A Day in the Life at Georgetown University

A Day in the Life at Georgetown University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Sandy is a New York City tutor who specializes in Arithmetic tutoring, SAT prep tutoring, Writing tutoring, and much more. She graduated from Georgetown University in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in History. Check out her review of her alma mater: 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? Sandy: Georgetown University is located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which is an urban environment. The campus was safe most of the time, but like any place, it's important to be careful and wise when walking around at night. I always thought it was best to walk with other people or to use the late-night shuttle service that the school provides, which is called Safe Rides. There are no metro (train) stops near Georgetown, but there are several buses that can take you to metro stops. Some students used bikes but I never needed a car, since I just used the buses. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Sandy: The professors were very available, both by email and via office hours. I never felt uncomfortable or intimidated about approaching a professor for help/questions. They really care about students. The teaching assistants are also great and I had some fun ones who were pretty funny and relaxed. I never really consulted my academic advisers except once or twice but they were approachable as well. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Sandy: The rooms are okay and the dining hall is also not bad. Of course, as with any dining hall, students may soon feel like they need to eat something outside of the dining hall options. But chicken finger Thursdays are the best! They also had great vegetarian chicken nuggets. The location of the school is not always convenient, since it's necessary to take buses to really go into the heart of D.C., but there were plenty of opportunities to explore, nonetheless. Also, there are many clubs and student organizations on campus, and it was also possible to successfully start organizations. 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? Sandy: Georgetown is very oriented towards Social Sciences and Languages. The Language departments are amazing. I was able to learn Italian and French because of my dedicated professors and the amazing departments. I also took Arabic, which is excellent at Georgetown. Economics, History, International Relations, etc. are all incredibly well represented at Georgetown and have amazing professors. I learned a lot as a History major because I feel the school provided a wide array of History courses. I really enjoyed my major and believe it was only made better by the dedicated professors. 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? Sandy: It was somewhat difficult for me in my freshman year, and I made more friends in the subsequent years. I believe many people started out with friends in freshman year that they then replaced with other friends later on. But this was a normal experience for many Georgetown students. Greek life does not play a significant role on campus, as we only have a handful of fraternities. I was in Alpha Phi Omega, which is a service fraternity. In fact, I ended up making many friends because of this fraternity. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Sandy: The Career Center is great for help with resumes and cover letters. I learned everything I know about formatting from the Career Center. They also allow students to sign up for newsletters for various industries, like Education and Government. Every year there are job fairs where many reputable companies (especially in the field of business) come to recruit students. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges?Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Sandy: The main campus library was a bit tricky to use during finals because so many people would pack into it and stay for extended periods of time. So, many people actually went to the Medical School library and studied there. There are also buildings where classes are normally held but where people can study instead. I used to go to the ICC galleria often. I knew people who went to the Business School or to Sellinger Lounge (in the Leavey Center) to study. Dorm lounges are okay but may be difficult sometimes because of people coming and going. 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? Sandy: There is great shopping at Georgetown, as M Street NW is very close. There are great restaurants and some bars. Many people also liked to go to U Street, just to get off campus and go to other great restaurants. There is a movie theater near campus. It's not easy to be bored at Georgetown because of M Street and because of the possibilities D.C. provides. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Sandy: I liked the class sizes. My Languages classes were always small, which was great. As my History courses became more and more focused, those classes were also smaller. A small class for me was 15 20 students. I had large classes when the course was basic, like Intro to Ethics or Macroeconomics. Even then, there were always recitations with smaller groups and teaching assistants, where students could pose questions about anything they didn't understand during the larger lectures. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Sandy: I was an Italian minor at Georgetown and was extremely interested in becoming fluent. So, I would always go to one professor with articles in Italian that I wanted to discuss. She would always welcome me and did not mind my (possibly annoying) determination. Instead, she was happy I was so interested and gladly spoke to me whenever I found her in her office. I always appreciated her sincerity and help. I will never forget how welcoming and helpful she was. Check out Sandys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

5 Signs Youre Being The Nice Employee - And How it Stifles Your Career - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Signs You’re Being “The Nice Employee” - And How it Stifles Your Career - Introvert Whisperer 5 Signs You’re Being “The Nice Employee” And How it Stifles Your Career Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Why you should consider management style when choosing your next job - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why you should consider management style when choosing your next job - Introvert Whisperer Why you should consider management style when choosing your next job A bad manager is one of the most commonly cited reasons for people being unhappy in their jobs. Nobody likes to feel overworked, undervalued, or unappreciated by the person in charge. However, having the right manager can be a very positive thing. The right guiding influence at the right time has been instrumental for plenty of people who have been coached or inspired to achieve great things in their careers. Whilst you cannot cherry-pick your perfect manager, most of us have at least some idea of how we like to be managed. I’ll run through a few different types of management styles, then offer some practical advice on how to make the right choice. 1. The hands-on motivator style This management style works best for people who like having someone else there to provide drive and structure.  Perhaps you struggle with self-motivation, or simply find it reassuring to know that somebody more experienced is nearby for help if things go wrong. The only problem with this style is when it goes too far and descends into micromanagement â€" nobody likes to feel like they’re under the thumb or not trusted to do their job. As you become more confident in your own abilities in a new role, you may want your manager to take a step back and give you space to develop. 2. The guiding mentor style Everyone learns from experience, and even those of us who prefer to work independently had to learn some skills from others. A guiding and mentoring manager could be a fast-track route to becoming highly skilled in your chosen career â€" if you’re willing to learn from them and take their advice. You need to be able to react well to constructive criticism and be open to learning from others for this to be a good option. Some prefer having the space to make their own mistakes and learn in that way, which is fine too. Most people have at least some worthy advice of life experience to offer though, so don’t be too quick to rule out working with someone who is keen to help you grow. 3. The keep your distance style Perhaps you’re the type of person who prefers to get on with things independently, and the idea of somebody keeping an eye on your work at all is stressful. This was always the category I found myself in when working office-based jobs â€" I always wanted to get on with things and then only ask for help if I needed it. Bear in mind that this kind of relationship with a manager is built on trust, so that trust will usually have to be earned over time. It’s not always realistic to expect to be trusted to work independently straight from the first day. You’ll also need to be proactive when seeking help and constructive feedback from this type of manager, and be a good judge of when it’s the right time to ask for help. 4. The nowhere to be seen style Maybe in your eyes, the best manager is one that is never seen at all. I’ve worked for people who are barely in the country, let alone the office. Whilst this may sound appealing, but keep in mind that if something does go wrong, the responsibility will likely be on your head. It’s also worth considering that it’s very hard to build a meaningful relationship with a manager like this, so when it comes to wanting something from them or needing their support, you may not be in the strongest position. 5. What about yourself? With so much work moving online, it is easier than ever for people to have successful and fulfilling self-employed careers. The pros and cons of being self-employed is a whole other discussion in itself, but for the purpose of this topic, it’s worth remembering that you’re never truly without a boss. You’ll still have clients, some of whom can be just as demanding and picky as any traditional manager. You can have a lot more control over who you work for, although in the early days you may find yourself working for whoever is willing to pay. How can you know what your manager will be like in advance of starting? You may be thinking this is all fine and good, but how do I know what my manager will be like before I actually start working for him/her? Interviews are stressful, so people often forget that they’re supposed to be a two-way street. You need to find out if a role is right you, so this a valuable time to ask about management styles. Here are some examples of questions you could ask at the end of an interview: How do you feel the company values are reflected in the style of management? Would you describe the management style as consistent across senior staff, or do people tend to have their own styles of managing? Is the day to day management of staff more hands-on or hands-off in your opinion? I also always suggest that interviewees reach out to employees working at their level because they will tend to get honest answers. The last company I worked for arranged some 10-minute chats with employees at my level after the official interview, which were far more useful for judging the office atmosphere. Another thing to remember is that there will be more choice in a bigger organisation. If you’re relatively junior it might be possible to swap teams or managers if it’s not working out, or try out a few areas of the business before you find the manager you really click with. In a small business, you will not have that level of flexibility, so be sure you like the style of leadership and management before accepting a job in a small team. Final thoughts I’ve had some good managers and some bad managers. The thing is though, what made them good or bad for me might be the complete opposite for you. Make sure you know what management style suits you best, and keep that in mind when choosing your next role. Author Bio:

How to Find Dance Classes in London

How to Find Dance Classes in London All about Dancing in London ChaptersTaking Lessons in one of London’s Dance AcademiesHop in the Social Dancing Scene in LondonTaking a Dance Class in your Local CommunityLeap into a Professional Dance Career in LondonTune your Dancing with a Private TutorOn Superprof dance classes cost on average £20 per hour“Dance is the movement of the universe concentrated in an individual.” Isadora DuncanThere is no better place than London to begin a form of dance, even if you think you have two left feet, or to perfect your technical skills. In the shadow of the world-renowned West End and Royal Ballet, have flourished strongly rooted institutions for education as a professional dancer, and also an active crowd of dance amateurs.The British capital’s impressive multiculturality offers a variety of disciplines to choose from. No doubt a dancer in London is never left without a dance class to try. No matter your skill level, teachers that are passionate about their art and transmitting their knowledge will have you twirling around light as a feather in no time.Beyond ballet, there are  many more dance style you can learn. (Source: Unsplash).So take advantage of the capital’s rich dance culture and discover the next style to dance up a storm! SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTaking Lessons in one of London’s Dance AcademiesMany dance schools all over London offer classes for everyone, from beginner to advanced levels. Quality tutorship and accessibility describe the dance teaching in the capital, whether it is classic ballet or Bellydance you will be skipping to the next class.To choose the right kind of dance classes near me for you to begin with evaluating your expectations. Are you looking to put down the solid bases for a professional career complete with serious dance instruction? This means registering for a dance program which will probably affect your lifestyle and routine.Or are you simply interested in improving coordination and challenging yourself with a new dance style a couple of hours a week? Having fun while learning something new is one of the main reasons why people attend dancing classes.Be it alone, with a group of friends or as a couple, dance lessons open you up to a world of creativity and physical transformation. Talented teachers, often professional dancers themselves, guide you towards a stronger more flexible body, a graceful posture and greater physical confidence.There are multiple health benefits of dance. First off any type of dance will connect you to your body, you’ll notice muscles you thought you never had. Between cardio work and stretching for flexibility, your body will thank you for taking care of it now but also for the rest of your lifetime. A strong and balanced physical shape is sure to age better and help you through the challenges of the chaotic London lifestyle.The intellectual benefits of the learning process are numerous. When learning how to dance, the brain is stimulated by several actions like memorising the choreography, matching coordination to musicality and boosting muscle memory.Dance and its potential for creative expression is also a great ally against high-stress levels. Forget about your worries during your dance lessons and you’ll see how much better you feel afterwards. In very little time you’ll notice a shift with more energy and a positive outlook on things.Dance improves body movement and frees up creativity. (Source: Unspla sh).Each dance school will have its own pedagogical approach, studio set-up and roster of teachers. Some places offer a wide variety of classes all focused on exercise and fun while others are recognised for a high level of teaching for one particular dance genre like hip-hop or Latin. So if you are looking to sharpen your dance skills the later might be the best choice for you.Find below a selection of dance schools with specific areas of expertise:Formal professional training at  Royal Academy of Dance (Battersea, SW)Classical at London Russian Ballet School (Clapham)Tap dance at City Academy (Rosebery Avenue)Dance exercise at Zumba Fitness London (Fulham)Dancehall at At Your Beat (Elephant and Castle)Swing Dance at Swing Patrol (all over London and Brighton)Music video and commercial dance at Frame Studios (locations in King’s Cross and Shoreditch, EC)Pole dance at Pole People (Barbican)Or if you're closer to the midlands, take a look at learning to dance in Birmingham.Hop in the Social Dancing Scene in LondonYou’ve mastered the steps, now you need to take the floor and practice, we’ve got some suggestions for dance meetups near you. Is there a better way to make new friends, twisting and shimmying with other fun-loving dancers in a social and relaxed community atmosphere? The venues are stellar and the floorcraft wild, time to jump into the London scene of dance aficionados!Join Tango Terra in the heart of Covent Garden for an introduction to the Argentine art. Learn the steps with other clueless people here to have a laugh and a jig, a great way to break the ice and socialise. Stay for the milonga after your class, which translates as a tango dance party, and let loose to the sensual sounds of the live band.Looking to moonwalk back in time with some jive dancing? Jive me to the Moon is a joyful and friendly group. Tunes from the fifties and sixties blasting you’ll soon find yourself spinning on the dancefloor kicking those heels as fast as you ca n. No dance partner is required, so you can show up alone, you’ll be sure to have a laugh and be less likely to step on your partner’s toes at your next social bash!Skip over to more dance parties around London:Kaliente Friday at Salsa! Temple (Embankment)Lindy Hop with Swing Out Loud (all over London)Sundays at the Rivoli Ballroom (Camberwell)Tea Dance at the Waldorf Hilton (Aldwych)Connect with people and make new friends at a dance party. (Source: Unsplash).“There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.”Edwin Denby SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!D iscover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTaking a Dance Class in your Local CommunityIn London, there are opportunities to learn dance at every corner, true story! Local culture centres and organisations are there to guide you in motion. These groups focus their resources and energy on one region or type of dance to best support talent and initiatives. Nurturing creativity and musicality through the community is their mission. Often touching upon inclusion and the celebration of cultures, these groups inspire audiences.Dancers wishing to develop a unique style and join a strong community will enjoy these less conventional opportunities to learn how to dance. They are also a great set-up to meet new people.For example, East London Dance brings the craft to Londoners from all walks of life and all ages. An organisation like this one contribute to shaping the communi ty and creating bonds between citizens. The ambitious group believes that everyone should have access to dance, they seek out talent and help young dancers hone their skills to become successful young professionals.Find a fantastic dance community near you:Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD) (Clerkenwell)Arts Community Exchange (Streatham Hill)Akademi â€" South Asian Dance UK (Hampstead)Ballet Independents’ Group (BIG) (Hammersmith)Japanese Butoh Dance (South Hackney)Dance Richmond (Richmond)Find dance classes near me.Leap into a Professional Dance Career in LondonHave you been practising your pirouettes and arabesques dreaming of prima ballerina heights? The big smoke has all the best dance academies to build a career in dance, now is your chance to seize the opportunity to train at the UK’s best institutions for the performing arts.Dance connects the body to the mind and brings people together. (Source: Unsplash).The rigorous training and discipline required up on embarking on a full-time dance course will teach your body precision and purpose in each movement. When you come out of this type of training, dance is marked into your core. You’re attitude and allure will unmistakably derive from the art of movement.Dance schools with full-time tuition do not only offer intensive training and stellar infrastructure, but also opportunities to perform at higher levels and with more regularity than an informal drop-in style format. All dance academies are linked to a company, whether it is in-house or a touring group, so you’ll have the chance to rub shoulders with seasoned dancers. Observing the best performers in real life, and understanding the way they have crafted their talent into a distinct signature, is a major part of professional dance training.The following dance academies to get your recital ready:City Academy (Clerkenwell)Pineapple Dance Studios (Covent Garden)London Contemporary Dance School at The Place (Saint Pancras)Kingston U niversity (Kingston upon Thames)Or if you live in Scotland, take a look at dance classes in Glasgow.Tune your Dancing with a Private TutorIf busy classes and a rigorous class schedule aren’t for you, then why not book a private lesson with a tutor? Thanks to a professional’s undivided attention will have you mastering the steps and moves of a bachata or a tap dance routine that’ll make Fred Astaire look like a novice.Private classes are a huge help to students, wishing to rapidly grow as a dancer. Since every class will be entirely focused on you, the dance instructor will easily pinpoint what needs smoothing out and any aspects you are having difficulties with. Finding a great private tutor with the right pedagogical approach and a sense of humour is sure to do wonders for anyone with a career ambition.Many professionally trained dancers offer private tuition during their downtime, these passionate individuals will be very happy to share their experience and knowledge of danc e as a way of life. Just be aware of whether the teacher has a studio or can travel to you. Also, prices may vary according to the level of teaching you require and whether you purchase a group of classes or are looking for a single session.Have a professional audition to rehearse for or looking to master a dance style ahead of an important social event? Are you getting married and feeling nervous ahead of the traditional couple’s dance? A ballroom dance instructor will give you the right tips to flawlessly perform your choreography. That’s one less thing to fret about!Is London too far away? Check out dance classes in Manchester.On Superprof dance classes cost on average £20 per hourOur dance teachers give a detailed account of their abilities and expertise. Some have been teaching at a high level for a decade while others specialise in newer dance forms like dancersize and commercial urban dance.Many cater to all levels but you will also find those who specialise in dance sch ool auditions. With our roster of teachers, you are sure to find the right one for you whether it’s choreography or headspins you are looking to have down like a pro.Whether it’s Argentine Tango, Bellydance, jazz dance or lyrical, London has it all for you to put your best dancing foot forward!Northerners may be interested in dance lessons in Leeds.

What is it Like to Attend Middle Tennessee State University

What is it Like to Attend Middle Tennessee State University Kenis a current senior at Middle Tennessee State University. He is majoring in general science, and specializes in elementary math tutoring and life sciences tutoring. Below, he shares his experience at Middle Tennessee State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Ken: Middle Tennessee State Universitys campus is set in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The campus has plenty of places for commuter students to park, but you have to get there early to get a spot since close lots tend to fill up fast. The campus is more rural than urban. Even though the town is growing, MTSU is still a bit of a drive away from the malls and shops that Murfreesboro has to offer. MTSU offers a campus chauffeuring service, where two or more students walk a student who called the service safely to their destination. Overall, MTSU is pretty safe. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Ken:Most professors and TAs are easy to get ahold of, but every now and then you will get a commuter teacher who only stays on campus for as long as he or she teaches. The advisors are always available, until the last month of the semester when scheduling becomes a hassle because they are very busy. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Ken:There is always something going on at MTSU. The rooms on campus range from home away from home to this is where I sleep and thats about it. The food on campus is mostly fast food restaurants, like Subway or Panda Express, but MTSU also offers two dining halls that have their own home-cooked menus and daily specials. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Ken:MTSU is known in the aerospace and recording industry, but also has an up-and-coming chemistry and biology department. I am a general sciences major, and the newly built science building was a huge improvement to my studies. 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? Ken:If you join a club, it is incredibly easy to make friends. Personally, I joined MTSUs Band of Blue and made some friends for life. I was also a part of the fraternity Alpha Tau Omega for a few years and met my roommates and best friends there. If you are looking to meet new friends, its easy at MTSU. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Ken:Although they offer career days at MTSU, I have never had the opportunity to attend. However, student services is very good on campus and helps students with many things. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Ken:There are a million different places on campus to studyfrom the library, to outside on the patio of the student union, to the open spaces of the science building. Describe the surrounding town. Ken:There are a lot of different and interesting things to do in Murfreesborofrom the parks, to the mall, to the golf courses. Murfreesboro is an alright little place to be. What makes Murfreesboro even better is that its only 45minutes away from Nashville, which has everything. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Ken:MTSUs student body is huge. Surprisingly, the class sizes were never too crowded. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Ken:The most recent memory that I had was in my Biochemistry class with my professor Dr. Burden. As we all were beginning the experiment, he stopped us and asked, Does anybody actually know what we are doing? Our class fell silent and looked at him a little confused everyone except me. I continued to measure out the amount of distilled water I needed, and without missing a beat, I said, Science. Dr. Burden and everybody in the lab turned and looked at me. The only thing that broke the silence was our teacher bellowing out a laugh that shook the beakers and he said, Keep this up and youll be my favorite class. Check out Ken'stutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Incorporating Feedback

Incorporating Feedback What is feedback?Feedback is information and advice provided either to help inform current work or to help you reflect on work you have already done. Feedback is an essential element of the learning process. It allows students to reflect on their learning, clarify areas where they can improve, and gain the opportunity to self-assess their skills and capabilities. In education, two types of feedback are recognized: formative and summative. Formative feedback is to help you improve or develop your work while there is still time to make improvements or changes. Summative feedback is information that usually comes at the end of a module or assignment that tells you how you have performed. This could be a grade or could include written feedback, either personal or generic.Read on for some more information about feedback and how it can help students of all ages!What are the benefits of feedback?Feedback is crucial in aiding us to improve the standard of our current work and can help us inf orm our future work. Great feedback can:1. Inform the development of current work: highlight areas to develop or change, provide new ideas, introduce different perspectives 2. Help you improve work for future assessments3. Provide new ideas, create inspiration, inspire a different approach3. Encourage you and help you see unrecognized merit or potential in your own work4. Stimulate independence 5. Develop versatility by informing how you workHow does feedback work?Feedback is part of a process, not an object or commodity. Engaging with feedback is an integral part of your learning, development, and understanding. Feedback comes from a variety of sources both formal and informal. Different sources might be more informed in aspects of technology, theory, and process, but all can expose you to different agendas.How should I incorporate feedback?You will usually need to actively reflect upon and interpret your feedback for it to be effective. You may get conflicting feedback or opinions that leads in different directions. It is your responsibility to decide what to do with feedback: this process should deepen your understanding.First and foremost we need to listen and read through the feedback obtained. Reflect and decide what to do: what changes should be made, what has worked in the past? Follow up with a specific plan! How can we make the most of feedback?1. Prepare 2. Check for clarity: make sure work is clear and clearly presented3. Question yourself: what questions might you be asked? What would you like advice on?4. Check past feedback: don’t repeat the same mistakes5. Listen and applyHow can we prepare for feedback?1. Expectations: what type of feedback are you likely to receive? How much feedback can you expect? 2. Be open to feedback by listening: constructive criticism is helpful3. Give and take feedback: share your ideas/ skills with othersOur tutors excel at helping students develop study habits and test-taking confidence. In a 1-on-1 setting, stude nts can ask questions and receive coaching and explanations in a way that makes sense to them. Please reach out to us if you’d like to learn more about how we can help your student!

Take Up On - Phrasal Verb of the Day

Take Up On - Phrasal Verb of the Day Todays phrasal verb of the day is: Take Up OnInfinitive form: Take Up OnPresent Tense: Take Up On/ Takes Up Oning form: Taking Up OnPast tense: Took Up OnPast Participle: Taken Up OnTake Up On is a separable English phrasal verb. Its context is based in an invitation made to someone, such as the following:When you accept an invitation or offer from someone1. We should have taken up Paul on his offer to give us a ride home.2. Im sorry, but i cant commit right now since I just took up a clients offer on a project that will get me very busy in the next few weeks.Video?Exercises: Write your answers in comments and we will correct them.Fill in the gaps from the video above:Complete the sentences below with the correct form of Take Up On.1. Sally cant seem to make up her mind as to whether she should be ____ ___ Ted ___ his offer or not.2. This looks like a decent proposal, we should ____ __ the boss ___ his offer.3. We ___ __ Candice ___ her offer for the job abroad.4. After the incident last year, I will never _____ ___ Michelle __ her offer ever again.5. How many hours do I have to work per week if I decide to ____ you___  __ your offer?Change the example sentences above to negative sentences (or positive, if the sentence is already negative). Then change them to questions.

How to Fail Epically at Self-teaching Any Language

How to Fail Epically at Self-teaching Any Language How to Fail at Self-teaching Any Language: 6 Tips for the Modern Bore Have you heard the crazy idea that learning a language should be  fun?I’m writing this post because Im greatly concerned.This whole fun learning business is really  an epidemic that’s catching like wildfire among language learners.Learning is fun?What a preposterous and nonsensical claim!No, learning is a serious endeavor and the word “fun” has absolutely no place in it.My hope is that I’m not too late and you haven’t bought into this “fun” movement.Ill give you 6 tips to save yourself from all this nonsense. Please take them to heart and follow my admonitions to the letter. They’re your keys to fun-free language learningâ€"the keys to the salvation of your very soul. How to Fail at Self-teaching Any Language: 6 Tips for the Modern Bore1. Only Read Thick, Musty Books Printed Before the 1840sEver heard of these things called e-books and apps?They tempt you by claiming that they’re effective, engaging, cheap, portableâ€"which, in fairness, they really areâ€"but th ey’re still  no match for those printed before the 1840s.E-books are literally everywhere, and they’re often free!Apps are language learning fun-meisters that make language acquisition as painless and as smooth as possible. One  of the most effective ones is  Duolingo.One look at Duolingo’s green owl logo and you know things are gonna be light. Well, surprise, surpriseâ€"the site claims exactly that its “fun” and “addicting.” That is, gamification is integrated into every lesson and every page and, before you know it, you’re already learning and having fun at the same time.FluentU  is another major player in the fun movement.Imagine, they take real-life videos of, say, two friends having dinner, and they turn it into a language lesson! And not only that, FluentU even goes above and beyond to make things fun by providing cool videos like Guardians of the Galaxy Clips, The Hunger Games trailers, wildlife documentaries, cartoons and more. Theres something that could tem pt any of the most seriously language learners.Watch out for these landmines. Your safest bet is the fun-free books printed before the 1840s. Don’t worry that they’re super huge, heavy and bad for your back. Chicks dig a crooked spine!2. Just Say No to VideosIn addition to FluentU, other types of video learning methods can breed this brand of educational entertainment.Whether they’re in the form of movies, telenovelas or a YouTube clip, these videos mean only one thing: engaged learning. So be on the look out. You’ll never know that you’re already both learning and having fun.We bores need to protect our reputations, you know.So say “no” to videos. Don’t ever believe the stacks of peered-reviewed and scientific journal and experiments that prove that using technology can make for more effective language acquisition. Don’t be swayed simply because  theyre peddled by PhD holders and scientists from the most reputable universities and institutions in the world.Go for real books printed before the 1840s.3. Remember: Music Is for PansiesCan you believe the language courses these days? They actually incorporate music into the lessons!Just because some scientists studying the human brain says music underlies language acquisition doesnt mean you should believe it.Music is really just a distraction. Instead of force feeding the lessons into your head, your mood gets elevated and you feel a little giddy. Your fingers start tapping to the sound. Your head begins bobbing too! And not long after that, your body is swaying to the beat.So instead of being a totally respectable and stuck up language learner, you become this happy weirdo gyrating his/her body to some music, shouting  out catchy song lyrics in your target language.Well, if you really want to be that lame, go ahead. Learn Spanish with music. Learn French as well. Enjoy at your own risk. In fact, if you want to learn more about music and language acquisition, check out this post.4. Incubate Insi de Your RoomLearning is a marathon. It’s supposed to be hard. And it’s meant to be done alone.Being alone in your room and going through heavy books builds your character. You become stronger, you become self-sufficient. So don’t be a sissy and ask for the help of anyone. You’re a big boy (or girl), so why ask for help?Others who arent as strong-willed as you go on sites like: italki, Livemocha, Busuu and The Mixxer.These are all community sites for language learners. When you get on these sites, you might find someone you can chat with, Skype with or even learn with. Eventually you’ll get friends who will, in turn, encourage you and, God forbid, even make the lessons fun.Who would ever want that?Learning is best when youre in the comforts of a room, alone. So go at it by yourself. Don’t look for language learning partners. They’re really only interested in your snacks.5. Force Yourself to Fluency in 3 HoursHow long does it take to learn a new language?Some say 3 month s, others 6 months.Others have even put forward the idea that it takes a total of 10,000 hours for a person to be really good at anything. But for me? Three hours. That’s all it really takes to master a language.(If youre a little a slow, maybe add another 30 minutes.)Nothing to it. Don’t believe the studies that highlight the importance of pacing and sequencing in effective learning.  Don’t believe what scientists have found: supposedly that cramming doesnt work.Oh well, if you really insist on doing the opposite of everything I’m telling you here, this is what you need to do: don’t cram for language acquisition. Immerse yourself in the lessons and get into situations where you can naturally practice what youve learned. Don’t be a hero and try to do everything in one sitting.Pace yourself. Have ample time for breaks during your learning sessions.Sequence your lessons properly. That means starting with the easiest language tasks and progressing to lessons that are only m arginally more difficult than the previous one. Think: challenging but doable. Don’t skip directly to intermediate lessons, thinking you’ll learn the basics along the way. Nope, it doesn’t work that way, Jose. Unless youve laid a strong foundation, all your future learnings will be shifting sand.If you do these, you’ll start having fun(don’t say you’ve never been warned) and may God have mercy on your linguistic soul.6. Shun the Help of Intrusive Native SpeakersOhhhhh, native speakers.They’re all so stuck up with their sexy Spanish accents and their seductive French pronunciations. They’re all like, “You want to learn my language? Let me help you, mademoiselle.”They’re all so full of themselves.Run away from the native speakers and avoid sites like conversationexchange.com  at all costs.God forbid you might meet the natives and they might teach you something more than your textbooks, tainting your learning experience. They might share their culture  with you, o r tell you funny or interesting events in their nation’s history. They might give you local knowledge that could lead you to the best restaurants and the most interesting sites  in their home city.And the result of all of this?Fun, of course!So avoid sites like openculture.com. You might really begin to appreciate the culture and ultimately fall in love with the language. And itll be the end of you.Speaking of the end, those are the 6 powerful tips to squeeze all the fun out of self-teaching any language. I know theyll serve you well in the future. So spread the word, tell everybody you know and spare them this “fun” disease that’s spreading all over.But in the end, the choice is still yours. If, however, in spite of all my admonitions, you still want to have fun (ooooh, that gives me the shivers), then do the exact opposite of what I told you here. It’s your choice. I just did my part, the rest is up to you!So, what’s it gonna be? And One More ThingIf youd rather keep fun in your language learning, youll love using FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.