Friday, March 27, 2020

Looking for Topic-Time Tutoring? Here Are Some Tips

Looking for Topic-Time Tutoring? Here Are Some TipsTopic-time tutoring can be a great alternative to private lessons, where you need to pay a fee for the course and you don't get a lot of personal attention. But what about a good one? There are a number of things that you need to look out for before you start an in-house subject-time tutoring program. In this article I will briefly describe these points and tell you what to look out for.There are a number of types of time tutoring available. These can range from a full-blown two-week session with no problems to a reduced-length one-to-one hour session. The first thing to do is to decide on the kind of in-house tutoring you want to offer. If you want to go for a full session then it is best to consult with a time tutoring company, who should be able to offer you ideas as to the type of course you might offer.You need to also take into account the company's experience and quality. Most companies will have extensive experience and shoul d provide good advice as to which courses would be suitable for your course. If they offer higher quality than the course you are offering then it is probably worth talking to them more closely and see if you could even offer a few questions of your own.Another factor that you should look at is their teaching expertise. Ask about the styles of teaching you could use, and if they have any experience in that area. For example you could ask them about whether or not they have any experience in e-learning, where your own experience could inform your teaching style.It might be a likely option to offer the services of a company from the UK, or perhaps overseas. Many of these companies are very good at what they do and can provide a unique service. If your institution already has a tutoring service then this is one way of potentially keeping it going, or of getting new people enrolled in it.Another important consideration is your curriculum, and if it matches the company. What this means i s that the students you teach should have the same goals, and may need to spend the same amount of time in the course. This is of course very important for subjects such as Maths, English, History, and so on.So, now that you have a better idea of the best way to go about in-house and out-of-house time tutoring, you can plan your course and curriculum. Always keep in mind the above points when you are planning. After all, if you plan well, you can set yourself up to achieve great results!

Friday, March 6, 2020

How do I apply for university

How do I apply for university Sarah C is an ex-deputy Headmistress in the independent sector and specialises in helping students apply for university.   With a wealth of experience, Sarah shares her knowledge of university applications and how best to apply for university. University is the final destination in the long journey which is your child’s education. Important decisions need to be made and many people feel like they don’t know where to go for the right kind of help. Everyone is aiming high and the pressure to succeed is enormous, pressure from school, teachers, the media, prospective employers. You want your child to have the best possible opportunities available and your plan may well include an elite UK university such as one from the Russell Group. This is a group of 24 universities which are widely accepted as being amongst the best in the UK and it includes Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, Edinburgh, UCL, Bristol and York, to name but a few. When it comes to choosing what to study for the next three or four years, however, some students spend less time than it would take to prepare Christmas dinner! And often this is at the last minute. University really does set us on a certain path in life and so it warrants some very careful attention. The Personal Statement: The application can be a source of great stress for students and a real mystery for parents. The main reason for this stress is the personal statement, a brief document aiming to convince admissions tutors that they should give a place to your child. It has to show that the student is interested in the chosen subject and has the academic potential to cope with studying it for three of four years. It’s challenging to get it right. So, even before students put pen to paper, they need to research their subject in order to be certain that it really is something that they want to study. I really try to get students to appreciate the importance of this stage and of starting it early, so that if they change their mind, it’s not too late to do another round of research. I have taken a student from Art History to Japanese Studies in a matter of days, having made her look very thoroughly at what would be taught on an Art History degree. We realised quickly that she, like many students had chosen the subject simply because it was the subject that she did best at in her A levels. But being good at something does not automatically mean your child should study it intensively for three years. Some digging around and a lot of talking can really help to find the right fit. I often find that as students investigate their subject more and more, they realise how broad it is and many want to undertake further research. For those interested enough to do this, it can be useful to speak to a teacher at school or an external tutor who can steer your child through a supported piece of research on a topic of their choice. It is a good option for those students whose school does not offer an opportunity to study for the Extended Project Qualification. As well as extending their subject research and, therefore, their interest, it can be an excellent source of discussion for an interview if it is mentioned in the personal statement. The personal statement which the students dread so much should not be a simple list of achievements, books and work experience placements; the best ones will map out the journey which the student has undertaken in order to arrive at the decision to study the chosen subject. Did they read about it? Go to lectures on it? Visit museums, galleries, buildings related to it? Have they genuinely made attempts to engage with it and understand it? With evidence of that journey, students are halfway to convincing admissions officers that they deserve an offer. Once a student has made a genuinely informed decision to study a subject, the entire application process becomes less challenging. They are asked to consider the skills required in their chosen degree subject and helped to reflect on how they can evidence these. The Aptitude  Tests A further area of concern for students is the prospect of sitting one of the aptitude tests which more and more universities are seeking to use in order to differentiate applicants. They are required by some universities in addition to A levels and they can be complex and daunting because many students will not have had an opportunity to think in the very lateral way which these tests require. It is important that students take time to practise these tests regularly. My experience in sixth forms has taught me that the best applicants are the most prepared. Those who leave this to the last minute just do not obtain the offers which they want, because the lack of preparation shows. I suggest that students start thinking about university soon after their mock exams and in any case, no later than the Easter holidays of the Lower Sixth. I try to give students the tools to produce something truly excellent for their application, to encourage self-reflection and careful consideration of the subject which they have chosen to study; the very best personal statements are from students who have done these things. So, what help is available to make the best application? Within the independent sector, schools tend to have a fairly comprehensive system of support for students, with staff holding their hands through the entire process, overseeing things such as the production of a successful personal statement and offering interview practice and preparation for tests such as LNAT and BMAT, for example. Over and above what the school can do, many parents will also look for additional help from external sources such as tutoring agencies, such as Tutorfair  where you search to find University Advice Tutors, Oxbridge Admissions Tutors as well as BMAT tutors and LSAT tutors. Carefully chosen, some of these can be a great source of advice but often parents seek them out quite late in the process. The best applications are made by those students who have thought ahead and spent a considerable length of time planning their applications. By planning, I do not only mean the structuring and drafting of the personal statement but the reading and research which can help a student to gain a better understanding of the subject which they want to read at university Sarah C is a an ex-Deputy Headmistress who specialises in helping students apply to university. She mentors students through their time at school, guiding them through the ups and downs, acting as an independent source of support when things are challenging, whether personally or academically. Looking for tips on how to apply to university? Visit www.tutorfair.com to find a tutor who can help. You can search for local tutors by subject, level and your postcode. Tutorfair will show you search results with the top rated tutors at the top!

Pay Rise for Teachers - Tutor Hunt Blog

Pay Rise for Teachers Pay Rise for Teachers Pay Rise for TeachersSchoolsAfter a long pay freeze teachers are to receive as much as a 3.5% raise Ever since 2013 teachers have had to endure their pay increases being capped at 1% - and for the last 2 years their salaries have been completely frozen. Of course austerity measures have affected many different professions in the public sector - but many have felt the 1% cap, which showed little signs of ever being lifted, has been particularly harsh on the teaching profession. Recent analysis published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies has revealed that school funding has been cut by 8% since the Conservatives came to power. The good news is that teachers are due a pay rise from September, as the public sector pay freeze has finally been lifted. The government has announced a 3.5% pay rise, with those on the main pay scale receiving the full 3.5% raise, and those already enjoying the upper ranges (mainly heads of departments) getting a 2% raise. `Leaders,` such as school heads can expect a 1.5% rise. The Education secretary Damian Hinds expressed what this rise, the first in many years, would mean for teachers: `This will mean that teaching continues to be a competitively rewarded career, and I will continue to work with the profession, Ofsted and the unions on issues like excessive workload, professional development and flexible working, to make sure teaching remains an attractive, fulfilling profession.` Indications that teachers were in line for a pay increase were revelled some time ago, but teachers had to wait many weeks for the news to be confirmed, and the hard figures to be published. The costs for this increase will be pound;508 million, spread over 2 years, but will not actually be funded by any new money from the treasury. It is understood that the schools themselves will not actually have to pay the full costs out of their budgets. The department for education is working under the assumption that the schools will have been budgeting for a one percent pay rise for some time, and will be in a position to cover the majority of the pay increase; the remainder will come from savings elsewhere in the budget of the DOE. Teachers` unions have been fighting for a pay rise for many years, and have always been clear in their opinion that the long pay freeze has been contributory to the growing recruitment and retention issues in the profession. There are many who say that the 1.5% raise is not sufficient, especially after such a prolonged period where wages have not risen at all. five major education unions, which represent teachers and school leaders throughout England and Wales, were asking for a 5% fully-funded pay rise. This figure was calculated to provide a cost-of-living increase, along with acting a first step towards restoring `the real value of teaching salaries to 2010 levels`. One can only imagine the unions will be disappointed with the figures offered. According to the Department for Education, established teachers will see their salaries rise by between pound;1,184 and pound;1,366, while the salaries for new teachers will grow by between pound;800 and pound;1,000. This all sounds like good news - who wouldn`t want a pound;1000 pay rise? Of course with inflation currently at around 2.4%, the real value of these pay increase are largely negated in real financial terms. 19 months ago0Add a Comment

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How To Be An Engaged Employee

How To Be An Engaged Employee Image via Isorepublic.com Don’t let yourself get distracted In today’s world, it’s too easy to get distracted and disengaged from your work, especially if notifications are constantly popping up on your phone. If you want to be an engaged employee, you need to eliminate these distractions. For example, put your phone away or on airplane mode to prevent any notifications from popping up. Also, if you need to use your computer during work, avoid going on social media websites. If you must, download a software (like SelfControl) that will block distracting websites for a period of time. You could also sit away from a distracting co-worker. Eliminating simple distractions will help you become much more engaged in your work. Have a plan Having a plan will make you a more engaged employee. At least in my experience, I am more motivated to work when I have a plan, especially when I create my plan for the day first thing in the morning. When you don’t have a plan, you waste time, because you don’t know what you need to do! On the contrary, when you do have a plan, you will know right away exactly what to do. This makes it easier for you to get started on your work. You don’t need to make a detailed “to do” list, just outlining a plan in your head will be enough to help you get going. You will be a more productive, engaged employee when you take a few minutes to come up with a plan. Take ownership of your work When you take ownership of your work, you will become more engaged in it. Taking ownership of your work means that you actually care about it, and that you do your job with excellence. Yes, it means you will have to go the extra mile, but it is worth it. For example, someone who takes ownership of their work would be willing to stay at work a few minutes late to make sure their project is perfect, because they genuinely care about this project. On the other hand, someone who doesn’t care about their project would do a “good enough” job on it. Do you see how the other worker is more engaged? If you want to be a more engaged employee, you should take ownership of your work. Speak up Engaged employees speak up. They let their boss know if something is wrong in the workplace. Offer solutions to problems your co-workers vocalize. They encourage their co-workers for a job well done. They let others know when they need help, and they volunteer to help others. This could be a challenge, especially for new employees who don’t yet feel comfortable in the workplace. Still, it’s important to get into the habit of speaking up. Speaking up in the workplace will make you a more engaged employee. Take initiative Employers want their employees to take initiative in the workplace. Don’t wait for your boss to give you further instructions. Instead, approach them and ask what you can do next. If you finished all your tasks for the day and have some extra time, ask for more work. If you see a co-worker struggling, offer to help them. This will show your boss that you are a valuable employee who actually cares about the business. Engaged employees are not passive about their work, waiting around for instructions. Rather, they take initiative and are active workers. Allow yourself a change in scenery Sometimes, we can become disengaged from our work simply because we are bored. It can be hard for some people to stay engaged in something they have been doing for a long time. This can be resolved with a change in scenery. This “change of scenery” could be anything from picking up a new side project, learning a new skill, or even physically moving to a different workstation (if possible!). A change of scenery (no matter what it might be) could be just what you need to get you more interested in your work. A part of being a good employee is being an engaged employee. Someone who is engaged and invested in their work will inevitably produce better work, and will hopefully be rewarded for it. If you want to succeed in your job and be an engaged employee, don’t let yourself get distracted, have a plan, take ownership of your work, speak up, and take initiative. These things will help you be the best worker you can be.

One Week Traveling in Indonesia

One Week Traveling in Indonesia By Dorothee RemboldIndonesia, a nation of over 17,000 islands, is the world’s 4th most populous country and attracts visitors with its rich variety of historic sights, incredible landscapes, and gorgeous beaches. Whether you’re teaching in Indonesia or are teaching abroad in Asia, these islands should be on the top of your travel bucket list. Below is a suggestion for a week-long travel itinerary in Indonesia, specifically central Java:Day 1 â€" Indonesia’s royal luxuryBegin your one week trip through Indonesia in one of its oldest cities, Yogyakarta. The Kraton Complex, or Sri Sultan’s palace, displays the royal splendor of life as a Sultan. Regular music and dance shows introduce visitors to Indonesian culture. Spend the afternoon exploring the city; discover the Dutch water castle, which features a charming network of tunnels, rooms and stairs; and visit traditional batik shops. You will be amazed by the colorful displays of fabrics decorated with artistic patterns and ill ustrations.Day 2 â€" YogyakartaAfter your initial impression of Indonesia, visit Prambanan, a collection of ancient Hindu temples. Built in 850 CE, this complex once featured 240 temples. The earthquake in 2006 destroyed parts of this magnificent sight, but the partially reconstructed site is open to visitors. Carved reliefs and numerous statues adorn these temples and provide visitors with an introduction to Hindu deities. Arrive early to beat the crowds and to get the chance to explore some of the hidden temples that tour groups easily miss. At night, head northeast to Solo.Day 3 â€" SoloKnown as the twin sister of Yogyakarta, Surakarta or Solo kept more of its original Javanese character. Visitors should explore the Puro Mangkunegaran Palace. Established in 1757, this palace doubles as a museum and features a great collection of 14th century jewellery, traditional masks, and weapons and silverworks. Stroll through the historic areas of Solo to soak up the atmosphere of this amazi ng location.Day 4 â€" Sukuh and Cetho templeTake the road less traveled to Borobudur and visit the Sukuh and Cetho temple on the way. The smaller roads take you past two of Indonesia’s many volcanoes â€" Mount Merapi and Merbabu. The Sukuh temple, a 15th century Javanese-Hindu temple, is centered around the theme of birth and sexuality, and the truncated pyramid looks similar to Mayan temples in Mexico. For a spiritual experience, head to Cetho temple, over 1400 meters above sea level on several terraces. Witnessing locals practice their religious ceremonies here is an unforgettable experience.Day 4 â€" BorobudurThis place is one of the world’s greatest monuments and the largest Buddhist structure on earth. Founded as a religious site in the 8th century, Borobudur consists of numerous platforms and terraces. Detailed carvings and more than 2,500 reliefs tell stories about the Buddha and his teachings. This sight is especially scenic at sunrise and sunset, amplifying the dramatic volcanic landscape.Day 5 â€" Dieng PlateauAfter your visit to Borobudur, the temples found on the Dieng Plateau may seem underwhelming but are definitely worth a visit. Lace up your trekking shoes and explore the unique and amazing volcanic landscape here. Discover the colored lake, various temples, and skidang crater, and meet some of the locals and have them show you around their vegetable fields. Allow yourself some time to truly enjoy this incredible place.Day 6 â€" SemarangConclude your trip to Indonesia in the bustling city of Semarang. In addition to the Sam Po Kong Temple, built in honor of a Chinese Muslim in the 15th century, stroll past Dutch colonial buildings and buy some last minute souvenirs. Semarang also amazes with numerous amusement parks and beaches. If you haven’t found the time yet, treat yourself to a massage and enjoy a local spa before heading back to teach abroad.Indonesia, a country of unmatched natural beauty and historic sites, cannot be explored with in a week, but this one week itinerary of Indonesia will take you to some of the country’s best locations. Teaching abroad in Indonesia will give you the chance to enjoy this incredible place and many other destinations in Southeast Asia.Happy travels!Dorothee Rembold is a former intern at Teach Away Inc.

English Excel School of English

English Excel School of English English Excel School of English Now in our 18th year, English Excel is a group of 13 British owned extra-curricular English Schools, (the only such group in Hong Kong) all located in central areas of Hong Kong. We focus on providing a high-quality, interactive, and encouraging learning environment for students between the ages of 3 and 16. Teachers are recruited to work in one of the 13 schools as part of a team of native English speaking teachers. Classes are strongly geared towards oral interaction as well as reading and writing. Classes are limited to a maximum of 4 students per class and so offer an ideal learning and teaching environment. We believe full immersion is an important method of language learning, and we encourage students to switch to full English mode when they attend lessons. We focus on confidence-building and learning in a natural and positive way, suitable to the students capabilities and levels. The small class sizes allow teachers to get to know their students and their abilities really well, which enables us to tailor lessons to meet the individual needs of the students.Students are therefore placed according to their English level rather than their age. We dont follow a set textbook and instead give teachers the flexibility to plan and prepare their own lessons, targeted to their students specific areas for improvement. To facilitate this tailored approach, teachers are provided with a huge variety of resources divided into different levels and skill areas. We aim to strike a balance, teaching engaging and interactive English lessons which can include crafts, outings and even simple cooking! View our Brochure

How Can Tutoring Children With Autism Help?

How Can Tutoring Children With Autism Help?When a teacher is not able to meet the needs of their students, many times it is determined that a tutoring service can help. Through this service, a tutor can provide tutoring to children with autism. This type of tutoring is very popular because it is inexpensive and can help children with autism learn social skills and learn how to interact in school.Finding a person who has the proper background and experience in teaching these students can be difficult. Many times people will assume that it would be cheaper to hire a private tutor instead of hiring a tutor that is part of a regular public school. The truth is that it is much more expensive to find a private tutor since it will require more than one visit for the tutor to become comfortable with the child to become comfortable with the tutor.If you are in the process of getting your child into their own private school, you might also be considering going the route of a private tutor. The problem is that when you get your child to a school where they do not have one, they are unable to learn on their own. The reason for this is that they are usually learning on an individualized basis that will not work for your child.There are several ways that you can make sure that you are meeting the needs of your child and that you will be able to teach them in the best way possible. First, you need to find a tutor that is licensed and qualified in their field. Also, you need to find a tutor that is qualified with the discipline and structure of a regular school.Private tutors also have much more freedom when it comes to setting up classes and working with their students. Some schools provide a specific format and routine for your child that are different from what they are used to so you need to make sure that you find a tutor that will meet this need.Lastly, the tutor should be able to provide a full complement of the services that they provide in the entire curriculum that t hey offer. When a tutor knows the entire curriculum, they are able to meet the needs of all of the students in your child's class and you will be able to get your child the support they need to thrive.These are just a few ways that a parent can make sure that they will be able to keep their child in the best type of education possible, whether it is in the classroom or by meeting the needs of autism. Finding a tutor that meets the needs of your child and working with them every step of the way can be very beneficial to your child.