Using Alternative Therapies To Help With Kids Taking Anti-DepressantsOr TCA Or Topamax

Using Alternative Therapies To Help With Kids Taking Anti-DepressantsOr TCA Or TopamaxParents are very concerned about the safety of their children when they are taking anti-depressants like antidepressants like TCA (tricyclic antidepressants). Doctors don't know how to respond to these concerns and are often reluctant to use anti-depressants or make them available. But there is a better way for parents and their children to take care of each other and be able to use alternative methods to help control symptoms.If you are wondering what your child can benefit from, ask the school counselor if there is any type of specialized tutoring for children who have taken TCA or topamax. This can help to give a sense of calmness, confidence and wellness to children who are emotionally stressed and fatigued. Teachers and school psychologists have been very receptive to the idea of alternative therapies and that they are willing to learn how they can best support children. Teachers might even enc ourage the use of alternative methods like art therapy, yoga, massage and music therapy to support a student through the trial phase of treatment.These methods are designed to help manage mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They are not approved by the FDA for long term use and there are a number of side effects. Children and teens who are taking antidepressants like TCA or topamax should not be seen as being at risk of developing anxiety or mood disorders.If you want to learn more about the potential benefits of alternative treatments for children and teens who are taking anti-depressants like TCA or topamax, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional and an exercise specialist who specialize in physical therapy. They can help you understand the underlying causes of emotional distress and help to determine whether alternative therapies might be an appropriate intervention for your child. These professionals can also give you usef ul information about the side effects and other risks of alternative treatments. It'important to find out about these risks so that you can make a decision about your child's health.If you decide to see a therapist and do your own counseling with your child, ask him or her to start by teaching the benefits of homeopathy and naturopathy. Using these types of techniques can help you identify the source of your child's emotional stress. Children tend to hide their emotional problems and because of this, alternative treatments are more effective.One such alternative is called homeopathy, where instead of using drugs to treat symptoms, you could use herbs or plants that have been shown to have anti-depressant properties. Your child could be given safe doses of herbal supplements that have been shown to have anti-anxiety, muscle relaxing and digestive properties. Nutritional supplements like zinc and magnesium are also used in homeopathy to help regulate moods and help control seizures. T hese are all products that have not been approved by the FDA but have been used for many years by people who have been using them for various medical conditions.Other alternative therapies to consider include stress relief techniques, herbal remedies and aromatherapy. All of these techniques have been used successfully by those who have experienced the same symptoms as your child but didn't want to take antidepressants or other medications.If you are a parent who is worried about your child's safety and wants to find ways to use alternative approaches to help them with their mental health, you might want to meet with a therapist and let them help you to make a decision about your child's safety. Then they can share the information they have with you to help you decide which method might be right for your child. Finally, you will be able to find out which approach will work best for your child's needs.

What does Success look like - ALOHA Mind Math

What does Success look like Every once in awhile, we will share a success story. This one comes in the form of a 2012 graduate of our Senior Mind Math class in South Charlotte, North Carolina. The following is written by Aditya Nair followed by thoughts by his parents Raj and Priya Nair ALOHA â€" in my opinion â€" is the best program ever. Here are all the things that have helped me afterjoining the program: In math I am super quick when the teacher in school asks me math problems I learned how to do long addition, subtraction, multiplication and division quickly in my I got into AIG because of ALOHA It improved my ability to focus on everything I worked I kept with the program because I knew that it would help me in school. What made the courseinteresting is that the teachers are really friendly and awesome!I wish I could continue and not have to graduate (in order to be around I am asking whether I canvolunteer part time.) I would definitely recommend this program to my friends for all of the reasons I have mentionedabove. From his parents We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful three years Aditya had at thisacademy.Aditya had joined Aloha in the summer of 2010 and has been benefited greatly since his enrollment.Being part of the ALOHA family, he has grown up with confidence and learned a lot of social andacademic skills. The healthy and positive learning environment has instilled in him the confidence andthe urge to learn and explore. The foundation that youve laid here will carry him throughout his life. Alot of that credit goes to the teachers as well. The attitude and the approach used by the teachers aretruly refreshing. We whole heartily recommend this school to any parent looking for an academy that will make alasting and long-term positive impression on your child. Thank you ALOHA for being part of our sonsdevelopment. The South Charlotte ALOHA Center is owned bySumita Kumar andVijitha Gutta and is located at5113Piper Station Drive , Suite #101,Charlotte, NC28277. To find a locations near you, click here.

8 Ways to Get Daily Language Practice on Your Coffee Break

8 Ways to Get Daily Language Practice on Your Coffee Break 8 Ways to Learn a Language on Your Coffee Break Finding the time to practice is one of the hardest things about learning a language.It should be one of the easiest, but with our increasingly busy lifestyles and the never-ending list of things to do, it’s often pushed to the sidelines in favor of something a little more, well, pressing.The reality is that you need to practice (ideally every day) in order to retain the information you’ve learned.Otherwise? Let’s just say it’ll take you a whole lot longer to master that languageâ€"an already seemingly endless task, am I right?I can hear you now, all “Do you know how busy my schedule is?” and “Seriously? You do realize I have a life to live, right?” But fear not, fellow learners, daily language practice needn’t be a choreâ€"and it certainly doesn’t have to take any time out of your day. “What, there’s a way to make a day longer than 24 hours?” you ask.Well, not exactly.Instead, you can slip in practice around the big tasks that take up the bulk of your dayâ€" you know, like eating, working, watching TV and shopping for human essentials like food and clothes.I’m going to take a shot in the dark and say that between these activities there’s a bit of a lull, a bit of downtime where you might find yourself twiddling your thumbs or scrolling through your Facebook feed.The most obvious time? On your coffee break, of course.If you’re anything like me, you drink a lot of coffee during the day. Now tell me this, how do you spend your time while you’re waiting for it to brew?I have an idea.Actually, I have eight ideas.These activities don’t take longer than 10 minutes and they provide a great way to slip in some daily language practice even on the busiest of days. Plus, taking the time to practice for 10 minutes here and there will work wonders for your progressâ€"trust me.It gives you time to step away and retain the information without being overwhelmed. And you’ll never have to twiddle your thumbs again! 8 Ways to Learn a Language on Your Coffee Break1. Play a gameLearning a language should be fun.Games are fun.Therefore… Yeah, you see where this is going. There are so many language learning games out there these days, from burrito builders (for Spanish learnersâ€"one of my personal favorites) to good old fashioned pairs. Take five minutes or so to complete a level or run through one round of questions or whatever.Remember to choose a game that you can actually practice and learn from. There’s no point in playing something that’s easy, just so you can winâ€"trust me, I’ve made this mistake.As well as playing games, you can also have a quick run through of a language learning app. Many of these are laid out into levels and sections and presented in bite-sized chunks, usually taking the same amount of time as it takes a kettle to boil. Convenient.One great option is FluentU. FluentU  takes real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks, and turns them into fun language le arning lessons. The FluentU App is  perfect for coffee break practice thanks to its real-world context and personalization of content. Top tip: You can even change your non-language learning games into language learning games simply by changing the language setting. That means all your favorite games on your phone or your computer now double up as a tool for learningâ€"how great is that?2. Read a newspaperYou can learn many things from reading a newspaper, from serious situations taking place around the world to less serious things like who was the best-dressed at the Oscars.You can also learn and practice a language by reading a newspaper.Obviously it’s near on impossible to buy a newspaper in your target language if you’re not in a native-speaking country, but that’s where the beauty of the internet comes in. Simply search for “Newspapers + your target language” in the mighty oracle that is Google and your world will immediately be blown wide open.If you dont want to spe nd time searching, here are some great guides weve put together with tons of resources for using the news to learn these target languages:ChineseEnglishFrenchGermanJapaneseSpanishReading the news in your target language means you can learn about serious situations around the world, who wore what best at the Oscars, and brush up on your language learning.You can choose which section of the newspaper to get stuck into, so it’ll hopefully be something you’re interested in, plus it’s mildly nostalgic to read the news with a coffee, right? Top tip: Newspapers tend to use really simple language, but remember to write down any words and phrases you’re not sure about so you can check them out later.3. Listen to a podcastPodcasts are a great way to get used to the sound of your target language, to pick up on intonation, and to begin to improve your listening comprehension.They’re also a great way to fill the small pockets of time that occur in your daily schedule. Getting the bus s omewhere? Need to walk somewhere? Waiting for your coffee to brew? Whack on a podcast.They’re easy to dip in and out of and there’s such a vast selection out there, you’re bound to find one on a topic you’re interested in or a topic you need to practice.Not sure which podcasts are worth your time? No worries! Weve already gone through and found the best for you in these target languages:ChineseEnglish learner | Native EnglishFrench learner | Native FrenchGerman learnerJapanese learnerSpanish learner Top tip: Lots of language learning podcasts have a transcript and tasks to go alongside them. Notes in Spanish, for example, provides worksheets for every episode. This is the perfect way to delve a little deeper into the practice and create a multisensory learning experience.4. Write a blurb about your dayFinding the time to write anything during the day, let alone in your target language, is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But if you think about it as if you’re wri ting a to-do list (something I’m sure you write in abundance) then it’ll seem like a much easier task.While you’re waiting in line in a shop, waiting for something to print, orâ€"you’ve guessed itâ€"listening to the kettle boil, grab a post-it note, or open up a notes app on your phone if you have one, and jot down a few words about your day.Simple sentences are fine, just like if you were writing a to-do list or, if you have more time and a lot to write, feel free to crank out a full-page essay on what you’ve had for lunch or how late your bus was that morning.This limbers up your writing skills in your target language and encourages you to think about simple things and actions in the foreign language. Plus, you can always look back over it the next day to practice further and remind yourself what you did. Top tip: Consider writing your to-do lists in your target language, too, so you’re forced to look over it at various points throughout the day.5. Run through some fla shcardsWhenever you learn a new word, make sure you write it down on a flashcard along with a description that you’ll understand and remember.Make it as quirky as you want.Use colors and images if you need to.While you’re waiting for your coffee to brew or your lunch to heat up in the microwave, run through a few of these flashcards and test your memory. Top tip: Keep flashcards grouped in batches that focus on a particular topic. You’ll be able to create connections through similar words and phrases and are more likely to remember where and when you practiced what topic using the theory of set and setting.6. Flick through a dictionaryFlicking through a dictionary is so underrated. Think of all those words!The thing to remember here is to not fill your head with obscure words that you’re never going to use. Instead, flick through to words you learned in last night’s lesson or turn to phrases you’ve been wondering about for ages.It’s easy to get sucked into dictionary b rowsing, so perhaps write down a list of words you’d like to practice and learn the meaning of beforehand so you have some focus. Top tip: After you’ve nailed a word and its meaning, create a couple of sentences using it to retain the informationâ€"maybe even write it down on a flashcard.7. Start a language practice group by the water coolerStarting an impromptu class by the coffee-machine or water cooler isn’t easy if there’s no one in your office who is learning the same language as you.But, if there are, make good use of them!Plan to meet at a certain point throughout the day for 10 minutes and commit yourselves to only speaking in your target language during that time.You can take this one step further, too, and test each other with flashcards, challenge each other to two-player language learning games, or discuss a podcast you’d all planned to listen to the night before.Daily language practice is so much easier when you have other people to motivate you and you’ll b e able to share ideas and bounce questions off of each other. Top tip: Set a task for each meeting so that there’s some kind of focus and you’re not tempted to simply chat about the hottie who works in the office next door.8. Watch commercials in your target languageEveryone hates commercials.But despite their numerous bad qualities, they are a great way to pick up a language because they offer lots of repetition and keywords.All you have to do is search for commercials or ads in your target language in YouTube and you’ll be inundated with pages and pages of them.If youd like to learn with commercials more efficiently, then you should check out FluentU. FluentU not only makes it easy to understand and enjoy any video, but it turns the video into a language learning lesson. Theres no better way to learn how a word is used than by seeing examples of it in multiple videos.The best thing about ads is that they’re short and to the point, so you can watch a few in 10 minutes, or w atch one over and over again until you’ve mastered its meaning. Top Tip: If youre trying to learn a certain set of vocabulary, choose commercials that match it. For example, if youre looking to learn words relating to cars, select car commercials, or if youre wanting to understand more words related to cleaning, choose cleaning adsâ€"simple!  How about it? Think you have a spare 10 minutes free every day? Not anymore you don’t! I challenge you to choose at least three of these activities and incorporate them into your coffee break (or while you’re waiting for the bus, or while you’re waiting in line at a store) in the coming week.I bet you’ll be surprised at how well short, sharp bursts of daily language practice work for you!

How to Tell Students About Your Teaching and Tutoring Experience

How to Tell Students About Your Teaching and Tutoring ExperienceIt is important to describe your teaching and tutoring experience. Your students are the best judges of what you have done for them. When you describe your teaching and tutoring experience, you should be able to show a step by step plan that the students can follow.The first thing you want to do is write down how long you have been teaching and how much experience you have. In this way, you can give examples of the actual events that you experienced in the course of your job. You also need to know about the things that happened to help students learn from your experiences. This is one way to give students ideas about what they can expect when they attend your classes.Be sure to tell students about the tasks that they would expect from you if they were in your position. Also, it would be good to explain your advantages that you had over other teachers.After your descriptions, it is time to use pictures to give students pi ctures of the things that happened in their class. If you do not have some pictures with you, you can purchase a few photo albums from the library or buy photo albums from your local bookstore. Choose pictures that were very memorable and that will have the maximum impact on the students.Next, it is time to talk to the students about what they should expect from you. Give examples of the tasks that they should do. You can also discuss about the responsibilities that they should handle.Finally, explain to them what benefits they will get from attending your classes. This will allow them to look forward to going to your classes. Just make sure to explain that they will not have to pay anything to be in your classes.These examples are just a few ways to give students some helpful examples. Remember that you want to build confidence and that your students will take the information you are giving them and be able to apply it to improve their lives. By using these techniques, you will be able to give your students' ideas about what they should expect when they attend your classes.

Tutoring Resources For Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Tutoring Resources For Penn State College of Earth and Mineral SciencesUsing tutoring resources for Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences students is a viable option for schools that do not have enough in-house instructors to meet the need. Many individuals who prefer to learn on their own instead of enrolling in a classroom and relying on textbooks are turning to the tutoring resources as an alternative. They want to learn from a tutor that is committed to providing quality instruction, one that is well trained and experienced in giving lectures.Students who do not have a bachelor's degree but wish to pursue a higher education, a master's degree or even a doctoral degree, would find it extremely difficult to find an instructor that would be willing to teach them. This is where the tutoring resources come into play.They offer unique qualities that make them great candidates for teaching students. People who want to go on to graduate school will appreciate the ability to us e these resources in their lectures. Individuals who have not completed a college degree will find it easy to apply the learned concepts to their existing knowledge. Tutors that use resources for Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offer this type of approach in lecture.Tutors that use Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences have the opportunity to view a number of lectures on DVD. This allows the student to see the topics they will be covered, what they will be discussed and how long they will be treated to them.Once a student completes a master's degree or PhD, they can choose to continue with the tutoring sessions to receive continuing education credits. These credits can come in the form of writing assignments and other courses.Whether a student has completed the required requirements or not, they will always have the opportunity to go back to Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences if they desire. They can find tutors that are both reliable and ex perienced in their approach to giving lectures.Tutoring resources for Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences to provide students with the opportunity to learn from a tutor that will provide quality instruction and help with their education. All they have to do is follow the guidelines of the resource and they will be able to use their knowledge and skill set to help others as well.

Transform Your Algebra Help - Getting the Boost From Your Algebra Help

Transform Your Algebra Help - Getting the Boost From Your Algebra HelpA good teacher will help you reach your full potential and transform formulas algebra help will do the same for you. In this article I am going to share some ways to get your algebra help.First you need to understand that algebra is a major skill and many students are taught algebra early on in life. Most of the times students are taught from the beginning algebra as part of their core curriculum because they think it will get them prepared for high school.Algebra is really a complex subject and has different levels and disciplines that you must be able to learn first. The teachers who prepare your work when you enter school usually make sure that your work has algebra at the back of it. Of course we all know that you must learn algebra to be able to understand math.The purpose of algebra transforming formulas help is to prepare you for any test that you may take in the future. In fact, if you start with algebra th en you will be able to grasp the concepts of complex numbers, linear equations, trigonometry, complex numbers, algebraic geometry, parallel algebra, precalculus, calculus, etc.After you have learned all these subjects algebra transform formulas algebra help will prepare you for the next level. They will do the same for your pre-calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and other courses like algebra of courses that are related to algebra.You can transform formulas algebra help even if you haven't done any mathematics before. Students learn a lot in high school because it is a full scale math course and students should be prepared for this and they will get an extra boost by doing this. In fact for many people it helps to improve their thinking about math as they will be more alert about what they are doing and what they are learning.All you need to do is to use algebra to transform formulas help before you study algebra and it will help you master algebra. This will allow you to get the max imum benefit from algebra and help you with your own performance.

How to Find a Geography Tutor

How to Find a Geography Tutor How to Find a Tutor for Geography Studies ChaptersDefining Geography TuitionHow to Find a Tutor to Study GeographyGeography Courses OnlineLet’s say you have a major exam on your horizon; maybe you will soon sit GCSEs or A-Levels, with Geography as one of your chosen subjects.Naturally, you would want to put forth your best effort in order to attain the highest possible results so you would seek out a private tutor to work with.That scenario applies if you are an undergraduate careening toward your end of semester exams, as well!The question is not so much finding a tutor to master geographic concepts with; tutors of that branch of humanities study abound!Your focus should really be on finding the right tutor for you: one who can work with your learning style; who is knowledgeable about the exam you will soon sit. You need someone who has a proven track record of tutoring success, as evidenced by previous students’ testimonials.Lastly but of prime consideration: you need someone you can afford.Your Superprof now takes mat ters in hand, directing you to sources where you may find tutors with the perfect blend of utility and affordability for any level of tutoring you may need.Geography, the mother of all sciences, is broadly divided into human geography and physical geography.Exams will test your knowledge on both of these facets, so any supplemental instruction you seek must be capable of addressing them.Another consideration for determining if your tutor is qualified to mentor you is his/her own level of achievement in geographical studies.Although there are no laws governing the tutoring industry, the firm rule of thumb is that your tutor should be at least one year more advanced in their studies than you are.So, if you, a GCSE student, have an older sibling who is at university, working on his/her geography degree, s/he is qualified to give you one to one tutoring.And you, in turn, could earn a bit of pocket money tutoring students who are less advanced than you!Cost always ends up as the last fac tor to consider in private tuition but really should be of prime consideration!Did you know that one in four students across the UK benefits from private tuition, making it a billion-pound a year industry?Some people will pay for the best whether it is warranted or not.For instance, concerned parents may hold out for a highly degreed, well-travelled geography tutor with an excellent reputation of helping their students improve their study skills... and pay accordingly.Does an A-Level candidate need a   £70 postdoctoral fellow to coach him prior to exams?While anyone is certainly entitled to hire any tutor they deem necessary, we recommend finding the best price for your home tutoring needs.To do so, you must factor in these variables:Level: tuition would logically cost more for higher level students than for those at the younger levelAge of the student: the younger the child, the shorter the attention span; KS1 students would benefit from shorter tutoring session, which means lower fees.Purpose: academic support tutoring and homework help are a long-term proposition; tutoring for exam preparation would be of shorter durationIntensity: general support could be provided once a week but if exams are right around the corner, you would probably need more than one session per week.Delivery: online tutoring tends to cost less than face to face tutoring. Also, if the tutor comes to your home, you may have a modest travelling fee added to your tutoring fee.Location: finding a tutor in a big city is easier, but such locations typically mean higher fees.What About Learning Disabilities?Autism, dyslexia, ADD... these conditions and others pose challenges to students and those who would teach them.According to statistics, the number of SEN students in UK primary and secondary schools totals over one million â€" 14% of the country's student body has special educational needs.Quite logically, caregivers of such students would want to provide their charges with every possible educational advantage, so engaging a tutor is not out of the question.The question is, though: is that tutor qualified to meet such a challenge? Does s/he has experience doing so?If you/your student is learning disabled, when considering a hiring a tutor, you should make his/her ability to work with your learner's specific disability a focus of your interview.Find out how to discern the cost of geography tutoring â€" for special needs students, by location and by their level of study!The point of a tutor search is matching the tutor's abilities with your needs... unlocking the right door, metaphorically speaking! Source: Pixabay Credit: QimonoHow to Find a Tutor to Study GeographyNow that those considerations have been outlined, the search is on!As mentioned before, tutoring in the UK is a booming business so finding tutoring to master geography concepts, one on one or in a small group, should not be difficult, right?Consider the wealth of methods a tutor has to advertise his/her s ervices.You may find fliers posted at your local Tesco, petrol station, library or community centre. You could also scan adverts in your local paper and on websites such as Gumtree or your local Freeads.The trouble with all of those outlets is that, most likely, you will have no feedback from previous students. There is little room in such notifications to list comments or even qualifications.Besides, how could you be sure the praise is from someone that person actually tutored?Select libraries and community centres around the country offer homework help run by qualified tutors.If your main concern is academic support, you may direct yourself there. Possibly, one of those tutors might be looking for one on one tutoring opportunities!The trouble there is that geography is not a part of UK schools’ core curriculum; generally, such free help is generally offered in subjects like English or math.You may hear of an available geography tutor by word of mouth: from talking to your neighb ours, other parents or your teacher.Of all the methods of finding a tutor mentioned so far, this one could prove to be the best because you are getting a personal endorsement from someone you know about that tutor’s skill in teaching.What if you want a more official presentation of geography courses?Tutoring services around the country have on staff qualified candidates who are ready to help students achieve academic success in all subjects, including geography.The advantages here are that the tutors have all been vetted â€" their credentials have been verified, and they have a stable of clients to prove their worth.There are downsides to this solution, though.For one, you will most likely be assigned a tutor rather than interviewing and hiring the one you believe suits your needs best.Another point is that you may be required to travel to the tutoring agency; some do not permit their employees to travel to clients’ homes.Finally, the cost of such an appointment would necessaril y be higher to cover the facility’s overhead.There are other options to explore...Speaking of exploring, discover all the reasons to study geography!The best part of working with an online tutor is that you can learn from anywhere! Source: Pixabay Credit: CunconGeography Courses OnlineThese days, more and more services are finding their way online and tutoring is one of them.This is the Information Age when virtually anything from friendship to free tutoring can be found online!Beware of free tutoring... assure yourself of its quality!Not only can you find qualified geography tutors online but you can receive instruction via webcam and, in most cases, pay less than if a tutor visited your home once a week!With online tutoring, nobody needs to be inconvenienced by the weather or traffic; simply boot up your computer at the appointed time and let the learning begin!All you need for online geography classes is a decent webcam and a quality headset so you can hear exactly what your tu tor is saying.Tutoring companies have made the leap to providing online services, though their costs may still be higher than other entities that have only an online presence.Of those, you have plenty to choose from, Superprof being an excellent case in point.Superprof lists more than 2,000 geography tutors; each one being fully qualified and well-versed in their subject material.You may narrow your search for the best tutor through the search page’s built-in filters so that only those tutors of the level, region, and price range you specify will show.With Superprof, your price range may be less of a concern seeing as the average rate for one hour of geography lessons is £11!Furthermore, many Superprof geography tutors offer their first hour of tutoring for free, just to see if you will be well-matched.Each Superprof profile page details specifics of that particular tutor: their level of education and teaching experience, whether they would tutor online or prefer home tuition â€" their home or yours...Best of all, you can see the glowing reviews left by that tutor’s former and current students!Be it for A-Levels, GCSE, at university or graduate level: private tutoring is a serious investment of time and money, on your part and that of your tutor.It is best to consider all aspects of engaging a geography tutor so that your student will succeed.Now discover the many career fields open to those with a geography degree!

Important Habits of Effective Test-Takers

Important Habits of Effective Test-Takers Certain students do well on virtually every exam in every subject they tackle. Oftentimes, the secret to their success can appear nebulous or innate. However, most effective test-takers possess key habits and traits that ensure they earn high marks time and again. Let us examine a few: 1. They are prepared One of the most important factors in scoring well on any exam, whether it is the SAT, the MCAT, an AP, or a final, is preparation. It may sound obvious, but effective preparation is paramount.All effective test-takers devote significant time and effort to understanding the amount and type of studying they must complete in order to succeed on a test. This can involve content review from multiple sources, as well as completingpractice questions. Comprehensive study schedules ensure that preparation is thoroughand that no topics are overlooked. Without preparation, additional strategies are ineffective. Here are some great tips on how to mentally prepare for test daythat you may find useful as well. 2. They are cognizant of time during the exam For tests with time limits, it is vital for students to be aware of their pace. You do not receive points for questions you do not attempt. This is a common reason many studentsdo not score well on exams for whichthey are otherwise fully prepared. Skilledtest-takers monitor the time remaining during an exam at regular intervals, and they complete practice tests under time constraints beforehand to accurately simulate the real exam. 3. They do not fixate on difficult questions Despite extensive preparation, the majority of students will encounter at least one question they do not understand on a test. What distinguishes decent test-takers from great test-takers is that great test-takers quickly realize they do not know the answer. They make an educated guess (see below) and move on. This allows these students more time to address the problems they do understand in order to ultimately score additional points. By refusing to fixate on questions for which they do not have a clear answer, successful test-takers also maintain their psychological momentum. They do not devote significant mental effort to fighting a losing battle. 4. They make educated guesses Another key difference between those individuals who are prepared but do not see results and those who consistently score well is the ability to employ deduction when guessing, rather than blindly selecting an answer and hoping for the best. Strongtest-takers utilize the process of elimination to substantially improvetheir chances of choosing the correct response. By pausing for a moment to eliminate answer choices that they strongly believe are wrong, students will increase their likelihood of earning points on a question they dont know. 5. They are healthy as a whole To perform your best on any exam, it is important not to neglect other facets of your life. Effective test-takers ensure that they have a consistent and balanced diet, maintain a regular sleeping schedule, and set aside time for physical activity and relaxation. Given the intricate links between cognitive performance and physical well-being, it is easy to grasp the fact that being healthy will assist you in developing a mental edge come exam time. Here are 6test prep mantras to live by in the new yearthat you may want to take a look at as well. 6. They are able to concentrate Possibly the most significant factor that allows students to succeed on exams is concentration. In order to be a successful test-taker, students must learn how to focus completely on the task at hand. Whether it is studying material, completing practice exams, or sitting for the real test, those who concentrate fully and intensely can score well. Developing your ability to do as much requires time and practice. Removing yourself from distractions when reviewing is a great place to start. Meditation can also augment your concentration. It is no secret thatour education system is deeply rooted in testing. Standardized exams, board exams, and final exams occur frequently as students progress along the academic ladder. In order to flourish within higher education, it is vital for students to develop the key skills and habits of effective test-takers.

Improvisation Classes

Improvisation Classes Learn How To Act Through Improvisation ChaptersIf I Want To Learn To Act Do I Need To Learn How To Improvise?How Can I Improve My Acting Techniques, Such As Improvisation?Improvisation is not a new invention, despite its popularity today. In fact, improvisation has been around for hundreds of years, even forming part of the Commedia dell’Arte in Italy during the sixteenth century.In essence, improvisation describes a performance in which the actors’ responses are unplanned, as there is often little to no script to go by. Instead, actors play off each other, their characters, and their environment in real time to develop a plot and advance a story forward.Not only is improvisation a popular performance form, but it is also a useful skill for an actor to have. This is because improvisation can help an actor create a better-rounded and believable character. Additionally, improvisation may produce moments that scriptwriters may not have thought of that make a performance shine that little bit brighter.So, if you’re new to acting and wondering where to start, or you’re looking you further develop your acting skills, learning a few things about improvisation (known as “improv” for short) can really help you improve your craft as an actor.This article outlines the benefits of learning improvisation  and where you can develop your improvisation skills.Improv classes tend to be more closely associated with comedy and comedy classes than tragedy, although that's not to say that improvisation skills aren't useful to learn in an acting class for reasons other than comedy. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Pixabay)Robert De Niro’s “You talkin' to me?” line in the 1976 film Taxi Driver; andThe “You're gonna need a bigger boat” line in the 1975 film Jaws.While improvisation is a highly recognised skill in the world of acting, it’s worth noting that not all actors are as reliant on improvisation, as they may prefer to use other acting techniques when performing their craft. S o, while knowing improvisation may benefit you as an actor, for example when it comes to standing out during castings, don’t feel as though you absolutely must be an expert in improvisation in order to progress as an actor.Although improvisation can be a wonderful skill to add to your repertoire if you are taking acting classes, or developing your talents as an actor, it’s equally important to realise that improvisation isn’t just a skill used by actors.For example, improvisation is also commonly seen in other mediums and is particularly well-known for its use within the realm of comedy, such as stand up and other forms of live comedy.Many notable comics, such as Robin Williams, were highly regarded for their improvisation skills and often made improvisation a core part of their routines. This not only highlighted the creativity of the comedians but also made the audience laugh and helped them to enjoy watching the comic perform on stage.While comedic performances, sketch come dy, and acting are the most common areas people associate with improvisation, it can also be a useful skill to have in day-to-day life. It’s not uncommon, for instance, for improvisation classes to be offered to people as diverse as:School-age students; andProfessionals in business.The reason why improv classes and workshops can really help such diverse groups of people is that they can help develop a variety of skills that are useful in daily life.For example, improvisation classes for businesses may help team members develop and showcase their listening, speaking, and all-round communication skills, as you need to think on your feet to respond to the person you’re performing with.Similarly, improvisation can be a great way to develop your creative skills, as well as the ability to think on your feet.An improv class or a different type of  acting workshop can be a great way to help develop your creativity and boost your confidence as an actor. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photo s, Pixabay)How Can I Improve My Acting Techniques, Such As Improvisation?There are a number of different ways you can improve your fundamental improvisation skills.One of the most common ways of developing your improvisation techniques is to attend an improvisation class or workshop, either one that’s specifically designed for actors or one that is also designed to appeal to members of the general public.There are numerous classes available in the UK that accept a range of ability levels, regardless of whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned performer. For instance, the Free Association in London is just one example of where you might go to improve your improv.Aside from attending classes, there are other ways you can get better at improvising. For example, you could:Watch shows and films that feature actors and comedians that are famous for their improvisation skills, such as Kristen Wiig, Steve Carell, and Will Ferrell;Attend comedy nights, a comedy festival, a comedy c lass, or other events where improvisational comedy is being performed; andPlay or watch improv games such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?In essence, the more that you can immerse yourself in the world of improvisation, and practice improvisation as a participant rather than as an observer, the more your skills should hopefully develop.Where Can I Find Improvisation Drama Lessons?There are improvisation drama classes near me across the UK, so you should be able to find a class near you with relative ease, particularly if you live in a major city. When looking for an improv comedy class or general improv class try and find one that has a good reputation and has received positive feedback from previous course attendees, as these are generally good indicators of the quality of the course.It’s also worth bearing in mind that what you will be taught on an improvisation course may well depend on the type of course (e.g. whether it’s designed for absolute beginners or more experienced perfo rmers) as well as the instructor running the course.Generally speaking though, you’re likely to work through a variety of games, exercises and performances over the course of an improvisation class, all while having the chance to meet new people and potentially make new friends.If you’re unsure of what the class’ content is exactly and would like to find out, or if you'd like to know if the course is an intensive one, always try to speak to the course provider and ask for further details.Improv classes can really help boost your confidence as a performer, and can really help those looking to learn how to act or get into comedy, including stand up comedy. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay)Don’t Be AfraidSome people may feel put off from attending an improvisation class for fear that they may look silly doing improvisation exercises or that they’ll make a fool out of themselves.Don’t be!The main thing to remember is that everyone at an improvisation class is th ere to learn more about improvisation and improve their skills, so you’re all in the same boat.If you’re able to let go of any fears that you may have and embrace the experience and the laughter that should follow, then you should find that you get more out of the class, and you’ll maybe even have fun while doing so!If you want to learn more about improvisation, but are still struggling to find a course that’s right for you, why not consider hiring a drama tutor who can help you with improv?Superprof has a wide network of tutors for a variety of subjects, including acting, meaning that you should be able to find a tutor near you that is able to offer one to one, group, workshop, or online acting lessons.So, whether you’d like to learn improvisation in order to:Perform better during castings and auditions;Develop your acting skills and confidence in a supportive environment;Get better at improv comedy or sketch performances; orImprove your comedic timing,A Superprof tutor m ay be able to help you! Given that tutors can offer greater flexibility when it comes to class availability, and may also be more competitive when it comes to pricing, you might be surprised at how well drama tuition could work for you.