy solutions from the comfort of home. The tutors interact with the students through live chat, understand their requirements and process assignments that are in tune with their needs. Once you feed your assignment requirements, you can get the quote and obtain the completed assignments on time. Assignment help Accounting-online help as the right succor No need to say how Accounting assignments brain storm students and how they feel like being ensnared in the trap of columns. Cost Accounting calculations and Financial Accounting statements are not easy to crack and even the best minds for Accounting can err many a time. Last minute hitches and mistakes in tallying balance sheets are very common in Accounting assignments. Even a small mistake can lead to serious blemishes in balance sheets. Key Differences Between Cost #Accounting And #Financial Accounting http://t.co/QwSK8F4RbX pic.twitter.com/1WpgfbNn6f â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 21, 2015 Fetch assignment help Accounting for solving your Accounting assignment struggles in the easiest and most effective way. No need to go out or commute but you get your assignments done in a few clicks by chatting with an Accounting tutor online .The tutors are subject experts who understand your subject issues and provide customized solutions for your assignment work when you demand their help in doing assignments. They also go through the assignments prepared by you and can help you get over the gaps and lapses you have in your writing areas. Getting assignments done in a virtual set up has great many advantages for a student. Let us view some of them as given under: Seamless services without time boundary and 24/7 services with instant help for any kind of educational query Best assignment drafts through subject experts who are well qualified and experienced in assignment writing and Accounting topics Following the specific reference styles like MLA or Harvard as stipulated in the assignment guidelines Flawless write ups without any grammatical error Well proof read and plagiarism free assignments Mobile friendly websites Cost effective assignment writing rates Unique content with well researched material Ease of access from the comfort of home Saves your time and travel Hence the best way to get your assignments done today is through virtual help for your Java programming or Accounting and score well with the submission of completed assignments on time. Immediate #Assignment Help For All, Anytime, Anywhere http://t.co/c0m2oAttn3 pic.twitter.com/WoqY4Piss0 â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 17, 2015 When everything in life is done in a smooth and stress free manner, why not try the same through virtual assignment writing help for your best assignment scores?

The end results

The end results By William Redwood It’s a delicate day for everyone. Parents have to deal with stressed children and young students have to deal with their parents and teachers, their results and their peers’ results. It’s inevitably an emotional rollercoaster for them and however good their results may be, they now also have to deal with moving into a new phase of their lives. Some may be full of anxiety about what the future holds. Going to the university or college of choice can be intimidating and a past success can represent a burden in that it is a standard to be maintained in the future. A minority of students and parents may even not feel as though celebrations are in order if things didn’t go their way after all the hard work. However, that, ultimately, is the point: the hard work. It is all too easy as a parent to forget that whatever ‘Big Thursday’ brings, it was nothing but sheer hard work which got us all there. It is that work, as much as the actual results, which should be rewarded. Successful and less than successful students alike should never feel that people’s love for them is in any way conditional on exam performance. They painfully slogged their way to this point in the year, however it went, and it is that slog which should be rewarded. Whether your darling daughter or darling son is ecstatic, ecstatic-yet-terrified about future steps soon to be taken, or distraught about their grades, about leaving school, leaving home, saying goodbye to friends or a mixture of all of the above, what matters is simply that they have worked and they have worked damn hard. Whatever words are said, whatever gifts or rewards bestowed, whatever spin the media chooses to put on this year’s outcomes, what matters now is what will always matter, sheer hard work. Whatever the mood in the home around this time, that is what should be celebrated. And that is what we as tutors, parents and carers all need to be communicating to young people right now. Celebrating their past effort is the best support we can give for whatever their future may entail.

How are you today A Guide to Asking Questions in English

How are you today A Guide to Asking Questions in English When we start to learn a new language, we generally focus on talking about ourselves. We talk about who we are, where we come from, what we do etc. However, for effective, interactive, communication to take place we need to move beyond this stage and learn to ask questions.   This is not only important for good grades in English in the classroom and for successful conference calls in the office but through question-making we can also learn more about Anglophone cultures and even make new, English-speaking, friends.Forming questions in English is not difficult but you need to learn some basic rules.Pay attention to who or what is the subject of the questionWho is learning English? (who is the subject to the verb) What did you learn in class today? (what is the subject of the verb) Who do you want to bring to the cinema on Saturday? (you is the subject of the verb)Pay attention to the preposition in forming the question as this will be repeated in the answerWhere did you go to? I went to the bathroom. What are you talking about? I am talking about my English classes. Who is the present for? The present is for Juan.In English, many questions and answers use the same words (in a different order)Have you a big family? (I have a big family) Did you go to class today? (I did go to class today) Is Maria your sister’s friend? (Mary is my sister’s friend)There are two main types of questions in English: Closed Questions and Open QuestionsClosed QuestionsClosed questions are easiest because they only need an answer that is yes or no. They generally require the auxiliary verbs to do, to be and to have.Did you go to Chile last week? = (No) I did not. Are you cold? =(Yes) I am. Have you 5 million pesos? = (No) I have not.When forming a closed question you must switch the subject with the first auxiliary verb:Do you understand English? = I do understand English. Is it sunny today? = It is sunny today. Did you eat pasta today? = I did eat pasta today. Have you been drinkin g coffee? = I have been drinking coffee. Has she lived in Buenos Aires for three years? = She has been living in Buenos Aires for three years.Use the auxiliary verb ‘do’ to form questions: Do you work hard? = I work hard Do you live in Argentina? = I live in Argentina Did you speak fluent Spanish? =I speak fluent SpanishOpen questionsOpen questions require more than a yes or no response. They demand an opinion, explanation or description.Open questions are formed around a set list of interrogatory words. These are what, when, where, which, who, whom, how, why and whose.What time is it? It is 10pm When is she leaving Buenos Aires? She is leaving Buenos Aires on Thursday Where are you going on Saturday? I am going to London on Saturday? Which one do you want, the black scarf or the red scarf? I want the red scarf Who did you take to the dance on Friday? I took my sister’s friend Jane to the dance on Friday. Whom should she call about the matter? She should call the floor manager about the matter. How do I look? You look great. Why did he call me Saturday? He called you Saturday because he wanted to borrow your book. Whose t-shirt is he wearing? He is wearing my brother’s t-shirt.Not all of these interrogative words need nouns as question words. What, which and whose are examples of these.What class is this? What is this class? Which scarf is yours? Which is your scarf? Whose is this book? This is whose book?We hope you enjoyed the class and found it beneficial. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in English classes (cursos de inglés). Also if you enjoyed this, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

5 Awesome SAT Apps - by TutorNerds

5 Awesome SAT Apps - by TutorNerds A Smartphone Makes a Smart Student With These 5 SAT Apps Right now it’s sunny and 85 degrees outside, the Pacific Ocean is calling to you and the thought of school is far, far away. Believe it or not it’s only about a month until school starts up again in the fall and the SAT is right around the corner (READ: 8 SAT Essay Tips). You have signed up for the October SAT, right? Whether you are taking the SAT in October or December, August is the right time to be working on your SAT test prep study (CLICK: SAT Registration). Now, as a disclaimer, apps, youtube videos, and books are all helpful, but nothing prepares you better than an in-home Orange County SAT tutor. Our private tutors have taken the SAT, gone to college, and tutored many students to success. Its about reaching your potential and growing confidence. Ready to score high? Back to the post, I often see people on their phones, even at the beach, so why not spend some of your technology time studying your way into college? Check out these 5 fantastic SAT apps to help you get started on your summer SAT journey (READ: Summer Spent Well: What Are Colleges Looking For?). 1. IntelliVacab lite for SAT Okay, so have you ever had someone like me show up at your door for SAT tutoring and they ask you, “so how many vocab words have you learned so far?”. And you think to yourself, “Um none”. This is totally normal and actually very common. Although I strongly recommend that the best way to learn new vocab is in-context (Your Irvine SAT tutor will help explain this to you), the reality is that some vocab words found on the SAT are words that you will never, ever use again (unless you become an SAT tutor or go work for the College Board). For those words you just have to sit down and learn them. You could make 3,500 flash cards (no thanks) or you could try this app. IntelliVocab lite for SAT is designed to learn your patterns of weakness and which words trip you up time and time again and then focuses on them. That’s pretty smart huh? As an added bonus it’s FREE. 2. Edupath SAT Prep and College Search This app helps you track your progress as you study. It would make a great companion study tool to your tutoring sessions. Edupath SAT Prep will tell you which areas that you need to focus on and then you can tell your tutor what your weaknesses are and you can work on them together. As an extra feature, this app helps you find colleges that might fit your goals and career needs. So many students are overwhelmed with the hundreds of choices of colleges and universities. Most students don’t know which schools will accept their current SAT scores. Also, knowing where you want to go to college can help you figure out the specific SAT scores that you need.Pretty cool! Also FREE. 3. SAT Up SAT Up can actually help you correct the problems that you answered incorrectly. This app will take you through the process step by step. For many math students, missing even one step can mean the difference between up to 100 points. This is also a great companion study tool. FREE! 4. SATLadder SATLadder allows users to compete and challenge other real life test prep students. This is a great way to see how you stack up to other students taking the SAT this fall. Let’s face it, colleges will be doing the same. 5. Vocab Ahead This app, Vocab Ahead, features videos where the vocabulary word is pronounced for you. Users also get a definition and hear the word used in a sentence. Hearing a word in context makes it easier to remember and it never hurts to hear new words pronounced out loud. The reality is that students who are taking the SAT in October should be well into their summer study program but if you haven’t started yet now is definitely the time. Even 25 minutes a day can really help you get closer to your college goals. I recommend that you use these apps on the days that you don’t see your SAT tutor. If you are planning to start tutoring this fall (for the December SAT) then get started with these apps now to give you that competitive edge when you start regular study sessions in September. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at info@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about. Teach.com

7 Tried and True Language Learning Techniques for Any Skill Level

7 Tried and True Language Learning Techniques for Any Skill Level 7 Tried and True Language Learning Techniques for Any Skill Level Curse words are often the first things people  learn in a foreign language.Thats because they get the most mileageâ€"especially when youre frustrated tackling beginner lessons.Learning a new language is one of the hardest things you can do.There, we said it.If you’ve ever found yourself using the handful of frustrated curse words you’ve learned in your target language while practicing or during a lesson, you’re not alone.Beginners aren’t the only ones struggling. There’s a learning curve no matter what level you’re at.But you can do this. So many other people have learned successfully. How?The answer is simple: Keep going. No matter what, don’t give up.Okay, it may not be quite that simpleâ€"youre going to need some great techniques for learning too. If you find yourself bored, unchallenged, uninspired or totally stagnant with your current learning techniques (or if you havent settled on any one technique yet) then this post will be just what you need.Were going to intr oduce you to a variety of learning techniques that can help you stay in the game. Youll be exposed to different ways of looking at your target  language and approaches to learning. The purpose of this is to keep things interesting and keep your options wide open.Most people find success by combining different techniques. Try one or all of these and see what works for you! 7 Tried and True Language Learning Techniques for Any Skill Level1. Find a Program and Stick with ItFor those who need order and organization in their lives, a full-service language program that guides you step-by-step may be just what the doctor ordered.Usually, these come complete with a textbook, written exercises and audio listening components for a well-rounded learning experience. Some programs may include interactive exercises and visual cues. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of options for language learning books, audio CDs, and computer programs. There’s sure to be one out there for you!One of the be st places to find your language program is your local public library. Search the 400s section using the Dewey Decimal System to locate the language books of your choice. Then browse away!Sometimes libraries house their CD collections in a separate location. Also, they may have subscriptions to computerized learning programsâ€"so ask your librarian! If you’re interested in buying one of the resources from a bookstore, you can always check it out from the library first to see if you like it.Amazon  and Google Books are additional resources for finding a language learning program that fits your needs. Search for your language along with keywords like “learn,” “learning” or your proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The advantage of searching Amazon and Google Books is that they  let you preview  a  book before deciding to buy it!Once you find a program that you like, stick with it or you won’t get the most out of it. Especially in your most frustrated moment s, you need a consistent method to allow the natural learning process to take over. Switching back and forth between different programs may deter your progress, since they don’t go at the same pace or follow the same patterns.Need some ideas for language learning programs?  Check out our recommendations here.2. Label Your Stuff in the LanguageWhen you can’t travel abroad to a country that speaks your target language, the next best thing is to pretend you’re there. In Spain, it’s not a pencil, it’s un lápiz. In France, it’s not bread, it’s pain. Thinking of everyday objects around you in the foreign language and putting labels on them by name will make you start to think more consistently in the language.As much as possible, put Post-it notes or sticky labels on items around you to help you learn their names in  your target language. You can even buy yourself a pre-made Vocabulary Stickers set, which gives you fun, color-coded labels for the most common items in your h ome and office.When you can’t label thingsâ€"like when you’re in publicâ€"try to think of the word in the language. If you don’t know it, jot down a note and look it up later! Be curious about the world around you and how it would be talked about if you were in another country.Looking for new words to learn? Try using books as outlined  here.3. Use Flashcards ConsistentlyA tried-and-true method dating all the way back to grade school, flashcards are a proven way to memorize learning material. But how quickly did you forget that information in school after you took the test?When you’re learning a language, you want to learn it for life. Flashcards can get vocabulary to stick, but only if you keep using them consistently. The best way to remember words and phrases is to be exposed to them frequently. Keep your memory sharp by using flashcards every dayâ€"even if just for 5 minutes.We’re more likely to remember things when they’re grouped with similar concepts. Rotate your flashcards in logical themes, such as objects in the kitchen, verbs related to sports, and vocabulary for the workplace. Introduce new vocabulary on a regular basisâ€"but if you find yourself forgetting words you thought you knew, you might want to go back and revisit them. Making flashcards is easyâ€"there are even websites like Brain Grinder that will generate printable flashcards for you!Looking for something that goes a few steps farther than flashcards?  FluentU brings flashcards to life.Thats because  FluentU makes flashcards out of real-world videosâ€"like cinematic trailers, news shows,  Disney movies and YouTube clips.  Choose your favorite videos based on your skill level, learning style and personal interests. Then youll get personalized sets of flashcards based on the language introduced in these videos.4. Read the News in the LanguageRegardless of your proficiency level, reading the news in a foreign language is a great way to keep up with the languageâ€"and stay connec ted to current events! Even as a beginner, you can parse out the meaning of short news articles to learn new vocabulary and exercise your reading comprehension. Regular reading in the language exposes you to a variety of words and grammatical structures, many of which you might not encounter in your regular language studies.You can find an online newspaper from just about any country online. For example, a quick Google search for “newspapers in China” brings up Asia Today, Beijing Daily  and Chinese Daily. The website Online Newspapers provides comprehensive lists of newspapers around the world. When browsing headlines, look for simple topics like news about celebrities or local crime events.A bonus to this technique is that youll learn a lot about the culture and people that speak the language you’re learning. As you continue to read more, challenge yourself to try more difficult texts. You may be surprised how quickly you’ve advanced using this technique!5. Find a Conversa tion PartnerOf all the ideas about how to best learn a language, there’s one that can’t be denied: Practice is the best way to improve. Though helpful, you can only get so far with responding to audio CD prompts. Short of having conversations with yourself, why not find someone you can speak with?Joining a Meetup group can hook you up with other people learning the language. You’ll likely meet individuals who are farther along than you that can bring you up to step, but you’ll also meet those who aren’t as skilled in the language. Teaching them some new words and phrases can help reinforce what you’ve already learned.A language exchange partner can give you some one-on-one time and lends an opportunity to make a friend. In a language exchange, you’ll meet with someone who speaks the language you’re trying to learn and, instead of paying them, you’ll spend some time tutoring or conversing with them in a language you know. For many people in the U.S., that tends to b e English, but it could be any language. Finding a group or individual you can regularly speak with in the language is priceless on your journey to fluency.6. Think Like a KidAdults always comment on how children seem to absorb information “like sponges”â€"especially when it comes to language. Past a certain age, learning new things appears to be more of a challenge. However, there’s actually no scientific proof of the link between age and learning ability. Instead, it might be a case of mind over matter.As we age, we form certain thought patterns that connect the circuitry of our brain. In short, we become rigid in our thinking. Weve also developed a distaste for the all-too-familiar experience of failure. These elements of adulthood can be blocks in the process of learning something new. As kids, we don’t have these patterns established, and our minds are more open. Children are less judgmental and more willing to try new things and make mistakes. They also have less prior knowledge of language, so preconceptions of how language should work don’t get in the way.Try to think like a kid when it comes to learning your language. Keep an open mind, and actively break down your own notions of how language “should” be structured based on what you already know. Don’t judge yourself, and don’t be afraid to use the language you’re learningâ€"even if you do make mistakes. You’ll never become fluent if you don’t let yourself try.7. Set Goals for YourselfYou wanted to learn a new language for a reason. Maybe you’re traveling abroad for business or pleasure, or perhaps you’ve started a new relationship with someone from another country. Whatever the reason, you can use it to keep yourself motivated. Regularly remind yourself why you decided to learn the language in the first place. Keeping the end goal in sight will help you stay on course.To get there, set well-planned goals and deadlines for reaching them. For example, if you’re going to th e zoo on your vacation, you might want to learn 10 words about animals by the end of the week. By picking goals that make sense for your end result, your overall plan makes more sense as the pieces fit together. The logical progression will give you a sense of accomplishment. Simply write them down, or use an online goal-setting application. Track your progress, and don’t forget to reward yourself!As you can see, there are a lot of different approaches to learning a language. Beginner or advanced, you can start using any of these methods any time!You don’t have to do everything at onceâ€"only when it makes sense for you to do so. If you want to mix things up one day, or see if something new will make you a better speaker, try one of these options to get a new perspective. And One More ThingIf youre digging these techniques, youll love using FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn re al languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. 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.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.