Studying Abroad - Academic Tutoring

Studying Abroad - Academic TutoringIn an increasingly globalised world, the quality of education offered in many countries of the world is often affected by where it happens to be being taught. Why is this? The short answer is that teaching in another country, or even in another country in another language, provides an opportunity for international students to work closely with well-established institutions of higher learning to meet their specific needs.The introduction of extensive conferences and various activities to assist students, such as some of the programs offered by the OECD have ensured that study is no longer an isolated pursuit, but one that can lead to a better understanding of how their education is structured. For example, having had an opportunity to work closely with other students, lecturers and tutors in the United States, they were able to observe the thought processes, and advise them accordingly. Working with the tutors, and having to justify their decisions c an become more difficult, but is also a beneficial experience for those who do so. Indeed, tutoring can be a significant aspect of working in a foreign country.However, whilst this may well be an advantage, there is also the potential that any improvement in the work of students in a foreign country may also result in students being over-stressed, as their study tends to take up much of their time. Furthermore, their ability to think about their subject and achieve is weakened, as their attention will be diverted to the workings of the institution. There is a constant challenge to be had with studying abroad.Academics studying abroad often use universities, teaching hospitals and other higher learning institutions. The lack of direct contact with colleagues and fellow students and staff is often brought about by the lack of resources. Student have become increasingly aware of the benefits of working with other international students, and the accessibility they can offer, although th e numbers are relatively small, many smaller countries, are willing to offer these opportunities.Although students who have studied abroad often do well in the short term, their international education can do much to affect their ability to be successful in the future. Individuals who have studied in the UK often experience stress as they tend to be judged against their classmates. The better the class grades, the higher their position, and this can often result in an inability to establish a career, although this is likely to occur in some more competitive courses.Lecturers are often expected to be friendly and accessible to students. The interaction that is not possible in an academic setting may cause problems in the classroom. Additionally, academic staff should be able to offer and receive tutoring, which is often far more difficult to arrange when a student is not given the opportunity to have this type of advice. While this may be an issue for some, there are many universitie s that are open to students, and will be able to offer courses in ways that can help.Of course, all of these problems can be overcome, but perhaps with the aid of internationally trained students, who are more in tune with the challenges of academic life. If students are able to offer advice, suggestions and support to their teachers and lecturers, the best students will come out better.

Visit Italy While Teaching Italian

Visit Italy While Teaching Italian The Importance of Cultural Immersion for Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language ChaptersDifficulties Understanding the Various Italian AccentsThe Benefits of Learning Italian SlangTeach Your Students Formal ItalianFall in Love with ItalyIf you dream of becoming an Italian teacher but you’ve never set foot on Italian soil, you may be missing out â€" so hop on a flight as soon as you can!If you miss out on truly discovering Italy with this unique learning experience, you risk leaving holes in your experience which could impact your professional life.Italian culture is immensely rich, from its gastronomy to the ancient architecture of the Roman towns, there is so much to learn about!In addition to lacking key  Italian vocabulary, you would also miss out on the warm Italian welcome that can only be found in some of Europe’s most beautiful cities.It’s astonishing that anyone, let alone budding languages teachers would want to miss out on learning how to speak Italian by wandering Italy’s narrow streets and learning about the culture from the locals.Learning a new language is about so much more than learning new words and the Italian grammar that governs them â€" learning to speak Italian is about exploring the history of Italy’s civilisation and its effect on modern-day life in the former centre of the Roman empire.Whether you’re aiming to become a primary, secondary or sixth form Italian teacher in the UK, the way you will gain the best experience most effectively is by spending some time in the country itself!If you’re a university student, keep your eyes open for opportunities to work, study and volunteer abroad.So, what are you waiting for?Italy is waiting to welcome you with open arms â€" and if you’re still not convinced, here are four problems you may encounter if you decide visiting Italy isn’t for you.perfect your Italian pronunciation  by exposing yourself to the Italian language as it is spoken by natives.In spoken Italian, the stress is usually put on the penultimate syllable of each word. When this isn’t the cas e, the stress is indicated in the spelling of the word in question, although, there are a number of exceptions.So, to avoid comprehension issues and adopt good habits from the start of your Italian learning, going to Italy is important. Even by just spending a few days in Italy, your ear for Italian will improve without you even realising, helping you become more familiar with the intonation used by native speakers so that you repeat it automatically when speaking Italian.Your visits to Italy will also help you gauge the level of your Italian language skills and see how you have improved since your last visit.Total immersion in this country which is known for its art and history will teach your brain to start thinking in Italian rather than English â€" even if it is just a few words to begin with.This usually happens involuntarily within few days of arriving in a foreign country and is a signal of how deep your language learning is going.If you don’t feel ready to visit Italia, or it’s just not a good time, you can always take private Italian lessons with a one to one Italian tutor.Your tutor can meet you at home or deliver an Italian lesson via webcam. Interacting with another human being will improve your chances of speaking Italian more accurately â€" something that can be missing from those who learn languages online.The Benefits of Learning Italian SlangIn Italian, just like in other languages spoken around the world, there are many different ways you can express yourself.From formal Italian phrases to Italian slang words, Italian speaking varies from one situation to the next.And you won’t find the language of the Italian streets in your phrasebook.Here is what one Italian learner experienced:When I arrived in Argentina, where I would live for the next year, I found it impossible to understand Spanish. Not only did they speak incredibly quickly, but they also used a lot of expressions I had never encountered in my Spanish lessons. So, even after fi ve years of Spanish lessons at school, I was not always able to express myself as I wanted to.Several months passed before I felt able to use everyday phrases such as ‘I don’t care’.Sadly, similar stories to this one are all too common among future languages teachers training for their PGCE without having spent enough time around native speakers.Although some may only be hoping to teach the basics of a language to younger children, neglecting your own language skills can prevent them from accessing new opportunities in the future. Learn what qualifications you need to become an Italian teacher.Don’t fall for the traps. The best Italian language lessons cannot be found by google 'Italian online', and even the most expensive tutoring out there won’t be able to teach you what you learn by spending time abroad.The only way you can acquire this kind of knowledge is by going to Italy and interacting with real Italians.And don’t be shy â€" they will be delighted to teach you ev en the most offensive insults of their native language!You’ll learn about the conversational language of the younger generation, which has evolved significantly with the arrival of mobile phones and the internet. And because major changes in a language usually stem from its youngest speakers, you can experience these changes first-hand!Learn Italian as it is spoken by people your age ¦ source: Pixabay - Free-PhotosOnce you become a teacher and spend your school holidays in Italy, you’ll be able to tell your students all about how Italian children of the same age spend their time.Experience isn’t something you can learn; it’s something you live.The national curriculum forgets this, and so exams and tests usually centre heavily on the knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as correct use of adjectives, nouns and conjugating Italian verbs, and the cultural aspect isn’t even considered.Make the most of your time as an undergraduate and go abroad for an experience you’ ll never forget!Interacting with native speakers and getting to know the accents of Italy’s cities will stand you in good stead when exam time comes around, and the things you once found difficult will become significantly easier.Teach Your Students Formal ItalianOnce you become an Italian tutor at last, your pupils will expect the best from you â€" as will your employer.Being given tutor jobs isn’t just an end goal â€" it marks the beginning of your teaching career.During your first year in a teaching position, you will be regularly observed by another teacher or assessor while you teach, so it’s important that you maintain a good relationship with your pupils and direct their learning towards a more polite way of speaking Italian.This means that if ever they go to Italy, they be able to use Italian manners and communicate effectively and politely.Although, as the age-old argument goes, ‘everyone speaks English anyway’, Italian is a major language in International exchang es thanks to Italy’s cultural output.Fashion is a particularly large sector of the Italian economy. With brands such as Dolce Gabbana, Giorgio Armani and Gucci, Italian high fashion is incredibly important on the runway and on the high street.For this reason, many fashion businesses look to employ people who can speak both English and Italian.Fall in Love with ItalyIt’s a well-known fact that we are best at explaining the things we are passionate about.These days, there are a number of ways you can spend some time in Italy:Work placementsLanguage exchangesStudying abroadIt would be a shame to not take advantage of this!Your passion for the Italian language will only grow as you spend more time speaking it.Enjoy an Italian coffee and discover what makes Italy unique! ¦ source: Pixabay - eliasfallaSo, discover Italy and the ancient culture, gastronomy and architecture that are so often associated with it.Did you know that the Italians have at least 10 names for their coffee?Diff erent words and phrases are used to describe the different method for preparing the famous beverage.Once you have taken the time to wander through the winding streets of Italy, photographed the ancient ruins, and spoken to all kinds of Italian people, you’ll be ready to take on a class of pupils  who are raring to study Italian.You’ll be able to teach them all about Italy, and emphasise the need to learn about the culture that goes with a language.Your knowledge could put you in charge of organising a trip to Italy for your class, meaning that your favourite places will no longer remain a mystery to your enthusiastic students as they fall in love with Italy for themselves, even if they only learn to speak basic Italian.

Success Principles We Should Know Today (Results From Our Survey) - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Success Principles We Should Know Today (Results From Our Survey) - Introvert Whisperer Success Principles We Should Know Today (Results From Our Survey) Success is a funny thing to talk about. If you ask a hundred people their definition of success, there’s a chance that you get a hundred different answers. It depends on a lot of things. How you were brought up, where you were brought up, who you hang out with, the list goes on and on. So what is success to you? Is it having more money? Health? Good relationships? Being happy? Being more spiritual? If you ask a hundred people their definition of success, theres a chance that you get a hundred different answers. Whatever it is, chances are you haven’t reached that point yet. And even if you have, chances are you changed your definition of success and you’re looking for more. Whatever your definition, this post can help take you one step closer to that goal. So how does this work? First of all, we got a total of 176 individuals of all backgrounds that we would consider somewhat successful. We have CEO’s, business owners, editors, bloggers, partners and many more. They all have their own definition of success. While they might not all think that they are successful, our contributors are definitely considered successful by some, if not most people’s standards. They took a survey, so the average is where we try to strive towards to increase our chances. They also left a few sentences each about what they think we need to know. Whether success means health, wealth, spiritual wellbeing, good relationships or anything else, this is how you can take a step towards it and take your life to a much higher standard.

Online Tutors Accelerate your learning!!

Online Tutors Accelerate your learning!! 0SHARESShare What good can a tutor do? When education succeeds, knowledge flourishes. That’s why; we took the initiative to be the first to start up an online education portal. Since then, we have continues to be proactive in encouraging growth in every individual’s growth in academics. As education is the life blood of any tutor, our commitment as a team does more than just providing high quality education. We have interactive modules that stimulate the inquisitiveness that lies behind every new subject one comes across. Students are given special lectures2 and seminars on career related topics. Our tutors support with counseling sessions also if needed. Everything is done online. There are plenty of e-books available for any kind of reference. We challenge student’s thinking and encourage exploration in new areas of education. The student’s experiences are then integrated into theoretical basics learnt in a particular subject. The assignments done by the students are thoroughly analyzed to give a complete feedback on the student’s understanding in the concerned subject matter. All these training programs are designed in order to make the children confident human beings, better students, successful achievers and also give them mental strength to fight against failures. [starbox id=admin]

How Introverts Can Cope With Depression in the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Introverts Can Cope With Depression in the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer How Introverts Can Cope With Depression in the Workplace If you suffer from something like carpal tunnel or a bad back while at work, chances are you’ll take steps to address the issue. You’ll take proper breaks, stand up and stretch on a regular basis, and get some lumbar back support or a more ergonomic chair. After all, it’s natural to address our physical ailments â€" especially in our workspaces, where we need to maintain productivity. One struggle that often goes unnoticed, however, is depression. The long-term, slowly creeping, nefariously subtle onset of depression can make it difficult to identify as an issue in the first place. But once it has taken hold, depression’s elusive ability to be properly addressed can make it extremely difficult to deal with … and cripple our ability to work for months and even years at a time. Not Alone Suffering from depression isn’t an uncommon issue. In fact, depression could take second place as a leading global cause of disability as soon as 2020. In other words, a lot of people struggle with depression. Not only that, but introverts, in particular, are often more susceptible to slipping into a depressed state of mind. The revelation is hardly a surprising one; introverts have busy, bustling minds that are constantly churning. They can easily get lost in unexpressed thoughts and emotions, and their typically creative minds can leave them feeling unfulfilled and uninvested in the humdrum daily happenings that surround them. They also can be perfectionistic and severely critical of themselves, both of which, when unchecked, can feed into self-esteem issues and, consequently, depression. Of course, being introverted isn’t the only thing that can exacerbate depression symptoms. It can develop from a variety of other things as well. For example, seasonal changes can lead to seasonal affective disorder. Hormonal fluctuations from things like premenstrual syndrome or post-birth “baby blues” can intensify depression for women as well. Anxiety and stress, in general, are also common culprits. When life throws stressful events our way, they can often be difficult to process. Sometimes, depending on the individual and the cause of the stress, it can blow over quickly and everything will go back to normal. However, if our brains get stuck in overdrive â€" an easy thing for an introvert â€" it can seriously affect our mood and predispose us to depression. Coping With Depression in the Workplace Whatever the cause, once depression has taken hold, it can be intensely difficult to break free. This is compounded by the stigma associated with mental health, which can prevent workers from seeking mental health resources and support. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to address it. In fact, there are quite a few ways to actively combat depression as you go through your workday. Drink Tea Studies have shown that drinking green tea can have a positive effect in the fight against depression symptoms. It has also been linked to reward learning â€" the idea of following a positive experience with a positive response â€" which, in turn, can also directly impact depression. In other words, green tea is a win-win in more ways than one. Take a Mental Health Day Mental health days are the cognitive equivalent of a sick day, and they’re growing in popularity as more workplaces acknowledge the importance of tending to their employees’ mental health as well as their physical ailments. It’s a trend that employees should take full advantage of. Being able to tap out for a day or two in order to tend to your mental state can be an excellent way to combat workplace depression. Analyze Your Thought Processes Of course, if you take a day to rest your mind, you don’t want to spend it stewing over depressing thoughts. Whether you’re taking a mental health day or not, it’s important to also make sure to take the time to analyze and address your thought processes. The good news here is that introverts have an advantage: They’re typically more practiced in the realm of cognitive analysis since they spend so much time thinking and pondering. This gives them a leg up on identifying bad thought processes and cognitive distortions. The critical factor here, though, is that you make yourself willing to identify shortcomings and incorrect thoughts without simply allowing it to dogpile on your self-esteem issues. When taking the time to analyze your thoughts, make sure to keep a positive mindset and look for ways to improve your mental state rather than simply finding more reasons to be depressed. Don’t Give Up on Appearance It doesn’t matter if you’re attending a networking event or getting ready to work from the couch all day â€" if you’re struggling with depression, it’s critical that you make an effort to make yourself presentable. If you actually take the time to get dressed, brush your teeth, and tend to your overall appearance, it will naturally help promote positive feelings about yourself. Get Some Sunshine Sunshine is an age-old prescription for depression. It’s important to understand, though, that you may need regular and prolonged treatment for weeks to feel the full effects of this one. If you can get some daily time in the sun, it shouldn’t be long before you start feeling a difference. Studies have shown that “light therapy” has been effective for as much as 70% of those fighting against SAD symptoms. Take Breaks Taking breaks is an important part of any workday. It’s already proven to boost productivity, but it can also help fight depression at the same time. Not only does this give your mind an important rest, but it allows you to stretch, get some exercise, and even seek out some sunlight or another cup of green tea. Gaining a Deeper Understanding As a final piece of advice, remember that you’re not alone in your struggle. As you try to implement various ways to relieve your depression symptoms, rest in the fact that there are countless others quietly struggling by your side. The plain truth is, everyone fighting depression is searching for a solution to their problem. Yet, no one will ever create the “perfect formula” that answers every conundrum that depression presents. And it’s okay to not have those sudden, life-changing answers. Rather, try to focus on small but significant changes. Sooner or later, you’ll begin to feel the shackles of depression shake loose and a more positive mindset become the norm once again. By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace  is a blogger from Boise, Idaho and a recent graduate from the University of Montana. Wallace contributes to a variety of different blogs online and focuses on writing about career advice. Image Source: Pixabay Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Learn Hindi To Discover One Of The Oldest Cultures In The World

Learn Hindi To Discover One Of The Oldest Cultures In The World There Are So Many Reasons To Learn The Hindi Language ChaptersLearn More About Hindi CultureLearning Hindi Is A Great Way To Learn About Indian CultureFind The Best Hindi Teacher For YouThere’s no getting around it â€" Hindi is an old language. Originally derived from Sanskrit, a language which has been around for around 3,500 years, Hindi as it is spoken and written today evolved over hundreds of years. Although the earliest form of Hindi was known as Apabhramsa, which was around during 400 AD, the modern script of Hindi, which is written in Devanagari, came into being around the 11th century.Due to its long and established history, anyone looking to learn Hindi will have access to hundreds of years’ worth of literature and poetry, which is a very exciting prospect indeed, and will certainly provide lots of learning material when improving your knowledge of the language.Nepal;Fiji; andTrinidad and Tobago,This makes Hindi a truly great language if you love south-east Asia and it is a brilliant language if you’re looking to learn o ne that can be used internationally.Hindi is also spoken as the main language in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, among others. It’s also spoken as the main language in Delhi â€" a location with a wide number of cultural attractions, including:The Red Fort;Chattarpur Temple;ISKCON Temple; andLodhi Garden, to name a few.If you are also able to speak English, then you’ll find travelling or working in India that much easier if you also have Hindi as a language in your repertoire. And when trying to find out more about an old and established culture such as India’s, being able to speak with the locals is a key factor in being able to experience and discover more about old traditions.The Red Fort in India. Learning Hindi can really help if you plan on travelling to India. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Pi6el, Pixabay)Learning Hindi Is A Great Way To Learn About Indian CultureIt’s often said that the way to a country’s culture is through its language. If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Indian culture, or want to explore this nation’s deep and rich history, then learning Hindi is a great way to begin.Ultimately, India has one of the oldest cultures on the planet, and by learning Hindi you’ll be able to understand and learn more about what makes India so unique. Whether you’re:Hoping to explore India during an upcoming trip;Fascinated by the architectural wonders of India, such as the Taj Mahal;Looking to learn more about Indian film through Bollywood; orOn the hunt for great Hindi literature to read,Learning Hindi is truly a gateway to India. Although not everyone in India will speak Hindi (there are, after all, 23 official languages of India, including English) Hindi is one of the most widely spoken, and you can learn about much of Indian culture if you choose to learn Hindi.Take, for example, India’s rich and prosperous film industry. Bollywood, as the industry is commonly kno wn, features a wide range of Hindi-language films, so if you’re looking to learn about Indian culture through film, then Hindi is a great place to start.For instance, you could watch films such as Like Stars on Earth, Dangal, or Trapped to get a feel for the language and culture, but of course, there are so many more films you can see as well, whether they’re new releases this year or a few decades old!What's also great about being a learner of Hindi is the fact that once you've learnt how to speak Hindi, you should also be conversational in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. This is because both languages are linguistically and grammatically similar to each other, so speakers of Hindi can usually communicate to speakers of Urdu, although both languages are written in a different script.The Hindi language is widely spoken across India. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, wiganparky0, Pixabay)Find The Best Hindi Teacher For YouWhether you’re passionate about India’s architecture, w ant to travel to India to experience its fantastic food culture, or want to learn more about the history of this country through its literature and theatre, then finding a good Hindi teacher can be a great first step to take.Luckily, when it comes to learning a new language, a good teacher will make sure that you learn at a pace that suits you, and that you learn keywords, phrases, and verbs that are appropriate for your learning goals. Just make sure to reach out to your teacher about any particular questions or concerns that you have prior to starting the course so that your teacher is aware of any specific learning outcomes you may like to achieve.For instance, if you need to travel to India for work, then learning Hindi with a business focus would be your best bet, while anyone looking to undertake a culinary journey around India would do well to learn as many names of different foods and drinks as possible.When finding your next tutor, make sure you discuss your learning goals with them, so that they can tailor your lessons appropriately, and equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed on your next trip to India.Ideally, you should find a course that will cater to your language ability, whether you're a beginner when it comes to Hindi and the Hindi script, or you're able to speak Hindi fluently but want to keep on top of your language knowledge.As such, at a minimum, any Hindi language courses  for beginners that you consider should look to introduce you to things such as:Greetings in Hindi;Common words that you'll encounter in your day to day travels around India or in a business environment;Listening exercises and other learning tools that help to develop your listening skills; andHindi grammar, as well as popular Hindi phrases, sentence structure, vocabulary, and the principles of good pronunciation.Learning a language is never easy, even if you are multilingual already, so it's very important that you find a Hindi tutor who is able to show you ho w to learn Hindi in a way that complements your interests in Hindi and your own learning style. You can learn Hindi online if you'd prefer to have lessons remotely. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, kalhh, Pixabay)Should I Learn Hindi Online?Once you’ve decided you’d like to learn Hindi, another crucial item to consider is how you’d like to learn the language. There are lots of courses available online that claim to teach you Hindi, but you should really do your research before paying for an online course.See what other people have said about the course, whether it offers any contact time with a tutor remotely, and check whether the course is able to teach you at the language level you need. For instance, you don’t want to book onto an online Hindi course for intermediate learners if you’re not even familiar with the Hindi alphabet!As an alternative, you could look to use an online tutor to provide you with one on one Hindi lessons from the comfort of your home. Using sites such as Superprof, you can search for Hindi tutors that are happy to offer online lessons, and set a learning schedule that fits around your life.You could even ask your tutor to focus on particular topics. For example, if you're an English speaker and would like to start your Hindi language journey by learning which English words appear within the Hindi vocabulary, your Hindi tutor should be able to accommodate that request. Equally, if you'd like to start by learning key Hindi words and phrases, a tutor should be able to incorporate this into your learning schedule.Even if you’re not a fan of online tutoring, you can still find tutors that are happy to provide lessons in person or in a group setting, such as during a workshop, in a location near to you. You just need to enter your postcode when searching for a suitable tutor, and a list of available tutors in your area will appear.Ultimately, a Hindi teacher or tutor will want you to succeed in your language learning journey, and findin g a good teacher is the first step to learning about one of India’s most spoken and most popular languages.With a history running into the hundreds of years, there are plenty of learning materials for you to access, and there are millions of people out there that you can communicate with if you do decide to take the plunge and learn Hindi, so why not give it a go today?

DNA Diagram Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

DNA Diagram Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace DNA is the basic hereditary material of organisms .It is seen in the cytoplasm as nucleoid and plasmids in prokaryotes and located inside the nucleus in eukaryotes. DNA is the hereditary material through which characters are transferred from one generation to the next generation. It acts as the blue prints for the cell. The sudden change happening to the DNA is called mutation which results in alterations in the behavior of the cell. Watson, Crick and Wilkins described the molecular arrangement of DNA .They were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1962 for the discovery. The proposed double helix model of DNA resembles a spiral ladder. It is made up of two polynucleotide chains paired by their nitrogen-containing bases. Two strands of alternating phosphate groups and deoxyribose sugars form the rail of the ladder. Paired bases, held together by hydrogen bonds, form the steps of the ladder. The nitrogenous bases are of two types-Purines and pyramidines.The two purines are Adenine and Guanine and the two pyrimidine are Cytosine and Thymine. One purine always pairs with one pyrimidine. Adenine always pairs with thymine and vice versa, and cytosine always pairs with guanine. The adenine and thymine pairs by two hydrogen bonds, cytosine and guanine pairs by means of three hydrogen bonds. The sugar and phosphate units in the DNA helix therefore build up the phosphate backbone of DNA. It is in a specific way the twisted molecules are arranged, one strand is arranged in the 5 to 3 direction while the complementary strand is arranged in the 3 to 5 direction. The two strands are antiparallel to one another.

Link Between Screen Time and Academic Performance

Link Between Screen Time and Academic Performance As our use of electronic devices increases, researchers continue to study the potential effects of screen time on all areas of our lives, including our physical health, emotional well-being, and productivity. In children and teens, researchers are also looking at the impact on academic performance. On average, children and teens watch television between 1.8 and 2.8 hours a day, play video games for 40 minutes, and use a computer for 34 minutes. Almost 30% of children and teens spend more than four hours per day of their free time using screens. When you consider that kids and teens have about eight hours of time each day thats not spent sleeping or at school, then they are spending up to half of their free time each day looking at a screen! A recent meta-analysis study published in JAMA Pediatrics1 analyzed the findings from 58 previous studies that looked at the connection between screen time and academic performance. Many of these prior studies showed negative associations between screen time and academic performance. For example, one found that adolescents who spent more than seven hours per day on screens were 40% less likely to achieve high academic performance. In the current study, the researchers examined the overall connection between increases in screen time and academic performance. The findings show that as time spent watching television or playing video games increases, academic performance decreases. They also show that spending time on these activities may have a greater effect on academic performance for adolescents than children. Overall, the findings provide even more evidence of the need for limits around screen time in kids and teens. Of course, not all screen time is bad. Using a computer for homework or a tablet to FaceTime with friends is much different from spending hours watching YouTube videos or playing video games. But too much time watching TV (or YouTube) and playing video games does seem to take a toll. Its probably not the content of the video or video game that is the problem. The negative impact is likely driven in part by what kids and teens are not doing when they are their screens: they are not being physically active, reading a book, playing music, or creating art all factors that have been positively associated with stronger academic performance. So far, researchers have not looked specifically at the connection between screen time and academic performance in kids with ADHD. But, since children and teens with ADHD have more academic challenges in general and need more physical activity to manage their symptoms, its possible that the connection between increased screen time and decreased academic performance is even more striking when ADHD is part of the picture. While researchers continue to study and explore the reasons why screens seem to be taking a toll on our kids and teens, its important for parents to be aware of how much time everyone in the family is spending on their devices each day. Setting screen time limits in your home will not cause any harm, but there is a very good chance that it may help kids and teens be more successful at school and in other areas of their lives. 1Adelantado-Renau et al, (2019) Association Between Screen Media Use and Academic Performance Among Children and Adolescents. JAMA Pediatrics, epub. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center 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 of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

The First Tutoring Session

The First Tutoring Session What Tutors, Parents, and Students Can Do to Make it SuccessfulFirst impressions are everything! Just like with any interaction, you might feel nervous going to your first tutoring session, whether youre a student or a parent. Still, the first session is the cornerstone for successâ€"it sets the standard for all future sessions. If you prepare for it, you can lay the foundation for not only  academic achievement, but a meaningful relationship!But what makes a first tutoring session successful?  What are the specific steps tutors, parents, and students should take to make the first session as successful as possible? Lets take a look at how we at AJ Tutoring prepare for our first sessions!What do our tutors do?Behind the Scenes   Our tutors are masters of their subject areas, armed with knowledge from elite colleges and universities. We as a company also provide ongoing support in the form of mentors, teams, and academic departments to ensure that our tutors remain at the top of their game.Student-Centered Coaching To be a successful tutor, we believe that you must be able to build positive working relationships with your students. Our student-centered approach allows our tutors to customize the sessions to the particular needs of each student. We coach our tutors to ask the right questions and encourage them to use their own strategies and bring their unique personalities to every session.Information Gathering Our tutors make their own schedules and so can work around a students needs. Once a student is assigned to them, tutors will reach out to schedule the first tutoring session. (We use Google Calendar to create event reminders for both students and parents.) Finally, tutors create a general plan for the students first session based on information gathered from our various communication channels.What can parents do?Logistical Support As a parent, you can help by making sure that your student can easily meet with their tutor. With younger students, you may nee d to take on a larger role in scheduling tutoring sessions. For older students, we recommend that you at least schedule the first session. For example, you can check in with your student to make sure they know when it is and at which office it is taking place. (Hint: check your Google Calendar invite if you dont remember!)Fill Out and Collect Materials At AJ, we want to ensure that we understand the goals for the student. For academic tutoring, we provide a parent goal form for you to fill outâ€"the information lets us know if theres anything specific we should target in sessions. For test prep tutoring, please bring any relevant previous test scores, if available. In addition, if you want to speak to the tutor in person, please do so! We encourage parents to use the beginning of the first session to let us know of any specific concerns or long-term goals.Prep the Student Lastly, talk to your student about their classes and goals. Does the student have any concerns or emotional need s? Are they motivated to try their best? What would they like to gain from their sessions? These conversations will be very valuable to tutors as they customize the tutoring sessions to the students  needs.What should students do?Tangibles As a student, there are a few things you should do before your first session. First, make sure that you have a general idea of what to expect from the first session, either by talking to your parent or your tutor. Also, plan out how youll get to the office (and on time!). Lastly, be prepared to answer questions about your education and academic goals. The more you have to say about your past experience, the better your tutor can figure out what you need to succeed.Intangibles Beyond what you literally bring to the session, your mind-set (your mental attitude) will affect how well your session goes! Students who come to the tutoring session with a growth mind-set rather than fixed one will end up getting more out of the experience. Someone with a f ixed mindset believes that nothing they do will change anything. Someone with a growth mindset sees failure as an opportunity to get better. They know that they can improve through dedication and perseverance. Dr. Carol Dweck’s research  proves that students with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed. In other words, dont let yourself hold you back! Come to your first session willing to do your best and open to trying new things. We are all lifelong learners at AJ, and we are excited to begin working with you!AJ Tutoring’s Checklist for First-Session Tutoring SuccessTutorsBehind-the-ScenesMaster content knowledge through college courseworkReceive ongoing organizational coaching and supportCollaborate and develop relationships with other tutors/educatorsStudent-Centered CoachingBuild effective and meaningful connections with studentsDevelop competency in student-centered teaching methods and strategiesIndividualize tutoring sessions to the particular needs of studentsInform ation GatheringKnowledgeable of test prep and academic tutoring processesCustomize the tutoring schedule to make the preparation happenCommunicate all necessary information to students and their familiesParentsLogistical SupportOrganize transportation to and from the tutoring sessionSet personal reminders to ensure the first session is not missedFill Out and Collect MaterialsPrior test scores (test prep)Parent goal form (academic)Prep StudentSet goals for the tutoring prior to the first sessionCommunicate the importance and opportunity of tutoringGet your student excited for the first session with their tutor!StudentsTangiblesTutoring: why you are coming to AJ?Transportation: how you are getting to AJ?Know your vision: think about what you want to gain from tutoringIntangiblesAdopt a growth mind-setBe willing to try your bestBe open to change