What is it Like to Attend United States Military Academy

What is it Like to Attend United States Military Academy Courteney earned her bachelors degree inPortuguesefrom the United States Military Academy. She specializes in English tutoring, study skills tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at the United States Military Academy: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Courteney: The United States Military Academy (also known as West Point) is located on a military base, so the campus is extremely safe. All classes are within walking distance, and buses run to the athletic fields and the small shopping center on post. Unfortunately, students are not permitted to have cars on campus until after spring break of junior year, but you can borrow an upperclassmans car or take cabs. In the summer months, you can even take a ferry to the train station and ride into Grand Central! How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Courteney:West Point does not have academic advisors or teaching assistants, but they have civilian and military professors. Both types of professors are incredibly dedicated to their students. I even had a teacher who came to campus on a Saturday to help me prepare for a test! How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Courteney:Dorm life at West Point is regulated by strict standards. Everyone has at least one roommate, and your rooms must be up to inspection standards every morning. It is not for everyone, but at least you will not have to worry about messy roommates! West Point serves family-style meals and some grab-and-go (buffet-style). These meals are free to students. If you prefer something else, you can purchase food at Grant Hall or order food from restaurants in Highland Falls (the closest town). Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Courteney:The United States Military Academy offers a wide range of subjects to major in. One of the most popular academic fields is engineering. Every student at West Point is actually required to take three semesters of engineering classes, called tracks, regardless of their major. I was a Portuguese major with a Systems Engineering track. The school strongly encouraged the development of my language skills. My sophomore year, I spent Spring Break in Rio de Janeiro on a departmental trip. The summer after my sophomore year, I spent several weeks on an academic trip to Cape Verde, Africa. Finally, I spent first semester of my senior year attending the Military Institute of Engineering in Rio de Janeiro. I did not incur any personal expense for these academic pursuits, and my language proficiency greatly benefited from them. 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? Courteney:Cadets spend their first six weeks at the United States Military Academy adapting to military life. They are tested physically and mentally alongside their classmates. A popular motto there is, Cooperate and graduate. Its a sentiment they instill in you from the very beginning. Shared hardship might not be how everyone imagines making friends, but it forms a strong bond that remains years after graduation. After freshman year, it is much easier to socialize. There are no sororities or fraternities at West Point, but everyone plays on a sports teamwhether it be club, corps squad (the official school teams), or intramural teams. There are also clubs centered around academics, religions, and cultures. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Courteney:We do not have a career center at the United States Military Academy, but every student who graduates meeting the military, physical, and academic standards is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. We consistently rank on Forbes because our students do not have to pay to attend (no student loans!), and they graduate with full-time salaried positions that have complete benefits packages for students and their future families. How are the various study areas, such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Courteney:The corps of cadets is organized into many companies. Each company has a study room located where those students live. Additionally, some departments, like psychology, offer study rooms in their academic buildings. The best place I found to study, however, was the library. The current library was built while I was attending. It has a coffee shop, conference rooms with IT capabilities, sitting areas, and study tables throughout the floors. Ive never had an issue finding a place to study in the library. Describe the surrounding town. Courteney:The town of Highland Falls is located right outside of the West Point gates. Highland Falls has several restaurants and small businesses. The installation itself has beautiful running trails, a golf course, and even a ski hill. West Point is also only an hours train ride north of New York City. Sometimes the campus can be boring because not all weekends are open for travel, but if you enjoy the outdoors, you will find plenty to do! How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Courteney:My entire class entered with approximately 1,600 new cadets. By the time we graduated, only 1,300 remained. The class sizes at West Point are incredible. The largest class I had consisted of 24 people. This enables the professors to interact with each student during every session. The intimate classroom setting was one of my favorite things about the United States Military Academy. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Courteney:One of my favorite experiences at West Point was the completion of the Indoor Obstacle Course Test (IOCTcheck it out on YouTube!). You cannot wear a watch during the test, and I was very nervous about not finishing the course on time. I had trained for months! When I reached the ropes, one of the last obstacles, I turned to look at my friends who were timing me, but I could just see their arms flailing. The gym was so packed with students who came to cheer us on. I climbed the rope as quickly as I could, and completed the necessary laps to finish. I felt like I couldnt breathe, but as soon as I finished, my friends all rushed around me, hugging me, because I had beat the goal I set for myself. Those are the types of memories you will make at West Point. Check out Courteneys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Qing Dynasty Chinas Last Empire

The Qing Dynasty China’s Last Empire All You Ever Wanted to Know about the Qing Empire. ChaptersWhere was the Qing Dynasty, and When?The Origins of the Qing EmpireThe Qing Dynasty at its PeakThe Qing Empire in DeclineConclusion.The Qing were the last imperial dynasty in China, reigning between  the seventeenth century to the Chinese republic in the twentieth. The Qing ruled during a period in which the world’s great powers were increasingly concentrated in Europe, and this Chinese empire ultimately fell due to competition and aggression from precisely those powers.Yet, they were hugely important in the history of modern China, and anyone studying the A Level in China in the Twentieth Century will need to grapple with the fall of the Qing. Importantly, it was this dynasty that established the borders of modern China, ruling over a multicultural and increasingly huge population, and succumbing to powers â€" such as the British Empire â€" with much more advanced technologies, trade, and militaries. MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tuto rs JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5.00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhere was the Qing Dynasty, and When?The main dates for the Qing Dynasty are 1644 and 1912, when the empire formally established power over China and when it officially ceased to exist. However, dynastic rule preceded these dates, being technically declared in Manchuria.The Qing was the fifth largest empire in history. Not only did it essentially establish the borders of contemporary China, but it gained control over Tibet, Outer Mongolia, and Taiwan, and its role in Manchuria gave it significant influence over Korea.The rulers were from Manchuria, the north-eastern part of China that borders with Korea. This is the reason for its nickname â€" the Manchu dynasty â€" and its capital city was in Shenyang before moving to Beijing.It collapsed in 1912, after eight global powers invaded together: Italy, US, Austro-Hungary, France, Japan, German, the Russian Empire, and the UK. They were trying to quell the Boxer Rebellion â€" an anti-foreigner movement led by the ruler at the time, Empress Dowager Cixi. When the rebellion was crushed, Cixi fled to Xi’an, Manchuria, and the empire soon came to an end.The Qing Dynasty in 1820 - one of the largest empires ever.The Origins of the Qing EmpireWhat is interesting, in the context of twentieth-century China’s emphasis on Han ethnicity, is that the Qing dynasty was only the second time China was not ruled by the Han - the first time being the Mongol Empire.  Rather, it was established and ruled by the Jurchen people from M anchuria.Initially, the Manchurian state was established by a tribal chieftain called Nurhaci, who attempted to unify the tribes in Manchuria around him. in 1616, Nurhaci declared himself Khan of the Great Jin.He attacked the Ming Dynasty to unite further tribes who at that time were still allied to the Chinese empire in Beijing and, capturing the city of Shenyang in 1625, he made that city his capital, known as Mukden.Whilst he was allied with the Khorchin Mongols - descendants of the Mongol Empire - it was evident that he had insufficient Manchu troops to conquer China proper. However, after further military successes, he enlisted more Mongols, and enlisted into his army Han people who had defected from the Ming.Nurhaci died in 1626. After extensive familial struggles for succession, Nurhaci’s grandson, Shunzhi, became emperor and eventually conquered Ming dynasty Beijing and declared Qing rule over the whole of China in 1644. Shunzhi took up the Mandate of Heaven. This was the Chinese belief that anyone who ruled China did so under the pleasure of heaven. If a dynasty was overthrown, or if there were significant natural disasters, it was seen as a sign that heaven no longer supported that ruler.After the conquest of Beijing, the defeat of the remnants of the Ming took a further seventeen years. MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5.00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Qing Dynasty at its PeakHaving established Qing power over the Chinese capital, Shunzhi died of smallpox six years later. He was replaced by his third son, who became the Kangxi emperor.Throughout the next three generations â€" the reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong â€" Qing China reached its peak of strength, influence, wealth, and cultural and artistic achievement.Kangxi â€" ruling from 1661 to 1722 â€" is the longest Chinese ruler ever. Interestingly enough, however, his grandson, Qianlong, would have outdone him, but he resigned so as not to surpass his grandfather’s rule.TerritoryThroughout the height of the Qing, the emperors consolidated power over China and extended their territories further. Kangxi beat the Russians in battle at the Amur River, which led to the 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk â€" allowing China to dominate much of Siberia and Manchuria (although the Russian Empire would later overturn this). He beat the Dzungar Mongols to gain control of Inner and Outer Mongolia and Tibet and gained control of Taiwan.Part of the Chinese emperor’s job had a lways been to put down rebellions, and in 1673, the Revolt of the Three Feudatories was quashed by Kangxi’s forces.GovernmentChinese government, once it moved to Beijing, was based in the Forbidden City.Whilst the Emperor was an absolute ruler, he sat on six ministries which dealt respectively with revenue, rites and religion, war, crime, public works, and appointments to the civil service. Appointments to these ministries were split between Manchu and Han â€" and some Mongolians â€" in order to keep the multicultural nature of the regime. Just in terms of religion the diversity was vast, with Confucianism mixing with Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and, later, Christianity.These ministries were mainly for routine admin, but major decisions were taken in the court, where the noblemen and the emperor’s family dwelt.Arts and CultureDespite new technologies in printing and reproduction, the Qing dynasty was not a peak of Chinese culture. Inspiration came primarily from artists during the previous dynasty â€" the Ming â€" during which artistic production flourished. Porcelain, painting, and the novel, for example, came into their own, but all were performed under Ming inspiration.The fact that the Qing were from Manchuria caused a number of measures to ensure cultural cohesion across China. Kangxi insisted that, in the military, Manchurian hairstyles must be worn â€" under pain of death â€" and Chinese women were ordered not to bind their feet. Qianlong, who reigned from 1735 to 1796, aggressively maintained official Confucian and Manchurian culture, burning any books that criticised them.One important development was the Kangxi Dictionary, which standardised Chinese script. Kangxi also liked western instruments and technology, and he employed westerners in his court.World TradeWhilst trade with the west was a source of wealth for China, it was also one of the factors causing imperial decline. After 1757, Canton (now Guangzhou) was the only place permitted to trade w ith the west. The British, for example, bought massive shipments of tea from the Chinese.However, throughout the period, and particularly during Qianlong’s reign, China was in decline â€" whilst Europe was growing ever more powerful. Qianlong denied further trade with the Europeans, seeing them as lesser peoples to the Chinese and, after 1796, no further Europeans could meet with the emperor.The Qianlong Emperor was one of the greatest of China's Qing Dynasty.The Qing Empire in DeclineFinanceDuring the reign of Qianlong, the Chinese state was running out of money to pay their ministers and military. The tax rates were very low, and the booming population meant that there was a lot of pressure on land, government, and resources.Efforts to modernise were increasingly thwarted by conservative politicians, and, during Qianlong, corruption was rife, meaning that money was diverted from more important things.WarChina’s nineteenth century was dominated by war.Most significantly, perhap s, were the two Opium Wars with Britain. Opium was popular in China and, in order to make money, British traders attempted to sell huge quantities of it to the Chinese. The drug was banned â€" as there was an addiction epidemic â€" but the British resented this quick end to their lucrative trade. This led to war, first in 1840 and then again between 1856 and 1860. The treaty forced upon China after Britain’s victory brought many westerners into the country and weakened Qing rule.In 1860, the Russian Empire was expanding, and it retook the Amur River. In 1894, furthermore, China fought Japan over influence over Korea. Japan won completely and China was forced to submit ports and land.The Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled Qing China at the end of the nineteenth century.RebellionBetween 1850 and 1864, China was shaken by the Taiping rebellion, in which the Christian Hong Xiuquan took over the city of Nanjing for a decade. Twenty million people are ultimately thought to have died, and t he war inspired many similar rebellions to flourish across the next half a century.The Boxer Rebellion of 1900 was one of the most important of these. Directed towards the Europeans, however, it was supported by the Qing ruler of the time, Empress Dowager Cixi. It attempted essentially to kick out foreigners, but this led to eight countries invading the country and quashing it â€" to defend their colonial interests there.FallAs a result, the Dowager Cixi fled to Manchuria. She returned after a year in 1902, but further revolution â€" namely the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 â€" overthrew her successor, and a republic was established by anti-Qing revolutionaries. The resulting republic was to lead to the rise of the famous Mao Zedong.Conclusion.You can learn more about the greatest empires ever, about the Roman Empire, and about the Ottoman Empire in the other pieces in the series!

Online Standard Measurement Chart- Online Math Tutors

Online Standard Measurement Chart- Online Math Tutors Standard measurement chart is one of the most effective mechanisms for presenting data in a form meaningful to decision makers is chart. Through charts, the decision maker can often get an overall picture of the data the data and reach some useful conclusions merely by studying the graph. Converting data to charts can be creative and artful. Often the most difficult step in this process is to reduce important and sometimes expensive data to a chart that is both clear and concise One of the most important uses of charts in statistics to help the researcher determine the shape of the distribution. Types of charts Histogram is as type of vertical bar chart is used to depict a frequency distribution. A histogram is a useful tool for differentiating the frequencies of class intervals. Pie chartis a circular depiction of data where the area of the whole pie represents 100% of the data being studied and slices represents a percentage breakdown of the sublevels. Pie charts show the relative magnitudes of parts to a whole. They are widely used in business, particularly to depict such thing as budget categories, market share, and time and resource allocations. However, the use of pie charts is minimized in the sciences and technology because pie charts can lead to less accurate judgments than are possible with other types of graphs.

5 Factors to know when you ask When is it time to go - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Factors to know when you ask “When is it time to go - Introvert Whisperer 5 Factors to know when you ask “When is it time to go? If you’re sitting in your office bored, ticked off or feeling down you may be thinking it’s time to go.   BUT, you’re not sure.   You are rationalizing staying because there is one more great thing you can contribute or you feel obligated in some way.   We all go through this kind of mental tug-of-war at one time or another.   Knowing when it’s the right time to give yourself permission to move on is one of those big life changers and with it comes anxiety. There are some indicators of satisfaction that you can examine that will help you make that decision. Let’s review some of them to help you move that decision making along. Salary â€" I’m almost embarrassed to mention money. Not because “it shouldn’t matter”, it’s because I know it isn’t one of the top 3 issues. I mention it first because everyone does and I want to get it out of the way. What you are paid as it turns out are not the top 3-5 satisfiers for your career.   It is something, however. If it is out of line or doesn’t pay the bills it is a big DISsatisfier and you do need to move on.   If your pay is appropriate for the job you do, area you live in and meets most of your need, then you’re probably doing fine and this isn’t a big enough deal to make you leave. Boss â€" This one is the big one. The person that you immediately report to is the number one top item that will make work life great or bad. You don’t have to love this person or even be buddies but you do need to respect this person and feel that it’s mutual.   Also, you need to be realistic about this person.   Bosses will never be perfect.   They are like the rest of us; they have bad hair days and also have their own quirks.   The question you need to ask yourself is: “Can I be successful doing work with this person in the picture?” Job Content â€" This is all about the kind of work you perform. You need to feel like you have the skills, talents, and background to perform the job. At the same time, you should feel like you can make a contribution and grow.   Job growth is not necessarily about being promoted.   It is learning new tasks, taking on new responsibilities and making new contributions.   The content of your job should be something that continuously stimulates and interests you.   If you have reached a point where everything is pretty much the same, you need to move on before it impacts your self-esteem. Work environment â€" This is both the physical space you do the work in and what is in the environment such as people, building and location. You can have a great job, great boss but have to commute 2 hours each way. Your life is potentially impacted too significantly. You may like the job but the environment you are in is too toxic because of interoffice relations.   The people you work with could be your source of dissatisfaction and you may not even realize it.   We form friendships and alliances with the people we spend so much time working with.   At the same time they may feel freedom in complaining and pointing out all the things that are bad.   This will have a negative impact on you.   You need to examine this situation and determine what you can control and what you can’t.   At the same time, you need to determine if you were to design the perfect work environment, would it be like this? Something else â€" If all the stars are aligned and the items listed above are all working well enough for you, you may be tugged by “something else”. The something else could be a lifelong dream of being a nurse or something completely different than what you’re doing today. The something else could be a deep desire to move and live somewhere other than where you are today.   It’s ok to give yourself permission to move toward something as opposed to away from your current career.   This category of “something else” may turn out to be your calling Life is too short to spend too much time working at a job situation you don’t love and doesn’t nurture your soul.   Your career should feel shamefully fun and more like an avocation.   Making a decision like this can be tough but it is not a sign that you’re doing the wrong thing.   It’s tough because it is a big part of how you spend your life.   It’s tough because you want to make sure you enjoy the next thing.   It’s tough because it’s a change. 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: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

SAT Essential Words for Aptitude Test Like ACT or SAT Exams - Private Tutoring

SAT Essential Words for Aptitude Test Like ACT or SAT Exams BobbiM Mar 31, 2014 Hey folks, studying for the SAT can be stressful, huh? Well, thats why Im here, to make it easier for you guys. Heres a word, Substantial.  But what does it actually mean? Substantial is an adjective, heres the definition: Ample; considerable; sizable; of substance; sometimes even weighty or large in size. We can make this seem easier by creating a sentence. The crowds at the University Mall were so substantial they closed the mall because of trampling. Another word is Apparent. It means: clearly seen; visible; not obscure or confusing. Well, you need to know it from a different perspective. Make a sentence! It was Apparent that Kameron was upset about something even though she tried to deny it. Easy, huh? What does Clarity mean? Heres a definition: clearness of thought, style or appearance. With sudden Clarity, Maddie understood the situation. Everyone knows how to make sentences. I mean come on, youve been doing them since what, like 1st grade? Well, heres so me more: Conspicuous is an adjective; it means:  Standing out; clearly exceptional or showy.  Heres a sentence,  The conspicuous blue-eyed baby stood out of his brown-eyed brothers. Discernible is an adjective; it means: Clearly understandable through thought or vision. A sentence is, Saturn was discernible in the night sky. Distinct is an adjective; it means: Clearly defined and recognizable; standing out from among its class. A sentence is, Jesses distinct style made him recognizable in a room full of people. Evident is an adjective; it means: Worthy of notice; distinguishable. A sentence is, Her textbook was so worn, it was evident it was very old. Limpid is an adjective; it means: Clear and clean; without blemish or confusion. A sentence can be, His limpid eyes said it all, he was truly in love with   Clarisse. Lucidity is an adjective; it means; Clearness or thought; capacity to perceive the thought. The sentence can be, Emily lacked the lucidity to recognize his adoration. Manifest is a verb; it means: To show plainly; to reveal. The sentence is, My mom manifested her anger by taking a break in her room. Obvious is an adjective; it means: Apparent; easily seen or seen through; without subterfuge. If a sentence makes more sense to you this could be the sentence: It was obvious that Kimberly was excited about getting asked out on her first date. Patently is an adverb; it means: Openly; plainly; clearly.Heres a sentence, It was patently clear that the couple was in an argument. Now that you get the point, Study through these on your own. You can also make up your own sentences if you wish. Good luck! Happy studying! Pellucid; adj. Clear in style, manner, or appearance. Her pellucid attempts to interest the man were useless due to the fact that he already had a girlfriend. Abash; verb. To confuse or distress; to cause perplexity and uncertainty. He abashed his opponent by making funny faces to distract him. Addle; verb. Cause to become unclear or confusing. Ricky addled the frail, old mailman by being rude to the man’s senior position and personal feelings. Anarchy; noun. Confusion and disruption; without clearness in mind or purpose. When the teacher left the room, the students went wild and it resorted to being a total anarchy. Baffle; verb. To confuse; to forestall action or understanding. The girl tried to baffle the boy by confusing him, but he was too clever. Bamboozle; verb. To trick and confuse. The students tried to bamboozle the substitute teacher by saying they were allowed to work in partnerships. Bewilderment; noun. State of being confused, perplexed, and/or disoriented. The girl looked around in bewilderment after she was hit in the head. Confounded; adj. Confused or stunned; totally perplexed. Patty was confounded when her boss granted her a bonus unexpectedly. Din; noun. Loud noise or confusion, usually from a crowd. As she looked upon her fans, the din was so loud she couldn’t hear her own voice. Moil; noun. A situation that is confused, in a turmoil, and/or uncertain. William found himself in such moil, he didn’t know he’d survive another night. Muddle; verb. To think, act, or proceed in a confused or aimless manner. On his first day at a new school, Danny muddled around until he got used to it. Great job guys! I hope you got the most out of these SAT essential words! Keep studying!

The Sad Truth about Recycled Gadgets English Listening Exercise

The Sad Truth about Recycled Gadgets English Listening Exercise I thought this video was really interesting and a great listening exercise. Do you know where your phones, computers, televisions and other electronics go when you recycle them? Watch this video and try answering the questions below:iframe width=560 height=315 src=//www.youtube.com/embed/5Wm__WNdOPw frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe1. Im a filmmaker with a beard_________. 2. Name his two likes? 3. What is his general problem? 4. I thought Id do everyone a favor and ______ it _____, myself. 5. What did Kochoko do for Alex? What did Alex do for Kochoko? 6. How did he feel when he arrived at the market? 7. What do they do with the electronics that are brought to the dump? 8. What is the average life expectancy? 9. This __________ be a dumping waste for e waste. 10. What is the website to visit?Writing Exercise: What happens to the electronic waste in your country?Also take a look at our grammar highlight: too many or not enough.

Rethinking education common misconceptions about learning

Rethinking education common misconceptions about learning Our new blog series, ‘rethinking education’, explores common misconceptions about learning and new ways that international teachers can imagine their classrooms while teaching overseas in order to make the most enriching educational experience for students. Many assumptions that teachers make about their students and the way that they learn have no real merit. Read below as we explore these myths and debunk some of them for our readers. Students don’t care about learning One of the biggest misconceptions that needs to be addressed is that all students are uninterested in learning or that they just don’t care. When students appear to not care about their education, there is usually something else at work: perhaps last year, they had a gruelling experience with a teacher, lost a family member, or failed a test that was particularly important to them. Other than what’s happening in the classroom, some teachers argue that their students don’t seem interested in anything that’s happening in the world as a whole. If you’re faced with a few students who don’t seem to care about or engage in current events, it could be as simple as adjusting how you bring current events into the classroom in order to interest your students. As one of the most globally active generations yet, engaging children in issues of importance often just means finding the best way to share this information with them. Ask them to each present on an issue of importance to them to see what matters in their world, and connect with them on these issues. All students nowadays are tech-smart Because computers, the internet, and often times tablets or smart devices are so readily available to students now, some teachers may assume that all their students are well-versed when it comes to technology. This shouldn’t be assumed. Just because the technology is there doesn’t mean that they’ve taken the time to interact with it or understand how it works properly. Take the proper amount of time to teach your students how to use the technology in your classroom instead of assuming that they will know how to work with it. Better safe than sorry! A quiet classroom means that everyone is listening Just because the classroom is quiet doesn’t mean that you have every student’s attention. In fact, a quiet classroom could mean less engagement than a noisier one. If you find students are just sitting quietly, they could be zoned out of the lesson plan. The best way to check for engagement and interest is to ask your students to speak up. Whether you split them up into smaller groups to encourage the participation of quieter students, or you strive for full-class participation, provide regular opportunities for your students to speak up and engage and encourage a chattier environment.

Orange County Tutoring Tips 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week

Orange County Tutoring Tips 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week Private Orange County Tutoring Tips: 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week Private Orange County Tutoring Tips: 5 Ways to Survive Testing Week It seems like kids are being tested more often and at a younger age these days. Although students and parents were always expecting to deal with standardized testing when it comes time to prepare for college, not every student is prepared for the amount of testing that occurs in the spring of each year. The specifics of the testing will vary by state and school district but, for the most part, each child will be tested for one week in the spring. More often than not, school districts dont give out specific feedback on the students’ scores but rather compiles them as part of statistics for the overall school or district. Other times, parents will receive an overall score later in the summer but will not get a specific breakdown of what their child did well on and what they need help with. Depending on a childs age there are a few different ways parents and students can prepare for the stress of these exams. 1. Keep it Low Pressure A lot of younger students are not worried about standardized tests unless the people around them are worried about it. If an elementary or middle school student is taking such a test sometimes, its better just to keep it low pressure. Basic testing is not the same as the PSAT, SAT, or AP exams. School-wide testing won’t determine whether or not a student goes to college or receives a scholarship but rather it collects data for the school district as a whole. Its good for students and parents to know strengths and weaknesses, but a low-stress situation will often result in a more accurate score (READ: 5 Tips to Remember Those Tricky Test Questions). 2. Take Breaks Its important for kids to be able to take a break in between exams. Many students will be taking tests all day for an entire week, which means their break will come after school. They should also be encouraged to take breaks in between exams if allowed. Students who try to complete assignments in between classes or on the way to school will probably be overwhelmed by the end of the day. When not in the testing room, students should enjoy a snack, sometimes outside at recess, or whatever the teacher allows. 3. Ask Teachers if There Will Be Other Assignments Due That Week Its also important for students to know if other assignments will be due during testing week. Hopefully, students will only need to focus on their exams during that time. But older students may need to finish incomplete assignments or get things handed in by the end of the academic year. If a paper or project is due the week of testing, its better to know this ahead of time. It may be distressing for students to be in the testing room all day and then have to come home and complete a project. 4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open Open communication is another way to survive a testing week. If students are curious why theyre being tested, they should feel like its okay to ask. Parents might also be confused as to the specific purpose of exams and should feel free to email the teacher or administration. In addition to direct communication, there are some great resources online that can inform parents and students. These specific websites will vary by school district and state. 5. Practice Good Nutrition and Exercise For students to be totally focused on their school-wide testing, its important they have good nutrition and exercise that week. Younger students can participate in sports or simply play outside. Although older students might have other academic or work commitments, they should at least have a chance to go for a walk in the fresh air for 10 to 15 minutes. Additionally, students of all ages should make sure theyre getting enough protein, fruits and veggies, and hydration during this time (READ: Super Foods and Testing). The best way to prep for finals is with the help of a private Orange Country tutor. Call us today for more information. 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.