Summer Tutoring North Miami

Summer Tutoring North MiamiSummer tutoring in North Miami and the surrounding areas is a great way to spend your summer break. There are many different ways that you can use your summer time to get an education and learn new things about your future.During your break from college you will be attending beach activities as well as volunteering at the local library. You can also be one of the volunteers at a local animal shelter. Depending on what area you are in, you may also have the opportunity to tutor young children at the local elementary school.Summer breaks can be a great time to relax and enjoy yourself. There are many opportunities for fun and relaxation on your next vacation. All you need to do is learn a few things about public school education. If you are interested in becoming a summer student or are currently a student, a tutor can help you excel in your classes.Summer tutoring is great because you will have the chance to meet new people and really get to know those aroun d you. Even if you are the teacher at the local public school, you can become a mentor for other students and can also share knowledge and experience.Your summer vacation should be full of fun and excitement. You will spend your time either in or near the ocean and the beaches of North Miami. It is also possible that you may want to spend your vacation time with family and friends.Your summertime are going to be filled with stress, but it will be a great stress reliever to see the smiles on people's faces. If you are a student, summer tutoring in North Miami can help you grow and learn more about your career as well as the industry in which you will be working.Being a part of the education system can be a wonderful way to get a break from the stress of school and can teach you about yourself as well. Summer tutoring in North Miami and the surrounding areas is a great way to spend your summer break, and it will give you the opportunity to meet new people and expand your knowledge of what it means to be an adult.

The Eight Essential Skills in Learning the Guitar

The Eight Essential Skills in Learning the Guitar Do You Have What it Takes to Learn Guitar? ChaptersReading and Playing Guitar Chords.Reading Guitar TabsFinding the Beat for a Piece of MusicBegin ArpeggiosPutting Chords TogetherChanging the Strings on your GuitarImprove your Guitar TechniqueKeep Yourself MotivatedSo you want to learn to play guitar like your favorite guitarists. You want to be a guitar player that sounds like Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton.You've taken it on, but you just don't know where to start. What is this thing called the fretboard, and how on earth do you navigate the whole thing? How do you get such independence in the right hand to do fingerstyle? What is a pentatonic, and how does it differ from a major scale?Thankfully, there are numerous blogs and YouTube vidos on the internet that can help you get started.But how do you know which ones to use? Where should you start?The Basics for Learning Guitar.There are two key questions to start -Ask yourself these two questions before you launch yourself into the world of guitar:Would you rather a class on music theory or a specific class that focuses on guitar? Learning music theory is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of music and to begin to understand it - but you might just want to focus exactly on  how to play the guitar.Do you want to teach yourself or learn guitar with a professional? Either option is good, but the method you choose should be matched to your personal goals and ambition. If you want to be a classical guitar or jazz guitar virtuoso, you might want to get yourself a guitar course. If you want just to have fun on rhythm guitar, maybe you won't need it.If you want to teach yourself guitar, there are many different online tutorials that you can watch to help you on your way. Books and ebooks can also help you on your journey.If you're looking to find a guitar teacher, you have a few options. You could sign up for classes at a local music store, you could join a local group, or you could take private one on one classes with an independent teac her. You could also try online guitar lessons.Teach yourself guitar with these eight tips.But here are some tips for getting started at guitar and keeping a good attitude - from the first guitar techniques you will need. Look out for guitar chords, the importance of tablature, and the skills you'll need for guitar solos.You can find video tutorials on specialist websites to help learn more about a specific topic or area. Signing up for guitar lessons will also give you the advice and support of a professional and you'll learn other tips and tricks from them.Most importantly, you just need to enjoy it! If you don't enjoy it, you won't go anywhere.To stay motivated as you learn to play guitar, don't hesitate to occasionally go back to the basics, meet fellow musicians, get advice and take guitar lessons, show off and inspire others on YouTube, and picture yourself achieving your goals.

How To Play Bluegrass Guitar Common Fingerstyle Techniques

How To Play Bluegrass Guitar Common Fingerstyle Techniques Sign up successful Three-Finger Style Otherwise known as the Scruggs Style after banjo player Earl Scruggs who first popularized it, this fingerstyle employs a thumb pick, index finger pick, and middle finger pick to pluck individual strings on the guitar. The advantage over other picking styles is the speed at which experienced players can play arpeggios and string skipping runs without breaking rhythm. This gives the guitar a very percussive, lively sound that lends itself well to an ensemble setting. However, this isnt to say that players using this technique can only play single-note runs. Many experiment with combining this style with strumming via thumb pick or either finger pick. As always, you are free to play whatever you like! Three-finger style is versatile and popular but can be difficult for players with limited fingerstyle experience. When learning this style, try picking individual chord tones with a slow, consistent rhythm before speeding up as you are able. Using a metronome will greatly increase the effectiveness of these exercises because it will keep you honest! If you keep falling behind the beat, just turn it down and start slower. This kind of practice is the quickest way to become an amazing picker. Three-Finger Style Techniques Because many bluegrass fiddle tunes are in the key of C major, I have presented these exercises using C, F, and G chords to portray typical chord progressions. When you are learning how to play bluegrass guitar, it is wise to stick to a simple set of chords. It’s how you use them that matters. Three-String Runs The idea here is to use your thumb for the bass notes and your two fingers for the two high strings in each measure. If you pull it off, you can keep the rhythm strong with your thumb while filling out notes with your fingers. Try different chord tones to find the voicing that you like. Four-String Runs This exercise is almost identical the one above, except that the thumb is utilized not only for bass notes but also for a high string as well. Experienced bluegrass players learn to play in this style for the fastest of the fast songs. Make sure to start slow with that metronome! Two-Finger Style This variation of the Scruggs Style was favored by bluegrass guitar legend Lester Flatt. It omits the middle finger pick in favor of a simple thumb pick and index finger pick combination. Because of this simplicity, the two-finger style is easily adopted for purposes that resemble flat picking. The main idea is to use the thumb to pluck individual bass notes while strumming with the index finger. This is great for playing loud chords in a driving manner and is often used to carry the main harmony of the song. In addition, this style can be used to simulate bass lines in the absence of a bass player. But just like with Scruggs style, you are free to explore and find more ways to utilize this approach to playing bluegrass guitar. Here are some exercises I would recommend to become acquainted with the two-finger style. And don’t forget your metronome! Two-Finger Style Techniques Again, these figures are portrayed in C major for simplicity but you are not stuck here. Playing around with different chords will give you a better idea of what you and your guitar are capable of. Pluck-and-Strum This exercise is all about getting you acquainted with the capabilities of two-finger style. Specifically, it is about using your thumb to pluck the bass note of each chord before strumming two full chords with your index figure. Bluegrass ballads often call for this type of guitar arrangement. Fast Strum Now we’re getting to the fun part. Some bluegrass tunes are played at extremely fast tempos, and by speeding up the pluck-and-strum you just may manage to keep up. The key here is to play the chords almost as if you were flat picking with a normal guitar pick. The difference is that you can still use your thumb for the bass in two-finger style, but you will still most likely resort to strumming both up and down with your index finger. There’s no diagram for this one find a fast bluegrass song to play along to and try to keep up! (I usually use the song “Wait So Long” by Trampled By Turtles when I teach). Keep Practicing Some of these techniques may seem tricky at first, but don’t be discouraged. Practice at least ten minutes a day for two weeks and you’ll be seeing some serious improvement! No bluegrass guitarist ever became great overnight, and with these common fingerstyle techniques you now have a roadmap for how to get there. Learn how to play bluegrass guitar and more by studying with a private guitar teacher. Guitar teachers are available to work with you online via Skype or in-person, depending on your location and availability. Search for your guitar teacher now! Collin K. teaches in-person guitar and singing lessons in Brooklyn, N.Y. He studied Music Technology at New York University, plays in an instrumental rock band, and writes music for films.  Learn more about Collin here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Eric Frommer

Singing Tips How to Sing Into a Microphone

Singing Tips How to Sing Into a Microphone Sign up successful Step 2: Learn How to “Play” the Microphone The best way to approach working with a microphone is to think of it as an extension of your voice. Rather than “projecting” your voice like you would in an acoustic setting, let the microphone do the work and focus on your delivery, pitch, and emotions. Here are some key singing tips to keep in mind when developing your microphone technique: 1. Practice your angles.  Every microphone has a “sweet spot” where it is most effective. If you sing into the microphone at the improper angle you may lose important tonal characteristics from your performance. Always sing into the center of the microphone, never the side or top. It takes some practice, but once you understand your microphone, it will pay off in a fuller, richer sound! 2. Hold the microphone properly for best results.  Always hold the microphone by the shaft. While it may look cool to hold the microphone by the head, it can muffle your sound, or worse, create ear-shattering feedback from the PA. 3. Proximity effect is your friend!  Most microphones used for singing live are subject to something called proximity effect. This means that the distance you sing from the microphone affects the timbre of your voice. Singing closer to the mic, for example, enhances the lower frequencies. This can be a pleasant sound, but if you find your vocals too boomy, try moving an inch or two back from the microphone. 4. Experiment with different vocal effects. Working with a microphone allows you to use various effects to enhance your voice. Try singing and adjusting the airflow through your nose, opening your throat to provide more resonance, and working on your glottal attack, enunciation, and vibrato. By working on these different techniques in front of the microphone, you can develop the muscle memory needed for performance. Treat using a microphone like any other vocal techniquepractice it often! As a vocalist, you have to practice many techniques in order to use your instrument well. If you study with a private teacher, he or she will be able to help you, as well. If you are ever planning on performing in front of an audience, practicing with a microphone can make the experience less stressful, more enjoyable, and will go a long way toward your personal and professional growth as an artist! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Erica Zabowski

How to Decide Between AP and IB Classes

How to Decide Between AP and IB Classes For high-achieving high school students seeking a challenge, there are two abbreviations to become familiar with: AP and IB. AP, or Advanced Placement, classes help prepare high school students for college by providing the opportunity to take one or more college-level courses and earn college credit. IB, or International Baccalaureate, classes are part of a system where high school students can earn an internationally recognized diploma by following a specific course program. Both AP and IB courses offer students a challenging academic experience and the opportunity to earn college credit. Students can choose between AP and IB classes by understanding the goals of each program, researching program availability, and examining the time commitment of each. If youre looking to challenge yourself academically this fall, keep reading to discover how to decide between AP and IB classes. AP vs. IB classes: understand the goals of each program Both AP and IB courses set out to give students an advantage when applying to colleges. That being said, its important to know the specific goals of each program, in an effort to choose the right one for you. The main goal of an AP course is to educate students about very specific content in subjects ranging from biology to U.S. history. Students interested in AP classes should note the following: AP students are tested on what they have learned via a multi-hour exam at the end of the course. The exam includes several question formats, but is primarily multiple-choice. The score students earn, on a scale of one to five, dictates whether or not they receive college credit. Like an AP class, IB courses discuss specific subjects. The International Baccalaureate Organization presents a curriculum that primarily incorporates exams, papers, and projects. Students interested in an IB class should note the following: Tests may be scored by external assessors, who assign a score between one and seven. While IB courses require exams, the focus is on question formats that are not multiple-choice. [RELATED: What High School Students Should Know About IB Courses] AP vs. IB classes: research which courses are available to you AP courses are more widely available in American schools than IB classes. However, there are many American high schools that offer IB courses as well. Students who dont have access to AP courses in school can also take them online, which makes them much more readily available. If youre interested in learning more about whats offered at your school or how to take AP classes online, speak to your guidance counselor. [RELATED: The Ultimate Study Plan for AP Courses] AP vs. IB classes: examine the required time commitments Students can take one or more AP classes of their choosing throughout their high school career, with each course lasting the length of the school year. IB students, alternatively, are required to take a somewhat set program of advanced courses in order to receive a diploma for the program. Certain high schools also offer standalone IB classes. If your schedule is packed with extracurricular activities or personal obligations, it may be wise to take fewer advanced courses so you can devote the appropriate time to each. AP vs. IB classes: note the cost of each program Enrolling in an IB diploma program is more expensive than taking an AP course or courses. Theres a $172 registration fee to enroll in an IB program, plus a $119 fee per exam, according to International Baccalaureate. AP classes, on the other hand, are free to enroll in and only cost $94 per exam, according to the College Board. Students are only required to take the exam if they want potential college credit. The cost of the two programs can be a large factor when deciding between AP and IB classes. It can be helpful to talk to your parents to see which option is the best fit for you and your family. Note that there are fee waivers available for both AP and IB exams. When in doubt, meet with your guidance counselor to gather more insights on choosing between AP and IB classes. [RELATED: Top Tips for AP Exam Week] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Quick Tips for Exam Prep to Help You Score Top Grades

Quick Tips for Exam Prep to Help You Score Top Grades Exams around the corner? Find yourself stressed with every passing day? It is but natural to feel anxious and stressed before such important events! However, it is also important to get on top of it and use to motivate yourself to study better. Here are a few tips that can help you with your exam prep from online tutors; read on to learn more. The most important thing for exam preparation is time, in my opinion. Make sure that you drill the sections and that you can complete the sections on time. Work on the science section! Many students have a problem with this at first, but it is really a matter of reading charts and passages, although having a strong science background can help. Guess the questions you dont know! There is no penalty. Prepare a timetable for exam prep Does this sound clichéd? Even though you might have heard it umpteen times, it still is what you should do and this is one trick that can help you assess, track and plan for your exam well. Time is the key to being successful in academics apart from hard work of course and preparing a time table is the first step that you need to take. Stick to the same schedule everyday Studies show that when you do the same thing around every day and preferably at the same time, it sort of becomes a habit. Your brain automatically switches to the study mode and you can study better and with more concentration this way. When in doubt, get help There are a lot of online tutoring platforms that provide online assignment help, online homework help and so on as and when you need them. Sign up on one of these platforms and seek expert help to clarify doubts. When preparing for exams, it is important to understand what you are reading and such learning will come in handy when you don’t have time for revision. Keep practicing and revising in exam prep Revise the portions covered the previous day quickly and go through any topic that you are not clear about and practise problems to ensure that you score well in exams. Practise is the key to success in exams and this will also help you understand the topic at hand way better. Use flash cards, notes, audio lessons, etc. It is important to take help from such study aids for not only are they helpful during revisions, they are also important to reinforce whatever you’ve learnt. Flash cards can be used for formulae, equations and such things that require you to remember them. Notes, audio sessions and video recordings of lessons that are tough can help with study prep and also revision. With a methodical approach to studying, you are sure to get a grip and do well in exams. Staying healthy, being diligent and working hard will surely get you top grades! Good Luck!

Where to Study Chemistry in the UK

Where to Study Chemistry in the UK Take Chemistry Lessons in the UK ChaptersWhat Options Do You Have To Learn Chemistry in the UK?Finding Chemistry Courses in LondonChemistry Courses in BirminghamChemistry Courses in LeedsChemistry Courses in ManchesterChemistry Courses in GlasgowIf you’re interested in learning chemistry, you have several options open to you. If you are still at school, you can try and find summer courses for an introduction to chemistry, or decide to go for GCSEs (most places offer Science GCSEs that include chemistry, biology and physics or mathematics) or an A-level in chemistry. If you want to pursue a career in chemistry, many UK universities have a chemistry department, often with the option of interesting specialisations.Some institutions offer interesting courses on chemistry over several weeks for interested adults who don’t want to take university classes. Or you can engage a private tutor to take you through the basics of chemistry. Keep an eye out especially for those accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.last year is generally dedicated to your own research project. Most universities offer MSc opportunities that range from specialisations in the last two to three years to the opportunity for a year’s work experience to a year studying abroad.Some universities offer specialisations starting with BSc in anything from Medicinal Chemistry to Forensic Science.At university, you will attend lecture series covering the theoretical topics, work in a laboratory doing practical experiments to better understand the theory or doing your own independent research.Studying Chemistry with a Private TutorThis has numerous advantages: you will be able to study whatever aspects you want and the rate and rhythm you need. If you are a more visual learner, your tutor can focus on graphs and charts and molecule models, or work more closely with textbooks if you learn better with a written text.Your tutor will answer any questions you might have and will be able to adapt to your schedule rather than having f ixed course times. You can also organise an online course for distance learning if you tutor lives too far away. However, if you want to go beyond theoretical chemistry, you will need to rent a laboratory and equipment for your experiments.But where can you find the perfect instructor to get you through your A-levels or your tropical medicine course in Medicinal Chemistry?Here at Superprof, we have more than 20,000 Chemistry tutors available throughout the UK. Just do a course search on our website to find a chemistry teacher near me, and take advantage of offers for free courses (usually only the first lesson.)Finding Chemistry Courses in LondonEngland’s capital city offers a multitude of opportunities for those interesting in studying chemistry in London at school level or in top universities.Summer courses in LondonStill not sure of what you want to study? Enjoy the idea of chemistry but unsure if you want to pursue it in higher education?A summer school might be just the thing for you.Summer Schools let you explore the fun aspects of chemistry. Photo credit: David.R.Carroll on Visual HuntThe Academic Summer has several science-based camps that might be of interest, letting you do experiments and see if you want to brave a university tuition fee to study chemistry in London.School Chemistry in LondonIf you are looking to take chemistry starting sixth-form, Ashbourne, London Brookes College and Mander Portman Woodward offer both GCSE and A-level chemistry in the classroom. The North London Tutorial College has a GCSE programme while the Dave Game College and Kingston College both offer chemistry as A-level subjects.Or perhaps you simply need some help with revision before the exams. MPW offers revision courses in addition to its full courses, while Hill Crest has revision courses for A-levels.Studying Chemistry at a London SchoolMore than one London university has Chemistry among their options for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Generally, the firs t two years are the same for a BSc or a MSc. Differences between the two can include specialising (such as Analytical Chemistry at Birkbeck College), Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Kingston College); or else many MSc offers not only a lecture curriculum but an academic year abroad or industry training to help you find a placement after graduating. Most also offer postgraduate options if you want to go on to a PhD.London universities offering Chemistry are:Queen Mary UniversityUniversity of East LondonLondon Metropolitan UniversityUniversity CollegeUniversity of East LondonKing’s CollegeIn addition, Birkbeck’s offers Analytical Chemistry, while Kingston University offers Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. you can do GCSEs, A-levels as well as take revision courses. Or you can take A-levels at the South City College or Joseph Chamberlain 6th Form College.If you are an adult who didn’t have the opportunity to do Chemistry in school, BMet offers a 70-week cours e terminating at a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.Higher Learning in BirminghamThe University of Birmingham offers both an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree where you will learn the theory and practice of chemistry. You will attend lectures and work in state-of-the-art laboratories. In your final years for your degree, you will work on an independent research project.Or if you want to become a chemistry teacher, the Birmingham City School of Education has a chemistry course for those already accepted for a teacher’s training course. This lets you revise what you learned in school and also gives you some insight on how to structure lessons and grade papers.Learn proper lab protocol in chemistry courses in Birmingham and Leeds. Photo credit: calvinnivlac on Visual huntChemistry Courses in LeedsThere are some interesting offerings for those interested in learning chemistry in Leeds.Supplementary Schools for chemistry students in LeedsThe Leeds Tuition Centre cam puses, run by Educate First have science classes for children of all ages for a fair sum of 7 £ a session. This can be a fun way for children to improve their knowledge of the world around them.In addition, Leeds City College offers A-level chemistry as well as Applied Science Foundation Diplomas for children 16-18 and adults seeking a new career. For the latter, they also offer an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science that covers biology and chemistry as well as forensic science, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry.At A-levels, the Grammar School at Leeds offers education courses in Chemistry, including courses in forensics, green chemistry, medicinal chemistry, materials science, pharmacology and toxicology.Free online courses for learning chemistry in LeedsPerhaps uniquely, the University of Leeds has a series of online courses they offer in partnership with FutureLearn. With their free online chemistry lessons, they offer a series of 10-hour modules focusing on aspects such as organic chemistry, environmental chemistry or molecular science.University level courses at the University of LeedsLiving in Leeds and interested in studying chemistry at a university level? Leeds has an excellent chemistry programme, with undergraduate qualifications in Chemistry alone or in a joint degree with Mathematics. Postgraduate courses include Chemical Biology.Chemistry Courses in ManchesterManchester has a wonderful choice of  chemistry classes.One of the fun aspects of chemistry is playing in the lab. Photo credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory on Visual HuntChemistry taught at school levelIf you want to study chemistry at university, you will need A-levels in chemistry - and often in mathematics and another science subject. There is more than one institution in Manchester that can help you with a GCSE in Science or you Chemistry A-levels:The Wilmslow Tuition CentreJustin Craig EducationAbbey CollegeThe Manchester College on its Shena Simon CampusMan chester universities offering courses in chemistryIn Manchester you have a choice between three different universities offering degrees in chemistry:Manchester Metropolitan UniversityThe University of SalfordThe University of ManchesterYou will be able to do the usual course of study for a UK university. Depending on the college, possible degrees include:Chemistry with Industrial Experience, where you will be able to spend a year with a chemical company allied with the university and gain work experience - offered by the University of ManchesterChemistry with Medicinal Chemistry - offered by the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Salford. You will be concentrating on the chemical reactions within the human body and how they can be influenced.Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Manchester Metropolitan or the University of Salford - learn to design the drugs of tomorrow.Chemistry with Environmental Chemistry at the University of Salford. Learn about the ch emical processes that prevail in Nature and how they interact.Biochemistry at the University of Salford.Or you can study to become a Chemistry teacher at the University of Manchester, which offers the opportunity to assist teachers in surrounding schools in order to gain work experience in planning and teaching classes.Chemistry Courses in GlasgowIf you want to learn Chemistry in Glasgow, the University of Glasgow has a Chemistry department with an excellent reputation. There you can study Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, but also Chemical Physics. The latter allows you to study Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics side-by-side in an interdisciplinary course that will give you an entirely new view of how the building blocks of the world around us function. The chemistry element focuses mostly on physical and inorganic chemistry.Learn what the contents of all of these retorts can do with chemistry courses Glasgow. Photo credit: WilzDezign on Visualhunt.comIn addition, while Glasgow C aledonian University doesn’t have a separate Chemistry faculty, it does have several courses of study where chemistry plays an important part. You will learn a lot about chemical processes in addition to other aspects of science:Forensic Investigation - use Chemistry to solve crimesPharmacology - develop drugs to cure diseaseFood Bioscience - find ways to optimise food production or find out more about how different foods affect the human body

What Motivates Us to Learn

What Motivates Us to Learn By now, most educators  are familiar with the advice, “Praise the process, not the outcome.” which was revolutionized by Stanford Psychology professor, Carol Dweck. This strategy focuses on instilling a “growth mindset” an understanding that intelligence is learned, not innate, in students throughout their education. However, in a new article, Dweck herself warns against blindly following her research. So we are going to take another look at what motivates students to learn beyond good grades. First, let’s review. Dweck’s RSAnimate talk, “How to Help Every Child Fulfill Their Potential,” identifies two learning mindsets: fixed and growth. Students with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is static, something you are born with, and if they can’t complete a task now, they never will. They believe that they must “look smart at all times and all costs,” that effort is a sign you don’t have ability, and that mistakes “reveal your limitations.” Students with a growth mindset, on the other hand, believe that intelligence is developed. They understand that the goal of education is to “learn at all times and all costs,” that “effort is what activates ability” and that “mistakes are a part of the process.” Dweck goes on to argue that praising children’s intelligence promotes a fixed mindset. Instead of building confidence in their ability to problem solve and work hard, children become attached to some vague idea of intelligence that feels impossible to improve upon. In a study done with 10 to 11 year olds, Dweck found that the majority of children who were praised for their intelligence chose to continue to do tasks they were already good at, while children praised for their process chose to tackle more difficult problems. Even when students returned to easier tasks, those in a fixed mindset got lower scores than those in a growth mindset. What happened next? Many parents and teachers took Dweck’s research to two extremes. Some thought the importance of praising the process should eclipse everything else, and doled out praise regardless of progress. Others were so hesitant to accidentally promote a fixed mindset that they only offered encouragement when their children or their students were struggling. What else can we do? If you find yourself falling into one of those two camps, try to remember that at the core of Dweck’s strategy is giving students enough information that they are able to recreate the behavior for which they are praised. “You’re so smart!” feels good in the moment, but it is difficult for students to simply “be smart” when they encounter their next challenge. Next time, point out something specific about the work  -  maybe the student took a unique approach, or it’s obvious that they tried a few solutions before they landed on the correct answer  -  and praise them for their creativity or tenacity instead. Rewarding your child for their good efforts is another popular approach, but it may be less effective than we think. Like Dweck, Dan Pink, author of “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” also did a RSAnimate talk by the same name on motivation  in 2010. Pink found that as soon as a task required creative or conceptual thinking, larger rewards actually led to poorer performance. To motivate your students or children, try to focus on one of Pink’s non-reward drivers: autonomy, mastery and purpose. According to Pink, feeling as though something is your own, knowing you are getting better at it, and making a contribution are powerful motivators of learning and performance. Best of luck!

7 Note-Taking Strategies for High School Students

7 Note-Taking Strategies for High School Students A lot changes when students transition into high school and one skill that becomes more important than ever is that of note-taking. In high school, students are expected to become proficient note-takers, and those notes will become essential study tools that they use to review material for quizzes and tests, says Co-Founder Eileen Huntington ofHuntington Learning Center. Note-taking should augment student learning and help students recall difficult concepts more easily and remember what teachers teach. Our goal when working with students is to share some of the basics that will help them retain what they learn and study smarter. Huntingtonshares these seven strategies for effective note-taking with parents and their teens: Record meaningful facts. The goal of note-taking should be to summarize the most important parts of what a teacher shares during a lecture: dates, names, places, formulas or anything else that is emphasized. Its good to write lots of notes, but teens should focus on recording points that seem important, recurring themes or other details that are critical to their overall understanding. Group ideas. Lots of raw notes may not make studying any easier for a student. Its a good idea to leave space on the left- or right-hand side of the notebook for condensing and recapping concepts. During class or afterward, teens can write down any main ideas on the side of their notes, or at a minimum, subtitles of what was discussed. Think quality over quantity. New high school students tend to think good note-taking means recording everything the teacher says. Its a common challenge for students: focusing so intently on taking notes that they forget to listen and process information enough to be thoughtful about what they record in their notebooks. Big picture: notes should concentrate on what the teacher wants the class to know. That may very well mean teens pencils arent moving the entire class period, and thats perfectly fine. Follow along in the book if appropriate. When the teacher focuses on a particular chapter or topic, it can be helpful later on to have page numbers to refer to for clarification or more information. Teens should ask at the beginning of the period if the teacher is referencing textbook material. Date and title notes. Its a minor thing that can make a huge difference: labeling notes will prove helpful when it comes time to study for a test. Teens should always put the date, class name and topic(s) discussed at the top of their notes. Highlight the clues. Teachers usually point out information that students need to know and it is a smart idea to call out these cues in notes. Teens should listen for phrases like the most important part, for example, in summary, as a review and the only exception to this is. These should trigger careful note-taking and teens should notate these important points with an asterisk or other symbol. Say it another way. One of the most important parts of note-taking is not the note-taking itselfits the reflection process. Teens should write down complex points in their own words so they are easier to understand later. This helps information click and reinforces long-term retention. Huntingtonreminds parents that taking notes is not a natural skillit must be taught and practiced. Organized students tend to take cleaner notes, of course, but note-taking is meant to solidify knowledge and make studying easier and more effective, and that doesnt come easily to many students, she says. Huntington helps students develop their study skills, including their note-taking abilities. For more information, contact Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CAN-LEARN. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.