What To Look For When You Need Help With Solving Algebra Word Problems

What To Look For When You Need Help With Solving Algebra Word ProblemsCan you find help with solving algebra word problems? Yes, you can find a lot of help with solving algebra word problems on the Internet, but you need to be careful about which help you choose to obtain.If you are looking for help with solving algebra word problems, you can use some of the following methods to locate help. Most of these methods use a search engine's results are often updated daily so you do not have to be concerned about the search. Search engines will allow you to find many kinds of help, but they are very misleading and make it very easy to make the wrong choice.There are hundreds of websites online that claim to offer algebra word problems for free. In many cases, you will be presented with an opt-in form where you will be required to enter your name and email address. If you are lucky, this will not require you to give your credit card information and you can trust that this is not an illegal s ite.Some of these sites will promise you that they will give you free help for solving algebra word problems. These sites will ask you to enter your question in the form and answer their question to verify if you are a human. The companies will give you a small fee for giving them your answer or questions to help you with algebra word problems.Some sites will let you use their data base to verify your answers. This helps you get rid of the opt-in form and the small fee. All you have to do is to enter your answer into the box and press submit. This type of free help is very misleading and will probably get you in trouble.A better way to get help with solving algebra word problems is to use the help of a forum where new sites are being added regularly. You can sign up with one of the many forums to receive free help with solving algebra word problems. It will take a while before the help you will get is good enough and accurate, but at least you will not be required to give your credi t card information and it will be true to what you are trying to get.You can search for all of the different types of help on the Internet and when you find the one that suits you best, just use the forums to ask questions and find out how long the site has been online. Once you find the site that works best for you, sign up with the site and continue to use the forum for your math problems.

Experiments in Physical Chemistry - 6th Edition Review

Experiments in Physical Chemistry - 6th Edition ReviewIn the 6th edition of Experiments in Physical Chemistry, you will learn all about organic molecules, chemicals and their reactions. If you're an expert chemist who prefers to use some of the simpler techniques while making use of the more advanced procedures, this book is for you.This edition of Experiments in Physical Chemistry is nothing new; it is a reprint of the previous editions. There are several improvements in this edition that can't be found in the first and second editions. For example, they have added a chapter on bio-organic chemistry, which focuses on the synthesis of numerous valuable compounds such as the polysaccharides and sugars, the bacterial super-antibiotics, and many others.To make this book suitable for the novice chemist, the same experts have refrained from adding unnecessary new information in this edition. They still cover all the bases and provide you with ample material to keep you busy in the lab. Th e book contains both lab and laboratory instructions. The lab instructions are short and sweet, while the laboratory instructions are more in depth and elaborate.Experimenters will find that the new chapter on the theta basis exchange of monomers is very useful. They have chosen to include this chapter because inorganic chemistry is all about exchanging a set of atoms.Experimenters may not be aware of this but if the reaction they are trying to perform has a step where a few atoms have to be changed, then the transformation of the experiment will take much longer. As a result, the actual experiment must go on for a longer time than expected. So, if your experiment needs to go for a long time, the utilization of the experiment to use the maximum possible sample size is a must.Experiments in Physical Chemistry was one of the first books Iever purchased. Although I am not sure whether I went through the whole first edition or the later editions but I surely want to read the new version . I have tried out the book a couple of times and I had never found any errors. For example, I had a hard time figuring out why the experiments using glucose had a shorter experiment time than the experiment using fructose.One thing I am unsure about is the difference between lab instructions and laboratory instructions. I suspect the latter are the better and cheaper options but let me find out for myself. I am actually planning to buy the second edition of Experiments in Physical Chemistry. Now, if only I had thought of that while making my purchase!

20 Different Types of Guitars The Legends Who Played Them [Infographic]

20 Different Types of Guitars The Legends Who Played Them [Infographic] Jessica Dais While certain types of guitars are standard in modern culture, the instrument has a wide variety of expressions that is nearly impossible to tame. From the ancient Greek kithara to the guitar-like lute from pre-modern Spain, the many different types of guitars vary just as much as the people who play them. Some types of acoustic and electric guitars are more common than others. Steel string dreadnought acoustics and Stratocaster-style electrics are likely to be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of the guitar. But some guitarists find they can’t do what they want with just 6 strings.   In this article, we’ll start with the most common types of guitars, and then move toward the most exotic. We’ll also share the moments that made these guitars legendary. *Click the “Play” button next to each guitar to hear the legend who played it!* 20 Different Types of Guitars Acoustic Electric #1 Fender Stratocaster Guitar Type: Solid-Body Electric Legend Who Played It: Eric Clapton It’s hard to overstate the influence of the Stratocaster. A tremendous pedigree of electric guitarists have made history on this type of guitar. It’s been reissued in hundreds of different designs and is by far one of the most popular types of electric guitars. The slanted, double-cutout body and three-pickup control setup give the Stratocaster both a visual signature and sonic versatility. This guitar probably had its first major introduction to the public from Buddy Holly, but Clapton was one of its most influential proponents. Check out this clip from the song “The Weight” where Clapton pulls the soulful voice of this guitar into its full bloom. #2 Martin D-45 Guitar Type: Steel String Dreadnought Acoustic Legend Who Played It: Neil Young For most guitar enthusiasts today, this is what “playing the guitar” means: the snap and brightness of a 6-string steel, which has strong projection and durability. Many guitarists favor the versatility and clarity of dreadnoughts, but especially singer-songwriters. The Martin D-45 is one of the most common types of acoustic guitars. Check out Neil Young playing a well-loved song that he added to the Rock n’ Roll tradition, below. #3 Fender Telecaster Guitar Type: Solid-Body Electric Legend Who Played It: Buck Owens The foundational favorite of country and rock guitarists, this model is known for its single cutaway body, 2 single-coil pickup system, and characteristic “twang.” Modern country greats like Brad Paisley have predecessors like Buck Owen to thank for popularizing this guitar. Check out Buck and his band playing “Act Naturally.” #4 1969 José Ramírez 1a “AM” Guitar Type: Classical Nylon Acoustic Dreadnought Legend Who Played It: Andres Segovia Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and fingerstyle genius Earl Klugh favor classical guitars for their round, sweet tone and stability when playing complex lines. These tend to have higher actions (the distance between the strings and fingerboard) and wider necks than many other acoustics. When played with the correct nail technique, they create an unmistakable tone that has been enjoyed by European audiences since the 1600s. For a taste of the secret sauce, listen to the grandfather of modern classical guitar playing the legendary tremolo piece, “Leyenda.” #5 Gibson ES-175 Guitar Type: Hollow-Body Electric Legend Who Played It: Wes Montgomery The Gibson ES-175 has become the iconic example that represents an entire class of guitars: hollow-body electrics. The rich, mid-range tone of these guitars was made legendary in jazz by players such as Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery. (Although the guitar has subsequently found its way into a myriad of other popular styles). Check out the haunting ballad “Round Midnight” below. #6 The National Style O Guitar Type: Resonator Acoustic Legend Who Played It: Son House Resophonic guitars, made mostly by European companies, were favorites of the 20th century Bluesmen. Every legendary country, blues, and rock musician drew inspiration from players of this style. Son House was one of many legendary examples of Bluesmen who used open-tuned, resonator guitars. With their raw feeling and creative exploration with bottleneck slides, these players set the precedent for the coming generations of popular musicians. Keep in touch with the roots and watch Son House play “Death Letter Blues.” # 7 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Type: 4 String Electric Bass Legend Who Played It: James Jamerson Some discover the bass as a first instrument, and others as a crossover from the guitar. Jamerson actually started on the upright bass as a classical player on his path to becoming the legendary bassist that drove dozens of Motown hits. His unmistakable warm, round tone was a combination of the bass’s design and special modifications like flatwound strings and foam mutes. The hearts of many were won by his melodic bass style and thumpy drive as a rhythm player. Numerous legends even as great as Victor Wooten trace their devotion to bass to Jamerson’s influence. #8 The Höfner Bass Guitar Type: 4 String Electric Bass Legend Who Played It: Paul McCartney The tone of this bass is instantly recognizable to any Beatles fan. The emphasis in the mid range and the plunky attack gave a unique flavor to dozens of Beatles songs, such as “When I’m 64.” Paul also liked the balance it created on stage, given the fact that he played left handed and the bass was a symmetrical body design. See this late performance of “Don’t Let Me Down” to feel the magic for yourself. #9 Maton EM-TE Guitar Type: Electric-Acoustic Dreadnought Legend Who Played It: Tommy Emmanuel Maton guitars are typically outfitted with an internal microphone as well as a piezo saddle pickup. This allows for tremendous variety and clarity in the percussive tones Tommy Emmanuel gets out of his guitar, while leaving his fingerstyle tone beautifully intact. Be prepared to be blown away by his performance of “Mombasa,” and let your imagination stretch what you thought was possible with an acoustic guitar. # 10 The 12 String Guitar Guitar Type: Steel String Dreadnought Acoustic Legend Who Played It: John Denver Known for his melodies and lyrics, John Denver arranged his songs with an extremely wide instrumental palette. At heart, he was just a guy with a guitar singing to people, but the use of a 12 string brought a twist of flavor to his repertoire. Check out the orchestral version of “Annie’s Song” and be inspired. # 11 Gibson Lucille Guitar Type: Semi-Hollow Body Electric Legend Who Played It: B.B. King The Gibson Lucille possesses a slightly more moderate tone than the full hollow-body, while still blending acoustic sweetness and electric drive. This unique guitar has other special modifications too, like the elimination of the f-holes to reduce feedback. B.B. King, also known as the King of Blues, has a legendary affection for this and many of his other guitars. # 12 Gibson EDS-1275 Guitar Type: Double-Neck Electric Legend Who Played It: Jimmy Page Though innovators like Michael Angelo Batio and Justin King have branched out into their own uses of double neck guitars, Jimmy Page’s live performances of “Stairway to Heaven” made the heroism of the double neck guitar a fundamental part of rock history. The legend is available for all to experience in the performance below. # 13 The TRB JP2 Guitar Type: 6 String Electric Bass Legend Who Played It: John Patitucci For those who just can’t get enough notes, the 6 string bass is a platform of the imagination. Heavily used in both metal and jazz, one of the first recognized 6 string bass virtuosos was John Patitucci. Patitucci played for Chick Corea on many of his influential albums. The additional scale length on the high C string gives melodies a quality that is hard to find on any other instrument, and the low B canwell, shake the floor. Experience Patitucci’s fusion style with his electric quartet playing “Ides of March.” # 14 The Twang Machine Guitar Type: Cigarbox Electric Legend Who Played It: Bo Diddley The Twang Machine is just one of the many examples of unconventional body types. Having both the look and sound of a tin can, this unique guitar was one of the many showman tactics that made Bo so popular. Check out this performance at the presidential inauguration concert of 1989, when he’s still in great form! # 15 The Purple Rain Guitar Guitar Type: Special Body Electric, Telecaster Style Legend Who Played It: Prince The late legend played a sizable collection of uniquely styled guitars. Taking the visual appeal of the guitar to another level, Prince had several special body designs made especially for him. Having spent a lot of his career experimenting with symbols that expressed his values, Prince’s singular body designs pointed not only to his artistic flair but also to his personal beliefs. Watch him play his famous Cloud guitar in the video of Purple Rain below. # 16 Martin LX1E Guitar Type: Miniature Acoustic Legend Who Played It: Ed Sheeran In popular music, it’s the little things that count. Tons of artists are competing for the narrow band of sounds available in the pop genre, so finding a secret weapon that helps you stand out from the crowd can go a long way. Ed Sheeran has the gift of bringing a unique flavor to his radio work as well as his live shows. His signature mini-Martin is a key tool, and its one of the more unique types of acoustic guitars. It draws audiences in with an effect that can only be described one way: if you want to be heard in a loud room, whisper. The piezo pickup is also great for looping percussion. Check out Ed’s live version of “Tenerife Sea” for a taste of how it all works. # 17 The ESP MX220 Guitar Type: Active Electric Legend Who Played It: James Hetfield In an era where Metal was just beginning to distinguish itself from Hard Rock, Metallica guitarists were leaning toward using active pickups to define their sound. Active pickups have a brighter sound and compress the signal to give the tone more sustain. This sound gave 80s thrash metal bands greater control of dynamics through effects processing, and greater ease with speed techniques like shred picking. The look of this guitar also became a signature for Hetfield, as you can see in this live rendition of “Enter Sandman.” # 18 Epiphone Zenith Guitar Type: Tenor Guitar Legend Who Played It: Ani DiFranco Even at her commercial peak with “Little Plastic Castle,” Ani DiFranco was never an A-List celebrity. Anyone seasoned in the culture of singer-songwriters would tell you that her individuality as an artist surpasses that of most folk legends in the 60s, and her guitar technique is a marvel of spontaneity. She would also most certainly win the Guinness Record for most guitar switches per show, and her Epiphone Zenith would be one of the more interesting guitars in the line-up. Rather than trying describe it, watch DiFranco playing her fan favorite “Little Plastic Castle.” #19 Ibanez TAM 100 Guitar Type: Active 8 String Electric Legend Who Played It: Tosin Abasi Certain players have been able to define the creative direction of a genre purely on the basis of their ability and artistic vision. Tosin Abasi is one such artist who brought the use of 7+ string guitars into greater favor among progressive metal players. For guitarists who just can’t get enough notes, this guitar itself can be the inspiration for the music. #20 The Hamer 5-Neck Guitar Type: Multi-Neck Electric Legend Who Played It: Rick Nielsen Cheap Trick’s lead guitarist developed a guitar with 5 necks modeled after different sounds he liked: a 12 string, a Les Paul Junior, a Fender Stratocaster, a whammy bar neck, and a fretless electric. The Hamer 5-Neck is certainly one of the most outlandish types of electric guitars. Though admittedly unwieldy to play, many electric guitarists will identify with the hunger to have access to more sounds. Watch Ricky capture the vibe in this classic performance of “Surrender.” Each of these guitars is famous because a great player created a moment with an audience that carried that memory with them long after. If you’re a guitarist, remember to take every opportunity to explore the different types of guitars on your journey. Taking a look at the many types of acoustic and electric guitars out there will help you expand your creative horizons, find an instrument that captures your unique sound, and deepen your experience as a guitarist. Feeling inspired to take guitar lessons? Check out the guitar classes  at TakeLessons Live for free today! Post Author: Jonathan B. Jonathan B. teaches acoustic guitar, bass, and more in State College, PA. Jonathan is a Temple University, Music Theory graduate and YouTube celebrity with thousands of subscribers.  Learn more about Jonathan here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

A Guide to Personal Trainer Qualifications

A Guide to Personal Trainer Qualifications What Certificates Qualifications Do I Need to be a Personal Trainer? ChaptersPersonal Trainer Certification UKFirst Aid CertificationPerformance Enhancement for Professional AthletesFitness and Nutrition QualificationsFitness Certification and Wellness Certification ProgramsSpecializationMarketing and Business QualificationsLike many other professions, that of a personal trainer is tainted with many prejudices that it is up to us to deconstruct.Sometimes, the image of a home fitness professional in the collective unconscious is that of a bodybuilder living only through and for sports, a hulking mass of muscles.It’s easy to imagine the ripped male training lonely rich women in the better parts of town.To stereotype even further, imagine the man with everything in his muscles and nothing in his head - a case of resource management, perhaps.Obviously, this is a reduced vision of the personal training business, because of course being in excellent physical condition is not enough to become a personal trainer. Nor would a brainless fitness instructor adv ance far.This profession is regulated in the UK, so if you want clients you need qualifications. These are available from a number of private personal training schools or other fitness organisations.Find out more in this beginner's guide to becoming a personal trainer...First Aid CertificationEspecially if you decide to specialise in, say, senior fitness, you might want to get a CPR certification or take a course in emergency first aid. Even if you don’t specifically get AED certification (or how to work an automated external defibrillator), you should know what to do if your students injure themselves.Though clients are less likely to become injured while doing aerobics than working with a kettlebell, they can still strain muscles or, if they are elderly or otherwise at risk, even go into cardiac arrest. Even if you are careful in ascertaining their state of health before they start their fitness sessions, there can be a pre-existing condition even your client didn’t know about .Wouldn’t you feel better if you were prepared and knew how to deal with sprains and injuries and practise CPR while waiting for the ambulance?Learn how to use your first aid kit and get a CPR qualification in case of client injury (kiwi not included).On that note, don’t forget to get personal trainer insurance in case something happens.Performance Enhancement for Professional AthletesGiving Pilates courses to City executives is not the same as preparing a professional athlete for their next competition. The program design will include not only physical exercises in their chosen sport but additional exercises to improve their flexibility, endurance, speed, strength and confidence to maximize their training sessions and keep them in peak physical condition without risk of injury.A performance enhancement coach is not there to teach them tactics (for group sports) or put together a sequence (for artistic sports such as dressage, gymnastics or ice skating), rather their job is asse ssing the physical part of their performance and finding ways of improving it.The British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine have a series of courses designed for those training athletes, from basic anatomy to exercise science.You can attend a lecture on Physical Activity in Adolescence to know how far you can push an aspiring swimmer or brush up on fitness nutrition to get a bodybuilder up to weight.Other UK trainer certification schools such as Premier Global also offer classes in continuing education that will teach you exercise programs for various types of athletes, such as the best workouts for biathlon hopefuls, or sports conditioning for sprinters.starting to get fit will often be stiff and insecure. You can help with that by earning a secondary training certificate.Learn sports massage techniques to help others relax and to help with the prevention of muscle soreness.Add yoga poses to your fitness plan to centre your clients at the beginning and relax them at the e nd of a personal training program.Take a personal training course in stretching, an intensive new type of program that really elongates and relaxes your tired muscles.Consider passing a certification in aromatherapy to learn how to use odours to enhance the training experience.Get certified in various stress therapies and stress management courses.Health and fitness: beyond keeping your weight downGetting fit is not always a question of losing weight. It can mean getting your body back into shape after a long illness or trying to manage chronic pain or bone or muscle disorders through exercise. It can mean a lot to people in those situations to find a personal trainer who can adapt to their needs.To this end, you might consider choosing, in addition to your personal training certification, continuing education courses for a degree in exercise physiology or kinesiology, or other certifications in biomechanics. The better you know the human body, the better you can attune your coachin g to your clients to help them set up an exercise program that will help them compensate for their bodies’ defects.To that effect, you might consider a personal trainer course focusing on corrective exercise. By becoming a corrective exercise specialist, you can help people supplement their physiotherapy at home and improve their health.Doctor and personal trainer: both heroes helping a body recover. Consider a corrective exercise qualification or study kinesiology. Photo credit: FredericRivollier on Visualhunt.comA sports medicine degree might be another idea for learning about corrective sports and how to make sure your client consultation is truly adapted to their physiology.Learn what other essential qualities a personal trainer must embody...SpecializationTo make it in the fitness industry, specialising in a certain sport can help you narrow down your target audience and provide fitness programs certain to appeal to someone.So when you are studying for your personal fitness c ertification, consider what sports would appeal to the demographic in your hometown. Or, if you want to offer personal training online, what sports are trending but not yet offered by many trainers nationally.Specialise by demographicDifferent age groups or special populations will need different training techniques. You can take a personal trainer course specialising in:Youth fitnessSenior fitnessExercise and fitness for the mentally handicappedExercise programs for patients suffering from dementiaExercise classes for veteransThe right sports for your clienteleWhile the image of a certified personal trainer is sometimes that of a home Pilates instructor or someone giving instruction in nothing but weight training, you can become a personal fitness instructor for anything but a team sport. Consider becoming a personal fitness trainer qualified for:Cardio workoutsStretchingAquatic sportsResistance trainingCircuit trainingRemember, this isn't a boot camp. A personal trainer is there t o motivate his or her clients in their chosen sport. Photo credit: 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) on Visualhunt.comMarketing and Business QualificationsAnd finally, you might want to gain some expertise in marketing. Enrol in marketing education courses and learn the principle guidelines of how to sell yourself. To find work after your fitness trainer certification, you will need clients. Simply being passionate about what you do is not enough.To successfully run a personal trainer business, you will need to learn marketing strategies to gain new clients. And once you have them, it’s important to know where you should be registering your new business, how much of your salary will go to taxes and how to file your returns and what type of insurance you will need.Find out all about marketing your personal training skills in this complete guide...

What are the High School Math Courses

What are the High School Math Courses As a high school student, you will be expected to take a variety of classes across many subject areas, including math. While this may feel intimidating, these classes are designed to help you excel in math and prepare you for the collegiate level, as well as increase your ability to be successful in related subject areas (like science courses). If youre wondering what high school math classes await you, read on! An overview Most high school students are required to complete three years of math coursework, though four is recommended because certain colleges require it. Other high schools may require completion of math until a certain course is completed. If you know that you dont want to go into a field that requires advanced math and it isnt your best subject, it can be useful to take other classes more related to your field of study after youve completed minimum math coursework. However, if you hope to work in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), high school is a great time to begin exploring more advanced concepts. Algebra 1 Generally, Algebra 1 is the first math class you are required to take as part of your high school career. Youll study real numbers, exploring solving, writing, and graphing linear equations. Youll also learn polynomials as well as quadratic equations and functions. Many students take this class during their freshman year, though math classes are assigned based on the results of a placement test. Because of this, high school math classes can contain students in different grades. Geometry Many students who dont otherwise enjoy math enjoy taking Geometry. In this class, youll likely learn plane and solid geometrythis includes constructions, measurement formulas, and formal proofs. This class is typically taken following Algebra 1 and can also contain students in different grades due to placement tests. Algebra 2 Unsurprisingly, Algebra 2 builds upon the skills and concepts covered in Algebra 1. This includes a deeper look at solving and graphing equations, as well as inequalities and functions. Many Algebra 2 classes include trigonometry, which is not always taught as its own course (but it can besee below). For many students, this is the last required mathematics course in high school. Trigonometry Usually taken during a students junior year (though it may happen earlier or even later), trigonometry is often worked into existing math courses, but some students may end up taking it as its own course. It involves both algebra and geometry and applying those concepts to circular and periodic functions. Pre-Calculus This class is often offered as an elective for students who wish to take more advanced math classes. It examines series and sequences, probability, limits, derivatives, and statistics. Many seniors take this class in preparation for the study of college mathematics. Calculus It is a fairly select group of high school students who make it to Calculus, but they do exist. This may particularly benefit you if you hope to study a math-related field in college. During Calculus, students can expect to continue the material taught in Pre-Calculus, now emphasizing integration and differentiation. Other electives Elective math classes can vary wildly by school, but may include computer math, math applications, and math literacy. These tend to focus on more real-world applications of math and may be taken by those outside the STEM field. AP Classes For students pursuing STEM work or education, AP classes can help differentiate you from the competition. AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC both demonstrate your skills to potential colleges and are offered at many schools. [RELATED: What You Need to Know About the New AP Calculus Exams] You may also be able to take AP Statistics, which some view as slightly less difficult than AP Calculus. It is also widely used and can be useful as you embark on college math work. For STEM students, AP Calculus may be a better choicefor other fields of study, AP Statistics can be more relevant. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

How Progressive Professionals Can Promote a Forward-Thinking Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Progressive Professionals Can Promote a Forward-Thinking Workplace - Introvert Whisperer How Progressive Professionals Can Promote a Forward-Thinking Workplace You see the bigger picture at work, keep a focus on your organization’s path into the future, and are open to just about any possibility. Along with being an introvert, you are a forward thinker. But what happens when a forward-thinking professional works for a company that doesn’t have the same type of culture? You may get frustrated, exhausted, and even question if getting a new job could solve your workplace problems.     Forward-thinking workplaces have one thing in common: they recognize and even celebrate their employees as a way of showing how they value their staff members. This is usually part of their company culture and can go a long way in keeping staff engaged and happy at work. Many companies have embraced a progressive work environment to flip the script on how staff perceive their job, managers, and coworkers.   If you’re looking for ways to change your company culture, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three strategies you can use to start a positive cultural revolution in your workplace.   Suggest Sustainability Activities like recycling, wildlife protection, and waste reduction are the most common sustainability practices. Creating a sustainable business encompasses these activities but goes a bit further. Sustainability in the workplace requires a broader consciousness about conservation, protection, and environmental stewardship.     Large corporations like Nike and Walmart have embraced sustainability initiatives that improve the environment and save money. Nike tracked the sustainability metrics of their suppliers. This gave them essential data that helped revise their business practices only to choose suppliers that have proven sustainability practices. Wal-Mart looked at metrics like water use, agricultural yields, and gas emissions and found areas for improvement. The changes they implemented reduced foot costs by $3.5 billion.     You’ll probably need to start on a much smaller scale than these examples. The good news for you is that, as an introvert, you’ve probably already observed and worked through a few ways your workplace can go green. If your employer doesn’t participate in simple sustainability practices like recycling, start there. Speak to your manager or human resources to offer ideas of how the company can embrace sustainability practices and save a little money in the process. Here are a few recycling at work ideas you can use to get started:   Recycle cardboard Refurbish old computers Switch to recycled paper Refill or recycle printer cartridges Switch to real mugs in the breakroom Set up recycling stations   Use rechargeable batteries Raise Awareness for Noble Causes Progressive company cultures often focus on social justice issues that are important to the business and their employees. For some companies, this might mean engaging in dialogue about topics both inside and outside of working hours as well as planning events that align with the mission of the issues they support. If you’re trying to begin these conversations, be sure that you know who to speak to and how to strike up the conversation.     Find a cause that aligns with the company culture or events at the workplace. For example, if a coworker was recently diagnosed with cancer, consider creating a team to walk in a local American Cancer Society Event. You might also find local causes such as homelessness or child abuse in your community. If you’re looking for a national organization, consider the Take Back the Night Foundation, which helps to raise awareness about all forms of sexual and domestic violence.     Regardless of the cause you choose, find a few coworkers who share your passion for raising awareness before you approach administration. Create a thoughtful plan that includes possible fundraising activities and a list of who will be in charge of events. Present both positive and negative effects for the company, such as increased morale and potential decreased productivity. Once you get the go-ahead from administration, get creative with ways to embed social awareness in your company culture.   Pitch New Work Schedule Options Many introverts long for the ability to work in the quiet of their own home, at least a few days a week. Some employers have embraced progressive work schedules, which can include anything from a four-day workweek to allowing employees to work from home. Some employers might frown at the notion of not having direct access to staff by just walking past a cubicle. Another concern that the company may have includes unforeseen costs in adopting new technologies to communicate with staff when they’re not on site.     If you and your coworkers are looking for ways to suggest a work change that will be taken seriously, the first step is to just talk about what you want. Bring up ideas like telecommuting, part-time work, or a shorter workweek during a staff meeting to see how everyone reacts.     Make sure you prepare your “elevator pitch,” which is a quick and concise speech about how your proposal can benefit both employees and the company. Bring up benefits such as reducing the risk of burnout at work, increasing staff creativity, and even lowering costs for the company if workspaces could be downsized. Once you’ve opened up the dialogue, give it some time before you bring up the topic again to allow leadership plenty of time and space to think about the idea before making a decision.     You should expect a little resistance from higher-ups at first. Stay positive and use language that shows you’re willing to work through the process with them. You can say statements like, “I can see lots of ways this can benefit the company. “ Make sure to ask questions so that you understand their concerns too. Try starting with “What concerns do you have from a global point of view about these work schedule changes?” Statements and questions like these will help keep the dialogue flowing from all parties involved.   Moving Your Company Culture Forward When you strike up these conversations and initiatives at work, some people may be surprised that you took on such a big problem. However, we know that introverts can be team-building superstars in the workplace and can get everyone working on a shared vision for the future. Use these strategies to get your company moving towards a forward-thinking culture to keep the organization growing and staff happy with their work environment. Image Source: Unsplash By Sam Bowman Sam Bowman  is a freelance writer and introvert who enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

A Guide to A Level English Courses

A Guide to A Level English Courses Why Study English at A Level? ChaptersA Level English LiteratureEnglish Language A LevelA Level English Past PapersExam Timetables/Grading for English A LevelA Level English Courses For AdultsYou may be asking yourself why English as a subject is so important; what more can you possibly learn about the UK’s primary language after speaking it fluently as a result of growing up in Britain or by learning it at school for all of those years? More importantly, why choose it as one of your A Level choices when there is a diverse range of subjects on offer?Learning English: A Core Skill For BusinessEnglish is a core subject up to GCSE level in the United Kingdom, and with good reason. The majority of employers in the UK will require candidates to display at least a pass in English and Mathematics as an indication of their overall academic competency, with their English result being a good indicator of their ability to communicate well.A proficient English speaker will open themselves up to far more opportunities for w ork abroad, since the language is widely spoken across the globe and is particularly important in business.Find a GCSE English tutor on Superprof.English: An important language in business. Photo via VisualHunt.comNot only is a good acquisition of English vital in the international workplace, other countries in Europe and beyond see the English language as an authoritative language, which makes a solid grasp of the rules of English all the more powerful.By obtaining a better understanding of its make up â€" including spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence construction - you may also find it easier to learn foreign languages by applying the same rules.Looking for an English tutor in London?What Skills Can You Expect To Develop By Studying English?So, why focus your efforts on English Literature? Studying literary texts helps you to sharpen your observatory and analytical skills. Being able to identify themes and connect them with historical events and cultural influences opens y our mind up to complex ideas and theories.Moreover, English Literature can be like five lessons in one, teaching you about History, Culture and Philosophy, whilst highlighting behavioural changes in humans from one century to another.A Level English Language, whether being taught at college or as a distance-learning course, ultimately helps to develop a student’s ability to understand, speak and write in English for a variety of purposes. Literature-based courses additionally encourage students to engage with a range of texts whilst analysing complex varieties in language across the times.Coursework and exam grades from your first year of study may not count towards your final result, however they will still be determining factors in your predicted grades.Exam Boards Assessing English LiteratureThe principal exam boards that assess English Literature at A Level are AQA, Edexcel and OCR, meanwhile Eduqas and WJEC are also popular choices in some schools and colleges across the coun try.Each board has a slightly different approach to assessment yet they share a common purpose - to encourage wide reading and to develop the student’s love of English Literature.Career Opportunities For English Literature GraduatesBecome a writer or blogger. Photo via VisualHunt.comThough many believe that studying English Literature only lends itself to a teaching profession, the subject does in fact open up a vast range of career opportunities.Aside from the obvious links to professions in teaching and writing, English graduates can apply the skills they have acquired to any position that requires analytical thinking, strong communication or imagination and creativity.English Language A LevelAn Introduction to A Level English LanguageStudying towards an A Level in English Language enables you to get a better grasp of what is known as the number one business language. The course will help you to convey your thoughts and opinions concisely and allow you to distinguish subtleties in speech and writing.Being a native or fluent English speaker does not make you an expert in the language; throughout your course you will identify the ways in which language changes according to audience, context and the user’s intent.In addition, you will learn about the development of the English language over time, different dialects, how children learn to speak English and, finally, you will develop your own writing skills.English Language A Level Course ContentThough courses vary from one exam board to another, the core topics and themes will have similarities no matter which you are enrolled on. These may include the study of Spoken English, Identity, Language and Gender, Early Child Acquisition, Language and Diversity, Reading and Writing, and many more.You will ultimately discover language during the course, including the ways in which it can be used plus different methods of interaction, not forgetting the investigation of linguistic variations and historical changes.Ty pical Workload For English Language A LevelUnlike A Level English Literature, English Language students are not required to carry out extensive reading, but they are expected to get to grips with some advanced linguistic terminology in order to achieve the higher grades.Secondary reading is always recommended to help you expand your vocabulary of terminology and also to put you in a better position to participate in analytical discussions and debates, whether assessed or not.Exam Boards Assessing English LanguageEdexcel, OCR and WJEC are once again the predominant exam boards chosen by mainstream schools and colleges in the UK. Despite the syllabi all showing similarities in content, students may notice disparities when it comes to assessment, as all three adopt differing exam and coursework marking schemes. What you can be sure of is that all exams will incorporate the knowledge you have accumulated during the course of your AS year, as well as your more recent A Level modules.Care er Opportunities For English Language GraduatesAn A Level in English Language is a great asset to any individual looking to study English at university and/or hoping to pursue a career which involves verbal or written communication.The qualification is key to many professions, including Journalist, Writer, Blogger, Editor, Translator, Teacher, Linguist and Publisher.On the other hand, the skills acquired will also benefit a range of jobs in other industries, since language and communication skills are essential to many roles. Far from limiting your choices in the future, English Language offers you many options.Revision Guides For Different Exam BoardsRevision guides, along with past papers, can be found on most exam board websites. Be sure to consult your own exam board though, as the marking scheme will differ from one board to the next meaning that revision tips may diverge.The AQA website, as an example, has a dedicated online resource centre, however official revision guides pu blished in conjunction with the exam board can be bought from shops like Amazon.Where To Find Online Revision Help For English A LevelAs an English pupil, you may be accustomed to reading books as part of your revision. However, some of the best revision help for English exams can be found online.Student discussion boards are a great way to discover fresh ideas and opinions concerning your chosen texts, and it may additionally help for AS students to get advice from peers working towards their final A Level exams.As well as online forums, English students can find helpful revision tips across a range of educational sites. These websites are often set up by or created in conjunction with teaching professionals with experience of the latest syllabi.Exam Timetables/Grading for English A LevelFind A Level English Exam TimetablesProvisional timetables, including those for English Language and Literature, will be given to your teacher or English tutors in advance, along with any other imp ortant dates. Final exam timetables will later be confirmed, highlighting any major amendments.Students may also consult the exam board for assessment-related queries, including exam duration and regulations for candidates. OCR, for instance, lists all of its exams and the dates on which they will be carried out in .pdf format via its website.It is imperative that you know exactly where you need to be, on what date and at what time when taking exams.If you are late for your A Level exam for any reason, you risk being forbidden to take part in the assessment. This could well affect your final grade. If you intend to travel to your exam centre by car or public transport, ensure that you leave in plenty of time to reduce the risk of being caught up in traffic.Equally, if you plan to walk, practise your route the day before so that you are confident in how long your journey takes. The worry of arriving late is the last thing you need on the day of your exam!What Do English A Level Grade s Mean?A Level results are awarded differently to GCSEs. At this higher level, anything above an ‘E’ grade is classed as a pass, with the newly introduced ‘A*’ being the highest achievement. Each grade is subsequently equivalent to a certain number of points, which is relevant to those considering a university degree.To find out the minimum grade you need for your desired course and how many UCAS points you require, you can consult the body’s website which offers more information for prospective students.At one time, your AS Level year counted towards your final grade, which seems a good idea since there are less distractions and fewer reasons to feel stressed. Now, however, exams are the preferred method of assessment for A Levels.On the other hand, students should bear in mind that universities will still see their AS grades, and those results will have been used by tutors to predict their final grade (which, as you know, is what universities base their offers on).How Is English A Level Marked?As we now know, to pass your A Level you will need to achieve a grade in the region of ‘A*’ - ‘E’ (an ‘Unclassified’ or ‘U’ grade unfortunately means that you have failed the course). But how are these grades worked out to reveal your final qualification in the subject? Do certain modules count for more than others? These are questions that you should be asking your teacher or tutor. In the unlikely event that they cannot help with your queries, you should consult your exam board to find out about their assessment methods.The majority of exams follow a Uniform Mark Scale (UMS), which defines grade boundaries for A Level subjects. An average UMS mark of 90% across all A2 modules results in an ‘A*’. Meanwhile, 80%+ is an ‘A’, 70-79% is a ’B’, 60-69% is a ‘C’, 50-59% awards a ‘D’ grade and, finally, 40-49% is the equivalent of an ‘E’. Anything below 40% is deemed off the pass scale and will result in course failure.As you can see, it is vital that you achieve good grades in all modules to keep your average score up. Those who excel in certain areas but struggle in others might find that their weaknesses bring their overall grade down. The importance of knowing your mark scheme can therefore not be reiterated enough.A Level English Courses For AdultsStudying English at A Level is no different for older students; they too are encouraged to read widely and develop a love for English Language and Literature. Colleges across the UK offer opportunities for enrolment, but if it is a distance course you require then your best bet is to research and consult an Open Study establishment of your choice.English A Level courses for adults. Photo via VisualHuntCourses vary in price however most course leaders are up front about the financial requirements of enrolment. You may be required to submit your existing qualifications, to check that you qualify for the course.How To Independently Enrol On English A Level Co ursesMature students are able to enrol on English A Level Courses by funding an online course or by paying for tuition at an independent college.If you are completing a distance-learning course, you will more than likely be required to arrange and pay for your examinations at an approved centre, a list of which is normally provided by your personal tutor. It is possible to take the A Level exam without receiving mentoring yet this is discouraged as tutors are trained to guide you through the course and help you to work towards your desired grade.The Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsA good English A Level result is essential for those looking to further their studies in the subject, for instance if enrolling on a degree course linked to English. However, an A Level can also be a very valuable qualification if you are looking to progress in your current employment or retrain for a new career path.Furthermore, many adults choose to re-sit their secondary education exams for the ir own personal achievement or gratitude. Regardless of your reasons, an English course is guaranteed to make you think and feel things in different ways than before.

The Limitations of Core Standards on Higher Order Thinking Skills

The Limitations of Core Standards on Higher Order Thinking Skills How Basic Education Limits Students’ Ability for Higher Order Thinking ChaptersThe Ongoing AssessmentsOn Building Cognitive SkillsCommon Core Versus Blooms TaxonomyHow to Bring Higher Order Thinking Into the ClassroomIt’s really not hard to see why so many students are able to obtain their school leaving certificate yet have no idea how to think or reason through a problem: all you have to do is ask a school teacher.Assessment, marking work and reporting students’ progress make administrators out of teachers.These tasks take up too much of the teachers’ lesson planning time and too much classroom time, with the net effect being more teachers abandoning the profession before replacement teachers can be fully qualified.That phenomenon has a spiral effect. Because there are fewer teachers, the student-teacher ratio increases: more kids in class mean more papers to mark and more reporting to do.Where, in all of this, do teachers get to use all of the classroom strategies they learned in their teacher training?If students cultivating higher order think ing skills were simply a matter of teacher availability, solving the problems that beset teachers would mean that they would be available to encourage students to think critically and solve problems, right?To be sure, the pressure teachers labour under is untenable and something must be done. Hopefully soon!However, if the Department for Education intends to arm British students with 21st-century skills and help them learn how to think, they will have to make some major changes to our education system.Let’s take a look at where such changes could be made and how much better general education could be â€" for teachers and for our students.Multiple choice questions do not require critical thinking or problem-solving Image by tjevans from Pixabayteaching to the test: for all of the summative assessments being conducted, our national curriculum leaves little room for teachers to make use of any classroom strategies they might have picked up during their professional development.Or, if you prefer analogies, you might say that teachers are harnessed to a careening carriage and expected to keep upright and in control.Teaching to the test is only half of the trouble.The other half â€" and perhaps the bigger issue at hand is that a lot of the learning in today’s classrooms is more a matter of memorization than a cognitive process.That claim is substantiated by the fact that exams seem to consist of more multiple choice questions than essay questions.There is value in multiple choice, but the downsides far outweigh them: one can score well on such an exam by guessing or merely memorising the correct answers.There is nothing wrong with building a fantastic memory but, no matter how many questions a student answers correctly on a bubble sheet, it still gives no indication on how well s/he understands the concepts s/he is being tested on.You can encourage your students to build cognitive skills by asking open-ended questions Image by Tumisu from PixabayOn Building Cogn itive SkillsCognition: the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired.For children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, the education program is all about building cognitive skills.Teachers in these classes employ a variety of teaching strategies designed to maximise student learning, such as brightly coloured visual material, music and movement.Students are mainly taught through games and play but are expected to sit still for maths and literacy lessons.In fact, EYFS is a fantastic example of educational psychology at work: it emphasises teaching and learning methods and is focused on cognitive development.And then, as though a water tap had been suddenly shut off, all of the pedagogy that addressed every learning style and all of the active learning is replaced by teacher-centred instruction.Starting at Year 1, students are treated to teacher-led lessons. Reading skills are cultivated, math and science are taught... but little critical thinking is encouraged.In fact, rel atively little room is given for students to exercise any kind of thinking skills. That pattern follows students throughout their academic career and it is not the fault of any teacher.Learn more about higher order thinking here.Common Core Versus Blooms TaxonomyThe term ‘common core’, imported from across the pond, represents the most important subjects of a curriculum.Maths, English and science are considered common core. Other subjects, like arts and humanities, are not considered core subjects.You can find a good reflection of UK schools’ core subjects in the compulsory GCSEs: the subjects that everyone must sit are considered ‘core’.Of our core subjects, only English and Literature truly lend an opportunity for group work; for students to cultivate critical thinking skills.For example, a teacher may group students and assign them various aspects of the text to dissect and render conclusions about. Or s/he might task student groups to engage in character analysis, to d iscuss the setting and the period of the piece...Opportunities for creative thinking are much more difficult to spot in other classes.The critical question here is: while students’ formal learning goals are generally met â€" often with the help of a private tutor, are their learning needs being met?An Overview of Benjamin BloomMr Bloom was an American educational psychologist who pioneered the classification of educational objectives.  Specifically, his work resulted in the understanding of three realms of knowledge acquisition:the cognitive domain, which encompasses the analysis, comprehension and application of knowledgethe affective domain is the emotional dimension of learning which includes how students characterise, organise, value and respond to information, andthe psychomotor domain: this aspect touches on the perception and adaptation of knowledge and the mechanism through which it is applied.Teaching a student how to use a computer would involve all three domains.The fir st domain would involve the understanding of how a computer works, the second would attach a value to this skills set as a tool for both entertainment and a way to earn a living and the third would entail addressing the machine through typing and activating the mouse.Our public education system does a great job of addressing the cognitive domain but does little to evoke any affective response to the material being learned and permits virtually no physical activation while class is in session.Between crowded classrooms, overwhelmed teachers and only one aspect of student learning being addressed, something needs to be done to change the status quo!You may group your students so that they may debate an issue before presenting conclusions Image by StockSnap from PixabayHow to Bring Higher Order Thinking Into the ClassroomNobody is disputing teachers’ role as an educator; we only point out that their work might be more stimulating and rewarding if they thought of themselves as facilit ators of knowledge.What’s the difference?A teacher teaches, meaning, s/he imparts knowledge. Whether said information is understood, assimilated and useful remains to be seen â€" and is not necessarily demonstrated through assessment techniques.By contrast, a facilitator is someone who helps bring about a certain outcome. In educational circles, those would be learning outcomes.Here is one example of how facilitating could work.First, you would organise your classroom to permit group study. You would then seat students of similar cognitive abilities together â€" your more advanced learners, your SEN students and students anywhere along that spectrum.You may even consider putting some of your more advanced students with groups who are not quite at that level to make use of peer teaching strategies.Next, you would assign them to work according to their abilities and interests.Your high achievers may enjoy higher level thinking projects â€" those that call on both problem-solving ski lls and critical thinking.The bulk of your students may focus on either critical thinking or problem-solving and your SENs might be comfortable summarizing the lesson or other learning activities that target their interest but are related to the material currently being learned.Far from being a classroom out of control, you will find your student engagement at an all-time high!Meanwhile, you can circulate around your groups asking open-ended questions designed to assess their understanding of the material and the work at hand.You may even find time to mark papers while your students are engaged.Another way you could help your students develop thinking skills would be through debate.Choose an issue that is related to your day’s study topic. It can be a current event or something that affects student life (that helps students find value in the exercise). Write the issue on the board.Label each the four corners of your room: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree.As yo ur students start their learning session, point to what you wrote on the board and then indicate the four positions they may take. Invite them to take a few minutes to think about the issue and then head to the corner which represents their position.You will be pleasantly surprised to find that debate over the issue will start spontaneously, in each corner, as students reinforce each other’s views.You would then ask them to explain their views, either in writing, orally or a combination of both.  You might even permit them to create a visual of their position.There are so many ways teachers can encourage higher order thinking skills; doing so might lighten their load and may even help rediscover their passion for educating!Now discover the difference between critical thinking and higher order thinking?