A Great Way to Learn English

A Great Way to Learn EnglishThere are many ways to learn ESL (English as a Second Language) online and the best way to learn is through ESL tutoring. This is because tutors can go through your lessons and respond to your problems in a real time setting and do it fast. You can also benefit from this type of learning since you can find ESL tutors who live in the area where you live and can therefore help you in your neighborhood.ESL is often seen as a challenge to the native English speaker. It is an alternative language for native English speakers so that they have the ability to communicate with people in another country in the same way that they would if they were able to speak their own language. With the rise of this form of learning, more people are going online to find the best resources. It is a great way to learn how to speak a second language.One thing that you need to understand is that in English, there are different pronunciations for some words, making it hard for a nativ e English speaker to pronounce. The lessons taught in ESL are very detailed and are meant to help you learn these things. These lessons are also very interactive, so that you will be able to use your natural accent and interact with the teacher.The ESL tutoring materials provided online are often cheaper than other resources that are provided by professionals. In order to keep your online lessons going, you will need to set up a computer on which to work on your learning materials. There are many resources online that you can use to help you with this; they can give you teaching tips, games to help you in your studies, as well as the materials needed to improve your skills.The process of teaching through the Internet is easy to do, however, the major benefit is that you will get all the tools that you need to learn in your home without the hassle of traveling to class. This is great for students with busy lives. However, the courses offered by these tutors can be quite expensive, pa rticularly if you want to do the entire course. This is why it is important to try to choose a tutor who has the skills that you need.One of the things that you need to understand about ESL is that it is not an easy language to learn. It is a highly complex language with various tenses and words that need to be learned. Some people find it difficult to pronounce the words that they are taught, as well as to think of ways to make them sound similar to their native English words. These are all things that ESL tutors can do in order to help you with these things and make them easier to think of.When it comes to grammar, there are many grammar lessons available online which can help you learn your skills. You can learn them from the comfort of your home. It is a good way to learn since you can do it yourself. This is perfect for people who like to read and can't be bothered with having to take classes.Online ESL tutoring can offer you a variety of lessons which will not only benefit you but also make you feel that you are earning money while you learn. They are meant to teach you the basics of the language and will give you a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the sentences that you read. It is important to know that there are different types of courses that you can choose from depending on what your needs are. Check with your friends to see if they have used ESL tutoring before so that you can compare different courses.

Free Online AP Chemistry Test

Free Online AP Chemistry TestThe Pogil answer key Ap Chemistry 101 is a science and math for high school students who want to prepare for the AP Chemistry exam. Since there are different types of AP Chemistry exam like the PSAT, PARCC, SAT, etc., it is advisable to go through this textbook if you are looking for a good answer key for AP Chemistry test.It will help you focus in studying English and mathematics in your English class. It has math answers for several questions and helps you comprehend analytical problem solving skill. The book also provides details about the chemical reaction, its procedure, as well as compound and mixture.You can download the free Pogil book from the Internet. There are lots of online sources where you can get the answers for the AP Chemistry test. You can find the answers by searching on Google or Yahoo search engine. Also there are some free sites that provide the free digital answers of the Ap Chemistry exam.The book contains free software such as th e free Microsoft Office program, tests and practice books. Many free exam software are also available online. These tests are based on the theory test of AP Chemistry, which is given only once in a year at the Annual Convention of the AP Chemistry Council, which is held in San Francisco, California. Apart from this, there are other tests like Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebra III, and Linear Algebra, which are also widely used.The Pogil book helps students prepare for the AP Chemistry exam with the help of easy-to-use tools. It provides students with an example test, which will help them understand concepts more easily and in an easier way.The questions in the Ap Chemistry questions are categorized intomultiple-choice, written and multiple-entry. The multiple-choice questions are divided into two sections. The first section is a multiple-choice question, which is primarily composed of four papers and four graph papers. These questions involve large amount of scientific informat ion.The second section of the AP Chemistry is divided into a multiple-entry test and a free online test. This free online test is called Compound and mixtures section. In this test, students have to use Compound and mixtures diagrams to prove that the solution to a compound problem or mixture problem is different from its given solution. There are many other questions, which are in general form and can be solved easily.

The Importance of Elite Home Tutoring

The Importance of Elite Home TutoringThe term elite home tutoring is used to describe tutoring programs that are designed to meet the specific needs of students who are considered to be of exceptional intellect and ability. Elite home tutoring programs provide an excellent opportunity for all young people to improve their academic performance, growth, self-esteem and personal well-being. These programs aim to enhance a student's learning ability, enrich his or her mind and sense of well-being.Elite tutoring programs are special programs that specialize in providing guidance to students who are gifted and talented. In fact, some tutoring programs have trained professional teachers as part of their team. This will ensure that the tutors' learning approach and teaching style to meet the standards required by the school and federal curriculum.Elite tutoring should help improve a student's academic performance in the area of language arts. An education can become an educational process on ly when it has a dynamic character, which is an enhanced capacity to adapt to changing changes. It helps to develop high-quality thinking abilities and problem solving skills.Elite tutoring is usually arranged by the school or college at the request of the parents or guardians. Elite tutoring is quite different from regular tutoring, which is limited to getting the basic education. Elite tutoring covers a student's entire academic career, and helps him to learn at the level of his potential. Elite tutoring can bring up a person's academic performance at the next level.Elite tutoring includes the whole or part-time teaching, study skills training, expert management of academic knowledge, and even studying for a professional qualification. Some tutors work individually while others conduct a full service. As an example, one may teach French from home while the other makes sure that the child goes to college.Elite tutoring services focus on getting the child on track to higher academic achievement. Elite tutoring gives the family the ability to raise their child from birth, without compromising his academic performance.Elite tutoring can help the child to enhance his growth, self-esteem and personal well-being. The kid gets to sharpen his abilities, boost his sense of confidence and sense of worth, as well as learn to put all his knowledge and achievements into practice. Many adults find it very difficult to cope with changes in their lives, and some children, who are endowed with innate qualities, find it difficult to adapt to changes brought about by the new school system and the society around them. Elite home tutoring can provide them the advantage of being a part of a supportive family, all the while benefiting from the guidance and inspiration of an expert tutor.

A Practical Guide For Your Trip To Germany

A Practical Guide For Your Trip To Germany Visit Germany: German Mini Guide For Planning Your Trip ChaptersMust See Attractions And Places In GermanyMust-See Cities In GermanyWhat Accommodation Is Available In GermanyPlanning Your Budget For Your German TripWhen you travel in Germany, you will never be far from one of the many Unesco world heritage sites or culturally unique sites, marked for their historical importance and interest. Unesco and other points of interest such as Brandenburg gate, Neuschwanstein castle, the Bavarian Alps, the Danube river (the second longest river in Europe), Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and the romantic Rothenburg. These attractions will leave you captivated by Germany and eager to learn more about this fascinating culture.Along with these sites, there are also gorgeous German historical cities like Bremen, Leipzig, and Dresden. In which you can discover museums, Parks Monuments and many other must-see attractions in your traveling in Germany. It is true that Germany is overflowing with attractions, events and destinations for you to explore and discover. You certainly will not run out of places to see on your visit to Germany.When you arrive, you will likely fly into an airport in one of the top 10 cities (which by population are: Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Essen and Leipzig) whose airports offer regular, on time and high quality onward transport which allows you easy access for a tour of Germany.The city has kept a strong medieval, modern but also contemporary historical imprint. Photo Source: Unsplash SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2 ) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMust See Attractions And Places In GermanyThe Berlin Tower (Fernsehturm)The Berlin tower stands at 368 meters tall and It is the tallest building in Germany and it is also one of the top 5 tallest buildings in Europe. The Fernsehturm as it is known locally functions as a TV signal tower, and it looks down over Berlin just as the Eiffel Tower does in Paris.In 1979, the Berlin Fernsehturm received the status of historical monument in the East Germany.   After the reunification of Berlin, the tower became the national symbol of a united and democratic Germany. It is so well known that it is often used to symbolize the city of Berlin alongside the Brandenburg Gate or the Victory Column.Neuschwanstein Castle, German WonderLocated on a rocky spur in Bavaria (a region of Germany), this castle was built by Louis II of Bavaria in the nineteenth century. This Bavarian ki ng wanted to imitate the style of the old German castles while bringing an elegance to the imagination of the romantics. Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited monuments in Germany and one of the most beautiful buildings, with a magical fairytale atmosphere.The Old Town Of Rothenburg, A Place Frozen In TimeThe Rothenburg ob der Tauber, is in the old town of Rotheburg, it is a small medieval village in Bavaria. If you travel to Germany, it is essential to go to this city which has the power to take you back in time. The town has a very large number of medieval buildings and a fortified enclosure which has been well preserved. Rothenburg is one of the stops on the romantic road tour that should not be missed!Munich's MarienplatzThe Marienplatz is the perfect place for sightseeing, buying typical souvenirs and eating local specialties. Also known as one of the most beautiful places in Germany. Marienplatz is the square in downtown Munich, which was founded in 1158.A fe w of the attractions in Munichs Marienplatz include:The old neo-Gothic town hall with its famous towerThe church of Marienplatz, also in Neo-Gothic style,Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is also emblem of the city,This place has plenty to occupy the travelers with its many tourist attractions and typical activities.you want to have a good time visiting attractions but you must also take care that you have enough to cover your basic needs. Photo Source: UnsplashCologne CathedralLocated in North Rhine, Cologne Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in Germany. In a marked Gothic style, the religious building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the buildings in Europe that best symbolizes the Christian past.  At 157 meters high, Cologne Cathedral is the second highest church in the world.Must-See Cities In GermanyBerlin City, Germanys CapitalIf you only have time for a short city tour, you would do well to visit Berlin. It is the largest city in Germany and it is a good representative of Germany. Giving a good introduction to the German culture and a wonderful selection of historical and modern attractions.A few of the attractions in Berlin include:Admire the Brandenburg Gate,Visit the Reichstag Palace,Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial,Visit the TV Tower,Visit the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom).The city obviously has many more fascinating places to discover and it will take you more than a day to visit everything.Stuttgart, Epicenter Of German CultureStuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg, it is a city that has kept its old-world charm. The city has kept a strong medieval, modern but also contemporary historical imprint. It is also possible to visit the big park or the Porsche exhibition which is a celebration of the legendary car brand.Dresden, City Of Art In GermanyDresden is the capital of Saxony, in eastern Germany and it is a centre of cultural, artistic and historical tourism. Dresden is a overflowing with German heritage and sh ould not be missed on a trip to Germany.A few of the attractions in Dresden include:The Taschenberg Palace,The Frauenkirche (Protestant Church),Le musée Green vault,Moritzburg Castle.These historical buildings are internationally renowned and many cultural and musical events take place around them throughout the year.Browse even more German courses on Superprof.Munich, The Kingdom Of Beer In BavariaIf you are a beer lover, then Munich is the city that you have to go to. Every year, at the end of September / beginning of October, it welcomes tourists from all over the world and from all over Germany to celebrate German and European beer during the Oktoberfest.Hamburg, A City Between Traditional And ModernIn the North of Germany, Hamburg is host to the largest German port from which it welcomes many tourists. With its many canals, Hamburg may remind you of Venice, especially as it has managed to protect its historical heritage from the throes of time and combine it with a unique Germ an modernity. It is often considered to be the most beautiful city in Germany!Düsseldorf, Shopping In The Medival EraDusseldorf is a city divided in two by the Rhine and is famous for its authentic breweries.   The cities landscape is divided into two facets:Modern city with buildings and stores by the thousands andTraditional city with historical buildings like the old port and the 7 bridges.There are several categories of hotel according to your desires and especially of your budget. Photo Source: UnsplashWhat Accommodation Is Available In GermanyWhether you want to visit Germany near the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, around Lake Constance or near the rivers Elbe and the Danube.  Germany offers a lot of different accommodation to suit any budget.There are several categories of hotel according to your desires and especially of your budget:Standard Hotel: room of 12m ² / 16m ² double or twin bed with toiletries offered,Mid-priced Hotel: double room 14m ² / 18m ² with all hotel servic e,First Class Hotel: 16m ² / 22m ² double room with all services including toiletries, business centre, gym and restaurant,Luxury Hotel: 18m ² / 26m ² double room or suite with 24h reception, room service, smart technology, a safe, and other luxury services.The main advantage of hotels is certainly the comfort it can offer compared to alternative accommodation like the hostel or Airbnb. Hotels are designed to offer maximum comfort and the services offered make your stay in Germany easy. However alternative accommodations have several advantages too. The main one being the price, which can be up to three or four times less than traditional hotels.Find many German courses London here.Planning Your Budget For Your German TripIf you want to maximise what is possible for yourself while traveling then having a budget can really help. Of course you want to have a good time visiting attractions but you must also take care that you have enough to cover your basic needs like accommodation, fo od and transport. Here are some rough estimates that can help you work out your budget.Average Price Of AccommodationCheap accommodation around €0 - €35Homestays and Airbnb around €35+3 star hotel to 5 star hotel around €80-€200+Average Price Of FoodSupermarket:A loaf of Bread: 1,3 €,Potatoes: 1,1 € per kg,Tomatoes: 2,6 € per kg,Bottle of water: 0,4 € (1,5 l),Bottle of local beer: 0,7 €,Restaurant:Around €10 per person for lunch.€23 per person for dinner.Fast food around € 7.Beer from around €1.Mineral water around € 1.9.Average Price Of TransportOne way Bus ticket is around 2,70 €,Single Metro ticket in the capital city of Berlin is around 1.70 - 2.80 €Uber minimum journey cost is around 5 €,Take charge of the taxi is around 3,60 €/kmDaily Car rental is around 24 €.Whether for its landscapes or architecture, Germany is a very beautiful country. Worth a visit for your next holiday destination. Enjoy your time!

How to Get Your Gamer to Do Their Homework

How to Get Your Gamer to Do Their Homework As you almost assuredly know, most middle school students love their screens. From smartphones to laptops to TV, screens are everywhere. And many students use these screens to play games. While theres a lot of controversy over whether or not screens are healthy for young people, its clear that some games can be a good way for students to unwind and have fun. Some games can even encourage creativity. But sometimes gaming can be so much fun that it can be hard to peel your student away to do their homework. Redirecting your middle school student away from their games to their homework desk can seem like a daunting task. If you need help, heres some advice on how to get your gamer to do their homework. 1. Set a time limit for gaming Setting a daily time limit for gaming can encourage your student to step away from the screen. They may also be more likely to use the gaming time they have wisely if that time is limited. If your student has a hard time adjusting to limits on gaming, remind them that its important to balance academics and fun. Hold your student accountable by gently reminding them when their gaming time is up for the day. If they protest, discussing why balance is importanti.e. it helps you get good grades while allowing you to have funcan be helpful. Ask your student to set a timer to the agreed length every time they sit down to a game. [RELATED: A Parent's Guide to Learning in the Digital Age] 2. Use time for gaming as a reward Another strategy to help your student cut back on gaming and spend more time on homework is to use gaming as a reward for completed homework. If your student struggles to get homework done because of gaming, try setting a rule that gaming can only be done after your student completes their homework. This strategy can hold your student accountable for doing their homework. It may even incentivize doing homework for some students who have a hard time leaving their games or who struggle with schoolwork. [RELATED: Keep Calm and Study OnHow to Avoid Homework Meltdowns This School Year] 3. Positively reinforce homework completion and good grades Video games are so appealing to middle schoolers in part because they bring with them instant gratificationsomething that homework doesnt usually do. Incentivize the act of doing homework by positively reinforcing it. You can do that by praising your student every time they finish their homework. Encouraging healthy study habits, such as sitting down at the same time every day to do homework, can also be helpful. The more successful your student feels when doing homework, the more likely theyll be to continue doing it. Help them win at homework by praising good study habits, good grades, and completed assignments. Some students turn to games because they struggle with homework. If this is the case for your student, hiring a tutor can help them stay on top of all their work and feel successful! [RELATED: 5 Tactics to Encourage Academic Confidence in Your Middle Schooler] 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.

What is it Like to Attend University of Pennsylvania

What is it Like to Attend University of Pennsylvania The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Jennifer is a Boston tutor who specializes in SAT prep tutoring, ACT prep tutoring, Chemistry tutoring, Writing tutoring, and much more. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Biochemistry as well as a Masters in Chemistry. See what she had to say about her alma mater: VT:Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jennifer: Penn is an urban campus to the west of center city Philadelphia, across the Schuykill River. It is moderately sized, spanning a six-by-four block area. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes to walk from one end to the other end of campus. Penn is one of the few colleges where all of the associated schools (law, dental, medical, etc) are all on the same campus--which is extremely advantageous when it comes to taking advanced courses or participating in research. Because there are so many schools located within a small urban space, the buildings tend to be close to each other which made getting from one class to the next on time pretty easy. Penn's campus borders West Philadelphia which might raise concerns about safety. However, Penn employs one of the largest private security forces in the world. Police officers can be found patrolling the campus by bike at any given time of night and are happy to escort you back to wherever you need to go. There are cameras mounted at the intersection of every street for a ten block radius past the western edge of campus. I had no qualms about walking across campus at four in the morning. Nevertheless, one should probably still practice the common sense required of living on an urban campus. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jennifer: In terms of professors, I think it depends on the subject being taught. I generally tended to email TAs in my lower level science classes where the class size was well into the hundreds and generally received prompt and helpful replies. For smaller classes of under 20 people (many of my English classes and my graduate science coursework), the professors were very approachable and happy to help. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Jennifer: I lived in the Quad during my freshman year (I think it's the quintessential freshman experience) and became fairly close with my hall. The dorm rooms in the quad are very nice for how old the buildings are. Most students aim for one of the three high-rises once they become upperclassmen where each unit is shared between four roommates and it's easy to hang out with other people in the same building. I moved off campus with a friend after my sophomore year and since everything is so close, still found it fairly easy to hang out with other people. From what I hear, the dining halls have improved significantly since I stopped having a meal plan, and Penn has been pushing local food and sustainability. Even without a meal plan, there is plenty to eat in the area--between the various food trucks on Spruce or 38th and the many restaurants near campus, it's easy to find whatever you're in the mood for. The Chem Cafe in the Chemistry building makes a pretty good meatball sub and if you're ever up early and want a cheap breakfast, the cafeteria at CHOP gives you a lot of food for a very reasonable price. There's also a fruit salad food truck at upper Quad gates that I'm convinced gives out more fruit than all the other fruit trucks on campus. Outside of class, the best way to meet other people is to join organizations that you're interested in. There is a huge variety of groups on campus and it's not difficult at all to find a group of people with similar interests. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Jennifer: There's a good mix of majors at Penn but there's no denying that Wharton Business School is a major presence. One thing that I would have to mention about any field of study at Penn is that people tend to be very career-driven; there are a lot of pre-med, pre-law, pre-something students. On-campus recruiting is a huge deal not only for the Business students but for various other majors as well. I was in the Vagelos Program for Molecular Life Sciences which allowed me to graduate with both a BA in Biochemistry and MS in Chemistry in 4 years. I thought that my academic education was pretty comprehensive--but the most important aspect of studying science at Penn was the vast number of principal investigators on campus who are willing to take on undergraduates. I learned a lot through my coursework, but I learned so much more by working and tackling my own independent research project in lab. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Jennifer: It's easy to socialize and make connections with new people if you put in the effort. You will probably start out by hanging out with your hall before you find the people who will become lifelong friends. Greek life does play a role in campus social life, but it's not necessarily significant. I was part of Alpha Phi Omega and made close friends there, but my closest friends tended to come from the Vagelos program. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Jennifer: The pre-med advisors and Career Services were both fairly helpful. One thing that's great about Career Services is that they have many Penn-specific contacts that might be able to help push students past the initial screening process--plus the alumni network across the globe is pretty extensive. Many reputable companies definitely do recruit on campus but I don't know much about the process firsthand since I didn't participate. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Jennifer: Van Pelt is the biggest library on campus and has a good number of desks/study space areas. I used Van Pelt's study room reservation system through to the end of my senior year for group projects and study groups. For individual studying, I tended to hang out with a few close friends in a conference room in the research buildings where we could spread out and use the whiteboards. There were various other libraries on campus (Fischer Fine Arts, Biomedical, Law) or areas in each dorm building that were available for study as well. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Jennifer: Penn is a short subway ride away from center city Philadelphia. Between the historic sites, the various museums, and the restaurant scene, there's a lot to do. Art galleries in old city open their doors for free to the public on every first Friday of each month. Philadelphia is also home to various theatre companies (Philadelphia Theatre Company, Arden, etc.) who have done some really excellent productions. If you have access to a car, Valley Forge is a quick drive away. Take advantage of the urban location of Penn's campus and spend some time in Philadelphia! VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jennifer: Penn is pretty big since all of the students are congregated on one campus. For lower level classes geared towards freshmen or sophomores, the class sizes are pretty large, especially for basic science courses. When I took it, Organic Chemistry was taught by two professors with maybe around two hundred students in each class. However, the more advanced the courses got, the smaller the class size became. I had a memorable graduate Cardiovascular Biology course with 11 other students, listening to professors at the top of their field give lectures about different aspects of vasculature and metabolism. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Jennifer: The most important professor I had at Penn was a Creative Writing professor that I took classes with for three semesters. From the very first time I workshopped a piece in his class, I had my entire view of creative writing swept out from under my feet. I broke down my way of writing and rebuilt it into something much more compelling, much better. He was the sort of professor who spoke quietly, who could pinpoint exactly where I could improve, who observed everything and understood me better than I did at times. He changed not only the way I write but the way I approached life, all for the better. Check out Jennifers tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

5 Reasons to Fit Jam Sessions Into Your Guitar Lessons

5 Reasons to Fit Jam Sessions Into Your Guitar Lessons Suzy S. Is jamming with friends and noodling around on your guitar beneficial? We say yes! In fact, incorporating jam sessions into your guitar lessons can be a great way to build your chops. Check out Wheaton, IL teacher Scott C.s thoughts here Anyone who has ever taken or taught music in some capacity has probably come into contact with what I call “Human Tablature” lessons. In short, this is where you show up, you ask the teacher to teach you a song, and they teach it to you. A perfect example is when American Idiot by Green Day came out; it was almost like every guitar teacher in the country was given a full month’s lesson plans all they had to do was show up and show the student where to put his or her fingers. These lessons are usually so boring you can audibly hear your life getting duller, and both the teacher and the student are constantly shooting shifty glances at their watch. Guitar lessons like this, even when accompanied with theory or fundamentals exercises, do little to improve the student’s skills, and in my experience never get the student to love music or to continue their education for that matter. What they are doing is simply playing the role of a guitar tab or an online instructional, in which case the lesson is expendable because we live in the age of YouTube. The student becomes stunted, bored, and gets sick and just as tired of American Idiot as the rest of us. Something that has shot adrenaline into my own lessons has been to teach improvisationâ€" in whatever way goesâ€" as soon as possible with a student, and then to leave pure, clean, well-lit open space at the beginning of every lesson. What this does is make each lesson not just a time for musical education, but a musical experience, which is exactly why we all wanted to learn music in the first place, right? I know, I know, you might be thinking that you can’t possibly “jam” when you are just beginning, but fear not, it just takes a little calibration. What it looks like for me is simply teaching the most base form of a scale at the beginning of a season of lessons, laying down the fundamentals of improvisation (even if it’s just with a few notes), and then consistently allowing time and space for music to happen, for creativity to strike, and for you to land a killer note or fill that positively gets your blood pumping. If we are learning a particular song together, I will usually start out with that at the next lesson for a jam, and then we will see where it goes. This is great for five grossly beneficial reasons: It’s fun! It instills the blueprint for creativity and improvisation from the very beginning, which sharpens and hones your theory and technical skills, so that you don’t become a musical robot. It puts music in your court where you taste what it’s like not to just learn music, but to make it. It is an easy way to go over and remember things previously learned from other lessons. It makes your lesson time exciting, and gets you psyched about that hour or half-hour. Scott C. teaches guitar, drum, bass guitar, songwriting, music recording, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and music theory lessons to students in Wheaton, IL. His specialties include folk, bluegrass and country music styles, and he joined the TakeLessons team in October 2012. Learn more about Scott, or search for a teacher near you! 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 Photo by L. Bernhardt, Resident Loon

10 Most Famous Economists of All Time and Others Whove Made Their Mark

10 Most Famous Economists of All Time and Others Whove Made Their Mark The Most Influential Economists You Should Know About ChaptersFamous British EconomistsUS Economists ListsTop Economists InternationallyResearch Famous Economists That Most Appeal to YouAlthough when you think about the great minds of our age, we often turn our thoughts to thinkers, leaders or even politicians. However, when it comes to shaping our understanding of the world today, and why we act the way we do, we may be better served by looking to the great economists of our time for answers.Economics sneaks into almost every part of our daily lives, as we are often directly or indirectly influenced by things such as:the state of our local economythe strength of the global economy; andlocal and international economic policyAs a result, it's worth investing some time to find out more about the thinkers that shaped our understanding of economics as we know it today. What's more, it's often the case that such figures are part of a school or university curriculum, so the more familiar you can be with their ideas, the better position you'll be in to perform well in your studies.With that in mind, we outline below the 10 most influential economists of all time, and why you should know about them.comparative advantage; andthe labour theory of value.His most famous work is The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, which was released in 1817.John Maynard Keynes (1883 â€" 1946)Keynesian economics had a huge role to play in the field of macroeconomics.Not only are Keynes' theories still taught in schools today, but they have spawned their own offshoots, with economists such as the late Michal Kalecki having acted as proponents for the post-Keynesian school of economic thought.In short, Keynes argued against laissez-faire, believing instead that governments should intervene in order to:stabilise the booms and busts of economic activity;decrease unemployment; andprevent an economic recession.Equally revolutionary for his time, Keynes suggested that demand, and not supply, was the most important force driving the econo my, which went against common belief at the time.Keynes is one of the most influential economists ever to have lived. (Source: CC BY-SA 4.0, Edwardx, Wikimedia Commons)Amelia Fletcher (1966 - )If Keynes was revolutionary in the world of economics, Dame Amelia Fletcher has completely obfuscated the lines that define traditional economists.Not just because she is one of the rare females that have made a name for themselves in the field of economics, either!She earned her Doctorate in Economics from Nuffield College at the tender age of 27. Eight years later, she was appointed to the Office of Fair Trading in the position of Chief Economist.For those not in the know, that office is our country’s economic regulator.In October 2016, she was appointed to direct the Competition and Markets Authority, a government entity that ensures strong business competition (and works to prevent unfair business tactics).For all of her noteworthy accomplishments, far from the stereotypical image of an economist is Dame Amelia...You might take a break from your own economics studies to catch her in concert, singing and playing her guitar with Canterary Wires.Arthur Cecil Pigou (1877 â€" 1959)Everyone knows all about John Keynes but many overlook his patron when contemplating the world’s most influential economists.Arthur Pigou was educated at Harrow School and, later, at King’s College as a history scholar where he won several awards, among them the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, for a poem he wrote.He came to economics in a roundabout way: through philosophical and ethical studies. However, once introduced to the subject, he found himself adept at the subject, especially with the legendary Alfred Marshall as his teacher.He later succeeded Marshall, having been elected to the post of Professor of Political Economy. Soon after earning that post, he funded Keynes’ work on probability theory.The two men would later have very different perspectives on their relationship, with Pigou averring that Keynes’ theory had substantial merit. That latter’s views over his benefactor, however, were mainly disparaging.Pigou’s most enduring legacy in the field of economics remains the concept of externality, essential to modern welfare economics and environmental economics.If you are enroled in the School of Economics at Cambridge, you should give thanks to Arthur C. Pigou.Starting in 1901, as he lectured in Economics there, he formulated a course syllabus that every Economics student followed for the next 30 years. It influences economics teaching at that school still today!W. Arthur Lewis (1915 â€" 1991)Mr Lewis earned his PhD at the London School of Economics under the tutelage of Sir Arnold Plant, electing to remain on staff for eight years after earning his doctorate.He then went on to lecture at the University of Manchester, where he formulated some of his most influential economic ideas about wages and capital in developing countries.While at Manchester, he pub lished a paper which introduced the Lewis Model â€" also known as the dual sector model.He got plenty of experience in analysing the movement of money in Ghana, which had just won its independence (in 1957). As their first appointed economic advisor, he was instrumental in formulating that new country’s first 5-year economic plan.His research into development economics earned him the Nobel Memorial Prize in 1979, which he shared with Theodore Schultz.Beatrice Webb (1858 â€" 1943)Martha Beatrice Webb was remarkable in that she was never formally educated but still had strong ideas about education in general and the impact of cooperation on a society.A dedicated socialist, she refined her ideas whilst working first as a rent collector â€" a position she took over from her older sister, and in helping her cousin Charles Booth survey the slums of London.His study of the poor in the capital city is reflected in the massive oeuvre Life and Labour of the People in London, a shocking repo rt which eventually led to government initiatives against poverty.Meanwhile, Beatrice, having never spent time in a classroom herself, used part of an endowment she and her husband received to found the London School of Economics and Political Science.If you think it unusual that she would elect such a subject to dedicate a school to, consider how much time, energy and effort she put into improving people’s lives.She made numerous contributions to the cooperative movement economic theory, even publishing several theses on the topic.She and her husband were firm advocates of the central planning concept; it was she who coined the term collective bargaining to describe disparate entities meeting in the middle and agreeing on aspects of labour such as wages and working conditions.US Economists ListsAlthough there have been many prominent British economists over the years, there have been equally great economic minds within the U.S. as well as overseas.Irving Fisher was one of the mos t famous economists of his generation. (Source: Library of Congress, Prints Photographs Division LC-USZ62-101512, Wikimedia Commons)Irving Fisher (1867 â€" 1947)Fisher was one of the most prominent economists of the early 20th century, and arguably was one of the first celebrity economists.Fisher greatly contributed to the foundations of monetarism and is perhaps best known for his two works The Debt-Deflation Theory of Great Depressions and The Theory of Interest.Although his contributions to the field of economics are significant, he famously suffered a setback in 1929, when he declared that “stock prices have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau” when in fact, days later, Wall Street crashed, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.Milton Friedman (1912 â€" 2006)Often painted as a counter figure to Keynes, Milton Friedman was the figure behind the Chicago School of Economics. Following in Adam Smith’s footsteps, Friedman argued in favour of the free mar kets  and is best known for his promotion of free-market capitalism.Contrary to Keynesian theory, Friedman argued for:less government intervention;the steady increase of the supply of money within growing economies; andfloating exchange rates, among other itemsHis work was widely recognised and he is often credited as one of the major economic thinkers of the 20th century alongside Keynes. In 1976, Friedman received the Nobel Prize in Economics.Joseph Stiglitz (1943-)A professor at Columbia University, Joseph Stiglitz is part of the new Keynesian economic school. His contributions to the field of economics are significant, having acted as the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the World Bank, and also serving on the Council of Economic Advisers during Bill Clinton’s presidency.A recipient of the John Bates Clark Medal in 1979, the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2001, and a shared recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, Stiglitz is widely-recognised for his contributions to macroeconomic theory as well as education and has published a wide range of books worldwide.He is known for his criticisms of laissez-faire economists, as well as institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.Alan Greenspan (1926 - )One target of Mr Stiglitz's ire exactly because of his laissez-faire attitude toward economics, Mr Greenspan is infamous for the series of economic earthquakes that rocked America and the world during his tenure as chairman of the Federal Reserve â€" America’s central bank.He is another influential economist who did not always have his feet firmly planted on that career path; initially, he studied music at Julliard, playing the sax and the clarinet.Maybe economics was in his blood... his father was a market analyst and stockbroker. Or perhaps it was his friendship with John Kemeny that spurred his love of numbers.Whatever the reason, Greenspan enroled in the Stern School of Business where he soon earned his Masters in Economics, later transf erring to New York University to earn his doctorate.A long-time member of industry think-tank The Conference Board, he was a natural choice for appointment to the Federal Reserve.Under his tenure, several economic crises shook the US (and the globe) in rapid succession.Two months after taking office, Black Monday, the global stock market crash (1987) started in Hong Kong and rippled across the world.The Dot.Com bubble (1995-2000) is largely thought to have been caused by his consistent raising of interest rates.In 2001, various corporate scandals (and the 9/11 event) caused the Fed to lower interest rates to 1%, permitting outrageous loans and speculation.The sub-prime mortgage crisis is often attributed to Greenspan’s policies while chairman of the Fed.The global economic downturn (2008) is attributed to his laissez-faire style of economics.After leaving the Fed in 2006, Mr Greenspan accepted an honorary position at the Exchequer.Elinor Ostrom (1933 â€" 2012)A political economist , Ms Ostrom was discouraged from attending college by her mother, who could see no point in her daughter’s further education.She nevertheless went on to study political science at UCLA, finishing her Bachelor’s in three years thanks to her taking extra classes during summer sessions.She went on to earn her PhD but, as was common at the time, could not find work to pay for her schooling because most employers assumed she wanted secretarial work or a position as a teacher.Limited by gender policies in both her education and career, she was declined for a study programme in Economics and opted to work towards a doctorate in political science.A resource arrangement that works in practice also works in theory â€" Lee Ann Fennel, describing Ostrom's LawThis adage was born of her work in managing natural resources to prevent ecosystem collapse.It had been previously assumed that resources such as water and land, needed by everyone in the community, would soon become depleted through ho arding, mismanagement or overuse.However, Ms Ostrom’s research revealed that community members work to preserve and renew their resources, thus disproving long-held ideas of how a collective would manage and sustain their ecology.In 2009, she was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize for her work in economic governance. To this day, she is the only woman to have won Nobel recognition in the field of economics.Top Economists InternationallyThe greatest economic minds of our time have emerged from all corners of the globe, and we outline below some of the most important economic thinkers below.Karl Marx is one of the most famous economists ever to have lived. (Source: Public Domain,John Jabez Edwin Mayal, Wikimedia Commons)Karl Marx (1818 â€" 1883)Although Marx is better known today as a revolutionary who extolled the benefits of communism, Marx has, for better or worse, had an undeniable impact on the economic thought and principles followed by many countries across the world today.Born in Trier, Germany, Marx was considered as much a philosopher as an economist. He is most famous for The Communist Manifesto, which he wrote alongside Friedrich Engels. In the work, Marx and Engels explain the nature of Marxism and their understanding of how a capitalist system came into being. Ultimately, they argued that a capitalist society was unsustainable and that eventually it would be replaced by a socialist society.Friedrich Hayek (1899 â€" 1992)An Austrian-born economist, Friedrich August von Hayek was a prominent economist during the Great Depression, and perhaps most well-known for his opposing views to Keynes. This clash of views is often cited in works about Keynes and Hayek and this clash has been brought to the popular imagination. For example,  there are even YouTube rap battles outlining the two economists’ differing positions.A believer in the power of the free markets, Hayek argued that prices in an economy should be free to change, as this communicates how wel l an economy is performing.Hayek, like many of the names on this list, was also highly recognised in academic circles. During his life he received:the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1974;the Companion of Honour in 1984; andthe Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991.Amartya Sen (1933-)Amartya Sen is an Indian economist, who has worked internationally, highlighting ethical considerations behind his  economic thinking. Sen has contributed greatly to welfare economics, arguing for instance that famines arise due to a lack of income, not food. Sen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998.My London Economics tutor told me all about this most venerable economist!Daniel Kahneman (1934-)Kahneman, an Israeli-American phycologist, has been notable in his work within the relatively new field of behavioural economics.Although former schools of economic thought, including Keynesianism and monetarism, focused more on the science or mathematics behind economic trends, behavioural economics is m uch more concerned with how humans behave irrationally at times, and how this impacts our economic systems. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002.Ernst Fehr (1956 - )Nominated the most influential economist in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (2016), this behavioural economist, along with his brother, is making substantial strides in the relatively new field of neuroeconomics.Besides teaching microeconomics and experimental economic research at the University of Zurich, his research into human cooperation and sociality has garnered growing interest in academic circles â€" both anthropologic and economic!He has won numerous awards and prizes for his work and has been granted honorary membership in economic societies worldwide.Hernando de Soto Polar (1941 - )Known for his work in the informal economy, Mr de Soto was instrumental in bringing about Peruvian reforms in land rights and entrepreneurship.He contends that any nation not informed of all of its economic activity cannot have a strong market economy.Specifically, he was referring to the microentrepreneurs who have no deed of title to their land, house or enterprise, making it difficult for them to obtain credit or seek legal redress should their business suffer from an outside entity.Such conditions result in parallel economies: one that is taxed and regulated while the other goes unrecorded.The ‘informal’ economy is largely driven by unresponsive, unfair and cumbersome bureaucracy; the very conditions that Mr. de Soto’s efforts continuously work to reform â€" not just in his native land but globally.Most recently, he attended a summit hosted by Sir Richard Branson.The topic was blockchain: how it could replace traditional methods of recordkeeping, insofar as recording (and thus making official) the land rights of indigenous peoples all over the world.Already the project is coming to fruition: Georgia is using blockchain technology to title land to families who have worked it for genera tions.It is generally indigenous people who have work their land for generations who suffer under the informal economy Source: Pixabay Credit: Free-PhotosResearch Famous Economists That Most Appeal to YouAlthough prevailing economic theories understandably move with the times, we still owe much to economists such as:Keynes;Milton;Hayek; andAdam Smith.Although their views differ as to whether economies should be laissez-faire  or should involve government intervention, these thinkers have all shaped the world of economics and economic theory that we have today. As a result, there's so much that their theories and ideas can teach us about our local economy, as well as the global economy more broadly.Due to their importance, it’s unsurprising that you learn about many, if not all, of the above figures during your economics studies at school and university. As such, taking some time outside of class to study these economists' theories in more detail is a great way to stay ahead in you r studies, and it will give you a lot of reference material to draw from when you're sitting an exam question or have to complete an essay.However, if you’re ever looking to learn more about a particular economic thinker or school of economic thought, you can always hire an economics tutor to help teach you more about these great minds, or choose to learn economics online.Superprof has a range of tutors to provide you with A Level Economics help. They are very familiar with the above economists and they would be happy to help you improve in your studies.Learn about the financial crisis of 2008 here.Discover more about economic modelling here.

Our Top 3 Methods for Learning the Piano

Our Top 3 Methods for Learning the Piano Out of hundreds of methods to learn to play piano, which is the right one for you? ChaptersThe traditional methodThe simplified methodSpecialized methodsThere are countless methods for learning how to play the piano. And so many questions to ask: piano or keyboard? Private piano course or music school? piano lessons online or conservatory? Piano teacher or self teaching? Music theory or improvisation? Major scale or minor scale?On the Internet alone you’ll find hundreds or methods, each professing to be the long-awaited, miracle solution for learning to play piano in 10 days, or something like that!This article attempts to help you sort through the mass of piano instruction methods, and narrows them down to three categories, each one responding to a particular aim. Afterwards, you’ll be one step closer to playing that keyboard like Mozart!Which piano method will you choose?if you want to learn piano simply to play your favorite tunes, there are more simplified methods for learning to play piano in less time.These are mainly methods that can be mined from the in ternet, full of online piano courses and piano tutorials. You yourself have most probably even seen those videos on YouTube or Dailymotion featuring a piano player promoting his or her method to learn to play the piano in 24 hours.These videos resemble those rather dubious ones that promise you thousands of dollars each month simply by working from home. You are right to be skeptical of these “miraculous” methods (be especially wary of those labeled “free piano courses”) that are coated in exaggerated marketing promises.However, there might be some truth in these miracle piano instruction methods: it can be possible to learn to play piano tunes through intuitive means rather quickly without learning solfege. The underlying principle consists in imitating another person who is playing. While it’s impossible to learn complex piano pieces this way, you’ll be able to play piano music with struck chords, or simplified versions of a score, for instance (i.e. Mary Had a Little Lamb and Ode to Joy). This method is efficient but does require a high level of concentration and a strong memory.Don't fall for those videos that say even cats can learn to play piano!Learn improvisation on the pianoThere are other “miracle” methods for learning how to play the pianos in several days. Although obviously exaggerated, is it possible?  Music is composed of chords and chord progressions: they follow one another according to a certain logic that most people could learn. This even applies to improvisation!In a given piano scale (the scale of D major for example), each note and each chord constructed on this note has a precise function. For instance, in C major, the C chord has a tonic function (the first scale degree of a diatonic scale). The note G is the dominant degree of C major (a dominant seventh chord).Then there is the subdominant chord, the fourth tonal degree of the diatonic scale: in C major, it’s the F chord. These three chords: tonic, dominant and subd ominant will allow you to improvise music pieces with little difficulty!The idea is to play a sequence of three chords with the left hand and improvise melodies with the right hand, in using all the notes of the scale. Gradually, you’ll learn new scales to diversify your piano chords and achieve modulations.There are no right or wrong methods, it all depends on your end goal!If you want to learn to play piano seriously, to deeply understand music, play complex pieces (classical and otherwise), and perhaps become a professional musician, you’ll quickly find this simplified method too limiting.Are you aiming to be a piano virtuoso?This method is advantageous only if your objectives are modest. However, methods are not always contradicting. You can just as well work using simplified and intuitive methods while learning solfege on the side (with a piano instructor from Superprof for instance).Specialized methodsAs we all know, there are many music genres! On the piano, you can learn to play all of them, from classical music to jazz, blues, variety and more.Whether you study classical music, variety or jazz improvisation, you will be using the same notes, the same chords, and most of the same rules, etc. So it’s relatively possible to go from one style to the next, and to learn piano tunes in several different music genres.Despite this, we recommend choosing one training method for the piano that corresponds to your musical aspirations. In jazz for example, the system of decoding chords uses an American system. But more to the point, jazz is an art of improvisation. And one won’t necessarily learn to improvise while studying classical music. Jazz piano training calls for a specific pedagogical instruction, a training method based on improvisation, and a harmony-driven understanding of music. Some classical musicians have very little knowledge of tonality, while it’s pretty much inconceivable to learn jazz without working on harmony. Classical music has it s own specific learning techniques, of course.Is jazz piano your thing, à la McCoy Tyner?Your chosen method of learning how to play piano will depend on your aims and the type of music you’d like to learn to play. Your chosen music style will also dictate the difficulty level of instruction.Learning to play variety music tunes  is simpler than learning a classical music score by Shubert or Brahms, because of the focus on plucked chord progressions played by the left hand, for instance. This is a bit of a stereotype, of course: some pieces of classical music are easy to play, and certain variety songs quite complex.There are methods for every style: traditional methods for classical music jazz methods and variety music methods, etc. You can learn all the musical style you desire by working at home and teaching yourself. But they share one major similarity: each method requires motivation in order to learn to play piano.You can play whatever your wish with motivation! But to retain your motivation and overcome challenges that you’ll meet along the way, working with a private music instructor in a piano lesson is your best option.And you won’t regret it! The advantages of piano playing are numerous (in terms of concentration, memory, relaxation, to name but a few). So what are you doing here, your baby grand is waiting!