Finding a Great Language Tutor Job Description

Finding a Great Language Tutor Job DescriptionA language tutor job description is the only way that you can determine what qualifications you should have in order to work for a private or government agency. Of course, you could have a degree in a specific language or be willing to speak that language, but unless you have the proper credentials, you could end up working for someone who does not even speak English. Here are some tips for finding a great tutor job:o Find a site to apply to. If you do not already have an application, this is the first step. There are many sites online where you can get an application. Try to find a site that includes job information, placement dates, pay, and other things you should be looking for.o Find your colleges. If you are already enrolled at a university, you should already know which courses are available for study. Many students will have other subjects to take and courses for which they need help. Look for courses that are offered in the major you want to teach. Other students may want to take your course so they can pass their classes with more advanced skills.o Check the web site of your campus. Some campuses may have job listings for language tutors on campus. You can send in an application if you are interested and you may even be called by someone you know who is also working as a tutor. This is a great way to make sure you are doing the right thing because if you send in an application but are not called, you may not have the qualifications to teach the course you are interested in.No Search your local newspaper. Most newspapers have a section for jobs and you should go through them and find ones that you are qualified for. You will most likely be able to find a good number of positions since the newspaper has several reporters assigned to cover various topics. If there are no positions, keep searching until you find one. It can take you a while but you will eventually find a job.o Prepare for a certain amount of i nterviews. When you interview, you should ask about how long you will need to work with the agency and if you will be expected to teach full time or part time. You should also ask about the curriculum you will be teaching and what degree programs you would be eligible for. This is a great way to make sure you are qualified for the position.o Set aside money. You should set aside a certain amount of money to be spent on your application and other expenses. If you do not have any money set aside, make sure you budget for at least a couple of hundred dollars. You will not have any problem if you have extra money to spend.In order to find a great language tutor job description, you should be prepared to be very patient. Many agencies advertise positions that are simply not true. Always check out a company's website and if it offers an interview, be sure to send in your application.

Mindfullness in Classroom Management

Mindfullness in Classroom Management Mindfulness is not a new concept to me, but I have never taken the initiative to apply the ideas related to mindfulness to my everyday life or in the classroom. What stuck out to me the most in what I learned in my Mindfulness lesson from UT was the idea of consistent change, where one does not hold onto any feelings, but acknowledges it and allows it to pass with the mindset that everything is ever changing. I wanted to implement this concept and practice of non attachment to internal experiences in my life. I felt that this could benefit me on stressful days. Having the mindset that situations and stressors will inevitably change helps me cope with certain scenarios. When children begin to act up in the classroom, I remind myself of this aspect of Mindfulness. I know that I can get stressed easily when I feel that I am losing control of a situation. In order to prevent impulsive actions in reaction to high stress from students, I think about what is happening and I allow myself to think that this situation will pass. I don’t try to fight what is happening, but I acknowledge what is happening. I respond more calmly and the students notice that as well. Instead of pushing myself to fix the situation as quickly as I can, I let the student be, and the tantrums pass. I have implemented this in the classroom several times, and it has clearly produced positive results. In one scenario, a student, who will be referred to as Devon to protect his identity, is a bit of a handful in class. He likes to refuse to do work, yell at other students, disagree to share, and have small fits. In the past, I have aimed to please him to get him to do work, making a few modifications. I have tried moving his clip on the behavioral chart. I have even tried scolding him on some occasions. However, I decided to address what I do not like about his behavior and walk away from him. When I gave him some instructions, he quickly refused to participate. I told him that I expect him to do his work and that I wanted to see him working when I returned again. I then left to check up on other students, knowing that Devon’s attitude would eventually change, if not in this lesson, it would by the end of the day. I was delighted to find that he was working on his assignment when I returned to his table later. A similar situation occurred with another student, who will be referred to as Charlie to protect his identity. Charlie is usually a very good student and enthusiastic, but when it comes to writing, he does not want to do any work. He was particularly non-cooperative on this day, and complained about the assignment to me every time I would walk by. The teacher I was working with even made an announcement that if a student did not finish their writing, they would not be able to use the computers or iPad for their technology center. I tried out that method that I used for Devon before, but Charlie still had not done his work. I even noticed that he got another classmat e to do his writing for him, which I stopped immediately. It got to the point where Charlie threw a tantrum, falling into a fit of tears and anger, since he would not be able to participate in technology. Despite all of this, I still had high hopes that he would return to participating with the class by the end of the day, since I had in mind that his attitude would eventually change. After sitting out for a while, Charlie eventually calmed down and rejoined the group. Even better, he was the most enthusiastic student in the class conversation about the book they were reading that day. Having these positive experiences has really encouraged me to keep implementing this mindset of constant change. It was really effective, and it kept me from stressing and obsessing over dealing with tantrums. It even prevented me from being seen as a “mean” teacher, one who is always saying “no,” to kids or yelling at them. Instead, I was able to give them the time and the choice to return t o participating when they felt that they were ready. These experiences were beneficial to the students and probably more so for my stress levels!

Understanding CPD Tutoring Jobs

Understanding CPD Tutoring JobsCPD tutoring jobs are a very lucrative business with very little or no work requirement and as you might expect, this type of work has a wide range of possibilities for students. So, if you have an interest in knowing more about these jobs, read on! In fact, this article can be used as a guide for you to be aware of the various types of jobs that you can have at CPD tutoring centers.The first thing that you need to realize is that there are a lot of people who earn these jobs. So, you have a range of career opportunities, ranging from simple admin work to senior management positions. And here is where the best part of this type of work comes into play - the pay can vary from one to three times the regular salary for the same position.Another great thing about this type of job is that you do not have to be a computer genius to be able to do it. Most of the time, if you take a course on computers, you can become familiar with computers and tutoring. The b asic skill set for this kind of work is that you have to have the patience to assist the students as they learn their lessons and are on their way to mastering them.Of course, there are other important aspects of this type of job that you have to keep in mind. First of all, you will have to be proficient at English, be comfortable working in a classroom, be able to manage the time effectively, know how to conduct oneself effectively at meetings and how to handle any kind of social interaction.It is important to note that a huge number of students are able to continue learning in different ways. Sometimes, they are supported by parents and sometimes, they are taught by CPD tutors. All of them have their own preferences, but in any case, they have their own qualities and abilities which should be taken into consideration.Tcpcc tutoring jobs One more thing that you need to know about CPD tutoring jobs is that you will be under the direct supervision of the tutors and instructors. As a matter of fact, you will be expected to interact with your students on a day-to-day basis, which means that you will have to have strong communication skills.If you want to be in this field of work, CPD tutoring jobs are the perfect profession for you. But the question you need to ask yourself is how you want to make use of this form of employment.

Discover the Benefits of Skills Tutoring Center

Discover the Benefits of Skills Tutoring CenterAre you interested in finding a great class for your child or yourself but are not sure where to start? That is why you need to consider a class that is a Skills Tutoring Center. It is a website dedicated to helping you with anything you need from improving your skills and learning new ones to a career as a tutor.In a skills tutoring center you can find everything you need from a teacher to tutors who are willing to teach you. The services offered at the center include job search assistance, job placement assistance, making sure that you are working with a reliable teacher and much more. You can even do private tutoring in your home so that you don't have to travel anywhere. You can also receive personal help and guidance through the support of the tutors.It is possible to earn an online degree and this could be done through one of the tutoring centers that are available on the Internet. There are many courses available including an asso ciate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree and PhD. You will also find many online courses and programs that give you a Certificate of Achievement, Certified Private Tutor or Certified Tutor in a certificate's program.There are so many online learning opportunities that you can use to improve your own skills. You will find a course that will suit your needs and desires. If you are looking for tutoring center with classes at home, there are online resources that will help you with this as well.Although distance learning is the cheapest way to learn it is important to learn everything that you can through the web. The classes are easy to navigate and will save you money on traveling to and from class.One of the most important things that you need to consider is making sure that the teacher has experience in the field that you are learning about. Some of the online tutors have specific training in their fields and this is something that you should check out before signing up fo r any class.There are many classes for parents to get involved in as well which will teach them how to prepare their children for the future. These classes teach parenting tips and have all the materials that they need to help them achieve their dreams.

How to Write a Great College Essay

How to Write a Great College Essay Your college admissions essay is a key component of your college application. Unlike standardized test scores and grades, your essay gives your application a more human element. The power of a well-crafted college essay is not to be discounted, so use it to let your personality and background shine through. Heres how to write a great college essay: To write a great college essay, begin with brainstorming Before drafting any portion of your essay, commit your ideas to paper. Jot down all the topics that come to mind for a potential essayeven those that may seem a bit outlandish. Next, let some time pass (at least 24 hours) before you revisit your list of ideas. With a fresh set of eyes, add more topics or eliminate others until, over time, you are left with the idea that will become your essay. [RELATED: 4 Reasons to Start Your College Essay This Week] To write a great college essay, compose a strong opening The opening of your college essay is critical. You must captivate your reader from the very start, perhaps through suspense, humor, or the like. The first few lines of your essay are the hook that determine whether your reader will continue on feeling bored or intrigued. To write a great college essay, aim to be different The astounding volume of applications received by colleges has made it necessary for admissions counselors to get through many essays in a single day. If you want your essay to stand out amongst the vast competition, you must be different. Share a story that no one else could have told or discuss a random yet fascinating topic no other person has chosen. Always, however, steer clear of controversial or potentially offensive themes. To write a great college essay, be genuine If you want your college essay to have compelling emotion, you must be genuine. Avoid making up storiesreal life is more interesting than fiction. When you retell true events you lived through, your writing naturally reflects the feelings you experienced in each moment. To write a great college essay, spice up your vocabulary A handful of advanced vocabulary words can give your essay an impressive touch. You do not need to add a three-syllable word to each line to produce such an effect; two or three well-used words in total is enough. If you have the perfect opportunity to include a word like visceral in your essay, seize it. On the other hand, misused words, malapropisms, and typos can have a jarring effect on your reader. Before including an uncommon word in your essay, make sure to verify its definition and spelling. To write a great college essay, mind your punctuation Punctuation is sometimes an overlooked factor in essay writing. And though it may not be the most important factor, it is assumed that a high school senior knows the basic rules of punctuation use. Proper punctuation may not earn you extra points, but improper punctuation can certainly cost you points. Give yourself a refresher course on how to use commas and periods, the most commonly used punctuation marks. Before including a less common mark such as a semicolon or an em dash, make sure you understand the rules that govern its use. [RELATED: 4 Confusing Grammar Rules Cleared Up] To write a great college essay, get feedback Show your essay to at least two trusted people before you submit the final version. Ask for honest feedback, and be open to their suggestions. Rather than getting defensive, try to understand the reasons behind their criticisms. Be aware that you may need to revise your essay several times, but this is completely normal. Be patient, positive, and open to improvement. [RELATED: 3 Steps to Edit Your Essay] Your essay is an essential component of your college application. To succeed on it, think of it as a process. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Choosing a College Major Education

Choosing a College Major Education A pretty straight-forward major, yet still with so many options. The study of Education is a great road to be on. Its focused, fulfilling, and determinative of a clear career path. But it is not a path you should choose just for the safety teaching is one of those positions that should be reserved only for those who are sincerely passionate about it. If you want to be an educator, you should ideally first be a student who is sincerely passionate about learning. Selecting this major should be a promise to yourself that you will bring that passion and keep it with you as long as you reside in the education world. Skills Needed: Depending on the grade level and/or subject you are hoping to teach, certainly make sure you are ready to apply those respective skills. For instance, its advisable that you have a prior knack for math before you sign on to train in mathematics education, or naturally have a way with vocabulary before deciding to be an English teacher. You arent expected to be an absolute expert; you are still a student and have time to learn, after all. Just try not to overwhelm yourself by taking on too much at once. Learning to be a good teacher is a big task in and of itself without having to stress over the rules of science that you take great issue with comprehending. Its going to be pretty difficult to feel poised about imparting that wisdom on future students if you have a particularly tough time putting it together yourself. Identify subjects that you actually take an interest in. Finally, bring a communicative personality, creativity, and confidence. Any teacher can be intell igent, but its the great ones whose lessons are interesting and whose presences are respected by their students. You cant attain those things without true self-assurance. Learn to practice these elements early on as you study the Education major and your teachers preparation methods will take you much farther. If you are interested in majoring in education you may want to check out these tips on analyzing teachers colleges. Lessons Learned: Teachers are becoming more important than ever in todays society. Although the economy may indicate otherwise with its massive layoffs, that is not unique to the education industry and highly talented teachers are constantly being sought after. By choosing this major, you will learn just how to be that uniquely impressive kind of educator. Education programs train you how to develop lesson plans, how to engage students, how to understand how those students think. You will see the other side of the coin as you see your viewpoint on school evolve from that of a student to that of an educator. Education majors are rightfully brought into the world they signed up for, eventually directly, by student teaching and/or observing classes. Most if not all programs require Education students to do that for at least a semester, and normally those students are able to experience the classroom of their choice i.e. an elementary math class, a high school art class, etc. By that po int, you are likely to be pretty far immersed in the life of a teacher and have a good idea of whether or not this is something you actually can do for the rest of your life. The substantial, real-world experience you get in the Education major for your career path is truly a great benefit that not all majors are able to offer. If you are still unsure about your major here is some great information on picking a major early in college. Post-Grad Opportunities: This one shouldnt be too hard to figure out. Clearly, a reason for this major being one of the most popular ones is the fact that it leads to a guaranteed type of job position. Nobody is going to curiously hound you about what youre going to do with your degree. When you say youre majoring in Education, its a give-in that you are planning on teaching. The aforementioned options of concentration, however, definitely come into play. Another perk of the Education major: freedom to focus in the area you prefer and work in it later. You wont always land the exact school you desire (the best district, the nicest area, the most well-behaved students). Yet, if your degree(s) say you are trained in Education and Spanish, Education and Biology, Education and Music, etc. that is the area you are qualified to teach in and will teach in. Nobody wants to hire a teacher for a subject they are simply not certified in. Education majors have the comfort of one of the most pro mised career paths out there. You may also want to check out this information on college majorswhich may help you decide what major would best suit you.

Learn Biology The Best Biology Courses in Leeds

Learn Biology The Best Biology Courses in Leeds Study Biology in Leeds ChaptersWhy Study Biology?Where to Revise for Your Biology ExamsFind a Private Biology Tutor with SuperprofStudy for Biology A-Level or an Adult Learning CourseStudy Biology OnlineThere’s nothing like a good teacher to inspire you in a subject: that applies to whatever you are learning about. From science to the guitar and from history to painting, a teacher who knows their stuff and who can ignite in you a passion for it is indispensable.In your studies of the diverse discipline we call biology, getting to grips with the theory and remembering the facts is crucial. Learning from a  teacher who knows and loves their subject matter is the best way to learn any of it. This is why we have put together a selection of some of the best teachers, tutors, and classes around to help you in your journey through the biological sciences â€" no matter at what stage of your studies you are and no matter what qualification or branch of the discipline you are aiming for.If you are based in Leeds, quit struggling with your biology textbook and listen up!Whether you are an undergraduate looking for further help in your biology degree, a GCSE or A-Levels student hoping to smash your exams; or even an adult learner approaching this Life Science for the first time â€" have we got the courses for you!(If you are not based in Leeds, we have some different articles that might be beneficial to your study of biology. Try out our piece on biology classes in Manchester, biology lessons in London, teachers of biology in Birmingham, and biology courses in Glasgow.As such, it is a fascinating science to grapple with â€" and studying it formally can take you anywhere you might want to go in life. If you want to be a laboratory researcher, you’ll need to study at least a bit of the subject â€" and if you are hoping to study medicine, you’ll definitely need it. Otherwise, you might want to go into sports physiology, into a postgraduate research programme, or even work in a zoo. All of the se things will require a bit of biology.Check out some A level biology courses for adults available on Superprof.Where to Revise for Your Biology ExamsWhy not study biology? It's wonderful!No matter which path you are hoping to follow - which aspect of biology you intend to specialise in, you will first have to sit exams to gain entrance to any university at home or abroad.Fortunately, these review courses will have you covered â€" whether you want to study full time or if you need your study schedule to be a bit more flexible, or if you've long held a fascination of all things biological but are not yet ready to commit to a formal learning programme.Justin Craig EducationJustin Craig is a prestigious revision organisation that helps to train students studying for GCSEs and A-Levels so that they excel in their exams. There are Justin Craig branches all over the country and, for people in Leeds, the centre in Harrogate is a short drive up the road.The journey is well worth it because Justin Craig has offered specialist revision courses for nearly forty years. The small class sizes and experienced teaching provide a learning experience of superior quality and effectiveness.The majority of these instructors are in fact teachers in local schools; they know first-hand what the Department for Education and exam boards expect out of their students. They keep their class sizes limited to six people and offer one-to-one tuition as well.In short, the school in Harrogate will go a long way towards ensuring you or the student in your life will  excel in any exam subject from physics to the humanities, from chemistry to the social sciences.As though that weren't enough for you to enrol there, each revision course is exam board specific: if you anticipate sitting an AQA or Eduquas exam, your Justin Craig study materials will reflect those exams' criteria.So, if you want to hone your knowledge of ecology or evolution â€" or if you want to refine your thoughts on microbes or the pathogen â€" this might be the place for you!Saturday Science Revision Sessions at EducateFirstEducateFirst runs a number of revision centres across the north of England, providing supplementary education in mathematics, English, and the sciences to students up to GCSE and A-Level in Leeds, Huddersfield, and Bradford.The EducateFirst Tuition Centre in Leeds runs from the Bangladeshi Community Centre on Roundhay Road on Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 13:15 throughout the academic year. And at just over six quid an hour, it’s very unlikely that you will find tuition at a better value anywhere.You will be put into different classes depending on your level and ability and then taught by one of the professional, specialised teachers alongside like-minded students.If your Saturday mornings are already fully booked, you may look to EducateFirst for private, one-to-one tuition sessions. Getting started is simple: fill in an application form, specifying your tutoring needs - the mater ial being studied, the Key Stage your student is at and the difficulties s/he is having, if any.Once your application has been approved, EducateFirst will select a tutor for you and the learning begins! Sessions cost between £18-30 per hour, depending on what level your learner is at.EducateFirst’s philosophy is all about the community, as they seek out and work with communities in which educational support is below standard. They are doing really important work in Leeds, and may well help you to nail your biology course.Check out our guide to biology learning opportunities across the UK.Wouldn't it be great, though, to be able to select the best tutors for you from an available pool of teaching talent? To compare the merits of one tutor to the next and benefit from competitive pricing?Superprof links curious students to supportive, passionate, and knowledgeable tutors all over the world.This tutor marketplace allows you to compare tutor profiles and select the one that best suit s your learning needs, schedule and budget.You may further be pleasantly surprised to find that most Superprof tutors would rather find out exactly what you need from them and discuss with you how they can best serve; to that end, most Superprof tutors do not charge a fee for their first hour spent with you.      In Leeds alone, Superprof lists 87 biology tutors for you to choose from, offering classes at an average rate of £17 an hour.However, you are not restricted to those numbers! If you were to consider online tuition - learning with a tutor via webcam, you might learn better, faster and perhaps even less expensively with a tutor in London, Glasgow or Manchester.There’s no doubt that learning the ins and outs of biochemistry or microbiology is not easy when you are working alongside a classroom full of students, all with different educational requirements, who are taught by a teacher stretched to the limit of endurance in his/her efforts to personalise everyone's learning ex perience.A private biology tutor can provide you with independent research, tailored lesson content, and attention to the aspects of your biology curriculum that you need most focus on.With so much choice to be had through Superprof, you are sure to find the tutor that best suits your educational needs and style of learning â€" and your busy schedule.Studying zoology, genomics, animal physiology, or cellular biology will never have been so easy!Find a biology revision class in Leeds.Study for Biology A-Level or an Adult Learning CourseTill now, we've provided 'generic' solutions to the in-depth study of biology; solutions suitable for any student at any Key Stage, for exam prep, university studies and for adult learners with a fascination for the subject.In all of these cases, supplemental instruction and mentoring simply make sense.Now, let us take a look at biology study programmes at various colleges around the city.Leeds City CollegeIf you are beyond the point at which you need to revise for your biology exams and are instead thinking about what course of study you wish to undertake at university, you should consider Leeds City College as a place to study for your A-Levels.The City College offers A-Levels in a broad range of subjects, all set up as a full-time study programme distributed over two years.The biology A-Level takes place on the Park Lane Campus and will have you studying things like population biology, human disease, biochemistry and molecular biology. The course will prepare you both for your exam and for admission to a biological sciences degree programme at university. If you are not interested in studying for an A-Level, there are other options available for you â€" from the Step-up Pathway, in which sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds can study GCSEs if they have not previously, to the part-time adult courses for those who want to develop their education further.Both of those study programmes provide access to science labs so that you may cond uct the experiments your curriculum calls for, but the Combined Science: Synergy GCSE will prepare you for professional studies and opportunities in the sciences.The University of LeedsFeeding your curiosity for the science of living things is all well and good and, if done properly, could lead to a lifelong commitment.If you are prepared to go the whole hog and want to become a proper biologist, you’ll need to apply to an undergraduate degree programme in biology after sitting your A-Levels.The University of Leeds is a brilliant place to do just this.The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology will teach you in all aspects of modern biology, from human biology to the study of life in all its forms. The curriculum is based around key biological themes, from immunology to organismal biology. The fun thing about the biology course at the University of Leeds is that you have the opportunity to go straight into a graduate degree â€" a Master’s â€" in biology too, by adding an extra ye ar to your course.For those serious about biology, this will be an important step in your scientific career.Leeds Beckett UniversityFar from being a second choice school, Leeds-Beckett offers a dynamic study programme in the biomedical sciences.  Your first year of study would include classes in infectious diseases, blood diseases and the biology of cancer, among others.Beyond year one, you may continue that multi-disciplinary study, learning about everything from medical genetics to clinical biochemistry or you may choose to specialise, taking courses in tandem with the standard curriculum.Those speciality courses include:Pharmacological Sciences: have you ever wondered how a doctor knows exactly which dose of medicine to prescribe? This study course will help you understand how the medicine affects the body and specific drugs are used for the treatment of diseases.Medical Biochemistry: learn how doctors diagnose biochemically related diseases and study biochemical reactions within the human bodyMolecular Biochemistry: as opposed to treating the entire organism as you would through the subspeciality listed above, this speciality concerns itself genetics and gene technology; how advances in these fields are combating disease.Medical Microbiology: the study of pathogens that cause disease.Leeds-Beckett's Biomedical Sciences programme is even open to non-traditional students; namely, those who are looking for a new, exciting career to embark on. You may choose to attend full-time or part-time, ultimately finding work in the pharmaceutical industry, in a diagnostic laboratory or even becoming a part of a scientific research team.Naturally, you may choose to extend your studies; to earn your Masters degree, after which you may appeal to their career counsellors to help you find the most suitable employment your degree qualifies you for.What do you need to gain access to these study programmes?If you are coming in via UCAS, you need at least 112 tariff points; a mi nimum of 40 of which must have been earned from a biological science.If you are what is called a 'mature applicant', your admission will be contingent on your having recently taken any access courses. Failing that, your work experience may be considered sufficient to earn you a spot on the rolls.The rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world.Study Biology OnlineMuch as we revere the idea of coursing down hallowed halls of higher learning and relish the prospect of wearing a cap and gown at our formal graduation ceremony, the truth is that there are several drawbacks to such an experience.Money: higher education is frightfully expensive, especially for subjects such as biology. Not only must you bear the cost of course fees and accommodations (should you be a live-in student) but you also incur lab fees and further cash layouts for workbooks and specialised equipment such as lab coats and safety goggles.Time: what do three years represent when you are st anding on the very cusp of life? Some students revel in campus life, making the most of their experiences. However, for a significant segment of the student population, three years is a substantial chunk of time away from more pragmatic concerns such as earning their living.Rigidity: a course syllabus and schedule is seldom deviated from, no matter why individual students would like or need to deviate from them. Furthermore, individual professors may not be tolerant or understanding of extraneous circumstances that might keep you from handing a paper in on time or even from attending class.An insulating experience: for the most part, the traditional education model limits student exploration to the subject material, classroom, instruction and student group s/he is assigned to. In itself, that is not a bad concept but, especially in the study of sciences, the greater diversity in learning, the more concepts can be studied.For students needing flexibility in their schedule, learning h abits and payment plans, and for those who seek the greatest knowledge base, massive open online courses - MOOCs - are a perfect solution!MOOCs are generally sponsored by prominent universities around the country. They address topics related to a field of study - biology, maths, chemistry and the like, but do not touch on any school's set curriculum.Many of them are completely free and all of them are conducted online. Some even offer degree plans entirely online!We now take a look at some of the more prominent MOOCs that offer courses in Biology.The Open UniversityYet, studying a full-time degree at a university can be difficult for some in terms of time-tabling and juggling other commitments. That’s why there is a wonderful thing called the Open University, an institution that leads the way globally in terms of flexible, distance learning qualifications.The Open University offers BAs and BScs in biology, with courses in Natural Sciences (with the option of specialising in biolog y), in Environmental Science, and in Health Sciences. These are full degrees, but you can study them at home, and they can prepare you for entrance to the world of work or for a progression in your career.They offer Certificates and Diplomas in Higher Education too â€" for those who do not yet have the qualifications for admission to a degree course.Experience Biology with Future LearnThe people of Leeds benefit from another great thing: FutureLearn, the partnership project between the University of Leeds and other universities across the world. This provides online educational videos to anyone who cares to watch them â€" on topics that range from human disease to skeletons.Whilst the videos themselves are more for casual educational purposes, they can be combined to gain you credits from the University of Leeds.Biology Courses through CourseraCoursera is an American MOOC platform with lessons sponsored and hosted by the finest universities that country has to offer.While they do no t offer a degree plan in biology specifically, they do have nearly 200 courses on offer; some which may even be related to your fields of interest!Did you want to learn more about the biology of cancer or is plant biology your bailiwick?If you are an A-Levels candidate undecided over which branch of the discipline fascinates you more, signing up with Coursera (it's free!) and taking a few of these online classes may help narrow your perspective and lead you to decide which field of biology you'd like to specialise in.With choices ranging from molecular biology to systems biology, you would certainly have a wide selection to choose from!These MOOCs would also be great for more mature learners; those contemplating a career change who are seeking out the education to do so, or those who simply want more information to satisfy their own curiosity.One more instance that makes MOOCs indispensable: whether preparing for GCSEs or A-Levels; as a casual continuous learner or someone actually enroled at university in a Biology programme of study, these online learning initiatives provide a broader look at the subject you are so intensely focused on.Why not ask your teacher or tutor if s/he might know of a few such online courses to recommend?

How To Avoid College Admissions Red Flags

How To Avoid College Admissions Red Flags Imagine being a college admissions officer, and your job is to say no to 75 percent of the applications you see. Youre supposed to decline students, and when you accept students or give your approval, you must have a very good reason. When you decline a student, there are no questions asked. So, admissions officers jobs are easier when they decline students, and some are just looking for reasons to decline you. If you claim to volunteer for 100 hours of community service every week or your application is full of typos, youre probably not going to make it to the next round. Avoid these following pitfalls to improve your application. The US News World Report asked a group of college admissions officers and deans at the Unigo Admissions Experts Network what they are looking for in students applications. Ralph Becker, Ivy College Prep, LLC told the US News World Report that the two biggest red flags are exaggerated extracurriculars and over polished essays. Your essay should be free from grammar errors; however, if your mom or dad wrote it for you, an admissions officer will know immediately. A writing tutor can help you make your essay error free and help you find your own voice. If your essay causes red flags, some colleges may even dig up your SAT/ACT essay and see if the writing styles are similar. If they are not, then youll find your application in the wrong pile. Consider getting professional assistance from either an English teacher or writing tutor to help you write an essay that is true to you. Becker also said if you are trying to portray yourself as someone youre not through exaggerated extracurriculars, admissions counselors will red flag your application instantly. He said that the University of California has a truth-in-application program, which statistically examines and verifies activity claims. It places an average number on extracurriculars (say at 8 hours a week). And if your application claims that you have well over 8 hours a week, it will place you in a higher percentage of likelihood. If you claim a lot of activity, you may fall in the top 90 percent of students in terms of extracurriculars, which will create a red flag. Colleges will then try to verify that by doing some research on you. Nancy Meislahn, dean of admissions and financial aid,Wesleyan University advises students not to leave blanks in their application literally and figuratively. According to her, colleges want to see your story. They want to know how you became who you are. Just tell that story from beginning to end. Anything that does not seem authentic or true to you could create a red flag. Ralph Figueroa, director of college guidance, Albuquerque Academy, said that he applies the do-you-want-to-be-this-students-roommate test when he reviews applications. He said he is looking more so for positive traits than red flags. Colleges are trying to build a community, so red flags about characterhonesty, integrity, and behaviorcan be extremely damaging, he said. He recommends that students just be honest about their accomplishments and just be themselves. Colleges will see the good in you.

Ask an Admissions Expert Amy Jasper

Ask an Admissions Expert Amy Jasper Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Amy Jasper helps students navigate the college admissions process through her admissions consulting service, My College Fit. She has worked in undergraduate admissions at a number of institutions including Duke Universityand the College of William Mary. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Amy: The Common Application and individual colleges do not release their updated applications until the summer before senior year. I encourage students to get the general information sections completed as soon as possible to get them out of the way. The Common Application essay topics are remaining the same for the class of 2015, so work on the personal statement can begin at the end of junior year (many English teachers will have juniors do one in class). I believe the best time is summer. The workload of junior year is in the past and, quite frankly, a student is more mature. Work on your essays, put them aside for a bit, and then revisit them. You can do this when you have time on your side. However, if you begin an application the day before its due, you are not going to produce your best product even if you feel you work well under pressure. Its great to begin senior year with basic information on applications completed and a final or close to final draft of the personal statement completed. The college application process can be like having an additional class in the fall, so seniors should use summer to their advantage. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Amy: I find that many students are looking for a life-altering experience to write about, of which most dont have. Oftentimes, the best topic is really right in front of them. There are many things in your everyday life that you feel strongly about that could actually be quite interesting to someone who doesnt know you. And thats the key. You want to attract and maintain the admissions officers interest. A student should think about what they want the college to know about them and work backward from there. Ask yourself questions about your likes, dislikes and passions. Whats fun to you? What makes you laugh? Was there a moment when life seemed particularly difficult? VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Amy: Of course the good old sports essay is a deal breaker for me. My two children are athletes, and my husband was a high school and college athlete. I do understand the importance of sports and how an injury, big win, or a big loss is impactful. I really do. But what students need to realize is that it is difficult to convey anything unique or interesting about any of those things. Perhaps the worst essay topic choice I ever encountered was an applicant discussing a very personal experience with his girlfriend. No way ever is that appropriate! The key is to remember that admissions officers are people; therefore, how they respond to an essay is going to be subjective. If an essay is boring (sports injury) or pushes the envelope way too far (boyfriend/ girlfriend TMI), it is very difficult to respond to that with, I definitely want to put this kid in the yes pile. And of course that is the response an applicant is working for. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Amy: Although it can be difficult to believe, admissions officers really can tell when someone is not being authentic in his or her application. Make sure your essays are in your voice and your passions come through. Another big mistake is not answering questions correctly. If a college asks, What tweet would best summarize your day? (and I did see that question this year), your answer should be 140 characters or less, because that is a tweet. If a school didnt want a specific answer, they wouldnt ask a specific question. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Amy: Typically, the process begins by reviewing an applicants transcript and counting the number of years they have in the core subject areas: English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. Then the admissions officer will look at the grade made in each course. Weighted GPAs are often not the best representation of grades, therefore many schools look at each grade received in each course. Some colleges recalculate the GPA so all applicants are on the same scale. They would then count the number of honors, AP, or IB classes to reflect strength of courses. The order of the next three items is usually done based on the readers personal preference. The admissions officer would now review a students activities and involvement, highlighting anything found to be particularly stellar or interesting and also looking for commitment. Next they note the students SAT or ACT scores. Finally, the officer would read the applicants essays. Most officers write a few notes or take-aways from the essay like, Great story about climbing favorite tree as a kid. Excellent writer. I want to meet this kid. Didnt get anything about him from this. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Amy: It is important to tell your own story about something that can be perceived as negative. If you leave things unexplained, people will make their own deductions, which may not be correct. Bad grades one semester? Show an improvement in the next semester. Made a bad social choice? Explain what you have learned from your mistakes. Involved in no activities or sports after school because you have to work or take care of your siblings? List those as commitments on your applications - because they are! VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Amy: The best way, of course, is to visit a campus. Prospective student events are definitely planned to create a wonderful showing of all that is good at college, however, they do give you access to professors, students, and organizations that you may not experience on a regular visit. Use it to your advantage and ask questions that are important to you and that will give you a more realistic view. Follow your gut. If you feel like you dont belong there, you probably dont. If you visit a campus for an information session and tour, be certain to ask questions that cant be answered on the website. Ask your tour guide the name and size of her smallest class her freshman year, as well as her largest. If professor interaction is important to you, ask for examples they have had with their professors. Social life? Ask him what there was to do on campus last Friday night. Do remember that tour guides are people and people sometimes have a bad day. Dont blame the college for a bad tour guide. Try to see beyond him or her. After the tour, eat on campus or hang out in the student center. Grab a school newspaper. Again, follow your gut. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Amy: ED, which is binding, is a huge commitment. Not only is a student saying they know what their first choice is in October or November, they are also saying that if they are admitted, they will attend. I only encourage students to apply ED when they are confident in the decision and not applying because it is perceived as an acceptance strategy. ED is not the right choice for a family that will need to weigh their financial aid options from various schools. Early action, which is non-binding, has become quite popular with many colleges and applicants. Early action application deadlines allow a student to get a decision early in the process. What makes early action attractive is that if the student is admitted, they are not bound to go. I recommend this to students who are happy with their grades and do not need first semester senior grades to strengthen their application. The good news is there are still many schools with deadlines in January and even February, so students still m ay have deadlines spread over a few months. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Amy: Grades are definitely important. Many times, students think a low grade in, say, an AP or IB class is okay because of the strength of the class. The reality is, in the applicant pools at selective colleges, there are plenty of applicants who will have taken the same class who received a high grade. Better grades make a student more competitive. Although test scores are never usually the most important factor in the admissions process, they are a factor. If colleges require SAT or ACT scores, then it is important to them. If they did not value scores, they would not require testing. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Amy: Choose a teacher who knows you well. Its best if the teacher is from an academic subject in your junior year. Ideally, you have been an active participant in their class and have done well. You want a teacher who can speak to the type of student you are. If you ask a teacher and they suggest that you perhaps choose another teacher who may know you better, dont be hurt. Be thankful that they were honest with you. That is much better than if they had said yes and sent a mediocre letter. When asking a teacher, be polite and follow-up with an email. Also be certain to understand your schools policies around recommendations. Are they sent electronically? Do you need to provide forms or envelopes? What information does your counselor require from you? All schools have their own way of doing things, and its your responsibility to know and follow the rules. Lastly, remember to thank your teacher after theyve completed the letter. Check out My College Fit for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.