Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Benefits of Cognitive Tutoring

The Benefits of Cognitive TutoringThere are several benefits to cognitive tutoring, and some of the most common are that the results are seen immediately. This is why many people that use tutoring services want their tutors to attend classes with them. It gives the tutor a chance to show the student that they are working hard and they are doing the right thing. The student feels good about themselves as well because they are able to see results immediately.Many times teachers don't feel good when their students can't follow the instructions in class. These students will come back for another class and it usually takes the teacher a while to catch up with them. Some teachers also have issues with the student's being on time. They may have students that are late constantly or even walk out. In these cases, it is easy to put a stop to the problem by the use of cognitive tutoring.Students that are late or that are not on time will not be successful in school. They will not learn as much as they should, and it is also difficult to keep up with their studies and assignments. If a student has this issue, it is important that they get it worked out before they end up in remedial classes. Cognitive tutoring can go a long way in keeping students accountable and on track.Many students just can't seem to remember things, and sometimes they even get the wrong answers on their test. This can lead to lower grades, and many students will spend their entire lives wishing they had an answer to this question. The other problems that are associated with these students are the fact that they have poor attendance, and sometimes they are not at school because they need to care for a family member. Cognitive tutoring can help to solve all of these problems, and it is easy to see why tutoring services to make money.Students can also use the services of tutors to get good grades in school. Many students that want to get good grades will take the time to study for the courses and take te sts, but that does not mean that they will be able to get a good grade. Forcing a student to do the work is not going to get them a high grade. With cognitive tutoring, a student can learn and study harder, and they will end up getting a higher grade.There are many different types of classes that can be used, and there are classes for children that are just learning English. They may also take some math classes, and even some science classes. A tutor can give many different types of classes that are needed to be able to work on a certain area. This is great because the student will be getting all of the necessary knowledge and skills that they need in order to pass.Many times, it is the student that needs the correct answers and the tutors cannot always help that much. This is where cognitive tutoring comes in. The tutors can give the student a number of different tests and they can figure out if the student knows what they are talking about.Students also benefit from the help that they can get when they don't feel as good about themselves. They feel good about themselves when they can see that they are doing something right. This is why many students turn to tutoring services in order to work on their skills. It helps to ensure that they are doing the right thing and they can improve their overall performance.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Types of Training to Be a Tutor

Types of Training to Be a TutorTraining to be a tutor can be very beneficial and rewarding. There are many different types of courses offered by tutoring agencies, and each one will differ in how they offer courses, what they offer, and in the length of the training program.The most common type of course that is offered to prospective tutors is at night or on weekends. This gives students the opportunity to work in private homes and study while having a social life. There are also online courses available which allow a tutor to earn credits from home. Some agencies offer these courses online with online meetings for the student and his or her tutor.Other types of training to be a tutor include a diploma or certificate program. Most schools now offer certificate programs, which includes an education background, career planning, and teaching experience. There are also specialty schools that offer training to be a tutor that include specialties such as social studies, music, foreign lan guages, and religion.Courses that are taken online allow a tutor to earn credits in his or her own time, with the ability to work on it and re-take classes when they get further along. There are many online tutoring agencies, and each one offers their own special online program that is tailored for the needs of the student.The length of the tutoring program is an important consideration for those considering taking a training to be a tutor course. It should take approximately one year to complete the training program, which will teach the student a variety of essential skills in this field.Those interested in taking training to be a tutor courses, but have not taken a formal education, can find that these training programs are suitable. These programs are designed to provide students with an understanding of how to use various instructional tools, such as manuals, text books, and video tutorials.Online tutoring agencies provide online training to help students acquire skills that th ey will need as tutors. Online tutoring can be beneficial for students who want to take on this type of training, as well as those who want to learn more about the profession of being a tutor.

Friday, March 6, 2020

One Year of AP Biology - Learning From the Experts

One Year of AP Biology - Learning From the ExpertsA one year of AP Biology offers an outstanding education. The classes allow students to obtain hands-on training in a major subject area. With the most advanced teaching methods in today's world, this degree can be worth the investment.These courses are intended for students that have excellent grades in their other classes. The curriculum is challenging and will give the student hands-on experience in a professional environment. Also, students are able to compare and contrast different subjects in a specialized environment. It is a natural progression from what they already know.Students take one year of AP Biology courses in high school and submit their state's exams and coursework. Since the courses are in high school, students are able to obtain college credit for their courses. Some universities will also allow AP Biology to be used as a prerequisite for other courses.After this one year, students may go on to graduate study in B iology. This is an extremely popular degree and is highly sought after by people who are looking for a career in biological science. Once a student earns their Bachelor's Degree, they can continue to pursue their studies in the specialty areas of their choice.Many graduates in Biology choose to move into careers in research or government, as they find career options available in the field. The career options in research and government are quite varied and include things such as teaching, administration, contracting, government science laboratories, and state labs. There are many career options open to students in this field, which is why many graduates choose this career path.One of the reasons this field is so highly sought after is because of the many career opportunities it provides. There are many colleges and universities that offer programs in this area. The universities are large organizations and the courses usually have a small number of students in them, therefore there is an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge without having to be in the classroom.This field is highly sought after because of the flexibility of the science courses offered. These courses allow the student to choose their course schedule and go to school at their own pace. Also, these courses are able to be taken online, which allows the student to finish their course work in less time than if they took the course in a classroom setting.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Should My Child Transfer Schools

Should My Child Transfer Schools The following piece was written by Liz Perelstein. Liz has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is the Founder of School Choice International. There are many reasons you may consider changing your childs school, but often, parents dont act on these instincts. Many parents are afraid to trade the devil they know for the one they dont know. Even though a child may be unhappy, struggling academically, or feeling under-challenged, parents typically are worried about their childs transition. If the child is not thriving, parents often think it could be worse in a different environment. If a child is thriving in certain respects for example, socially but not academically parents may be concerned about recreating a positive social life in a new school. While I generally view mid-course adjustments as a good thing, I never advocate changing schools before first trying to work with the teacher, the guidance counselor, and even the head of school to rectify the situation. And, if a child shows prolonged misery before going to school, frequently feigns illness, vomits, is unusually tearful, or has major appetite or sleep changes, things may be serious enough to consult a professional. A change of school is not necessarily the answer, and should not be made without addressing the other issues. In this post, I will address times that a change may be a good idea, and also seek to dispel some of the myths that prevent parents from acting. Why change your childs school: A child may attend a school that doesnt suit his or her learning style. Some children learn best in a structured environment where the teacher directs learning. Other children do their best by learning concepts through experience. If you find that your childs learning style is mismatched with the schools philosophy, you may be trying to fit a round peg into a square hole and a transfer may be worthwhile. Many schools are ill equipped to handle a child who is not mainstream not only academically, but on any dimension. Not every private school has resources to deal with children who have special educational needs. On the other side of the spectrum, profoundly gifted children may not receive the support they need to prosper when teachers focus on children who are not doing well. You may wish to consider a change of school based on your childs interests. Often, when parents choose the first school, they know little about their child. As his/her interests develop, the school s/he attends may not offer courses or extracurricular activities that will support his or her growth. Your child may not fit in socially. Every school, and each cohort within a school, has a personality. If your child isnt accepted or is bullied, these are issues, first, to be addressed with the school administration. However, sometimes s/he will fit in better in a different environment where s/he can find a more natural peer group. If a family moves to a new area, distance can be a good reason to change schools. Not only is the school far away, spending time with friends or participating in sports and cultural activities can be an effort. Finally, if a child requests to change schools, take this very seriously. Few children want to make a significant life change unless they really are out of step. When my daughter started high school and came home saying it isnt cool to be smart here, we honored her desire to change schools and she had a wonderful high school experience as a result. If an educational change makes sense for any of these reasons, dont be afraid to make the switch. Parents often think it is impossible to get a place in a school in a non-entry-level grade. This simply isnt true. People move from one city or country to another, families move from the city to the suburbs or vice versa, and chance vacancies occur. There may not be the same number of options as there are during an entry-level year, but the competition isnt as fierce either. Children are resilient. While we never like to see our children go through difficult times, flexibility and the ability to adapt to new environments are valuable skills to teach children and an important part of their education. Changing a childs school when things arent working teaches them problem-solving skills. After working with thousands of families in transition over the past 15 years, I am convinced that getting the right fit far outweighs the costs of the transition itself. VisitSchool Choice Internationalfor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Why its Important for Introverts to Become Emotionally Intelligent - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why it’s Important for Introverts to Become Emotionally Intelligent - Introvert Whisperer Why it’s Important for Introverts to Become Emotionally Intelligent Introversion exists on a spectrum: there are varying degrees of introversion. People who identify as introverts gain their energy from within themselves, and often feel overwhelmed or exhausted after social encounters that require a lot of outward facing energy. As a result, it can be hard for introverts to know how to expel that energy in a way that doesn’t leave them feeling physically and mentally drained. Enter emotional intelligence: one’s ability to be aware of and control their own emotions, and interact with people in an empathic way. Reduce the Energy Output   Introverts can benefit from becoming more emotionally intelligent because it can reduce the amount of energy they need to exert in a social situation. For one thing, when an introvert has to worry about interacting in a social situation, it can take away from the interaction because all of the mental capacity is focused on the situation; however, if introverts focus on their emotions, and interacting with the emotions of others, they can enjoy interactions more and be able to engage in them more effectively. Connect in an Empathic Way Being emotionally intelligent means being able to connect with people in an empathic way. Empathy refers to a person’s ability to not only understand what someone is going through, but they have lived it themselves, or they can so fully immerse themselves in the feelings of another person that they can feel the experience with them. This is a helpful skill for introverts to learn because it means that their energy can be spent building up another person, rather than trying to keep up with them. Change Their Minds About You Because introverts are sometimes thought to be cold or standoffish, becoming emotionally intelligent can lead to more fulfilling relationships with a better understanding from both parties. For people who are not introverted, it can be difficult to read introverts or understand why they need to be by themselves for long periods of time. But if an introvert is able to properly communicate their needs, and explain their emotions in a way that does not put people off, they can spend more time enjoying relationships rather than trying to find their place in them. Have Better Conversations Emotional intelligence can also allow you to label your emotions in a productive way so that you can work through your own feelings, rather than taking them out on other people. People who have strong emotional intelligence can use labels in conversations to describe their feelings; for example, an introvert might retreat when they are feeling overwhelmed by a difficult conversation, but an introvert with developing emotional intelligence will be able to declare their feelings of overwhelm and clearly articulate why they feel that way. This can provide more opportunity for agreement, settlement and more. Change Perceptions and Influence Others While introverts are often unassuming and stick to themselves, introverts with high emotional intelligence can actually influence the way others see them, and have a keen ability to influence the feelings of others as well. Emotional intelligence is not only about controlling and influence your own emotions, but the emotions of others. This seems tricky and maybe a bit sly, but really, it’s because introverts with strong emotional intelligence can label emotions for themselves and others. They can help put words to feelings that not all people can do for themselves. There is an interesting implication here, where introverts with strong emotional intelligence could manipulate others into feeling a certain way, but emotional intelligence is meant as a positive superpower and not a negative one. Becoming a Better Leader Introverts often make good leaders because of the deep level of introspection and reflection they engage in on a regular basis, but because they are often closed off to people, it can be difficult for them to take on leadership roles. Developing a stronger level of emotional intelligence could help an introvert become a strong leader because they would have the vocabulary and skill to describe and control their emotions, which helps during heated conflict-based situations. They can also help employees and other co-workers to identify and manage their own emotions on the job. How Can You Develop Strong Emotional Intelligence? If developing your emotional intelligence sounds like something that you might be interested in, there are a number of ways to practice getting better at it. One way is to start paying attention to how you are feeling during different times of the day. Do you feel optimistic or down in the morning? Do you feel hopeful or resent for in the evening? What about when you get angry? How long does it last? Another way to try and develop emotional intelligence is to see the subtle differences in how you respond to someone, rather than react to everything they say. This can help you keep pace with someone so you don’t become overwhelmed, and create more opportunity for rewarding relationships. Responding shows that you are listening to the other person, reacting is a personal expression that takes away from your energy levels. Finally, remember that you can’t become more emotionally intelligent overnight, but if you stick with it, pay attention to your emotions and be honest about how yo u are feeling with others, you’ll be on your way to developing a strong emotional intelligence level in no time. Author Bio:   Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

German Lessons in Leeds

German Lessons in Leeds Honing German Language Skills in Leeds ChaptersGerman Speaking Opportunities for StudentsStudy German Through Private TuitionTake a German Language Course in a Training CentreLearn German with CactusAt the height of summer, it is admittedly difficult to think about Christmastime, when our German Christmas market is open for business.Maybe you ran across some pictures you took of it last year, which forced your recall...On the other hand, summer is the perfect time to think of a holiday abroad; are you planning to visit Berlin, Bremen or some other city in Germany?The Yorkshire-Germany ties reach far back into history; at one point in time, we were neck and neck in industrial output, innovation and socio-cultural ideas.Leeds’ fascination with German expressionism in art and culture made her unique in British society. The appeal was such that the region produced Jacob Kramer and Bruce Turner, expressionist artists directly influenced by the German movement.Do you need more incentive to seek out German lessons?One of our s ister-cities is Dortmund, herself a former industrial powerhouse in the Ruhr Valley of Germany.That city was nearly totally levelled during the bombing raid of 1945, an event that holds the dubious record for the most bombs dropped on a single target.Today, Dortmund is known as one of the most sustainable and digital cities in all of Germany. She has turned away from heavy industry and now is a leading producer of biomedical technology â€" the same as us!It's no wonder we have partnered with her.Maybe you are currently planning your holiday to Germany; wouldn’t it be great to talk with native speakers of German while you’re there?Or perhaps you are relishing the prospect of Oktoberfest when, for two weeks, when you can treat yourself to an authentic bratwurst and beer â€" while not necessarily having to wear lederhosen or a dirndl.Before all of those events come to pass, you have time to apply yourself to German lessons!Your Superprof is right on task; we now find the best Germa n courses in an around Leeds.speaking German in a more relaxed, natural environment.Yorkshire is home to some pretty dynamic German clubs and they all have one overarching goal: to promote German language and culture through a host of engaging activities.Wharfedale German Circle meets once a month but they also host many student events and gamesHuddersfield German Circle has their agenda planned through Spring of next year!They meet with other German groups in the area for the most fun and learning possibleBradford Circle for Foreign Language actually has members who are native German; they don’t offer lessons but they provide an opportunity for you to use your communication skills in a live settingAre there such German clubs in Birmingham?Granted, none of these language clubs provides formal language lessons but the opportunity for you to immerse yourself into a German-speaking environment will do wonders to help you become fluent, faster!Disclaimer: when we said ‘students’, we didn’t mean just school students. All language students can benefit from participation in these clubs, whether you have been learning German online or in a language school.That means that you, too, can build fluency while having fun with like-minded friends!Find out what German learning opportunities exist in Edinburgh...Study German Through Private TuitionHere again, is a solution to language learning that applies to students of all stripes.It might be especially viable for those who have put off language classes because there is simply no time or energy to dash off to language school after a busy day of work and family concerns.A private tutor is also an ideal solution for school students looking for supplemental language instruction outside of their German language courses, or perhaps just a shot a practising their conversational skills.The advantage of learning German with a tutor is that s/he will customise the curriculum to your needs.Maybe your speaking and listening ski lls are satisfactory but your writing skills need a boost? What if you’re cruising along in your studies but your partner has trouble grasping new language?Or, it could just be that you are getting ready to holiday abroad and would like a bit of intensive language training before you go?Tutors are up to the task in all of these situations and more.You might baulk at the cost of such lessons; would they exceed what you might pay for a language course in a formal setting? That might be the case... unless you learn with a Superprof tutor.On average, Superprof tutors in the Leeds area charge £16 per hour of instruction.Besides having your first hourlong lesson at no charge, what do you get for that money?You might choose to work with Tobias, who is a native speaker of German and has taught others how to speak German for the past five years.Emily has recently graduated from Leeds; she now holds a First Class degree in German (and French).She prefers tailoring her lessons to your prefe rences; if you need help with your German pronunciation, your lessons will consist of mostly oral exercises but if grammar is your trouble area, that is where her focus will be.Superprof has 16 German tutors in the Leeds area and thousands more ready to engage in online language learning with you.Do Superprof tutors also work in the Belfast area?So, if your life is hectic or you simply would rather learn at home â€" online or face to face, engaging a private tutor is not such a bad idea, especially not a Superprof tutor.Personal tutors are a great idea for homework help or practising speaking German Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayTake a German Language Course in a Training CentreWe are quite fortunate that, all across the UK, there are several language training franchises with branches in just about every major city.Are there such centres teaching German in Glasgow, as well?Their vast proliferation means proves a point: they are good at what they do. We now present them in with n o particular recommendation or endorsement.Language TrainersThe teachers at Language Trainers know why people want to learn German: for business, for travel and for intellectual curiosity.With those bases well covered, you could sign up for classes with them secure in the knowledge that you won’t waste a lot of time discussing the academic aspects of the German language â€" verb conjugation and dissertations of works by Goethe, for example, if all you need is conversational German.If you can already speak German at the intermediate level or are in doubt about your level of German, you should take a placement test to see which of the Language Trainers’ classes you would best fit in with.Obviously, if you are an absolute beginner, there is no reason to test your level.You can take this test for free on their website, where you will also find their contact details.With the two-to-one class structure offered at many language schools, you and your partner can study German together Im age by StartupStockPhotos from PixabayListen and LearnWith a slightly different model but equally successful as their competitor, Listen and Learn offers German lessons to individuals or groups, in Business German or General German.Here too you may choose one-to-one instruction or two-to-one private lessons â€" an arrangement that would be perfect for you and your partner to learn German together. You may also join a larger group (provided you are on the same level as them) or you may choose to take lessons strictly online, with or without your partner.This company also offers a free placement test online and, right now, they are promoting their language training service by offering a summer discount.Did you know that Cardiff also has a Listen and Learn centre?Learn German with CactusThe Cactus language school is staffed by experienced teachers, most of whom have at least travelled abroad, if not worked and lived there.Their evening courses last for ten weeks and are arranged by lev el â€" beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced. Here again, you may take a placement test on their website to determine your level of language proficiency.You may also be interested to know that Cactus provides Business language courses; they work directly with companies, conducting classes at select firms around the country.If you work for an international company, you may suggest to your training manager that such lessons would be of great benefit!You can believe that people looking for German courses in London would benefit from such classes!Loiners are lucky to have such a strong connection with Germany.Through their German appreciation clubs, with the many facilities that promote learning German as a second language, as well as the degree programmes offered at the University of Leeds, one might say that the Yorkshire region is certainly making a rich investment into their ties with Germany!Now discover where you could find German lessons all over the UK...

How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day - Introvert Whisperer How to Cope with Stress During the Working Day In the world where people need to work hard to get by, it is important to separate work from ordinary life. Sometimes hardworking people have a hard time not to bring their work home to their families, but it is even more often when people find it difficult to keep their everyday troubles from interfering with their professional career. Depending on the occupation, the source of the majority of anxiety and stress comes from the places not related to the job at all. The appearance of such issues may result in lower productivity, worsening of the relationship with colleagues and authority and even losing the job.   So, what should one do if confronted with something like that? We already touched upon the subject of relaxation after the work, so we shall look at the measures that one should take so that the work result will be unaltered. We are also excluding the bad habits, such as smoking and eating unhealthy food. Here are a few strategies that might help in a stressful situation on work. More Work It may sound a little bit ironic, but for many people, increasing the effort on their job can help them to get through with troubles that they face while working. They build walls around themselves and find salvation in multiple hours of hard work. Though we definitely don’t encourage anyone to ignore their life issues, concentrating all forces on working for some period of time may be helpful. Figuratively speaking, one can ‘rest’ from the bothering issues, while putting as much as they can into work, so that they wouldn’t even have time to think about anything but the job. Knowing that there are issues that are waiting for some kind of resolution, one will try and redirect thoughts and efforts on the tasks of the job. In this case, working environment can work as some kind of retreat from troubles. Then, after finishing the working day, it will be easier to bear with various disturbances, as the mind will already be set for thinking and finding solutions. However, it is not always a perfect solution and a person should be careful enough not to ignore any issues when working. While everyday problems shouldn’t be a priority over work (in most cases), work definitely shouldn’t be more important than those issues as well. Everything should be balanced out an appropriate amount of time should be spent on one subject, then on the other. Socializing Communication with other people is crucial not only for dealing with bad situations, but also for preventing stress and depression. Many psychiatrists argue that conversation is the best cure for any mental or psychological problem. That’s why the therapies with experts in those fields are on high demand. While working, however, it is not always possible to chat with a colleague any time you’d like, that’s why the breaks are obligatory. During the breaks, a person should not smile and pretend that he’s happy, when he’s not. Every member of the staff should feel free to speak up about his or her difficulties in life, especially if those occur while working. Even if nobody will be capable of giving a proper advice, a person will feel more relieved after saying everything that he/she has to say. The situation is not always that simple. A lot of times, bosses don’t think about the anxiety of their employees. If that is the case, workers should approach the managers or supervisors with the idea that the collective listening of people’s worries might increase the productivity and the mood of workers. Engaging in Action Instead of Worrying Many believe that some people are less emotional and stressful than the others and are very puzzled about their ability to always find an escape from stress. The truth is, each one of us is emotional and full of feelings, but the most significant issue about any stressful situation is not the event itself, it’s our attitude towards it. A lot of people, when confronted with a sudden trouble, feel confused and that they’re not controlling the situation. They often find it difficult to manage their behavior and outburst of emotions as well. It is crucial not to let the situation overwhelm you, you should always be the master of the situation. That’s why it is important to teach oneself to act and not react. Instead of shouting or throwing your hands in the air out of rage, one should think about the things that he/she can do in the situation and what aspects are possible to control. Although the situation can be so daunting that it may seem hopeless, the reality is often better than it seems. Some psychologists argue that if people decide to carefully and calmly organize their actions in anxious situations, they can at least control themselves, which is roughly 50% of the solution. It can vary from on issue to another, but it is still highly advisable to be reasonable, before being emotional. Analyze the Sources of Stress If some problems occur not once, or stress is bothering you at work time and time again, it would be advisable to find out why is it happening and get to the bottom of it. The reasons for stress are usually connected with ordinary life issues, such as family matters. In those cases, it would be wise to find the best way of dealing with this kind of stress, by analyzing each of its occurrences. Analyzing those situations are also great for getting to know yourself a little bit better. By looking at the situation after some time, in a calm environment and at peace with oneself, it is easy to compare what was done and what should have been done. After doing so, you have to come to a certain conclusion and repeatedly remind yourself about it. By keeping all that in mind, one can gradually adjust oneself to the situation and reduce the negative impact of it on work. Balance At the end of the day, the most important thing about managing your day at work is the balance. A worker should be working hard, but not too hard, enough amount of time should be spent on resting, but not an extensive amount. The same with stress, it can sometimes be harmless or pretty usual when working, but a constant experience of stress is never fine. Appropriately, the cause of many stress situations at work is the lack of the topic of this clause balance. When confronted with anxiety at work, one should firstly determine whether it is caused by it or not. If it is caused by work, it’s vital to reorganize your daily schedule, so that you wouldn’t over-commit yourself and feel even more stressed out than you already are. At the same time, a lunch break or coffee time shouldn’t be longer than the time needed for you to be recharged for work again. By balancing all the necessary activities at work between each other, workers will find it easier to work during dark periods in their lives and will be able to prevent any further work-related stress. Conclusion   To conclude, there are many ways to deal with stress without sacrificing your productivity and work effort. The main thing is to find a will to try any of these strategies (or all of them) and get through with stress, depression, everyday life and your occupation. Stress at work can be devastating, but giving up should never be an option. Guest Author:  Ilya Lakisevs Author bio: Ilya Lakisevs,  the author of this text does not encourage people who experience stress at work to limit themselves with only these options. If a worker feels like the situation is more serious than he or she is capable to handle, a specialist should be contacted immediately. 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: CLICK HERE

10 Guitar Exercises and Tips for Building Muscle Memory

10 Guitar Exercises and Tips for Building Muscle Memory Sign up successful 3. Practice placing chords shapes one finger at a time Analyze what each finger has to do between each chord. Make those movements with finger one finger at a time, then two at a time, and eventually place your fingers in the whole chord all together. Eventually the entire chord movement will become an automatic move into place with simultaneous finger movement! 4. Practice the chord “shapes” without strumming Place your fingers in a chord and then change to the next. Try practicing chords in sequences of three or four at a time. These should be chords that you have already learned, so you can make the shapes while watching TV or having a conversation. Taking out the variable of strumming is a great way to isolate and improve your left-hand technique! 5. Pay attention to what changes from one chord to the next Sometimes a finger does not have to move very far to get to its next location. Sometimes it is already where it needs to be! Be conscious of these situations to make sure you are moving efficiently from chord to chord without extra movement. 6. Make the switches between chords a fast snap Even if you are waiting four beats between chords or just switching chords freely when you can, try to start quick “snaps” to prepare and think ahead to the next chord. With four beats for instance, you should be thinking about the next chord as fast as possible or on the second beat of the group of four. 7. Counting and closing-in exercise This is one of my favorite guitar exercises for when you are building up a specific chord change, but you need to be able to do it faster. Example: playing C to G is a challenge for you. Put a metronome on at a very slow and attainable tempo and the first time think in groups of 4 clicks. Play the chord only on the first click of four while counting out loud and changing the finger positions as fast as possible. Feel good after a while? Next try changing the chord within three clicks. Can you move right after the second click? Finally, when youre up to speed, you can move the chord on each click and the counting and closing in exercise is complete. 8. One finger can get there before the others When you are learning new chords, you have a chord change that is usually challenging to get in time, or you have a fast tune; you may still be able to make the chord! Remember that one finger could get to the next chord before the other fingers trail along, so you could strum a few strings that include the finger that has made it, position your fingers that are late, and then complete the strumming when all fingers are positioned. Try it out! 9. Focus on your fingertips You might be noticing buzzing or strings that sound weird for certain chords. It could be that you are half-muting a string with part of your finger! Make sure to arc your fingers and use just fingertips on the fretboard for some chords and you can avoid the extra contact with the open strings underneath those fingers. Practice placing each finger down on the fretboard, being mindful to only press through the tip of your fingers. Boom. Problem solved. See Also: Exercise that Builds Strength, Stamina, and Accuracy 10. Think ahead As soon as one chord or note is placed, strummed or plucked, think ahead to the next necessary movement and make it. Then as soon as that chord is placed, do the same. We will always be thinking ahead until the end of a piece. Now, I am just thinking ahead about the next article I might write! Learn more guitar exercises and improve your skills by taking lessons with a private guitar teacher. Guitar teachers are available to work with you online via Skype or in-person depending on locations and availability. Search for your guitar teacher now!  Michael N. is multi-instrumentalist and instructor in Oak Creek, WI. Available for lessons in person or online, Michael teaches guitar, drums, singing, and piano, as well as trumpet, marimba, and kazoo! Teaching for more than 7 years, he earned his Masters of Music in Instrumental Conducting and is even the current Youth Percussion Ensemble Director at UW Milwaukee and the Percussion Coach at Oak Creek High School.  Learn more about Michael here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Alan

Creative Coaching

Creative Coaching Everything You Need to Know About Creative Coaching ChaptersNot Just For Creative PeopleBasic Principles of Creative CoachingWho Could Benefit From Creative Coaching?Benefits of Creative CoachingFinding a Creative CoachCreative coaching is a coaching method that helps individuals grow into their most authentic selves.   The process is designed to bring the coach and the client together to collaborate on identifying and nurturing the clients’ greatest visions for themselves as people whether they are artists or just need a different perspective on life. To be creative is “relating to or involving the imagination.” We are all capable of using our imaginations. Every time we make a decision we imagine which choice we want. By using your imagination, you tap into the creative mind. The creative mind  is where we can make  the changes needed for a better life. Our ability to apply these creative skills, thinking and expression in all aspects of our lives provides enormous benefits and results.Creativity Coaching as a professional pra ctice aims to help clients figure out how to articulate and nurture their creative vision for themselves, recognize obstacles, establish attainable strategies for moving toward their visions and in setting up systems of shred and self-accountability to assist them in achieving their goals.  Creative coaching is all about seeing challenges and solving problems using multiple perspectives. Sometimes, we get caught up in our own thoughts and habits and don’t recognize that we have the tools to see old challenges in a new way. By approaching obstacles in this way, we can often find options and solutions we’ve used successfully in the past.A coach can help you unlock your creativity. (Source: stux)Basic Principles of Creative CoachingAt the centre of coaching is the idea that clients are given the power to help themselves. Creative coaches will not offer advice, give their opinions or pass judgement, but instead, they will equip you with the tools so you can help yourself. Instead o f instructing you, they will guide you to an answer. There are some basic principles of creative coaching that all coaches should follow:- Subjectivity: we all have different perspectives, none of which are 'right' or 'wrong', but some perspectives can be restrictive and can stop a person becoming who they want to be.- Empowerment: it is within everyone's capability to adjust their own perspective. With the tools that you learn through life coaching, anyone can learn to open their mind to achieve their goals.- Guidance: there is a difference between an instructor and a guide. An instructor shows a person exactly what to do, whereas a guide provides the tools and support a person needs to do something for themselves. A life coach is a guide, not an instructor; they will not tell you what to do.Have you ever thought: I really should update my website; I should call that contact I met last week; I should do a lot of things, but I just don’t have the energy or drive.Coaching can help you deal with these, and any other issues you might have in your career, or your life.Coaching is a means of bringing clarity to your life. It is a tool that will help you unlock your innate and natural creativity.Coaching helps you overcome the stumbling blocks that are holding you back from being the very best that you want to be.And there’s the core of creative coaching: it’s about what you want to be. Not what your agent, your boss, your partner, your friends, or even your life coach wants you to be.Coaching is not therapy. Rather, it is for people who are stable and grounded, yet feel stuck. Life coaches will encourage you to look at the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.A creative coach can improve many areas in your life (Source: jill111)Benefits of Creative CoachingCreative coaching can help you face your day with energy and enthusiasm, brimming with ideas and positivity to face the day. It can help you tap into your creative side so you can look a t life from a different perspective and think outside the box to find solutions to your problems, whether at work or at home.When you have clarity about what is important, essential and necessary in your work, in your life, then creative changes begin to happen. The exciting thing about tapping into your natural creativity is that once you start, your creativity overflows into all aspects of your life.Even if you don’t think you’re the creative ‘type’, we all have creativity in us. Creativity flows from a clear and calm mind. There is nothing to stop you from tapping into your natural store of talent. It is only the clutter within your mind that prevents your true creativity from shining through.Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential for creative expression. If you’ve ever cooked a meal, chaired a meeting, played a sport or written a report, then you’ve used your innate creative talents.Creative coaching can help b ring these talents out in a client no matter your profession.If you are a writer, photographer, artist, designer, musician, filmmaker, craftsperson or anyone in the creative industries, life coaching can help you tap into new and deeper layers of creativity to help you reach levels of success you’ve only dreamed of before.If you are a salesperson supplying goods and services to the creative industries; if you run a gallery; if you work with public arts organisations; if you’re an artists’ agent; if you are part of any business that is connected to the creative industries; then life coaching can help you find creative solutions that will make your business more efficient, more effective and more profitable.Finding a Creative CoachIn the UK creative coaching is an unregulated profession. This basically means that anyone can call themselves a coach. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find a great coach, it just makes it essential you do your research.Search online directories t o find coaches that have memberships with a professional body and have the appropriate insurance cover and qualifications.Having said this, rapport is one of the most important factors in finding the right coach for you. So don’t focus solely on qualifications but instead focus on finding someone you feel comfortable with.It’s a good idea to get in touch with a coach before you book a session. This way you can get a feel of what the coach is like before you commit yourself. Don’t feel obliged to continue if you don't want to, you are choosing someone to help you reach your personal goals so make sure you find someone you’re happy with.There are many resources online where you can find the right coach for you. You can search for specialist business coaches, relationship, spirituality or even creative coaches (if you need some help finding creativity in your life!).Sites like this one are full of resources to find a coach. Simply type in your postcode or town and hit the sear ch button to find a coach near you. Here you’ll find different profiles which describe who they are and what they do.No matter where you look for a coach make sure you do your research. Check that they have references, relevant experience and be picky!Creative coaching is something we can all benefit from at some point in life. It can help all of us find different perspectives on life and is a tool that can enrich our lives and help us lead a happier one!See more about these different types of coaching:personal development coachinghealth coachingbusiness coachingspiritual life coach