Chemistry Tutor Jobs in Dubai - What You Need to Know Before Applying

Chemistry Tutor Jobs in Dubai - What You Need to Know Before ApplyingLooking for good jobs with Chemistry Tutor Jobs in Dubai? I'll help you in your search with some tips.One, You need to work from home. This is the best job for you as you won't have to commute from one place to another. It's a great way to keep busy without the hassle of other employment. The easiest way to get started is to check out online job sites that will provide you with various options for a Chemistry Teacher job in Dubai.Second, find out what they're offering you. Find out what kind of pay you can expect to get, and what you will be doing. You can ask about their policies and expectations. If you need to spend a week or more in Dubai, you will need to know the amount of time you will have to commute.Third, do some research on the companies that are offering the jobs, by researching on the internet and other related resources. You will learn about the types of jobs that are offered, how the jobs are classifi ed, what job duties they have, and what salary they offer for such jobs.Fourth, It is important to verify that the company will be taking care of your application and related responsibilities while you are working at the job. It is a good idea to ask if there are any extra services you will have to pay for in addition to the regular fee that you will have to pay. Make sure you are free to leave the job at any time, and it will make you feel more secure that the company will take care of all your responsibilities in the end.Fifth, Make sure that you are aware of the requirements of the employers before applying for Chemistry Tutor Jobs in Dubai. Some jobs require you to have a bachelor's degree, and some only require a high school diploma. Some also ask for you to have some sort of prior teaching experience.Overall, if you follow these five steps, you will be able to get Chemistry Tutor Jobs in Dubai and start working right away. Good luck in your job search!

Preparing For The ACT Test Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

Preparing For The ACT Test Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace ACT is a standardized test taken by high school students applying to colleges and universities in the United States. ACT test examines students ability to take on college level courses once admitted into a college or university. If the basic foundation of a student in the main subjects is good, then it is easier to handle college level subjects. Hence ACT examines a student in 4 main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. Those who are willing to take Writing test, for them even writing section is included. In order to score well in these tests, students should stick to learning and improving basic concepts of these subjects. The main purpose of ACT is to test the academic and conceptual knowledge of the student; therefore students should practice learning and understanding them. In the English section, students should improve their grammar skills and must pay attention to details such as sentence fragments, clauses, organization of ideas, punctuations etc. Questions are asked on these details and hence students should understand the meaning of them. For Mathematics section, it is helpful if students prepare the list of important formulas present in math topics so that they can study them and understand when to use them. Reading section includes comprehension passages and students are expected to read the passage and answer the given questions accordingly. Science section also includes science related passages which the students should understand and analyze. To do well in the writing section, students should practice writing essays on a particular topic.

Consonance

Consonance Consonance Consonance is a literary device, and it is a great favorite of fiction writers and poets. Literary definition of consonance is repetition of sound or a vowel, two or more times in the shortest possible time. However, consonance should not be confused with either assonance or alliteration, while the assonance is repetition of same vowel sounds, and alliteration is first consonant sound many times. Consonance is used both in prose and poetry alike. It is generally used in poetry to introduce rhyme to the lines and to improve intensity of words. Rhyme comes from repeating a sound in recurring words. For example I think I like the pink kite, the sound k is repeated in this example, and creates a perfect example of a rhyme. Rhymes are divided in two categories, exact and near rhymes. Exact Rhyme: When same vowel and consonant sounds are repeated in two words to form a rhyme, e.g. pain, pane. Generally the two words are homophones that sound same but are spelled differently. Half / Slant Rhyme: Half and Slant Rhyme is also known as Near Rhyme. The words are same but the sounds are different. Half rhymes are used along with assonance. Check this example that uses near rhyme If loveis like abridge or maybe like agrudge, and time is like a river that kills us with a shiver, Bridge, grudge, river and shiver are clear examples of this poetic device. Consonance Examples: In some examples consonance sounds are repeated in the beginning, middle and end. Boss glass. (Using ss) Mammals named Samare clammy. (Using m) Pitter-patter. (Using tt and er) Slitherslather. (Using sl, th and er) Examples of consonance in pairs First and last, odds and ends, short and sweet, a stroke of luck, and struts and fretsare examples of consonance in pairs. Consonance in Sentences Consonances in sentences are easily recognized. Mike likes his new bike. The black colored sack is in the back of the car. Our visit to zoo was amazing, we saw Chimpanzees and lizards. Boss, toss the glass. Mary you can mash the potatoes in this dish while I prepare vegetables for the dinner. Use of consonance in poetry Poetry is one literary genre where consonances as literary devices are used extensively. Emily Dickenson is a famous poetess who was fond of using consonance as a literary device. He Fumbles at Your Spirit He fumbles at your spirit As players at the keys Before they drop full music on; He stuns you by degrees Prepares your brittle substance For the ethereal blow, By fainter hammers, further heard, Then nearer, then so slow Your breath has time to straighten, You brain to bubble cool,-- Deals one imperial thunderbolt That scalps your naked soul. Notice the words highlighted in red in this poem they are the perfect example of use of consonance in place of end rhyme.

GCSE Chemistry Revision Bonding, Structure And The Properties Of Matter

GCSE Chemistry Revision Bonding, Structure And The Properties Of Matter Revision Is The Best Way To Ensure You Understand The GCSE Chemistry Syllabus ChaptersGCSE Chemistry 101: What You Need To KnowWhy Are Topics Like Bonding Important In GCSE Chemistry?How To Get Ahead In Your GCSE Chemistry RevisionWhile it might not be many people’s idea of fun, revision is sadly almost a necessity for students the world over when exams are on the horizon.Regardless of how you like to revise â€" whether you’re a last-minute panic-and-cram person or you prefer to take your time and revise slowly over a period of months â€" revision is often crucial if you want to do well in exams.This is because revising:Helps prepare you for exam-standard questions;Consolidates your knowledge of the subject’s syllabus; andGives you an opportunity to revisit any areas  or topics that you may previously have been unsure of.What’s more, having an effective revision plan in place just might mean the difference between going up a grade, or even two, when you do finally sit your exam.Getting the best results possible is really important, particularly when it comes to subjects such as chemistry, as often future employers and even future universities like you to have at least passing grades when it comes to English, mathematics, and sometimes even the sciences, depending on the role or degree you're applying for.Although the importance of revision is true for any subject you sit exams for â€" whether that’s GCSE biology, history, maths, or even A-Level and university exams â€" it doesn’t mean that having good revision technique isn’t also important when it comes to revising for your GCSE chemistry exams.Each examining body has its own GCSE chemistry curriculum. As with any subject, there are certain chemistry topics within that curriculum that many students can struggle with. In turn, there are areas that students usually find a little bit easier to learn.One of the topics that should be a part of your revision plan for GCSE chemistry is bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, particularly if you follow curriculums set by bodies such as AQA and Eduqas, among others.There is a lot to learn when it comes to GCSE chemistry! (Image Source: CC0 1.0, PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay)Metals and alloys; andCovalent substances.Why Are Topics Like Bonding Important In GCSE Chemistry?There are numerous reasons why the topic of bonding, structure and the properties of matter is taught as part of a GCSE chemistry syllabus. For one, this topic area provides students with a greater understanding of atoms, ions, and molecules â€" an understanding that is crucial to have if you wish to do well within chemistry as a subject.Additionally, learning about this topic is important for anyone looking to study chemistry further down the line, whether at A-level or perhaps even at university or beyond. This is because the topics that you cover at higher levels of education often build upon the laws and theories that you’ve studied at GCSE level.Below are just some of the things that you might learn about when studying or revi sing the topic of bonding, structure and the properties of matter.Good revision and study techniques are important when it comes to GCSE chemistry. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)The States Of MatterVery simply, there are three different states of matter, which you will more than likely be familiar with prior to commencing any chemistry-specific studies. These states are known as solid, liquid, and gas.In each of these states, particles are arranged in different ways. For instance, solids feature particles that are very close together, while in a gas state particles are the furthest apart.Additionally, it is possible for a substance to change state and move from a solid into a liquid, or even a gas. Evaporation and condensation are great examples of how a substance can change state.When studying about the states of matter, remember that you may also have to learn about melting and boiling points.Covalent BondingIn essence, a covalent bond occurs when two atoms share a pair of electrons. A covalent bond can result in the formation of molecules, or they can form a giant covalent structure. Good examples of giant covalent structures are graphite and diamond, which are both formed from carbon.The melting and boiling points for molecular substances and giant covalent structures also tend to differ. Usually, molecular substances have relatively low boiling and melting points, whereas giant covalent structures usually have much higher boiling and melting points.MetalsWhen learning about metals in your GCSE chemistry classes, you’ll likely have learnt a variety of things, including the facts that:Metals often have high melting and boiling points;Metals are often good conductors for both electricity and heat; andYou can combine a metal with one or more elements, thereby creating an alloy.Although the above areas are just some of the facts you should look to revise as you prepare for your GCSE chemistry exam, they aren’t the only ones. Equally, to do well i n any exam you need to make sure you have a solid revision plan and good exam technique.Finding a revision technique that works for you is very important when it comes to revising for GCSE chemistry. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, kmicican, Pixabay)How To Get Ahead In Your GCSE Chemistry RevisionWhether you’re struggling to learn about bonding, structure and the properties of matter, or there’s another area within the chemistry syllabus that has you scratching your head, such as:Chemical atomic changes;Chemical and structural analysis; orAtomic structure and the periodic table,You can take some comfort in the fact that you should have enough time to revisit these areas if you plan your revision effectively and make the most of whatever time you have left to revise - whether that's a matter of days, weeks, or even months.Make Use Of Revision ResourcesAlthough a crucial part of any revision plan is to make sure that you have enough time before the exam to actually revise all of the areas within the GCSE chemistry syllabus that you’d like to, it’s also worth being aware that there are lots of materials out there that are designed to help you as you progress with your GCSE chemistry revision.For instance, there are lots of books and revision guides out there, whether in paperback, hardback, or online, that are dedicated to helping students with their revision work. What's more, you can use websites such as the BBC to help you revise. The BBC, for example, offers “bitesize” overviews of chemistry topics, which are also broken down according to the examination body you are sitting your exam with.Search for the best chemistry tutors  on our platform now.Past Papers Are Your FriendAnother invaluable resource for anyone revising for a GCSE chemistry exam is past papers. Past papers are a wonderful revision tool because:They can give you an idea of the kinds of questions you may be asked in the exam;If you mark your answers, you can see whether you are on track for your predicted grade; andYou may become familiar with the types of topics that are often examined during a GCSE chemistry exam.Initially, you might want to work through a past exam paper at your own pace and see how you fare with the questions.However, when it comes closer to the date of the exam, you should ideally complete any past papers in exam conditions, meaning that you should also complete the exam within the time limit that you’ll be given on the day of the exam.Completing, and hopefully passing, a past paper under exam conditions should give you the confidence you need when going into your GCSE chemistry exam, and should hopefully make the whole examination process a lot less daunting.Make Revision Work For YouUltimately, if you do find yourself struggling when it comes to chemistry revision, then you can also reach out to your chemistry teacher or even a tutor for more help.Superprof has a wide network of tutors with experience working with students preparing for their GCSE exams across a range of subjects, including chemistry, biology, physics, and maths, among others.Many Superprof tutors offer group as well as individual tuition, so it’s a case of deciding whether you would prefer to revise alone or with friends, and then finding a chemistry tutor that has the experience to help you succeed in your GCSE chemistry exam. Happy revising!Now see what you can do about finding A Level chemistry tuition...

The Education Technology Revolution in K 12 Education

The Education Technology Revolution in K 12 Education 0SHARESShare The lack of strong evidences leads some educators to doubt the efficacy of incorporating educational technology and discard the urgency of investing in unproven strategies. In contrast, proponents of technology investments do not want to wait for any concrete research showing the progress and future commitment of educational technology. Here are the major benefits of educational technology when it is deliberately used in teaching and learning: Besides learning core academic subjects, integrating technology in instruction build the skills of 21st century. Educational technology engages students to create and publish their content in front of worldwide audience making school academics more relevant showcasing the high level of achievements. With no use of educational technology, school fails to provide sufficient access to extra study material, guidance from domain experts and absence of virtual communities like social media. Technology is used to provide solutions that help K-12, college/graduate level students under comprehensive learning environment that engage students regardless of intellectual ability, physical disability, social and economical background. Educational technology is one of the most effective strategies to decrease dropout rates especially among high school students. Technology helps online tutors to provide personalized just-in time support and help which is crucial service for under performing or physically disabled students. Use of technological tools, computer labs and visualization tools are essential for demand based learning in subjects like mathematics, science, engineering, technology and lots more. Online tutoring using internet accessible personal computers, laptops and mobile devices offers learning beyond traditional school hours and physical classrooms. Use of technology enables online tutoring services to access quality tutors who offer on-the-go, job-embedded professional development. Technology helps better communications with students and parents giving real-time guidance and feedback on the performance. Technology leveraged by online tutor gives the opportunity to prepare students with new kinds of skill sets that are in-demand in the growth of emerging industries. [starbox id=admin]

A Guide to A Level English Courses

A Guide to A Level English Courses Why Study English at A Level? ChaptersA Level English LiteratureEnglish Language A LevelA Level English Past PapersExam Timetables/Grading for English A LevelA Level English Courses For AdultsYou may be asking yourself why English as a subject is so important; what more can you possibly learn about the UK’s primary language after speaking it fluently as a result of growing up in Britain or by learning it at school for all of those years? More importantly, why choose it as one of your A Level choices when there is a diverse range of subjects on offer?Learning English: A Core Skill For BusinessEnglish is a core subject up to GCSE level in the United Kingdom, and with good reason. The majority of employers in the UK will require candidates to display at least a pass in English and Mathematics as an indication of their overall academic competency, with their English result being a good indicator of their ability to communicate well.A proficient English speaker will open themselves up to far more opportunities for w ork abroad, since the language is widely spoken across the globe and is particularly important in business.Find a GCSE English tutor on Superprof.English: An important language in business. Photo via VisualHunt.comNot only is a good acquisition of English vital in the international workplace, other countries in Europe and beyond see the English language as an authoritative language, which makes a solid grasp of the rules of English all the more powerful.By obtaining a better understanding of its make up â€" including spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence construction - you may also find it easier to learn foreign languages by applying the same rules.Looking for an English tutor in London?What Skills Can You Expect To Develop By Studying English?So, why focus your efforts on English Literature? Studying literary texts helps you to sharpen your observatory and analytical skills. Being able to identify themes and connect them with historical events and cultural influences opens y our mind up to complex ideas and theories.Moreover, English Literature can be like five lessons in one, teaching you about History, Culture and Philosophy, whilst highlighting behavioural changes in humans from one century to another.A Level English Language, whether being taught at college or as a distance-learning course, ultimately helps to develop a student’s ability to understand, speak and write in English for a variety of purposes. Literature-based courses additionally encourage students to engage with a range of texts whilst analysing complex varieties in language across the times.Coursework and exam grades from your first year of study may not count towards your final result, however they will still be determining factors in your predicted grades.Exam Boards Assessing English LiteratureThe principal exam boards that assess English Literature at A Level are AQA, Edexcel and OCR, meanwhile Eduqas and WJEC are also popular choices in some schools and colleges across the coun try.Each board has a slightly different approach to assessment yet they share a common purpose - to encourage wide reading and to develop the student’s love of English Literature.Career Opportunities For English Literature GraduatesBecome a writer or blogger. Photo via VisualHunt.comThough many believe that studying English Literature only lends itself to a teaching profession, the subject does in fact open up a vast range of career opportunities.Aside from the obvious links to professions in teaching and writing, English graduates can apply the skills they have acquired to any position that requires analytical thinking, strong communication or imagination and creativity.English Language A LevelAn Introduction to A Level English LanguageStudying towards an A Level in English Language enables you to get a better grasp of what is known as the number one business language. The course will help you to convey your thoughts and opinions concisely and allow you to distinguish subtleties in speech and writing.Being a native or fluent English speaker does not make you an expert in the language; throughout your course you will identify the ways in which language changes according to audience, context and the user’s intent.In addition, you will learn about the development of the English language over time, different dialects, how children learn to speak English and, finally, you will develop your own writing skills.English Language A Level Course ContentThough courses vary from one exam board to another, the core topics and themes will have similarities no matter which you are enrolled on. These may include the study of Spoken English, Identity, Language and Gender, Early Child Acquisition, Language and Diversity, Reading and Writing, and many more.You will ultimately discover language during the course, including the ways in which it can be used plus different methods of interaction, not forgetting the investigation of linguistic variations and historical changes.Ty pical Workload For English Language A LevelUnlike A Level English Literature, English Language students are not required to carry out extensive reading, but they are expected to get to grips with some advanced linguistic terminology in order to achieve the higher grades.Secondary reading is always recommended to help you expand your vocabulary of terminology and also to put you in a better position to participate in analytical discussions and debates, whether assessed or not.Exam Boards Assessing English LanguageEdexcel, OCR and WJEC are once again the predominant exam boards chosen by mainstream schools and colleges in the UK. Despite the syllabi all showing similarities in content, students may notice disparities when it comes to assessment, as all three adopt differing exam and coursework marking schemes. What you can be sure of is that all exams will incorporate the knowledge you have accumulated during the course of your AS year, as well as your more recent A Level modules.Care er Opportunities For English Language GraduatesAn A Level in English Language is a great asset to any individual looking to study English at university and/or hoping to pursue a career which involves verbal or written communication.The qualification is key to many professions, including Journalist, Writer, Blogger, Editor, Translator, Teacher, Linguist and Publisher.On the other hand, the skills acquired will also benefit a range of jobs in other industries, since language and communication skills are essential to many roles. Far from limiting your choices in the future, English Language offers you many options.Revision Guides For Different Exam BoardsRevision guides, along with past papers, can be found on most exam board websites. Be sure to consult your own exam board though, as the marking scheme will differ from one board to the next meaning that revision tips may diverge.The AQA website, as an example, has a dedicated online resource centre, however official revision guides pu blished in conjunction with the exam board can be bought from shops like Amazon.Where To Find Online Revision Help For English A LevelAs an English pupil, you may be accustomed to reading books as part of your revision. However, some of the best revision help for English exams can be found online.Student discussion boards are a great way to discover fresh ideas and opinions concerning your chosen texts, and it may additionally help for AS students to get advice from peers working towards their final A Level exams.As well as online forums, English students can find helpful revision tips across a range of educational sites. These websites are often set up by or created in conjunction with teaching professionals with experience of the latest syllabi.Exam Timetables/Grading for English A LevelFind A Level English Exam TimetablesProvisional timetables, including those for English Language and Literature, will be given to your teacher or English tutors in advance, along with any other imp ortant dates. Final exam timetables will later be confirmed, highlighting any major amendments.Students may also consult the exam board for assessment-related queries, including exam duration and regulations for candidates. OCR, for instance, lists all of its exams and the dates on which they will be carried out in .pdf format via its website.It is imperative that you know exactly where you need to be, on what date and at what time when taking exams.If you are late for your A Level exam for any reason, you risk being forbidden to take part in the assessment. This could well affect your final grade. If you intend to travel to your exam centre by car or public transport, ensure that you leave in plenty of time to reduce the risk of being caught up in traffic.Equally, if you plan to walk, practise your route the day before so that you are confident in how long your journey takes. The worry of arriving late is the last thing you need on the day of your exam!What Do English A Level Grade s Mean?A Level results are awarded differently to GCSEs. At this higher level, anything above an ‘E’ grade is classed as a pass, with the newly introduced ‘A*’ being the highest achievement. Each grade is subsequently equivalent to a certain number of points, which is relevant to those considering a university degree.To find out the minimum grade you need for your desired course and how many UCAS points you require, you can consult the body’s website which offers more information for prospective students.At one time, your AS Level year counted towards your final grade, which seems a good idea since there are less distractions and fewer reasons to feel stressed. Now, however, exams are the preferred method of assessment for A Levels.On the other hand, students should bear in mind that universities will still see their AS grades, and those results will have been used by tutors to predict their final grade (which, as you know, is what universities base their offers on).How Is English A Level Marked?As we now know, to pass your A Level you will need to achieve a grade in the region of ‘A*’ - ‘E’ (an ‘Unclassified’ or ‘U’ grade unfortunately means that you have failed the course). But how are these grades worked out to reveal your final qualification in the subject? Do certain modules count for more than others? These are questions that you should be asking your teacher or tutor. In the unlikely event that they cannot help with your queries, you should consult your exam board to find out about their assessment methods.The majority of exams follow a Uniform Mark Scale (UMS), which defines grade boundaries for A Level subjects. An average UMS mark of 90% across all A2 modules results in an ‘A*’. Meanwhile, 80%+ is an ‘A’, 70-79% is a ’B’, 60-69% is a ‘C’, 50-59% awards a ‘D’ grade and, finally, 40-49% is the equivalent of an ‘E’. Anything below 40% is deemed off the pass scale and will result in course failure.As you can see, it is vital that you achieve good grades in all modules to keep your average score up. Those who excel in certain areas but struggle in others might find that their weaknesses bring their overall grade down. The importance of knowing your mark scheme can therefore not be reiterated enough.A Level English Courses For AdultsStudying English at A Level is no different for older students; they too are encouraged to read widely and develop a love for English Language and Literature. Colleges across the UK offer opportunities for enrolment, but if it is a distance course you require then your best bet is to research and consult an Open Study establishment of your choice.English A Level courses for adults. Photo via VisualHuntCourses vary in price however most course leaders are up front about the financial requirements of enrolment. You may be required to submit your existing qualifications, to check that you qualify for the course.How To Independently Enrol On English A Level Co ursesMature students are able to enrol on English A Level Courses by funding an online course or by paying for tuition at an independent college.If you are completing a distance-learning course, you will more than likely be required to arrange and pay for your examinations at an approved centre, a list of which is normally provided by your personal tutor. It is possible to take the A Level exam without receiving mentoring yet this is discouraged as tutors are trained to guide you through the course and help you to work towards your desired grade.The Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsA good English A Level result is essential for those looking to further their studies in the subject, for instance if enrolling on a degree course linked to English. However, an A Level can also be a very valuable qualification if you are looking to progress in your current employment or retrain for a new career path.Furthermore, many adults choose to re-sit their secondary education exams for the ir own personal achievement or gratitude. Regardless of your reasons, an English course is guaranteed to make you think and feel things in different ways than before.

Teacher Spotlight Finding Music Inspiration

Teacher Spotlight Finding Music Inspiration Suzy S. Music inspiration can come from anywhere, even if it doesnt seem conventional traveling, or even exposing yourself to new experiences in your own city can give you a fresh attitude toward creating, learning and teaching. Read on as New York City music teacher Jesse S. shares how a trip to Brazil changed his outlook In the winter of 2008, after playing a concert at Juilliard, I was asked by a cellist in the orchestra if I wanted to go to Brazil that upcoming spring break.   Without even thinking about it, I said yes.   I then realized that I should probably ask what we would be doing in Brazil. Annie, the cellist, knew a conductor in Salvador, Brazil who had started a youth orchestral program called Neojiba.     The conductor and founder of Neojiba, Ricardo Castro, had invited Annie and other musicians from Juilliard to fly down to Brazil during spring break and spend a week working with the students in the youth orchestra.   Neojiba is an amazing program provides instruments and musical training free to low-income youth.   The students range in age from early teens to early 20s. That following March, on a freezing blizzardy day, nine of us boarded a plane headed for Brazil.   After being picked up at the airport, where it was over 90 degrees and thick with humidity, we headed to our amazing hotel, which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean.   We then walked to the Castro Alves Theater to hear the orchestra rehearsal and meet our students for the first time.   Before going to Salvador we were told that most of the students spoke English very well, and there should not be a problem regarding language.   This turned out to be false. As a teacher, this week turned out to be the most amazing musical experience of my life.   The language barrier tested my ability to teach without verbal communication.   I grew as both a teacher and a player in ways I didn’t think I was going to.   Despite not knowing much about classical music, these students had Brazilian music coursing through their veins.   I tried to channel that amazing, effervescent rhythm and energy to Mozart and Beethoven, and they in turn showed me how to bring exciting new life and energy to my classical repertoire.   I was experiencing a true cultural exchange. Although I thought I was going to Brazil to teach, I was the one who became the student.   The students in Neojiba taught me so much.  They showed me true hard work.   After a full day of school, some traveled up to two hours to go to rehearsal every day.   This completely blew my mind.   They taught me a kind of music I had previously not been exposed to.   They showed me passion. The following year we returned to Brazil.   The orchestra had completely transformed.   They were playing beautifully and preparing for an upcoming tour.   I felt I was there more as a fan and observer than a teacher, cheering on a group of amazing musicians and people who had welcomed us into their homes and showed us love.   In Portuguese “iluminado” means enlightened, I can’t find any better words to describe my experience. Like this post? Dont miss out on any of our tips, tricks and advice! Sign up for a free email subscription and get updates right to your inbox! You might also like 4 Inspirational TED Talks for Musicians Jumpstarting Your Music Career: 5 Tips Nobody Talks About How to Be a Rock Star: Learn the Rules Before You Break Them Jesse S. teaches flute, piano and music theory lessons to students of all ages in New York, NY. With a Masters degree in Flute Performance from The Juilliard School, Jesse has several years of experience performing and teaching. He joined the TakeLessons team in November 2012. Find out more about Jesse,   or search for a teacher near you! Photo by Mosman Council

Take a deep breath... its exam season!

Take a deep breath... it's exam season! Are you feeling stressed by the amount of revision or exams you have? Or do you tend to panic just before going into an exam? Mindfulness and breathing techniques can help you enter your body and mind into a state of calm, helping you to relax and focus.  By simply focusing on nothing but breathing in and out for one minute you can slow down your heart rate calming your nerves and overworked mind. You can practice these easy techniques sitting or standing, eyes open or closed or even as you’re walking in to the exam hall. Easy Breathing By simply focusing on nothing but breathing in and out for one minute you can slow down your heart rate calming your nerves and overworked mind. Here’s how in 4 easy steps: Inhale through your nose gently for two seconds. Hold your breath in for one second. Breathe out through your mouth slowly for four seconds. Repeat for one minute (or longer if you like) and you should feel a difference in your mood! If the 2-1-4 count feels too short, try to lengthen your breaths slightly. As long as you breathe out longer than you breathe in you’ll feel the calming benefit! Top Tip During your breathing, if you find yourself distracted by worrying, try counting each breath, count “one” to yourself as you exhale. The next time you exhale, count “two,” and so on up to “five.” Then begin a new cycle, counting “one” on the next exhalation. This will help you focus and become more mindful. Mindful Moments: Taking a mindful moment can help you concentrate and focus, it will also strengthen your immune system and helps to switch your nervous system out of flight/fight mode and into a relaxed aware state. Repeat this exercise every now and then to deliberately bring your awareness to what is happening in the present moment and to build your resilience to deal with exam anxiety and general pressures around this time of the academic year by cultivating mindfulness in this way. Pause what you are doing for a moment and take one or two deep breaths to help bring you into the present moment. Look around you, and silently name three things that you see in your immediate vicinity Now opening to the sounds around you, silently note and name three things that you can hear right now Bringing your attention to your body, silently name three sensations that you can feel in this moment (maybe warmth, tingling, contraction, coolness….) Bringing your attention to smell and taste, what do you notice in your immediate awareness when you bring your attention to these senses- lightly name what you experience. Mindful advice for parents and tutors: As we enter the exam season, when kids get stressed about exams, teachers get stressed about kids not living up to expectations and parents getting stressed about trying not to nag too much about revision, it's important to stay calm and positive. Andy Cope is a happiness expert, author and founder of training company The Art of Brilliance.  He offers the following advice for parents and tutors in the lead up to exam season The 8:1 Ratio Nagging, punishment and pointing out what's wrong means kids will learn to stick to what they know to be safe which, over time, leads to a fixed mindset (example, ‘I'm rubbish at maths. I'll never be able to learn it').  If you mix in a healthy dose of positive reinforcement you will be rewarded. One of the most effective things a parent/ tutor can do is to use a positivity/negativity ratio of about 8:1.  It may seem a lot and it can be difficult to get it right, but try to catch your child/ pupil doing things well.  Notice the little things and tell them. Celebrate Achievements better: How we behave in a moment of success makes a huge difference.  Parents should aim to be ‘actively constructive', that means celebrating success with genuine enthusiasm. Your active constructive response means they know you're proud. The message is they're proud and you're proud. The result is that everyone feels great and your child will want to repeat that behaviour. Praise for effort rather than talent The advice from positive psychology is that if your child accomplishes something, try to avoid saying things like, ‘Well done, you are such a little genius!' But rather, ‘Well done, you put the effort in and got the reward.' We hope you find these tips helpful! If you need a tutor for the upcoming exam season, you can choose from 1000s of tutors on Tutorfair by clicking here.

What PSAT Scores Can Tell You in Preparing for the SAT

What PSAT Scores Can Tell You in Preparing for the SAT What PSAT Scores Can Tell You in Preparing for the SAT College is just around the corner and your exam preparation is vital to ensure your best SAT and PSAT scores. Your scores will help boost your college admission portfolio and indicate your readiness for college success. Performing well on the PSAT is also an indicator of success on the SAT. Research by the College Board, the organization that administers both the SAT and PSAT, indicates the importance of a student's PSAT scores. Importance of the PSAT Many view the PSAT as simply a preparation for the SAT, but it is also quite important on its own. High school students typically sit for the PSAT exam one year before taking the SAT. PSAT scores are available shortly after the test is completed allowing you the time to examine the score reports and determine which parts of the SAT will require the most preparation. Although the PSAT isn't normally used by colleges to determine admission, the scores are often utilized in student recruitment. Colleges contact prospective students who scored well on the PSAT and encourage them to consider their programs for future studies. The PSAT is also used as a determinant for honors awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Preparing for the PSAT Your preparation for the PSAT exam should be comprehensive and allow plenty of time for practice and review. As you are beginning your preparation consider: Taking practice tests The College Board provides practice tests online that students can take as part of their preparation. We suggest taking one before you begin studying to assess your readiness and which areas of the exam are the most difficult for you. You can take additional practice tests throughout your preparation to monitor your progress and determine areas of continued need. Planning your preparation Cramming rarely works and inconsistent preparation may not help you be fully ready for exam day. Instead, take the time to schedule your work sessions and plan your studying. Make a master schedule of your study plans leading up to exam day and then find blocks of time each week to devote to your preparation. Work hard to stick to this schedule to ensure you are ready. Studying the exam's format, directions, and types of questions Preparing forthe content of the exam is not enough. You also need to familiarize yourself with the PSAT's directions, types of questions, and the format of the exam. Read through all test information to also learn the exam day schedule and determine what items are restricted in the testing center. Working with the experts Sometimes your best preparation can benefit from the expertise of a professional tutor. Huntington Learning Center is proud to offer comprehensive and personalized tutoring for the PSAT exam. Through careful assessment we can help you determine your areas of strength and need. Your tutoring plan will be carefully crafted to meet your individual needs and ensure you are ready for exam day. Preparing for the SAT One of the most important parts of the PSAT is the information you'll learn to aid your preparation for the SAT exam. Once you receive your PSAT results take the time to examine the data and determine the areas that will require the most preparation in advance of the SAT. Use this information to create a study schedule that allows you plenty of time to measure your progress and carefully prepare. If you need help interpreting your PSAT results and using this information to prepare for the SAT the professional tutors at Huntington Learning Centers can help. We offer a variety of exam prep programs that vary in length and format and can help you determine which would work best for you.