A level Maths Help What to Expect How to Tackle Problems

A level Maths Help What to Expect How to Tackle Problems Taking the Leap to Maths A-Level Can Be Daunting! ChaptersA-Level Math Course  SyllabusHelp with Maths A-Level RevisionWhere to Find A Level Maths Past PapersHire an A  level Maths TutorMaths at A-level can be an extremely challenging subject, which takes quite a leap from what you will have been doing in your maths GCSE. A-levels are divided into two years: in year twelve you will take your AS levels, and in year thirteen you will do A2. MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tuto rsA-Level Math Course  SyllabusMaths A-level, starting with AS level in year twelve, builds upon what you have been learning at GCSE. You will start cultivating the maths skills that you started learning throughout your GCSE, but you will develop this further and fine-tune subject knowledge on your way to handling much more complicated mathematics.So if you have no idea what to expect, you can check your syllabus according to the exam board your college will be using. But maths A-level, regardless of where you take it and the exam board you take it with, will consist of a fairly standard curriculum in the UK.Maths lessons during A-level can be quite a step up from GCSE. Photo credit: Vancouver Island University via Visual Hunt  AS and A2 maths consists of topics you will already be familiar with, as well as a few new concepts too. These are mainly outlined as:Algebra and functionsGeometrySequences and seriesTrigonometryExponentials and logarithmsDifferentiationIntegrationNumerical m ethodsVectorsStatistical samplingData presentation and interpretationProbabilityStatistical distribution and hypothesis testingQuantities and units in mechanicsKinematicsForces and Newton’s lawsMomentsSome of these will be built on in more detail and at a more difficult level if you opt for further maths.Further maths is an option offered by most A-level colleges, and it is also available if you take an international baccalaureate as your post-16 education path. If this is something that might interest you, make sure you check with your college to see if they can offer it.Further maths is a great opportunity to study sophisticated and challenging maths, whether you want to carry it through to university or you simply just can’t get enough of mathematics!You will probably be familiar with the majority of these standard A-level maths topics, and others might be completely new. You'll find that most of them will link back to topics you have seen at GCSE, and your teachers will show you how the maths you already know can be developed further.Help with Maths A-Level RevisionYou might find that some of these topics are quite challenging, and you could face a few hurdles during the transition from GCSE maths revision to AS level maths, and even further along in your A-level course as well.Perhaps you are finding A-level maths especially difficult? Have you fallen behind in class and feel like you can’t catch up? Or maybe it’s just a specific concept that you can’t get your head around?It’s completely normal to feel like you’re drowning in maths sometimes! There’s a lot to learn on an A-level course, and you are expected to acquire knowledge in great detail. This can sometimes be the biggest difference between GCSE and A-levels.The gap between GCSE and A-level can sometimes feel quite big, and you might feel as though you aren't finding your feet as quickly or as easily as you expected.The main difference between GCSE and A-level is that before you wer e given a clear structure of what you needed to know, whereas with A-level you are required to take a bit more initiative and do more study in your own time.And this is why it’s easy to fall a bit behind. It’s up to you to keep up at A-level, and if you have a lot going on and lots to learn across your subjects, you could face the problem of feeling like you don’t have enough time to learn everything you need to.With A-level maths - and all subjects for that matter - you will find that the biggest difference compared to GCSE is that you can't just get away with learning the content, you have to really understand  it too. This means putting in the extra hours of work outside of the classroom and trying not to fall behind.Keep Calm and PlanThe first step to take if you’re facing problems with your maths A-level is to keep calm and remember not to panic! Get hold of your course syllabus and sit down to make a detailed study plan. You can even find websites that will help you pu t together a revision timetable so that you prioritise the right stuff.Time management is crucial for any study period, and especially in your exams.Plan out how much time you need to spend on each topic, leaving the most time for whatever you find the most challenging.With maths, practise really does make perfect. So the best way to overcome hurdles and problem areas is by sitting down and practising the maths until it becomes second nature and you can solve problem with ease and confidence.Going over your notes and doing past papers is a great way to revise! Photo credit: me_chris via Visual hunt  Online Maths Resources for A LevelOther great ways of tackling maths A-level problems is by finding websites that offer lessons, tutorials and guidance on the course content and the upcoming exams. There is slightly less available than there was at GCSE, but there is still a plethora of sites and resources that you can utilise to help you study and to clarify any issues you have.At A-lev el, the maths you will be studying is naturally a lot more complicated and demanding, but there are still lots of great websites to help you out when you're struggling. RevisionWorld  is brilliant for course content support, exam technique and past papers, so you can tackle any problems at home!Maths Genie is another wonderful site completely dedicated to maths. You can find EdExcel past papers and notes on individual topics to help you out at any point in your course.Where to Find A Level Maths Past PapersThe best way to prepare for your exams and test your knowledge so far is by doing some past exam papers. You can get hold of these from you school or online, depending on which exam board you are with. Make sure you get a copy of the mark scheme too so that you can mark you own work and see how you did.Doing past papers will help to familiarise you with the format of the exam, the style of the questions, the length of the paper and the command words that are frequently used. So si t somewhere quiet with no distractions â€" try to recreate exam conditions if you can.Once you’ve read through and completed the past paper, you’ll get a clear idea of where you need to put more work in and how much time you will need for each sort of question. It will become clear where your strengths and weaknesses are, if you weren’t sure before.Hire an A  level Maths TutorYou might want to consider hiring a private maths tutor for A-Level revision to help you through the challenges you are facing. A tutor with experience and expertise can sit with you and work through the problems at your own pace, to suit your particular way of learning.As we've already said, it's less of a jump from GCSE, and more of a leap. You need to be able to understand the maths content you are learning, not just be able to regurgitate stuff in an exam. A home tutor can be the best way to make sure you're putting in the extra study time, and that you can keep up and feel confident with your maths l earning.With online platforms such as Superprof you can also find online maths tutors who can give you lessons via video call, meaning that you can get maths help from the comfort of your own home! This can be a really great option if you have a busy lifestyle or can't get around too easily.Don't be afraid to ask for help and support with maths if you need it! Photo credit: University of the Fraser Valley via VisualHunt  One of the best things about sixth form or college studies is that classes are generally much smaller than they were at GCSE. This means your teachers will have a better chance of spending time with you on a more individual basis, and you will have more chances to speak up and receive attention on problem areas.You might find, though, that you need a bit more of this individual attention and teaching, which is where a private tutor would come in very handy indeed when faced with maths A-level problems.So whether you're struggling with a specific topic or type of exa m question, or you just need a bit of guidance with maths in general, there is always a solution to the problem! And keep in mind that past exam papers can be your best friend when you're facing problems with getting the hang of exam technique or applying your maths to certain questions.Remember too that the best thing you can do is to stay calm and confident, manage your time well, and make a detailed study plan for exam season. And don't be afraid to ask for help or look into private tuition, try whatever works best for you!Discover how useful maths can be in life and why you should consider studying it.

What is it Like to Attend Belmont University

What is it Like to Attend Belmont University Laura received her bachelors degree in musical theatre from Belmont University. Some of the tutoring subjects she specializes in are elementary math tutoringand SSAT tutoring. She participated in our College Experience QA series by sharing her experience at Belmont University below. Want to know her thoughts? Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Laura: Belmonts campus is quite small, compared to many universities. You can pretty much get anywhere you need to go within ten minutes on footand faster if you have a scooter or a skateboard. That being said, most people do have a car because, while Belmonts campus is easy to get around, Nashville isnt the sort of city where you can walk everywhere. I always felt safe at Belmont. The small size of the school means that by senior year, I knew a fairly large percentage of the people in my year by face if not by name. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Laura: I never felt like I couldnt talk to a professor after class. Classes are small, maybe 20-30 students, and everyone would be on first-name basis by the end of the third week. They do a really good job of making themselves available and approachable. I still keep in contact with several of my professors from my time there. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Laura: When I was a freshman, we slept three to a dorm that was 12 x 12. It was cramped, but livable. Three years later, they have since added some brand-new dorm buildings that are extremely nice, as well as a new, larger cafeteria that offers even more dining options than its previous counterpart. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Laura: Belmont is best known for being a music schoolthis being greatly aided by its location in downtown Nashville. I went there to study Musical Theatre, which was one of the most-beloved departments in the university. We had a growing reputation even then, and with each passing year I am told the school of music gets more famous. Belmont not only has its own PBS special (Christmas at Belmont) but in recent years several students have gone on to make big waves in the music industry, including some Country Music Award winners and a handful of American Idol finalists. 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? Laura: I didnt have trouble meeting people personally, because my focus of study was very specific and we had a very small department. In fact it was rather limiting as to who I could meet outside of that group. Several people I know did Greek lifehowever, there are only four or five sororities on campus to choose from. Most people consider the school of music to be its own society. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Laura: I never found them to be very useful, but that might be because I didnt require their services. I think they did do a Career Fair in the springtime, though. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Laura: The library was small, but there was generally enough space. Theres a nice caf on the first floor, too. Additionally, the music collection is extensive and thorough. When I was there, we actually didnt have a student union. It definitely was sometimes challenging to find places to hang out. In the springtime lots of people like to hang out in the gazebos in the quad. Describe the surrounding town. Laura: Nashville is an incredible city. Being there was hands down one of the best part of going to Belmont. The live music scene, in addition to the super hip culture of the Hillsboro area, is unbeatable. Most people see a lot of live showsplus there are a ton of professional-quality performances given by the school of music each semester. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Laura: The student body is fairly small, with class sizes varying from 15-30 students. I liked the smaller sizes, it made things more personal and I appreciated that. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Laura: My best experience at Belmont was with my voice teacher and academic advisor, Marjorie Halbert. She was not only a one-on-one professor but also an incredible leader and role model. Mrs. Halbert was the head of the musical theatre department, and took a personal interest in the development of each of her fifty-odd students. We were her pride and joy, and she treated us as her own children: hosting home-cooked dinners for us, rejoicing at individual progress made in class, and giving us no-nonsense life lessons when we needed them. She was, without doubt, the best teacher I ever had. Check out Laura'stutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Six Skills Your Teen Needs for College Readiness

Six Skills Your Teen Needs for College Readiness If your teen is headed to college soon, its important to make sure he or she is prepared. College classes are a big step up from high school classes in terms of rigor and expectations, and your teen must have a range of aptitudes and habits to do well. What exactly does it take? Here are six essential skills your teen must have to be successful in college: Independence By high school, teens should be keeping track of homework and upcoming projects and tests all on their own. They should be in tune with their needs in the classroom so they can advocate for themselves. Your support in school remains important in high school but make sure your teen understands that school is his or her responsibility and that he or she is taking initiative to complete homework, study and manage all of his or her responsibilities. Time management The college workload can take many freshmen by surprise, and those who lack a good time management system tend to struggle. Teens must be adept at prioritizing their studying and planning ahead when they have big projects. If your teen doesnt use the planner faithfully, now is the time to start. Adaptability In college, there are times students get a lot of direction from professors and times they do not. A class projects scope or timeline might change. Its important to be able to adjust and pivot when a situation changes, new information is acquired or when faced with uncertainty. Encourage your teen to problem solve and stay calm in high-pressure situations. These skills go hand in hand with adaptability. Resourcefulness College students do a whole lot of research. They are frequently expected to develop written arguments on texts they read and other topics and must be able to supply evidence and support for those interpretations. And outside the classroom, students should be comfortable asking for help and identifying and taking advantage of the different resources available to them. Suggest that your teen do the same as a high school student. Study skills Good academic habits are essential in college, including studying smart, notetaking and planning out the study and homework schedule. Students are expected to be responsible and on top of all of their classes and responsibilities. Make sure your teen nurtures the study habits so that by the time he or she is in college, they are second nature. Critical thinking skills College professors want students to participate in class and articulate their ideas clearly. They expect that they are able to analyze new information, make connections about that which they learn and draw conclusions. As often as possible, encourage your teen to express opinions and the reasons for them and think through arguments. College success requires a combination of academic and other skills, and these final years of high school are your teens opportunity to strengthen them. Help your teen acquire the skills and knowledge he or she will need so that by the time graduation comes, your teen is ready to make the college years the best ones yet.

Learn English Vocabulary Words connected with Shrove Tuesday

Learn English Vocabulary Words connected with Shrove Tuesday Pancake Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday in the UK. Pancake (Shrove) Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent (40 days leading up to Easter). The name ‘Shrove’ derives from  old English word ‘shrive’ which means ‘confess all sins’. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, for this reason people went to confessions on the day before. This day eventually became referred to as ‘Shriven Tuesday’ and later on ‘Shrove Tuesday’.Here are some  common English expressions and words connected with that period. Pancake Tuesday is the more modern term for the day that the Christians commonly refer to as Shrove Tuesday.  It is the day when Christians start  their preparation  for the period of Lent (usually give up or stop doing something they like as a form of penance).  Pancake Tuesday originates from an ancient English tradition of using up most of the fattening ingredients at home before Lent. Pancakes are made from simple products, flour water and eggs. An easy recipe to get rid of  all these stocks was to mix all of them with a bit of flour to make pancakes. They are flat and made on a pan. It was to signify  the last of the dairy products that would be eaten before Easter. The tradition has been handed down  from generation to generation. The making of pancakes is simple and those with enough skill will flip  the pancake from the pan and catch it before it falls. This flipping or tossing the pancakes is not only fun but also ensures the pancakes are cooked evenly on both sides.The panc akes are eaten plain often (in my home) with a sprinkling  of sugar and a squeeze  of lemon juice. Don’t keep this to yourself. Tell the world. In many towns the old tradition was to hold pancake races. The chef (cook) would gather in the town square and race along the street constantly tossing and flipping their pancakes.Overseas  Shrove Tuesday is known as ‘Mardi Gras’, which means ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French and it also originates from the idea of using up  all the stocks before Lent.A lot of countries around the world have Mardi Gras festivities  and also carnivals. Some of the most well-known are in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Venice in Italy.The day after Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) is referred to as Ash Wednesday  the beginning of lent. Incidentally  the Americans refer to Shrove Tuesday as Mardi Gras. When I was a young boy we were encouraged to give up  for the 40 days of lent. This was often sweet things like cakes biscuits and sweets. A real tragedy (problem) for a young kid. Some people still stick to  this ritual. The exact date of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday varies  from year to year as it is alw ays 47 days before Easter Sunday and as that feast varies then so do the dates of these 2 days. So it’s a moveable feast in every way.We have an expression in English a moveable feast. This refers to something that is not certain or the date is not fixed.For example: Is your friend getting married soon? I am not sure it’s a bit of a moveable feast.They do not seem to be able to make their minds up on the right day.The beginning of lent also signifies to me that winter is coming to an end and spring is not so far away. Here’s hoping! Online English Course Learn over 40 English Phrasal Verbs and English Idioms in context for FREE ENROL IN COURSE NOW FREE Learn New Vocabulary Words and Phrases to derive from   to come from, to originate fromto fast   to stop taking certain food or drink for a period of timeto get rid of   to dispose ofto toss   to tumble, to move back and forthoverseas   abroadto use up   to empty, to reducefestivities   celebrationto start preparation   to get readyto signify   to acknowledgeto hand down   to pass onto flip   to turn over by throwing it up in the airsprinkling   light dustingsqueeze (noun) small dropincidentally   as it happensto give up   to sacrifice somethingto stick to something   to follow somethingto vary   to change

Teach Away Telegram - December 2010

Teach Away Telegram - December 2010 Is there anything better than the gift of education? Other than chocolate, arguably the answer is no. As teachers, providing an education to those in need is a given; but for many of you, receiving an education is most likely a lifelong journey as well. From those first days of school to the crazy college years to those language classes you take after work, the gift of education is definitely one that keeps on giving. However, for those of us raised in countries where education is a right, it is easy to forget about less privileged nations, where regular people have little or no access to schools, and may go through great challenges just to get access to books.But let’s stay away from the Grinch-like gloom and doom this Christmas, and think about the positive! As an organization that works with international education programs and inspiring educators (yes, you!) day in and day out, Teach Away would like to take a moment to highlight an amazing program, The Afghan School Project, in this month’s Telegram. A dedicated group of Canadian educators have volunteered their time to implementing this education initiative in Afghanistan. Its purpose is to help educate young, Afghan women who would at best be refused entrance, or at worst, harmed for going in to school. So how can you help?When it comes to charities, every little bit counts. But as our wallets get lighter around the holidays, we aren’t necessarily motivated to empty them altogether. What if we told you that there were alternative ways to help give the gift of education to these young women? Whether you are a seasoned teacher who has long seen the value of education and would like to take part in this wonderful initiative or a recent grad who simply hopes to add some volunteer work to your resume, the Afghan School Project is a truly inspiring project to get involved with.As you begin thinking about your New Year’s resolutions this year, why not consider devoting some of your time in 2011 to an imp ortant project such as this one? How about seeking out a similarly inspiring volunteer organization to take part in wherever you happen to be in the world? Or you could simply brainstorm how you can make a difference for the children in your classroom, and actively implement your new ideas.If you want to do what you do best for a good cause, what better time than now to give the gift of education?Our Gift to You This Season: An Eggcellent Eggnog RecipeWhether you’re missing eggnog or wondering about this crazy yellow drink your North American friends keep referring to each December, we have an antidote for an eggnog-less December for you!A great way to beat a case of not-home-for-the-holidays blues is to introduce some of your own customs into your daily life abroad. Although you may have never considered making your own eggnog back home (Why would you when you can run over to the nearest supermarket for a creamy cup each December?), desperate times call for desperate measures.Alt hough it may take a few tries (and buff up your arm muscles in the process), once perfected, your homemade eggnog will ensure a very happy holiday season-no matter where you are in the world.How to make your own eggnog (borrowed and tweaked â€" from About.com)Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 1 hourMakes 12-16 eggnog servingsIngredients:• 6 large eggs plus 2 yolks• 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sugar• 1/4 teaspoon salt• 4 cups whole milk• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmegPreparation:Combine eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heavy 3- or 4-quart pan, whisking until well-combined. Continue whisking while pouring milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated. Turn on burner to lowest possible heat setting. Place pan on burner and stir mixture continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient. This should take about 45 to 60 minutes.Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any acci dental small cooked bits of egg. Add vanilla extract and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Pour into a glass pitcher, decanter, or container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate this egg custard mixture to chill at least 4 hours or up to 3 days before finishing.Serve eggnog in chilled cups or glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.Photo Contest - Winner December is almost over and a new year is just around the corner. No matter where you happen to be this holiday season, we hope you’ve decked your halls, hung some mistletoe, and have all your gifts bought, wrapped, and sitting under the tree!This month, giving takes on a whole new meaning in The Telegram. Learn about some unique gift-giving customs around the world and read about the gift of education in Afghanistan. For those teachers who find themselves far away from the comforts of home around the holidays, Teach Away is happy to give you the perfect recipe for Christmas cheer, so read on!Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! And a Joyous Holiday Season to All!-The Teach Away TeamIn this issue:Gift Giving Around the WorldThe Gift of EducationOur Gift to You: Eggnog RecipeAnnouncing Photo Contest WinnerGift Giving Around the WorldFor many people, ‘tis the season to find the perfect gift for friends and loved ones. For those living abroad, traditions which remind us o f home become all the more important at this time of year; however learning about the customs of one’s host country is an invaluable part of enjoying time away from friends and family. Whether or not you plan to partake in a gift exchange this December, read on to learn about some interesting gift-giving customs around the world!While we westerners tend to rip open our presents in frenzied excitement, in Japan, this behaviour is generally frowned upon. It is not uncommon to see young children delicately opening their gifts, demonstrating an appreciation for the work that went into the wrapping. Even before getting your hands on the gift, it is best to first ask for permission to open it. To do otherwise would be considered impolite. In the UAE on the other hand, the recipient will not hesitate to open his gift right away, and will go so far as to inspect it right in front of the person who gave it to himâ€" especially if a man has been presented with silver jewellery. Because gold jewellery is considered a gift choice for women only, this inspection is a search for a proper government mark which tells him that his jewellery is, in fact, silver and not an effeminate white-gold.An interesting wedding tradition in Korea finds parents of newlyweds giving them a variety of gifts; however, to be on the safe side, they will make sure not to present the groom with a pair of shoesâ€"just in case he decides to use them to run away before the big day! In Japan, on the other hand, even numbers are a no-no when choosing a wedding gift. Forget those dinner settings for a family of four; five plates is much more acceptable for the simple reason that an even-numbered gift can be split evenly, and this is considered a symbol of separation or divorce.Don’t bring a typical bottle of wine or framed portrait to a housewarming party in Korea. When someone moves into a new home, it is much more appropriate to bring over something practical, like toilet paper! And when moving in to a new place in Japan, don’t expect your neighbours to appear at your door to welcome you with a platter of cookies; instead, you should take it upon yourself to be nice and neighbourly with a knock on your neighbour’s door, a brief introduction, and a gift of dish soap or laundry detergent. Don’t try this in Saudi Arabia, where it is common to only give gifts to very close friends. Presenting a neighbour or an acquaintance with a gift would be so embarrassing that it would border on offensive.The Gift of EducationIs there anything better than the gift of education? Other than chocolate, arguably the answer is no. As teachers, providing an education to those in need is a given; but for many of you, receiving an education is most likely a lifelong journey as well. From those first days of school to the crazy college years to those language classes you take after work, the gift of education is definitely one that keeps on giving. However, for those of us raised in countries wh ere education is a right, it is easy to forget about less privileged nations, where regular people have little or no access to schools, and may go through great challenges just to get access to books.But let’s stay away from the Grinch-like gloom and doom this Christmas, and think about the positive! As an organization that works with international education programs and inspiring educators (yes, you!) day in and day out, Teach Away would like to take a moment to highlight an amazing program, The Afghan School Project, in this month’s Telegram. A dedicated group of Canadian educators have volunteered their time to implementing this education initiative in Afghanistan. Its purpose is to help educate young, Afghan women who would at best be refused entrance, or at worst, harmed for going in to school. So how can you help?When it comes to charities, every little bit counts. But as our wallets get lighter around the holidays, we aren’t necessarily motivated to empty them altogethe r. What if we told you that there were alternative ways to help give the gift of education to these young women? Whether you are a seasoned teacher who has long seen the value of education and would like to take part in this wonderful initiative or a recent grad who simply hopes to add some volunteer work to your resume, the Afghan School Project is a truly inspiring project to get involved with.As you begin thinking about your New Year’s resolutions this year, why not consider devoting some of your time in 2011 to an important project such as this one? How about seeking out a similarly inspiring volunteer organization to take part in wherever you happen to be in the world? Or you could simply brainstorm how you can make a difference for the children in your classroom, and actively implement your new ideas.If you want to do what you do best for a good cause, what better time than now to give the gift of education?Our Gift to You This Season: An Eggcellent Eggnog RecipeWhether youâ €™re missing eggnog or wondering about this crazy yellow drink your North American friends keep referring to each December, we have an antidote for an eggnog-less December for you!A great way to beat a case of not-home-for-the-holidays blues is to introduce some of your own customs into your daily life abroad. Although you may have never considered making your own eggnog back home (Why would you when you can run over to the nearest supermarket for a creamy cup each December?), desperate times call for desperate measures.Although it may take a few tries (and buff up your arm muscles in the process), once perfected, your homemade eggnog will ensure a very happy holiday season-no matter where you are in the world.How to make your own eggnog (borrowed and tweaked â€" from About.com)Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 1 hourMakes 12-16 eggnog servingsIngredients:• 6 large eggs plus 2 yolks• 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sugar• 1/4 teaspoon salt• 4 cups whole milk• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmegPreparation:Combine eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heavy 3- or 4-quart pan, whisking until well-combined. Continue whisking while pouring milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated. Turn on burner to lowest possible heat setting. Place pan on burner and stir mixture continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient. This should take about 45 to 60 minutes.Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any accidental small cooked bits of egg. Add vanilla extract and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Pour into a glass pitcher, decanter, or container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate this egg custard mixture to chill at least 4 hours or up to 3 days before finishing.Serve eggnog in chilled cups or glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.Photo Contest - WinnerCongratulations to Sarah Van Kruistum for getting a whopping 58 votes for her gorgeous 'First Impr essions' photo (shown right)!Sarah was the lucky winner of a Polaroid digital camera, compliments of Teach Away. We look forward to watching some of your videos of your life in the UAE, Sarah!Honourable mention goes to Kate Rehbock who came in close second with 39 votes. Thanks for participating, Kate!

Jam On 7 Tuneful Resources to Learn a Language Through Songs

Jam On 7 Tuneful Resources to Learn a Language Through Songs 7 Tuneful Resources to Learn a Language Through Songs Do you think learning a language should be fun?Thats music to our ears.Music and language  go together like peanut butter and jelly but without the risk of anaphylactic shock (unless youre allergic to fun ways of learning).Yes, learning a language through music is a great way to  learn a language at home. Its catchy. Its addictive. And lets face factsâ€"its downright fun.However, finding music in your target language isnt always as simple as finding music in your native tongue, so where can you learn with songs?Check out these seven tuneful resources for pitch-perfect language learning! Why Use Songs to Learn a Language?Songs are fantastic learning tools!Theyre  repetitive. How many words do you actually think are in Biebers Baby? In your native language, this often leads to super annoying earworms. However, in your target language, the repetition is ideal. Since learning a language is usually built on repetition, songs and language learning are a natural match.They invite particip ation. Perfecting a language requires speaking and listening practice, but speaking practice can be hard to come by. Songs, however, make you want to sing along, so you get some speaking practice without even having to focus on it.They help you learn vocabulary and perfect your pronunciation.  Vocabulary is much easier to remember when you can play through a catchy beat in your head to get to the word in question. Pronunciation, too, seems much easier when its conveyed so melodically.They let you  sneak in more language practice disguised as recreation. You can take a study break to listen to music. Itll still feel like a break, but you wont even halt your learning!7 Tuneful Resources to Learn a Language Through SongsLyricsTrainingIf you want to sing along, LyricsTraining has your back.Thats because as you watch music videos, LyricsTraining will highlight the lyrics for you. In karaoke mode, youll be supplied with all the lyrics. For a more challenging option, you can also try a gam e in which some words are omitted from the printed text and youre asked to supply them as you listen. There are four different game levels, so LyricsTraining is appropriate for any level of language learning.Plus, there are plenty of great song options. For instance, Japanese students might enjoy the cutesy Ponponpon by Kyrary Pamyu Pamyu.Available Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish.FluentULearning a language with music is great, but what if you dont understand all the words? What if you wish you could see a particular word in a different context? Or what if you want to reinforce your learning with flashcards and exercises? If these are the questions that plague you, FluentU might be your answer.FluentU offers a flexible, in-context learning experience appropriate for any level of language student. Using real-world videos, like music videos, movie trailers and news, FluentU enables you to understand what you hear on a deeper level. Thats because all videos are captioned and the captions are annotated to give you easy access to any words definition, example sentences and an associated image. Plus, if youd like to see how a word is used in a different context, just click the word to see other videos that contain it.FluentU also offers learn mode, which takes videos, pictures and example sentences and transforms them into exercises and flashcards to provide you with a different perspective on the language.Additionally, FluentUs lessons are personalized by using a unique algorithm that takes into account learner history. This way, the questions youre presented with are relevant to your studies.Check out FluentU online or download the app from iTunes or Google Play.Available Languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.LyricsGapsCant find a song option thats right at your level? Try LyricsGaps!LyricsGaps offers some of the most flexi ble and specific leveling available. Each song is labeled with the difficulty level. However, you can also set your level of difficulty for gameplay, making it particularly easy to find learning options at your level.With LyricsGaps, youre given the text of the song but a few words are missing. You select the missing words from a drop-down menu as you listen. Plus, you can click any of the provided lyrics to see a words definition (though this might not work with some pop-up blockers). For instance, students learning German might like Wie Schön, Dass Du Geboren Bist, (How Wonderful That You Were Born) a childrens birthday song by Rolf Zuckowski.LyricsGaps also allows you to challenge your friends. This competition can drive language learning (or at least bring out your competitive streak).Available Languages:  A nice array of different languages, including popular options, like Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, and less co mmon options, like Basque and Visayan.Language ZenWouldnt it be nice if you could tell at a glance what accent a singer is using? Or maybe you just wish you had easy access to a brief description of the performer. With language Zen, you have this information at the tip of your fingers.Thats because for each song Language Zen features, theres a description of the performer along with the genre and accent, making it much easier to peruse the songs for your ideal match.Language Zen offers six different levels, ranging from Beginner to Advanced Plus. There are plans to include even more advanced levels in the future, so even near-native level speakers may benefit.For each song, youll have two options. You can use the learn mode, which is a quiz-based approach to teaching you a songs vocabulary, or you can opt for the play mode, which shows the lyrics as the song plays. Want to repeat the same line or skip ahead? Just click the line to move through the song as you like. If you prefer, yo u can also read in English as you listen.Students can enjoy popular options like Vivir mi vida (Live My Life) by Marc Anthony.Available Languages: Language Zen currently offers Spanish but plans on adding more languages soon.SmuleIf you cant resist a good karaoke night, check out Smule.Smule is a karaoke community. You can listen to songs that others have uploaded or use the platform (and accompanying lyrics) to upload your own videos. This can provide you with both listening and speaking practice. Plus, since you can record your own videos, this gives you the opportunity to rewatch yourself to review your pronunciation.Since there are millions of songs, you can find popular songs in countless languages. For instance, Korean students might enjoy singing along with ??? 5?  (5 Minutes by Taxi) by Mimi Sisters.You can also download the app for iOS or Android.Available Languages: Smule boasts a large selection of languages, including Korean, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and more. GeniusYou might already be familiar with Genius. When you just cant understand a lyric, its your go-to resource for figuring out exactly what you just heard.But Genius can also be useful for language learners. Thats because Genius lists lyrics for popular songs in a huge array of languages. For instance, Russian students may enjoy the popular song ?????? (Medina) by Jah Khalib. Conveniently enough, Genius also links to the music videos of the songs on YouTube so that you can listen as you read the lyrics.Since this resource doesnt provide translations, its best for more advanced students. However, anyone who uses it will find some great learning material. After all, users can upload annotations on lyrics, so you might even get explanations of certain parts of a song in your target language.Available Languages:  As mentioned above, youll find lyrics in many different languages on Genius.YouTubeYes, your favorite source for cat videos and beauty tutorials can also help you improve you r language skills with music. All you need is the right search term.Just try searching the name of the language and subtitles in English or your target language. For instance, you might search Chinese songs subtitles to find great options like Wo Hao Xin Ni (I Miss You Much), which offers subtitles in Chinese, pinyin and English.If you try different search terms, youre likely to find a nice array of options thatll help you follow along with the lyrics as you listen to songs.Available Languages: Practically every language in existence!These seven resources to learn language through songs are sure to strike a chord and help you fine-tune your language skills!

4 Time Management Tips for Remote Jobs

4 Time Management Tips for Remote Jobs via Pexels 1. Keep track of deadlines When you work remotely, it is likely that you will be tasked with managing multiple assignments and deadlines at the same time. If you are freelancing, this could mean dealing with multiple different companies who work within different time frames. While it may seem like you can keep everything straight in your head, it is definitely a good idea to have a dedicated space to keep track of all your deadlines. Because different people manage their schedules in different ways, how you choose to keep track of your deadlines is mostly up to you. Some people prefer to keep track the old-fashioned way on a paper calendar while others have moved on to digital reminders. There can be many different places to record deadlines like Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendars, and using various apps on your phone. However you decide to keep track, make sure that you stick to one method, otherwise you run the risk of having to keep track of multiple calendars. It may also be a good idea to set reminders for yourself a couple days or a day before things are due, just in case it has slipped past you somehow. This is good practice so that you aren’t accidentally missing deadlines and turning things in late. 2. Make a priority list Alongside keeping track of multiple deadlines, you may be wondering how to manage your time when you have many tasks that need to be worked on. When you have so many things to do, the anxiety around getting them all done can be paralyzing. Where do you start? It is a good idea to get into the habit of making a priority list at the start of every day. This helps you get some clarity on what tasks need to be done urgently and what tasks can be reserved for later. When you have a clear priority, it is much easier to start working on it than trying to work on many different things at the same time. Often, our priorities are the things that are due the soonest, but you may want to base your priorities on what work is most important to you. 3. Have a dedicated workspace Because you work remotely, there are many different options for where and how you work. If you are lucky, try to set up a dedicated space for work. Because most people who work remotely also work from home, it can be very easy to allow yourself to become lazier as all your stuff is right there. You could lay on your bed and take a nap easily or turn on your favorite TV show. While these things may be tempting, they aren’t going to help you stay focused while trying to get work done. This is why it is such a crucial step to have a space that is dedicated to working rather than relaxing. It will help your brain switch to work mode rather than relaxation mode. If you don’t have anywhere in your house like this, you may want to consider working from somewhere outside your home. This could be a place like a coffee shop or a local library. 4. Vary up your tasks If you are working on a project that will take many long hours to complete, it is easy to get caught up in getting everything done at once. Be wary of this, though, because working intensely on one single thing can easily lead to burnout and boredom. While you are in control of your own schedule, you also need to make sure that you aren’t overdoing it. Just like in a normal job, you need to take breaks to eat and let your brain destress for a while. One way to make sure you aren’t going overboard is to make sure you are working on multiple tasks in one day. For example, let yourself work on a big project for only about two hours, then dedicate the rest of the day to smaller projects. This helps your brain utilize all of its skills which will make you feel less bored and tired by the end. Working remotely comes with a variety of benefits, but also with a lot of challenging tasks that some people don’t consider. Being able to manage your schedule effectively is something that is key to having a good working life.