Is English Tutoring Meaningful?

Is English Tutoring Meaningful?The tutoring English as a second language (TESOL) program can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience for your child. Although you can choose to specialize in just one particular subject, the wide variety of subjects they are offered also make it possible to cover almost any topic that will interest your child. A TESOL certification helps them to obtain the necessary training needed to teach their own language.The most common issues that you may have when it comes to teaching English to children, whether it's a first or second grade student, is the fact that the learning process is too fast paced. Often there isn't enough time to really understand what is being taught. This can be frustrating for parents who are simply trying to help their children learn how to communicate with other people and the world at large.English as a second language curriculum is designed to be as easy as possible so that parents are able to teach their children how to sp eak English as a second language, without feeling overwhelmed. It's important to note that some TESOL programs will cover the history of the language and how it came about, but this is generally more for adults than for children. Make sure that you find out what your child needs in order to learn English as a second language.There are many different age groups that a child could use as a basis for their work with the TESOL curriculum. There are also many different levels of ESL skills that a child could have. These can include proper English pronunciation, speaking, writing, and comprehension. Depending on what level your child has and how you implement the curriculum into the daily life of your child, there may be other considerations that are not included in the curriculum.Regardless of your views on the effectiveness of TESOL programs, it is important that your child is able to enjoy a successful educational experience. Although you may have high expectations for your child's fir st year of learning English, it's important to remember that they are learning from you and not an actual teacher. You have the opportunity to assist them in every step of the way, from pre-school, through high school, and beyond.During the early years of a child's education, they should be actively involved in reading and writing their own language. They should be reading and writing in the native language that they come from. When they begin to learn the foreign language, they will have a better understanding of the culture and their homeland. As they grow older, they will be able to speak and write in the native language.Overall, there are many options available to you when it comes to learning English as a second language. Although you may not be able to teach your child on a daily basis, there are plenty of programs that allow you to work with them in a more indirect way. One good place to start is by choosing to consider tutoring as a means of teaching your child, rather than hiring a tutor.

Instructor Spotlight Scott Manis

Instructor Spotlight Scott Manis Instructor Spotlight: Scott Manis Scott Manis, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Maryland Heights From an early age, Scott knew he was destined for a future in education. As a child, he enjoyed helping his younger sister with her homework and studying for exams. Scott followed his dreams and earned a bachelor’s degree in History for Secondary Education. Upon graduating, he learned about Kumon through a friend and it immediately sparked his interest. “I loved the impact that the program had on students,” said Scott. “The fact that I was able to help develop a student over continuous years really intrigued me.” Next year, Scott Manis, Instructor of Kumon of Maryland Heights, will be celebrating his fifth anniversary with Kumon. Through the years, Scott has made an impact on the young minds in this St. Louis suburb. Kumon has ignited the dreams of this young educator and he continues to be inspired by his students. “I am proud of the reputation that we have in our community,” said Scott. “As someone who always wanted to be an educator, I feel like Kumon is the place where I can make the biggest impact on the lives of students.” What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a Kumon Instructor? Patience! It’s easy to understand that patience is needed when working with students, but it takes time and practice to be patient. Students learn in different ways and at different speeds. Each student needs time to think, and as an Instructor you must be willing to adjust your approach for each individual. What is it about being an Instructor you enjoy the most? This may sound weird, but it’s when a parent comes in for a parent orientation and they are visibly upset about where their child is academically. This is my favorite part, because I know I can help and bring relief and joy to the student because learning will become so much easier for them. One parent actually comes to mind when I think of this. A mother began crying when I asked her why she came to Kumon. She explained to me that her first grader was not able to read. I assured her we could help and explained how. After six months, the same mother greeted me in the waiting room with a big smile holding her child’s improved report card. She said his teacher was so amazed by the progression of his reading skills. Can you describe an instruction moment where you made an impact on a student who may have been struggling? I had a student who was in the third grade and was struggling with subtraction. I encouraged him to use his strong addition skills to quickly solve the problems. He had an “aha!” moment and subtraction came easily to him after that. It felt good to be able to help a student with something that he had been struggling with for years. It wouldn’t have been possible if he didn’t develop strong addition skills initially from a comfortable starting point. What do you like to do in your spare time? These days I spend most of my free time with my wife and two-year-old son. Watching him grow and experience new things is the best way to spend my free time now. As a family, we also enjoy traveling to new places as often as possible. What is a fun fact about you that people may not know? I really enjoy working on and restoring classic cars. Learn more about the Kumon Franchise opportunity and discover franchisee success stories. You might also be interested in: Instructor Spotlight: Alex Tang Instructor Spotlight: Laisa Mathissen Instructor Spotlight: Laura Bubbico Instructor Spotlight: Jennifer Ju Instructor Spotlight Scott Manis Instructor Spotlight: Scott Manis Scott Manis, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Maryland Heights From an early age, Scott knew he was destined for a future in education. As a child, he enjoyed helping his younger sister with her homework and studying for exams. Scott followed his dreams and earned a bachelor’s degree in History for Secondary Education. Upon graduating, he learned about Kumon through a friend and it immediately sparked his interest. “I loved the impact that the program had on students,” said Scott. “The fact that I was able to help develop a student over continuous years really intrigued me.” Next year, Scott Manis, Instructor of Kumon of Maryland Heights, will be celebrating his fifth anniversary with Kumon. Through the years, Scott has made an impact on the young minds in this St. Louis suburb. Kumon has ignited the dreams of this young educator and he continues to be inspired by his students. “I am proud of the reputation that we have in our community,” said Scott. “As someone who always wanted to be an educator, I feel like Kumon is the place where I can make the biggest impact on the lives of students.” What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a Kumon Instructor? Patience! It’s easy to understand that patience is needed when working with students, but it takes time and practice to be patient. Students learn in different ways and at different speeds. Each student needs time to think, and as an Instructor you must be willing to adjust your approach for each individual. What is it about being an Instructor you enjoy the most? This may sound weird, but it’s when a parent comes in for a parent orientation and they are visibly upset about where their child is academically. This is my favorite part, because I know I can help and bring relief and joy to the student because learning will become so much easier for them. One parent actually comes to mind when I think of this. A mother began crying when I asked her why she came to Kumon. She explained to me that her first grader was not able to read. I assured her we could help and explained how. After six months, the same mother greeted me in the waiting room with a big smile holding her child’s improved report card. She said his teacher was so amazed by the progression of his reading skills. Can you describe an instruction moment where you made an impact on a student who may have been struggling? I had a student who was in the third grade and was struggling with subtraction. I encouraged him to use his strong addition skills to quickly solve the problems. He had an “aha!” moment and subtraction came easily to him after that. It felt good to be able to help a student with something that he had been struggling with for years. It wouldn’t have been possible if he didn’t develop strong addition skills initially from a comfortable starting point. What do you like to do in your spare time? These days I spend most of my free time with my wife and two-year-old son. Watching him grow and experience new things is the best way to spend my free time now. As a family, we also enjoy traveling to new places as often as possible. What is a fun fact about you that people may not know? I really enjoy working on and restoring classic cars. Learn more about the Kumon Franchise opportunity and discover franchisee success stories. You might also be interested in: Instructor Spotlight: Alex Tang Instructor Spotlight: Laisa Mathissen Instructor Spotlight: Laura Bubbico Instructor Spotlight: Jennifer Ju

Back to school changes 2015

Back to school changes 2015 I dont know about you, but I am very excited about back to school season. Its time to buy new clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes and more. Back to school season also have brought us some unexpected changes in 2015. Are these  changes good or  bad? You will  make the decision on your  own. Here is  the most interesting changes  in my opinion:   Connecticut will replace  the existing statewide high school test with the SAT. Connecticut announced that every  11th grade student in the state’s public schools would take the SAT college admissions tests  beginning in the 2015-16 school year. I believe Connecticut has an  additional goal:  encouraging  more students to apply for college. San Francisco high school students now can take  a new LGBT course in  the 2015-16 school year. This course  will focus on the gay rights movement, historic events such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, and  the AIDS crisis. In  Virginia high schools each student now has a  spot for charging his or her laptop, which is considered to be more important than having lockers. For example, hundreds of lockers  were replaced with  benches and laptop charging stations at the  Albemarle High School. A lot of different changes are waiting for you in the new school year. New courses, projects, teachers. In order to be sure  that you are ready for them hire qualified  tutors. If some interesting changes have happened in your school as well you can share them with us on a comments bellow.

A Guide to Evaluating Your Effort In School

A Guide to Evaluating Your Effort In School At some point in many students' schooling grades may begin to fall. Courses that used to be fairly easy may transform to challenging as the material moves on to more difficult concepts. If you were an eager student who loved to push yourself to try new things the thrill of academics may have paled as you entered adolescence and social pressure begun to mount. Maybe school has always been hard and you are not sure why. As you enter or begin to prepare for university you may be struggling with some doubts as to your ability to make the cut. Before you decide higher education is not for you or that you should consider lowering your standards and expectations invest some time into investigating whether you are working to your potential. You need to evaluate how much effort you are truly putting forth in school before you can decide upon future plans. Work With An Adult Talk with a trusted adult about your concerns. If you have a good current relationship with your parents or at least one of them start there. If you are not able to rely upon a parent now might be the time to contact your school's counselling office or a teacher who you have a cordial relationship with. Gather Facts Sit down with your mentor and take a hard look at your current courses. Review your grades first. If you are really disappointed with them be honest with yourself. Are you current with assignments? Have you missed tests or failed to turn in projects? How is your attendance? Are you taking the types of courses you need to apply to the post-secondary options that interest you? Do you have enough time to get all the courses in if you are not on track? Your school's counselling office exists in part to answer these questions and to help you plan to ensure what you need as far as grades and courses begin to fall into place. Are Your Grades In Alignment With Your Established Ability? Consult with your tutor or a trusted teacher about the correlation between standardised tests administered over the school years and your current school performance. Is there a disconnect? Is your current situation because you are not working hard enough or because you have always struggled with these subjects? Investigate whether there are any other assessments that might shed light on what is interfering with classroom success. Perhaps there is a learning disability or thought processing barrier that can be addressed. Do You Need Assistance With Planning? Buy a daily planner and use to map out a study structure. List all courses and all the tests and deadlines you have. Work again with your trusted adult to see if your plan seems reasonable. Are you attempting too much? Or is the real problem that you are not attending to your classwork as you should? Boredom Or Depression? Is it possible you are not succeeding because you are not challenging yourself enough? Perhaps the answer is more rigorous, interesting courses. Are there things in your life bothering you, getting in the way of attending to your studies? If so, you may want to talk with a mental health professional. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201405/parenting-adolescents-who-cant-work-hard-enough

7 ways teachers should be using LinkedIn to help their careers

7 ways teachers should be using LinkedIn to help their careers When you’re in search of a job, you know that qualifications matter. However, you’ve probably also heard the age old cliche, it’s all about who you know. Assuming having relevant connections and maintaining professional relationships legitimately do help people improve their careers, it’s crucial for job seekers (including teachers!) to not only accept this, but to embrace it.  Fortunately, finding the right medium to showcase your professional connections as well as your skills and qualifications has never been easier. LinkedIn is the world’s largest online social platform geared towards career advancement. The user friendly website (and mobile app) allow professionals of all industries to communicate and share information with their professional connections. It provides services for recruiters and hiring managers, salespeople, and for job seekers.  Knowing LinkedIn is especially recommended for people with diverse and/or large networks, being a LinkedIn user myself, and r ecently working on Teach Away’s career development week, I got to thinking that it offers a handful of tools that international education professionals may find very helpful. If you’re a teacher or education professional - whether abroad, aiming to go abroad, or looking to continually improve your career at home - here are some ways you can make LinkedIn work for you.  1.  Connect with old and current colleagues.  If you have friends and colleagues from previous employment or study experiences, LinkedIn is the place to reconnect. Having well-respected education professionals as direct connections on LinkedIn can go a long way. Maybe your next interviewer will have one in common... and just like that, you’ll have your foot in the door.  2. Share your resume.  At its core, LinkedIn is an online resume. Post your personal summary, employment history, volunteer experience, activities and interests, skills, and more. This may be the first version of your resume an employer sees. Li nkedIn has streamlined the process of getting your resume onto the desk of people who matter.  3. Show that you are active and up-to-date with contemporary professional social media.  Sometimes recruiters, hiring managers, and principals will search for teaching candidates on LinkedIn just to see if they’ve invested the time and effort in creating a profile and presence. Being active on the website shows that you have a commitment to your career and to your career-based relationships.  4. List your skills and gain endorsements from your connections.  Overseas and at home, teachers with specialized skills are a hot commodity. You can use LinkedIn to list your skills. Then your connections can see your listed skills and endorse you for skills they know you have. Teaching English as a Foreign Language listed as a skill and backed up with 25 endorsements looks a lot better than not having a LinkedIn profile.  5. Gain recommendations.  Gone are the days of requesting letters of recomme ndation from trusted colleagues. LinkedIn provides the space for others to recommend you based on your past employment and projects shown on your profile. Of course, if someone writes something you don’t agree with, it won’t be shown on your LinkedIn profile.  6. Promote and share your extracurricular activities.  Do you have a blog about your classroom or a sports team that you coach outside of work hours? Relevant research or a side venture? LinkedIn is the place to share extracurriculars that highlight your skillset. This is especially important for teachers looking to obtain employment abroad - extracurricular experience tends to be highly valued by placement coordinators and administration at schools around the world.  7. Follow influencers and companies. LinkedIn has introduced features that allow users to follow influencers and companies that interest them. If you have a teacher or education writer you look up to, or an education council that interests you, there’s a go od chance you’ll find them on LinkedIn. Here is a great place to engage in meaningful discussions, share what you read, or simply to gain insight on what thought leaders are talking about.  Have fun getting set up on LinkedIn (and don’t forget to update your resume with your LinkedIn profile once you’ve made some connections and gained some endorsements)!  We have a bunch more career development tips and tricks to share next week so don’t forget to sign up for Passport to Teach, Teach Away’s career development week.

Problems in Molarity in Chemistry

Problems in Molarity in ChemistryChemists and other professionals in the sciences sometimes deal with molarity problems. I am sure you have heard that the numbers do not add up to 100, but the problem is that this does not just happen in science - it happens all the time in other types of professions. What is the solution?Problems in molarity are called moles. They can occur in various areas of science. It is important to note that these problems do not take place all the time. There are things that you can do to fix molarity problems in the profession of chemistry.It is very important that your own molarity levels are above average and not in the danger zone. This is a problem that will harm you, as a chemist, when you are working with other members of the organization. Just imagine yourself in a chemistry lab and this is the kind of environment that you work in.You might not think that the chemistry industry has a lot of molarity problems because most labs are run by experienced ch emists and there are constant quality control processes that are put in place. The problem might occur, however, if the chemistry education was bad or if you did not learn how to handle molarity properly in the first place.Problems in molarity are often associated with high pressure experiments and some areas of chemistry. If you are in a large environment that has a lot of chemistry going on at once, you might find that your morality levels are too high.While there are solutions to the problem, they are usually quite difficult to come by. The good news is that molarity problems are often fixed in a short amount of time. With a little bit of help from your instructor or the lab manager, you can rectify the problem.Molarity problems are nothing to worry about in science. If you have ever been in a chemistry lab, you know that you need to work with people who are willing to help you figure out what is happening. If you do not deal with the problem, it will destroy your career.

Nys Regents Chemistry - The Evolution of Science Through Online Classes

Nys Regents Chemistry - The Evolution of Science Through Online ClassesNys Regents Chemistry offers a wide variety of classes, including microbiology, biochemistry, and the natural sciences. The school also offers an assortment of undergraduate classes in chemistry, which helps to satisfy the student's curiosity about nature and is helpful for those who would like to have a different career choice. These classes are offered in various formats such as on-campus classes, online courses, and distance learning programs.The main purpose of enrolling in one of these classes is to satisfy the student's curiosity about the nature of life. Most students take this path to be able to investigate about the phenomena, events, processes, and systems that occur around them everyday. There are many courses offered by the university that do not deal with biology and other physical sciences. They include the course on 'Biotechnology' and courses on 'Microbiology and Molecular Biology'.This university is renowned for its excellent performance in the areas of teaching and education. The curriculum has been designed in such a way that it gives ample opportunity for students to pursue the knowledge that they need. Students are given the chance to meet professors and learn about the latest trends in science.This university has more than 40,000 students enrolled each year and the number of their alumni is one of the largest in the state. Students who opt for these online classes find that they have a good opportunity to improve their skills and get a better understanding of the subjects. Since most of the universities and colleges offer online classes, students can take advantage of this opportunity.Students who come from rural and urban areas can take advantage of this facility to improve their exam scores and enhance their chances of a better career. They can get the best education possible at the distance.Many students who have taken up such courses say that they find it easier to concentrate and focus in class, and have improved their grades compared to the time when they were attending regular classes. It is not recommended for those who have a health problem.Studies have proved that students who take up these online courses to improve their grades in physics, biology, and in the physical sciences. These online courses give a sense of pride to the students since they can do their own research and can write their own papers. The convenience of the course also gives them the opportunity to participate in many activities of their choice.

Online Pre Algebra Tutoring

Online Pre Algebra Tutoring Get Online Pre-Algebra Help Today - Our Pre-Algebra Tutors are Online 24/7. When variables start flying at you in equations, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by unfamiliar concepts. If this causes you to get behind in your studies or homework, catching up might seem impossible. Tutor Pace has online tutors ready to help you 24/7 when you run into a problem with your Pre-Algebra. Live, Intuitive Online Tutoring Our virtual classroom represents a breakthrough in online learning. The interactive whiteboard makes it easy to create and solve formulas, even ones involving graphing and fractions. You can even chat or share an audio call with your tutor for greater interaction and learning. Expert Help for Pre-Algebra Problems One of the benefits of Tutor Paces online Pre-Algebra tutoring is having personalized help that addresses your individual struggles. Our tutors can help you: Complete homework assignments Verify answers Prepare for your next exam Explore remedial or advanced concepts Score higher on homework assignments and tests Find a Favorite Tutor If you work with a tutor who understands how to explain your Pre-Algebra work in a way that helps you learn more, you can choose to make them a favorite. Work with them whenever they are available, or be put in line to work with them once they are finished working with another student.

What is it Like to Attend Stony Brook University

What is it Like to Attend Stony Brook University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Tiffany is a senior at Stony Brook University studying Spanish Language Literature. She is a New York City tutor who specializes in SAT prep tutoriing, Literature tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, and more. See what she had to say about her school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Tiffany: The Stony Brook campus is very large and has a cosmopolitan, mature, and city-like feel to it. The student body is extremely diverse, which I love. It seems like almost every country and language in the world is represented here. I feel very safe on campus, and Security is easily contacted and always available. I commute from home via car. In fact, half of the student body also commutes. On campus, there are always buses running that bring students from one area on campus to another (since its so vast). And the buses run late, which is convenient. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Tiffany: My professors have always made themselves very available to me, but the Spanish department at Stony Brook is rather small. Ive heard from my pre-med friends that their Biology professors and such can be hard to contact. But the advising office is open all day long, and you can make appointments with them almost anytime. Some classes have teaching assistants, while others do not. Here, there are lots of tutoring options and a writing center, both in English and for the foreign languages. I tutor at the Spanish Writing Center. I can say that I never felt totally in the dark when I didnt understand a topic. There is always someone there to help; you just have to reach out and be heard. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Tiffany: Im a commuter, so I cant comment on the dorm life here. There are many, many dining options though Wendys, Mexican, Asian, and lots more. Even off campus, dining options are close by and plentiful. Stony Brook University is located right near the LIRR train station, so commuting and traveling is easy. There are also lots of clubs and organizations to join. Im involved in a few of them, including Sigma Beta Honor Society, which conducts community service events on the island. I transferred from a private school my sophomore year, and I honestly love it here. There are so many opportunities and ways to keep busy. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Tiffany: Stony Brook is renowned for its Premedical, Dental, Computer Science, and other Science programs. I chose to study Spanish because its what Im best at, and I find it to be unbelievably useful in everyday life. Im glad I chose Spanish as my major. Its not a common major here, but for that very reason, I was able to get a lot of individual care and one-on-one mentoring. I know all my professors on a first-name basis, which is awesome. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Tiffany: I found it very easy to meet new people, even as a sophomore, but Im a social creature. Joining clubs and going to campus events is a great way to get out there. Or you can just start talking to people, which is what I do. Ive made a few friends just by being friendly while sitting on the benches outside. To be honest, whether or not you meet people totally depends on your behavior. Potential friends are everywhere. You just have to get over being shy if you want to enjoy your college experience. And while parties are always fun, you generally wont meet people who have the same academic interests/passions as you at those sorts of events, so be well-rounded and maybe go to cultural events, too! Im happy to say that Greek life does not play a significant role in the social atmosphere of Stony Brook University. Actually, one of the reasons that I left my first school, a small private college in PA, was because I chose not to go Greek and felt like an outcast as a result of that choice. Thats so not the case at Stony. Here, there are people of every sort imaginable. There really is no excuse not to find a friend just like you. Jocks, nerds, exchange students, etc. were all here! VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Tiffany: Our Career Center is awesome. Theyre currently helping me search for teaching jobs in the states and abroad. Theyre very professional, too. I know there are many opportunities for internships here. Stony has an online program called Zebra Net where you can post your resume, and employers can seek you out electronically. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Tiffany: It totally depends on the time of day. Some study areas are always packed, which is why I choose to go to the less-known ones or walk a few flights up the stairs to find a quiet space. There are plenty of places to hide out in; you just have to know which are the hot spots and which arent. Stony Brook has a lot of computers for student use, though. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Tiffany: Stony Brook, NY itself is not a big, hopping town. There are little strips with restaurants, bars, and other establishments, but I would say that most students travel elsewhere for real fun or stay on campus. Once again, its a different experience for me as a commuter. But since the train station is so close to campus (and it actually is located right on the outskirts of campus), traveling is made easy. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Tiffany: The student body here is absolutely huge, yet Im always running into people I know on campus. Some of my classes were large (like Anthropology 200+ students), while some were very small (less than 20 students). It depends on the type of class it is. Math and Science classes (Bio, Physics, Calculus, etc.) are generally much larger here. But I feel like the classes get smaller the farther along you get in your degree track i.e., the more specialized the classes are. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Tiffany: My favorite class of all time was Spanish 393 Introduction to Spanish linguistics. The professor was Jose Elias-Ulloa, an incredible man. This class made me realize that I want to return to Stony Brook for graduate school, and that my calling in life is linguistics. He and I are still in touch. Ive had a few bad experiences here, but they are truly insignificant in comparison with all the good ones. I love Stony Brook. I wouldnt trade my time here for anything. My advice to new and prospective college students is this: get to know your professors on a personal level, build and maintain good relationships, and be friendly and kind to people. Youre going to need references someday. And if you have a 4.0 GPA, but nobody can speak about you as a person, youre going to face some serious problems in the professional world. Check out Tiffanys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.