Art Classes Manchester

Art Classes Manchester Art Courses in Manchester ChaptersArt Classes in Drawing and PaintingCreative Art CoursesArt Classes in PotteryI know there’s plenty to paint here but I haven’t the slightest desire to work locally. - L.S. LowryIf every student of art felt the way that native son did about scenes in and around Manchester, we wouldn’t have two whole art galleries or the Lowry Art Centre in Salford Quays!There would be no art programmes offered at university, no workshops on how to draw a life figure or a still life; nor would there be other art classes on offer from anybody, anywhere!Thankfully, not everyone feels the way Mr Lowry did and, in fact, the art community is thriving in Manchester.If you are a student learning fine art at University of Manchester, you might be on the lookout for extracurricular classes on how to draw a proportionate human form or still life.If you have always longed to try your hand at creating art â€" not just fine art, you may enjoy some of the venues in and around the city that promote the culture and creation of art.Let Superprof help you find the best ones!Painting with watercolours is a great way to learn brush control Source: Pixabay Credit: UelloWestern European canons.If you wanted to learn fine art techniques but do not wish to enrol in art school, you could take an array of art courses that cover everything from pencil sketching to creative drawing.You could learn all of those skills and more at AWOL Art Studios.You might also learn how to execute a fine painting by taking art classes in Birmingham!Creative Art CoursesIf you have long wanted to learn painting and drawing but feared your window of opportunity has passed you by, you can let go of those fears and unchain your creative energy at AWOL.Manchester is most renown for its contributions to the Industrial Revolution.Why not partake of art education in a historic building â€" Hope Mill, one of the repurposed textile mills that made the city so rich and famous?The multitude of windows provide plenty of amb ient light and Brian, the lead tutor, brings over 20 years of experience in teaching art to anyone desiring to know the feel of a paint-laden brush, whose strokes bring imagery to life.He teaches, among other courses:kids classesadult classesIntroduction to Creative DrawingIntroduction to WatercolorsLife Drawing â€" how to draw the human formDrawing techniquesNaturally, he is not the only instructor there.You may learn acrylic painting from Brigid, cartooning and manga from Paul; or you may choose to enjoy a lecture from Heather Spears, author of The Creative Eye.Indeed it appears that these creative art courses could be your one-stop shop for everything that deals with drawing and painting.Isn’t there more to art?How very Manchester to throw a pot! Source: Pixabay Credit: Lubos HouskaArt Classes in PotteryAdmittedly, Manchester is far better known for its music scene, that Madchester Vibe, than for its art scene.Unlike opportunities to learn various forms of art in Leeds, Mancuni ans are a bit limited in their artistic learning outlets!Nevertheless, continuing with this city’s long history of manufacture, you may enjoy taking a pottery class with Seven Limes Pottery.It is unknown whether the limes in question refer to argillaceous minerals â€" a clay-like composition that is nevertheless lime, or the green citrus fruit.However they settled on that fun name, they are quite serious about their art and wish to bring as many into the pottery fold as possible.Did you know that the Scottish Potters Association teaches pottery art classes in Glasgow?  Should you be looking for something to do of a weekend, you may meet them for an introductory workshop on Saturdays.If you like what they’re all about and the art they practise, you could commit to a six-week beginners course, held on Monday evenings.Prior to visiting with them, you may have thought that throwing a pot meant tossing cookware about in an angry fashion.Look up for  art courses near me  now.After a w eekend in their tutelage, you will be happy to learn that you do not have to be angry to throw a pot.Quite the contrary!That act consists of gently manipulating clay on a spinning wheel until it approximates a vessel of whichever sort you were trying to create.If you are plagued by stress and your confidence has recently taken a hit, you may find yourself restored through exploration of this relaxing and sensual activity.Their facilities are not suitable for smaller hands, though, so if you wanted to make pottery a family affair, let us direct you to Clay Studio.There, you will find a popular family ceramics course whose instructors are ready to welcome parents, grandparents and/or other caregivers, and their children.What an opportunity for quality time together!You might wonder about the difference between pottery and ceramics; a distinction that Caroline, Robert or Stephen, the instructors, will be happy to elucidate.The facility is clean and bright, and is equipped with no fewer than three kilns!Besides those pieces of equipment so vital to ceramics, you will find a multitude of pottery wheels, lathes, and a range of materials to work with.What we particularly liked about the clay studio is that their class size is limited to only five people!That way, you get the individualised attention you need to quickly master the art of pottery, ceramics and glazing.Also, if you wanted private tuition in throwing and glazing, you could book a series of three classes. Should someone want to attend with you, their fee would be discounted by half!Whether you are looking to refine your painting techniques or are just looking to learn to draw; no matter if you are looking for an art class for kids or hoping to improve your own drawing skills, finding an open studio in Manchester is not difficult.Unlike Mr Lowry â€" whose figure drawing  is likened to matchsticks, with a bit of imagination you may find that there is a wide variety of subjects to inspire you.Once you learn to draw and paint, once you gain a measure of technical skills, you may find yourself haunting the art supply store!Are you about to conduct an Internet search for art classes near me?You might book yourself into drawing classes, practising bold experimentation in colour mixing, to come up with a masterpiece that expresses your particular brand of creativity.Read our other posts about finding art classes in other UK cities such as, Glasgow, Edinburgh Belfast and Cardiff.Superprof hopes that, from this table, you can find the art instruction and painting classes that will lead to your self-expression and, one day, to your hosting an exhibition of your own artwork!Facility NameType of ArtPhysical AddressWeb AddressDidsbury Parsonage TrustDrawing, watercolour painting, open coursesStenner Lane Didsbury Manchester M20 2RQhttp://www.didsburyparsonagetrust.org.ukCreative Art CoursesDrawing, painting in acrylic and watercolour113 Pollard Street, M4 7JAhttps://www.creativeartcourses.orgSeve n LimesPotteryUnit 5, Windrush Millennium Centre, 70 Alexandra Road, Manchester M16 7WDhttps://7limes.co.ukThe Clay StudioPottery and Ceramics Family courses61 Old Birley Street Hulme Manchester M15 5RFhttps://www.claystudio.co.uk

5 Tips for Figuring Out the Next Step in Your Career - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Tips for Figuring Out the Next Step in Your Career - Introvert Whisperer 5 Tips for Figuring Out the Next Step in Your Career Perhaps it’s how the stars have aligned, but recently I’ve had a number of people tell me that they needed to figure out what their next step is in their career. The good news in hearing this is that these people are giving some conscious thought to their career. It’s really easy to ignore it and just show up to work everyday giving no thought to the career. The tough thing is that figuring out your next step can be as complex as rocket science. There are just so many things to think through, like income, lifestyle, work content, responsibilities and retooling. To make it more complex, there are usually considerations for potential opportunities at your current place of business. How do you wade through all of this to gain any kind of clarity? Here are some tips for you to consider: Overarching Direction First, what general direction are you headed? Sounds simple, but it’s really important. Your choices can be: Moving up looking for promotion or more responsibility? Something different? Same level and work but a change in things like commute, travel or work pressure? By defining your general direction up front, you’ll be able to see the next few steps. Think of it like vacation planning. Do you want to go somewhere warm, culturally different, or historical? Each option poses highly different choices. The same is true for your career. There may be some slightly overlapping elements but the core direction dictates different steps. What Are Your Goals for the Next Step? Do you want to be making more money, or is job structure the driver? I know this sounds funny to hear, but making more money isn’t always the big driver. One of the people making this statement to me is very satisfied with their paycheck. They would like to maintain the income but kick back and stop working at such a break-neck pace. Sometimes you sacrifice work/life balance to get to a level and then you need to maintain the level to improve the “life” side. Sometimes you’re working to get to that level. Figure Out Your Timing Tolerance One of the things that happen to some people is they think if they wait long enough, the universe will present an opportunity. While I do think this happens occasionally, it’s also the stuff regrets are made of. Too many people wait for something to happen, only to wake up, look around and realize that all that time has passed and nothing happened. In fact, too much time passed and now they’re faced with a totally new set of considerations. There is a rhythm to careers. About every 2-3 years, substantial changes either do happen or should happen. If you are in the mid-point of this window, now is the time to figure it out. I estimate it usually takes about a year for all the planning and actions to culminate into a change. Immerse Yourself In One of the Options The problem with always standing back to think about things is that it doesn’t prompt a decision. When a decision is not forthcoming, you need to change your behavior. Pick one of your options and “try it on.” Speak to others doing the work you’re thinking of. Figure out what your path from here to there would be. Really drill down on the option as if you were pursuing it in earnest. Sometimes, this can really inspire you or makes you put the brakes on. Either way it ends up, you’re better off than you were when standing still. Be Change-Ready Change is not a comfortable state of being. Many people avoid that discomfort at all costs. The thing is, if you deliberately put yourself into changing situations, you will be more adept and open to making change. The reluctance to make change is often the reason for not moving forward. (Tweet this!) This is very toxic to great career management. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential. If you’re thinking about what your next career step should be, congratulations! Now, do more than just think about it. What will your next step be? Share in the comments! Image: Flickr

Photography Course in Liverpool

Photography Course in Liverpool Where Can You Take Photography Classes in Liverpool? ChaptersLearn from a Professional PhotographerPhotographic Societies in LiverpoolTake Photography Classes at the City of Liverpool CollegeLearn Photography Skills OnlineAs a native Liverpudlian, can you name three picture-worthy sites in and around our city? How about outside of city limits?In fact, The Pool has so much to capture on film or memory card that a tourists' typical week's stay would not be nearly enough to see and snap even the most popular sites!From the world famous Victorian Gardens to our gorgeous Cathedral, it is no wonder that tourists flock to our city â€" and it would be a sure bet that everyone brought their camera!Even those who come for the Merseyside derby take their fair share of snaps, if only to load them on social media.No matter why you wield your camera, the fundamental reason for seeing the world through a viewfinder is to capture noteworthy sights and memorable moments.If said sights and moments are indeed worth capturing, wouldn't it be worth your wh ile to learn how to do it well?Even if you have substantial experience behind the lens, as an advanced photographer, there is still much to learn... especially considering technological advances in the art of photography!Let us now find photography courses  in and around Liverpool, for commercial photography as well as for the sheer passion of it. Check out this blog for photography classes around the UKOr if you're in Scotland, our article on Glasgow photography courses may be of interest.Settling on a specialty before taking lessons will help you advance as a photographer Source: Pixabay Credit MeditationsYou can take extra online photography courses here. an event for every meeting save on holidays.Although there is no annual membership fee, there is a charge of £4 per meeting.That gives you the freedom to attend only those workshops and lectures that interest you without paying for sessions not targeted to your focus.What we love about this club is the flexibility it offers: in fees, scheduling and diversity of photographic learning material.We are not so keen on is the limited practical nights.Only three times per season are the cameras actually used: to photograph models, or commercial photography subjects â€" still life or a product.Find a photography course in Cardiff!Many photography clubs sponsor competitions: you could participate! Source: Pixabay Credit: rawpixelSouth Liverpool Photographic SocietyFounded sixty-five years ago, this fun faction of photographers have embraced digital imaging, but still welcome fans of film photography.Nearly forty years after their inception, they incorporated with The Pool's oldest, most venerated photographic society, thus embracing more than one hundred and sixty years of amateur and professional photographic excellence.They offer a year-round syllabus, including a summer programme to display your holiday snaps, which runs from July until September.On Sundays, they host The Improvers' Group workshops, where you c an exchange tips and ideas with other photo enthusiasts.What we really like about South Liverpool Photographic Society is its tradition and history, and a varied syllabus: a different activity for every meeting.What we don't like is the lack of transparency: the charter itself proclaims that fees are determined on a meeting or situational basis.While it is always a good idea to discuss your hobby/passion with those of similar interest, perhaps you would like to get a more formal education in the art of photography.To find photography clubs in Manchester, take a look at our article!Take Photography Classes at the City of Liverpool CollegeEstablished in 1992 from a consolidation of four separate campuses, the City of Liverpool College offers a Level 1 photography course to anyone who wishes to learn about:CompositionISO â€" the sensitivity of your camera's image sensorAperture and Shutter applicationIntroduction to PhotoshopDuring this ten-week engagement, you will learn everything ab out your compact or SLR camera, and will be called on to prove your knowledge by submitting a project as your final exam.The cost for these twice-weekly evening lessons is £220, not including course materials, and you must provide your own camera.If you haven't yet invested in a camera, you might borrow one, until you can learn more about what you want in a DSLR camera.And, until you have decided on a specialty!The commercial photographer uses different equipment â€" camera bodies, lenses and filters than, say, someone adept at night photography.Therefore, you may want to wait until you are more advanced in learning photography before spending any money on photographic equipment.In this course, your instructor will detail the pros and cons of various camera models and types, from compacts to ones with all of the bells and whistles, during your first lesson.You could always expand your knowledge about photography training by taking it to the next level in a more advanced course.Surp risingly, inexplicably!: formal photography programmes seem rather limited within Liverpool. However, you can obtain a Level 3 certificate or a BA Honors degree  online,  through distance learning.If you'd like to do the same in London, click here to read about photography courses in the capital.You too could master the art of digital photo editing online! Source: Pixabay Credit: hpv2011Learn Photography Skills OnlineUniversity for the Creative Arts offers a degree programme online, a path to professional photography that you can complete as quickly as you'd like.These courses operate under the premise that everyone is a novice at digital photography, and takes you from the camera basics, all the way through technical and analytical skills needed to compose and shoot subject matter.Their programme is modular, meaning a student could select, from among the vast series of learning units, which topics pique his creative and intellectual curiosity.As for specialising: the modular concep t permits mastering only of the type of photography you intend to pursue as a career.If you love travel photography, for example, you would select nature and wildlife photography study modules, and reject fashion or food photography.As you move closer to your degree, your tutor would more intently support you in creating challenging work, to reflect your advanced photography skills and mature eye for composition.As you progress in the art of photography, your instructor will help you develop your visual storytelling capabilities.University of Creative Arts is highly ranked by the Guardian University League tables, and for good reason!Its relatively low cost, coupled with student satisfaction â€" both with teaching methods and study materials, makes this online institute of higher learning a fine choice.Especially for those who do not have access to a photography study programme that is within commuter distance from their home.If you really prefer studying at home, you could always e ngage a Superprof tutor.Superprof has more than 700 qualified teachers of photography to instruct you through  online photography courses, via webcam, in the comfort of your own home.Are you a film photography fanatic who is hesitant about going pro with digital equipment?Conversely: were you spoon-fed on digital but now wish to master film photography and developing?Have you only ever played around with compact digital SLRs but are looking to trade up to a more complex model of camera?For all of these instances and more, Superprof has a tutor for you!With all of the tourists taking pictures around our fun city, with so much a photographer could capture â€" on film or memory card...With the knowledge that Liverpool, herself historic, has so many visual treats to offer: doesn't our city nearly beg you to take photography lessons?And now, you know where and who you can learn from!If Liverpool is too far away, reading about photography classes in Birmingham might be useful.

Should I Go To George Washington University

Should I Go To George Washington University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Alyson is a Miami tutor and 2012 graduate of George Washington University. She holds a Bachelors degree in psychology and tutors several subjects, including psychology tutoring, reading tutoring, and science tutoring. Check out what Alyson had to say about her time at George Washington University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Alyson: George Washington University is a great school for a balance between college and city life. The campus is located right in the heart of Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House, Georgetown, and endless points of entertainment. Because of its proximity to such high profile locations, it is extremely safe. During the presidential inauguration, there was a Secret Service member standing at every corner (and being late to class because the presidential motorcade drove by is a valid excuse). The campus has its own metro stop, and Washington, D.C. public transportation cant be beat. If the metro or bus wont get you there, theres a $5.00 taxi waiting to be hailed. I lived there for four years, and never once needed a car. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at George Washington University? Alyson: I never had a problem meeting with my professors, TAs, or academic advisers. They were always available during office hours, and if that didnt work, then I could simply email them and find another time. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Alyson: The dorms at George Washington University are amazing. I lived in them all four years and loved it. George Washington University doesnt have a meal plan, so most of the dorms have kitchens and are pretty spacious. The freshman dorm Thurston Hall also has a cleaning service that will come and clean your room twice a week. Not bad! Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Alyson: I would say that the best supported schools at George Washington University are the Elliott School of International Affairs, the School of Business, and the School of Media and Public Affairs. The liberal arts school is great as well, but since the majority of the student body goes that route, it means the advisers are not as helpful. Personally, I majored in psychology and never had a problem with support, though I would have liked better advisers, as it wasnt until my senior year that I realized I could have taken on another major or an extra semester abroad. 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? Alyson: Making friends is easy if you get involved. George Washington University has chances year-round for students to join clubs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. I was personally involved in Greek life, and its a great way to make friends and have experiences you wouldnt otherwise have, but I wouldnt say its necessary to a good social life at George Washington University. The George Washington University crowd is definitely work hard, play hard, but if thats your thing, nowhere else can beat it. How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services at George Washington University? Alyson: The career center is great for helping students find work-study placements. They will also help you with free resume editing and interview prep. How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Alyson: These areas are all great places to study. They only really get crowded around midterm and finals season, but George Washington University has an online booking system that allows you to reserve study rooms for however long you need during those weeks, so you always know you have a place to go. Describe the surrounding town at George Washington University. Alyson: There are few places in the world that beat going to school in Washington, D.C. You can feel the energy of the city all around you. Not only is everyone smart and informed, but its also incredibly tourist friendly, which means there is always something to do. Concerts, nightlife, restaurants, farmers markets, you name it. And when you need a break from the city, just hop on the metro, and venture into Virginia or Maryland to get your fix of the country. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Alyson: For me, George Washington University was the perfect size. It is a medium sized school, so the student body is small enough that you recognize most faces, but large enough that you are able to meet someone new all the time. And if you need to make it smaller, joining a club or getting involved on campus is a great way to find your core group. Students at George Washington University tend to be very social. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Alyson: One of the best classes I took was my Israeli Media class. The class was entirely in Hebrew, but we were able to have conversations and debates about politics in the Middle East, and to view Israeli media through many different lenses. It was a small class of maybe 10 people at best, so we really got to know each other and to dive deep into our opinions and feelings on the conflict in Israel. Check out Alysons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Resources for Preparing Home Tutoring Classes

Resources for Preparing Home Tutoring Classes Which Tools Should You Use to Organise Academic Support? ChaptersKey Qualities for Private TutorsTangible Resources for Private TutorialsLearning Through PlayIf you want to teach academic support, be it for maths, physics, English, French, Spanish, homework help, etc., you’re going to have to be familiar with both your student’s level and their course at school.In recent years, the private tutorial market has grown and is now worth around £6b.  Over 40% of children in London had received private tutorials.So how do you plan academic support tutorials?Here are some teaching resources that the experienced tutors on Superprof swear by. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tu tors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsKey Qualities for P rivate TutorsIt might seem obvious that if you want to help a student to catch up with their studies, you’re going to have to be familiar with the subject that you’re teaching.  If someone hasn’t done maths in ten years, it’s possible that the student may surpass the teacher.Make sure you introduce yourself with a friendly handshake and a smile. (Source: rawpixel)Some students might be failing. Others are just struggling in a few subjects and don’t want to have to resit.  Some may just want to improve their grades in order to get into a good university.It’s worthwhile mentioning that there are many reasons for getting private tutorials and the tutor will have to adapt to their students’ needs.Whether you’re teaching a brand new student for the first time or teaching them throughout the whole academic year, you’re going to have to opt for resources that work with the student.First and foremost, you have to make sure that you arrive on time. Tutors who regularly show up late to class will leave a bad impression on both the student and their parents.Before an academic support tutorial, you need to take care of your physical appearance by making sure that you’re appropriately washed and dressed. While this isn't a resource, it is key to ensuring that your tutorials go well.Academic support and private tutorials often require an in-depth knowledge of the curriculum.So, how can you teach private tutorials if you’re not familiar with what’s on the curriculum?Whether you’re teaching sciences (maths, physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) or the arts, you’ll need to bridge the gap between what the students are being taught in school. Another intangible resource is your teaching approach.The right teaching approaches can unlock your potential as an educator and help your students to improve. You also need to adapt your approaches to your student’s level. Here are some of the key qualities that a good tutor should have:Transferring knowledgeA ra nge of teaching approachesPatienceSpeaking skillsAvailabilityListening skillsIf you can't transfer knowledge, you can't teach. A tutor's main goal is to make sure that a student learns something. If they leave the tutorial knowing the same or less than they did when it started, something has gone wrong. While you're never guaranteed that a student will immediately get something, a range of teaching approaches can help you to change things up when something isn't working.This is where patience comes into play. A tutor can never get annoyed with the student for not getting something immediately. They need to remain calm so that they can continue to teach effectively.Your speaking skills will ensure that you provide students with information as clearly as possible. The last thing you want is for a student to be confused because your delivery was poor or because you didn't explain something well. Listening to your student will also ensure that you're always aware of what's going on in c lass.Finally, you need to be available to your student. While you don't have to be on call  for twenty-four hours a day, your tutee should be able to contact you in the event that they have a problem. Make sure you set limits and acceptable times for your students to get in touch. The last thing you want is phonecalls at 3 a.m. because they're stressing about an exam that you know they're going to have no problem passing.Punctuality, friendliness, and a familiarity with the national curriculum are also useful qualities, but what tangible resources do you need to teach private tutorials?Here are several online teaching jobs for teachers.Tangible Resources for Private TutorialsWhile you may have all the skills and qualities that make a good tutor, you can’t arrive at your private tutorial empty-handed.Even for your first ever tutorial, you should probably bring a few resources to start the student off with a bit of revision: textbooks, digital resources (apps, websites), revision bo oks and sheets. It might be worthwhile also bringing something to test their level so that you know exactly what to bring to the next tutorial.In maths, economics, and science tutorials, a graph can go a long way to explaining what you mean. (Source: 6689062)Textbooks often have exercises for them to do. Again, you need to take the student’s age and level into account. Older students can probably work on essay skills or exam technique right from the start. They can also focus on essay structure.A private tutor will probably include more interactive and engaging activities for younger students. There are plenty of sites with fun games and activities for a wide variety of different subjects, especially for those in primary school.It’s important that your classes are carefully prepared according to the students level and needs. Are they catching up, a failing student, or applying to a top university and need the best grades possible?In a way, preparing your tutorials should be like filling a toolkit with the right tools.You’ll need resources that can help the student’s cognitive abilities:A course planRevision sheets (especially for GCSE and A Level students)Documents relating to the chapter they’re studying (with diagrams, tables, texts, articles, etc.)Exercises (either found online or prepared by the tutor themselves)Analytics exercises: Who, what, where, when, why, and how?Brainstorming ideas with the student.An evaluation at the end of the sessionWhile some tutors still prefer pen and paper, a computer means that you don't have to carry tonnes of documents. (Source: StartupStockPhotos)When it comes to private tutorials, the tutor often arrives with a tonne of teaching resources since they can never be sure how the lesson is going to go.Is the student going to be enthusiastic, tired, irritable, or relaxed?They always need to bring backup materials, too. In some cases, a digital resource may not work and they’ll need other things to do to replace it .Learning Through PlayHow do good tutors motivate students or show their parents that their child just needed a different approach to what they were getting at school?Teaching DifferentlyIn order to get the most out of the student and save them from resits or failure, there’s a great teaching approach to help students learn: the Montessori Method of education.The aim is to let the child develop at their own speed.Both adults and children can learn a lot from games and play. (Source: Thaliesin)How do you teach them what they need to know?Firstly, you need to let the child choose the activities they want to do. From the age of 3, the child should be able to focus on certain tasks. This teaching approach focuses on freedom and learning at one’s own pace (without judging how quickly they’re learning) and letting them experience things and understand them.Games and physical objects are used for things like teaching addition and subtraction.  The Montessori Method can be included in private tutorials because most of the activities are designed for individuals or small groups.Naturally, you may wonder whether it is better to tutor at your home where you would have all of these resources available, or at your student's home, where s/he would feel more comfortable...Games for Online TutorialsNowadays, there are plenty of resources revolutionising teaching that can be freely accessed by tutors. Online academic support is starting to replace traditional tutors. Using video games in tutorials can make learning easier as students are enjoying playing.They can help children to learn as they can focus their attention and motivate them as they don’t even realise they’re learning because they’re having so much fun.  Games and digital resources blend real tangible objectives (learning or practising) with the fun of video games.  You'd be hard-pressed to find a young child that wouldn't rather play video games than study (even if they don't realise they're doing both ).Platforms like Khan Academy, one of the world's most popular MOOCs, can be used between two tutorials in order to help a student practice or revise.There are courses for adults and children and a huge database to inspire tutors who are planning their tutorials. Furthermore, it’s free!Preparing games for academic support tutorials is a great way to help students learn.Convinced?Don’t hesitate to take your computer, smartphone, or tablet to your private tutorials. They’re some of the best resources for helping students learn.Now discover more ideas to personalise your tutoring sessions...

Teaching Compassion to Students and Why Its Important

Teaching Compassion to Students and Why It's Important Improving Academic Performance When it comes to education, reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic, used to take center stage and were the standard menu of what was taught to students starting in elementary school. Over time subjects like social studies and history, the applied sciences, and arts and culture were added to the list. In today’s world of education, where students are exposed to seemingly endless cascades of information and are coming to terms with growing up in a world highly affected by globalization, such subjects as community outreach, service learning, and multicultural units are sought after, even in the lower grades. Bottom line? Students are learning a lot. All subject areas have their place and offer significant development and exploration for students of all ages; as education continues to develop and change and schools attempt to foster more community-focused and united environments, subjects like mindfulness and compassion have gained popularity. So what happens when we explore teaching students concepts like kindness, mindfulness, and compassion, as courses themselves? Let’s dive in. According to an article on mindful.org, which explores the benefits of creating a “kindness curriculum,” the school environment is often highly stressful, over-stimulating, and a feeding ground for both minor and major bullying. While such realities cannot be entirely eradicated, (nor should they be if one is to develop character and resilience in a sufficient way) “caring practices” such as well-wishing circles and allowing quiet time for students to self-regulate, calm the nervous system, improve focus, and cultivate compassion, all of which help foster an overall better learning environment. Compassion is a strong buzzword in today’s world, both within education and beyond, and it remains a powerful practice that helps encourage empathy and brings connection to those who otherwise might not connect. Education World explores how “active compassion” on the part of teachers can help direct students from floundering to flourishing; sometimes it is as simple as a student having that special teacher or advisor to talk to about her problems that makes her capable of overcoming and succeeding in school. Why not carry those qualities into the classroom as part of learned curriculum? Teachers can promote active compassion by maintaining positive expectations, exuding warmth (while remaining firm), courteousness to all students and faculty, allowing students to take ownership of their learning, and to avoid at all cost the temptation to make sarcastic and cutting remarks. Compassion takes practice, but much like any habit, it builds upon itself; the more practice of active compassion, the more it builds up overall. Teachers are humans, too (despite their sometimes superhuman accomplishments) and have to practice cultivating empathy and compassion as much as the next guy; everyone has bad days and is prone to mistakes, but the more teachers (and parents) can practice empathy with their students, while still maintaining standards of learning and discipline, the more equanimity will result in the classroom. Simply modeling exercises like taking deep breaths before reacting to an uncomfortable situation can allow a teacher to keep her cool while also instilling some valuable tools in her students, rather than losing her temper and reprimanding, which can create a tense and even hostile environment, depending on the school setting. Even writing these rules out as something both teacher and student can strive for and placing them visibly in the classroom can be a great motivator for a school year. Just how does one go about allowing concepts like compassion and empathy to truly sink in? Much like developing a growth mindset, having an open mind is key. In truth, compassion cannot necessarily be taught the way that solving an equation can, but it can certainly be modeled and thus a part of classroom or school community expectations. Mindsets go far. An article on Mind/Shift explores how quickly setting the tone in the classroom is perhaps the most important factor in creating a healthy educational environment. In an interview with Dr. Robert Brooks, who once taught at a school within a lockdown psychiatric unit, he keenly observed that teachers “have to start with the assumption that everything you do in the classroom can have a major impact on a child’s life, not only in the classroom but later, too.” He noticed that certain behaviors like micro-managing and overly-controlling students in an attempt to instill order actually created more chaos and disease. Instead, he proposes a mindset shift across faculty that encourages maintaining big picture “why are we here and working in this profession” awareness, not taking student behavior personally, and allowance when applicable instead of force and rigidity. He emphasizes not blaming students for struggling in certain areas, but instead modeling how they might take steps to improve and reach the consistently high expectations that should be set in both individual classrooms and school communities as a whole. This would not only help teachers ward off burnout but encourage students to develop traits like resilience, self-awareness, and both self and other-oriented compassion. The world of education is complex and intricate, and while we cannot make it perfect or perfect for all teachers and students all the time, we can certainly take steps to help improve the mindsets and dispositions of teachers and learners. Learning compassion and kindness may not fix or prevent every problem, but they certainly cannot hurt. Try implementing a bit more of this in your classroom, with your children, or as a student or child yourself, and notice how things may shift for the better. About the Author Stephanie Ingraham is a former English teacher turned writer and tutor with a BA in English from UCLA and a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. She is deeply passionate about education, psychology, child and adolescent development, literature, and writing. She believes the education world can benefit greatly from the meditation world - mindfulness and self-compassion are key! In her free time she loves reading and writing, music, baking, yoga, dance, animals, and exploring new cities. She currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. For more information on tutors like Stephanie, click here.

What to Consider When Deciding Between Two Job Offers

What to Consider When Deciding Between Two Job Offers Photo by JD Mason on Unsplash Outline what you are looking for in a job Everyone has a wish list or at least a few ideas of what they would want in their ideal job position an easy way to start out your decision is to outline what exactly you are looking for in a job. This can serve as somewhat of a guideline of what to look for in the two job offers you are deciding between. You can list out the obvious features that most people would think of: ideal pay, location, hours, and benefits like health insurance and vacation time. Think of what kind of expectations are placed on you when you accept the position. Are you working an entry-level job where you are just going to be making copies and doing coffee runs? Or are you going to be expected to already have an advanced skill set coming into the job? Pick the job that will give you the amount of work (and pressure) you want and are willing to accept. Something that isnt often considered, especially with people so worried about their salary, is the type of  work environment  that each job offers. Between every person, the ideal work environment can differ vastly and its important to consider each job offers work environment before accepting because it can affect how you view each job. For example, if you prefer to work best in a collaborative environment with friendly coworkers, you wont want to be accepting a job offer that has you confined to your own cubicle and crunching numbers. Or if you prefer to rely on yourself, consider what your job description entails and the type of tasks you will be expected to perform on a daily basis. Where can this job take you? This question is especially important for recent college graduates considering their first full-time job post-graduation. You most likely wont be working at your first job for the rest of your career, so it is important to consider where each job offer can take you career-wise before accepting. Consider the type of work you are expected to do in the position and how that will help you build experience for later in your career. Working at a larger-known company may sound more appealing, but if you are only going to be going on coffee runs, you may be better off accepting a job offer from a smaller company that is willing to work with recent college graduates and give them experience. You dont want to stay stagnant once you take either job offer, so try inquiring what the possibilities for upward mobility or increases in pay are. If you expect to stay at the job for long, or maybe each job offer isnt quite offering what you want in terms of experience or pay, possibilities to improve either one can make an initial job offer much more appealing. When you think of the position that comes with each job offer, how does it contribute to your overall career? It can be a good starting point a stepping stone until a better offer comes along, offering you hands-on experience in your field, networking opportunities, or another few lines on your resume. Think of your ideal endgame situation and what kind of company or position you want to end up at in the peak of your career. Think of how each job position affects your ideal path. Do you get a lot of hands-on work with one job, but have low pay or a less-than-ideal location. Or are you going to be receiving a good starting salary but not be given the type of work you need? Its important to define what you are willing to give up in order to get places prior to accepting any job offer. No job is going to be perfect, so dont burden yourself with thinking that the job offer you are going to be taking is going to be the one to make or break your career. Remember to take your individual preferences into consideration when deciding between two job offers and that you alone have the power to choose what job offer is best for you.

16 Multifaceted Language Learning Apps for Any Modern Student

16 Multifaceted Language Learning Apps for Any Modern Student 16 Multifaceted Language Learning Apps for Any Modern Student With the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets, weve all started to embrace apps to make life more convenient.Some might say were developing a problem with app addiction.Weve got calendar apps for work, apps for finding music, apps for checking up on the news.By the way, do they have an app that can help with app addiction?Actually, its okay if they dont. As a language learner, you can put this addiction to good use.The world is full of apps to help you learn languages. If youve ever thought about learning a language, you can get yourself from raw beginner to seasoned old pro by using these strategically designed language apps. If you’re already invested in a language, all youre missing is a quick virtual trip to the app store.Why Apps and Languages Are a Perfect MatchApps are particularly wonderful because they never leave our sides. Even if you dont currently consider yourself an app addict, Im willing to wager you keep your smartphone nearby at all times, just in case theres a tex t message from mom, an emergency family call or important notifications from work.And, since youre trying to make language learning a daily habit, what better learning tool is there than one that can fit in your pocket? Textbooks and  websites are great and all, but let’s face it, they can’t go everywhere we do. You can always  bring that smartphone along, and you can always squeeze in a couple of minutes on your phone to practice your new language while enjoying coffee breaks, commuting or waiting in lines.Another big thing to consider is that apps these days are beautiful and extremely well designed. Theyre interactive, highly responsive and easy to navigate. They trigger the reward systems in your brain and give you real pleasure, much like a thrilling video game.Want to  take a break from flipping through your textbook or repeating that same deck of flashcards?  Apps give you loads of variety, color and fun, and their creators know how to keep you coming back for moreâ€"whic h is  super important when motivation is so key to learning a language to fluency.Apps can keep you and your study materials organized. Youll often be given a history tool to keep track of your favorite reading and listening material, and in apps for language learners you may find a feature to measure and record your progress through course materials.So, let’s talk apps! Here are some amazing ones we love to get you started.16 Multifaceted Language Learning Apps for Any Modern StudentApps with Language LessonsWhy lesson apps?Apps that deliver language  lessons are ideal tools for studying on the go.If youre studying with a classroom or private instructor, then you can use these as supplements to your course material. Since theyre all focused on attacking language topics from different angles and with different activities, they can provide fresh perspectives on the lessons youve been learning.  Or at least a little extra practice.If youre learning on your own (perhaps through media -based immersion), apps can provide you with the “glue” that helps your random knowledge stick together. They can get you started, help you develop a study routine, assess your progress, keep you motivated and keep studying stress-free.Best of all? Many of these apps are gamifiedâ€"meaning that theyve transformed language topics into games. Theyre tons of fun in and of themselves. You’ll get so caught up in the thrill of competition that youll forget you’re learning!FluentUiPhone |  AndroidFluentU currently offers language lessons in six languages (with more in development): English, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish and German.Media-based immersion is promoted as one of the best ways to learn a language deeply and to the very highest level. That means getting tons of exposure to TV shows, movies, music, news, speeches and other things that native speakers typically watch. Theres only one problem: Learners who are new to this might find listening to and watching native medi a very intimidating.Learners can be turned off learning  before they even get started.That’s where FluentU comes in, as a unique website and app that lets you gently wade into native media.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.It not only gives  you access to diverse media, but it also gives you the tools to enjoy and understand this media, with the structure of a traditional course.  The interactive subtitles, vocabulary lists and tailor-made flashcard decks will help you learn actively while watching your favorite videos, giving you an extra boost in reading and listening practice.  Before you know it, you’ll be listening to foreign language radio and TV without any help at all.DuolingoiPhone |  AndroidDuolingo is super popular for good reason. It’s gamified learning at its best, complete with levels, points and a smooth, attractive interface that makes it i ncredibly easy to use.Its easy to get started and keep moving forward here. Just choose your language and work your way through the lesson “tree.” Using modified spaced repetition, Duolingo feeds you new vocab and grammar a little at a time. If you’ve been away for a while, Duolingo’s learning bars for each skill show you what you’ve probably forgotten.Duolingo has plenty of language optionsâ€"they offer 20 language programs as of the writing of this post, and theyve got seven more in development. Quality and depth depends on language choice, and it seems like they’re tweaking and updating things as they go. So, try out Duolingoâ€"particularly if you’re a beginner and you need some structure and easy levels to get you going!MindSnacksiPhoneMindSnacks is yet another gamified learning platform, but its been made to be  extra  cute. Let this be your linguistic happy place.The app is designed like a  video game rather than a traditional, points-based system of learning les sons. For example, one game in the Chinese version has you drawing characters with the correct stroke order as fast as you canâ€"in space!All of the games are similar between the seven language versions, but theyre tailored to the needs of each specific language. For example, the Chinese and Japanese versions focus on writing and recognizing characters as well as vocabulary. The cute graphics and addictive nature of these games totally make you feel like you’re playing a normal mobile video game instead of working with a learning tool.Keep in mind that MindSnacks seems to focus on vocabulary over grammar, and the vocab is probably of most interest to beginners who need to amass basic words and quickly. Still worth checking out for intermediate learnersâ€"plug up those holes in your vocabulary!BabbeliPhone | AndroidBabbel specializes in conventional lessons, most of which can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes. Sure, it’s not the 5-minute break Duolingo offers you, but the lessons here are a little more in-depth and are structured similarly to textbook exercises. For example, new words are grouped by topic.The app first introduces you to new vocabulary by having you match each word with  an image, and then it has you move on to matching words with their  translations.Babbel is perhaps less gamified than some of the other apps above (no points or competition), so it’s good if you’re used to conventional lessons and you thrive on that kind of structure, or if you’re indifferent to those video game features.If you choose to go with Babbel, you’re getting a basic course that’s structured more traditionally. It’s well-made and a great tool to add to the rest of your app arsenal should you find it to your liking! It also offers a good selection of popular foreign languages, including but not limited to: Spanish, French, German, Russian and English.MemriseiPhone |  AndroidMemrise grounds itself on the strategic use of spaced repetition, using a gamified system of seeds that you water gradually to  grow flowers over time. This ensures that you learned the content the course has presented you and dont neglect your linguistic flowers. If that isnt enough, you can win points and  compete with others.That being said, Memrise is actually a lot less game-like than Duolingo or MindSnacks. Many of the user-made courses are actually based on textbooks, and they include a lot of traditional info (verb forms, noun cases) presented in traditional ways.The user-made part  has tons of diverse, specific content and makes it so that, especially with popular languages, youre definitely going to find an ideal course to flesh out your knowledgeâ€"whether you want to learn advanced Russian verbs or Spanish proverbs!CourseraiPhone | AndroidCoursera is a website and app that provides access to university-style courses. Most of these are true Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), meaning theyre made especially for online learners, as opposed to recorded un iversity lectures. For an example, check out Chinese for Beginners, offered by Peking University.That being said, these courses, content-wise, are very similar to an IRL in-class experience. If you like that type of structure, sign up for a Coursera course! They’re offered by all kinds of accredited universities from around the world. Download the lectures and watch/listen to them on your commute or piecemeal whenever you have a few minutes.  Additional features, like teacher feedback, graded exams and certificates to prove you took the course, are available for a fee.Many courses are offered year-round, but others you’ll have to wait forâ€"and the catalog changes frequently. Click here and we'll whisk you away to see what they're offering right now!iTunes UiPhoneiTunes U offers whats probably the most traditional language learning experience that you can access online. These are online courses similar to Coursera. However, while many have been created for an online audience, ma ny are actual recorded lectures from real universities. A good example is this Japanese course offered by UC Berkeley.For you learners who truly want to replicate that university-level experience, youll want to supplement these courses with the recommended textbooks. Everyone else can just download the lectures and the texts and have at it!Apps for Foreign Language Reading MaterialWhy practice reading with apps?The short answer to the above question is that apps are more convenient than lugging around a bag of books and newspapers. You can keep a huge variety of reading material on hand for whenever you want to get in some reading practice.If you have a hard time getting yourself to sit down and read in your target language, even for a brief time, consider using your phone or device to your advantage. Surely you can set aside three minutes to check the news in your language, right? When you’re more confident and ambitious, you can sit down to choose from all the foreign language e -books available for free download.It’s just a great, easy way to get in as much reading time as possible. Apps are easier even than web browsing on your phone, because they’re often better designed and the info you want is right there when you open it.Regardless of whether you use apps or traditional, paper-and-ink tomes, you should be reading in your target language.  Dr. Stephen Krashen from the University of Southern California argues that reading native material helps you absorb grammar and  new vocabulary. So, get to it!  Start by trying  these apps to level up your reading skills.Kindle ReaderiPhone | AndroidA no-brainer, really.Download Kindle Reader  to your device, and you basically own a Kindle without having to buy one. E-books, especially for the Kindle, are the easiest way for those living outside of their L2 country to find books in the language, and this goes double if you live in the US.I’ve personally bought a number of Kindle books (mostly translations of po pular, English-language titles) from Amazon in Spanish, French and Portuguese. But the skys the limitâ€"theres a huge selection of titles in tons of world languages.Oh, and one more incredible tip for anyone who loves magic: You can shop on Pottermore  to find Harry Potter e-books in a variety of common languages at very reasonable prices, then have them sent directly to your Kindle-enabled device.BBC NewsiPhone | AndroidFor those not so into fiction or full-sized books, read the news! The BBC News app comes in a variety of languages, including Arabic and Hindi. Skim the articles for words you know or to sharpen your skills. Even better, set up notifications on your device. That means you get little snippets of reading practice all day long.You also can always search for language-specific news apps. Try El País (Spanish), Radio-Canada (French) or Deutsche Welle (German).FlipboardiPhone | AndroidFlipboard is a cool app that lets you skim popular articles and photos from around the i nternet according to preferences you set up yourself. So if you want to read about cooking, gaming or anything else that tickles you, this is how you find reading material on that topic in your target language.It’s also great for reading those catchy headlines! Simply set your device in your preferred language, and Flipboard will change for you.TwitteriPhone | AndroidTo use Twitter to learn languages, change the default language of your profile to your target language, then switch the default country for Trending on the left side of your feed.Now you can read trending tweets in your target language, and when you search something Twitter will default to your set language and location. This means you’ve now turned social media into a convenient place for reading practice. Youll get to read tweets, find magazine and newspaper articles and discover interesting blog posts, all of which are interesting to people speaking your target language.Follow people who are tweeting about things you love in your target language, and soon you won’t be able to scroll down your feed without learning a language lesson.Apps with AudioWhy  practice listening with apps?Listening is at the very root of speaking. Being able to understand people gives you more fodder for your own speech, and it improves your accent and overall fluency. You can’t talk like the native speakers unless you can understand them, right?The apps, like all the others, are strong in terms of  variety and convenience. No more will you have to listen to the same track over and over again ad nauseam. You’ll have podcasts, talk shows, new music and more to listen to after you try these audio tools out.iTunesWeve recommended a bunch of iTunes offerings, but its worth noting that iTunes itself is useful for finding movies and music.However, you can’t buy anything while the app is set to a country other than yours. So, one strategy for finding great recommendations is to first change your default country to a place that speaks your target language. This way, iTunes can recommend the music and movies that are popular there. Then go try to find them somewhere you can buy them!Thats just one way to go about thisâ€"but keep in mind that theres often lots of stuff available in your target languageâ€"even if your country is set as USA.Apple PodcastsiPhoneSo, this is essentially an extension of iTunes. To take the most advantage of your Podcasts app, use iTunes on your computer to find podcasts in your L2. Change your default country on the desktop app and the homepage will recommend podcasts that are popular in that country. Easy! Send em over to your device, and you’re set.You can also use communities like Language Learners’ Forum or How to Learn Any Language to get podcast suggestions for this platform.TuneIn RadioiPhone | AndroidTuneIn Radio gives you access to live-streaming radio stations from around the world. It’s pretty straightforward and an excellent resource. You can search for stations by location or by language. You might have to do a little trial and error to find a live link, but after that youll always have the soothing sounds of your target language in the background. You can find music stations, news and talk radio here.And one more hint: If youre interested in a language in a vastly different time zone, you might need a special trick. Try searching for the language in the search bar, or using the Talk Radio World Talk option (these menus are easier to find on the website) to find more stations. Some of these are based in the US!YouTubeiPhone | AndroidIt’s more than just a time-wasterâ€"YouTube can be an integral part of your language regimen. Set your location to a target language country, then scroll over to the trending tab to see what’s popular in that region.If youre into gaming, its easy to find Lets Play videos (videos of people talking through games they’re playing while they’re playing them) simply by searching “Let’s Playâ € followed by your target language in the language itself (Français, Español, ???). I’ve also searched for random words in my target language to find vloggersâ€"try “books,” “video games,” “comedy”â€"see what you dig up!SpotifyiPhone | AndroidSpotify  has been the best way for me to find new music in a target language. It’s super easyâ€"simply search for your target language (in English or not, it doesn’t matter) and you can find playlists others have put together. Sweet and simple. I’ve used this to find playlists in Japanese, Hebrew and even Latvian, so it’s not just the popular languages!You can practice tons of language skills with apps, whether they’re learning-specific apps or apps you’re leveraging to get at the target language.You carry worlds in your pocketâ€"never feel guilty about being addicted to your phone!