Advanced supervisory skills to outperform in your role - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Advanced supervisory skills to outperform in your role - Introvert Whisperer Advanced supervisory skills to outperform in your role If you are a middle manager, supervisor, new or aspiring manager, then supervisory skills are essential to notably boost the team’s performance and outcome. Relevant supervisory skills are significant to achieve optimal performance out of the workforce in any institution. Also, supervisory skills help managers and other team handler’s to implement a systematic, humane and practical approach to lead teams to organizational goals. Skilled managers are key to positive and encouraging work culture and empowered teams in any work atmosphere. Benefits of supervisory skills Advanced supervisory skills are beneficial for managers and organizations. According to Preferred Training Networks, a leading training provider on supervisory skills,  â€œSupervisors often report feeling ‘stuck in the middle’. This sandwich effect has a huge impact on productivity and morale.” Acquiring adequate and advanced supervisory skills will help them to keep going. Let us see in what all ways supervisory skills will turn out people into excellent performers and help them to lead a stress-free personal life. A. Meet expectations Achieving goals and adhering to deadlines are ultimately expected from any team. It is the role of immediate supervisors or project managers to make the team delivering on time. However, pressurization is not the advised method of getting projects done. Moreover, unwanted stress on employees will result in compromised quality and impaired relationships. Only skilled supervisors or managers can handle the team effectively to be productive enough and help them meet expectations. B. Better communication Communication is core to productivity and stress-free work culture. Supervisors, inevitably, should practice the skill of effective communication. Advanced supervisory skills include the art of impressive listening and straight-forward yet, encouraging conversations. Well-conveyed messages often save time and protect relationships. C. Avoid conflicts Conflicts between employees, teams or with supervisors are unpredictable and expected in any organization. Being the immediate team handler’s, supervisors are the people who will have to address the issue on-the-spot. Supervisors need to be equipped with advanced skills to defuse conflicts, then and there. Escalating conflicts into a higher level is the indication of incapability of a supervisor. D. Healthy relationships Workplace is where people spend most of their productive hours in a day. Maintaining healthy relationships is important to keep the team efficient and dynamic. Supervisors need to ensure that healthy relationship is encouraged among the people. Only in an encouraging, friendly and healthy atmosphere optimum performance, dedication and quality of work can be expected. Therefore, being skilled in supervisory tactics is a must for people who lead a team. E. Time-management Time is money in any modern business. Time-management is a hard nut to crack for team leaders or managers. Making the maximum out of working hours is a strenuous task for which advanced supervisory skills are essential. A skilled manager should know how to allocate time based on priority and should never rush the team through unreasonable timelines. Better time-management will give quality work-hours as a result. F. Boost team attitude Supervisors or managers are largely responsible for boosting the attitude of the teams in the workplace. The right attitude is a real thrust to the success of any organization. Supervises should be skilled in boosting the attitude of people in all the possible ways like encouraging, negotiating, sympathizing, understanding, conversing and rewarding. G. Set practical goals Setting realistic goals is the area where most supervisors fail. A good teal lead should be capable of assessing the strength of the team and set goals accordingly. Always stretch the goals within the practical limits. Unrealistic expectations can only worsen the situation. Supervisory skills will help you with setting perfect goals. H. Smart work than hard work The responsibility of a skilled supervisor is not to make his team work hard, but to get better results by implementing smart work strategies. Working smart relieves stress and creates a better work culture. Being trained on advance supervisory skills enables you to be smart enough to help your team to work smart. How to gain advanced supervisory skills? Supervisory skills come in two ways, one with experience and another by expert training. Experts are of the opinion that a well-designed training session will empower you with the knowledge of essential supervisory skills. After all, a supervisor is to be a friend, a middle-man, a trainer, a role model and a subject matter expert in the workplace.   Author Bio Niall Kennedy Niall Kennedy is the Creative Director at  www.preftrain.com.au. He has over 20 years of experience in Professional Development Industry. He has published  4 business books “All Aboard the Brain Train,” “Healthy Leadership,” “Errant Workplace Behaviours,” and “Hidden Observations”. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

One Trick to Make Your Guitar Solos Amazing

One Trick to Make Your Guitar Solos Amazing Megan L. It takes a lot of skill to stand out as a guitarist. Here, guitar teacher  Bernard M.  shows you exactly what it takes to pull off an amazing solo and how you should approach phrasing You may or may not be ready to play a guitar solo, but its good to know what elements go into one. What is it that makes a great guitar solo? While there are many ways to answer this  question, there is one crucial element that often goes overlooked by even the most experienced  players: phrasing. Phrasing is the way in which a musician or composer combines notes to create a musical  sentence, or phrase. Although it can be very subtle, it often makes the difference between a  memorable solo and “note soup.” What does this mean for you guitarists? Play less, leave space. Let your ears lead the way, not your fingers. Many musicians suffer from the misconception that faster, more technical playing is somehow better and more musical. This can be very discouraging to new players, who have trouble  competing with their more experienced peers. Never fear! Creativity and imagination are what  make great music, and this is what phrasing is all about. Check out these two samples to hear the difference between a busy solo and one that uses  creative phrasing. The Problem: A Run-On Not bad at all, but can you hum a bar or two of that solo? Does any part of it stick in your  memory? The problem with this solo is that it’s practically one long phrase. Like a run-on  sentence, it’s difficult to follow and needs to be broken up! In this next sample, I add space and punctuation to the previous solo, creating different  musical phrases. The Solution: Adding Space By simply adding space to create distinct phrases, I have made the solo much more  memorable and effective. Each phrase has room to breathe before moving on to the next. By  playing less, the notes that are played gain much more power, adding strength to the solo as a whole. Hopefully, by now I’ve convinced you to focus on your phrasing the next time you go to  take a solo. This, however, is easier said than done. Phrasing is very elusive and intangible. It  has a closer link to creativity than technique, and therefore, is difficult to learn or teach  methodically. Instead, it’s something that constantly develops as  you grow  more experienced and  more tasteful. Here are few suggestions to help you develop your phrasing and taste. Take your time. This is perhaps one of simplest yet most profound suggestions on how to improve your  soloing. Being comfortable and confident while playing allows you to sound your best. If you try  to fill your solo with every last lick you can conjure up, you will very likely end up feeling  rushed, nervous, and stumbling through the solo. Slow down! Savor the solo and don’t overthink it. When you relax and give yourself  plenty of time, it allows your creative instincts to take the wheel. Some great ways to leave  yourself this room to breathe include long, expressive bends, sustained notes with some tasty  vibrato, and even simple rests. Break it up. Even the most creative players can fall into the trap of putting their fingers on auto-pilot,  aimlessly playing up and down familiar scales in monotonous eight notes or triplet lines. One of  the best ways to combat this common ailment is to break up the patterns. Playing a long descending eighth note line? Throw a rest or two in there to punctuate  your phrase. This can be a very powerful move and make an otherwise boring lick fresh and  interesting. Think like a drummer. We guitar players spend a lot of time thinking about chords, scales, arpeggios, and  intervals. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, we sometimes forget about  something just as, if not more, important; rhythm. Thinking about what you are playing rhythmically is at the core of phrasing. What are  you doing on the third beat of the measure, or the “ of 2?” What beats do you want to highlight  or downplay? Do you want to play along with the beat, or use syncopation to emphasize  unexpected accents? This might seem overwhelming to players who are not used to thinking this  way, so I will refer to my advice above; take your time, play what you are comfortable playing  and above all, follow your creative instincts. Emulate the experts. My final piece of advice is to study the players that inspire you the most. How do they  use phrasing in their solos? Learn your favorite guitar solos, note for note, and study them  closely. This is a great way to pick up the playing habits of your heroes and start developing your  own individual sound. Studying the solos of players like David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, or Derek  Trucks, who have a keen sense of phrasing, will help you make even the simplest licks powerful,  expressive and inspiring. Some of my favorite songs  to play are  classic rock guitar solos. They feel good and they sound incredible. As always, make sure you set aside time for plenty of practice. Try to not go a day without playing for 15 minutes. You will start to see significant progress in just a couple of weeks! Post Author:  Bernard M. Bernard M. is a guitar and songwriting instructor in Philadelphia, PA. He teaches lessons online and will travel to his students.  Learn more about  Bernard 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

Italian Language Course Examination PLIDA

Italian Language Course Examination PLIDA Learning Italian: Why Pass the PLIDA? ChaptersWhat is PLIDA, Exactly?Variations of PLIDAEvaluation CriteriaHow to Prepare for PLIDAWhere Can You Sit for PLIDA?To Sum it All UpCurrent statistics count more than seventy million native speakers of Italian.Further tallies indicate that more than one hundred twenty five million people claim Italian as a second language.Do you want to be among that number? Certify your Italian skills.If so, you should know about the PLIDA: Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri.In English, that would be: Italian Language Project Dante Alighieri.PLIDA is a language certification program attesting to your competence and degree of mastery of Italian as a second language.On the surface, PLIDA bears great similarity to CILS and CELI, most notably in the structure of language competence  levels, from A1 to C2.One distinguishing difference is with the institution that administers each programme.CILS is sponsored by the University of Siena.CELI is the brainchild of the University of Perugia.PLIDA is the exclusive purview of the Società Dante Alighieri, or The Dante Alighieri Society.Let us now find out everything we can about sitting for (and passing!) PLIDA. institutes of higher learning as well as research facilities.Clearly, PLIDA carries substantial weight!Whether your aim is to enroll at the University of Rome as an exchange student, or start your career in fashion in Florence, PLIDA is THE distinguishing factor on your resume, possibly serving as the deciding factor for admission.Even better: attaining a Level B2 or C1 PLIDA certification entitles you to enroll with the Italian university of your choice without having to prove your language ability through their in-house exam.You should check with your target university's admissions office, because some institutes accept B2 while others insist on C1.The European student exchange program, Erasmus, requires potential enrollees to present a B2 level certification before matriculating anywhere, just as an example.We recomme nd you test for your actual level of Italian language ability! Source: Pixabay Credit: Michael GaidaVariations of PLIDAAs with CILS, the Italian Language Project exam comprises of six levels, all independent of one another.These competency levels were established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CECRL (acronym derived from the French language).You do not have to take the basic Italian exam (A1) if you can speak Italian at intermediate level, for example.Of course, if you test successfully at Level C2, indicating mastery, clearly you know how to conjugate irregular verbs and all about Italian grammar, and no further testing would be required.It is vital to test at the level that corresponds to your actual Italian speaking abilities.Sitting for a test level lower than your abilities with the language will give you bragging rights, but does not accurately reflect how much you've learned from your Italian  lessons.An excellent score on the B2 bears less im port than a moderate to good score on the C1.PLIDA differs from other certifying Italian language exams because it offers versions for specific target audiences.Junior PLIDAThis assessment is meant for non native Italian speakers aged 13 to 18.Formulated for adolescents, the topics included in this exam range from school and learning experience to family life and pastimes.Proctors tend to be less formal in their interview methods for the spoken Italian portion of the exam, ever-mindful of not exacerbating the stress young linguists may labour under.Teenage test takers may elect to test for Levels A1 to C1.Business PLIDAThis exam is targeted to anyone in finance, commerce or industry, who might have dealings with such  concerns in Italy or engage regularly with Italian counterparts.Here again, test topics are selected based on the population that would sit for this exam.Thus, any candidate may be exposed to writing in Italian about the economy, manufacturing or retail practices regar dless of what his business environment actually is.Professionals taking this test have the option of testing at B1, B2, and C1 levels.written, which cover the remaining two.PLIDA administrators understand that the ability to express oneself, to communicate and to comprehend, happens incrementally.Learning to speak Italian; grasping the nuances of language and culture: all of these can be proven in stages, as follows.Level A1This is the test for those who have just started their language courses.The exam comprises of vocabulary used in everyday Italian. The proctor would use simple terms and speak Italian slowly, to give the candidate every chance to demonstrate understanding of spoken Italian.Italian learners should be able to construct simple sentences, describing where s/he lives, family members, and buying food at the grocer's, using only Italian words.Level A2This low to mid-intermediate level test measures conversational Italian ability, as well as the grasp of grammar fundamen tals.Word order and using the correct verb tense  are benchmarks of mastery for this exam.Gender assignment for nouns and using the proper pronoun in context are also considered.The candidate would demonstrate the ability to exchange simple information â€" ordering food in a restaurant, for example, or asking directions.At Level A2, you should be able to order a meal in any restaurant in Italy! Source: PIxabay Credit: JoshuemdLevel B1A learner sitting for B1 â€" the mid- to high-intermediate exam, would be required to understand key points of Italian conversation, without necessarily grasping every detail of the exchange.S/he should be able to recount experiences at school or university, talk about hobbies or even work-related issues.Coherent narratives over specified subjects, albeit related in simplistic terms is the objective for this level of Italian.Level B2This certification attests to the candidate's ability to grasp relatively complex information, and render opinions on any given subject  according to the proctor's prompt, who should be a native speaker of Italian.At this advanced intermediate level, those speaking Italian as a second language would have an expanded knowledge base, both of the culture and language nuance, to include the more common regional dialects.Standard Italian, based on the Tuscan dialect, features prominently, but the examinee may also need to understand the Florentine dialect, or the speech patterns of Rome, for example.Level C1Testing at this point suggests that the candidate is fluent in Italian and has assimilated a measure of culture and history.The exam comprises of dissecting long, complex texts and of rapid-fire dialogue, the expectation being that there will be no stalling or searching for appropriate words.Correct use of idioms or popular expressions in Italian are used to measure the degree of the candidate's cultural integration.Verbal and non-verbal communication will be assessed.That latter includes: proper tone an d inflection for the context, body language and other signals that indicate control of the discussion in proportion to the proctor's input.Level C2Here, the non native speaker certifies mastery of the Italian language at or near native speaker level.With these language capabilities, the examinee could argue anything from complex social issues to technical matters.Topics addressed in this exam may include the history of Italian art, or the impact of religion on modern Italian society.From this breakdown you can see the importance of correctly assessing one's language level.Considering the diversity of these stages, you may wonder whether a candidate testing at B1 would sit for the same amount of time as a C2 examinee.How much time you are allotted for each exam depends on the level you sit for Source: Pixabay Credit MonikaWIn fact, the timetable for each ordeal is:Exam Listening    Reading    Writing    Speaking    TotalA1       35 mins       30 mins    40 mins    10 mins      1h55A2       25 mins      30 mins    40 mins    10 mins      1h45B1       35 mins       30 mins    50 mins    10 mins     2h05B2       35 mins      30 mins    50 mins    10 mins     2h05C1       35 mins       45 mins    90 mins    15 mins     3h05C2      40 mins       45 mins    135 mins   15 mins     3h55ScoringWhereas the timing for each level is slightly different (save for the B stage), scoring remains the same across all levels.Any candidate can achieve a maximum of thirty (30) points on each of the four portions, with the bar set at eighteen (18) for passing.Should you attain a score over 18 on three of the four areas, your passing scores would remain valid.You would only have to retake the exam segment that was found to be insufficiently proven.How to Prepare for PLIDAAs you learn French, as you learn Russian; as you learn Korean or Arabic, so it is with learning Italian.Learning any foreign language requires time and effort.Before tak ing any proficiency exam, you should maximise your chances of earning high marks by taking a preparatory course that focuses exclusively on the standards of this assessment.There are several ways to do that.The Dante Alighieri School in Siena offers an intensive immersion program that lasts two weeks.As a student there, you would enjoy three hour-long lessons per day, Monday through Friday, for a total of thirty lessons.Of particular mention: these preparatory language lessons are held in small groups, of no more than five students per session.The cost for these concentrated Italian lessons is €750.00, plus the cost of a trip to Italy. Nowhere in the UK is this type of tutelage offered for Italian language courses.Well, that is not exactly true. You could engage a private tutor; one who may employ such immersive tactics.If you live in the Manchester area, you could address yourself to the Dante Alighieri Society on the University of Manchester campus.They offer weekly preparatory courses for all levels of PLIDA. If you live elsewhere in the UK, you could request their help online; they do support distance learning.On the other hand, if you are willing to take Italian courses online, you could surely find all manner of apps and chat partners that can further your ability and confidence in speaking this romance language.You may even get lucky and find free Italian lessons! Think of how your Italian pronunciation and comprehension would improve, conversing with native Italian speakers online!There are three PLIDA testing centers in the UK Source: Pixabay Credit: PexelsWhere Can You Sit for PLIDA?Any official centre recognized for the administration of the PLIDA complies with directives of the Dante Alighieri Society in Rome, even though each centre operate autonomously.Dante Alighieri Society is therefore recognized as the official coordinator  of the PLIDA exams.Their partnership with the Sapienza University of Rome ensures delivery of the most  academically s uperior, culturally relevant and up-to-date test materials possible.If you are already in Italy, you could sit for the exam in Pisa, Turin, Milan or Tuscany... just to name a few of the more famous  cities.Should a sojourn in Italy not be on your horizon â€" and you're not there already, you could sit for PLIDA at any of UK's three approved testing locations:University of ManchesterCambridgeExeter University.Please check here for the most recent updates to the testing schedule, for all locations, worldwide.As for cost: all rates are set by the Dante Alighieri Society  as follows.Both A level exams cost €65.Level B1 € 85Level B2 € 95Levels C1 and C2 € 135An additional €15 is attached to your testing fee to provide you with one year's membership in the Dante Society.Considering the benefits and advantages this relationship brings you, we may consider that money well spent!To Sum it All UpYour ability to speak Italian will be recognised at the highest levels of government and academia in Italy, meaning you can pursue your higher education at the university of your choice, from Naples to Sardinia.Furthermore, you can let go of any worries over working in Italy, or forming any business partnerships with native Italians.After demonstrating proper use of Italian vocabulary, you will be in full compliance with the laws regarding foreign transactions.Earning PLIDA certification, at any level, translates to official validation of one's Italian language skills.It is vital to test at your level, rather than too high or too low. Besides the obvious money factor, a certification mismatched to your true abilities will, in the end, hamper your efforts and momentum, rather than help them.Taking a PLIDA prep course would serve you well in determining your level â€" how well you know Italian words and phrases. Another reason for taking such a class would be to speak more fluently, and gain greater exposure to Italian audio.These preparatory classes are designed to refl ect the most current exam standards, which means that you will gain exposure to mock tests and perhaps even the exam proctors, who may function as tutors when no exams are scheduled.No matter which way you slice it, certifying your Italian learning through PLIDA will only bring you beneficio.Dai, caro!Consider taking DITALS: Didattica dell'italiano come lingua straniera.  A  pair of exams meant for non native speakers who intend to teach Italian as a foreign language. Or the CIC,  Certificato dell'Italiana Commerciale â€" in English: Certificate of Commercial Italian.Find a private tutor to take Italian lessons on Superprof:Learn Italian onlineItalian classes LondonItalian classes Glasgow

What is it Like to Attend the University of British Columbia

What is it Like to Attend the University of British Columbia Kevin earned his bachelors degree in political science and philosophy from the University of British Columbia. He specializes in English tutoring, psychology tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, he shares his experience at the the University of British Columbia: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Kevin: The University of British Columbias campus is truly like no other. Its about 1,000 acres on the tip of a peninsula that is separated from the vibrant city of Vancouver by a 2,000 acre belt of temperate rainforest affiliated with UBC. Because of this, you can go to one of the beaches or hike in the rainforest without technically leaving the university. The stunning natural beauty of the campus and the well maintained new buildings make it unsurprising that many movies and TV shows shoot on campus. The facilities are top notch; it has eight major on-campus libraries, seemingly endless classrooms and labs, a particle accelerator, anthropology and biodiversity museums, a concert hall, and much more. The campus is crisscrossed by several university and city buses and connected to Vancouver proper by several buses. A bus to Point Grey or Kitsilano (neighborhoods with a lot of student housing) takes about 15 minutes, while a bus downtown may take 40 minutes. Biking is easy, and a car is probably more trouble than its worth (parking is very expensive). The campus feels very safe, especially since it has its own police force and is surrounded on three sides by water and by a forest on the fourth side. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Kevin: As an arts student, I never had any trouble meeting with professors. They usually respond to emails within a day; the longest I had to wait for a meeting was three days. They all have office hours, and you can usually talk to them after, if not during, class. All of my professors were not just polite, but genuinely friendly and personable. Ive heard some professors can be more difficult to talk to in math and the sciences (especially in lower level classes), but I think this is the case in most universities. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Kevin: The two dorm complexes (Totem Park and Place Vanier) are on campus, but feel like towns in their own right. Each has the standard facilitiescafeteria and convenience store, coed or single-sex buildings/floors, and one common room per floor. Since the campus is so sheltered, almost everyone for literally miles is either a student or on staff. Because of this, after classes end for the day and most of the staff goes home, campus becomes something of a student city. There are many restaurants, and a cafeteria in each dorm, but groceries can be difficult to get, store, and afford. I should also note, campus security is taken seriously: the campus is well lit, regularly patrolled, littered with emergency help buttons, and a free safe-walk service is available (although crime is virtually unheard of). Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Kevin: UBC is particularly proud of its engineering, forestry, earth and ocean sciences, computer science, cognitive systems, physics and astronomy, life sciences, international relations/political science, education, law, business, and anthropology departments. Forestry/earth and ocean sciences, engineering, physics, and life sciences (and increasingly computer science) seem to get the most funding. I double majored in political science and philosophy and minored in religious studies. I studied what I did simply because I loved it and I consistently had excellent professors. My case is a bit extreme, but the majority of students seem to graduate with at least a minor, if not a second major. Also, a large number of clubs and other academic societies are sponsored by UBC, permitting students to explore their field, meet other students with similar interests, and network beyond UBC. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Kevin: I am not the most social person in the world, but the dorm life and frequently small class sizes made making friends easy. Greek life exists, but only plays as significant of a role as you want. Personally, I never had to encounter Greek life, but I have some friends who seemed to enjoy it. How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Kevin: If you are in the sciences (especially forestry/earth and ocean sciences and computer science), the Career Center is absolutely helpful. Most of my friends in the sciences had no problem getting paid internships or lab positions. In the Pacific Northwest, the oil/minerals, lumber, finance, and tech industries are booming, plus UBC is a huge wealthy research institution hungry for talent. How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Kevin: The total amount of study space is tremendous, but the student body is also very large. Given this, during most of the year good quality study space is easy to find, but it can get overcrowded come finals. Describe the surrounding town. Kevin: UBC feels extremely isolated despite being located in the middle of an urban area of over two million people. In their first year, most students live on campus and leave to go downtown or to the surrounding neighborhoods only about once a month, simply because everything you need is on campus. Buses connect UBC to the rest of Vancouver, but very few first years bother. Upper years tend to live off campus and more frequently go downtown or explore the surrounding neighborhoods, which are very nice, but also very expensive. Regarding outdoor activities, there are several nice beaches and large wildlife reserves, and the bay is great for sailing. The relatively close city of Victoria is also fun to explore. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Kevin: The student body is very large (over 60,000) but upper level classes tend to be small. Many introductory classes are large120-200 studentsbut others are not. This is especially the case with the sciences (particularly biology) where large class sizes are the norm in 100 and some 200 level classes. For me, an arts student, even in my first year most of my classes had between 30 and 60 students and it was not difficult to get one-on-one time with professors. As you proceed to higher and higher classes, students specialize or drop out, so class sizes are smaller. By my fourth and fifth years (most students take five years), I would have maybe one class per term with 60 students. By the time I graduated, most of my professors knew me by name and I was on a first name basis with several. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Kevin: I graduated from UBC in 2014 and immediately went on to do two years of grad school in Europe. On my way home, I stopped back in Vancouver to visit some friends who still lived there and also just to be in the city. I decided to spend one of the few days I was there on campus. I looked up a former professor of mine and decided to drop by unannounced and say hi as he got out of his 100 level class. I waited outside the rooms glass door for his class to finish, but after he was done he was mobbed by five or six students who wanted to talk. Now, I hadnt talked to this professor in two years and he teaches five courses, which means something like 320 students per year. By the time he opened the door, he was smiling over an outstretched hand and greeted me by name. Good to see you, Kevin! Just a seconddo you have a second? I nodded and he continued answering the first years questions about Nietzsche with excited tones and wild gesticulations. After a few minutes, he turned back and we just started chatting like old friends. We talked about family, my time in Europe, and life in general. We walked to a cafe by his apartment and chatted for well over two hours before I had to run on account of dinner plans. That man changed my life, but unlike most professors at most schools, he is also part of my life. The thing about UBC thats so special is, yes, it will launch you onto whatever path you choose, but it also stimulates you as a person and helps you become, not just a professional, but a full human being. Check out Kevins tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Metacognition Demystified

Metacognition Demystified At AJ Tutoring, a primary goal of our academic tutoring as well as our study skills process is to teach students how to learn in the way that best suits their unique minds. In order to accomplish this, our professional tutors aim to move beyond homework help and the specifics of today’s lesson to develop our students’ academic skills on a deeper level.Albert Einstein once said, “The development of general ability for independent thinking and judgement should always be placed foremost, not the acquisition of special knowledge.” But what is the general ability for independent thinking and judgement, and how would it be placed “foremost”? This post aims to demystify metacognition and briefly discuss the development of metacognitive skills, which are crucial for becoming a more effective thinker and learner at any age. What does “meta” mean? Meta is self-referential; it indicates a higher level of abstraction.Examples:Metadata (data about data; in computer science, catego rical information about stored data)Metaphysics (concerns the nature of nature)Metamorphoses (transformation of an established growth pattern; a morphing of morphing)So, it follows that meta learning is learning about learning. Metacognition is cognition of cognition. In general, a discussion of metacognition and metacognitive skills involves how to approach learning in an optimal way. Where do we see meta-learning knowledge applied today? What are some of the best examples of high-quality learning?The most prominent example is with developments in artificial intelligence. For example, you can read here about Alpha Zero, a chess program created by DeepMind. Unlike other chess programs, Alpha Zero teaches itself chess, and with remarkable success: within 24 hours of initiation Alpha Zero was able to best one of the most powerful existing chess programs. Because it teaches itself, Alpha Zero is an example of strong metacognition.Today, Google/DeepMind and AI is emphasizing neural netw orks, which models learning in a way more closely resembles the human process of learning rather than a process emphasizing rote memorization and raw power that we traditionally associate with computers’ learning.If we want to learn better, we may want to begin with analyzing learning. But is it even possible to breakdown learning? Yes, it is! Please find below a breakdown of the steps required to approach a problem or concept with an eye to improving metacognitive processes.SimplificationDetachment: The goal is no longer to solve the problem directly, but to understand the nature of the problem and situate it in a greater context.Evaluation: Identify structural aspects and components of the problem.Creation: Create a new line of inquiry via simplifying one or more aspects of the problem. This may involve removing components in order to reduce complexity.Application: Apply problem-solving skills to obtain a solution to the new problem created, or question asked.Analysis: Analyze y our results and re-evaluate the original problem. Do these results assist with the original problem?ImplicationDetachment: The goal is no longer to solve the problem directly, but to understand the nature of the problem and situate it in a greater context.Gathering: List true statements and any info that may be relevant to the problem.Production: Use the statements you have to produce new factual information relevant to the problem. Use “if … then” statements in order to deductively reason.Analysis: Re-evaluate the problem with the new plethora of information you have. Is it easier to solve? If not, continue to repeat this technique or switch to using the “Simplification” technique.Essentially, this is a concrete methodical skill-based approach to training your inductive and deductive reasoning skills. Train, train, trainâ€"the key is having lots of iterations and lots of failures to learn from. And this produces high-quality learning experiences.If you’d like to learn m ore about how we can help your student achieve his or her academic potential, please give us a call today!

Intermediate English Holiday Vocabulary - Useful English for everyday use

Intermediate English Holiday Vocabulary - Useful English for everyday use Holidays are great when everything goes according to plan.  However, what do you do if there is a last minute hitch? Here are some English words and phrases connected with something going wrong.Travelling by air is still one of my favourite parts of a holiday. Even with the  lengthy queues to get through security and passport control.However my patience are severely tested when I hear that my flight might be cancelled due to a strike by the pilots or the cabin crew. These strike are sometimes notified in advance so at least you can act  accordingly but often it is a lightening strike and there is nothing you can do. Such a situation happened to my wife this summer. She was notified by text that the flight had been cancelled .The text arrived only 30 mins before the plane was due to depart so absolutely nothing she could do. What made it worse was the fact she had enjoyed a short holiday and was now trying to return home. English Holiday Vocabulary - If Something Goes Wrong It sounds ideal. There you are in a foreign airport with no flight to take you home. We all dream of having an extended holiday. However you would prefer the circumstances to be different.  My wife had checked out the apartment. She had returned the car she had rented and was  dragging   a suit case behind her.Thankfully she had her phone charged and she could at least make contact with a help desk. After many calls and some frustration she was able to book an alternative flight for the next day. This was leaving from a different airport so once again she had to hire a car and then drive to another city , and find accommodation for one more night. This all turned out alright in the end and she made the flight. However, this was only half of the story the alternative flight was only to another city so still over 500 hundred kms from home. There were only two options remaining. 1. To hire a car and drive or 2. hop on a train. The cost worked out pretty much the same so after an anxiou s day following the flight cancellation it was decided that a relaxing train journey would be best. And so finally after 2 days of additional travelling she finally arrived home. A little annoyed due to the additional journeys but with a good memory of an enjoyable holiday.However, this was not the end of the story. Firstly, our car was in a car park in the city where her journey had begun 10 days earlier so the car had to be collected. There would be additional  charges for leaving the car longer than originally intended and we needed to seek compensation from the airline who cancelled the return flight home. All invoice had been carefully retained.These included the extra car rental the re-arranged flight together with the train fares and out of pocket expenses for food and accommodation. We searched for the on line site and completed the claim form and submitted all the documents. We were expecting a long delay and perhaps some argument from the company. However, to my very great surprise my wife very happily told me that the company had agreed to refund almost all of her extra costs. There is a God! Never give up hope! Hope your travels always go according to plan, but now you know you English holiday vocabulary IF something goes wrong. English Holiday Vocabulary - Learn Words and Phrases according to plan no problemlast minute hitch a problemto travel by air to flylengthy longqueue (British English) = line (American English)strike industrial actionto notify in advance to let someone know when something might happenaccordingly have a plan B (an alternative plan)lightening strike happens without warningextended longercircumstances situationto check out to leave, to move out of a hotel, apartment, etcto drag to pullto make a contact to callhelp desk customer service desk/helplinealternative flight another choiceto turn out to happen, to work outhalf of the story not completeoption choicepretty much aboutcharges coststo seek compensation to make a claimto retain to keepout of pocket expenses additional expensesto complete to fill into submit to send Useful English Holiday Vocabulary Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world:

The Mentor Aspect of Tutoring, Examined

The ‘Mentor’ Aspect of Tutoring, Examined I’m a somewhat nontraditional tutor in that I’m not involved in academia as a student nor in my profession; I’m a filmmaker. I make short documentaries for non-profits and socially conscious organizations. That may seem odd, but, in the world of film the ‘why’ of a project is very important, and I think that emphasis carries into tutoring as well, specifically in the 'mentoring' portion. The who’s, what’s, when’s and how’s of tutoring are mainly logistical, and - though no doubt important - are just the framework and not the heart. Who = a student and an older, more wizened academic guide. What = ensuring the student is keeping organized, is up to date on certain concepts and information, has better study habits, and is completing their homework and studying for their exams, etc. When = whenever is scheduled. How = employing various well-thought-out strategies for guidance on learning strategies, study behaviors, and general academic know-how. But to gel all of those together and have a student embody them is key; and the only way to do that is through close interpersonal connection. This is where the mentor portion of tutoring kicks in. You can espouse all the grade-getting, paper-writing, subject-absorbing rhetoric that you'd like, but if a student doesn’t feel involved, connected and inspired - it’ll be, if anything, a temporary solution. The student will look to the tutor for guidance and help, but just as importantly: for challenge and inspiration - for a broadening of their perspective. The point is to transform their mindset from homework being difficult and tedious, to it being fun and enlightening. Now, often this is a tall order. But done with creativity, enthusiasm, and a certain amount of peer-pressure (the positive, beneficial kind) to encourage further grappling with the information - it can definitely be done. It’s the same psychological principle behind why going to the gym is so hard. If approached day to day as: ‘Do I want to go to the gym now?’ the daily question and decision saps willpower and becomes more ingrained with one's own sense of self-worth; to the degree that if you ‘fail’ to go, it feels bad and encourages giving up. But if your whole mindset shifts to think of yourself simply as: ‘the kind of person that goes to the gym’ there’s more of a focus on changing those deeper circuits in the mind, to not feel shame about missing a day and to start to change behavior because of a narrative re-wiring, and not a day-to-day willpower dilemma. It’s the same with tutoring, if a student’s prevailing mindset is ‘I’m not a reader and I can’t do it well’ then every time they are assigned reading homework or are asked to pick up a book, there’s a sapping of willpower there, a drain on the self. To remedy that requires changing how they think about themselves - a narrative re-wiring. And that’s done through small victories that create confidence, and by a tutor/mentor jumping into the fray with them to show that it can be quite fun. It’s no secret that we as people inherently learn through stories. We perceive our own lives as narratives and they inform who we are and how we see the world. That narrative can sometimes be destructive as it blocks student’s potential, making them think they aren’t good at something or just don’t have it in them. Sometimes it’s difficult for parents and family members to help with this as the closeness of family bonds sometimes makes younger folks immune to their advice or prodding. Sometimes it takes the catalyst of a particularly connective teacher or an engaged parent to spur that curiosity and I think that’s our role as tutor/mentors. Beyond the adverbs, algebra, and accounting, tutoring is fundamentally about relationships. That connection and the emotions therein are where the learning and magic happens and are why it’s vital to be a mentor as well as a tutor.

?? What Should You Look For When Choosing a Tutor

?? What Should You Look For When Choosing a Tutor What Should You Look For When Choosing a Tutor? There are lots of tutors out there, and so choosing the right one for your child can be a bit of a minefield.It’s important that you choose the right tutor for your child, otherwise they won’t enjoy their lessons and they won’t learn as effectively.With that in mind, here are some things you should look for when choosing a tutor for your child.How much experience the tutor has.Where the lessons will be based.How quick the tutor responds to messages.What the reviews say about the tutor.How much the lessons will cost.What your child thinks about the tutor.How much experience have they got?Generally speaking, there are two factors that affect the capabilities of a tutor.One is how much experience they have with the subject matter. The other is how much experience they have with tutoring. Both of these are important considerations.Subject-relevant experience can differ greatly from tutor to tutor. For in-depth subjects, like A-Level Physics for example, a high level of knowledge is required. You would expect tutors to at least be educated to the same level they are teaching, if not higher.A lack of relevant experience may mean they aren’t able to answer all the questions your child has, and may only cover some topics superficially.For less academic subjects, experience may not be as big a factor. If your child wants to learn beginner piano, for example, a tutor with a few years of playing experience may be knowledgeable enough for them to get started.Perhaps more important is how much experience the tutor has with teaching. Whilst knowledge of a subject is obviously important, being able to pass that knowledge on is crucial for a successful tutor. Naturally, the more experience a tutor has with teaching, the more they understand the nuances involved with the job. They’ll be able to explain things better, and will be able to make your child feel more comfortable.Of course, more experienced tutors tend to charge more, and so you need to find a balance betwe en experience level and how much you’re willing to pay.Where are they based? Much like buying a house, choosing a tutor is all about location, location, location. Clearly you want to find a tutor that’s as close to you as possible. You might feel that you’re happy to travel right now, but will you still feel the same a few months down the line? Probably not.Generally, the closer the tutor, the less time you’re going to spend ferrying your child back and forth.This is great for you as a parent, but it also helps your child. A long journey may make them restless or tired, and this can have a negative impact on their learning.Tutorful will show you the closest matching tutors when you look for a tutor.It’s also worth noting that an increasing number of parents are opting for online tutoring.Online tutoring is more convenient. Your child can learn from the comfort of their own home, and they may well concentrate better.Online tutoring also increases the number of eligible tutors, so that you don’t have to compromise on other factors like experience or c ost.Tutorful’s online tutoring platform offers a comprehensive learning experience, complete with video calling, screen sharing, and an interactive whiteboard.How responsive are they?When you first reach out to message a tutor, you should take note of how quickly they respond. It’s important to have a tutor who will respond quickly. If you needed to cancel or reschedule a lesson, a responsive tutor would be better able to accommodate you.Often, a responsive tutor will be more open to answering the odd questions that your child may have about their work. Obviously, you don’t want your child to be kept waiting for too long.When we list matching tutors for you on Tutorful, we actually show you how long it normally takes a tutor to respond. This encourages our tutors to respond quickly.We recommend finding a tutor who responds in a matter of hours. Any time over a day (unless there’s a really good reason) is probably a little too long.Do they have good reviews? One of the best ways of seeing whether a tutor is a good fit or not is by checking through their reviews. This means you can use other people’s experiences to help you make a decision, rather than relying on the tutor’s own Tutorful profile.It goes without saying that the better the reviews, the more you should consider that tutor.It isn’t always about the quality of the reviews, however. The number of reviews is also important. A tutor with one 5-star review might not actually be as good as a tutor with ten 4-star reviews.Also remember to take reviews with a pinch of salt. Generally, people only leave a review if they’ve had an extremely good experience, or if they’ve had the worst possible experience.That means reviews only tell you part of the story.Despite this, it’s well worth reading through the reviews for each tutor before you make your final decision. Plus, we also recommend reaching out to tutors you’re interested in and having a quick chat. This way you can u nderstand the context of the reviews, and get a real feel for the person.Do they fit your budget?Chances are you have a figure in mind for how much you want to spend on a tutor for your child.In most cases, we recommend that you stick to that budget. Tutoring can be a long-term commitment, and so it’s important not to stray over your budget. Even the smallest increases can soon add up over time.Tutorful clearly shows you how much tutors charge per hour. If you’re going to be travelling to the tutor, then you also need to factor fuel costs into your budget.Having said that, if you have your heart set on a certain tutor but they come in just over your budget, perhaps you could consider making sacrifices in other areas?An alternative you might want to consider is online tutoring. Online tutoring has several benefits, including the fact that your child can work from the comfort of their own home. But it also often works out a little cheaper, due to the lack of travel both on your pa rt and for your tutor.What does your child think? Ultimately, while you might be doing the organising and paying, your child is the one doing the learning. The choice should lie with them.If possible, arrange for an introductory lesson which you can sit in on. You can then use this opportunity to observe the tutor and see if they’re a good match for your child.There are a couple of things to look out for during the first lesson.One: Does their teaching style suit your child? Cast your mind back to when you were at school, and you can probably think of some teachers you got on with well, and others you truly hated. That’s because we all learn in different ways. Well, it turns out teachers teach in different ways too. Sometimes those styles match, and a positive learning experience is the result. Other times, they clash, and things don’t work out. If there is a clash of styles, then your child isn’t going to enjoy learning, and the tutoring won’t be effective. If this is the case, then you should definitely consider finding a different tutor.Two: Do they understand your child’s needs? Every child is unique. Some need more support than others. Some need encouragement, some need a degree of independence. You know your child better than anyone, but sometimes tutors fail to recognise what your child needs.This first lesson enables you to see whether the tutor understands your child, and is able to provide them with the exact level of support and encouragement they need.After the introductory lesson, sit down with your child and ask them what they thought. Encourage them to be honest. Ask them if they got on with the tutor, whether they learnt anything useful. It’s crucial that your child is comfortable with their tutor. If they aren’t, then it’s time to look elsewhere.Final ThoughtsThere are a number of things you need to look for when choosing a tutor. It’s well worth taking the time to do your research upfront before you dive in and make the decision.Choosing the wrong tutor can have an adverse effect on your child, setting them back further with their studies.Fortunately, Tutorful makes it easy to find the right tutor for your child. We’ll show you their location, cost, experience, and reviews. You can then use this information to make your choice.Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you with your best matches.Best of luck finding a tutor!