Top Questions Parents Should (and Shouldnt) Ask Private Schools

Top Questions Parents Should (and Shouldn't) Ask Private Schools The following piece was written by Liz Perelstein. Liz has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is the Founder of School Choice International. Its hard to believe. The school year has just begun and its time to start applying to private schools that youre considering for 2014. School tours and interviews are happening already, so here are some tips about asking questions when youre visiting. 1.Do your homework. Schools do not want to waste their time or yours with answers to questions that you can find on the internet. 2.Your school visits are a time to find out whether it is right for your child. Rather than thinking about an interview as a test, think of it as a conversation you learn about the school and they learn about your child in a collaborative effort to determine whether there is a good fit. 3.Reflect on your child before you visit a school. You will undoubtedly be asked to describe him or her in terms of personality, academic attitudes, and performance, as well as topics that you cant anticipate. Think in advance about what you want to get across. Show them in addition to telling them. Examples that illustrate your points will bring your child to life. 4.Ask questions to which you genuinely want answers. Dont be concerned that particular questions may jeopardize his or her chances of admission; if your child needs support that the school doesnt provide, you dont want him/her there. 5.Dont try to impress the admissions office. NY area schools are inundated with families who try to impress them. Communicate about your child authentically. Admissions officers are very savvy and can pick up on platitudes a mile away. Schools are looking for families who genuinely care about placing their child in the right environment and who will be a positive addition to the school. 6.Ask for examples. If you want to know how the first grade handles children who are behind or ahead in reading, ask for examples of how children at both ends of the spectrum have been handled so you can get a sense of their ability to meet individual needs. If you want to know how a painfully shy child will be accommodated, dont hesitate to share your concern and ask how they have worked with children like yours in the past. 7.Drill down. If your child is an athlete, dont just ask about the content of the schools athletic program and its facilities. Find out whether the intent of the coach is to win at all costs or whether every child can play on the team. Which matches your child and your philosophy? 8.Limit your questions about college acceptances. You have no way of knowing what determined prior students acceptances. Were parents legacies or donors? Did the class include a large number of student athletes? Previous acceptances reflect more than you see on the surface and will not necessarily apply to your child. Instead, ask about the kind of support you and your child will receive when going through the college process. Besides providing you with information that is more likely to be relevant, it will be refreshing to the admissions team. Think about your childs education as an end in itself rather than a means to an end. If your child is happy at school, does well, and participates fully, s/he will get into a good college. Your childs school years are a once in a lifetime opportunity. Choose a school that will teach him or her to be all s/he can be and the rest will fall into place. VisitSchool Choice Internationalfor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Teaching Struggling Students

Teaching Struggling Students What Can a Tutor Do for Students who are Struggling at School? ChaptersHow Do You Recognise When a Student is Struggling?The Teacher or Tutor’s Role for Struggling StudentsDealing with Struggling Students on Their OwnSeeing the Future as an Opportunity for Struggling Students“A good teacher must be able to put himself in the place of those who find learning hard.” - Eliphas LeviAnyone, even seemingly gifted students, can struggle at school, even with good teachers and the right resources. On the other hand, once a student starts missing school, falling behind, or failing their exams, it’s a slippery slope. At the worst, this can result in a child leaving school with absolutely no qualifications.There are thousands of teenagers in the UK leaving obligatory schooling without a single GCSE to show for it. This can make you doubt the ability of education in the UK to actually educate younger generations.So how can a private tutor help students avoid this worst-case-scenario?This is the question we’re going to look at over the course of thi s article. Here are our tips and advice on how to teach using effective teaching strategies and engage with struggling students. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1 st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Do You Recognise When a Student is Struggling?Last year, over 7,000 students left schooling without any GCSEs. Of course, there are many reasons for this figure, but those who could have left with GCSEs are those that we’re interested in at the moment. There’s a strong link between your performance at school and your later career.Whether young or old, school can be difficult for children of all ages. (Source: picjumbo_com)A struggling student, most of the time, is a student who isn’t interested in their results at school, going to university, or working a skilled job in the future. However, in a lot of cases, this might just be down to a lack of confidence and a belief that they’re unable to do anything academically.The teacher’s job is to make sure that the student doesn’t feel abandoned at school or develop a negative image of their own abilities and future. A struggling student is also a student who isn’t working to their full potential and it’s the teacher’s job to help get the most out of them. Simply put, they need to adopt the pedagogy for the student.A struggling student may be one who must work against dyslexia...As we know, students in school generally study GCSEs when they’re 16 and have the option to study their A Levels at a sixth form or college before going onto study a degree in a subject they’re interested in. A struggling student won’t see this as feasible for them and might even refuse academic support as they see themselves as a lost cause.The Teacher or Tutor’s Role for Struggling StudentsA teacher teaches more than just a given subject. They also give students the tools they need to become better learners. There’s also a psychological aspect to teaching where the teacher needs to manage students’ in order to stop them from failing. Failing at school can happen to the best of students and it’s not the end of the world.As a teacher, you undoubtedly encounter difficult moments. (Source: TeroVesalainen)The student needs to be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden. After all, this should be the main reason why they became a teacher, to help students realise their potential. If they can’t help young talent achieve their best, they shouldn’t be a teacher.Of course, they need to adopt the right teaching approach, listen to the student, and make them aware of how important their schooling is in terms of their future career and their quality of life.Helping struggling stu dents is a challenge that all countries face and ours is no exception and it can happen at any moment throughout a student’s time at school. There’s also a lot of prejudice towards struggling students and we need to be encouraging students rather than putting them down.This type of bullying makes it difficult for students with autism to learn...The tutor also needs to highlight a student’s talents, their potential, and their good results. In short, success is a good thing and it needs to be mentioned, commended and used to motivate students so that they know when they’ve achieved something. It doesn’t matter whether this achievement is artistic, literary, or sporting, anything can make a student feel more capable.Dealing with Struggling Students on Their OwnStruggling students are just like any other student and they’re also not. Of course, they’re not necessarily a detriment to their classmates but their attitude might become a problem and have a negative influence on the class as a whole.A teacher needs to be able to adapt to their students whether they're struggling or not. (Source: JESHOOTScom)They need to be made aware of their potential, that they’re gifted, intelligent, or that they can learn quickly. A few words of encouragement can go a long way to turning things around. A lot of children can struggle at school because they feel hopeless. They need to be given a chance to excel and have the feeling that they can.Being a teacher involves so much more than just transferring knowledge to students. A teacher needs to manage their students’ morale and adapt their teaching approaches to each class. When a child starts struggling, the most important thing is to make sure they don’t lose confidence in their own abilities, listen to them, and advise them on the best way to stop things getting worse.Students with dyspraxia are particularly at risk...Throughout a student's time at school, there are a number of hurdles that students need to ge t over. Teachers and tutors are there to help them over these hurdles, keep them on the right path, and make sure that they don’t give up before they reach the goal. Hopefully, this is resonating with the teachers out there.Seeing the Future as an Opportunity for Struggling StudentsPassing exams isn’t always easy. The higher the level you study, the more work you’re expected to put in. Degrees may seem like unobtainable pieces of paper to some students, but with a bit of work, support, and the help of a gifted teacher or tutor, even struggling students can achieve incredible results.Teaching is a noble and challenging profession. Make sure you make use of all the tools you have at your disposal. (Source: ArtisticOperations)A student needs to see their future as an opportunity to gain the qualifications they’ll need in order to get the job or career they want. They mightn’t get the same opportunities if they don’t have the right qualifications.  Thus, your job as a teache r or a tutor is to make them see that if they want a certain job or career, they’ll need to look at things positively and see that they’ll have the chance to achieve all this. A teacher needs to be there to help a student realise their ambition rather than feeling like they can’t do anything and leaving school without a single GSCE to their name, for example.As we all know, there are challenging times at school, something which a lot of struggling students will be all too familiar with. However, students need to look to the future and see it as their chance to work towards a career where they’ll fail, succeed, and everything in between.Struggling students are a teacher’s worst nightmare in terms of their job. However, they are also a teacher’s greatest challenge and opportunity. It’s up to them to change a student’s attitude towards learning, improve their results, and set them on the right path.They shouldn’t feel downhearted by the fact they have a struggling stu dent but rather see it as their chance to really change a young person’s life for the better. With the right approaches, teachers can perform miracles.A good educator will use a variety of teaching methods and instructional activities to teach the curriculum and engage their students in the learning experience. Their classroom needs to be a learning environment where each learner wants to be taught and demonstrate what they've learnt in a given discipline. Teaching and learning are different sides of the same coin and you can't have an effective teacher without students making the most of engaging lessons.Great teachers spend a lot of time preparing their lessons, working on their professional development, improving their classroom management, and considering how different teaching strategies work with different learning styles.Of course, for a school teacher, it might be difficult to find the time for all this preparation and it might also be difficult to encourage each student a s a large part of their job is being an administrator rather than a teacher. However, with enthusiasm and the right knowledge and skills, a teacher can inspire students and get the academic outcome they and their students deserve.Of course, all of the above advice is also true for private tutors who've been enlisted to help struggling students!

Diagram of Lungs Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace

Diagram of Lungs Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Lungs are a pair of pinkish to greyish, conical, spongy and elastic sacs. The lungs are located in the thoracic chamber which is formed dorsally by the vertebral column, ventrally by the sternum, laterally by the ribs, and on the lower side by the dome shaped diaphragm.Thier lower broad surfaces rest over the diaphragm. The latter also function as the floor of the thoracic cavity. Each lung is covered by two membranes or pleura, internal visceral pleura and outer parietal pleura. They form a fluid filled thin sac called pleural sac. The pleural sac protects the lungs from mechanical shock and injury, keeps the lung surface moist, and provides frictionless movements to the lungs. Thoracic cavity is air tight and the pleural sacs of the lungs are in contact with its inner lining. Lungs are lobular organs. The right lung has three lobes namely a superior lobe, a middle lobe and an inferior lobe. The left lungs have two lobes, namely a superior lobe and an inferior lobe. Each lobe is formed of many small lobules. A bronchiole along with its branches and alveoli collectively form a lobule. So, each lobule has many infundibula. Each infundibulum consists of a cluster of alveoli. Alveoli are the structural and functional units of the lungs, and are the centres of gas exchange. The branching network of bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli constitute the lung

Studying Chinese at A Level

Studying Chinese at A Level Get Ready for Your Chinese A Level ChaptersWhat You Should Know About the Chinese A LevelThe Parts of the A Level Chinese ExamUseful Chinese Expressions“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin FranklinIn the UK, Chinese is becoming an increasingly popular option for A Level students. More students than ever are looking eastwards and deciding to learn a language a little further from home than those traditionally learnt in British schools.In this article, we’ve taken the Cambridge International A Level as an example so  you should make sure you check the specifics of the exam you’re sitting. Additionally, we’ve used the 2019 version as a reference and this is subject to change each year. Again, make sure you’re up-to-date with the exam you’re sitting.With all that said, whether you’re doing AS Level Chinese, A Level Chinese, studying for the HSK, or a Chinese MOOC,  it’s important that you prepare as much as you can.In this article on Chinese exams, we're going to have a look at what you need to know about the exam itself, how you can prepare for it, what's involved in the exam, and some useful Chinese expressions to help you. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat You Should Know About the Chinese A LevelWhile the Chinese A Level isn’t a requirement for every Chinese degree course, it’s very useful to have and it won’t look bad on your application. Students who are serious about using Chinese in their future should consider taking it if they have the option.Reading and writing is an important part of A Level Chinese. (Source: bukejiuyao)An A Level in Chinese is the equivalent to a B2 in the language according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At this level, you’re expected to understand texts on concrete and abstract topics.Candidates also need to be able to interact with a degree of fluency without too much trouble for either speaker of the language.Finally, they'll also need to be able to produce clear texts on a variety of subjects and express their views on topics while providing the advantages and disadvantages.The Parts of the A Level Chinese ExamSo what exactly are you supposed to do in Chinese A Level exams?Are you familiar with different aspects of Chinese culture? (Source: iirliinnaa)Firstly, don’t stay up all night stressing about it. Everyone is in the same boat.You need to relax and wait for your exam to begin. Do your best to relax. A lot of students try to cram a tiny bit more of information into their heads at this point. However, this can just make you more stressed. You have to see what works for you.Make sure you’ve got everything you need for the exam. It’s a good idea to prepare all of this the night before. You don’t want to be running around looking for something on the day of the exam.Component 2: Reading and WritingThis exam lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and will count for 70 marks. The student will be given a couple of Chinese texts which cover similar topics. You’ll have some specific and general questions on your comprehension of the text and will be required to either provide a summary or comparison of the texts.The texts will be fairly recent (from within the last 20 years). Keep in mind that both questions and answers will be in Chinese. Around a quarter of your marks on this paper are for the quality of the language used whereas the rest if for content and, in the last question, your personal response.The very last task r equires you to write about 200 characters and use information ascertained from both the texts provided.Component 3: EssayThis component accounts for 40 marks and lasts an hour and a half. The student will be given a choice of 5 questions from a pre-published list of exam topics.  You then have to write 250-400 characters for the task. In this component, 24 marks are allocated to the quality of the language used and 16 for the content of your answer. This is somewhat different to the previous component where the focus was more on content than the quality of language.So what kind of topics are there?For example, the Cambridge International A Level Chinese topics for 2019 will include Human relationships, law and order, work and leisure, war and peace, and pollution.Component 4: TextsThe fourth component lasts 2 and a half hours and has a total of 75 marks available. You’re given a choice of questions to choose from and you must answer three. The list includes two sections and of you r three questions, at least one text from each must be chosen.The total marks available for each question is 25 and you’re expected to write between 600 and 800 characters for each answer. Be careful not to go over the character limit as you’ll limit the maximum number of marks you can get. Our best advice is to follow the instructions on your paper.How Do You Prepare for a Chinese Exam?If you’re studying at a sixth form or college, your teachers should have given you all the information you’ll need about the date and time of your exam.Have you considered visiting China to improve your Chinese? (Source: jplenio)Keep in mind that nobody’s trying to take marks off you and every question is an opportunity for you to gain marks.It can be stressful knowing that your results hinge on a certain exam or component. However, if you’ve adequately prepared, you should have nothing to worry about. There won’t be any huge surprises on the day.If you’ve studied Chinese for a while or put the effort in, you’ll probably be more than prepared for the exams. If you are worried about your exams, you might want to consider getting in touch with a private Chinese tutor to help you to prepare. They’ll be able to help you to focus on anything you’re struggling with or revise for a particular part of the exam that you’re stressing over.There are also organisations offering Chinese classes that you may want to attend to keep your Chinese sharp. While these won’t necessarily focus on the Chinese needed for the A Levels, they can be good for improving your linguistic abilities.  As the date nears, make sure you revise regularly and have everything you need.It may sound foolish, but don’t forget your stationery. You don’t want to be looking for pens.  Check with your teacher for what you’ll need on the day. Some places will require you to bring ID, for example.Before you start the exam, take the time to relax. I’ve always thought it’s better to relax be fore an exam than to panic over what you don’t know. Additionally, don’t stress after the exam as there’s nothing you can do about it!Make sure you read all the instructions and questions carefully and check your answers before you finish. You don’t want to miss out on a few marks over a silly mistake.While it might be difficult, try to get a good night’s sleep before the exam, too. It may sound difficult, but don’t stay up all night trying to study. You can study the night before, but don’t stay up late!Useful Chinese ExpressionsIf you’ve not started your A Level yet, we’ve got some useful expressions to get you started in Chinese. Whether you want to practise them or are just too excited to start learn Mandarin London, these are some good phrases to know.Remember to stay calm! (Source: kaboompics)They’re useful in a variety of situations.???! Duì bu qi!I’m sorry!????! Bù hao yìsi!Sorry!???????? Zhè gè zì wo bùhuì niàn. I can’t read this word/charac ter.??????????? Wo ting bù dong. Qing zài shuo yi biàn. I don’t understand. Please say it again.????????????? Zhè gè wèntí wo bù zhidào zenme huídá. I don’t know how to answer this question.Looking for other words?Check out some of the best Chinese dictionaries.If you do need additional help, there are 3 main types of private tuition you can get from the private tutors on Superprof: one-to-one private tutorials, group tutorials, and online tutorials.One-to-one private tutorials will take place with just the tutor and the student. These are the most effective types of private tutorials but they're also usually the most expensive.Group tutorials are usually cheaper because the tutor charges multiple students at once and can offer more competitive rates. While more affordable, the students won't get as much personalised attention from their tutor.Finally, online tutorials take place with the student and tutor sat at their respective computers. Thanks to the internet, web cams, microphones, and video conferencing software like Skype, the tutor can teach students anywhere in the world. Since the tutor doesn't have to travel, they can charge less than they would for the other types of private tutorials.It's up to you to choose the option that works best for you and your budget!

Tutorfair in National Science and Engineering Week

Tutorfair in National Science and Engineering Week Tutorfair has been very excited to take part in National Science and Engineering week.  It has prompted us to reflect on the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) in the modern world. Forty years ago, there were no mobile phones in sight, yet now they are everywhere and most people own one. We live in a world with groovy gadgets, transport to almost anywhere and medical advances finding more and more treatments for life-threatening diseases. All of these would not be around without science, maths, technology and engineering. These subjects enable innovation that is crucial for the future! Yet, as our tutors have discovered, science and maths are subjects which children often struggle with at school. Of all subjects, tutors are required the most for maths and science. Why is that? Perhaps it has something to do with Dr Carol Dweck’s concept of a fixed mindset where people believe that traits and talents come naturally rather than being cultivated over time (a growth mindset). The phrase ‘I’m not a maths person’ often pops up because it provides this sense of relief to students and almost gives them permission not to try because they are bound to fail anyway. This is what a tutor tries to overcome. Tutors provide students with the confidence to cultivate a love of learning to show that actually, when a student puts in the effort, great achievements are possible! A tutor can also explain the connections showing how these subjects can be applied to the real world. That’s why, in celebration of National Science and Engineering week, we have held three events named ‘STEM Special Meet and Greet’ to encourage more enthusiasts in STEM subjects to become tutors. These great people realise how powerful STEM is in education and are keen to pass on their enthusiasm to others. So why do they love STEM? Tim, a physics undergraduate, loves science because “it’s amazing to understand why and how things happen in the world we live.” Aastha, a postgraduate studying dentistry surgery, added that science is fantastic because “it’s made up of logic and is happening all around you”. And Jasmine, a  maths undergraduate, made us all laugh with her pragmatism: “without maths, how would you calculate discounts? It’s vital for shopping!” Junas, a science teacher added this thoughtful remark: maths is “a universal language. Wherever you go 2+2 will have the same answer.” Junas also runs a STEM after school club for year 8 pupils to help inspire curiosity in these subjects. The sessions link STEM subjects together to show students the bigger picture. Junas loves running these sessions because they have “an impact on students’ actions in life and make them independent.” We also went to an Edtech Investor Speed-Date (in association with NESTA, EdMix and Emerge) giving technological innovators the opportunity to pitch their ideas for improving STEM education to industry experts and investors. One particularly inspiring company was Itis3d which provides 3D printing workshops in schools. We held two Careers and Pathways Workshops for sixth-formers at a London Secondary School, bringing in speakers in the medical and engineering professions to explain why they chose their career and how they got there. Moreover, we were very lucky on Tuesday to have a special treat visit from the expert maths and science author Simon Singh, who shared his vision to inspire young people in STEM. See our interview with him here to find out more. We’ve certainly had a Eureka week! We need to excite the future generation about science, maths, technology and engineering; these subjects are fun as well as importnt! Professionals in STEM careers can transform the world â€" solving complex problems of today such as climate change, world hunger and inter-dependent world economy! STEM inspires innovation and this is why it is imperative to enthuse the young generation about its importance and its relevance to our everyday lives. If you or your child needs help with any of the STEM subjects then please visit the Tutorfair website and book a private chemistry tutor, private biology tutor, private physics tutor, private general science tutor or even a private maths tutor to come to your house. Frank I    - Passionate about science with over 2,599 hours of experience. Subjects include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Tasmin B  - Passionate about her subjects and loves sharing that with her students. Subjects include Maths and Chemistry Tony D  - Experienced tutor creates an appetite for learning. Subjects include Maths, Science and Computing

What are sentence length and sentence variance

What are sentence length and sentence variance Conversational sentences tend to be short. In fiction, sentences are on average about 20 words long. In academic writing, they are about 40 words long. Whether you write fiction or academic prose, you will still want to vary the length of your sentences. Heres why. This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. Its like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Gary Provost 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing These sentences have the same number of words. Low sentence length variability Vary the number of words per sentence for more dynamic writing Listen what happens when we add sentences of varying lengths. This sentence has 5 words This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. Its like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the symbols â€" sounds that say listen to this, it is important. Gary Provost 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing Sentence colorization High sentence length variability Sentence Checker The Virtual Writing Tutor sentence checker checks the length of your sentences and the variance. The sentence colorization feature helps you to see where your paragraph lacks variability. Use it to help you add greater variability to your sentences and make your writing more dynamic. Or go here for a simple word counter. Please follow and like us:

How Can You Help Your Lack Of Sleep

How Can You Help Your Lack Of Sleep Photo Via: http://cdn1.theodysseyonline.com Insomnia is a major issue for many human beings, but while your first instinct might be to grab some pills and call it a day, many doctors are now advising individuals that pills often have dangerous side effects, so counseling might be a better alternative. In fact, counseling often does work, though the stigma that goes along with it prompts many to avoid it. According to Dr. Wayne Riley, the president of the American College of Physicians, “The evidence is quite strong that cognitive behavioral therapy is effective. It works. It’s long-lasting and it has the potential to decrease cost to the health care system.” After looking at research on insomnia by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Riley said, “We looked at 10 years of very strong research studies that looked at the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy and other interventions in terms of improving sleep for patients who have chronic insomnia.” According to NBC news, “Between 6 percent and 10 percent of U.S. adults have insomnia serious enough to be considered a clinical disorder.” And according to Dr. Amir Qaseem, “Insomnia is more common in women and older adults and can occur independently or be caused by another disease. People with the disorder often experience fatigue, poor cognitive function, mood disturbance, and distress or interference with personal functioning.” And while sleeping pills are a seemingly positive fix, the opposite might actually be true. They actually carry risks along with them. Pills as common as Ambien and Restoril could actually double your risk of getting in a car crash. Why? According to the FDA, these drugs actually remain in the bloodstream at very high levels, so high that they can interfere with your morning commute. The FDA has since required makers to lower the recommended doses, but this doesn’t fix the problem, especially if users aren’t adhering to the recommended dose. According to Riley, “Americans do tend to be over medicated for sleep. That’s why there’s a significant cost to the healthcare system. But also the potential side-effects of sleep medications are underestimated.” http://youtube.com On top of these, there isn’t even conclusive evidence as to whether or not these drugs are actually helping people sleep. And for those that think tea is an alternative, there’s little evidence suggesting these alternative therapies are useful. Therapy, however, is proven to work. According to Riley, “Cognitive behavior therapy at the beginning is hard to do but once you get through the initial phase it’s lifelong. It’s durable.” One of the biggest reveals of this study though is that the importance of therapy stems from overthinking when it comes time to go to sleep. According to Riley, “Cognitive behavioral therapy will give you the tools and the techniques and little tricks to sort of say between 5 and 8 p.m. I’m going to have all my worries on the table here. I’m going to worry about my kids dental appointment tomorrow or the big project at work but at about 9 o’clock, I’m going to set that aside and I’m going to relax and release and think about a nice beach scene somewhere or something that will put me in the mood that will be more conducive for sleep.” This study doesn’t just tell you that bedtime is time to put away your worries, but also your electronics. Not just because they are distracting, but also because smart phones and tablets, TVs and even computer screens can actually disrupt your normal sleep patterns. The full study gives guidelines for individuals to follow when it comes to going to bed, but simple things like turning off electronics and unwinding with a book to avoid stressing about your day go a long way, and you might just get some extra, much needed, sleep.

Choosing your destination

Choosing your destination By Thiago SilvaSo you decided to step out of your comfort zone and explore other cultures while teaching English - now where should you start? While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, there are a few steps you can take to make your search more effective.One of the first things you should do is assess your qualifications. Do you have a university degree? Have you taken a TESL certification course? Have you ever taught English? Maybe you have volunteer experience at a summer camp, for example, and that experience can strengthen your application if you are applying to teach kids. Once you have listed all your qualifications, it’s time to look for positions that match them.“I got in contact with a couple of teachers who'd done the Teach Away program and they gave me some advice on accommodation and cost of living”, Tom said.Tom Eminson, a Teach Away teacher in Vietnam, said that his research started after hearing good things about teaching in Vietnam from other tea chers.This exchange of information- and expectations- is the best way to evaluate whether you will like the way of life in a given destination. Take a look at the Teach Away Community page to learn more about your chosen country by chatting with the teachers who are already there.Mackenzie Soper, a Teach Away teacher Abu Dhabi, writes a blog about her experience living and teaching in the Middle East, and is a great resource for teachers who are considering applying for a job in the UAE.Whatever exotic location you choose, the invaluable international teaching experience will not only boost your resumé, but also your personal growth. Pack your bags and embrace the world!Thiago Silva is the  Teach Away  blogger.