Monday, November 11, 2013

Using Sports To Hook Students For Reading And Writing Comprehension

Could a student get interested in reading and writing about sports? Stories, articles and video clips might be able to interest students long enough to read and write their own articles. AdventureZONEsports is a free website sports portal that allows the student to read, write and submit their own stories.

Most of us have heard over and over in the media that our students are lagging in reading and writing skills. It’s been said that poor writing skills is a problem for employers looking to hire graduates. Without these critical skills, it can be an unsuccessful future for our students. As a parent of three children, I have experienced it first hand. Trying to find the hook, to keep the child interested seems to be the biggest challenge.

Using the web as a resource is something many schools are adding to their mix. Integrating the internet into home school and the classroom may be worth a try. The internet has a huge amount of information resources and could help, if used wisely. A parent or teacher could post the internet address and bookmark it for the student. Provide a clear assignment choice of reading independently or in small groups as well as perhaps assign a writing task.

Students can become excited and proud to see their work featured and published! Many websites now offer the opportunity to publish stories, articles and even photos or video clips. We took the time to buy numerous sport domain names and created a portal web address to bring all of them into one place for free and easy access. AdventureZONEsports has language translation in place for English, French, DutchGerman, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish and has stories, articles and video clips to watch about different sports. The website opens up to an article publishing page and links to stories and video clips on different sports. Once a story or article is properly written the article submit feature allows the student to become a published author. As the students skills get better and better, they can be proud and excited to show family and friends their online writing.

The sports collection consists of archery, ATV, basketball, cycling, dirtbike, dodgeball, fencing, iceboating, kayak, landsailing, motorcross, mudracing, rafting, rodeo, rowing, sandboarding, skateboarding, skating, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoe, softball, squash, and waterski. Some of these sports are considered different or extreme and people of all ages can be interested and learn about sports that they have never tried. For example, how much do you know about landsailing, iceboating or sandboarding? In addition, there are sports such as basketball, cycling and winter sports that will allow the student a weekend assignment to participate by choosing one of the activities and create a written report the following week. The report can be edited, and submitted with author name for publication on the website.

There are currently stories, articles and video clips to keep the students attention. The best method of writing and submitting an article is to work on several drafts of the story before entering it into the submit page. To prevent spam all articles must be reviewed by a human editor first before appearing on the website. The student is notified as the story is published and appears on the website for all to view.

The Convenience Of Internet Education

If you don’t like college life you’re not alone. Today’s world is much more fast-paced than it was 20 years ago when your father was in college. You’ve been raised in a world dominated by instant gratification. You want a degree and you want it now, so you can get on with your life already. Who can blame you?

It’s just your luck that many educational institutions realize that there are many others just like you who want the same thing. They understand some people don’t want to take the same five classes week after week for 18 weeks for four years or more. Not all students are interested in extracurricular activities either. They are in school for one purpose; to learn, to graduate and to make their way in the world. So what can you do if you don’t want to spend four years or more in college and deal with the six tons of homework that often goes along with it?

One word: Internet.

Online schooling is a cash cow many universities are making huge profits on these days, and one which allows students to get their degree in almost any discipline, as well as in half the time as traditional colleges.

The Internet is more than just email and shopping these days. Now you can get your degree from the comfort of your living room and at your convenience. This allows you to maintain a full time job while going to school. However, it’s not just young people who can benefit from online schooling, but older individuals looking for a career change. Today, a 45-year-old mother of two can get a degree in finance while working full time and running a household.

Before you drop out of your current school and enroll in an online institution there is something you should know. Tuition for online schooling is nearly twice the price as a standard four-year college. When you decide to study online you literally pay for the convenience it provides. However, just like a four-year college there are student loans available. You must decide though, if you want a heftier amount of debt to pay off once you graduate. This will ultimately depend on your course of study. If you want to major in English, you may be wise to go to a four-year college, but if you are studying finance or business (disciplines that can be very lucrative) then the worry of paying back a large student loan is minimal.

College is no longer what it was when your father went. Online degrees provide convenience, as well as allow you to only have to focus on one class at a time, instead of juggling five, six, even seven classes, and even better, the amount of homework is greatly reduced. With a college degree, there is almost no limit to what you can do.



Why Speed Reading Is An Important Skill

Almost everyone has seen someone speed read, they appear to skim the text and still have read and absorbed the content. It is normal for everyone to read at different speeds, even before some people have mastered the skills of speed reading. The people who have studied speed reading techniques will still read at different speeds; however they will undoubtedly beat those without speed reading experience. The point of speed reading is to understand and absorb the material using specifically learned strategies. Skimming a page and then rapidly turning onto the next page is not really of use if the brain is not absorbing the information at an equivalent speed. The best and most efficient way to learn to speed read is to enroll in speed reading classes, where speed reading skills will be explained clearly.

The advantage of speed reading courses is that students will be shown several different strategies for speed reading allowing them to choose the ones they find easiest to understand the material they are reading. Students should try to learn all the strategies presented during speed reading courses as, once these are mastered, they will see a dramatic improvement in their reading rate, after which they can hone and choose their preferred style. Students will see the benefits of speed reading as soon as the techniques are applied to their main field of study. The time taken for reading assignments and research for written assignments will be greatly reduced. (Allowing more time for sports and other lessons of life also learnt through college living). Equally, once in the world of business and industry, speed reading will reduce the length of time needed for reports, research papers and newspapers.

Speed Reading Strategies Encourage Comprehension

Speed reading does not take the lessons applied when learning to read at primary school and speed them up - this would not work and would not increase the speed of absorption of the information. Speed reading is about learning whole new strategies of reading, ensuring that material content is not missed or misunderstood. Primary school teaches reading in a linear form, building each word through the letters which form the syllables, the syllables forming the words and the words forming the sentences. Speed reading courses teach students to read looking for different patterns and not to read each word individually.

A traditional education builds habits in reading which a good speed reading course will push aside, replacing with new techniques. A comprehensive course will also advise students how to become more efficient readers; hopefully this will also encourage the desire for self improvement as well as the desire to read. Students often work with distractions (usually noise) around them; lecturers in speed reading will normally discourage this as research shows that by reducing the distractions the level of comprehension are increased. Lecturers in speed reading will usually take the time to teach students the importance of preparing the environment they work in before they read a single work - remember speed reading is all about increasing the speed of comprehension not just the speed of reading!

The benefit(s) of reading fast and while being able to understand the book cannot be underestimated; the techniques of speed reading increase the enjoyment of reading. Speed reading is a skill to be encouraged in each and every generation of new readers.



Turning In A Good Term Paper

Every student is always trying to get a better grade in College. Term papers can seem overwhelming to many students who don’t like to write or just think it is too much work involved. However, college papers are mandatory as long as you want to succeed in college. Writing a good term paper is not as hard as many students may think. It has a lot to do with good organizational skills, good research and not waiting until the last minute.

The effort that each student puts into his or her research is crucial to turning out a good term paper. Term papers always turn out to be advantageous to students and instructor because there is always something new discovered in the research information. The student will most definitely learn something new and that is actually the goal of the assignment.

To make sure you write a good paper, your content has to be original and unique. Students, who provide unique term paper content, are usually able to get the higher grades. Add a little creativity and twist to your term paper. Make the thesis something that would impart knowledgeable information to the reader.

If you have signed up for too many classes or have a hectic schedule, make sure you organize your time and your work. You might end up working on two or more term papers at a time, which can become quite overwhelming.

Make sure that you schedule your study time from your writing and research time. Get a calendar and list the things you have to finish and the deadlines. Time management is the key to turning out a good term paper. If you have a very long term paper to write and it is due in the same week of your next class, then you have waited until the deadline is too close and you won’t be able to write a good paper.

Stay in close touch with your instructor to ask question and get clarification if you are not clear on your assignment. Ask for help from your classmates. You would be surprised how many of them will be able to give you advise and tips to help you with your term paper.

You can turn out high quality papers whether they are assigned as term papers or dissertations. Use your lecture notes as much as you can if the paper warrants it. Utilize your college library, writing lab and the Internet. These are great resources in turning out a good term paper.

One last tip:

Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is better to know exactly what you are doing or not. Discuss the project with your classmates. You would be surprised how someone else has a different perspective and can answer some questions for you and give you ideas.

More of my articles about writing term papers are available here. Include a guide of successful term paper writing and much more.

more articles will be published once a month.



Friday, November 8, 2013

Tips In Taking A Test

It’s time to take a test. What do you do? Stare blankly at the paper? The words might be familiar but meaningless all the same. When the words finally sink in is when you realize that this is not the topic you have prepared for after all. This is an example of your worst dream coming true during an exam. Exams are a part of us that we just have to learn to live with. However they must not reduce us to that sick feeling in our stomachs nor should they turn out to be a race against time where you just never seem to win. There is a solution to this - strategies that will be a confidence booster and keep the time factor in mind.

The first thing to do is to prepare in advance. It is better not to leave this for the last minute. It would be advisable if these preparations start right from the first day. This would be helpful in gaining confidence, which is necessary to put you in the right frame of mind for the test. This would also mean that you don’t have to burn the midnight oil, which would otherwise become the need of the hour. These all night sessions don’t go a long way in helping, as there is only so much you can to at the last minute thereby resulting in a lot of confusion and lack of sleep - not the best way to go in for a test! By preparing in advance you become aware of the problem areas especially where you would need to work harder to gain a better understanding. This also helps to eliminate any surprise elements that may be thrown at you during the test.

The second is to know your subject matter. The day has finally dawned. You walk into the exam room and take your seat, all set, with pencils sharpened. As the papers are being distributed however, you get the jitters. Your palms begin to sweat as you look at the first question. There’s a constant nagging doubt that you may have missed something or misunderstood the question. Just relax. Be calm. This exam is just like the ones you have done before. If you have any doubts, clarify them right away. The examiner is likely to be more helpful at the beginning than later. Perusing the paper will also give you an idea of how much time you would need in all, so as to take the appropriate steps.

Read the questions thoroughly and understand them entirely. For, misinterpreting a question would lead you to a wrong answer. As you may have observed, the winner in the end is the kid who has read the questions carefully.

Then remember to attempt the easy. Irrespective of the subject matter of your test, always start with the easy questions first. Once you have these secure under your belt, you now have more confidence to tackle the difficult ones. These strategies when put together go a long way in getting you the marks you want.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Foreign Student(s): Getting A Social Security Number

Outside Student Studying In The Us?: Getting A Social Security Number

Provided that you are a remote scholar contemplating in the U.S.A, risks are that there are a ton of things that are new to you. Global learners pay more than American people for educational cost (some of the time just about twofold!) thus frequently need to obtain employment. Assuming that you are set to secure employment, here are a couple of tips about getting a Social Security Number (SSN).

1. Attempt to adapt to the Environment.

Adapting to the Environment (I.G; On-Campus) is handy for various explanations. Firstly, it helps you improve feel for the facilities, which will make you more agreeable in a remote place. Besides, the grounds frequently have a ton of backing assets that can help you. However in particular, in the event that you chip away at yard (in a library, as an examination colleague, or in whatever limit you can uncover) the universal understudies office of your school will give you a letter for you to take so that you may get your Social Security Number

2. Why do I require a Social Security Number?

You require a Social Security Number (SSN) provided that you are getting paid in any method in the United States. This implies that you'll still need a SSN,  regardless of the possibility that you are accepting a scholarship. (Indeed, that cash is taxable, and trust me, they will be exhausted). Don't defer in your SSN requisition since in some cases managements won't have the ability to give you your pay check until you have your number.

3. To what extent does it take?

It takes in the vicinity of four weeks to get a SSN, once you have headed off to the administration office. This implies that you have to determine that you start your paperwork immediately.

4. Where do I begin?

The foremost step is to request employments on grounds (or off-yard). When you have a printed work offer in your grasp, then you can head off to the workplace of global learners. They will most likely photocopy your employment offer, your identification, and your visa. Provided that you are not obtaining employment on grounds, you will in any case require a composed form of your occupation offer to bring with you.

5. What would it be advisable for me to carry?

Discover where the closest SSN office is to you. When you go there, you will require an astounding not many things: a) Your Letter of Offer (from your occupation or grant), b) A letter from the workplace of universal people (in the event that you are requisitioning an on-campus work; this letter will say that you are right now selected and going to classes; you don't require it for an off-grounds work), c) your international Id, d) your visa (F-1, J-1, and so on), e) all other migration papers that you have (this means acquire any structures that you can consider, for example your I-94 structure; you can even think about bringing your SEVIS charge structure… it never hurts to carry more).

There aren't any structures to round out for the SSN before you get there. An individual at the workplace will assist you in terms of filling out forms and what not.

Good fortunes!

I'm certain that you won't have any issues getting work, or getting your SSN. It's a considerable measure of paperwork, yet in the long run, it's worth it.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Importance of Mental Math & Why You Should Study

What is Mental Math? A good amount of you out there are attempting to uncover a response to this question. All things considered, a response is truly straightforward. Mental Math is scarcely more than basic computations done in your mind, that is, rationally. So now you are wondering – well, what is such a major ordeal, I can effortlessly ascertain 10 + 5 and 95 + 100, my 10 year old youngster can effectively figure 80 + 20. These are some basic estimations. Anyhow frequently in our regular life, none, of these we run into such simple estimations nor will your kids in future. Rather we run into harder and more complicated problems.

Give me a chance to attract your thoughtfulness regarding your visit to a restaurant. Have you at any point considered, jeez, what amount of is 15% of that or 18% of that. Have you been to a market and considered – what amount of duty was charged to you? These are the sort of straightforward counts I am discussing and not only 50 + 403. So now you got the significance in respect to what's in store in this article? So before I reveal to you a few systems, let me give you a chance to illustrate you why mental math is getting so much steam nowadays.

In the first place, a portion of the enduring profits of studying mental math at promptly youngster age. Studying mental math at right on time age can help support your child's certainty in terms of science, advance mental estimation capabilities, furnishes a feeling of accomplishment as the kid's capability enhances, expedite more excellent mental limit, push instinctive considering, improve issue settling competence, upgrade innovative-ness and last yet not slightest, enhance focus and mental persistence.

Read what past president of the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) needs to say in regards to mental math: "the time has come to put resources into helping understudies construct the mental math abilities in their toolboxes as a major aspect of their exhaustive numerical comprehension. The result for this venture could be gigantic both in enhancing scholars' scientific capacities and in giving an unmistakable sign that we are dedicated to planning learners with the sort of numerical capability that people in general can promptly acknowledge."

We all have had our portion of troubles comprehension and studying math previously. Also the same challenges face to our youngsters. Yes, math is challenging and exhausting if the numbers and the connection between these numbers are not followed well. Today, the greater part of our government funded schools shows us mental math in some shape or the other and I can assure you, more then ninety five percent of the time it will be the most unfriendly and exhausting system of repetition remembrance.

So what is the elective? Elective is the thing that Asian learners have been studying throughout recent decades. There are two separate frameworks in Asia that can help you prevail over and expert math. You and/or your youngster can compute 1365 + 4292 + 98 – 29 in less then 5 seconds and that too without any assistance outer up to date electronic contraptions, for example, adding machine. One framework is the Abacus mental math strategy which has its roots in east Asia and an alternate framework is the Verdict mental math system which has it.