Do You Really Need Help With Algebra?

Do You Really Need Help With Algebra?A friend asked me about algebra help in high school. He asked if algebra help could really be a good idea. And the truth is that I thought about it for a while and decided that algebra help would not be worth it. But then I thought about it some more and realized that maybe there might be some advantages.Some people are intimidated by math, and a good number of students in high school are in this situation. There are also a lot of people who hate math and even do not think they are very good at it. The truth is that algebra help could give them a little more confidence. But when I looked at the situation from my perspective, I decided that I would not bother with it.The good news is that there are many resources out there that can help new students and instructors alike. They can use online math help services and lesson plans for teaching students how to do their work. They can also use math resources that can help students create problem sets and teach them how to do multiple problems in a variety of situations. And finally, they can use math software to help students with calculators and work on things like function diagrams and exponential calculators.When I went to look for help, I had a few questions in mind and one of the first things I thought about was algebra help. How much would that help me? What do I need to know to be successful? And most importantly, what kind of problems would I face?All I wanted to know was if there were any problems that I would have to face in class. I wanted to find out what kinds of problems I would have to learn how to solve. I wanted to know if it would be a good idea for me to take help because I could learn quickly and efficiently.And I also wanted to find out if algebra help would help me in college. I did not go to college because I thought that I would not be able to understand algebra. I also wanted to find out if there were any reasons why I should worry about taking algebra help in school or at college. All I wanted to know was the answers to these questions.So I took a look at all the options and found that algebra help in school is a good idea. It might not be a good idea for someone who is already good at math. I know that my friends who were considered to be bad at math did get better in college, so there is no reason why a person with a better math background can't do well in college, too.

5 Ways to Fight Serious Winter Blues

5 Ways to Fight Serious Winter Blues Image via flickr.com As the days get shorter and it seems like the weather is always dark and miserable, some of us start getting a little (or, okay, a lot) down. If this describes you, it turns out that you may be sad because you have SAD. Before you think I’m just repeating myself and capitalizing words randomly for kicks, let me give you this one definition:  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)  is a form of depression that hits during the changing of the seasons. Winter-onset SAD, the specific form of Seasonal Affective Disorder that occurs during the fall and winter, is the most common. Feeling down? It could be SAD. (flickr.com) However, you shouldn’t mix up Seasonal Affective Disorder with “just feeling a little blue.” “Winter Blues” is a slang term for a feeling of mild sadness that clears up quickly on its own. On the other hand, SAD is a serious emotional disturbance and can really interfere with important activities you want to do, such as going to school or work. And while you might love an excuse to turn that term paper in late, having SAD really isn’t worth it. Symptoms: As if it didnt already sound bad enough, SAD is also difficult because the symptoms can vary widely and can even get more severe as the season goes on. Some  symptoms  include: Sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness Irritability or restlessness Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy Tiredness and low energy Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions Trouble sleeping Weight or appetite changes Social withdrawal Thoughts of death or suicide Feeling sad or hopeless is a symptom of SAD. (flickr.com) Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD also include: Weight changes (especially weight gain) Appetite changes (especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates) Trouble sleeping (especially oversleeping) Heavy, “leaden” feeling in the arms or legs Hypersensitivity to rejection Trouble getting along with others What causes SAD?   Image via flickr.com “Well, how do you cure it then?” you may ask. Now that’s a little trickier. Doctors still don’t know what exactly causes Seasonal Affective Disorder, but they believe a few factors play into it (prepare yourself for a little biology!): Circadian rhythms: These are physical, mental and behavioral changes that occur in your body according to a 24-hour cycle. They are mainly influenced by the light or darkness in your surroundings. Serotonin melatonin levels: Chemicals in your brain that influence your mood and sleep pattern. They are also affected by the light or darkness around you. Now, after all this rather dense, distressing talk, you might understandably be dispirited. “So there’s nothing I can do?” you may ask. Not at all! There are actually several actions you can perform to help alleviate symptoms of SAD. 5 Tips to Go from SAD to Happy! Want to get over SAD? Then follow these tips! (flickr.com) 1. Light therapy (a.k.a. phototherapy): Image via flickr.com This type of therapy doesn’t make you lay down on a couch and spill about your childhood fears. Instead, you sit in front of a  special box  that produces artificial light. This light mimics natural sunlight to supposedly balance out certain chemicals in your brain (the previously mentioned serotonin and melatonin) that affect mood. Take that, cloudy days! Note: Before starting light therapy, speak to your doctor to see if it’s right and safe for you. 2. Avoid loading up on carbs in the morning.   Pancakes are an example of a carb-heavy food! (flickr.com) That picture just made you crave pancakes, didn’t it? Well, as tempting as pancakes, waffles and cereal are, they’re also some of the worst things you can eat in the morning if you want to stay awake and alert all day. This is because eating carbohydrate-heavy foods in the morning causes a sugar spike in your body, followed by a huge release of the chemical insulin in response. Insulin works to decrease the amount of sugar in your blood by moving it into your cells where it’s needed, causing a sharp plunge in your blood sugar level and prompting what we’ve all experienced before: afternoon tiredness. And when you’re already feeling tired and cranky from the overcast weather, extra fatigue is the last thing you need. To avoid the 2:00 slump, eat protein-dense foods like eggs instead of simple carbs. Foods filled with protein give you extended energy and keep you full and satisfied for longer, both of which you desperately need if you’re already dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. No more hangry people here! Eat protein so you dont get hangry later! (Gif via hellogiggles.com) 3. Skip alcohol and other depressants.   Alcohol is bad for SAD! (flickr.com) It’s often difficult to remember that alcohol is a  depressant, especially when it can make you the life of the party. But it’s true: alcohol inhibits the normal functions of your brain, relaxing you and making you forget your inhibitions. So while drinking alcohol may be fun, the fact that it’s a depressant also means it lowers your mood and makes you more tired. If you have SAD, you don’t need another reason to be depressed or not drag yourself out of bed. This unfortunately means that you should nix the alcohol and other depressants if you want to have as much energy and be as happy as possible. Other  common depressants  include sleep aids and some antihistamines. However, always speak with your doctor before stopping or starting medications! 4. Dont oversleep. Beds are comfy, but dont spend too much time in them! (flickr.com) We’ve all been there: it’s oh so easy to hit the snooze button five more times when it’s cold and rainy outside your snug blanket burrito. But oversleeping may actually make you  more  tired, which is exactly the opposite of what you’re looking for when you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. So limit the times you abuse that snooze button in the mornings and keep naps to 10-30 minutes. Another tip: going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also help you stop oversleeping. The consistent schedule balances out your circadian rhythms, which can get disrupted as the seasons change and the daytime gets shorter, causing fatigue. 5. Get moving! Exercise is invigorating! (flickr.com) Exercise  is one of the best ways to beat back SAD! This is because physical activity produces endorphins, chemicals in your body that improve your mood and increase your energy. This can even last for hours after you’re done! In fact, exercising outside even when it’s cloudy is more beneficial and effective than many other SAD treatment methods. So get ready to jump for joy, because exercise can be better than an apple a day at keeping the doctor (and SAD) away!

3 Tips for Surviving Homesickness

3 Tips for Surviving Homesickness For all the college or university planning you may have done, one thing you probably were not prepared for was homesickness. Many students are initially excited at the prospect of being on their own, but all it takes is one bad day to make you long for the comforts of home. However, there are some great tips that may help make things a bit easier on you. Know you aren't alone It is important that you understand what you are going through is completely normal. The fact of the matter is that there are many, many students that are feeling homesick just as you are. Don't think because you are feeling those emotions that something is wrong with you. Homesickness is just part of an adjustment period. Become familiar with your new surroundings Take time to be comfortable with the whole new world around you. Walk around the campus and explore all you can. If you are tired of studying in the library, look for some secret study spots or be sure you know where the quiet caf shop is located. The more that you enter into the mindset that the campus belongs to you, the more comfortable you may feel. Get out Another way to help you deal with being homesick is to get up and get out of your room. Being in your room is the worst place you can be when it comes to being homesick. Head on down to the cafeteria to see what types of food it offers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. See if there is a cool coffee shop on campus. Check out the computer lab as an alternate means of writing your paper. If you have your own laptop, do your assignments while basking in the warm sunshine. One of the most important things you can do if you are experiencing homesickness is to have a positive attitude. You need to give yourself ample time to deal with missing home. This is not something you want to let completely control you by any means. Moving away from home is an adjustment, but it can get easier.

5 Problems You May Face When Working in a Group

5 Problems You May Face When Working in a Group During your educational career teachers will sometimes assign brief work tasks or longer projects to be completed by a group. Working as part of a group can have challenges, but with a plan and perseverance you should be able to benefits from and complete successfully a group project. Ignition Problems Simply beginning the project may prove troublesome. Group members are getting to know each other and are unsure how to manage the planning and workflow. Sometimes group members are well acquainted and find that familiarity causing its own problems, whether because of off task chatter or other behaviors or previous conflicts. Solving this problem is as simple as gently redirecting the group to the project's core. Read the assignment out loud and suggest a planning session reconvene to determine what steps are needed next. Make sure everyone is heard and assigned a task. Avoiding Tangents Sometimes when things seem to be going well because the group is having fun the discussion can veer away from the tasks at hand, wasting time and confusing the group's purpose. Using time productively is important in a group project as it may be hard to schedule the time together and participants may grow weary of tangents or anxious because little progress is being made. A good way to avoid going off topic is to develop an agenda for each meeting, perhaps assigning time frames for each step. Using a white board and checking off tasks as they are completed is a good strategy to keep things moving. Assign a chairperson or time monitor to stay on track and rotate those assignments with each meeting. Reining In Renegades Some members of the group may take on big chunks or even all of the project on without consulting or involving others. This may be a personality quirk or a reaction to a real or perceived lack of progress by the group. As the project by its nature needs involvement by all participants this is not a desired outcome. Convene the entire group and talk these issues out immediately. Figure out ways to use the drive and commitment of the soloing member to best advantage while returning to the group model. Consider allowing this person to team with one or two others to complete a section while other task are assigned to additional participants. Avoid the temptation to let one person complete all or most of the project as an easy way out as the teacher will likely not be pleased. Nip Inertia Be honest and determine if the renegade described above is merely reacting to a lack of resolve among group members. Respect the time constraints of all members of the group and make sure reasonable deadlines are assigned and enforced to make sure the project shapes up and is completed on time. Communicate regularly face to face or through texts, emails or other electronic methods. Use collaborative online documents to be able to track everyone's contributions and progress. Conflict Management Setting differences that interfere with the success of the task aside when working with others on a project is essential.. Allowing irritations or previous conflicts to derail a group project is petty and unprofessional. If you notice at the beginning of a project that some participants are acting in a hostile manner with each other as a group tackle the conflict before everyone's grade suffers. Some ways to manage intragroup conflict include a non-judgmental redirection to the purpose of the project, using the time management tips covered above. If a couple of participants really clash, assign them to different parts of the final result and team each with a partner who can keep in touch with the rest of the group. Allow everyone to have a say about the project and then codify group agreement before moving on. Improve your Study Skills by finding a STUDY SKILLS TUTOR.

What are the Common Characteristics of English Tutor Ads?

What are the Common Characteristics of English Tutor Ads?English tutor ads on the internet are probably the most searched items for that student who cannot cope with a classroom situation or perhaps those whose native language is not English. And the reason why such student desire for such tutoring services is because the English language is one of the languages that people need to learn when it comes to business, science and so on.However, English tutor services are also getting less popular now that the international market is becoming more influenced by global culture and language. One of the reason is that student's needs to learn it at home rather than spending money on a tutor or traveling to the place where he needs to learn it. In this scenario, those students who have spent their hard earned money to study in English speaking country are now shifting to the other areas and studying English at home.When it comes to an English teacher, they are becoming less popular nowadays d ue to the fact that these teachers are staying in England. So students prefer to go to a place where they can still get proper education. This means that there are fewer English teachers, so the student who wants to learn English can do so at his own pace.But even if the teacher was English speaking, the tuition is not only limited to that but the language is also incorporated in the tutor's lesson plans. For instance, there is some awareness about grammar rules, vocabulary, writing style and so on in this type of tutor.Therefore, while some students find it boring to hear lectures, they don't want to pay for a tutor who is not good enough to impart the necessary knowledge in the course. Sometimes students are put off by the fact that there are many scams in the internet but they do not realize the importance of searching carefully before they actually sign up with the tutor. So, it is important to search on the internet and conduct proper research for finding the right English tuto r services and finding the best tutor for the fee.There are few common characteristics of any English tutor services like the one who teaches English and others may have different learning styles. For instance, some would be strict on their lessons, while others would come in touch with the vocabulary point by point. And for some, tuition is all about creating you understand the English language better, while for others they want to learn English, find out you have the capability to write, speak and read in the language.It is important to find out the best English tutor in your area, based on the personal preference of the student, or because they wish to go to a certain country for learning. A tutor's personal fee will reflect his expertise and knowledge about the English language.

What to Do When You Need Algebra 3 Homework Help

What to Do When You Need Algebra 3 Homework HelpIn case you are having problems with your school work and you need algebra 3 homework help, you can always go to any of the following forums. You may be amazed by the number of other students that have the same problem you have. Many of these forums have tons of topics to discuss, but the good thing is that most of the posts do not focus on whether you are a good student or not.Most of the topics have information that focuses on how to get through a tough math class, so that you will not have to worry about the way you are doing your homework. Other topics focus on how you could boost your grades in your school. You do not want to avoid the subject matter entirely, because this means you would have to take the rest of the class without knowing how to do your homework properly.In order to get some helpful information, it would be better to visit a certain forum where you can find specific tips about certain things. Most of the topics wou ld address these topics, so that you will know more than ever. You will also find that there are other forums that have topics about different subjects that are more general.The important thing is that you are going to be able to find some new posts that will help you get through your problems. There are also people who would help you out if you are having problems with your homework.At this point, you might think that you need to make your own personal time to study the subject. But, remember that as soon as you start spending more of your own personal time on studying your homework, you will be more likely to forget other classes.If you are really busy, then you can also let your teachers know what is going on, so that they can assist you when you need them the most. This way, you will be giving your teacher an extra task. Some of the topics are very specific, so you can go ahead and check the topics.If you can spare the time, go to these forums and check out the topics. You will get some useful information that can help you with your school work.

How to Learn German Through the Media

How to Learn German Through the Media Are Film And Television Reliable Teaching Methods to Learn German? ChaptersThe Advantages Of Spending Time Listening To A LanguageMastering Pronunciation With ImitationLearning German Like German Children DoWatching Movies To Expand VocabularyCreating A Buzz Around German With German Television ProgrammesDo you remember the first time you heard someone speak in a foreign language and, if so, were they talking to you? If that was the case, you will more than likely have felt completely overwhelmed by the feelings of pure helplessness and utter confusion!This type of situation can be quite humiliating, as the inability to communicate simple pieces of information feels so totally unfamiliar to us. In fact, watching two nationalities trying to communicate with one another can be seen as quite comical; hands are normally flying around everywhere, while facial features are often going crazy, all as a result of trying to make the other person take meaning from the peculiar actions.We tend to use our hands when trying to communicate in another language. Pho to credit: Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com) via Visual Hunt / CC BYIf you recognise this situation all too well, you will probably remember that moment when you paused and hesitated (for what probably felt like a lifetime!) while you considered what to do next and which action might best help to express yourself to his stranger.This is a prime example of how we use that immediate reaction time  to process situations in our heads and assess our next move.Need more tips and tricks to learn German? Check them out here. 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 tutorsThe Advantages Of Spending Time Listening To A LanguageExperts suggest that this silent period is the first step in learning German as a language, so there’s really no need to feel embarrassed by your momentary lapse in being a polite human being it's all a normal part of german lessons.In fact, they relate learning a second language to the acquisition of your first ever language and thus urge people to remember that babies and toddlers spend the best part of 2 years listening to and interpreting language all around them before they even attempt to say their first proper words or phrases.As with the acquisition of any new language, you have to hear it to be able to process it and understand how the words and sounds work together to produce fluency. As such, watching television is a great way to get to grips with the German language while also being entertai ned.Mastering Pronunciation With ImitationNot only will you be able to hear the various parts of speech being spoken by native speakers on German television, you will be able to watch how the native speakers use their mouths to create sounds unfamiliar to the English language. In addition, facial expressions, hand gestures and the setting around the characters will allow you to gain a better understanding of what is being said.There is a saying that goes 'teaching old ears new tricks'. This term  couldn’t be more apt when it comes to language learning as it often requires us to master completely new sounds, some of which we didn’t know our mouths could make!Practicing pronuncuation can be quite amusing, especially for onlookers, and some challenging words may need to be repeated several times before you get the sound right.Although some websites offer written guidance on how to pronounce sounds specific to the German language (like for the sound 'ö' in German, to try saying ‘ ee’ but with your lips rounded), copying the way the experts do it is the best way to learn. In this case, practicing imitation makes perfect. Plus, you can keep rewinding the television to make sure you have truly perfected it!Observing a native speaker talking in German can help you to imitate sounds. Photo via Visualhunt.comIf you are concerned about your inability to pronounce a certain word in German, don’t worry. There  are various words in English that German people struggle with too. For instance, Germans commonly have a very tough time saying the word ‘squirrel’, as is clear when you watch some natives trying to pronounce the word on videos found on YouTube!Why not learn German online with a private tutor? 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 le sson 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 tutorsLearning German Like German Children DoWhile German children are surrounded by spoken German during every waking hour, they learn many lessons about life whilst watching television programmes adapted to their age group, just like English kids do when watching episodes in their own mother-tongue.A lot of children’s pogrammes are British/American and then translated into different languages, but there are of course a number of shows that are native to Germany and can provide a great insight into German culture.Some popular kids' shows in Germany include Die Sendung mit der Maus, Löwenzahn, and Sandmännchen. Other shows that Brits might be familiar w ith from their own childhood are Sesame Street, or Sesamstraße  and the more recent Peppa Pig, known affectionately by German toddlers as Peppa Wutz.Die Sendung mit der Maus is a highly-acclaimed show on German television that many have dubbed the ‘school of the nation’ thanks to its relevant themes.If you want to start off with something easy, watching a simple episode of children's television in German can help you to familiarise yourself with basic words and phrases illustrated in a simplistic way.Once you are confident that you are ready to try something more challenging, why not watch a movie that you have seen before so that you can follow the storyline easily and focus primarily on taking in the language.Discover how to learn German through audiobooks and podcasts.Watching Movies To Expand VocabularyBefore moving on to series or box sets in German, I’d like to suggest watching films in the language first.While series are great for drawing you in and encouraging you to watch more than one episode, as a result of the length of time that the series runs for in total, the language, themes and other story-telling elements will naturally be that bit more complicated than a two hour-long movie.With a movie, you can happily commit a couple of hours to watching a story unravel and conclude before you, with a limited and concise amount of vocabulary consequently being presented. While you may be exposed to less volume of German words while watching a film in comparison to a television series, the experience is often more intense and therefore could have more lasting effects.Furthermore, as there is often just one story being told (as opposed to multiple sub-stories in longer running television episodes), the chances are that there will be more repetition which could help you to gain confidence in your understanding of the overall plot.It is a good idea to watch a movie that you have already seen to begin with, so that you can very easily follow the storyli ne and have a good idea of what is being said by characters before their lines are even said (if it’s your favourite ever film, for instance, that you decide to watch, you could turn it into a little game and attempt to guess what the next line might be in German!).Alternatively, pick a movie with a theme that interests you, as you need to be engaged with the plot in order to understand the language in its intended context. For instance, if you hate country and western movies, then don’t choose to watch a film about cowboys as you will no doubt lose all interest.Watching television programmes or films in German can help you to pick up new words. Photo via Visual HuntNot all German classes have to be given in the classroom. Learn how to learn German by playing games and reading German newspapers and authors.Creating A Buzz Around German With German Television ProgrammesIf you don’t want to be stuck watching a two-hour film, then why not turn your attention to television for a q uick burst of language learning.While it goes against all of the lessons your parents taught you as a child, watching television does really help you to learn, especially when it comes to acquiring a language.If you feel like by watching television you are wasting time or in some way procrastinating while you should be reading a German textbook, then remind yourself that you will learn things from television that you won’t learn in books â€" i.e. slang, current affairs, culture and much, much more.Tune in to some classic daytime game shows for a touch of lighthearted language, like Wetten, Dass?, an entertainment show that bets on whether or not ordinary people can perform extraordinary tasks. Not only will you hear some basic parts of speech, you will also be exposed to some words you thought you may never need to know in German!However, if you are more of a thrillseeker and want to replace your usual crime investigation show with a German alternative, then why not consider downl oading Tatort, which is a modern crime show (not dissimilar to CSI or Law and Order, in fact, but still offers the same excitement as shows like Miss Marple) that has been around since the 70s and is watched by numerous German speakers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.Verbotene Liebe, a drama about forbidden love, is a great choice meanwhile for those wanting to learn German while watching an engrossing love story unfold. The soap-style opera can be likened to Eastenders as it is one of the most popular programmes in Germany and has received numerous awards for its production and characters.With broad themes covering sex, drugs, alcoholism, homophobia, incest, adultery and much more, there truly is something for everyone.  Plus, in true soap style, there is a cliffhanger at the end of every episode and shocking revelations around every turn!It would seem that the city of Düsseldorf is as controversial as the make-belief borough of Walford in the east end of London... who'd have thought!Finally, if you are not content with watching Germany’s own television, then you can always download your favourite box sets dubbed into German. For example, if you’ve been taken in by the recent Game of Thrones craze, you can watch the phenomenon with Sky Deutschland.Learn German online  or German courses London with German tutors at Superprof. And if your learning German, be sure to validate your German level with a certification in the German language.

How to Improve Your Singing Voice

How to Improve Your Singing Voice Singing Lessons to Improve Your Vocal Technique Chapters Vocal Techniques: The Top 10 Singing Exercises How Can You Expand Your Vocal Range? Learn How to Improve Your Vocal Timbre How Can You Work on Your Voice Every Day?“There’s nothing more beautiful than the human voice, when it’s beautiful” Laure ConanHaving a beautiful singing voice is an amazing thing in itself. It’s an innate gift and not everyone’s got it especially not to the extent they could show it off.  However, it would be a massive waste to not use these talents. You should do your utmost to foster these gifts with the appropriate training, singing lessons online, and learning how to sing properly.Broadening your repertoire of songs, increasing your range, improving both your head voice and chest voice, and doing breathing exercises: there are plenty of ways for anyone to improve their voice, learn to sing, and increase their chances of becoming a professional singer.In this article, we’re going to do a bit of vocal coaching and provide you with some s inging tips to ensure that your voice improves. TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Vocal Techniques: The Top 10 Singing ExercisesEven a really gifted singer shouldn’t rest on their laurels. A few vocal exercises are always going to be necessary. In order to perfect your voice, it doesn’t matter whether you work on these singing techniques under the supervision of a vocal coach or voice teacher in your own home or in a music school.While every singing teacher has their own preferred ways when it comes to improving your singing, here are 10 of our favourite ones.  When it comes to vocal training, there’s one word that you’ll hear a lot: repeat. Of course, don’t overdo as you’ll run the risk of losing your voice.If you want to learn to sing, you'll probably have to learn some music theory. (Source: pixabay.com)Let’s have a look at some of the most effective ways to tame your voice and avoid hitting false notes.You can never avoid warming up your voice. If you don’t warm up, you may damage your voice, lose it, or end up tensing your throat when it comes to performing in public. Warm up exercises are mainly for your vocal cords, the main part of the instrument that is the voice. Sing your entire range, with your mouth closed in order to avoid overexerting, starting with a low pitch and move towards the high notes (making sure that you're doing so in tune). Beginners can use a keyboard or piano to check they're doing this correctly. Don’t forget that you need to relax all the muscles involved with the action of singing, too: glottis, larynx, pharynx, diaphragm, your entire body, really. You should also loosen up your cheeks and your lips and practise your elocution.Breathing and abdominal muscles go hand in hand. Learn to breathe properly and focus on diaphragmatic breathing. The best way to do this (and improve your posture) is to lie on your back and put a book on your chest: you have to make sure that the book doesn’t fall as you do your breathing exercises.Make yourself heard without shouting. While, this is important in all styles of music, it’s particularly important in opera singing. Your abs are going to be used to ensure that your voice carries as far as it can. The respiratory pressure allows you to increase volume without straining too much. Almost every type of vocal range can use this technique to help their voice go much further without the need for a m icrophone. The relaxing of the muscles used when vocalising naturally causes the human body to recuperate the air lost during the process.Be aware of your nasal cavity and where the air is flowing when you sing. Try singing different vowels while pinching your nose. This can help you become aware of when you’re singing nasally.The beginning is just as important as the end when it comes to singing any song. The same can be said for every note you make. This is what seperates the men from the boys. You need to take the time to physiologically analyse every sound you make and the attack. You should focus on how each sound starts, which muscles are involved, what position your tongue is in, etc. A private singing tutor can also go over these with you to ensure that you’re not picking up any bad habits.Managing stress can help you free up your voice. This can be done by focusing on your cervical spine. By moving your head around with your nose as a pivot point, you can relax a number of the smaller muscles you didn’t even know you had.In order to sing in key, you should take the time to think about your piece before you perform it. You should be aware of the melody in your head before your vocal cords have to perform it.Too many singers forget about articulation and elocution. Just like public speaking, when you learn how to sing, practising elocution is really important. By working on this, you’ll also help to improve your self-confidence and alleviate stage frightVowels are at the heart of every vocalisation and you should be practising them. Use a variety of vowel sounds in order to relax your pharynx and larynx and work on your vocal precision without ever overexerting yourself.Focus on the positioning of your tongue which tends to be too high. Pay particular attention to where it is when you make different sounds. How Can You Expand Your Vocal Range?Does the word tessitura sound foreign to you?  Firstly, that’s because it is. However, it’s a word t hat’s really important for singers to know.  Put simply, tessitura refers to the natural range of a voice (or an instrument in certain cases) in their chest voice.  This is why female singers are referred to contraltos, mezzo-sopranos, or sopranos, for example.Your tessitura is generally innate and will vary depending on your gender and age. Other factors such as puberty and menopause can also change your tessitura, effectively removing the higher notes of your range. It’s very rare for singers to drastically change their tessitura and it's even harder to teach someone to sing a song during their voice lessons if pieces isn't usually sang in their range.However, with effective training, the singer can shift and expand their range. In fact, there are plenty of exercises for those wanting to do this and singing teachers can help choose the right ones for you.Are you nervous about your singing? It might be time to enlist the help of a singing coach. (Source: pixabay.com)You should always master the lower and middle notes of your tessitura before focusing on broadening it.  As a general rule, a high note will be mastered using a head voice before it can be performed using a chest voice.Rather than being something you learn, this is something that you physically improve yourself to be able to do. This is a workout for your vocal cords and makes them more flexible and able to create frequencies that you previously couldn’t.  Of course, this involves a lot of trial and error and it’s very difficult to do this without the help of a professional. A private singing tutor, for example, will ensure that you’re doing it right.Of course, there are a number of singers like di Stefano, Callas, Pavarotti, Alagna, and Dessay who seem to break all the rules. Learn How to Improve Your Vocal TimbreYour vocal timbre is different to your vocal range. Timbre is the quality of the sound rather than the notes it can produce.  Vocal timbre is what makes us able to differentiat e one person’s voice from another’s. It’s also what makes us able to tell the difference between a recorder and a guitar as well as the differences in quality between the best instruments and some cheap rubbish you found in a second-hand shop.In addition to your singing, you should also be aware of your presence on stage. (Source: Thibault Trillet)Learning about your timbre is a way to learn more about yourself and your vocal personality. This is where we need to speak a bit musically.  Just like your vocal range, you can work on your vocal timbre. However, just like your vocal range, you shouldn’t expect to be able to drastically change it. Additionally, just like changing your vocal range, changing your vocal timbre takes a lot of time and effort.We often forget that breathing plays a large role in your vocal timbre, it makes your voice carry better, more constant, and also allows you to perform vocal techniques such as vibrato.  Once all the different aspects of the human voice have been explored and optimised, your vocal cords will be ready to show off their best qualities to an audience. That doesn’t mean you have to stop singing in the shower, though! How Can You Work on Your Voice Every Day?Of course, singing in the shower isn’t going to make you an overnight pop sensation!  Did you know that you can improve your singing with online singing tutorials?Working on your voice is something that you have to do everyday if you want to improve. There are some things that you’ll need to know in order to avoid damaging your instrument, though.Recording yourself is also a great way to improve your singing? (Source: pixabay.com)Remember that you need 6 to 7 hours of rest in order to fully recover after singing. Thus, if you don’t want to damage your vocal cords in the long term (which would be terrible for your career), you can’t overwork them. Even though surgery has made huge steps, it’s probably better to avoid it altogether rather than runni ng the risk.Take care of your throat by avoiding things that can harm it like fizzy drinks, dairy products, tobacco, and alcohol.  If you want to become a professional singer, you should consider using some (or all) of the top 10 vocal exercises we mentioned earlier in the article. These will help you improve your singing physically and mentally.You should pay attention to the detail, too. Consider furthering your career by using and consulting social media, taking extra classes, or even doing a degree, masters, or doctorate in music!Find a voice coach to help  you learn to sing:Voice coach LondonVoice coach Birmingham

Higher Education and Online Resources for ESOL Learners

Higher Education and Online Resources for ESOL Learners ESOL Courses: Access to Higher Learning and Online Resources ChaptersESOL Learners Coming to Britain to Learn EnglishLearning English as a Second LanguageEnglish Learning Paves the WayResources to Learn English OnlineOther Online English Materials?We are not suggesting that, nowhere in the world are there any finer universities or institutes other than those in English-speaking countries.However, according to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, fourteen percent of all migrants come to the UK for educational opportunities.The main reason people migrate to the UK is for work or better opportunities in their professional arena, for which they study business English. Learn about the benefits of learning business English here.Without questioning anyone's motivation to do so, let's explore some of the reasons that people from all over the world choose to complete their tertiary and post-graduate work in schools that use English to teach.Many students come to Britain for higher education (Source: Pixabay Credit: Ihsanadity) JulianE SOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsESOL Learners Coming to Britain to Learn EnglishAdmittedly, the majority of immigrants are adults seeking better employment opportunities, with children who need to be educated.Government immigration agencies often require proof of English language skills as part of their admission procedures.Whether young children are also required to demonstrate any English speaking capability upon entering the country is not indicated.However, a recently adjudicated case indicates that every adult seeking to stay in the country long-term must be able to express him-/herself in English, even if married to a British citizen, and have basic understanding of the language.Given that immigrants must have mastered a certain level of English before being permitted into the country â€" for education or work, it seems counterintuitive that anyone would come to Britain to learn English.Statistics show that the level of English taught in developing and under-developed countries targets criteria needed to pass exams, including Ielts and Toefl.Everyday English is largely overlooked, and that is exactly the vernacular that immigrants most need to learn, and what they study once they've established themselves.Learning English as a Second LanguageRegardless of the age of the student, the same basic aspects of language learning apply:verbs, their tenses and proper conjugationhow to use adjectives and adverbs properlycorrect spellinggrammar rulesword order and sentence structureusing proper punctuationspeaking the language with proper tone and inflectionStudents who arrive in Britain work very hard to master these facets of the language, as well as modern slang and idioms with the hope of matriculating at any of our universities or colleges.The numbers don't lie! According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs, fully twenty percent of students enrolled at institutes of higher learning come from outside the UK.Learning English is the path to achieving your education goals (Source: Pixabay Credit: Pexels) JulianESOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEnglish Learning Paves the WayIf you are one of many international students with eyes on UK universities, studying English in depth is the best way for you to achieve your goal.Learning English as a foreign language in itself can be tricky, but especially so if the subject you are passionate about requires additional, specialized vocabulary, such as  science or technology.To earn a degree in these subjects and others from a UK university, you would have to master the vocabulary associated with the discipline, as well as attaining comprehension and being able to write about it in English.Suppose sociolo gy or anthropology fascinate you: the jargon related to those studies is not commonly used in everyday English. Here again, you would need a separate lexicon to qualify for enrollment.Fortunately, you can improve your English and expand your vocabulary online, including adding specialized words for the major you choose.Resources to Learn English OnlineWhile the Internet abounds with materials to study English grammar and vocabulary, finding pages for learning English with regard to specific subjects can be frustrating... but it doesn't have to be.The British Council will not fail you in your quest to master English.They might not offer specialized vocabulary for the subject you intend to pursue, but their website presents grammar and vocabulary lessons as well as podcasts for you to sharpen your listening skills and increase your overall learning.The Khan Academy offers free online tutorials via YouTube in subjects such as computer science, physics, chemistry, health and medicine, a nd higher math.Their website hosts an expanded section on English grammar, from explanations of parts of speech and how to use them to a proper punctuation guide.The best part about these tutorial videos â€" besides costing nothing, is that they challenge you to quizzes, after each segment and at the end of the section you are reviewing.Beware that the Khan Academy posts videos using American English. Although words are more or less the same from one type of English to the next, the tone, accent and style of speaking is different than Oxford English.In some cases, spelling is different as well: center v. centre, for exampleThe best way to benefit from both sites is to alternate listening to a British Council podcast with watching an educational video in American English.Finding useful websites is not difficult (Source: Pixabay)Other Online English Materials?Before we explore that topic, let us take a look at the latest Internet statistics, provided by the premier agency that tracks usage for every country with an Internet presence.Asia, with a touch over 55% of the world's population, accounts for the greatest number of Internet users.Europe has the second largest group of Internet users globally in spite of falling third on the list of overall population.Africa, with the second-highest population count after Asia, represents just under ten percent of the global Internet usage.North America, the continent where English is spoken the most, accounts for only 8.6% of global Internet traffic.North America boasts the greatest percentage of global Internet penetration â€" the number of people who have access to the Internet. It therefore stands to reason that the greatest number of websites present materials using the English language.Even China's Alibaba, that country's giant of online sales, has an English version of their site in order to attract a larger share of the global E-commerce market.That's not to say that other countries don't have great websites in the ir own language, but if we search for the most frequently used websites in Germany, for example, the top five addresses indicate English-language sites, albeit translated: Google, Amazon, Ebay and Wikipedia.YouTube remains in its native language.Culture, History and StatisticsIf you are of a will to learn what you can about every country in the world â€" as well as practise your English reading skills, the Internet has several sites you can refer to, one of them being Wikipedia.Another such site is Expatica, that is targeted to people who want to learn about different countries before moving there. Although their selection of profiles is limited to western Europe, you can learn essential information on living and working in their listed countries.The only language that site publishes in is English. If you would like an in-depth study of every country, you can refer to America's CIA website. They have a factbook with a page for every nation that includes transnational issues as well as relations with other countries.Find the best  online English courses.Cooking and FoodAre you interested in exploring the culinary arts?You can improve your English vocabulary while learning new words relating to food and cooking. Web sites in English, detailing recipes for dishes from just about any country, abound!You only need to conduct a search for the feast you wish to prepare. Upon finding it, a trip to the grocer's to buy the ingredients and you can call yourself a chef!Be sure to practice your English conversation with the butcher while s/he weighs out your cuts. Movies, Music and Other EntertainmentTo be sure, streaming films and listening to music in English are great ways to learn and there are popular Web activities, and sites with such materials are plentiful.Chatting and language learning can also be fun on the Web! Sites such as Lang-8 permit you to enhance your English writing skills while helping native English speakers learn your mother tongue.That site does not have a live chat option but you can make friends with other language learners and invite them to chat with you on Skype.Chatting with a native English speaker online could break conversation barriers that might otherwise prevent you from talking with people you meet around your neighbourhood. Play Games OnlineFor Esl students, nothing beats playing word games to improve your vocabulary and spelling.Esol teachers often conduct such activities in class and recommend follow-up exercises at home.To heed such a recommendation, simply search for games you can play by yourself or by challenging other players.One online activity that would give you a wide range of situations to practice your spoken English is Second Life, a site where you get to create a persona that engages in a virtual society.A key aspect to this role-playing activity is socializing with other personae, and English is the predominant language.Living a Second Life can help you learn new phrases and gain proficiency with reading and writing in the course of communicating with other characters.English is your all-access pass to higher education, information and web-based entertainment.What a great decision you made, to be an English learner!Learn how to make English learning easy with our guide to simplifying ESOL courses.