Become Math Pro at your School Take Help of Online Math Tutors

Become Math Pro at your School Take Help of Online Math Tutors 0SHARESShare You can secretly work with online math tutors and become a math pro. This is the stuff heroic tales are made of. The Kung Fu fighter who trains in the back yard or the Gladiator who trains with prisoners and in the end conquers the world. You can be the Math pro of your school with dedication, sincerity and hard work. Remember you are lucky to have an internet connection and a computer to make use of online math tutors. Surf the net and you will find many online math tutor. The secret to you success lies in using the resources made available by these generous online math tutors prudently and judiciously. Listen to your online tutor and then immediately use the lesson learned to solve math problems. These are available from the same source. You can access these online math tutors and practice for long periods till you are confident you can solve any problem. It is guaranteed that soon you will be the Math Pro at your school. [starbox id=admin]

So You Want a Singing Career 3 Tips for Dealing With Rejection

So You Want a Singing Career 3 Tips for Dealing With Rejection Suzy S. As an aspiring singer, actor, musician or other kind of performer, getting comfortable with auditions is a big part of the process. Along with this comes rejection, which you might face a lot of before you make it big. Read on as Haddon Heights, NJ teacher Aaron K.  shares his tips for moving on I’m currently trying to become a professional opera singer. I know, it’s a dying art form, no one really understands the plots, and it’s only for snobby rich people who actually enjoy listening to Arnold Schoenberg (sorry if you do, I still can’t get into it). While I understand (yet contest for many reasons) all the previous points, I am choosing this path and have to deal with something that is common to all performers, whether youre working toward a singing career or something else in the industry: rejection. Youve trained for years. Youve read all the articles on auditioning. Heck, maybe you’ve even researched your audition panel to try to play to their tastes. But after all that effort, you didn’t get the part. You didnt get on American Idol. You didn’t get into the college you had your heart set on. I’ve personally had to deal with rejection more times than I like to think about. Here’s a few steps to help you with this difficult outcome. 1) Separate yourself from your performing. The initial impact of being told “no” can be quite hard. What really makes matters worse, though, is when you take rejection as a personal attack. You are not your voice. You are not your interpretation of Hamlet. You are not your piano, cello, flute, or anything else you have been studying. You are a complex human being with many attributes that are unique and wonderful. Your auditioners are not saying no to you as a person. It’s much easier to say my singing was rejected rather than I was rejected. 2) Shrug off the “je ne sais quoi” factor. After getting over the initial emotional blow, your mind can start churning ceaselessly with thoughts like “Why didnt they like me?”, “Did they not like my high Bb?”, or “I knew I should have taken it at a slower tempo.” While it will be important to reflect on what you need to improve (the next step), for now it is important to recollect yourself. Realize that there are any number of things (some of which may be out of your control) that might have lead to the rejection. Perhaps the panel wanted someone taller. Perhaps the college wanted a student who couldn’t play as well but had better grades. Or perhaps someone else took your spot because they knew someone in the selection process. It’s impossible to know exactly why your performance wasn’t chosen. Rather, accept that you didn’t have that certain “je ne sais quoi” and don’t give it another thought. Instead, try to shift your focus and… 3) Ask What I can do better next time? With a strong emotional reaction, it’s important to take a step back and rationally evaluate your weak areas. Do you lack flexibility and accuracy in your training? Work on scales and arpeggios. Did you lose your support on the high notes? Do more lip burbles in higher keys. Did your monologue seem vague and uninteresting? Make more specific choices in your delivery. When faced with rejection, you can either let it eat away at you and destroy your resolve, or you can face it as a challenge for the next time. At the end of the day, rejection won’t matter if you’re pursuing a performance or singing career for the right reason. It’s not just something fun for you. You’re driven by a need to express and create. You have something meaningful to say and you want people to listen. If this is the case, it won’t matter that this audition didnt pan out, because you have 10 more lined up. You may get rejected for years and work jobs you hate for pennies that can barely sustain your lessons and audition fees. But dealing with rejection will never be an issue because it will be as normal to you now as your morning cup of coffee. If this is the case, you don’t have to worry about “making it” in the performance world. If this is the case, you are an artist, and the only thing that matters to you is your art. Aaron K. teaches acting, singing, and piano in Haddon Heights, NJ. He received his  Bachelors degree in Music from University of Miami and a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University. Learn more about Aaron here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  marc falardeau

Decreased Funding For Early Childhood Education

Decreased Funding For Early Childhood Education Budget cuts have trickled all the way down to early-childhood education, as funding for these programs has decreased between 2009 and 2010, according to a study published in the Washington Post. The Obama administration urged states to increase their pre-kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-olds, but there simply wasnt enough funding to meet the presidents request. Total-state funding for these programs dropped about $30 million across the nation. Many states are putting most or all of their funding dollars in K-12. So, decreasing funding for early-childhood education has helped many states preserve funding for K-12, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, based at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Education Secretary Arne Duncan also urged states to decrease funding for other programs before cutting spending on early-childhood education, but to no avail as states nationwide dismissed his and President Obamas requests. Duncan said that the cuts present real challenges to young people who are desperately fighting to enter the mainstream. In 2010, 26% of four-year-olds were enrolled in pre-Kindergarten, which is significantly less than the governments goal. Forty states have these programs, all according to the National Institute for Early Education Research study. Overall, state cuts to pre-K transformed the recession into a depression for many young children, the study said. The reports authors noted that this could potentially be just the beginning of smaller funding for early-childhood education. Funding could drop more as federal stimulus funds expire soon, causing even more budget cuts. In 2010, state funding per child for pre-Kindergarten programs was nearly $700 below the 2001-2002 level, according to the study. Many education experts have expressed serious concern about Americas future students. Americas education system is already lagging behind many foreign countries. Decreased funding at early-childhood levels could hold the American education system back for years, according to some. Also, the government is striving to once again become the leader in producing college graduates by 2020. However, cutting funding at this level could slow students down and decrease their education ambitions, both of which could hinder the governments goal. This is the most important investment we can make, Duncan said. The long-term dividends are tremendous.

Practicing Deliberately for the SAT and ACT

Practicing Deliberately for the SAT and ACT Every SAT or ACT tutor is familiar with this request, which can come from students or their parents: “Can we take extra practice tests? I can come in every weekend between now and the test. Can you give me more tests to take at home?”This question comes from a good place the student wants to work hard and improve her SAT score and it’s preferable to the alternative, which is a totally unmotivated student. However, is endless repetition of practice tests really the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT? I’d argue not.What’s wrong with taking as many practice tests as possible?When this scenario plays out in real life and students crank out practice test after practice test, this is typically what happens: they have good intentions of grading the practice test and reviewing their errors soon after the test is over. But as usual, homework and extracurriculars get in the way and at best, the test is graded but not thoroughly reviewed. Then the next weekend rolls around, the student takes another practice test, didn’t learn from his mistakes last time and lo and behold, makes the same errors again.Here’s the problem: the longer this cycle of test-taking continues, the likelier it is that the student is actually practicing and reinforcing bad habits. If the student is prone to careless errors, simply taking numerous tests only trains him to make the same careless error over and over. If the issue is not understanding a specific concept the remainder theorem, for example seeing that question repeatedly won’t help him actually learn the concept. Repeated exposure does not automatically lead to improvement.The best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT: deliberate practiceEnter the concept of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice, as defined by author and performance-improvement expert James Clear, is “a special type of practice that is purposeful and systematic…[it] requires focused attention and is conducted with the specific goal of improvin g performance.”Clear adds that “[d]eliberate practice always follows the same pattern: break the overall process down into parts, identify your weaknesses, test new strategies for each section, and then integrate your learning into the overall process.”Rather than taking a test every weekend, a student engaging in deliberate practice would take 3 or 4 practice tests strategically placed throughout her SAT or ACT prep. After each test, she would review the correct answers and methodically work back through most questions she missed, looking for patterns and areas of weakness and learning how to do better on the next test.The mechanics of deliberate practice in test prepCan you practice deliberately for the SAT or ACT on your own? Of course, just like you can start a fitness regimen or train for a marathon on your own. With enough personal discipline, good information, and a system for getting feedback on his performance, it’s possible for a motivated student to train for the big test by himself.However, most of us benefit from the expertise of a coach, trainer or mentor who can quickly spot issues with our approach, give specific feedback, and recommend course corrections. That’s the role of our tutors here at AJ Tutoring. Our tutors are experts on the SAT and ACT who can efficiently figure out how to improve their students’ scores with targeted feedback.Test prep at AJ Tutoring includes completing several full-length practice SATs or ACTs, preferably proctored and timed at our office. During the following tutoring session, the tutor grades the practice test and reviews it with the student. We dig into the problems the student missed, looking for patterns and common mistakes, and find ways to keep those mistakes from reoccurring.As we’re reviewing a student’s missed questions on a practice test, we pay attention to why a student is missing a question. Generally the missed question falls into one of two categories: a careless mistake or a content mistake (or sometimes both).A careless mistake can take a few forms, but it often involves misreading the question or doing the math incorrectly. This is a problem the student knows how to do, but goofed on the mechanics. A content mistake, on the other hand, arises when the student doesn’t actually know how to do the math required by the problem. By discerning why the student is missing the problem, we get a step closer to addressing those issues on future practice tests and on the real thing.That’s the goal of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice done well means that students can take “only” 3 or 4 full-length practice SATs or ACTs and still be very well prepared for their test. And fewer practice tests means more free time for other important things whether that’s schoolwork, sports, or just daydreaming and sleep.

Learn English Verbs Expressing Sounds - English Lesson via Skype

Learn English Verbs Expressing Sounds - English Lesson via Skype There are lots of verbs in the English language that express different sounds. How do we distinguish them? Well, hopefully this blog will give you an insight in to some of the English verbs expressing sounds. Many of them can also be used as a noun.Lets get started. English Verbs Expressing Sounds DRONEToday we associate this word as a noun connected to these flying gadgets controlled by a hand held device.However, as a verb we can express a sound that someone makes when they go on and on about something in a very monotonous boring voice.It can also relate to a humming noise similar to that made by bees.Example: My boss is very boring, he drones on at work every week about compliance. Compliance, compliance that’s all I seem to hear all week!!GASPWhen you are struggling for air or when you try swimming under water without breathing you come to the surface gasping for air.Informally we sometimes use it to describe when we are very thirsty on a hot day and in need of a cold drink.Example: I’m gasping, could you pass me the bottle of water.A GASP as a noun is this sound people make when they get a little shock.For example, if you are in an audience watching a show and an acrobat is trying something quite dangerous the audience gasp when he almost falls.YELLA Yell is a loud sh out we make when we want to be heard about the noise of everyone else or we yell when we are perhaps annoyed.Example: There was a large noisy crowd in the train station. I was waiting for my friend and I had to yell so that he could hear me.My neighbours are always arguing. I can hear them yelling and screaming at each other most days.Keep reading, theres more. English Verbs to Talk about Sounds - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: English Sound Verbs CHANTA chant is a simple song or melody normally repeated several times.For example, football fans chant the names of their favourite players when watching a football match.Example: Messi was playing another great name and after he scored the winning goal the fans chanted his name for the remainder of the game.MOANWe are probably all familiar with this. We all moan from time to time when we don’t want to do something or something is not right.Children in particular moan when their parents constantly ask them to do something.Example: Ah mum do I have to. I don’t want to go to the supermarket. It ‘s boring, why do I have to go ? Why can’t I stay at home with Dad? That is a real moan.SNORTThis is like an animal sound. Usually associated with pigs. Pigs snort. Humans can also snort.To snort is usually a sign that we are unhappy about something and the noise comes from the nose not the mouth.Example: Did you see the neighbours got a new car? Huh, he snorted, another one. They ar e always changing their car!SCREAMA familiar sound for those of you that have children.The loud scream of a crying baby.The frightened scream whilst watching a scary movie.These are all examples of this high pitched noise.People scream to show they are angry or to get attention when they are being ignored.Example: She screamed at her husband because he refused to apologise.WHIMPERThis also a sound we make when we complain but it is usually a quiet soft sound the opposite of a scream.A dog that has been scolded for misbehaving is likely to whimper.Similarly a child who has been scolded by its parents might do the same.Example: The child whimpers a low sob holding back the tears: I’m sorry I didn’t mean it. Can I play with my toys, please?BOOWhen we do not like something we are watching or disagree with someone’s performance in particular where we have paid money to watch the performance.The opposite fans in a football match will often boo the player from the other team who is about to take a very important penalty kick.Or they will boo a player on the opposite team who once played for their team.Politicians are always booed when they make speeches before an election.Youre doing great, 11 more to come! English Verbs Expressing Sounds CHEERThis is the opposite of to boo. We cheer when something good happens or the speech is right on the money (what we want to hear).A loud cheer could be heard coming from the football stadium. The home team had obviously scored a goal.Example: He cheered when he heard the news that the hostages had been released.POPThis is quite informal. We can pop a balloon (when we burst it) it is the noise the balloon makes if we blow it up and then burst it by sticking a needle into it.We pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate. When we open the bottle and take out the cork the champagne pops.Example: It was New Years Eve and when the Church bells rang you could hear the sound of champagne corks popping in the restaurant.SIZZLEThis is a hot sound. When we cook meat in a frying pan or on a BBQ you can hear the meat sizzle as it cooks.Example: I always enjoy the sound of sausages sizzling on a pan when I make hotdogs for the family.We also use this verb to express the feeling if we lie too long i n the sun.Example: I lay on the beach and sizzled in the sun.HISSAnother animal like sound. Snakes hiss.It is also the noise made when the air escapes from a ball or a car or bike tyre.Example: I could hear the sound of hissing air as soon as I drove over that broken bottle. My tyre was flat (no air/ punctured) in no time at all.BLARETo blare is also to scream but we usually use this to refer to something happening in the background like a loud TV set or someone playing music on a radio very loudly.Example: Do you have to have that music blaring all night. The neighbours will complain again. Please turn it down now!TINKLEThis is a quiet sound, like a small bell.The bell on a bicycle tinkles when we ring it to warn someone we are behind them.The small bells inside a Christmas tree decoration tinkle when you shake it.Example: Emily touched the tiny bell and shook it gently, the soft sound tinkled in the air. CLINKWe mentioned earlier about the popping of champagne corks when we celebrate New Year.When the champagne is poured into the glasses we clink our glasses together and say cheers as a sign of the celebration.Also when someone wants to get everyone’s attention, for example at a wedding.Example: He gently clinks his glass: And now Ladies and Gentlemen it’s time for the speeches!SWISHUsually, a noise we associate with curtains or long dresses as they move in a certain direction.At night time we often close (or draw) the curtains by pulling on a light rope or string and the curtains swish as the close.A dog can swish its tail as it wags it when happy.RATTLEWe rattle something when we shake it. The sound of a rattle is a short sharp noise when we shake a box or tin.Example: He rattled the package to see if he could guess what was inside.An impatient child at Christmas might rattle his presents to find out what he got.The rattlesnake one of the worlds most deadly snakes makes a rattl ing noise as it moves its tail.RAMBLETo ramble is to talk for a long time but not with any great structure or organisation.A person who rambles usually forgets what he was originally talking about and gets easily distracted.Example: The old professor loved to talk about history but in the middle of his lecture he would often start talking about politics or economics and ramble on for a long time.SQUEAKThis is again associated with animal noises.A squeak is a quiet little noise often made by mice and similar rodents.Someone who speaks very gently can also be said to squeak. It is a short quiet shrill like sound.New shoes often squeak when we first wear them.Floor boards squeak when we walk on them.Example: We literally cannot walk along the entire first floor without the sound of squeaking boards.

Can I teach English abroad without knowing the local language (or being bilingual)

Can I teach English abroad without knowing the local language (or being bilingual) There are two common misconceptions when it comes to requirements for teaching English abroad: I can’t teach English abroad if I don’t speak the local language. I need to know a foreign language to teach English abroad. Well, no need to worry, we’re here to quash these common misconceptions for you! Can I teach English abroad if I don’t speak the local language? The short answer is YES! You can absolutely teach English overseas without speaking the local language of your destination country. To teach English abroad all you need are these two things: Fluency in English Bachelor’s degree (any major) Read this: Here's where you can teach English abroad without a degree! So why don’t you need to speak the local language? Well, let’s face it, as a native English speaker you’re an expert! Many employers actually PREFER that you don’t speak their local language, at least in the classroom. When it comes to learning a new language, what is one of the first pieces of advice you’ll get? Immerse yourself in the language you are trying to learn! Whether that means going directly to the source and living amongst the locals that speak the language you’re learning, or if you take a language course that speaks only that language - you’re sure to pick up a few things! If you find you’re a bit intimidated to teach English without knowing the language your students are fluent in, that’s okay! There are plenty of non-verbal tools and resources to help you effectively teach your students English without speaking their language in class, including: Pictures/posters Objects Body language Picture dictionaries Using these types of tools can help you demonstrate the meanings of certain words or phrases, using them to depict things like: Opposites Synonyms/Antonyms Kinds of... Etc. This way, rather than translating word for word from your students’ local language to English, students will be able to actively learn what you are teaching them - without relying on you to do the work for them! Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Do I need to be bilingual or know a foreign language to teach English abroad? Like we mentioned already, you don’t need to speak the local language to be able to teach English overseas. But do you need to be bilingual, or speak a foreign language? Sure, being able to speak more than one language will definitely provide you with certain skills or perspectives while in the classroom. The most basic being that you can empathize with your students, you know firsthand what it’s like to learn a new language. But is that skillset required? Nope! You are being hired because you’re fluent in the language you’re being hired to teach - English! Speaking another language, or multiple languages for that matter, are not required for the majority of ESL jobs. Okay, so you know that you don’t need to speak a foreign language to actually teach English abroad, but there are two more questions you may have about speaking another language: How will I be interviewed if I don’t speak the language? What about actually living and thriving abroad? When it comes to being interviewed, stop stressing! Since employers are hiring you because of your expertise as a native English speaker, you will more than likely be interviewed in English. This is also a great reminder that you likely won’t be the only English speaker at your new job. More often than not, some of your colleagues will speak some English, even if it’s just conversational or a basic understanding. Great, so you know you can teach abroad without knowing another language, but what about actually living abroad? Getting by in a foreign country when you don’t speak the language Living and working in a different country and culture can be a lot to take in. There’s no denying that you may experience a bit of culture shock while you transition into your new home and teaching opportunity. But a great way to help manage that experience is by taking some time to learn a few key phrases and terms of the local language you are going to be surrounded by - just to help you get comfortable and thrive during this new adventure! Don’t forget, while your students will be immersing themselves in the English language in your classroom, you’ll also be immersing yourself in their language and culture throughout your stay in your destination country. Whether your teaching contract is one semester or one year, you’ll definitely pick up some basic words and phrases of the local language. Well, now you know! You absolutely do NOT need to speak the local language, or another language for that matter, to teach English abroad. Teaching English in a truly immersive classroom (while it may be a bit challenging at first) will ultimately push your students to actively learn what you are teaching them. You’ve been hired because you’re in demand, you’re a native English speaker â€" and there’s no better way for your students to learn a new language than by diving in, and immersing themselves in the English language. PLUS, there are lots of useful tools and teaching approaches that you learn through a TEFL certification course. These courses, like the one offered by Teach Away and the University of Toronto OISE, are designed to give you the tools and skills you need to teach English abroad - no other language necessary! For more FAQS related to teaching abroad, check out the links below: What qualifications do I need to teach English abroad? Can I teach English abroad if I’m a non-native speaker? Will I face age restrictions teaching abroad? How can I land a job teaching English abroad without experience? After you’re done brushing up on the need-to-know info, what are your next steps? First things first, can you check these two things off your list? Fluency in English Bachelor’s degree (any major) If you checked yes to both of those things, then you can start applying! So get the application ball rolling by visiting the Teach Away job board today. Good luck!

Stream Away! How to Navigate Netflix for Learning Languages

Stream Away! How to Navigate Netflix for Learning Languages Stream Away! How to Navigate Netflix for Learning Languages Grab the popcorn! Turn out the lights! Its movie time!Except were not at the movie theaterâ€"were snuggled under a blanket at home.Its quite likely that you, along with more than 100 million other people in the world, subscribe to Netflix. Its an increasingly popular way to watch your favorite movies and TV shows at a time that suits you.And whats more, its  a great resource to supplement your language learning. Yes, really!With the site being available in most countries, Netflix has been widening its material in languages other than English for years, and no doubt it will continue to do so. So whether youre binge-watching in Belgium, being a couch potato in Colombia or chilling in China, you can find something for you.Yes, Netflix is great for entertainment around the globe. But as a language learner, how can you use this to your advantage?Well, were about to cover some tips for making the most of all this material, but lets start at the beginning.Heres how to get everything set up right on your Netflix account and get yourself ready for success. Stream Away! How to Navigate Netflix for Learning LanguagesHow to Use Netflix for Viewing in Your Target LanguageChange the language on your profile.Doing this will ensure you have access to as much material as possible in your target language. If you go to change the audio or subtitles on a movie, youll only see five or so optionsâ€"but that doesnt mean it doesnt have more! You can only be sure of seeing whether a piece of content is available in your language by having the correct language on your profile.Changing your language on your profile also has the extra advantage of training you in the vocabulary on the interface!You can only do this on your computer. Log in on the desktop version of Netflix, go to Account, scroll down to My Profile and change the language to your whichever one you want.Tip: If you dont want to have Netflix in your target language at all times, you can create an extra profileâ€"e.g., Jame s (German)â€"to use when you want to practice. You can even have multiple profiles in different languages if youre learning more than one.Now choose something to watch.Even after youve changed the language, Netflix still has different shows and movies available depending on what territory youre watching from. If you want to find out whats available in your country and in what languages, check out unogs.com. This makes it easier to see at a glance what might be helpful for you.Depending on your target language(s), you may also find one or more of these lists helpful:11 Fabulous German Movies on Netflix to Improve Your Deutsch8 Awesome Movies for Russian Learners on Netflix7 Movies on Netflix That Are a Godsend for Korean Learners9 Portuguese and Brazilian Movies You Need to Watch on Netflix5 Chinese Movies and Dramas on Netflix Based on Popular Novels6 Binge-worthy Netflix Series from Across the Spanish-speaking WorldNetflix and Skill: 12 Movies and Shows with French Subtitles for Le arnersStart playing.The audio and/or subtitles might not be quite right yetâ€"dont worry! All you have to do is…Choose audio and subtitle settings.Under the progress bar, you can click on the languages buttonâ€"a little speech bubbleâ€"and choose the audio and subtitle languages you desire.Watch away!Youre ready to go! But hold your horses. How do you really get the most out of it?4 Smart Ways to Learn Languages Using NetflixSomething to remember is that, although you can choose from 22 languages, Netflix is still very English-focused. Not every film or TV show is available in the language youre trying to learn.The key, then, is to find shows and movies that have audio or subtitles in your target language. Even then, simply watching a movie isnt likely to make all the language sink in, so youll need to get a bit more focused. Theres some great advice here about really studying a movie and making it valuable.You can also benefit greatly from using FluentU in addition to Netflix, be cause it gives you a concrete way of learning from shorter videos. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Both intensive and extensive listening (and reading) practice are important in language learning, and between FluentU and Netflix, you can easily cover both.For Netflix specifically, follow the advice below to get the most out of your watching experience.Watch movies or shows made in your target language.This is the ideal situationâ€"you get the full cultural and language experience with no terrible dubbing or awkward subtitles.Try searching for content in your target languageâ€"for example, Korean language moviesâ€"and seeing what comes up. It probably goes without saying that the languages youll be able to find the most content for will be those from countries with large and developed film industries. Youll have more luck with Spanish and French than Xhosa or Quechua!Als o keep in mind that there may be unfamiliar dialects from film to film. If youve been learning mainly Mexican Spanish and then you watch a European Spanish film, expect that some of the dialect and accents will be different from what youre used to.You can add the subtitles in your target language if this will help you follow. Theres also the option for subtitles in English or another language you already know. However, while this will help you get used to the sound of the language if youre only beginning to learn it,  beware: This can make it very difficult to focus on the target language, and you can complacently read your own language instead.Tip:  Treat this like a class exercise. At the end of a scene, challenge yourself to summarize the events of what youve just watched. Then go and watch it again to see if you still think the same.Watch movies or shows with target language audio only.You can switch the audio on shows made in English or other languages to that of your target la nguage. This is great if youre already pretty confident listening in this language. Unfortunately,  most Netflix shows have a limited number of audio options, and be aware that options usually means dubbing. Some of the dubbing is pretty good, whereas someâ€"particularly Polish for some reasonâ€"is terrible!The good thing about the dubbing is that its likely to be in a standard dialect of the language, so its good for learning if youre not confident with different accents or slang. Youll also be likely to get the same cultural experience as many others will have hadâ€"lots of European countries, for example, show all their US TV shows dubbed.Tip: Rewatch shows and movies youve already seen in your mother tongue with the audio of your target language(s). This way, youll be able to follow the plot without needing to put subtitles on, and you can focus on the language as its being spoken!Watch movies or shows with target language subtitles only.You have the option to keep watching Netf lix content in a language you already know but with the subtitles of your target. The most useful thing about this, for me, is that you can put it on all your favorite shows. At the moment Im learning Italian, which means Im watching things like Ozark and Breaking Bad with Italian subtitles.I would say this is less effective as a pure language-learning exercise, but it means you get to pick up interesting words and expressions while enjoying your shows as usual. Its the film equivalent of putting up little vocab posters on your fridge or wardrobeâ€"it fits into your day-to-day life.Just watch and keep half an eye on the bottom of the screen. Remember to pause and focus for a while if theres something you want to make sure you remember.Tip: Keep a notepad on your coffee table or bedside table. When you come to new words and phrases, you can note them down and review them later. The advantage of subtitles is that you know the spelling right away. As always, when working with authentic material in your target language, you may encounter a lot of language that youre not familiar with; you dont need to write it all down!Focus on words that either appear commonly or that are crucial to understanding the events of what youre watching.  Try to guess the meaning from context first, and then look them up in a dictionary. Write them down with either a definition in your target language or a translation into your own language.Watch movies or shows with target language audio and subtitles.Putting both audio and subtitles of a movie or show into your target language can be very useful if youre still getting used to the rhythm of the language and how the pronunciation and orthography connect.For example, if youre learning French, you can start to hear those similar-sounding vowel sounds as they relate to written words. You can also start to draw associations between written words and sounds in languages with an unfamiliar alphabet, such as Japanese or Arabic if youre a nativ e English speaker.Another thing to  beware of, though: If the original movie is in a different language, often the dubbed audio and the subtitles are not connectedâ€"the person on screen might say one thing while the subtitles say another. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, they will have been translated separately, and an idiomatic expression or ambiguous word may have been translated in two different ways. Secondly, both subtitles and dubbing have to make their own compromises: Subtitlers often have to shorten sentences  so you can read them on the screen, while dubbers sometimes change the speech so it fits more neatly with the movements of the mouth on screen.Tip: Make this a richer experience by finding reviews of the movie or show in your target language. You can also search on YouTube to find vloggers sharing their analysis and opinions. This will give you additional reading and listening practice (and writing if you care to leave comments).So there you have it.Use it r ight and that Netflix subscription can really be worth the money!

Scientifically Backed Ways to Clear Your Head While Studying

Scientifically Backed Ways to Clear Your Head While Studying The human mind can wander at the most inopportune times: during an important business meeting, a lecture right before an exam, or a significant personal conversation. In fact, 47% of people tend to be thinking of something other than the task at hand. The same people who claim to have distraction problems also report being unhappy. Learning how to stay on track can help your focus and peace of mind. Budget Your Time There are easy preliminary steps you can take to prevent getting distracted. Before you sit down to work, set reasonable goals for yourself. Create a schedule to determine what time slots you can reserve for work. Decline some invitations to social events if you think they'll interfere. You may even want to keep a diary of your work, which has been known to increase productivity. Meditate If you've sat down to work and your mind is wandering, know that you're not alone. An ancient practice has proven helpful for this: meditation. With only eight weeks of practice, you can improve your ability to concentrate. Some benefits can be enjoyed with only four days of training. Even subjects who have never meditated before felt that their memory, spatial orientation, and executive functions improve from this practice. Train Your Brain If you find yourself plagued by unpleasant thoughts, research the phenomena of suppression and substitution. While they use distinct neurological processes, each can effectively diminish the distractions caused by unpleasant thoughts. Harvard social psychologist Daniel Wegner determined that people can avoid fixating on one idea if they have an alternative idea to fixate on. For example, subjects successfully avoided thinking about a bear when it was suggested that they think of a red car instead.