College Search Tip Narrow Down Your Application Choices

College Search Tip Narrow Down Your Application Choices What is a search without knowing what youre searching for? Sure, you are searching for the right college to attend, but how can you really make that selection if you dont know exactly what it is you want? You've been working with that ACT tutor and perfecting your GPA - but additionally, no college search should commence without a precise understanding of the kind of experience youre looking for. The details are infinite and require a lot of attention. Applying to a bunch of schools just because you feel like you should is not a fruitful plan, because just knowing that you want to go to college is not enough. It is not enough for your future and is certainly not enough for a worthy selection of applications choices. Moreover, the ultimate way to land on a worthy selection of application choices is to learn how to rule out certain options. This college search is a long and important process; you dont have time to waste on schools that you wouldnt really be happy attending or dont legitimately want to go to. While it is smart to put together a wide collection of schools you are interested in at the very beginning, you must weed out the less fulfilling options as soon as possible. Do this by going through the different aspects of the college experience that make up a school. Identify one by one what you want out of each particular aspect and once you have determined them successfully, you can see how they apply to your wide, initial selection of applications. You may also want to check out this college search tip on how to keep and use a calendar. The various elements you should evaluate are: Distance from home: Are you okay with being hundreds of miles away from your family? Or do you need the safe comfort of your parents being just a short, safe drive away? Think hard about this because it will be one thing you definitely cant undo once you move away. If you easily get homesick and are already nervous about living on your own, try to keep your selection of schools in a close radius. On the other hand, if you want nothing more than to get out of your hometown and be somewhere completely different, exploring colleges on the other side of the country could be great for you. If a school doesnt match the criteria you set in this category, it can easily be pushed aside. Programs offered: Think about what youd like to study and double-check that every school youre applying to offers a good program for it. Never assume that all schools teach everything. Especially if your field of study is a little more off the beaten path, it would be wise to thoroughly go through the course catalogs and lists of available majors, just to be sure your intellectual curiosity can be satisfied. No student should have to settle for a field of study theyre not crazy about just because their first choice wasnt offered. If a school does not provide sufficient learning opportunities for your intended major, move on. Clubs available: Colleges are widely known for having an insane amount of clubs/organizations on campus. In fact, youre likely to be overwhelmed with the things offered that you never saw at your high school. However, maybe an extracurricular from high school was really important to you and it would be painful to give up your regular schedule with it. This activity will probably be available at most of the colleges youre looking at, but it may not be as prominent. For instance, it may not be as popular in a particular city or type of university. It may not receive a lot of funding or get participation in a lot of events. If you see this exhibited at a certain college and the thought of it makes you unhappy, cut that school out and find ones that do give your activity the attention you believe it deserves. Furthermore, if you never really hooked onto any extracurriculars in high school, go through these club lists at your various college options and see which places have organizations that jump out at you. Joining groups like these is one of the best ways to meet people and get acclimated in college, so do not lessen its importance. You may also want to take a look at these tips on how to choose your extracurricular activities. Transportation: Are you bringing your car to college? Make sure the parking situation isnt a nightmare and make sure you can afford it. Find out which schools require freshmen to park in a lot that is four bus rides away, or which schools reside in towns with especially unsafe street parking. Maybe youre not bringing a car and this isnt an issue, but are you bringing a bike as many college students do? Check to see if the campus is too hilly or if bikes get stolen a lot. Finally, examine the public transportation those schools offer in general and determine how effective the systems are. Take note if bus routes confuse you or if walking everywhere drives you crazy. These are things to consider when eliminating schools due to the transportation aspect. Student body size: Some students get intimidated by large schools, some get bored out of their minds by small schools. Which category do you fit in? Perhaps youre like most people and are a mix between the two. In that case, medium-sized schools work, too. All in all, school size makes a huge impact on a specific college experience, so pay attention to it and decide what atmosphere you want before you apply to a place with a student body that will frighten you. By answering what you want about the most basic elements of college, youll have a much easier time narrowing down your choices. Decide on the things that are most important to you that you just cant live without and watch how they so simply factor into your choices. Having only the best schools (for you personally) to choose from when going into application mode will start to seem a lot more possible.

Online Slope Finder Tutors

Online Slope Finder Tutors Slope is found by the change of y axis co-ordinates over the change in x axis co-ordinates. Slope of a straight line gives the orientation of the line with respect to the co-ordinate axes. Slope is defined as rise over run. The slope of a line is the same for all the points on the straight line. The slope of the line is used in different formulas such as slope intercept form, slope point form etc. which help in writing the equation of the straight lines. Example 1: Find the slope of the straight line passing through the two points (5, 2) and (0, - 3)? Solution: Given are the two points (5, 2) and (0, - 3) from a straight line. Slope = change in y coordinates / change in the x coordinates. Here for the given two points slope = (-3 (2)) / (0 (5)) = -5/ -5. Slope = 5/5. Simplifying, slope = 1/1 Hence slope of the straight line passing through the given points = 1. Example 2: Find the slope of the straight line passing through the two points (10, -3) and (6, 4)? Solution: Given are the two points (10, -3) and (6, 4) from a straight line. Slope = change in y coordinates / change in the x coordinates. Here for the given two points slope = (4 (-3)) / (6 (10)) = 4 + 3 / 6 - 10. Slope = 7/-4. Simplifying slope = -7/4. Hence slope of the straight line passing through the given points = -7/4.

Online Math Tutor Help Get Incredible Online Math Tutor Help Now

Online Math Tutor Help Get Incredible Online Math Tutor Help Now 0SHARESShare Ever felt problems in solving technical mathematical questions? Ever felt that even after prolonged efforts and continuous trial, you are still not mastering the subject? Well, it happens many times, math is a subject which needs a good tutor to teach and make you understand the subject matter. For this the online math tutor help is always there for your support. It is often noted that one of the topics that often bug the students is ‘radical expressions’. It is the portion of math which includes roots. The addition and subtraction of roots; could be of square roots, cube roots etc.  It can be learnt easily only when you understand the basics of radical expression. Just like BODMAS, add and subtract rational expression can also be used to solve the complicated equations in a simplified manner. The online math tutor help is available all day round. Problems related to how to multiply radical expression and how to divide rational expression makes the base of solving problems. In fact, Multiplication and division of rational expressions may sound difficult, but eventually becomes easier when learnt in the correct manner. At Tutor Pace, you can learn all the above methods of solving the problem and also  rationalizing  denominators of radical expressions. The  rationalizing  process takes place and gives the answer using the various elements of multiplication, division etc. Tutor Pace helps you to use special  teaching tools of online white board, fresh course contents, latest illustrations and online video calls. The logarithm and exponential topic is also being taught by Tutor Pace to clearly teach the variables and numerals and make you reach the correct answer in the shortest time. The online math tutorials teach you in the best possible manner. So, stop learning with the old ways and roll up with Tutor Pace to guide you in the best manner!   [starbox id=admin]

What Are the Best Drum Kits to Buy

What Are the Best Drum Kits to Buy Buying the Best Drum Kit for the Money ChaptersFactors to Consider when Considering Your KitEntry Level Drum KitsMid-Range Priced KitsElectronic Drum SetsSo far, you’ve had six months of drum lessons and you practise on your drum pad every day.Your drum teacher feels you have proven your commitment to playing the drums and suggests you get a kit of your own to work on between sessions.Those who have never sat on a drum throne or skimmed brushes on a snare might equate the elation you must have felt at that declaration as akin to their obtaining their first ever driving license.But you... you’ve no doubt given a lot of thought to what you want in a drum set: the configuration, the colour and what type of wood the shells should be, how many cymbals and the make and model of each...Before you go licking your chops at that Vintage Gretsch Catalina Maple â€" by some testimonials one of the finest kits you could own, let your Superprof give you some food for thought before presenting drum sets that might also suit your styl e.A standard kit is rather large in size; do you have room for all of those drums? Source: Pixabay Credit: Artistic Operationslifter, a tom holder and a stand for your floor tom.You will have to buy your own cymbals, booms and stands, as well as sticks and throne. You may want to replace the stock Remo heads too, depending on the sound you are going for.However, considering the price of £409, you really couldn’t do much better for an entry-level set of drums!You even get to choose between four colours!Mid-Range Priced KitsIf you have a bit more cash on hand â€" or have a few gigs lined up and know you can pay off your new drum set relatively quickly, you may consider spending a bit more and getting a bit more drum for your money.Do you know all about the different types of drums?Pearl Export SeriesIn a slightly higher price bracket, this series also features a complete kit that includes, believe it or not, Sabian cymbals!Specifically, a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal and a pair of 1 6-inch hi-hats, all with their own stands.However, you’d best have your own sticks, as there are none included with this kit.Find out which drum sticks would serve you best.All hardware, from the drum key to the kick drum pedal, is included.This drum set’s beguiling sound comes from the blend of poplar and Asian mahogany used in its construction, and even the drum heads sound good (when properly tuned).You might treat yourself to this kit for only £689.You could also treat yourself to drum lessons London or in Manchester with Superprof!PDP Main StagePDP has an excellent reputation; you may have read glowing reviews in any drummer forum or magazine, especially of their snare drums.Like the Pearl series already mentioned, these Fusion configuration shells are made of poplar with a 45-degree  bearing edge, and also features Remo heads.Although this kit comes complete with booms and stands for cymbals, you will have to furnish said cymbals yourself. All other hardware and a drum st ool are provided.The entire kit could be yours for just under £700.As we’ve highlighted entry-level and mid-priced kits so far, standard progression dictates that we should feature very expensive kits next, such as that previously mentioned Timeless Timber set, which retails for thousands of dollars.Even though that is perhaps the finest kit available, listing it and others like it defeats the purpose of helping you find a suitable kit before your next gig.To that end, we’ll look at electric drums, next.Find out what else you should know before you invest in your drum kit...If you and your drums are on the road a lot, you may prefer a more lightweight set up, like these electric drums! Source: Pixabay Credit: StockSnapElectronic Drum SetsIf you live in a flat and worry that your neighbours won’t appreciate your acoustic displays of rhythm, you may be best served by such a kit.The Ion Audio Redline drums set comes complete with hi-hat and kick pedals, a four-post, adjustable-h eight stand and an easy-to-use control module. Even the headphones and sticks are included!Did you know you could simply plug headphones into an electric drum kit module to mute the drums altogether?  Naturally, the most important feature of electronic drums is the module which, in this case, comes pre-loaded with over 200 sound ranges: whether you rock out or get your hip-hop on, you will find these drums responsive.And you will be eager too, once you discover this kit’s price of only £173!If you are already scoring gigs and want more of a sedate-looking set to put the focus on your music, you might prefer the Alesis Nitro Kit.This kit more resembles the acoustic drum setup, with the floor toms to the side, the snare prominent by the throne and the cymbals in their usual place.You have your choice of rubber pads, which other drummers report as most dynamic, or you could go for the less expensive mesh pads.You will have to buy sticks and a drum stool if you don’t already have t hem. Other than that, you will be ready to play within minutes of unpacking and assembling this kit!We'll now let you get to it! Let us know how you get on, won’t you?Now join the discussion: how much should one plan to spend on their drum set for every level of playing?

A Guide to Reviewing MCAT Practice Exams

A Guide to Reviewing MCAT Practice Exams MCAT Medical School Admissions When studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), most students tend to focus on studying through content review and reading preparation books. However, an essential method for preparing for this exam is taking numerous practice tests to prepare for the format as well as the arduous length of the exam. A critical portion of this practice is to effectively review exams in order to assess strengths and weaknesses in both content and testing strategies. Below we will discuss tips to optimizing your practice exams and strategies for reviewing them. Track exams on a spreadsheet Just as an athlete tracks their progress in training, a student should track their progress on practice MCAT exams. This tracking can be as simple as recording the composite and section scores in an excel sheet or it can be more complex. Students may record scores and progress by breaking down their performance in various content areas, timing, and other factors. It is truly up to the student as to how they mark their progress. However, most students tend to benefit from tracking more factors and analyzing their progress in terms of timing and content areas. Recording progress also prevents students from accidentally retaking the same test. It also allows them to notice overall trends in exams from different companies and in their performance over time. Overall, this process gives students a definitive way to measure progress and decide if they are meeting their goals. Review content weaknesses by section After completing a practice exam and recording scores, students typically benefit most from looking an analysis of scoring in different content areas. Most test preparation companies will include this feature in their practice exams. A detailed review of percentage correct in content areas gives students an idea of what areas within each section they are struggling with. Ideally students should make note of these areas and target them for review in the weeks prior to their next practice exam in order to see if poor scoring is due to content weakness or a strategy issue. Content weakness is typically resolved through additional studying, whereas strategy can be developed from encountering the topic through additional practice problems and passages. Review the test question by question While it is tempting to review only questions that were marked as incorrect, a great deal of learning can occur through reviewing an entire MCAT test. Some answers to questions may have been guesses or correctly answered but with the wrong application of concept knowledge. This can cause incorrect answers on similar questions later if not identified and corrected. Furthermore, reviewing correct answers reinforces material and serves as a quick review over a large amount of content. Reviewing every question on a practice exam is essential to large improvements to scores and scoring in the higher percentile ranges of the MCAT. Take notes In addition to reviewing the exam, students should be making notes on content to review. Whether they are notes inserted directly into their review books, personal written notes, or a separate Microsoft word document, they should be easily accessible for review. These notes should be reviewed within a week of taking the practice exam to reinforce the concepts they struggled with. In addition, these can serve as last minute study resources prior to their official test date. This allows students to recall topics they continually struggled with and gives them one last chance to review them prior to their exam. Evaluate your performance Finally, students should develop a method of self-evaluation on performance. Some students choose to rate their performance prior to seeing their score report and compare that with their scores after. This allows students to develop a standard on how they perform on test day. Some students prefer to assess their performance only after reviewing the test in its entirety so that they can decide whether their score is a matter of content weakness, timing, or strategy. Be wary of the second method, as students tend to be more generous in hindsight. It is easy to blame a low score on timing or changed answers. Students should make sure to hold themselves accountable and be honest with themselves in how they are performing on their practice exams. This practice is a good way to subjectively measure progress and assess preparedness for the exam. A final word of advice on practice exams… Practice exams are a great resource to prepare students for test day. Make sure as you approach test day, you do not overwhelm or exhaust yourself with too many practice exams. The week prior to your exam should be a rest week where you review notes and old exams but do not take any new tests. This rest is vital to refreshing your brain prior to the exam. Make sure you take time to rest so that you perform well on your test! About the Author Jordan Salley is one of MyGuru's most accomplished MCAT tutors. Click here to learn more!

Eileen Huntington - Entrepreneur Magazines Women to Watch

Eileen Huntington - Entrepreneur Magazine's Women to Watch FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Eileen Huntington, Co-Founder and CEO of Huntington Learning Center, Profiled In Entrepreneur Magazines January 2015 Franchise 500 Issue Oradell, New Jersey December 29, 2014 Huntington Learning Center announces its co-founder and CEO, Eileen Huntington, named by Entrepreneur magazine, as one of three Women to Watch in 2015. The Entrepreneur profile documents Huntington Learning Centers rise to the top of the tutoring and test prep industry, and delves into Eileens leadership style of positivity and high expectations. Under Eileens leadership, Huntington Learning Center has climbed ten spots on Entrepreneurs annual Franchise 500 rankings due to the companys financial strength and stability, growth rate, system size, years in business and low startup costs. This is the eighth year ranked as a Franchise 500 company. Eileen and Ray Huntington opened the first Huntington Learning Center in 1977 when, as Eileen tells Entrepreneur at the time, there was no real tutoring industry there was no model to follow what do we have to lose? That grit and entrepreneurial spirit are the reasons why she is franchisings woman to watch. Today, Eileen, Ray and the entire Huntington team lead the #1 producing tutoring franchise, producing 50% more in revenue than their closest competitor. Huntingtons financial results are a direct result of student performance. In just three months, on average, Huntingtons tutoring students increase 1.2 grade levels in reading and 1 grade level in math. On average, Huntingtons test prep students increase 192 points on the SAT and 4.2 points on the ACT in just 2 months. Huntington began franchising in 1985 and now has over 260 locations across the United States. In 2013, the company changed its franchise model to lower its initial franchise fees. Now, individuals looking to take control of their lives and own their own business can become a franchisee for a total upfront investment of less than $100K. Huntington offers financing options, great flexibility, with part-time startup, and tremendous training and support. Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Eileen shares with Entrepreneur, Were working with children. When a child calls up and says, I got on the honor roll for the first time, you are just over the moon for that. This sums up what Huntington does; it changes lives and helps students achieve their academic goals. Fittingly, Entrepreneur rated the childrens businesses category as the fourth largest sector in its rankings. According to the magazine, From companies that offer preschoolers a head start to tutoring services that help high-schoolers boost SAT scores, franchises are earning high marks by supplementing the traditional education system. Huntington has been named a Top 20 Childrens Services and Education Franchise in Opportunity World magazine, an AllStar Franchise by AllBusiness, a Top 100 Franchise by the World Franchising Network and a Top 50 Franchise for Minorities by the National Minority Franchising Initiative. Huntington is nationally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Read the full 2015 Franchise 500 ranking at http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500/index.html. About Huntington Learning Center Huntington Learning Center is a tutoring and test prep leader with certified teachers providing individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. Huntington preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.The skills, confidence, and motivation developed by Huntington helps students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible.Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. Press Contact Laura Gehringer Director of Marketing and Advertising Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. 496 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, NJ 07649 Phone: 201 957 9431 Email: gehringerl@hlcmail.com

The Summer School Nightmare is Coming!

The Summer School Nightmare is Coming! There are so many things that are desired in a students life, but the beginning of summer vacation is not on the list. While summer may mean sun and relaxation to most students, you have to obey your parents and use the summer months to continue your education. Is there anything more awful? Summer classes are not at all your idea of the perfect way to spend your vacation time, and we all know that in the long run, you will never be happy that you did. Most students do not attend summer sessions (lucky losers), which means you will have smaller class size great for those with claustrophobia (it is not a fear of Santa Claus, it is a fear of closed spaces). And to become more terrifying â€" that means more individual attention and access to your teachers. Are you really so willing to get to know your professors and your campus better? Isnt that an extra burden for your poor brain, already stuffed with all those beautiful things like, sports, dances, movies, good food… They will try to seduce you with different programs and activities at school without having to fight the crowd that arrives in the fall â€" as if you care! But there is a ray of light among the darkness shorter summer session! Summer classes last just 8 weeks, which means you may complete courses in half the time of a regular semester. On the other hand â€" I promiseâ€" you will spend less time in regular classes! Less time surrounded by your wonderful classmates bulling you, less time in the school cafeteria, poisoning you with broccoli… Try to take classes on subjects you hate, because you will have more time for subjects you like during the regular sessions. The shorter summer session also means you can still enjoy a break before the fall semester begins. Summer courses maybe could help you graduate sooner. That is what THEY want you to believe! It was not enough getting up early for 9 months! No! You have to continue living that nightmare by taking classes, so you may earn credits towards the approximate 120 college units needed to graduate. That means that you will have fewer classes to take during the end of your college career â€" less time spent with your friends, making jokes about your annoying teachers; not to mention seeing the boring faces of your tutors, instead of taking in the sun outside. And the final drop taking classes in the summer will keep you in the habit of attending class, studying and completing assignments. Now it is all clear! They think you dont have a social life! They may imagine that you were born for studying and moving forward to success! How could they! And the music? And the FUN? Keeping yourself in the educational habit could mean a more successful semester in the fall, or a total ruin for your usual lazy life. It is your choice: become a studied, pale first in the class, or bronzed party star, repeating tedious subjects year after year, repeating the same class several times … The Summer School Nightmare is Coming! There are so many things that are desired in a students life, but the beginning of summer vacation is not on the list. While summer may mean sun and relaxation to most students, you have to obey your parents and use the summer months to continue your education. Is there anything more awful? Summer classes are not at all your idea of the perfect way to spend your vacation time, and we all know that in the long run, you will never be happy that you did. Most students do not attend summer sessions (lucky losers), which means you will have smaller class size great for those with claustrophobia (it is not a fear of Santa Claus, it is a fear of closed spaces). And to become more terrifying â€" that means more individual attention and access to your teachers. Are you really so willing to get to know your professors and your campus better? Isnt that an extra burden for your poor brain, already stuffed with all those beautiful things like, sports, dances, movies, good food… They will try to seduce you with different programs and activities at school without having to fight the crowd that arrives in the fall â€" as if you care! But there is a ray of light among the darkness shorter summer session! Summer classes last just 8 weeks, which means you may complete courses in half the time of a regular semester. On the other hand â€" I promiseâ€" you will spend less time in regular classes! Less time surrounded by your wonderful classmates bulling you, less time in the school cafeteria, poisoning you with broccoli… Try to take classes on subjects you hate, because you will have more time for subjects you like during the regular sessions. The shorter summer session also means you can still enjoy a break before the fall semester begins. Summer courses maybe could help you graduate sooner. That is what THEY want you to believe! It was not enough getting up early for 9 months! No! You have to continue living that nightmare by taking classes, so you may earn credits towards the approximate 120 college units needed to graduate. That means that you will have fewer classes to take during the end of your college career â€" less time spent with your friends, making jokes about your annoying teachers; not to mention seeing the boring faces of your tutors, instead of taking in the sun outside. And the final drop taking classes in the summer will keep you in the habit of attending class, studying and completing assignments. Now it is all clear! They think you dont have a social life! They may imagine that you were born for studying and moving forward to success! How could they! And the music? And the FUN? Keeping yourself in the educational habit could mean a more successful semester in the fall, or a total ruin for your usual lazy life. It is your choice: become a studied, pale first in the class, or bronzed party star, repeating tedious subjects year after year, repeating the same class several times …

Teaching English to Young Learners in Japan

Teaching English to Young Learners in Japan Ah, Japan. From carving up fresh-fallen powder in Honshu to dining on mind-blowing Nigiri, Sashimi, and Maki (I mean, it’s a sushi lover’s Mecca), Japan is a country rich in incredibly beautiful cultural anomalies and unique opportunities. Perhaps, what’s most exciting to the Teach Away team are the opportunities to teach English abroad in Japan to a most curious audience; the young learners. With a population of 126.9 million living in a geographic footprint 26 times smaller than the Canadian continent, the island of Japan is comprised primarily of native Japanese people. This has kept so much of its beautiful culture intact but has had the drawback of leaving it largely unfamiliar with the English language. Approximately 72% of Japanese people ages 20 to 49 suggest they cannot speak English or cannot speak it proficiently. It is, therefore, a country ripe with opportunity for certified ESL teachers looking to teach English in a spectacular setting where the population has a huge appetite for learning English, especially from a very young age. Learning English in Japan starts (very!) young Due to continued expansion and widespread adoption of English as a “global” language, it has become pretty common for non-English speaking countries to invest in teaching English (yay for Teach Away!) as a language within the core school curriculum. In Japan, foreign residents (i.e. non-Japanese people) make up only approximately 3.8% of the population, with more than half of those being from non-English speaking countries (such as Vietnam and China). So you can imagine that hearing any spoken English can be pretty rare! As a result, ensuring Japanese youth are learning English has become a key area of focus for the country, with children being introduced to ESL as early as nine months of age! These “Young Learners” present a unique and exciting opportunity for certified ESL teachers. The delight of seeing an infant clapping after using the right word would bring joy to the hearts of most people. Now imagine that as a part of your day-to-day job? So awesome! What’s great about teaching young learners in Japan? To start with, younger students learn incredibly fast, making it a really rewarding experience as a teacher to watch their progress. Not to mention, the enthusiasm for English from younger learners can be infectious. And the learning experience is super fun too, with teachers enjoying the crafts, games, and other activities just as much as their students. As well, Japan’s education system is changing in response to the ever-expanding global workplace and the technological advancements that continue to break down physical barriers. This means there are more opportunities than ever for certified English-speaking teachers who are keen to explore this great country while using their skills and talents. Teaching others (particularly little humans!) how to master a new language, especially one as challenging and highly nuanced as English, is an impressive strength. And it is now one that is deeply appreciated in Japan, where the government and education system understand that English plays a larger role in international collaboration. Of course, really excellent communication skills are a must when teaching English and especially to very young children. As a result, native English speaking teachers are in high-demand in Japan. Employing teachers from countries such as the U.S. and Canada gives kids exposure to a new language, but also to new ideas and perspectives. It’s a window into the world beyond the only world they know, at an age where their curiosity is at an all-time high. Teaching English to young learners in Japan is about more than just learning the language. For Japanese parents, it is about exposing their children to a global mindset, something that people all over the world can relate to and appreciate. What you will find as an English teacher to young learners is that most parents of these young learners are enthusiastic, supportive, and appreciative for the chance to engage their youngsters in English. This openness makes for a very active parent participant, supporting deeper learning and engagement in both the school and home spaces. What you need to know about teaching young learners in Japan? There are, of course (as in life!), many options when it comes to teaching young learners in Japan. There are traditional methods and schools, and there are alternatives. For example, there are a number of schools and programs that address young learners as one of many audiences, including teaching programs for adults and kids of all ages. There are also those that are entirely focused on teaching English to young learners and tend to have a more youth-centric focus (read: they’re pretty fun!). Not all programs are made the same One of these youth-focused organizations is Benesse BE studio Inc., which offers exciting English learning programs for children. BE studio currently operates over 1,700 schools across Japan, with over 2,000 teachers focusing on supporting young learners with their English skills. Teach Away had the chance to chat with Alex Barnes, Training and Quality Supervisor at BE studio. The North Carolina native has been teaching and working in Japan for many years, and with BE studio since Spring of 2018. He notes that when it comes to teaching for an organization like BE studio, “Teachers might have a lot of students but schools tend to be small, so a typical work environment is more personal and friendly than many large private conversation schools or public schools. We also have regular workshops to improve teaching skills, and because new and experienced teachers come to share ideas, it’s a very supportive environment.” Programs that focus on young learners also benefit from having more tailored programs and greater parent engagement, which leads to an active and collaborative learning environment. Invested parents create engaged kids! As any parent knows, the difference between how a two-year-old learns and a five-year-old learns is as vast as the geography that separates Canada and Japan. In certain settings and with certain young age groups, it can be challenging to manage expectations of excited parents ready to see their children thriving in a school environment. This is mostly because it can be very hard to show progress at such a young age. For example, a three-year-old flipping through an English book and identifying certain small things can seem irrelevant. However, if provided with enthusiastic praise, these young people can deepen their connections between what they learn verbally and what they see visually. BE studio encourages the use of praise and enthusiasm to ensure their lessons are less about tests and rewards, and more about fun and encouragement. Teachers create a classroom environment where students don’t have to worry about making mistakes and can just be themselves. Every child has a dream, and English can help them achieve that dream. At BE studio, teachers find opportunities to teach children English in a way that relates to their interests and also supports them on their journey toward their dreams. This really helps parents get excited and invested in supporting their kids in a natural way at home as well as at school. And of course, the more you practice, the better you get! It might be the most rewarding thing you ever do Teaching little kids is obviously not without its challenges. However, as Mr. Barnes suggests, “When you see the ‘oh, now I get it’ look on a student’s face, or a parent tells you their child had a conversation with foreign tourists last weekend, or a student is finally able to give an English speech in front of the class by themselves, it makes it all worth it.” Alex Barnes shares a story about his early days teaching with BE studio: “I once taught a boy who started lessons at two years old. At first, he didn’t speak much and only participated in activities when encouraged by his mother. However, we continued to make sure he had lots of English input, focusing on building his listening recognition skills until he became comfortable speaking. One day, he suddenly started singing half of the lyrics to the song we had been practicing the last few weeks. It was a huge relief for his parents, and he soon became the most talkative student in the class.” There is truly no greater service than that of a teacher and the reward of shaping young people’s futures. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Wondering how to get started? If you think this all sounds incredible and you’re wondering where to sign up, take a minute and give some thought to the following tips and hints to make sure that teaching English to young learners in Japan is, indeed, right up your alley. Tip 1: Ask yourself if teaching little kids is right for you Many students hesitate to speak English, usually due to a fear of making mistakes or having a negative “study” image of English as a school subject. Our friends at BE studio suggest that you offer encouragement to your students and focus on having both an educational and fun approach to your lessons. When asked about the best teachers at his organization, Mr. Barnes said: “Since BE studio is focused on teaching children, especially younger learners, the training and school atmosphere is very fun. Games, songs, and crafts are a big part of lessons, so teachers that enjoy these types of activities and enjoy teaching young children are the kind of people who work here.” He noted that bringing energy and having the ability to turn on a “fun switch” is pretty critical to success. Mr. Barnes also suggested that “while there is always a ‘lesson partner’ in the room for all preschool ages to help, [the teacher] is in charge of the class, so keeping the kids engaged is always necessary. It’s also important to remember that there are different kinds of energy and teaching styles needed for different age groups. Teaching six-year-olds can be drastically different from teaching three-year-olds. It’s a good idea to pay attention to the classroom environment and how it differs with each age group, in order to develop a sense of how to adjust teaching styles to different class levels.” Tip 2: Learn everything there is to know about teaching in Japan There is so much information out there on what you need to know that how prepared you are is entirely up to you. So do your research! First, make sure you have the necessary requirements to teach English in Japan. Next, find a few guides to teaching English in Japan and read them end to end. In fact, some of our very own Teach Away-ers have shared their favorite tips for teaching English in Japan. It’s also a great idea to really read up on Japanese culture and some unique experiences teaching ESL in Japan so that you can minimize culture shock and maximize excitement. Tip 3: Ensure you’re TEFL or TESOL certified There are a few things to know about getting TEFL, TESL, or TESOL certified. Fear not! We have covered most aspects and answered most questions on the Teach Away blog in the past few years. Teach Away also offers two TEFL programs with a couple of pretty notable Universities (oh hey! U of T OISE and I House Berkeley U!). Because we offer these programs, we know a thing or two about TEFL and have shared a bunch of it through our TEFL Certification Guide. Ultimately, how you get certified is entirely up to you, of course. But do make sure you do your homework so you have the right number of hours, certificates, and education before submitting an application to teach abroad to young learners in Japan. Tip 4: Find your dream job! There are so many outlets and agencies offering teaching abroad opportunities, but not as many that include opportunities to teach young learners in Japan. Teach Away’s job board is a great place to start! In particular, BE studio has recently posted an exciting job opportunity. As long as you are well versed in what is required, and have done your homework so you know what to expect, finding your dream job should be easy as making Maki (disclaimer: Making Maki is actually NOT easy. But eating it is delicious!). Tip 5: Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime Japan is a country where adventure abounds. And as anyone who has worked with young people before can tell you, every day is a new adventure and every moment is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and smile. We suggest making a list of the activities you’re most excited to learn more about because there is a lot to do and you’re going to want to pace yourself! From incredible food to wonderful festivals, such as Setsubun, Japan has much to explore and discover. Overall, we cannot imagine a more rewarding experience or a beautiful setting to put your English language skills to use. So the only question we have left is this: what are you waiting for?