Learn How to Find the Limiting Reactor in Chemistry

Learn How to Find the Limiting Reactor in ChemistryThere are three reasons that you need to know how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry. First of all, this information will allow you to discover the sources of your stifled creativity, which could otherwise be used to get ahead in life.Second, it will make you better able to enjoy all the possibilities that chemistry presents. Thirdly, it will give you a clearer idea of how to interpret the results of your own experiments.As mentioned, one of the reasons why you need to know how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry is that there is a pattern to the reactions that take place in chemistry and it is an ever-changing pattern. For example, there will be changes in the speed of chemical reactions, and there will also be changes in the amounts of reactants involved. It is always useful to know how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry so that you can ensure that you get the best results from your own experiments.Once you u nderstand how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry, then you can start to design experiments that will show you how to use the reactions to produce results that are as good as possible. The biggest problem with chemistry, is that the data that you get is very limited. This is where it helps to learn how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry so that you can get to grips with the way in which molecules move around in your laboratory and that you have a good idea of what is going on at any given time.Another benefit of learning how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry is that it will give you the chance to help people who may not be able to do chemistry because they are not given the knowledge that they need. If there were sufficient funding for medical research, then people with physical or mental disabilities would get some of the benefits that a properly funded science can give.For instance, the limit that you want to try to create in chemistry can be brought about if the limits of an isotope are discovered. For example, if the limit of nitrogen isotopes is discovered, then that would enable new materials and technologies to be making using these and also to give the people who can't afford to buy expensive elements the chance to enjoy the great benefits that science offers.In conclusion, how to find the limiting reactant in chemistry is a process that takes up time. However, the advantages that you will gain from learning how to do this, are few and far between.

5 Fun French Games to Help With Vocabulary and More

5 Fun French Games to Help With Vocabulary and More Megan L. Learning French in a class or with a private teacher is important, but as with all languages, practice hours are critical to building fluency. But how do you get motivated to study French every day? According to these sites and apps, the secret is making your lessons into a game! Digital Dialects   Vocabulary and Verb Conjugation Games Aimed mostly at beginning learners, these French games use simple, clear graphics to present practice opportunities for a variety of vocabulary building. Many of the games can be adjusted to provide either audio or text prompts, so you can use them to build both listening and reading comprehension. Some advanced vocabulary is available, as well as verb practice and even spelling and the spelling games include selecting the correct article, which is important practice for English-native students unused to the French gender system. French Games   Vocabulary and Sentence Games On this site, students can select a topic, receive a brief tutorial on the vocabulary involved, and then choose a game to play for practice. Ideal for learning on your own or work between lessons, the site also offers tests so you can track your success. With a variety of game types available, you can pick one that seems intuitive to you structurally, instead of being bogged down by a confusing game mode that isnt relevant to your language learning. The site is primarily directed at children and young adults, but theres no reason learners of all ages cant enjoy it. Très  Bien French   Vocabulary and Verb Games Like the site above, this website has a variety of games available, including ones designed to help with verb conjugation in a number of tenses. The vocabulary is extensive, reaching into more advanced grammar and topics. However, it should be noted that access to the more detailed material requires a one-time purchase which for ten dollars provides access not only to French material, but to other languages as well. Its up to you to decide whether the amount of detail is worth the modest price tag. The site is also available as an app. Quia   Teacher-Created Games and Activities On  Quia, subscribed teachers can create online activities and class pages. However, the best resource it provides is available free: shared activities. These free games are created by teachers and made available by the thousands, covering every possible topic. You can even search by textbook, to come up with activities corresponding to your current lesson plan and specific vocabulary. Duolingo   Addictive Language Learning Game Saving the most famous for last,  Duolingo  is a renowned language learning site and app that functions like a game, providing rewards for diligent studying in the form of leveling up, health tracking, and  unlockable  extra lessons. While it cant replace the interaction and real-world practice of lesson time with a good teacher,  Duolingo  provides an excellent study environment suited for busy students who have trouble getting motivated to work on their own. There are plenty more French games out there, so keep an eye out, and remember that while learning a language can be difficult, it doesnt have to be a burden. For more personal attention and help learning a new language, working with a private tutor is the best way to go. Search for a French tutor available near you or online today! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Sean MacEntee

TakeLessons Honors our March 2011 Teachers of the Week

TakeLessons Honors our March 2011 Teachers of the Week ksurmacewicz Each week we recognize a TakeLessons teacher on our Facebook page that has shown outstanding commitment and dedication to our program. If you missed any of our recent posts, take a minute to learn more about each one of the phenomenal teachers that we honored this month! ___________________________________________ Christina L. from Carrollton, TX Inspirational, professional and friendly are all words that have been used to describe Christina, who teaches piano voice lessons in the Dallas area. Christina has been teaching with us for just over a year and has worked with 24 students in that short amount of time!   She grew up studying music knows how to keep her students on track while also making their lessons productive and fun, which is why they love working with her! ___________________________________________ Mark H. from Osseo, MN Mark has been teaching music for over 20 years, and specializes in a variety of subjects including guitar, bass guitar, singing and acting.   He loves what he does and his passion and enthusiasm for his students and his music shines through in every conversation we have with him. In addition to teaching, he has done his fair share of performing and touring. He has even composed songs for many local bands and produced musical scores for local theatrical productions. ___________________________________________ Dorothea G. from Sherman Oaks, CA Dorothea has been teaching piano lessons with us for over a year. Her students love her because she is great at challenging them and encouraging them to keep setting goals.   In addition to teaching, Dorothea has experience composing and has even composed for movies! She is currently working with some of the other TakeLessons teachers in her area to create a TakeLessons recital down the road. If you get a chance, check out the amazing introduction video on her profile! ___________________________________________ Scott F. from Rutherford, NJ Scott has been teaching voice lessons with us since 2008 and comes with the highest recommendations from all of his students, who say he is patient, charming and talented. He helps them gain not only vocal skill, but self-confidence as well.   Heres a quote from one of his students: There is nothing worse than a teacher who’d rather show off the entire lesson than teach; thankfully Scott is nothing like that.   He is a very fun, energetic and uplifting teacher who, still after eight months, leaves me waiting for my next lesson with fervor.   What a gift! ___________________________________________ Congratulations to all of our outstanding Teachers of the Week for the month of March!

Reading Preparation English Writing Online Tutorpace

Reading Preparation English Writing Online Tutorpace Reading is one of the very important part of learning and understanding English. Reading is a part of many examinations such as TOEFL or IELTS and many more. The students in these examinations are expected to show their reading skills. There are passages given for reading and some questions following them. The student needs to answer the question and comprehend their answers. These reading passages are known as reading and comprehension. The students according to their grade or standard are given different levels of comprehensive passages. The reading skills of the student is tested in almost every English class. The key point the student needs to look for in reading is grammar. The students should be aware of the grammar rules so they can correct the sentences if required. It is recommended that the student practices many reading assignments to improve the reading skills. The best way to prepare of reading is to have more practice. While reading its suggested the student takes notes and write down the important points. The student needs to develop the ability to gaze across the passage and locate the answer for the question. In reading time management is very crucial. The students need to make sure they finish reading the passage and have enough time to answer the following questions. While answering the passage question the students need to sometimes comprehend their answer. Its suggested that the students use the information given in the passage while answering the comprehension questions. The students need to present their answer with the required explanation.

What Are the Best Japanese Magazines

What Are the Best Japanese Magazines What Is the Most Read Japanese Literature? ChaptersManga Publication MagazinesPopular Japanese Literature and MagazinesFind Japanese Anthologies, Postwar Novels and More in the UK!While Japanese authors and Japanese literature are all great ways to start learning about Japanese culture and history - magazine sales have been steadily declining. While great ways to learn about everything from Heian history facts or the Heian period to the latest in Kabuki fashion - magazine sales represent only 1% of media sales.The great thing about magazines, and not just those geared for Japanese people, is that everyone can appreciate and get taken in by their content: form the sober novelist to the busy 5th grader. Whether you’ll be moving to Japan, dream to visit one day or simply want to build up to reading your first novel in Japanese - picking from the dozens of genres of magazines can be an overwhelming venture. From comedy and sports magazines to those focusing on news or culture, the options are endless.If you're looking for some of the best literature written in Japan, here are some of the most popular magazines in Japan, as well as autobiographical novels, prolific authors and books that have won the Nobel Prize for literature.Stuck in a rut and don't know what to read? Try picking up some of Japan's most popular selections! 1 to 13 years of age. If you’re looking for great books by Japanese comics and graphic designers for children, start with Kodomo.Monthly Coro Coro Comic is a monthly magazine without specific numbered editions. This magazine is notorious for launching the now ubiquitous manga Pokémon.Shojo MangaIn Japanese, Shojo means little girl or young girl. Shojo manga is, naturally, a comic book aimed at young adults. These Japanese writers and illustrators usually touch upon themes on romance, especially those that happen in school.While mangas are typically distorted when they enter into the context of Western culture, Shojo mangas don’t feature any sort of drugs, sex or violence. The topi cs are light-hearted and suitable for children of all backgrounds. Here are the different types of magazines where you can find shojo manga:AriaBessatsu FriendBessatsu MargaretBetsucomiCheese!CobaltCookieHana to YumeEach of these comics come out either monthly or bi-monthly.Josei MangaWhether it be an import from classical Chinese literature, a female playwright Hasegawa Shigure or narratives about the Korean or Japanese government, there are plenty of adult themes that are typically dealt with in literature aimed at the young adult audience in Japan.Form Shikoku to Tokyo and Osaka, female authors, stories with Chinese characters, or historical accounts of the Edo period are consumed on everything from eBook  readers like Kobo to newspapers. Josei manga are graphic novels and comics aimed at young adult females aged 15 to 30 years old. The subject matters in Josei manga tend to cover more mature themes, including violence, sex, drugs, infidelity, rape, the mafia and more.The charact ers are less one-dimensional, with fully fleshed out story lines and more sombre personalities. These Kafka-esque mangas include:CocohanaCookieFeel GoodKissMonthly FlowersWritten under a pseudonym, about the Meiji era, dealing with patriotism or exploring the living conditions or pressures of Japanese women from Japanese society - these comics offer young adults a lot to learn and can be a great way to discovering the culture alongside seeing some of the best Japanese TV series!If you want to expand your reading selection, try checking out Japanese cultural centres for new books!Shonen MangaShonen manga is aimed at boys from 8 to 18 years old. The themes that this type of manga covers are generally friendship, team or group work, and self-expression. These stories are usually set in middle school or high school. You definitely won’t see topics such as Seppuku or stories about a pilgrimage in these mangas.Here are some of the most popular shonen manga:Comic Earth StarJump SquareMon thly Comic GardenMonthly Comic RushSeinen MantaLast but not least are seinen manga, targeted to men aged 15 to 30 years old. The style of writing in Seinen is definitely more in the style of realism then shonen with the utilization of motifs like defined grids, well-worked out layouts and more. While the artistic style is distinct form shonen, the two do borrow a lot from each other. The types of topics covered in these mangas are: sport, science fiction, historical fiction and comedy.There are tons of pre-publication magazines for seinen manga; here are some of the most popular ones:Weekly Young MagazineWeekly Young JumpBig Comic OriginalBig ComicWeekly MorningBig Comic SpiritsIf you’re interested in learning more about any of the previous mangas, make sure to check out Kodansha. This manga publisher is one of the biggest in the world and actually jump-started the now infamous Sailor Moon and many other forms of Japanese entertainment.Popular Japanese Literature and MagazinesFrom famous directors and films like Kurosawa’s Rashomon to various authors that have won the Nobel Prize in literature like Kazuo Ishiguro - Nihons, or Japan’s, entertainment capitals of Kyoto, Tokyo and more have put Japanese entertainment and media on the world map.However, mangas and Nobel Prize novels aren’t the only thing on the market these days. Here are some of the other Japanese language magazines you should check out if you’re interested in learning more.Beauty MagazinesThe advantage of picking up a beauty-oriented magazine is that you don’t necessarily even have to read Japanese fluently in order to follow the style tips and beauty tutorials available within these magazines.Japanese style is, of course, infamous for fixating itself on the kawaii, or cute - however, the reality of the country’s fashion is much more diverse. Japanese magazines in general are around 150 pages long and tend to have very little advertisement - apart from the products already being use d in the editorials. Here are some of the most popular beauty magazines on in Japan:MamagirlUpJellyViviPopteenElle JapanMusic MagazinesYou don’t have to live in Japan to get a peek up the latest trends in Japanese society. If you’re interested in discovering Japanese music, there are plenty of magazines available to get you started. Most notably, Music Magazine is full of interesting music selections and information.One of the most popular magazines on the subject in Japan, Music Magazine is comprised of articles that place Japan’s contemporary musical works in a political and social context. Records Collectors’ Magazine, or Recocole, is also a great place to start.Society and Culture MagazinesIf you’re curious about Japanese society and culture, not just in the capital but in the whole of the country, starting with Japanese entertainment is one of the best ways to start learning. With topics covering sports, news and politics - Japanese magazines offer a glimpse at what l iving in Japan is like.Bungeishunju is a great example of a society and culture magazine. Created by Japanese writer Kan Kikuchi in 1923, it covered topics from a more conservative angle and its tone greatly supported the emperor. Dozens of articles written by journalists, writers, researchers and essayists have made the magazine not only popular but also subject to a number of literary prizes.Shukan Shincho and Shukan Gendai are also great magazines to start reading about sports, politics or celebrity drama!Reading Japanese classics can give you insight into the language, culture and more!Find Japanese Anthologies, Postwar Novels and More in the UK!If you want to start reading more Japanese series or novels in the UK, here are some of the books you should pick up at your local bookstore.Tale of Genji, or Genji, is a classic work written by the noblewoman  Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th centuryMonogatari is a Japanese series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Taiwanese VofanMish ima, the pen name of actor, author and model Kimitake HiraokaConfessions, written by Kanae Minato, is a contemporary bestsellerWind Up Bird Chronicle, or Wind Up, is a novel written by Haruki Murakami and set in TokyoSpring Snow, written by Yukio Mishima, is another classic Japanese novel and the first in the Sea of Fertility tetralogySnow Country was written through 1937 and is one of those Post-war, regional classics

3 step strategy to mastering your emotions - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 3 step strategy to mastering your emotions - Introvert Whisperer 3 step strategy to mastering your emotions We all get emotional sometimes. That’s the way we are built. Some people would like to turn off their emotions. They think that if they could just do that, then they will be superhuman. The thing is, that probably won’t work. You see, emotions were there before logic and the brain relies on them to make even the most basic decisions. For that reason, when emotions are turned off, for example by brain damage, we don’t become superhuman at all. Instead, we can’t even make the most basic decisions. So, you’d be better off saying we end up being sub-human. So, if you can’t turn them off, then the only real choice is to learn how to ‘master’ them. Why I put ‘master’ in quotation marks Since the ancients Greeks, people have compared emotions to animals and our logical systems to their riders. The more we understand about our emotions, the bigger the animal has seemed to become. Jonathan Haidt, in his book the Happiness Hypothesis, goes to the extreme of saying that our emotions are actually an elephant. What he means with that is that our emotions are much, much bigger than our logical systems and if they want to go in one way and your logic would prefer to go in another, well then you’re going the way of your emotions. That sounds depressing. It shouldn’t be. Because people do ride elephants. They even get them to do a whole lot of stuff, like push down trees and lug lots of weight around. The trick? Don’t try to dominate them, but work with them instead. Once you start to do that you can nudge them in the direction you actually want to go. Step one: Recognize your emotions You know that saying ‘deal with the elephant in the room’? Well, when you’re feeling emotions that are what you need to. Since you can’t suppress them and you can’t ignore them, you should instead recognize them for what they are. Because only once you know what the elephant is called will you know what you need to do to lessen their impact or at least steer it towards less self-destructive impulses. At the same time, realize that you aren’t your emotions. Emotions can be overwhelming and all-consuming. None the less, they come and they go, while you’re always there. You might be angry right now, but that too will fade. And then you’re left dealing with the fallout. Step two: Consider your emotions What you need to understand is that you can’t understand why you do things when you feel an emotion when you’re not feeling that emotion. This is called the empathy gap and it’s why people that aren’t depressed can’t understand why depressed people don’t try harder. Similarly, it is why people who aren’t upset think other people are overreacting. What this means is that you can make a lot of promises when you’re not feeling a certain way, only to break all of them the moment you feel another. The way around them is to learn to take a step back when you’re feeling an emotion. Take a breath and consider how you’re feeling. Talk about it with somebody or write it down. Describe the emotion and what it wants to make you do. Discuss the consequences and then decide if that’s actually the right path for you. You can even start a dialogue. Write about what you’re feeling when you’re feeling it. Then respond to that emotional state when you’re no longer feeling that way. Remember that empathy gap. It means you’ll struggle to understand yourself and might even think that what you said while in the throes of an emotion is stupid or embarrassing. Try not to be judgmental. Focus on getting what you’re trying to say on paper. Even if you are one of the professional college paper writers, there is no need to sweat the grammar and the spelling when you’re caught in the throes of your emotions. Use stick figures, your own private language, or finger painting. Step three: Nudge your way towards better behavior The more you consider your emotions you’ll come to understand them better. You’ll figure out what is really triggering your emotions. You might even realize that what you’re feeling is actually a mask for deeper emotions. In those cases, they are far more symptomatic than anything else. From there you can then start to change your behavior. For example, you can start to avoid triggers. Or you can become aware of what they are and take steps to calm yourself down when they do occur. Then, over time and with effort, you can change the flow of your emotions to different, more constructive, channels. You should be aware, though, that this will take time. Often, our emotional reactions are learned early and often learned without our conscious awareness. That means that you’ll have to undo a lifetime of behavior. That’s a long-term process. So don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, celebrate the little successes and when you backslide, simply try again. Otherwise, all you’ll end up feeling is angry and disappointed. And those aren’t very nice emotions. Remember the elephant Our lives are lived on the back of an elephant which is our subconscious and our emotional reactivity. If you ignore that, then you won’t understand who you are. If you fight that you’ll end up being carried off into the jungle without any real control. If, on the other hand, you understand that and accept it, then you can yoke your emotions and your logic together into a masterful team that can overcome any problem â€" be it office politics or how to network. For the truth is that nobody ever succeeds despite their emotions. Instead, they do so because of them. Bio: Luisa Brenton is a brand developer in the past; mom, educational blogger in the present. She writes in a variety of venues â€" academic, business, and psychology. Find more on Facebook and Twitter. Image credit: pixabay.com Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

When, and When Not, to Hire a Private Tutor

When, and When Not, to Hire a Private Tutor Improving Academic Performance Much as an athlete benefits from a good coach, a student can reap incredible benefits from a supportive tutor. Tutoring, in many ways, is similar to coaching: it requires relationship building, positive reinforcement, support, and a true, unwavering interest in a student’s success. The right tutor can be the difference between struggle and success. With a willing and coachable student, a tutor can identify weaknesses, build confidence, and act as a constant support. There are many instances when hiring a tutor can be beneficial, including: When you need a nudge Let’s face it: something like standardized test prep can be monotonous. A dynamic tutor can not only bring some levity to a dull task, but can also install a sense of determination in the student. Creative, committed tutors take their work seriously and are truly invested in the success of the student. Having this kind of “teammate” and motivator can help push the student through a challenging and often tedious time. When school is overwhelming No matter the grade level, school can be daunting. Particularly in this age of constant projects and assignments even over breaks (thanks, technology), having a support system and an advocate to help you manage the stress is vital. A private tutor can provide help with all subjects and any assignment, no matter the size. When you need to get organized Tutors do much more than just show you tricks or shortcuts. From study skills to effective school habits, the breadth of a tutor’s capacity to help is wider than we often think. Tutors can help you do everything from take more effective notes to annotating literature to teaching you how to keep your materials in order and use academic calendars. Much like a mentor, a tutor invests in all aspects of a student’s academic workload, ensuring a smooth, organized experience. When you’ve tried the usual suspects If you’ve gone to teachers for extra help, been in study groups, and spent time in the library studying but you’re still struggling, a tutor might be just what you need. No man is an island; asking for help is often seen as a weakness in our society, but consider this famous proverb: “he who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” A good tutor may just be the answer you’ve been looking for. When you’re almost there Let’s say you are a junior in high school; it’s the second half of the year and you’ve taken the ACT twice, done well, but feel that you haven’t quite hit your goal. You’re close, but recruiting a professional to your team might be the missing link. Adding a tutor’s expertise to your already strong performance and knowledge base could push you over the top and signal the end of your standardized test journey and the beginning of more exciting things, like college. When you’re ready to ask for help Tutors have seen it all: don’t think your struggle is too great to bring to a good tutor. Know that tutors are invested in helping you. They are not there to judge or to point out your weakness, but rather to help you see your strengths and work from a positive perspective. Tutors are accessible and truly want to help, so don’t be afraid or feel embarrassed to seek them out. The only stigma that should be attached to having a tutor is a positive one: the fact that you’ve got a staunch supporter in your corner. When you need personalization You can do every online practice test under the sun yet still feel that you’re lacking that ever-important sense of rapport and human interaction. Tutors are skilled at building relationships and forming bonds. Bonding with your practice book is a little harder, not to mention it can feel far too clinical. Bringing some humanity to the process can really inject some much-needed feeling into an all-too-often impersonal experience. Just as there are times when hiring a tutor can provide marked benefits, there are also those in which a tutor might not be the answer, such as: When it’s more than academics There are times when school problems might involve more than just grades and studying. If you are, for instance, struggling with situations at home or emotional challenges, it might not be the best time to bring a tutor on board. It is important to deal with any outlying issues first, using resources at your school and in your community. Then you can turn your focus to academic concerns. When you’re logistically uncertain Often we have the best of intentions in hiring a tutor. However, being realistic about your investment and your ability to stick to it is also important. If, for example, you cannot commit to a consistent program of tutoring due to sports or other obligations, you might want to rethink making that investment or wait until it is more doable. This article is written by Phil Lane who is a blog writer for iAchieve Learning. Phil holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Writing, and has also done post-grad work in Secondary Education and Adolescent Psychology. iAchieve Learning specializes in one-on-one tutoring for all ages and subjects, test prep for the ACT and SAT, music lessons for a wide variety of instruments, and academic coaching for students who struggle with executive functioning skills.

Why Volunteer Tas Tells Her Story

Why Volunteer Tas Tells Her Story Ever wonder what value a school volunteer with no classroom experience could have? Masters student and business owner Tas tells just how useful Tutorfair Foundation volunteers are  whatever their background. Since November Tas has been a volunteer at Central Foundation Girls School. She tells us how much she values tutoring though juggling many things. Tas’ responsibilities include, “studying at Birkbeck, doing a Masters in Business Innovation and running Abacus - a business teaching mental mathematics. I have also tutored maths, business and accounting since last April and I am a Programme Manager.” This busy bee had masses of life experience in her subject areas  of maths and  business studies, but no experience teaching in schools. Starting Volunteer Work Tas was, “very excited about my first experience in a classroom as it’s very different from one-to-one tutoring. I will be starting a Business Studies PGCE soon so I wanted a classroom experience to see what the challenges for the teacher are like and to learn about managing students expectations. I have the practical experience from my business but I wanted to see the academic side.” Going into the classroom can initially be intimidating. For Tas, “it was fun and it was daunting, very different to running business workshops for adults. My first session was meant to be an observation but I ended up getting involved myself! I was lucky to work with a great teacher, Mr Whitfield, who is very cool and very supportive. We chat about both the academic and practical side of teaching business.” So what does it feel like to go into a classroom with no previous experience? Tas tell us, “it was fabulous, it was wonderful… I was nervous. When you’re teaching you have to mask your emotions and show that you are confident and ensure you are getting their attention so it’s really challenging but very enjoyable. Now working in a school is a doddle for Tas, “put me in a class of 40 students and it wouldn’t make a difference! I have the confidence now. I had the experience before from business and now I can apply it in a classroom.” The Value of a  Volunteer Tas found that once she was in the school, her value became clear, “I started with business studies then thought, okay I can do more. I wanted to contribute more so I did maths too and worked with those who are doing their GCSE resists. My objective is to get them out of the group as soon as possible, to help them gain a grade C. It's about stretching them and building their confidence. I had a student who thought she couldn’t do a piece of work. Then I asked her if she had read the question and she said no. So I got her to read it out. When she did she could do it! To many of these students maths seems daunting because they’ve had difficulties before, it’s a question of tearing down the barriers.” Tas found a role in supporting the work that class teachers do when she noticed they, “really try but can’t give the one to one attention to every students, so as volunteers we play a crucial role. It’s not just subject knowledge but understanding the individual and giving them the confidence they need to apply what they know.” It's all about confidence Building confidence in teenagers sounds like expert work! Tas tells us it is all about connection and understanding, “the first few sessions are very nerve wrecking for them too. Once you get the relationship going then everything falls into place. I found they love to ask me questions. They ask, ‘Miss what’s your background? Why are you here? What's your religion?’ So I get them to finish an exercise then I answer one of the questions and that seems to motivate them!” Now that she feels at home in the classroom, Tas loves volunteering. So much so that she couldn't pick a favourite single moment, saying “it sounds cheesy but everyday has its best moments!” We wanted an example and she shared, “recently I asked them to do an exercise, they said ‘you don't know us, we can't do it’ I simply said, ‘I have faith in you.’ They did the task, turned around and said thank you miss. That was a great moment. It’s good when you see them putting in that effort.” Innovating as a Volunteer Tas has grown close to her students and enjoys finding novel ways to challenge them, “the fact that you can get them to think is excellent! We recently had a session on marketing and when you encourage them to think from a different perspective, and you see the ideas they have, it is fascinating! They marketed an artisan ice cream for a dairy farm and had to think about whether it would just be local advertising or whether they would go national through Tesco. They thought about the branding and made the USP that it was quality ice cream, not the cheap stuff. During the lesson I divided them into three groups to do a mini dragons den and pitch for money - we had a marketing team, a sales team, Human Resources and even a board of directors to decide if they were approved for finance! They loved it.” A lack of classroom experience didn't hold Tas back. She applied her unique skills and knowledge to her placement and focused on what she could give to the students - the gift of confidence. As she helped the students believe in themselves, her confidence in the classroom grew too. If you're thinking of joining the Tutorfair Foundation  volunteer team,  take Tas’ advice: “Absolutely go for it! Don’t even think twice. The rewards that you get when you see the students really putting in the effort, and succeeding, nothing can beat that!” You can book Tas as a private tutor on Tutorfair.com.

The Dynamic Duo Music and Language Learning Join Forces

The Dynamic Duo Music and Language Learning Join Forces Music and language learning is the best combo since peanut butter and jelly.I boosted my  Spanish to fluency by listening to Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony and Shakira at full blast.  I got truly passionate about Portuguese after discovering Joao Gilberto. Im brushing up on some dusty Japanese skills these days by cranking up the J-Pop.True story.If only I knew sooner just how scientific my off-key singing and  salsa  dancing actually is!As it turns out, theres a reason why so many language learners swear by  studying with music.Whether its  foreign music in the background  to get you in the learning zone,  music and lyrics paired for active learning or just  dance tracks played at full volume for fun times, music can supercharge your learning. What Science Is Telling Us About Music and LanguageMusic Improves Overall  Brain PowerChildren whove been musically trained start out in life with tons of great advantages. For the better part of a century, psychological research has continu ally pointed to music lessons being a key element of early childhood education.By playing or listening to music, many regions of the brain are activatedâ€"even some pretty unexpected regions, ones that are seemingly unrelated to music and listening comprehension.If you can play or are learning to play an instrument, more power to you.  Musical training has been shown to significantly impact brain development.  Playing an instrument exercises your brain, ultimately getting it to make stronger neural  connections and start firing faster. All in all, a nimbler brain can tackle language lessons with greater ease.This is exactly why music is often used as therapy for people facing brain damage and linguistic challenges.Music Puts the Memory Pedal to the MetalIt has been straight-up proven that music aids memory in language learning.  In one recent study, research participants made bigger strides in acquiring Hungarian when they sang their new language.One prominent psychology researcher has devoted his career to the study of memory and music.  But, for Dr. Roediger, the issue isnt so much getting information into your brain as it is  getting information out.  Have you ever spent a huge chunk of time cramming vocabulary or grammar, only to struggle with recalling what you just taught yourself? Then youve experienced this firsthand. Memory is about informative storage  and  retrieval. What good is it to learn anything if you can never access that information again?According to Dr. Roedigers research (along with the work of numerous other intrigued psychologists) music creates a sticky structure that gloms to key information and helps it all get extracted neatly when you need it. Its kind of like when youre trying to remember the order of the alphabet and need to sing a chunk of the alphabet song you learned in kindergarten to help you. I know Id personally be unable to list all 50 United States without the 50 Nifty United States song I learned in elementary school.Mu sic is so darn powerful in memory recall that many medical professionals suggest music as therapy for elderly patients with Alzheimers, dementia and other degenerative memory loss conditions. Hearing songs that held some  sentimental value for them allows them to rediscover  long lost memories, things locked away in parts of their brains which have been extensively damaged by their medical conditions.This beautiful idea brings me to the next benefit music has for  language learning.Music Makes Us HappyWhen youre learning a language, attitude counts. Singing, dancing and music brings joy. The key is to be uninhibited while singing along to your musicâ€"enjoy the experience without any pressure about technique, accuracy or sound.Especially when listening to music that you love, your brain releases dopamine in response.  Plus, its even been shown to  aid those coping with mild to severe depression, lessening feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair.Singing and Speaking Are One and the SameBut the benefits of music for language learners dont  just end with general brain-boosting effects. Oh, noâ€"music and language learning are inextricably linked.In the first years of our lives, it turns out that our soft, squishy baby brains cant tell the difference between lullabies and nursery rhymes.  Our natural sense for syntax comes from every word we hear in the crib, whether its sung or spoken. Music and language are all one and the same for us. Lullabies impact the way we start speaking and, likewise, the speech we absorb impacts our singing and musical sensibilities.Music Defines YouEven if you dont consider yourself a music-aficionado, you probably know what you do and dont like. The type of music we enjoy is strongly connected to our personalities.No matter what kind of music you like, its most likely out there in your target language. Choose to learn with the music you like best, and youll give yourself a boost of personal satisfaction and enjoyment. This keeps language learning fun and personalized, as it always should be. Thats whatll give you the momentum and motivation to keep practicing!Why Music and Language Are a Dynamic DuoPut simply: Music is  a language.  Think about it. Even when there arent any words set to a tune (or when the song is accompanied by foreign words that you cant understand at all), you can still grasp what the tune intends to express. Is it a happy, upbeat song meant to make you smile? A love song that makes your heart flutter? A blues song about heartbreak that conjures up rainclouds around your head?Bottom line, we can communicate through music. While each culture, society and individual has their own spin on music, music is truly a universal human language. Its a uniquely beautiful form of human expression. Its only natural that we want to channel music into our language learning.There are tons of language and culture lessons that can be learned from the diverse music out there:Culture.  Youll start to hear c ommon pairings of types of lyrics with types of music. For example, if you hear the fanfare of a national anthem, you know that the words are meant to express a strong sentiment of national pride. What words does this language use to capture and express this feeling? When I first heard the Ecuadorian national anthem (starting with ¡Salve, Oh Patria, mil veces! ¡Oh Patria, (We salute you, Oh Homeland, a thousand times! Oh Homeland!), thats exactly the moment I learned the word patria, which is often used by Ecuadorian nationals to describe their country in moments of prideâ€"both in speech and song.Syntax.  Whether you realize it or not, catchy choruses will teach you word orderâ€"so youll have the building blocks to branch out and use the language authentically.Diverse vocabulary.  From lofty, poetic language to hip, trendy slang, music has it all.Bilingualism.  By listening to bilingual music, you can train your brain to switch quickly and seamlessly between languages. Thats an a wesome skill for a language learner to have!The Best Types of Music for Language LearningEarworms. An earworm is a devastatingly catchy songâ€"you know, the kind that wriggles its way deep into your brain through your ear canal. They dig in deep and pop up when you least expect them. Youre minding your own business and thenâ€"oh, dangâ€"that Britney Spears song is playing in your head again. You may even be humming along or mouthing the lyrics. To find good earworms, consult modern pop music with repetitive lyrics and cute choruses. You can even look for television commercials and viral YouTube-based advertisements in your target language. Like, the only reason I know the word for lottery ticket in Spanish is because of this annoying little number.Childrens music.  It might seem below your language level, but even advanced learners can glean new information from childrens songs. Theyre  repetitive and easy to learn, and theyre designed for the ultimate new language learnersâ€"kids! Absorbing the lyrics of childrens songs will embed proper syntax and pronunciation in your mind, and itll teach you essential grammar and vocabulary.Modern music.  Oh yeah, we love the modern stuff. Modern music grants you important  pop culture knowledge which, as we all know, is vital for things like carrying casual conversations, understanding humor and following television programs. Modern doesnt just mean pop music eitherâ€"it refers to anything by artists of our current generations. The topics sung about in these songs often point to key political injustices, social issues, trends, modern relationship dynamics and more relatable things.Traditional music.  While older music can at times be hard to follow due to antiquated language, it can be a goldmine of cultural information. It can also introduce you to more complex and poetic vocabulary. Once youve listened to some more traditional tunes, youll likely hear remnants of these musical styles in more modern music in your target language.Music that you love.  It doesnt matter if you love to listen to it or dance to itâ€"if the song makes you smile or makes your booty shake, use it for language learning. The more addictive you find your study music, the more fun youll have listening to it. This will keep you chugging forward with musical study time.Music you know well.  Listen or translations or unique  renditions of songs you already love, or find songs with similar melodies. Familiarity with the tune, lyrics or meaning will give you a headstart learning language with that particular song.Methods for Studying Language with MusicWrite Your Own Melodies.  The lyrics you write yourself can be some of the most memorable. Its kind of like when you dream up your own mnemonic devices for memorizing thingsâ€"the most vivid images that stand out in your brain will work better than those that other people tell you to use. Need to memorize a series of grammar patterns or conjugations? Organize them and set them up wit h a tune that you know well.Listen Passively.  Keep foreign language on in the background at all times. The key to fluency is familiarity. Your brain needs to learn how to function 100% in the foreign language. It should feel like this new language is normal and comfortable. By immersing yourself in the language with constant background music, youll not only become familiar, youll start picking up on commonly-used words, phrases and grammar patterns.Have a Sing-along.  Pull up the lyrics while listening to your chosen songs and sing as the song plays. If youre lucky, youll find the video on YouTube with lyrics written on-screen for easy reading. As well discuss further in a bit, another great option is using FluentU music videosâ€"these come complete with annotations in English and your target language.Karaoke.  If you live in a major city, chances are pretty good that the community speaking your target language has some cool joints where they love to hang out together. If youre lea rning German, find the local pub where the Germans hang out. From there, you can inquire about karaoke night, or make some new friends to invite to your own at-home karaoke night. If you dont have many diverse international communities in your area, youd be surprised how often local karaoke joints have foreign language music in their machines. And if you really dislike the idea of stepping on stage or singing in front of others, host your own little party-of-one karaoke night at home. Just type the name of your favorite foreign language songs into YouTubes search bar along with the word karaoke. This will lead you to instrumental renditions of the song with lyrics presented on-screen.Dictation.  Its as simple as this: listen and write. Scribble down every word you can catch on the fly, even if its only the odd word or phrase every 20 seconds. If you catch 90% of a sentence but are missing a couple of key words, just write down whatever you heard. Dont stop the music, keep it rolling until the song has played through completely. Then go back again and fill in whatever you missed. The chorus should come together fairly quickly thanks to the repetitions in just one play-through. If youre really at a loss after a couple of plays, refer to the lyrics to see what you missed.        Fill in the Blanks.  This ones a little more classroom-style but, heck, its very effective. Print out a full sheet of lyrics. Use white out or a permanent marker to blot out some words and phrases throughout the lyrics. If youre studying gender, blot out pronouns and gendered word endings. If youre studying verb conjugations, blot out entire verbs or just blot out their conjugated elements.Resources for Learning Language with MusicLyrics TrainingThis online game is all about learning languages with lyrics. Choose your language, your genre, your song and, finally, your language level. Once youre in, settle in for a whileâ€"this engaging resource reaches another level of seriously addictin g.Watch your chosen music video and fill in the blanks in the lyrics as the music video plays. The game levels span from beginner to expert. Beginners only need to fill in a handful of words here and there. Experts need to fill in every single word. Decide which difficulty level allows you to play casually, without stress, but also offers you a little challenge in terms of problem solving.Theres no rush to keep up with the song either, when you mistype or fall behind, the song pauses and allows you to catch up.FluentUFluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them.Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.You can see FluentU in action by checking out this video, which uses the program to break down the popular song from The Lego Movie.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes store  or  Google Play store.EarwormsThis program is available in various formats; CDs, MP3 downloads and apps  are all available for your educational enjoyment. This one fuses music and language lessons so that theyre completely interwoven.This isnt about learning with popular songs and artists, its about using little jingles for better memorization. Unsurprisingly, this method gets the job done!JamtokThis up-and-comer is currently available as an app for Japanese and Spanish learners. The principle behind this learning program is that the brain absorbs information better when learning and casual enjoyment are layered. So, sandwich up your language lessons with music and games. Join Jamtok as they  ambitiously strive to engage your whole brain for enhanced memorization.Now that youve assembled some fantastic resources, its time for me to release you back into to the world of language learning.Sure, language learning can be hard, but now youve got the scienceâ€"and the know-howâ€"to back you up in all your music-based language studies.Open your ears, expand your mind, boost your brainpower, and start listening to foreign language music today!