Friday, April 3, 2020

The Need For Tutors For Hire

The Need For Tutors For HireTutors for hire in the Philippines are hired to help students with their studies. Generally, schools use tutors for hire Philippines to help students with their studies so that they can improve. This is done especially when a student has a problem or wants to improve his or her grades or does not have the ability to work independently. There are many tutors for hire in the Philippines who are highly trained to teach children and assist them in finding an appropriate way of teaching.Tutors for hire Philippines have degrees in almost all subjects. This is so that they will be able to teach the subjects that the students require. The subjects that they teach include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Art, Social Sciences, and languages such as English, French, Tagalog, and others.The good news is that there are some tutors for hire Philippines who have education degrees from Universities in the US. These people are also qualified and skilled to teach the subjects that are required by students and make them learn the basic lessons of the subjects.Tutors for hire in the Philippines have education degrees and can teach subjects that are taught in universities. This is because teachers who have higher education degrees are allowed to teach the subjects that the students need. This means that these teachers are qualified to teach subjects such as Art History, Geography, History, and Physics, among others.Tutors for hire in the Philippines have educational degrees as well. In fact, they also have PhDs, which means that they are highly educated and have knowledge about how to teach various subjects.There are also many tutors for hire in the Philippines who are excellent tutors who have highly recommended to many students who wish to improve their grades or get help from a tutor in order to do better in school. These tutors have excellent qualifications in their respective fields and it is their job to help students who need assistance wit h their studies.Tutors for hire in the Philippines are hired because they want to improve the learning skills of their students. This is so that the students will not only get better grades but also have better performances in school and will also have better learning and communication skills. Tutors for hire Philippines have the task of helping students in different subjects and teaching them the basics of what the subjects need.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

French Grammar Rules What is the Subjunctive Mood

French Grammar Rules What is the Subjunctive Mood Suzy S. Confused about conjugating verbs in the subjunctive mood? Tutor  Carol Beth L.  shares how to conjugate them and when you need to Le subjonctif is one of the most notorious subjects in French grammar  for non-native speakers of French. It is a mood  that expresses uncertainty and is often connected with feelings, emotions, wishes, or desires about a particular event. In fact, we  English-speakers also have a subjunctive mood, but we dont often use it or realize when we do use it.  Heres an example: It is imperative that you remain with the teacher at all times. In this context, remaining with the teacher is important; it is a set rule that the listener is expected and asked to follow. But it is possible that, in spite of the speakers words, the listener might disobey. The verb “remain,” in this case, would therefore be considered an example of the subjunctive. Regular Verb Conjugations in the Subjunctive As with other verb tenses, the formation of the subjunctive in French grammar follows set patterns for regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs. To form the subjunctive conjugation of a verb, take the present tense 3rd person plural ending of that verb, and add on the following  endings: je ?  -e tu ?  -es il/elle/on  ?  -e nous ?  -ions vous ?  -iez ils/elles ?  -ent Note that many of the subjunctive forms for er verbs are the same as for le present. This makes it much easier to correctly use; if youre wrong about whether it should be in the subjunctive, people can interpret it as the present tense that would often likely take its place. Here are examples demonstrating regular formations of le subjonctif: er verbs: (e.g.  aimer) que jaime que tu aimes quil/elle/on aime que nous aimions que vous aimiez quils/elles aiment ir verbs: (e.g. finir) que je finisse que tu finisses quil/elle/on finisse que nous finissions que vous finissiez quils/elles finissent re verbs: (rendre) que je rende que tu rendes quil/elle/on rende que nous rendions que vous rendiez quils/elles rendent Irregular Verb Conjugations Irregular verbs sometimes have their own, irregular roots. Here are a few examples: aller ?  aill- avoir ?  ai- être ?  soi- faire ?  fass- venir ?  vienn- pouvoir ?  puiss- For être and avoir, note that when the “i” is doubled in the nous  and vous  forms, it turns into a “y.” So for these forms, you would write “nous soyons,” “vous soyez,” “nous ayons,” and “vous ayez.” For some irregular verbs, you can still look at the 3rd person plural present tense to find the subjunctive root. For example: (infinitive  ?  3rd person plural present, root) connaître ? ils connaissent, connaiss- mettre ?  ils mettent, mett- Dont rely on this being the case 100% of the time, though. If youre not sure about a new irregular verb, you might want to look up the root to verify. When to Use the Subjunctive In French, there are  a number of signals and situations to use the subjunctive. A phrase using the subjunctive will almost always be preceded by a que. Look for phrases such as: Je veux que (I want) Jespère que (I hope that) On craint que (We fear that) (It is feared that) In context, here are a few sentences using le subjonctif: Je veux que tu viennes avec moi. (I want you to come with me.) Jespere quil ne soit pas malade. (I hope he isnt sick.) On craint que vous ne puissiez pas partir. (Were afraid you wont be able to leave.) Note, however, that some sentences may have  a que clause but not use the subjunctive. Heres an example: Il est vrai quon est a San Francisco.  (It is true that we are in San Francisco.) The subjunctive is not used in this sentence, because there is no implied uncertainty. The speaker is in San Francisco,  it is a simple fact; so the simple present is called for in the second part of the sentence. Time to Practice! Try conjugating the subjunctive in the following sentences: Elles veulent quon ________________ (aller) en France. Il faut que je ________________ (faire) mes devoirs. Jespere que tu ________________ (pouvoir) venir. Quand on est en France, il faut que nous ________________ (parler) français. Je craint quils ne ________________ (venir) pas avec nous. Il faut que vous ________________ (finir) de préparer le déjeuner. Were your answers as follows? aille fasse puisses parlions viennent finissiez If not, keep practicing. If so, good job so far. The next step is to practice correctly using and identifying where to use  le subjonctive  when you speak and write in French, so that you will be consistent using it in context. It sometimes can take time, but dont let that discourage you! If you find learning this aspect of French grammar  difficult at the beginning, you wont be the first. Looking for more  practice with le subjonctif? Taking lessons with a French tutor  can be the best way to hone your language skills! Whether you take French lessons online or in-person, the personalized instruction youll receive will take your French skills to the next level. Sign up for a French tutor today! Post Author:  Carol Beth L. Carol Beth L. teaches  French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009.  Learn more about Carol Beth here! Photo by  Luc Mercelis 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

Friday, March 6, 2020

What Are The Formalities To Study In Portugal

What Are The Formalities To Study In Portugal Everything You Need To Do Before Going To Study In Portugal ChaptersDo You Need A Passport To Study In Portugal?Do You Need A Visa To Study In Portugal?How To Register For University?Other Formalities You Might Have To Go ThroughWith a rise of 15.7%, the natives of the United Kingdom continued to be the sixth expatriate community in Portugal with a total of 22,431 people in 2017.Portugal offers a friendly living environment for British students who would like to pursue their Portuguese studies outside their country.But what are the steps to take before leaving to Portugal? IrineuPortuguese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GabrielaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouisePortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £27/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RodrigoPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BlancaPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolinaPortuguese T eacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (6) £11/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDo You Need A Passport To Study In Portugal?British students are not required to have a passport to travel to Portugal, even if their language stay lasts more than three months.The country is part of the Schengen area, ensuring the free movement of persons, as is the UK.If you wish to spend a few months during your university studies in Portugal, only a valid identity card is required.You can apply for a first adult passport if all of the following apply:you’re a British nationalyou’re aged 16 or over (or will be in 3 weeks)you’ve never had a UK passport beforeYou can also apply if your last UK passport was an old handwritten blue or black one.You can use your child passport until it expires, even if you’re over 18. An adult passport is valid for 10 years. If you’re in the UK, you can either:apply online - it costs £75.50apply with a paper form - it costs £85There’s a different way to apply if you’re overseas.There will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK until 30 June 2021, or 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.You must send original documents. Photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have your original certificates (for example, your birth certificate), you need to get an official copy.If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you need to send a certified translation. You can send laminated documents if that’s the only format they are issued in.You’ll need your full birth certificate or adoption certificate and either:your mother’s or father’s full UK birth certificate, or the Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, or a British passport belonging to one of your parents that was valid when you were born, or a British passport number for either parentevidence of one of your parents’ immigration status in the UK at the time of your birth, for example, a foreign passport belonging to one of your parents that was valid when you were bornIf you send documents relating to your father, you must also send your parents’ marriage certificate.Once you've got your passport, you'll need to get your flights! (Source: jackmac34)Do You Need A Visa To Study In Portugal?For a stay abroad in a country of the Schengen area, as a UK citizen, you do not need a visa.However, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit (Autorização de Residência) on arrival if you wish to stay for more than three months and less than one year. A fee of 7 € will be charged.You must apply for your residence permit within three months at the Foreigners and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) of your city.In Lisbon:Avenida Antonio Augusto de Aguiar 20 1069-118 Lisboa Tel: (351) 21 358 55 00In Porto:Rua D. Joao IV 536 4013 Porto Tel: (351) 22 589 87 10The documents to be provided are as f ollows:The application for a residence permit,Your identity card or passport,A passport photo,Proof of your student status.If you wish to stay for more than one year, you will need to apply for a residence permit from the same department.To do an internship or work in Portugal, young British people do not need a visa either, but a work permit. All you need to do is present your passport, your employment contract or proof of income if you do not yet have a contract.Working visas usually take a while to get in Portugal. But it is common that you would be authorised to start your employment before you are issued your work visa.In addition, you will need to have a non-resident Contributor number be in good order with the Portuguese tax serviced. You will be asked for proof of residence in your country of origin.Please note that this number will be required to complete a lot of procedures. If you plan to settle permanently in Portugal, it is better to apply.Lisbon is one of the oldest ca pital in the world. Take the tram up the hills of the city and be transported through its history.How To Register For University?For students, another question arises: how to register at their host university?First of all, you must have a secondary school graduation certificate, essentially your A-level results, corresponding to the certificado of habilitaçoes do ensino secundàrio or diploma de ensino secundàrio in Portugal.To register, you will need to request an equivalence of the A-levels from the Portuguese Ministry of Education.Your application will only be accepted after you have passed the entrance exams, called Provas de ingresso.You can be exempt from this requirement if you have already completed a degree in Portuguese depending on the institution you are aiming for in Portugal.Otherwise, the entrance exam includes 1 to 3 subjects depending on the university course you are considering to take. The universities themselves set the minimum mark to be obtained each year in order to be able to enter their course. But if it is a very popular university, the minimum grade to get in may be much higher than usual...The tests obviously depend on the course chosen and the university concerned. Ask them directly for more information. To obtain the application form, ask the coveted educational institution directly. The procedures are carried out until the end of June-early July.For some courses, prerequisites may be required as soon as you apply (this is the case for physical education in particular).Be aware that a quota system promotes access for young people of Portuguese origin living abroad.Your Portuguese language level will also be assessed. It is mandatory to master the language in order to study Portuguese abroad.The Portuguese university systemPortugal is also part of the Bachelor's master's doctorate system, which aims to standardise diplomas across Europe.A university cycle in Portugal is therefore equivalent to a British university cycle.There are two types of establishments in Portugal with the same organisation:Universities: general and theoretical knowledge, Polytechnic institutes: vocational education.The University of Coimbra is renowned for studying law, management and literature, while the universities of Porto and Lisbon are particularly sought after by students in economics and medicine.The system is comparable to the British system:1st cycle licenciatura (bachelor): three to four years of study depending on the course. Obtaining 180 to 240 ECTS credits. For polytechnics, it may also be the Bacharelato (bachelor) in three years,2nd cycle mestrado (master): one to two years of study to deepen a specialization or become more professional,3rd cycle doutoramento (doctorate).The academic year begins in mid-October and ends in mid-May, much like in the UK.The cost of living abroad varies depending on the nation you choose to visit. Eligible Erasmus+ students receive a grant of €280 â€" €330 a month towards accommodati on and living costs, on top of any existing allowances or loans that are in place through your current university.There’s also an extra €120 a month available for students who already qualify for supplementary support for higher education, and further financial assistance for students with special needs.You do not have to pay tuition fees at the university you choose to visit, and you may even be able to take advantage of a financial contribution for your existing UK tuition fees if you study abroad for the whole academic year.Speak to the Erasmus+ representative at your university to find out more.stoi is situated 10km north from the coastline and has two interesting tourist attractions: the Palácio de Estoi and the Milreu Roman Ruins.Other Formalities You Might Have To Go ThroughDepending on the length of your stay, you may have to take other steps.To have water, electricity or internet, you can easily do it with the companies managing your network by phone provided you speak Portuguese. In most cases, the invoices are in the owner's name and you pay the money directly to the owner.To subscribe to a telephone contract, simply go to the shop of an operator who will provide you with a local SIM card. You can pay a monthly fee or use a pre-paid cardTo open a bank account if you do not have an address yet, here are the required documents:Identity card or passport,Proof of residence in the country of origin,Your Tax Identification Number,An address in Portugal for sending correspondence.To open a bank account if you already rent a home, here are the documents requested:Identity card or passport,Proof of residence in the country of origin (proof of address and tax number)Portuguese taxpayer card,Proof of application for a residence card,Proof of address in Portugal (rental contract or invoice for water, electricity, gas, telephone).You should now have a better idea of everything you need to do before leaving for Portugal.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

A Guide to the International Baccalaureate Program

A Guide to the International Baccalaureate Program The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit organization offering holistic and intensive curricula to students aged three to 19. There are many benefits to participating in an IB program: Students in the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes frequently outperform non-IB students. Additionally, IB Diploma Programme students are more likely to apply and enroll at top colleges and universities. These benefits, coupled with the global worldview and independent thought encouraged through the programs, leave students in a great position for further success. Want to learn more about IB options? Weve created a guide to the International Baccalaureate Program, so that you can learn more about the IBs four programs and how to get involved. About the Primary Years Programme The Primary Years Programme was first introduced in 1997 for children aged 3-12. Rather than being academically rigorous for young children, the educational goals of this program are holistic development and to encourage an interest in lifelong learning. The curriculum prepares students to be active learners and participants both in and out of the classroom. About the Middle Years Programme In 1994, the IB adopted the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students ages 11-16. Although challenging, the MYP curriculum is intended to be inclusive of all academic abilities and interests. The program forces students to draw practical connections between their studies in class and reality beyond the classroom. MYP is generally a five-year program for students; however, some students may find themselves in an abridged version of the program, consisting of two, three, or four years of study. Students that participate in the Middle Years Programme are well positioned to succeed in the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme. About the IB Diploma Programme The most well-known IB program is the Diploma Programme (DP). Students who have previously completed the MYP are prepared to do well in the DP, but the program is designed so that students can succeed, even if their first IB program is the Diploma Programme. The DP was founded in 1968 and is geared toward high school students aged 16-19. The DP, just like the prior programs, offers a holistic approach to education. High school students in IB courses should expect to complete research, community service, and an extensive essay as part of the programs core requirements. He or she would then select courses from six core subject areas: studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Upon completion of coursework, students take exams that may qualify them to earn college credit, similar to AP courses. About the Career-related Programme First offered to IB schools in 2012, the newest IB offering is the Career-related Programme (CP), which is available to students ages 16-19 and aims to prepare students for specific internships, apprenticeships, and careers. It is similar to the Diploma Programme, but differs in requirements and focus. The CP is best suited for students who have a specific career path in mind, as students will participate in a two-year professional program of their choice. CP students will complete a minimum of two Diploma Programme courses, in addition to career-related study and the CP required courses. The CP curriculum ends with written exams to ensure students have met the requirements of the program. How to get involved in the International Baccalaureate Program In order for a student to enroll in the IB curriculum, his or her school must be approved to offer IB programs. If you are interested in such a curriculum, ask your advisor if the school provides IB instruction. If so, find out how to sign up. If not, you or your parents can talk with school administrators about seeking authorization to teach one or more of the programs. You can also search for the nearest IB World School through the IBs website, if your school is unable or unwilling to provide IB curriculum. IB has a lengthy history and offers many educational choices for students of all ages, with a reputation to match. If you are interested in pursuing an IB Diploma or other program, dont be shy about asking your school to get involved. Interested in IB tutoring? Check out our gallery of available IB Extended Essay tutors and IB Theory of Knowledge tutors.

Office Politics 101 Play Positive - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Office Politics 101 Play Positive - Introvert Whisperer Office Politics 101: Play Positive What’s the worst Office Politics you ever witnessed play out around you? Share in the comments! Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!  Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is it Like to Attend Virginia Tech

What is it Like to Attend Virginia Tech The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Caroline is a Washington D.C. tutor who specializes in ACT prep tutoringand Biology tutoring. She is a 2013 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelors degree in Microbiology. See what she had to say about her undergraduate experience: 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? Caroline: A lot of the charm of Virginia Tech is its rural campus. The town of Blacksburg is small and friendly, and I have never felt threatened walking across the campus or down Main Street. There is a fantastic, free bus system for students that runs to the major apartment complexes and to several stops on campus. There are also many bike racks and fairly light traffic so that biking is not daunting. Tech is also unique because freshmen are allowed to have cars on campus, which is a bit of a rarity in larger universities. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Caroline: People are daunted by the class size of Virginia Tech, but the professors are remarkably available. They are required to have set office hours that you can attend with questions and most professors frequently encourage their students to take advantage of them. Most classes have TAs, though you will interact the most with them in lab classes (I was a Biology major, so I had lots and lots of labs). My academic adviser was my best resource at Tech, and also became my boss when he allowed me to work in his lab. We are still in contact and he is always available if I have questions or need advice. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Caroline: Virginia Tech freshmen are required to live on campus their first year and I believe that it was a very valuable opportunity for me. The freshman rooms are typical, small dorms with two people per room. Some have air conditioning, though most dont. This is really only an issue at the beginning of the year however, because by September its usually cooled off and all rooms have very efficient heating. If a student decides to stay in dorms for the rest of their academic career, they can live in very nice suite- or hotel-style dorms. All of the academic buildings are on one side of the campus and dorms (and food!) on the other, so it really does feel like a large community when walking around on the student side of campus. No dorm is more than a 15-minute walk away from class and no more than five minutes from food. The dining halls are amazing, and include one buffet-style and many other a la carte options in multiple dining halls including lobster, Chik-Fil-A, Pizza Hut, and Dunkin Donuts! 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? Caroline: The largest majors at Virginia Tech are the Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer), and Design (Industrial and Architectural). I was a Biology major with a focus in Microbiology. Virginia Tech is a research university, meaning that many professors are required to perform research as part of their job. Finding research opportunities in Biology was simple and really has helped my career potential after graduation. Professors of Biology were passionate and engaging, and were some of my favorite people outside of the topics they discussed. There are many clubs for all Natural Sciences and Engineering as well. 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? Caroline: Freshman year was a rush of meeting new people in my dorm, classes, and clubs. Every freshman is there to look for friends and with over 20,000 undergraduate students, there is very likely to be someone at Tech whom you will become close with. Greek life is present and very active at Virginia Tech, with many of the major organizations represented, but it is not overbearing. The houses are set apart from campus and I never felt any pressure to follow the typical Greek path. I became a brother of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity, and still keep in contact with other brothers and miss the many events that we sponsored in the Blacksburg community. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Caroline: Another perk of a large research university is the diversity of well-known companies that recruit at Tech. Major STEM companies recruit frequently, and there are separate job expos for engineers and other well-represented groups on campus. The Career Center is a very good resource to use to prepare for the interactions at these expos as well as for interviews after graduation. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Caroline: Dorm lounges are frequently filled with groups of friends on the weekends, but tend to thin out and quiet down during the week. It is very common to see people studying on weeknights, though it is still a more active area than the library would be. The student union is very nice and spacious, and many students choose to meet in small groups there to work on projects or grab some food while they study (there is a Sbarro for tasty pizza, as well as a couple of other food options). The library is an excellent place to study and is truly massive. It has more than enough computers for everyone and tons of table space. The wi-fi is strong across campus and very fast in the library, so you can bring your laptop and scope out a table quickly. There are even study rooms that are free for any student to use. You can shut the door for an intense study session, and they even have large whiteboards for working on practice problems or organizing your ideas. 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? Caroline: Blacksburg is a small, rural town with many less people than the student body of Virginia Tech. If you want a large, fast-paced, urban environment, then Blacksburg is not for you. However, I adored it because of the numerous hiking opportunities nearby (youre literally in the Appalachian Mountains and will often run into hikers doing the full Trail or parts of it). My favorite doughnut place in the word was right down the street from my apartment, and was a local business that had been there for decades. The restaurants downtown are fantastic. Downtown Blacksburg really picks up on the weekends and especially on game days. I absolutely love going to Hokie Football games, and the town swells in size as alumni flood in from every bordering state to support their favorite team. If downtown and sports arent your thing, however, you can always hang out on the Drillfield (a massive quad) in the middle of Techs campus and read or participate in club sports that practice there ever y evening. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Caroline: As Ive mentioned, Virginia Tech is a pretty large university. Coming from a small private high school, I was afraid the large class size would be daunting and uncomfortable. Instead, it pushed me to work harder and try to stand above the average. In more general classes, like Intro Chemistry, a class size of 300-400 is not uncommon. However, as you become a more specialized student, your classes will shrink. My 400 level senior Biology classes frequently had 30-50 people, which was an ideal learning environment for the more challenging material. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Caroline: In one of those large classes I was talking about, Ecology, there were about 300 other students. The professor was gregarious, passionate, and engaging, but the material was difficult for many people. He would make a point to test you on your understanding of concepts, not memorization of facts, and most of his test was reasoning through questions that you hadnt been hyper exposed to in lecture. I would study as much as I could, take tests, and go home feeling like I had failed. Somehow, the subject just clicked with me, though. I got high scores on all of my tests and ended up explaining concepts to classmates when they realized that I understood them. At the end of the semester, I placed out of my final exam because of my high average grade. On the last day of class, our professor walked in with an armful of roses. He told us that it was his tradition to give something back to the hardest working students in his class every semester. He called out names one by one, and gave out a rose to the students (male and female!) with the highest averages in the class. When he finished giving out single roses, there was one full bouquet sitting on the table in front of him. He called out my name, shook my hand, and gave me an armful of flowers in front of the class. I had managed to get the highest average score and I could not have been prouder of any experience at Virginia Tech. Check out Carolines tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

English Modal Verb Video 2 Might

English Modal Verb Video 2 Might The second video in our series on English modal verbs covers might. This is a modal verb that is very frequently used by native English speakers, but rarely used by students. Learning to use it will make your English sound more like a native speaker.After the video, try doing some of the modal verb exercises below.Rewrite the sentences below using might.I am possibly going to visit Argentina next year.If it is nice out, Ill probably go to the park.You may want to bring an umbrella today, I think its going to rain.If I had been a better student, I could have been fluent in Spanish when I went to Argentina.It would be fun to go somewhere warm this winter.Youll find our first video on English modal verbs here. ghdir I might visit Argentina next year.If it is nice out, Imight go to the park.You may want to bring an umbrella today, I think it’s might rain.If I had been a better student, I might be fluent in Spanish when I went to Argentina.It might be fun to go somewhere warm this wint er

Greg Norman and the Science of the Choke

Greg Norman and the Science of the Choke Consider two seemingly unrelated scenarios:1.   A professional golfer in the prime of his career, poised to finally win his first Masters, blows his six-stroke lead. Everything begins to unravel with a bogey on the 9th hole, and he eventually loses the tournament by five strokes.2.   A 17 year old high school student takes the SAT for the first time in March. She feels totally comfortable with the test. Her reaction afterwards: I was really happy that I did tutoring when I was sitting there with the test in front of me. I could just start answering questions instead of thinking really hard and wasting time. [an actual quote from an AJ Tutoring student who took the March 2016 SAT]If you followed golf in the 1990s, you may have recognized Greg Norman’s epic 1996 Masters choke in the first scenario. Johnette Howard recently profiled Norman’s collapse for ESPN, applying 20 years of cognitive and sports psychology to explain what happened on the course that day.Norman after narrowly m issing the 15th hole with a chip shotOn the surface, our high school student and the Great White Shark may not appear all that similar. Not so! Both are competing in intense, pressure-cooker situations where the psychology of the competitor is just as important as his knowledge or skill.Norman turned pro in 1976, so by the time of the 1996 Masters, he had logged countless hours of practice and tournament time. He knew the ins and outs of the course and which shot to take when. But sometimes head knowledge and skill just isn’t enough to go the distance.As Howard notes in her article, the choke often begins when people become anxious about their performance. Anxiety causes them to think too closely about actions that, at this point in their training, should be automatic. Emotional and physiological responses cascade from anxiety and overthinking, eventually handicapping the competitor’s motor skills and his ability to think clearly and calmly.Identity threat and a fixed mindset ca n contribute to a collapse as well. Norman’s rival in the 1996 Masters, Nick Faldo, had already won the Masters twice (while Norman had been runner-up twice). Norman later commented that “Masters champions are there for a reasonthey understand all those little crazy quirks of what Augusta National can deliver.” Although Norman was a golf pro, top-ranked in the world, he didn’t see himself as a member of the group that could win the Masters. He assumed there was something inherent or fixed in the persona of the “Masters champion” that allowed them to win the tournament and Norman didn’t think he had what it took.After our extended foray into the world of golf, let’s return to more familiar territory standardized testing and test preparation. Anyone who’s tutored for any length of time is likewise familiar with the choke. We work with a student for several months leading up to test day. She participates in tutoring sessions, does all her homework and completes four timed practice SAT tests at our office. Her practice test scores are improving and we’re excited! All signs point to a great performance on the real SAT.Then scores come back, and there’s not much improvement. Obviously this is a disappointing outcome for everyone the student who was hoping for a great score, the tutor who feels personally invested in the student’s performance, and the parent who invested resources into the preparation. So what happened?Often when this situation happens (which is fortunately rare!) and we talk with the family afterwards, it comes out that the student experienced severe anxiety on test day. The student will comment that she was so anxious that she “just couldn’t think”, “didn’t recognize the problems”, or couldn’t finish sections on time. Her test scores don’t accurately reflect her true knowledge and ability, much like Greg Norman’s performance at Augusta back in 1996.A fixed mindset person believes, Im either good at this or not. They say, If I fail, its because theres something missing from my total package here. But the trouble is, its not a growth mindset. Having that fixed attitude limits your ability to cope with the things that are happening to you.-Fran Pirozzolo, neuroscientist and sports psychologistBy contrast, consider the student in our second scenario above. Although we don’t have her scores yet, she felt calm, confident, and prepared. Most students with that attitude achieve great score improvements on the SAT. Notably, she commented that she “could just start answering questions” on the SAT “instead of thinking really hard and wasting time”. Our SAT student experienced the flow that occurs when actions become automatic and overthinking is absent.And this is the million-dollar question: how do we convert our anxiety-ridden student into the calm and confident test-day superstar? How do you turn Greg Norman into a Masters champion?While it’s true that some people are more anxi ous by nature and others are cool and collected under pressure, it’s possible for anyone to take a few steps to improve their mental state on game day. Here are a few proven suggestions:Prepare. Nothing reduces anxiety like the knowledge that you’ve seen this golf course, this SAT question, this math problem a hundred times before. You automatically know the steps to solve the problem, so you can “turn off your brain” and run on autopilot. How do you prepare? Tutor with an expert (we’ll show you the questions that show up again and again). Do your homework so you know how to do the work yourself. Take timed, proctored practice tests so you’re used to the timing of the test and the pressure.Sleep/eat/exercise. It seems like every high school student has an ultra-intense schedule these days. While we don’t advocate neglecting assignments or skipping school leading up to the SAT, you should make sure that you’re getting as much rest and nutrition as you can in the week before test day. All the preparation in the world won’t be much help if you’re tired or hungry. And try to get some exercise, even if it’s just a short walk. Getting the endorphins flowing helps brain function on test day.Warm up. This doesn’t help everyone, but many students benefit from knocking out a few practice SAT problems over breakfast on test day. The point of this is not to learn new material it’s to warm up your brain and establish your confidence the morning of the big test. Don’t even check your answers remember, the point of this exercise is not to learn something new!Breathe. Sounds goofy, but when your cortisol and adrenaline kick in and you’re in full “fight or flight” response, your heart rate increases dramatically and breathing becomes shallow. These physiological responses hamper performance in athletic and intellectual competitions. On test day, keep a few simple breathing exercises or relaxation techniques handy to calm down and refocus you r brain. Try closing your eyes and breathing in for 10 counts, then out for 10 counts.Bring a lucky pencil or chew gum (quietly!). Use the same pencil to take your practice tests, then bring it to test day. Chew gum while you’re taking your practice tests, then chew gum when you’re taking the actual SAT. Creating a physical link between your practice performances and test day will help lower your anxiety and remind you that you’ve done this before.Visualize your success. To combat identity threat, picture yourself confidently completing every section of the SAT on time. You’re reading passages and understanding them, and you’re acing all the math problems. You’re in a state of flow. Rest confidently in the knowledge that you’ve done the work to prepare for the test, so there’s nothing standing between you and a great performance.Turn the page and leave each section behind. This is a tough one, but the ability to compartmentalize while you’re taking the SAT (or golf ing) is a valuable skill. What do you do when you know you bombed a section or bogeyed on the 9th hole? Leave it behind. Your performance on that section doesn’t have to affect your performance on the rest of the test. Students are remarkably bad judges of how many questions they actually missed, and they tend towards catastrophic thinking. If you think you had a bad section, try your breathing exercises, stretch, pull out that lucky pencil and get going on the next section.Maintain perspective. Even if you don’t get the score that you want, chances are you’ll be able to retake the test. We recommend that students plan on taking the SAT or ACT two or three times in order to work out the kinks and maximize their score. Very few students achieve their goal score on the first test, and every actual test you take gives you valuable test-day experience, helping you stay calm and confident the next time. And if you never get that perfect 1600 or 36? Life goes on. You’ll still get into a good college and the SAT and ACT will be a distant memory, just another learning experience along the way to becoming an adult.While the merits of the SAT and the ACT continue to be debated in national media, it’s indisputable that these tests provide a valuable training ground for how to thrive in high-pressure situations. Rather than shrinking away from the challenge, we encourage students to seize this opportunity to practice their “game day” skills, which will surely serve them in good stead later in life.

6 Ways to Ace that Job Search! - TutorNerds Irvine, CA

6 Ways to Ace that Job Search! - TutorNerds Irvine, CA Ace Your Job Search With these Six Tips Ace Your Job Search With these Six Tips Once college seniors ace four years of exams they get to be tested all over again at countless job interviews. In many ways these can be some of the most important tests in a young person’s life. How well a graduate performs on an interview can determine how quickly they can enter the job market and start working towards a career. Unfortunately, most colleges dont offer a course in how to get a job. However, there are a few things that new grads can think about before they go in for interviews. 1. Dont apply to every job you see on the internet Applying for one or two jobs can be exhausting. There are countless forms to fill out, customized cover letters to write, and in-person interviews to prepare for. So, how long will that energy last if youre applying for 20 jobs in one week? Its a good idea to pace yourself even if you really want that new job ASAP. Pick two or three jobs a week to really invest your time in and give it your all. This way the hiring department will see that youre excited and enthusiastic rather than mistake your fatigue for disinterest (READ: 5 Steps to Acing a Job Interview). 2. Do your research Although there are a few professionals who simply dont want their contact information to be found, most people’s information can be located somewhere on the internet if perhaps not on the company’s website. Make sure you know who you will be talking to, what pertinent information you might need about the specific job youre applying to, and the company in general. Think of the research as studying and the interview as the final exam. 3. The cover letter One thing many new grads dont do is write an individualized cover letter for each job. Its tempting to think that a job application is like the Common Application, one and done. However, applicants who dont take the time to write a separate cover letter from scratch generally dont get hired. This is why its important to focus in on just a couple of jobs at a time rather than spread yourself too thin and lose the opportunity to shine (READ: 6 Tips for a Successful Skype Interview). 4. Apply for a job you actually want Although this seems obvious, many people apply for tons of jobs they have absolutely no interest in. Of course at some point people have to work just to make money, but its a good idea to start out with an idealist point of view. Start by giving your enthusiasm to a field or company you feel passionate about. The hiring manager will definitely be able to tell if you love the job or if you are trudging through it and dont really want to be there. 5. Connecting and contacts Although there are many avenues in which to get hired, making connections still proves to be one of the best ways to get a foot in the door. Make as many relevant contacts as you can but make sure your interactions are genuine. People wont want to help you out if they feel you are only in it for yourself. Be honest about your intentions (they will know you are looking for a job after all) but make sure your personality shines through during any communications or businesses meetings. 6. Patience is paramount Although our current economy is making it easier for new grads to find a job, it doesn’t mean that they will find a career in their field straight away. It also doesn’t help that family and peers will be consistently comparing your job search to others but remember that good things come to those who wait (and work hard). Hang on to that part time student gig while you look for the perfect career fit (READ: 5 Things Employers Look For in a New Employee). All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.