Learn How to Play the Violin

Learn How to Play the Violin Learning to Play the Violin ChaptersViolin Lessons for BeginnersHow to Find Your Ideal Violin TeacherHow Much Do Violin Lessons Cost?Important Equipment for Learning ViolinViolin Practice: An Essential Part of Learning to Play the ViolinMany of us dream of having the ability to play a musical instrument.We usually find ourselves inspired by the orchestras on the BBC Proms, or even the beauty of the musical instruments themselves as we yearn to experience the euphoria of being a part of such a wonderful sound.Watching violinists can be a mesmerising experience, whether they’re playing a solo or as part of an ensemble. Watching every player in the orchestra move their bow simultaneously creates an air of mystery… how do they know?The very sound of the violin can be soothing enough to send you to sleep, joyful enough to bring a smile to your face, solemn enough to tell you a heart-breaking tale, and ominous enough to make you shudder.‘A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony’ â€" Sherlock Holmes, The Red-Headed LeagueExperiencing the joys of an instrument as beautiful as the violin doesn’t have to be limited to the theatre or the radio â€" you too can learn to master the smallest member of the string family by enlisting the help of violin teachers near me!Learning how to play violin demands motivation and dedication, as you attend regular lessons with a professional violin teacher which are tailored to your learning needs and objectives. You will also be expected to develop your new skills and musicianship with plenty of practice of your pieces and scales outside of lessons as part of your music instruction.Learning to play a musical instrument is about far more than playing the right notes in the right places.If you’re going to truly understand the workings of the violin and the music you’re reading, there are lots of skills you will have to learn along the way.By receiving musical training from an expert viol inist, you will be introduced to musical theory (including how to read music), learn how to take care of your violin, using different musical styles and even how to play in an ensemble.So, if you’ve been thinking about taking up a string instrument, what are you waiting for? Superprof has loads of tips for beginner violinists!You can take violin lessons Glasgow here!age, location and budget will also play a part.So, where’s the best place to look for your ideal teacher?When it comes to looking for contact details of violin teachers, there are many avenues to explore.Depending on your age and current situation, your most obvious port of call may differ from other budding violinists.For instance, if you’re the parent of a young child, you can always rely on word-of-mouth by asking for recommendations from other parents at the school gates. Even if you don’t get any advice on local violin teachers specifically, you can always contact teachers of other instruments who will likel y be able to put you in touch with a violinist.If asking around the community yields little results, you can always consult the local classifieds.This means looking in the advertisement sections of your local newspapers and magazines or using a buy-and-sell app such as Gumtree to find violin teachers offering their services.Advertisements for music teachers usually include a small amount of information about where they are based as well as the services they provide in addition to contact details.If you’re unsure about this method, or would prefer to know more about teachers before you contact them, there is always the wonder of the World Wide Web.Nowadays, it’s possible to do almost anything with the help of the internet, and finding talented music instructors is no exception!A simple Google search of ‘violin teacher near me’ will give you a range of links including teachers’ websites, tutor platforms (such as Superprof) and music schools in your area. These websites will contain far more detail about the experience and services offered by local music teachers, so you can create a shortlist before you pick up the phone.Tutoring is particularly useful if you’re looking for specific qualities in your instructor as each teacher creates their own profile detailing their experience, qualifications, and teaching style.Superprof, for example, allows users to filter search results according to the levels taught and the response time of the tutor themselves!Whoever your ideal violin teacher may be and wherever you may find them, they should first and foremost motivate you to persevere with your learning and aim higher. If you ever find that you have outgrown your teacher, or you want to take your learning in a new direction, there are always plenty of other options available!matched to you.Violins usually come in six different sizes, ranging from sixteenth size (1/16) to full size (4/4), which are matched to players based on the length of their arms â€" thi s is to ensure that players can comfortably reach the notes on the fingerboard.For violins to be correctly fitted, customers are asked to hold the violin as if they were playing and extend their palm toward the violin’s scroll. If the scroll is comfortably held in the palm of the hand, the violin is the right fit for the player.The scroll of the violin is the spiral shape at the end of the violin's neck ¦ source: Visualhunt - Photo PhiendOnce you have successfully been matched to your violin, there are several other items which are considered essential to violinists from day one.For instance, musical instruments need to be looked after â€" it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure that their violin is properly maintained.There are several steps to good violin maintenance, but here are the main things violinists should do to ensure that their instrument is taken care of:Rosin: Rosin is a type of hard tree sap which comes in block form which is gently rubbed along the hairs of the violin bow. Its purpose is to provide the bow with the necessary grip on the violin’s strings to make a sound when it is drawn over them. Players should apply rosin to their violin bow before every other time the violin is played.Cleaning cloth: It is recommended that violinists wipe down their instruments with a lint-free cloth after every practice. This helps to remove excess rosin, oil from the hands and any dust which may be building up on the instrument.Bow adjustment: This is one of the first things you will learn about playing the violin. Before every lesson and practice session, you need to tighten the hair of your violin bow using the screw on the end. Once you have finished playing, the hair should be loosened again before the violin is returned to its case.These three points are the fundamental habits every new violinist is expected to take on to ensure that their instrument is well cared-for and in the best possible condition for performing.Violin Practice: An E ssential Part of Learning to Play the ViolinWe’ve all heard the words ‘practice makes perfect’ â€" and this is absolutely the case for learning to play a musical instrument.Regular, comprehensive practice with a clear objective is the key to success in your music education as a violinist.But where do you start as a beginner?Your violin teacher will advise you on every aspect of your practice sessions including how often you should be practicing violin and how long each practice session should last for, as well as the amount of time you should be spending on each aspect of your violin practice.When it comes to making steady progress, getting into a good routine with your violin practice will not only reinforce what you are taught in your lessons, but will also help you to progress as a musician (reading music fluently, improving your tone, etc.).At the end of each session with your violin teacher, you will be set ‘homework’ for the week. This homework will usually be made u p of three parts:Scales ArpeggiosExercisesPiecesScales and arpeggios are sets of musical notes which musicians are expected to be able to recite from memory.Each scale and arpeggio corresponds to a musical key and mode. This means that a different set of notes will be played depending on the starting note. For instance, a C-major scale will not contain any sharp or flat notes, whereas a G-major scale will contain an F-sharp instead of an F-natural.Scales and arpeggios are not only useful for warming up for practice. They are also great for developing your muscle memory and playing them will set you up for playing runs in your pieces by helping with your sight-reading.You will often find that your teacher prescribes you specific exercises to practice at home. These exercises are usually aimed at strengthening certain muscles in your hands, developing muscle memory and finding your way around tricky notes.For example, your teacher may recommend a specific book of violin exercises, or they may choose a section of a piece you find tricky and tell you to practice playing it differently.Your set pieces will take up most of your attention during practice. Whether you’re simply getting used to reading notes from a piece of music or preparing for a music exam, practicing playing your pieces will give you a sense of achievement as a violinist, regardless of the level of your repertoire.Whether it's Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or a Paganini violin concerto, knowing your pieces inside out will build your relationship with your violin whilst helping you master your playing technique as you perfect your bowing, vibrato and note placement.So, if you’re serious about getting to know the baby of the string family and learning to perform, doing the right kind of practice for the right amount of time will stand you in good stead to develop as a musician.Who knows? You could be leading your own philharmonic symphony orchestra one day…

How Far in Advance Should I Study for the ACT

How Far in Advance Should I Study for the ACT A key factor in many students college applications is their ACT scorebut how far in advance do you need to study for the ACT? Is it really necessary to start preparations a year in advance? Or would you be better off throwing in some studying just a month before the test? If these questions are on your mind, read on to get a better grasp of how soon you need to begin your ACT prep. Determine your ideal ACT score A good starting point in order to clarify your amount of prep time is to figure out your target ACT score. There are quite a few factors you may want to consider when calculating your ideal score: Admissions requirements of schools you want to attend Scholarships you may want to apply for Awards and honors you hope to receive Prestigious groups you may want to join Believe it or not, all of these factors may require a certain ACT score. Knowing the minimum ACT scores for everything you want to accomplish is going to help you understand the score you need to get to achieve your goals. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?] Know your starting point Now that you have an idea of the score you are shooting for, it is important to get a general idea of the score you can expect to get. This step is going to be the biggest factor in how much you need to study in the future, so be sure to take this seriously. The best way to determine the score you would get now, with no test prep, is to take an ACT practice test. Force yourself to take one of these practice exams exactly as you would the real one. I.E. Time yourself, dont reference study materials, and limit distractions so you can really get a good idea of the type of score you can expect to get when you take the real exam. Plan your ACT study schedule Was your actual score close to your target score? Great! You probably do not have to spend too many additional hours on end studying for the exam. Keep in mind, though, that it is always a good idea to sharpen your skills as the test approaches. If your practice score was substantially lower than you expected, however, you should consider making a more detailed study schedule to help you meet your ACT goal. Dont feel discouraged if you didnt score as highly as you had hopedthere is always room for improvement! [RELATED: How to Identify Your Study Style] Consider increasing your overall prep plans study time by 10-15 hours for every couple of points you hope to improve your score. With this in mind, make sure to schedule your official ACT test day with plenty of time to study in advance, depending on how much you want to raise your score. Remember that in order to be honest with yourself and truly succeed, you have to be realistic with your goals. If you want to raise your score by 10 points, for example, you are probably going to need study for quite a few monthsdo not try to cram 130 hours worth of studying into just one week! You dont want to feel too overwhelmed and subsequently see your score take a hit for it. Give yourself an actual chance to excel. Dont forget to utilize powerful prep tools as well, such as the free Varsity Tutors ACT Prep book. Its a good idea to take your first test early on during your junior year of high school so you can have enough time to retake the exam, if necessary, later on in the school year. Good luck, and remember to just relax. You can do this!

Find Sewing Classes In Birmingham

Find Sewing Classes In Birmingham Where Can I Find Sewing Courses In Birmingham ChaptersLearning How To Sew With Sewing LessonsLearn To Sew...Or Choose a General Sewing WorkshopMore Sewing Classes Near MeSewing is not only a craft or hobby, it is a skill.Not only that, it has so  many layers to it and  just keeps on giving  as each  decade or generation passes: from  upcycling a garment to fit in with new  fashions as a teenager to  sewing  toys or  patchwork  quilts for your grandchildren, it is worth learning sewing techniques for all the  rewards they bring over the course of a lifetime.Whether you decide to learn how to thread by hand or you opt for machine sewing, there's a heap of information to learn! is a workshop that was held in March this year at the NEC. The sewing tutorial was designed by experts to allow participants to unleash the creativity within them and to inspire and fill them with ideas to take forward. Dubbed a stitcher's paradise, this course (which covered sewing, knitting, and patchwork as well as embroidery styles) offered hands-on demo nstrations and the possibility to learn from experts within the field.Attendees were wowed by an array of fabrics, yarns patterns, and threads and were taught how to refine their embroidery skills, a very valuable capability in this day and age with embroidered fashion heightened to the max!Embroidered clothes and home decor items are all the rage right now. Photo on VisualHunt.comKids' ToysOn a course like Introduction To Sewing Juniors,  which is designed for children of 6-11 years of age with little or no experience in sewing, you can take steps towards creating an item that appeals to you, such as a soft toy.For children and adults alike, there is nothing better than taking pride in the fact that you made something by yourself, and what's more is that you can take this truly personal item home with you to treasure forever (depending on how well you made it!).Moreover, the skill that you acquired during the process will inspire and enable you to design and make more unique pieces during your lifetime. You never know, a junior course could spark a passion and lead you onto a specific career path that involves sewing!Quilted Or Patchwork ProductsBeginning quilting is not easy, so enrolling on a course is advised if you want to be happy with your homemade quilt. Adult classes held at the Cadet Training Centre in Birmingham focus on traditional patchwork and quilting methods and are led by Joy Edgington of Pastures New Quilting.In a supportive environment, participants learn at their own pace using a step by step approach to ensure that everyone builds on their skills and can demonstrate each new technique learnt. The workshops are adapted for all abilities and you can choose from a range of day classes, short courses or monthly programmes. You can tell that this class is a winner just by the number of return students she has going!Or Choose a General Sewing WorkshopFor absolute beginners who simply want an introduction to sewing so that they can move forward i n any which direction they choose, this entry-level course is great for teaching the basics like how to use a sewing machine.Absolute Beginners : Learn how to use a sewing machineTaking place on Thursday 5th July 2018, this course is limited to six places and is an introductory workshop into using a sewing machine (or a refresh for those who haven't used their sewing machines in a while).During the daytime lesson, you will learn how to set up and thread a sewing machine, recognise the different parts of the machine, change a sewing machine needle, wind the bobbin and set it in the machine, how to change the stitch length, how o guide the fabric when sewing, and much more. During this time, you'll be taught how to make a basic tote bag, which you can take home with you at the end of the day.Since there are only half a dozen spaces available, it is wise to call the organiser and see if any places remain or if you can be placed on their waiting list. Alternatively, enquire as to whethe r they have a newsletter sent out at any time of the month so that you can be kept informed of any future courses that might suit your needs.You can attend courses which show you how to use a sewing machine. Photo on VisualhuntMore Sewing Classes Near MeRemember, however, that I don't necessarily have to find a sewing studio  on my doorstep in order to find sewing classes near me - I can even take one to one lessons with experienced tutors from the comfort of my own home!For example, Superprof counts three suitable tutors on its platform, with prices ranging from £8 and hour to £17 an hour.The least expensive tutor on the records, Sobia, does not hold a qualification in sewing however she is passionate about the craft and is keen to pass on this love for sewing and to help you to improve your abilities. Beverley, who comes in at £15 per hour, is a textiles fashion teacher with almost two decades of experience in this field. Finally, Katherine is an experienced seamstress and cost umer who provides beginner sewing lessons to adults and kids, giving you the expertise and inspiration you need to make your own clothes, costumes, pillowcases and tote bags.Nevertheless, you don't have to restrict yourself to the instructors based in your city.While we are sure you will agree that the three tutors listed display a very good range of experiences and skills and all at reasonable prices, you can open yourself up to hundreds more tutors if you are willing to learn your new skill online via a series of emails, illustrations, live video calls and pre-recorded tutorials.While you can find many of these learning tools online using your own searches, the benefit of having a tutor dedicated to helping you to develop your skills is that they can take control of the learning journey and guide you along the way.Their experience and knowledge in the field will be passed on in a way that is tailored to your own needs and desires and the best thing is that you can ask all the ques tions you want! Unlike watching a YouTube video, you can pause the demonstration and ask for something to be repeated or shown again before you proceed to the next step.So, if you're still wondering whether to sew, or not sew, then remember this: sewing has been proven to be a great way of stitching your worries away!Check out these sewing courses across the UK:Classes in LondonClasses in ManchesterClasses in LeedsClasses in Glasgow

Making a better you How to change your bad habits - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Making a better you How to change your bad habits - Introvert Whisperer Making a better you: How to change your bad habits Every person is like a fingerprint; one entirely different from the other, and so are our habits. Each one of us has at least one bad habit we become so committed to, that we hardly bother to try to get rid of the same. It might be eating unhealthy food, laughing at the wrong moment, biting nails, chewing the gum too loudly, or not to practice your last New Year’s resolution. There is just no limit to acquire these habits. If you will ever speak to a smoker, about 70% of them will say they would like to give up on smoking. Drug and alcohol abusers struggle to give up on addictions once they are into it. Many of us have an unhealthy excess weight that we could lose if only we would eat right and exercise more often. So why don’t we do it? “Habits play an important role in our health,” says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Understanding the biology of how we develop routines that may be harmful to us, and how to break those routines and embrace new ones, could help us change our lifestyles and adopt healthier behaviors.” Habits are a result of repetition. Ohh, wait! I am not saying that repetition is bad, repetition is completely normal, in fact, it is often helpful. We wake up in the morning, brush our teeth, shower, comb, and all this without really being mindful of it. We can even drive on familiar routes without really thinking of the directions and all this only because we have been repeatedly doing the same over the years. So if repetition is completely normal then what is the real problem? Habits are hard to break once they get deeply wired by constant repetition in our brains. For example, feelings you experience after consuming drugs or watching porn. You will hardly think of bathing, but your mind will constantly keep triggering the enjoyable moments, which are different from your day-to-day routine. What can you do to change your bad habits? Just like you need to lift heavy weights to build strong muscles, but you need strong muscles to lift heavy weight. Similarly, you need to practice good habits to get rid of bad ones. Try Replacing rather than Eliminating Habits that you have right now are in your life are for a reason and in some way or the other, they provide a benefit for you. For example, many of us are habitual to biting our nails or tapping our feet when we are stressed. Similarly, many find drinking as a solution to come over an emotional trauma. Because every bad habit provides some kind of benefit in your life, it is very difficult to eliminate them. Thus, we should rather try replacing a bad habit with a good one that provides a similar benefit. For example, if you are habitual to smoking when you are stressed, then it is a bad idea to plan to stop smoking. Instead, you should come up with a different plan to deal with stress and try to insert that into your routine. Bad habits address certain needs in our life, and when fulfilling a need cost just a few bucks (buying a cigarette) then people hardly think of the bad side. Thus, it is very hard to cut out a bad habit without replacing them.   Focus on one habit at a time Just like, you cannot work the whole day or even continuously for 8 hours, similarly, you cannot focus on more than one habit at a time. Our willpower has a limited amount of energy every day, and when it is pushed beyond its limit, it becomes hard to control. If you will try to focus on getting rid of more than one habit at a time, you will more likely get stressed as you will try to control your emotions, practices, and thinking in multiple ways. How does this affect habit development? It is simple.   You will not succeed if you try to change multiple habits at the same time. Each one requires a significant amount of willpower to resist, which leaves you in a glucose-depleted state. Most people do not have the willpower energy to focus on multiple habits.   So when they are in a depleted state, it becomes too easy to give up on all that you started, instead of just one. Thus, try baby steps, which is focusing on one habit at a time. Go into it with a plan To start developing good habits, you have to stick to a plan. The habits you develop while you are young will impact not only your productivity but also health, financial security, happiness, and comfort. How much money you make, how well your body functions years from now, how much time you spend with your friends and family â€" all of these is directly linked with healthy habits you practice today. Thus planning will help you make your today better. Here is what you can do: As simple as that â€" a plan that is neither too easy nor too complicated works the best. Write down your plan â€" writing your plan is a simple way to remind yourself what needs to be done at that moment. What is the Substitute?   invest some time in finding a substitute for your bad habits Give yourself a month or two â€" Changing a habit is not simple. The conventional wisdom is that it takes 28 days to get free of a bad habit thus make sure your plan gives you enough time to change your bad habits for good. Tracking your achievement motivates you The habit of tracking your achievements or downfalls is very helpful in long-term as it encourages you in many ways. For example, if you decide to restrict yourself by a few cigarettes, you need to track their number, like how many, right? It is a great idea to keep track of what is working and what is not. Tracking comes down to checking if you did not engage in your bad habit that day and even if you did they how much more or how much less. Just as if most of us has a habit of counting the number of pushups, we did in the gym each day, similarly, counting days without your addiction helps you build a streak that motivates you to grind further without bowing down. When you are clean for one day, and you have not been in years, that is a bliss. The second day added to a chain feels like an event worth celebrating. Then comes the first week, first month, 100 days in a row, the first year and still counting. Achieving this feat of not embracing a bad habit for over a year is enough to give you a sense of accomplishment. In addition, it also provides priceless data, helping you to identify your pitfalls or how often you avoid triggers of your negative behaviors. Get rid of tempting situations When you are home alone with no friends or family members around, do not take it as an opportunity to have your favorite cookies or donuts left in the jar. Habits are often performed with barely any conscious thought that could be ignored but not stopped. Thus, try to divert your mind by keeping it busy with something else like watching TV or listening to music. If you always stop for a donut on your way to work, try a different route.   If you are trying to avoid checking your cell phone all the time, shut down your cell phone or put it in airplane mode. Try to get rid of tempting situations as much as possible. Outsiders can help Do not feel shy of announcing it to your friends that you are trying to make a change by giving up on this or that habit. Just tell everyone about your new mission. Put it up on your wall or computer desktop with #anewme. Just like I did when I used to work with Thanksforthehelp. How is this beneficial? There are two advantages: In my experience, once we let our friends know that we are trying to give up on a bad habit they work as a reminder. If we try to practice the habit we declared to quit, they will surely poke us, reminding us of our promise to yourself. Thus, you will think twice before practicing the same habit as you may wonder what your friends or family will think of you. Moreover, try finding someone you can call, or an online forum you can tap into when any of your cravings start to kick in, and you are struggling. Let your allies hold you accountable, and that will help you give up on a habit. Love your life No matter what happens, let your life know that you love it. Learn to embrace every situation life throws at you with a positive attitude. Remind yourself that you were born with the ability to make a change in your life. Every moment is an experience and those moments have to have quality. The habits, which you decide to follow need not always, be the one which contributes to your career or health. It can be as simple as start worrying less, drinking more water, etc. When you know that you love something your life in this case it becomes very easy to make efforts for it and efforts will surely bring a change.     Author bio Himanshi Goel has been associated as a Social Media Expert with CDR-Report.comsince its start. She really loves to pen down her thoughts on mental constructs, habits, personal development and anything that pleases her eyes. 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

Regulating Unpaid Internships

Regulating Unpaid Internships Federal and state regulators are becoming increasingly concerned with employers exploiting college students through unpaid internships, as a means for free labor, according to a New York Times article. There has been a sharp increase in unpaid internships because of the recent economic recession. Many employers have been forced to make cuts. They have been picking up the slack and cutting costs by hiring unpaid interns. Also, there is a strong desire for many college students to pursue unpaid internships to enhance their rsums and gain valuable experience in their field. In 2008, 83% of college graduates held an internship, an increase from 9% in 1992. The federal Labor Department and other regulators are increasing their enforcement by investigating many businesses to determine if their unpaid internships violate a states minimum wage laws or other workforce laws. Some employers have already been fined for having unpaid interns in Oregon and California. Many regulators believe that firms and other companies commit violations across the nation. However, these firms continue to get away with exploiting interns because many college students are very reluctant to report wrongdoings. Students are afraid they will quickly be labeled as a problematic, unprofessional employee, which could deter their chances of landing a job after graduation. If youre a for-profit employer or you want to pursue an internship with a for-profit employer, there arent going to be many circumstances where you can have an internship and not be paid and still be in compliance with the law, Nancy J. Leppink, the acting director of the Labor Departments wage and hour division told The New York Times. Leppink also said that there are several criteria that internships must meet if they are going to be unpaid. Some of these regulations are that an unpaid internships training should be similar to what a student would receive at a college or vocational school, the interns job cannot take the place of another paid position and that the employer derives no immediate advantage from the intern. Also, an unpaid internship is likely to be illegal if it involves only mindless, unskilled, menial work like making copies or stuffing envelopes. Essentially, if an internship is going to be unpaid, the intern must benefit from the experience more than the employer. This will not immediately affect high school students. Nevertheless, it is a positive trend that is likely to benefit them once their college careers begin. Regulators are likely to continue cracking down on employers, forcing them to pay their interns, or change the interns tasks and responsibilities. This will work to many college students advantage. However, there could be a decrease in available internships. Some companies and firms are likely to cut their internship programs entirely, rather than making them paid.

Dublado versus legendado

Dublado versus legendado Quando comecei a me aprofundar no estudo do Inglês, percebi que a minha maior dificuldade não estava na compreensão escrita da língua, mas sim na minha capacidade de falar e compreender o Inglês oral. Eu era perfeitamente capaz de entender um texto escrito, porém, não tinha capacidade (ou treino) para ver um filme em Inglês sem que ele estivesse dublado ou legendado em Português. Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.netNo Brasil, infelizmente, somos habituados a ver filmes dublados. Quando somos crianças, e ainda não temos a nossa capacidade de leitura desenvolvida, fica claro que a dublagem é necessária. Contudo, conforme crescemos, o paradigma não muda. Os filmes continuam a ser dublados, muito embora haja um movimento que luta pelo fim dessa imposição da dublagem.Claro que, se pensarmos nos níveis de analfabetismo, a dublagem continua sendo uma forma barata de trazer o que é internacional para o Brasil, sem fazer com que uma parcela da população se sinta excluída. De acordo com dados divulgados em 2012, referentes à pesquisa efetuada pelo IBGE em 2011,  8,6% da população brasileira, com 15 anos ou mais, é analfabeta. Verifica-se uma queda de 1,1% em relação a 2009, quando a taxa era de 9,7%. Contudo, ainda existem 12,9 milhões de brasileiros que não sabem ler e escrever. Por isso, faz sentido colocar a hipótese de que um dos motivos pelo qual o império da dublagem se perpetua é o número de analfabetos, ainda que países com índices de alfabetização superiores aos do Brasil também apostem na dublagem.É engraçado pensar nisso hoje em dia, mas apenas quando já era adolescente é que tomei consciência do quão prejudicial é essa cultura da dublagem. Estava tão habituada a ver os filmes assim que, quando comecei a ver filmes legendados, senti dificuldades em acompanhar a história e ler ao mesmo tempo. Até parece ridículo dizer isto, mas vivemos em um país onde as pessoas se tornam fãs de determinados atores e atrizes, muitas vezes, sem sequer ter ouvido a voz dessas pessoas! Como é óbvio, isso não acontece apenas no Brasil. Espanha e França são ótimos exemplos de países onde a dublagem de filmes e séries também é comum, mas não é porque eles fazem que a gente tem que continuar fazendo, né?Embora isso seja pouco divulgado, vários estudos (como este) apontam para os benefícios da exposição de pessoas que estão aprendendo Inglês à filmes e séries legendados, preferencialmente em Inglês, para que o aluno tenha acesso aos diálogos tanto por áudio como por texto, facilitando o desenvolvimento do seu nível de compreensão oral e escrita daquela língua estrangeira. Daí que seja fundamental, quando o objetivo é realmente aprender Inglês, que o indivíduo experimente começar a ver filmes com legendas, sejam elas em Português ou Inglês.No começo, ver filmes com legendas em Português ajuda a que você relacione o que está sendo dito com a tradução que foi feita, mesmo que, em alguns casos, as traduções possam ser enganadoras. Mais para frente, quando você já se sente à vontade com o Inglês escrito, ter acesso a filmes com legendas em Inglês permite que você associe o que está escrito com a pronúncia e treine o ouvido para construções que podem induzir a erros de compreensão, como acontece frequentemente com músicas.Tendo isso em mente, se você ainda está preso aos filmes e séries dublados, mas quer mesmo aprender Inglês, comece o seu ritual de libertação e abrace o mundo das legendas, porque, se você se aplicar no aprendizado da língua, até elas serão desnecessárias.

Five Strategies to improve Academic Performance

Five Strategies to improve Academic Performance Is your child struggling to improve their academic performance? Are you looking for some manageable, simple learning strategies to help them improve their academic performance? Top tutor  Scott D  has figured out the most effective strategies and techniques, based on his own experiences at university. He discovered that while some aspects of a student’s academic performance are very unique to them (i.e. their learning styles and natural aptitudes), there are several key strategies which can be applied to accelerate anyone’s performance. In this post Scott outlines five strategies to improve academic performance. Most of them are simple, but if implemented (and this is the key) they are extremely effective. Set Goals and Work Backwards The first step with any new student is to construct a set of goals. Goals enable a student to continuously track their progress and adjust accordingly. It is considerably easier to make small adjustments throughout the year, than to make a huge pivot come exam time (or after mock examination results, as is common). This helps students feel more in control, reducing anxiety during exams. The process of setting goals also enables students to plan their time more effectively and quantify their progress. This enables students to re-evaluate their performance and determine what they can achieve throughout the year. In the words of Bruce Lee, “Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity”. When I first went to university, my initial goal was to get a 2:1. However, when I achieved a high first-class average for my second year, my long-term goal immediately changed. I adjusted what I believed was possible for me and set a new higher goal. This is how I have seen students jump several grade bounds during a single year. They set a goal, hit it early (which often surprises them, but fills them full of belief) and raise their expectations (and usually their performance). However, without setting a goal in the first place, the student cannot effectively measure, track or adjust their performance as they go. Their education becomes a shot in the dark. Use A Wider Variety of Learning Resources Using different resources is significantly more effective than using a single resource. Here are a few reasons why: You can gain different contexts and/or perspectives Overall, anything that gives you a different perspective on a theory, idea or problem will act to enhance learning. A good example of this is to look at the earth from a single image. It does give you a perspective of what earth looks like, but you never get the whole picture until you look at it from several different angles (and get several different perspectives). They can provide different associations and analogies The same is true of using different associations and analogies. Everyone has had that experience where they haven’t understood something properly, and then suddenly it clicked with an analogy that resonated with them. In my opinion, it is certainly one of the most effective ways to learn more abstract subjects, such as the sciences or maths. Different learning styles i.e. visual, auditory and/or kinaesthetic are stimulated In my experience, using resources that engage  visual, auditory and kinaesthetic have the best results for students. As a private tutor I will often start with a syllabus textbook and then gradually introduce other subject specific reading materials. I may also introduce videos, images, varied questioning and testing resources. This I find to be the most effective way for students to learn.  It can help make learning more enjoyable. There are two effective ways to memorise information: repetition and variation. While the former is very effective it is also quite tedious, particularly if it is from the same resource. Variation, on the other hand, is not only very effective but it can also make learning more enjoyable. Studies have also found that students learn better through active engagement. Get Through the ‘Frustration’ Period There is no doubt about it; trying to learn a new skill or material can be frustrating at first. However, this is a natural process and the friction caused by a lack of understanding will always disappear given enough exposure. A great analogy for thinking about these stages is learning to drive (or if you haven’t reached that stage, riding a bike). The ‘learning cycle’ suggests that we all go through four stages of learning. Here are the four stages using this analogy. Unconscious incompetence (this is when you are grossly incompetent at something because you haven’t been exposed to it before). When you start learning  to drive, you don’t know how anything works. This stage can be very frustrating and you feel completely incompetent for the first couple of lessons. Conscious incompetence (this is when you know you are not good at something despite having had some exposure to it) After a few driving lessons you begin to improve but you still cannot not drive independently. Conscious competence (this is when you become knowingly competent in some area of skill) You have taken your test and are able to drive on your own. This stage, however, still requires a lot of conscious effort to drive on your own. Unconscious competence (this is when you can do it on autopilot.  It becomes natural and subconscious) Finally, after a few months, driving becomes subconscious. One of the key challenges of secondary and higher education is getting a student to the last two stages in the learning cycle. The challenge being that many students are exposed only to new information for a few lessons at most. The problem arises when students are stuck in the ‘incompetence’ stages of learning. Frustration can lead them to avoid the subject altogether; or worse still, they start to believe they are not smart enough and develop a dislike (or even anxiety) towards that subject. We know, however, if students are able to through this ‘frustration’ phase they will grow in confidence and self belief. Sharpen Your Examination Techniques It might sound obvious, but you don’t get good at driving a car by taking the theory test (using my car analogy, again). You have to physically get in the car and start to drive. Likewise, you don’t get good at exams just by learning the content tested in the exams. Mastering examinations is a skill all of its own, much like essay writing and giving oral presentations. Yet, surprisingly, I have found many students fail to practice the techniques required to do well. These techniques do depend on the individual’s level of education but typical questioning generally progresses from description to explanation to discussion. At GCSE level, you are focusing much more on the former. The typical prefix to questions will be: Describe Explain Suggest These are usually combined with the open-ended questions: what, where, when, why and how. At this level, the examiner is typically looking for keywords. At higher levels, the questions start to incorporate discussions. These require more thought and structure, typically combined with your own research, opinions and case studies. Exam technique requires an article of its own. Nevertheless, one useful tip is to always put yourself into the mind of the examiner when answering questions; and when practicing, always have the mark scheme to see exactly what keywords the examiner is looking for.  5.  Practice Exams In his TED Talk “What do top students do differently?”,  Douglas Barton of Elevate Education discussed how top students don’t necessarily get the top grades because they have the highest IQ’s or even because they work the hardest (although there is usually some correlation with the latter). It was because they do more practice exams. Their study, based on a 13-year process looking into the learning habits of tens of thousands of students, found that they could almost perfectly estimate a student’s results based upon the number of practice exam papers they had done. I cannot disagree with this. Here are a few of the many benefits associated with practicing exams: Recognisable patterns will begin to form in the questioning and content Applying knowledge to different types of questioning will become easier. Using additional resources supplied with the exam will become more familiar. The structure of the exam will make more sense. You will become faster and less prone to silly mistakes Ultimately you will sharpen the techniques I discussed in the section above and become more aware of what the examiner (or mark scheme) is looking for. One of the most common problems I see is when a student is knowledgeable in the subject area but cannot connect that with answering a question. This is simply a symptom of lack of practice. So there you have it. These are my top  five strategies to improve academic performance. I guarantee that if you apply these strategies from the beginning of the year you will be shocked at how far you progress by the time you have to sit an exam. If you would like to contact Scott D to arrange private tutoring please contact him through his Tutorfair profile. Scott is a Maths and Science specialist as well as a learning coach with many years experience in tutoring. Alternatively search on Tutorfair for an ideal tutor in your area.

7 Salary Negotiation Tips for Millennials

7 Salary Negotiation Tips for Millennials Image via Pexels When it comes to salaries, millennials are more likely than previous generations to share the details of their salary among family, friends and even co-workers. In a survey conducted by the  Cashlorette, “63% of millennials ages 18-36 have shared their salaries with an immediate family member, 48% have shared with friends and 30% have shared with co-workers. Only 41% of baby boomers ages 53-71 have shared their salaries with an immediate family member, 21% have shared with a friend, and 8% have shared with a coworker.” This generational difference in cracking open salary secrecy can perhaps be attributed to the need to be transparent and open amongst millennials, as those traits can be linked to building better relationships. In her article from Forbes, author Jessica Lutz writes of the  problems  of salary secrecy, stating, “When salaries are kept secret, employers have access to  way  more information about compensation than new hires, which gives them the upper hand in negotiating salary. They know what everyone at the company makes, as well as how much they can afford to pay based on skill set, level of experience, and qualifications. Meanwhile, all new hires have is likely whatever they could find on Glassdoor.com and the salary range for the position. Salary secrecy sets employees up to fail.” As millennials try to navigate salary secrecy in the job market, it’s also important to know exactly how to negotiate a salary whether in a current job or starting a new one. Negotiating a salary can be kind of scary and a bit uncomfortable, but it is worth it for not only for your physical paycheck but also for building your confidence in the long run! Are you a millennial currently employed or about to be employed? Trying to figure out how to go about negotiating an appropriate salary with your employer? Feeling uncomfortable demanding a specific pay and selling yourself short? Check out this comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to effectively negotiate a salary below! Why is Salary Negotiation Important? Outside of the physical numbers on your paycheck, negotiating your salary is important because it shows employers that you are not only serious about the job, but you also have the confidence to maturely set the bar for your qualifications, experience, and work. This tells your employer that you are valuable, dedicated, and ready to establish your position at the company for the long run. There are a few financial benefits as well, as Madeline Burry writes, “Negotiating those early offers reaps long-term financial rewards over the course of your career. Percentage-based bonuses and raises will be bigger, for instance, if your starting salary is that much higher. Plus, salaries tend to follow you from job to job.” Infographic by Alicia Geigel 7 Salary Negotiation Tips   With an understanding of why salary negotiation is so important, lets jump into the detailed list of tips that will help you with your employer. 1. Research:  Perhaps one of the more obvious tips, but nonetheless necessary to point out, is to do your research beforehand. By doing research, you should see the average salary amount of your position, the salary amount for an entry-level position, the salary amount based on specific qualifications (i.e. a college degree), and the various salary amounts offered at the company you either are currently with or are entering into. Doing research on salaries helps to give you a better foundation when it comes to negotiating, and shows that you have adequate information on what you should/should not accept. To help with research, Madeline Burry suggests that, “The internet, however, and anonymous surveys, can help you research industry salaries, or even salary ranges at a specific company. Try sites like FairyGodBoss,  Payscale, and  Glassdoor  to learn more about industries and companies. And use free  salary calculators  to help know what offers to expect.” 2. Evaluate the Package:  Before diving into requesting a higher salary, it’s important to look closely at any kind of benefits package offered with your salary so you can better evaluate your costs of living. If your employer offers a decent health insurance package, with dental and eye care, a 401K, paid vacation time, etc. you obviously aren’t going to want to shoot for a salary that is too high, since you won’t have the expenses of investing in healthcare or a retirement plan. So, prior to jumping the gun and putting a high salary on the table of negotiation, look into seeing what kind of potential benefits you can get with your job as well. 3. Don’t Aim Too High:  Millennials are typically either on one side of the spectrum or the other when it comes to negotiating a salary. Some say that millennials sometimes come to the table with a sense of entitlement and oversell themselves and their qualifications, wanting a large salary that doesn’t match with the ideas of the company. On the other end, some millennials are shy and apprehensive to dictate their salary out of fear that they aren’t qualified enough and don’t have the right requirements to have a decent salary. Wherever you may fall, it’s important to not aim too high or too low when you’re negotiating a salary with your employer. Aiming low, according to Jen Hubley Luckwaldt of PayScale, can be detrimental for millennials as well. She writes, “If they don’t ask for a raise, Millennials might cost themselves big over time. Experts estimate that not negotiating salary early on can  cost as much as $500,000 to $1 million  over the course of a lifetime. Millennials, who may feel lucky just to have a job in a rocky economy, need to understand that salary negotiation is key to their career success, and that most recruiters and employers expect it.” Use your research, along with your experience and qualifications to set a good number and let the employer do the rest. 4. Have a Solid Argument:  You don’t need me to tell you that you need a solid argument before going into the workplace and negotiating a salary, however, it’s definitely important. Just like you prepare for an interview by researching the company, practicing answers, and reviewing your resume- it’s necessary to prepare your argument before negotiating a salary with your employer. Review your experience, your qualifications, your accolades and education, and combine those together to justify getting the desired salary you’re proposing. Along with being confident, having a strong and solid argument shows employers you are serious and stern about what you want and most importantly, what you deserve. Additionally, being prepared and having an argument helps your employer negotiate better with you. 5. Be Patient:  Though it helps to be matter-of-fact and forthcoming, sometimes in the world of salary negotiation, it’s better to be patient than to jump the gun right away. If you are interviewing with a company, you don’t want your first question to be about salary. It’s more important to establish what you can contribute to the company and what you like about potentially working with the company, rather than immediately demanding a specific salary. In a blog post by Uplarn, they note that “If you are at a job interview or a formal evaluation at your current job, try to avoid the topic of salary until near the end of the session. Bringing up the issue of salary too early will often lead to ending the conversation before you can achieve your goal.” It’s important to be confident, but not full of yourself or cocky, but that will immediately turn off the employer and send you searching for another job. 6. Be confident:  One of the qualities employers are constantly seeking in employees is confidence. If you have confidence in yourself, then you have confidence in your ability to do your job and perform tasks for the company. Your confidence is attractive to your employer not only because it shows you can do your job and do it well, but its also because it shows you have longevity and can last with the company. Confidence plays a large role in negotiating a salary because you have to be aware of your strengths and what you deserve. Anna Johansson of Forbes writes about the importance of confidence, stating that millennial pessimism about the economy can play a large part in why millennials suffer during negotiating a salary. She writes, “This pessimism, combined with the knowledge that job opportunities are rare, could lead to weaker negotiation strategies being employed when job opportunities do present themselves. Obviously, the strength of your negotiating abilities determines much about your starting salary.” The point is, be confident and know your worth! 7. Compromise:  Being a millennial in this current job market can often be discouraging and feel like you’re never going to succeed or accomplish your dreams. If you’re currently trying to negotiate at your job, remember that its never wrong to compromise every once in a while. After negotiating, you may not get the ideal salary you were aiming for, but don’t let that discourage you! The longer you stay with a company, the greater chance you have at negotiating a salary again or requesting a pay raise. Compromising may seem like you’re losing or giving up, however, it only shows your dedication and willingness to adapt to your job. Uplarn further writes, “Many millennial workers fear that asking for an increase will lead to a negative relationship with their employers, but the opposite is true. Many employers want to see strong workers that can learn to compromise and negotiate, not just with salaries, but with other aspects of the job, too.” Image via Pexels In an age where millennials and graduating college students are overwhelmed with increasing student debt, rising rent and housing prices, and a growing yet largely competitive job market, the search for the perfect, well-paying job can be a tad difficult. Even more difficult is the process of negotiating a salary with your potential or current employer. While it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, it not only shows your employer that you are confident, strong and dedicated, but it also pays off for you in the long run. By following these tips and making sure you do your research, evaluate your package, be patient and confident, compromise a little and have a strong argument, you can effectively negotiate a salary with your employer, no problem. Always remember that no matter what, there is always time to grow and opportunities to seize the longer you are with a company. It may be easy to get overwhelmed by the process, but remaining diligent throughout and constantly reevaluating what you are worth and what you deserve, will make your life so much smoother. Continue to put yourself out there and the rest will come easily. As always, good luck!