Free Online Tutoring - Find the Best Tutor For Your Student

Free Online Tutoring - Find the Best Tutor For Your StudentFree online tutoring is available in many areas to provide instruction and education to the learners. But, not all of these courses are meant for the regular students of the college or university.Many of the tutorials are specifically designed for the beginners and the tutor will explain in detail about the tutorial. Some even have instructional videos, which you can play for yourself. This tutorial's are created with easy to understand and simple instructions for the learner to follow. There are also those that offer the students free teaching materials, but there is a monetary incentive for those who opt for the tutorials.Free online tutoring is provided to individuals and groups who want to become better and improve their knowledge base. This is also a great way for students to have access to some internet resources.If you want to take part in the online tutoring programs then you can search the Internet or try searching f or online tutoring online. You will come across many sites that offer free tutoring services. This is an ideal way for the learners to learn from other students and at the same time help them to better themselves. The great thing about the tutoring is that the students who enroll into it, receive a clear explanation on how they can benefit the tutors.People who love to learn will surely be interested in the free online tutoring. There are many students who prefer to learn through the internet instead of the traditional way. They just love to access the internet to explore other resources. Even in the case of the online tutoring services, the learners are taught how to use the computers and the internet to facilitate better communication and much more.The online tutoring provides lessons at the comfort of the learner's home and also the cost of the lessons is very affordable. The first thing that they need to do is to sign up with the tutoring service and then start paying a few doll ars as the fee. Once the charges are paid, the learner will get the access to the necessary materials required.The advantage of the online tutoring is that it is very affordable and also you do not need to worry about their response time. The schools or colleges of college or university will always provide the student with the course material and that too with minimum inconvenience.

Of Tubes and Tones The Only Guitar Tone Guide Youll Ever Need

Of Tubes and Tones The Only Guitar Tone Guide Youll Ever Need Sign up successful Guitar Tone Terms to Know Pitch:  Any note you pluck on the guitar is heard as a pitch, defined as the fundamental cycle-per-second sound vibration produced (typically  measured in units called Hertz or Hz). Say you played an A note on the 5th string open. The whole string vibrates at 110 cycles per second to produce the fundamental note its lowest vibration speed for the note that youre playing. That is the pitch of A that you hear. Overtone:  Your A string is also vibrating in halves, creating a sound thats called an overtone. This doubling of vibration speed produces the first overtone, heard at the same time one octave higher. Your A string vibrates in thirds as well three equal pieces, producing the second overtone. Even higher divisions of string vibration occur at the same time you pluck, and as the number of divisions goes higher, the less audible the sound of that overtone is. As a side note, understanding vibration speed explains why the first guitar string is called high E, even though its located lower (physically speaking) than the other strings. It is also why moving up the guitar neck is a sideways and downward movement. Timbre/Tone: Play that A string again, this time stop only that strings vibration. You will discover that the D string is also vibrating a little bit, because of the overtones contained in that fundamental A noted you plucked.  Youll hear it as A1, or the same note sounded as if the D string were plucked at the 19th fret. The human ear hears only the fundamental A as the defined pitch, but it hears those overtones as what is called  timbre or tone.  That allows us to hear which instrument or voice has sounded the fundamental note. Your ear takes in the sound of the fundamental note, plus all the overtones, then your brain recombines this information into a perception of tone. Bass:  A fundamental note contains energy that moves with a specific frequency, categorized into ranges, or bands, known as bass, middle and treble. Frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 300 Hz receive their regulation from your amplifiers bass control knob. Pluck your low E string, and adjust your bass knob from zero to 10. Then, perform the same experiment with your high E string, noticing that low E changes considerably, while the high E string doesnt. Thats because your high E string is tuned to a standard 329.63 Hz above the range for bass frequencies. Middle: The best frequency range for human hearing is the midrange: 300 to 4000 Hz. Most human vocal sounds are produced in this range, which explains why our hearing tunes in to sounds in this band of frequencies. This fact reveals one cool way you can help create sonic space for your bands singer, by omitting notes in your guitar chords that would crowd his or her midrange-frequency space. Note that most of our guitars fundamental range falls within the midrange, and we can set that control higher than our bass and treble. Treble: Finally, treble  encompasses sounds from 4000 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Remember our definition of tone? Sound vibrations known as overtones are generated by a string moving in halves, thirds and continuously smaller divisions, with audibility diminishing and disappearing after the seventh division. So, high-string riffs from above the 12th fret can have a consistent and dynamic level, great tone and well-balanced audibility, provided you keep the treble or presence knob on your amp from venturing far beyond the midpoint. The pain from hearing too much treble will let you know when to back off. Guitar Tone and Gear In order for you to gain confident knowledge of the guitar sound you want, its important to know the following descriptions of  tone controls, amplifiers, pickups and effects pedals. As you experiment with these sounds, be sure to listen to guitarists who have used these effects in their music. How Guitar Amps Effect Tone An amplifiers true tone needs to be measured at power inputs of at least 30% volume, and then measured again at 50% and beyond. The tone descriptions below follow those standards of measurement, and differences in tone between tube amps and solid state amps emerge only within those categories. Tube Amps:  Transformers on a tube amplifier provide a natural, high-frequency gate that keeps a guitarists high-note overtones in check, which is a desirable quality. When the amp warms up, and the transformer reaches a point of core saturation, tube amplifiers deliver a level of compression to the tone, evening out the dynamics of the guitar sound during performance. This reduces the chance of a note sounding like it was plucked too hard, too softly, or with an abrupt attack. It provides a more sustained dynamic level of loudness, another desirable quality for guitar tone. Fourth overtone harmonics are produced by tube amps, and the interval produced by this tone delivers more sustain to the fundamental note. For examples of tube amp sounds, listen to Deep Purples Smoke on the Water intro. You can also check out Stevie Ray Vaughan recordings, such as  Crossfire, Voodoo Child, and Pride and Joy.  Want to hear more? Try Steve Vai or Angus Youngs recordings. Solid State Amps:  The sharper sound wave generated by these amps provides for a more sudden attack portion of your tone. The overtone primarily produced by these amps, the 3rd harmonic, provides for a quicker decay of the sound. These characteristics lend themselves very well to a precise attack of each note an instant response. Listen to B.B. Kings King of the Blues solo for an example of a solid state amp sound. Or, check out guitar recordings from Andy Summers of The Police, such as  Every Breath You Take. Stack Amps:  Since the guitar tone effects from amplifiers present their most desirable qualities with the volume turned up to a certain amount, guitarists require these amps only for performances in very large venues. Smaller amplifiers provide better tone conditions for recording and practicing, and restaurant, bar or club performances. My experience performing up and down the New York City andNew Jersey coastline started with a solid state Polytone Amplifier. I needed more volume for every venue where the band performed, so I got rid of it and bought a used Roland Jazz Chorus 120, which sounded great at low and high volumes. Ive performed with it for decades and never spent another cent maintaining the Roland. How Guitar Pickups Effect Tone Guitar pickups  effect tone to the extent that some effects pedals now feature settings with a design for each type. Every pickup takes physical variations in acoustic sound energy and converts them to electric sound energy. The materials used and the way that theyre used makes the difference in tone. A  pickup affects guitar tone in many ways, such as the strength of its magnetic field, size of its magnetic field, diameter of the wire wrapped around the magnet, its location on the guitar body, and how the guitarist is playing. When choosing a pickup, keep in mind the range of frequencies youd like to emphasize in your tone, the abruptness or subtlety youd prefer in a sounds attack, and the dynamic curve in your sounds sustain and decay. Discover these points by experimenting with this information and listening to examples of guitarists playing different types of pickups. Piezo Pickups:  Piezo pickups use quartz crystals to receive and transmit sound energy. Theyre mounted in the saddle bridge of guitars that use them. The very accurate dynamic response to a guitarists string displacement (how hard you pluck) surprises people upon first trying Piezo pickups. Thats why everyone who uses them also uses a compression effect to even out the dynamics. On a related note, string displacement affects tone, too! A downward displacement of 45 degrees toward the soundboard or body is the goal I always recommend to students. Compare that tone to a sideways pluck and also an upward pluck (away from the soundboard or body). In each case, we take note of how all of these parameters affect the presentation of our overtones, our notes attack, sustain and decay. These are the important factors in determining the guitar tone we want. Listen to Jesse Cook perform Mario Takes a Walk and also Stings recording of Fragile to hear good examples of the Piezo pickup tone. Single Coil Pickups: Your plucked guitar string sends sound vibration into the magnetic field, emanating from copper wire coiled around a magnet, which makes up the single coil pickup. This results in the vibration of the magnetic field, as well. When the magnetic field is in flux from this vibration, an electrical signal is generated and amplified though your amp. The field of magnetism produced by the single coil pickup covers a smaller area than the field of magnetism from Humbucker pickups. A smaller range of harmonics (overtones) are captured from a smaller field of magnetism, providing for less low and midrange-frequency overtones. This results in the single coil pickups generating a tone that occupies a tonal space in the higher midrange; giving the tone a clearly audible presence for the listener. Check out Yngwie Malmsteen and Eric Clapton to hear single coil pickup recordings. Humbucker Pickups:  Humbucker pickups are  designed to provided the answer for the single coils tendency to pick up surrounding electromagnetic fields and accompany the guitars tone with an annoying hum sound. Two magnets were used in Humbuckers to cancel out extraneous electromagnetic hum noise. Since a larger field of magnetism captures a greater range of middle and low-frequency overtones, Humbuckers put out more of the lower midrange of tonal space. This sound is very desirable, especially for riffs or chords using the lower strings. Listen to Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin perform Rock and Roll. Effects Pedals and Your Guitar Tone There are many different types of effects pedals on the market, and all of them are designed to alter the tone of your guitar. Heres a great guide to the main types of effects pedals from ScaleTrainer.com: The order of adding effects and using effects pedals generates from common sense and practical experience. Place the wah pedal before your compressor to obtain a more abrupt attack to your sound, or after the compressor to provide a more subtle attack and a lower and middle-frequency boost. To even out your dynamics before adding effects, you can place the compressor at the beginning of the effects chain. A distortion pedal adds overtones, so place it before the equalizer so that you can control those added tones. Phasers and flangers add  a slightly delayed or out-of-phase sine wave  to your original sound, which is something you wouldnt want to add a lot of overtones from your distortion pedal to. Put these types of effects after the distortion and EQ.   Look at the descriptions of your reverb/delay sounds. You will see words like large hall, small hall, dome, tunnel, and studio. What would my tone sound like if I were playing guitar in one of these locations? Thats why we want our total tone package in place before adding these effects. Using the science, recorded examples and your own experimentation, keep on improving your guitar tone. We can achieve a lot more than we ever thought possible with great improvements in sound quality! Looking for more tips on improving your guitar tone? Check out this  awesome guide from Guitar Chalk. An experienced guitar teacher can help you perfect your tone, technique, and repertoire on the guitar. Find your guitar teacher now! Noel S. teaches guitar, piano, and music theory lessons in Beachwood, OH. He holds a Masters degree in music from Dusquesne University and he has been teaching since 2001. Learn more about Noel.   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Stew Dean

What is the Best Way to Learn Japanese in Order to Prepare for a Test

What is the Best Way to Learn Japanese in Order to Prepare for a Test How to Prepare for a Test with Your Japanese Tutor ChaptersWhy Enlist the Help of Japanese Teachers?There are Many Japanese Teachers Out There: Finding the Best Japanese Tutor with SuperprofHow to Study Well for Your Japanese TestWho Should Take a Test in JapaneseThere are many different ways to learn Japanese, but like most people, you are probably asking yourself what is the best way to learn Japanese.There is no simple answer to this question. Firstly there are a number of different learning styles  and it depends depends on which one is most effective for you. Everyone learns a little bit differently. Some people need more visual stimulus, whereas others rely more on an auditory method.The second important factor relates to your motivations for Japanese learning. The different ways of learning Japanese are aimed to teach you in a specific way. If you want to learn Japanese quickly so that you can become fluent, then a Japanese course in Tokyo would be best as you would be completely immersed by the language with plenty of opportu nities to practice.If you want to just learn basic Japanese in order to have a few greetings and phrases before you visit Japan, then a course in Japanese online might suit you better.If however you have a test coming up, and you need to practice Japanese grammar and improve your Japanese vocabulary, then lessons with a private tutor are probably the way to go.It doesn't matter if you are studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), or a set of national exams in a particular country, a private tutor can help you prepare for the test in a way that aims to improve your weaknesses and build on your strengths.Here is a guide to how to progress thanks to a private tutor, and prepare for your Japanese exam in an effective manner!Ability to understand spoken Japanese and identify what is being said in short  spoken dialogues and narratives about everyday topics.Ability to complete sentences in a way that is appropriate in terms of structure (grammar), vocabulary, and context s.Identify usage that is both structurally correct and contextually appropriate.Understand such points as the main and supporting ideas. Selections are taken from materials you might encounter in everyday situations, such as notes, menus, newspaper articles, advertisements, and letters.You should also look at the format of the test to find out the best way to prepare for it. Again the format will differ depending on the level, and different skills will be tested using a variety of methods. It is recommended that you do some specific exam preparation with your Japanese tutor so that the format of the test is familiar when you come to sit it. This will limit the amount of nasty surprises that you might experience.If we use the example of the JLPT, the upper levels have three parts; Language knowledge-vocabulary, Language knowledge-grammar, and listening. There is no speaking aspect in the JLPT.Now that you have all the cards in hand to succeed when you take your Japanese test, the onl y thing left is study study study...by following the advice of your Superprof!Hopefully the success that you have on your test will lead to you taking a study trip to Japan. Learning a new language is tough going and the boost of doing well in a test is essential in helping any learner stick to their task of studying the language and culture.

TakeLessons Rock Star Teacher of the Week Kasey M.

TakeLessons Rock Star Teacher of the Week Kasey M. ksurmacewicz Our latest Rock Star Teacher of the Week is a wonderful example of    a teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and truly wants them to get the most out of their lessons and the fact that she has 12 continuing students certainly shows how much they enjoy taking lessons with her!   Meet Kasey M. from Richardson, TX, who specializes in classical piano and vocal lessons, as well as beginner and intermediate music theory.   Kaseys experience in music began at the age of five in her mothers private piano studio and continued through college at Angelo State University where she studied Music Education.   Throughout her college years she participated in numerous praise and worship bands, and after completing her first CD, she was able to use the money from sales to travel to Washington State to do mission work for a summer. Kasey describes herself as patient, fun and imaginative, and loves passing on the gift of music to anyone wanting to learn!   When teaching she believes that the student and teacher are a team and should work together to tailor lesson curriculum to fit each individual student’s needs and goals.   She also has a very impressive introductory video which gives potential students a feel for what lessons with her will be like.   Congratulations on all your accomplishments Kasey, and thanks for being such a great example for our TakeLessons teachers!

A Quiet Power The Introverts Guide to Leadership - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / A Quiet Power The Introvert’s Guide to Leadership - Introvert Whisperer A Quiet Power: The Introvert’s Guide to Leadership Your hands are shaking and clammy. You feel hot and cold at the same time. You want to run, but your legs are like rubber, and it feels as if your stomach is going to betray you at any moment. No, you’re not going before a firing squad. No, you’re not getting your taxes audited. You’re just preparing to deliver a business presentation. And you’re an introvert. If you are one of the nearly 40% of the US population belonging to this personality type, then you well know that the feelings described above are not an exaggeration. This is the daily experience for anyone who faces chronic shyness, particularly for those whose introversion has grown into full-fledged social anxiety. Given the scenario above, it may seem that the introvert personality type is wholly incompatible with business leadership. It may feel that your natural shyness will forever exclude you from the seat of professional power, no matter how passionate or talented you are. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. In fact, introverts can be great leadersâ€"not despite their naturally solitary personality type, but because of it. Indeed, when it comes to introversion and professional leadership, what seems like your greatest weakness can become your greatest strength. The Power of Mindfulness Perhaps the greatest attribute of the introvert personality type is the power of mindfulness. Introverts are by nature deep and careful thinkers. They are not ones to make rash decisions or leap head-long into action without first weighing, often with uncanny accuracy, both the potential risks and the likely rewards. This is a vital skill in the increasingly volatile world of business. A company’s survival often depends on the ability of leadership to make thoughtful, effective decisions. This is especially true if you are leading a small business, where the ability to accurately size up the market and your competitors is paramount to securing the competitive advantage in today’s crowded marketplace. If you are an introvert, your inherently deliberate and discerning nature can help you give your company the strategic edge it needs to thrive. The Power of Empathy It’s not accurate to associate introversion with reclusiveness. Introverts maybe reluctant to assert themselves in crowds, but that doesn’t mean they avoid them as a rule. What it does mean, however, is that introverts spend a great deal of their time people-watching. And if you are an introvert who aspires to lead in business, this can be an incredible asset to draw upon. The fact is that introverts can be extraordinary mediators. Workplace conflict is, unfortunately, inevitable. It is simply the price of doing business. When you lead, you have to be prepared to find unity in difference. You have to have the skills to help your team find, or build, bridges, despite potentially competing interests or clashing personality types. That process begins with empathy, the ability to understand your team members as individuals first and employees second. Fortunately, introverts tend to have empathy in spades. This is one reason why introverts make such great teachers and university leaders. They excel at finding common ground and uniting groups in a shared vision of success, while at the same time ensuring that every member of the group feels heard, respected, valued, and well-served. The Power of Understanding Introverts are habitually deep thinkers. Their go-to position is to think first and act later. That means they know how to analyze complex situations and formulate effective responses to achieve a desired goal. This involves far more than simply the ability to evaluate dense financial spreadsheets or assess market reports, though that is certainly important. But the introverts’ skills extend far beyond this because, as suggested above, introverts are also people-watchers. And the world of business, no matter what field you may be in, is also a world of people, not just numbers. The introvert personality type gives you the ability to understand not only empirical performance metrics but also what the subjective responses of the people who will use them means. That means that, as a leader, you are uniquely prepared to anticipate how the team will behave in specific circumstances and to devise leadership strategies to ensure your team thrives, even in the most challenging of environments. Owning Your Power As the discussion above shows, if you are an introvert, you don’t have to consign yourself to the professional sidelines. You can harness your natural strengths to become an effective, empowered, and empowering leader. It begins simply by taking the first step, such as by gradually taking on more responsibilities at work or volunteering to assist management in team lead projects. You might also consider exploring careers especially suited to the introvert personality type. For example, the field of epidemiology combines both science and sociology. Such a field both gratifies the introverts’ need to think deeply on complex topics while also capitalizing on the introvert’s rare talent for understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Image Source: Pixabay   By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace is a recent graduate from the University of Montana. She now resides in Boise, Idaho as a freelance writer where she spends her time reading and gardening. Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is it Like to Attend The University of Texas at San Antonio

What is it Like to Attend The University of Texas at San Antonio The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Ian received his Bachelors degree in Biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2000. He is currently a tutor in San Antonio specializing in Biology tutoring, Chemistry tutoring, Microbiology tutoring, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at The University of Texas at San Antonio: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Ian: The main campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio is on the northwest edge of the city, settled along the lip of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. While not near the center of town, it is nonetheless a very urban environment with numerous cafes, shopping centers, and plenty of activities nearby. Traffic is always a pain in any large city, so if you choose to live off-campus, you can pick from the large assortment of apartments that put you within walking or biking distance. Otherwise, you will need to plan your commute accordingly. The university runs frequent shuttles between major campus areas, distant parking lots, and satellite campuses. San Antonios public bus system also has several lines that run to the main and downtown campuses. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Ian:Very! In my experience, professors at The University of Texas at San Antonio regularly attend their office hours and are very approachable. Teaching assistants are as well. In addition, academic advisers at The University of Texas at San Antonio have shown a real dedication to helping students plan out their desired curricula in order to maximize their time. They can help you get all the classes you want while avoiding being overloaded. However, by the time you are a senior, it is all about letting go of the hand that is holding yours and learning to do it yourself! VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Ian:In the years since I graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio, I have visited often for lectures and science conferences. I have seen a huge amount of progress in their dorm structures. There are dorms all over campus, as well as a sprawling university-run apartment complex. There are also new restaurants, cafes, and cafeterias popping up everywhere. Students get chances to grab a bite, meet up with friends, and then head to class or the library. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Ian:The University of Texas at San Antonio has a very large range of high-quality programs. Their best-represented programs are probably the College of Business and the College of Sciences. Both of these programs receive tremendous funding from federal and state agencies, as well as large grants from patrons. They are both staffed by highly ranked and prestigious faculty. When I came to The University of Texas at San Antonio, I immediately majored in Biology, and I have never looked back. I come from a family of scientists, and I suppose it was in my blood. The faculty and staff of the College of Sciences, and the department of Biology in particular, were extremely supportive and helpful. Since my graduation, I have proudly watched as the department of Biology has reaped the benefits it worked so hard to earn. The faculty size has increased, the quality of graduates has improved, and the areas of post-graduate research have expanded significantly. There are also many diverse opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in several different research programs through work-study or independent study. These can help students see how an advanced, high-tech lab really operates. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Ian:Oh, I made friends within an hour of being on campus... and I am a bit of an introvert! In fact, some of the students I met in my first semester are still, seventeen years later, among my best friends. Maybe it is something about that traditional Texas hospitality, but making friends on campus at The University of Texas at San Antonio is rarely a problem, and you can feel welcome just about anywhere. There is indeed a Greek presence on campus. While not as large or encompassing as on other campuses, it can nevertheless provide a source of friendship and camaraderie. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Ian:There is a great Career Center on campus that works diligently to help students find work upon graduation, and it is staffed with experienced people. That being said, you can also help yourself by attending one of the several recruitment events held throughout the school year. As a science enthusiast, I was particularly drawn to many of the biotechnology firms that attended these events, and it really gave me a chance to learn about advertising yourself and mastering interview skills. For those undergraduates interested in pursuing post-graduate education, there are also many events that host representatives from graduate programs at other universities, both local and distant. The representatives are usually extremely friendly, and they like to talk to undergraduates about not only the work at their universities, but also about how a student can best prepare themselves for entry. These events truly helped me to become better prepared for my own entry into graduate school. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Ian:One of the hallmarks of Texas is the wide-open spaces, and this pretty much holds true for the campus at The University of Texas at San Antonio. With a campus as large as the universitys, you will have plenty to choose from. If you like to huddle up in seclusion for an intense study session like I used to, you will not be disappointed. There is a plethora of quiet nooks and secluded desks all over campus for some good quiet time (including the occasional nap!) both indoors and out. You may have to hunt a little for a good spot during finals, but you will find one. If a raucous and talkative group study session is more your style, then you are also in luck. There is usually plenty of space at large tables all over campus and in the cafes. There are also decent group study rooms in the library. The libraries and student centers are best to find a quiet spot indoors, and, as you would expect, you can expect a little noise around the dorm lounges, especially on Friday and Saturday ni ghts. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Ian:San Antonio is a pretty fun town. As the seventh largest city in the United States, there is a pleasant hodge-podge of things to do and see. Off-campus, you will find the usual dining selections of any big city, from ritzy to franchise to some awesome little hole-in-the-wall joints. The food truck industry is booming too. You can find some high-quality eats from these trucks, and quite a few make stops near The University of Texas at San Antonio campus. The arts scene is also thriving, particularly on First Fridays in the Southtown area of the city not to mention some pretty terrific museums and small galleries. For theme park fun, there is both SeaWorld and Six Flags. If you prefer clubs, you will find a bunch scattered throughout the city, but most are centered in or near the downtown area. Students frequently head downtown for fun and games, and there is also a beautiful downtown campus where you can take classes. And do not ever forget to take a stroll along the Riverwalk in the downtown area. I am a San Antonio native, and I still get a thrill there. Getting away from town is also great, as the surrounding area is studded with state parks, and a drive through the Hill Country is unforgettable. Austin (with its famous music scene and very different atmosphere) is only an hour and a half away, and the Texas coast can be reached in a little over two hours. But be warned: San Antonio is huge. A highway trip across the city, even with zero traffic, could still take over an hour. Also, if you plan to be in town from mid-June to mid-September, be prepared for some intense heat and humidity. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Ian:The University of Texas at San Antonio has a student body of about 30,000, so it is pretty big. While a big university offers students a wide range of experiences and a huge selection of courses, freshmen can often expect their entry-level courses to be pretty big too. Some can be up to 200-250 students. This is not always the case, however, and many core or entry-level courses are much smaller. Generally, exams for the very large classes are multiple-choice and electronically scanned. While this may not be the best measure of a students knowledge, it is an unfortunate consequence of a large class size. But rest assured that as you progress through your field of study, class size shrinks dramatically. When that time comes, expect exams and assignments to be more in-depth and to really force you to stretch your brain a little. Do not worry, though this is a good thing. In addition, a professor will occasionally choose a teaching assistant to give one or two lectures, but this is mainly as an aid to help graduate students learn to teach, and the faculty member is frequently present. As a former teaching assistant, I found this to be extremely helpful. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Ian:Without a second thought it would be my mentor, Dr. Heidner. I took my first class with him pretty late in my undergraduate career, but he certainly had the biggest impact. As a wannabe microbiologist at the time, I took his class on viruses and immunity, and I visited him during his office hours with questions. These visits were illuminating, and they turned into regular visits simply for the sake of talking science. He then offered me a chance to study in his lab my senior year. As a mentor, he took the time to offer counseling and advice, he gave me opportunities to meet other scientists in the field, and he helped prepare me for my own entry into advanced academia. While I remember him most positively of all, he is one of a large number of talented and dedicated professors at The University of Texas at San Antonio who go the extra mile to help students. Check out Ians tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

20 Insider Tips For Traveling to France [Infographic]

20 Insider Tips For Traveling to France [Infographic] 20 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling to France Jessica Dais From the smell of freshly baked baguettes from the local bakery, to views of the romantic châteaux (castles) in the Loire Valley, to the diverse array of masterpieces displayed in the museums of Paris France has so much to offer! If you’re taking a trip to this beautiful country soon, keep reading to learn how to plan the perfect itinerary so you can enjoy France at its best. We’ll share about the weather, what to order when dining out, a few little known sites, and many more helpful tips for traveling to France! 20 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling to France 1. Keep French Fashion in Mind Pack clothes that are versatile and chic, keeping in mind that the French are simple and effortless when it comes to their style. The saying “less is more” works well for the French.     One of your goals should be to blend in with the locals not stand out as a tourist. For the ladies, bring a scarf! In the summertime, light scarves can add a touch of class, or be used as an extra layer at nighttime without the bulk of a jacket. 2. Pack Comfy Shoes Bring a pair, or two, of comfortable shoes to France. When traveling, you should always expect to be walking quite a bit, whether it’s through the cobbled streets of Le Vieux Carré (the Old Quarter) or through the vineyards in the South. So leave the stiletto heels at home and opt for a pair of comfortable sandals or sturdy boots. Your feet will thank you later! 3.  Learn the Language Locals love when visitors attempt to speak the native language. Even if your French is a little rusty and you can only muster up a polite “Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plait” (“I would like a coffee please”), the French will greatly appreciate the effort. The best way to learn French before your trip is with the help of an experienced tutor. If you’re interested in building up your vocabulary quickly, consider taking private lessons or online French classes. You can also watch French tutorials on YouTube, such as the one below.   4. Check the Weather Regions along the three coasts of France have a more temperate climate, unlike areas in central France, where you’ll experience more variation between seasons. Paris can also become fairly hot in the summer, so be prepared by packing light-colored clothing made of loose material. The summer months in the south along the Mediterranean have very little rainfall, but the rest of the country experiences rainy months throughout the year. Paris has quite a bit of rainfall from April through August. Whatever the season, its always a good idea to check the forecast prior to your visit to France! 5. Travel in Spring or Fall If you’re on a budget, the most cost-effective times to travel to France are during the spring and fall months. Keep in mind that if plane tickets are purchased at least three months in advance, you will be able to find some better deals! 6. Try a Bed Breakfast Relax in the many charming bed and breakfasts that France has to offer! While there are many options for lodging available to visitors, the more intimate bed and breakfasts in France are superb. Many of them offer home-cooked meals of the region, and the locals’ take on must-see sites. 7. Eat Like a Local The French are known for, and proud, of their cuisine. Wherever you are in the country, be sure to try the local delicacies. If you’re traveling to Bordeaux, try the cannelé a small pastry made of vanilla and rum. Take in the view of the Mediterranean while dining on a traditional seafood dish of the region. You won’t regret trying the bouillabaisse (seafood stew) in Marseille, or the delicious quenelle in Lyon! SEE ALSO: 50 Useful French Phrases for Travelers 8. Enjoy an Apéritif or Digestif In France, sometimes the best drinks come just before or after a delicious meal. An apéritif (pre-meal drink) is usually enjoyed among friends before a plat de fromage (cheese plate) is served. One common apéritif is the kir, which is a mix of white wine and blackcurrant. A common digestif (post-meal drink) is an espresso. Or you can try the “eau de vie,” literally translated “water of life,” which is a popular fruit brandy. 9. Check the Prix Fixe Menu When youre unsure about what to order, the prix fixe (fixed price) menu will be your best friend. Selected by the chef, it includes several dishes from the entrée (appetizer) to the plat principal (main dish) to the dessert.   10. Shop at Outdoor Markets   One way to save money without sacrificing the French experience is to shop at the outdoor markets. Most towns have an outdoor market or “marché en plein air.” Here, you can find vendors selling the region’s best at a more affordable price. Just be sure to check the local schedule, as some markets are only open on specific days of the week. 11. Enjoy Local Wines As with the food in France, it’s usually best to go with the regional wine. While there are many options for wine, opting for the local wine is the best choice if you want to fully experience and appreciate the specialties of the area. 12. Travel by Train Another way to save money on travel expenses while visiting France is to take the train. For the best deals, book three months in advance if you already have an itinerary set. If you’re under 25 and visiting France for a study abroad program or internship, signing up for a “Carte Jeune” offers reduced train fares! 13. Follow the Tour de France Are you a fan of cycling? If not, would you like to follow a route that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of France? Follow the cyclists at the Tour de France! This annual event takes place in July with a route through several notable cities and sites. 14. Celebrate La Fête Nationale Also known as Bastille Day, the French independence day is well-celebrated in this country. If you’ll be in France on July 14th, you’ll get to witness fireworks shows and join in on the festivities. In Paris, go to a ball after the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower! The music and dancing begins around 9 PM. SEE ALSO: What to Pack for France [Infographic] 15. Check out the Museums The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in France, but there are so many other inspiring sites to add to your travel list! In Paris alone, there is the lesser-known Musée d’Orsay that boasts of numerous Impressionist paintings by Monet, and the Centre Pompidou that features contemporary and more interactive art. Both have slightly shorter admission lines! 16. Visit Luberon Don’t forget to bring your camera to the picturesque lavender fields in France. The lavender that blooms in the South of France is a scent that is truly unforgettable. In Luberon these fragrant flowers bloom anytime between late June to early August, with the peak of the season being in early July. 17. Learn About History in Normandy If you’re interested in historical events, head north for Normandy. Along the coast you’ll find the infamous Normandy and Omaha beaches where you can see remnants of WWII bunkers and memorials to those who fought during the war. 18. Stop by the Castles France is home to many beautiful and unique châteaux (castles) in the center of the country. Relive the grandeur of the châteaux in the Loire Valley. Villandry is famous for its gardens that are exact replicas of the medieval gardens, while Chambord includes a grand central staircase in the main entrance. This area of the country is less crowded than Paris or the beaches in the South, so it would make an excellent addition to your itinerary if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. 19. Make Your Way to ÃŽle de Ré At the mention of French beaches, most people think about the beaches along the Mediterranean Coast. Bask in the sunshine on ÃŽle de Ré instead. Located just off the western coast of France, ÃŽle de Ré is a unique and lesser-known beach that is connected to the mainland by a bridge. 20. Enjoy the Moment While planning a trip to France often includes many preparations, it’s important to remember to savor the moment and not get too caught up in your itinerary. Enjoy the food, enjoy the wine, and enjoy the sites. But most importantly enjoy the journey from one destination to another! Check out the infographic below for a visual reminder of each of these insider tips! Share this Image On Your Site Please include attribution to TakeLessons.com with this graphic. a href=https://takelessons.com/blog/tips-for-traveling-to-france-z04img src=https://takelessons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/20-Insider-Tips-for-Traveling-to-France.png alt=Tips for Traveling to France/a Keep these tips for traveling to France in mind and you’ll be able to plan the perfect vacation! Enjoying all the food, drinks, and sites that France has to offer will make your visit one that you’ll always remember. Don’t forget to check out TakeLessons Live before you depart to brush up on your French language skills! Post Author:  Jinky B. Jinky B. teaches  French and ESL  in Jacksonville, Florida. She has her  Bachelors in French, French Literature, and Psychology from Florida State University and over five years of teaching experience.  Learn more about Jinky B.  here!

Five Tips for Teaching Your Child Perseverance

Five Tips for Teaching Your Child Perseverance Parents work hard to raise children who are responsible and conscientious students, but what other qualities are important? Co-Founder and CEO, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says that perseverance is one of the most essential traits of high-achieving students. All parents want their children to put sincere effort into school and other endeavors, but what they sometimes forget to keep in mind is that there is so much to be learned from encountering difficult times and working through them, she says. The strongest students out there have this in common: they know that success takes hard work. How can you teach your child to persevere, even when things are challenging? Huntington offers five tips: Teach your child that learning never stops. Learning is an active, lifelong journey. Remind your child that he or she always has something new to learn and that consistent practiceof homework or any skillleads to improvement. Embrace the failures. Its absolutely critical that you allow your child to attempt homework and projects independently and let him or her work through struggles and manage frustrations without helicoptering. Stepping in to fix your childs problems robs your child the opportunity to learn from mistakes. Instead, talk with your child about trying new strategies when one failed approach doesnt work. Celebrate the effort. Yes, high grades are great, but your job as a parent is to teach your child that persistence leads to accomplishments. Make it clear to your child that what you value most is diligence in school and a good attitude, regardless of any outcome. Encourage your child to try something new. There are so many great lessons your child can learn from regularly taking on new challenges, despite the unknown outcomes. Whether your child decides to try a new activity or tackle a project on a challenging subject, let him or her know that some of the best things in life come from learning new skills and pushing oneself outside the comfort zone. Talk about the importance of sticking with it. Your child should set goals and define the steps to reach those goalswhile keeping in mind that he or she will encounter road blocks sometimes. When it comes to school, that means giving homework and studying his or her very best and recognizing that part of learning requires grit when things arent easy. Last and certainly not least, Huntington reminds parents that their attitude about school perseverance has a tremendous influence on their children. Share stories of times that you tried, faced rejection or failure, and learned in the process, she says. Parents should let their children know that their success in life will be directly tied to their belief that good things come to those who apply themselves and fight through adversity. Huntington at 1 800 CAN LEARN to learn about how we help develop children into determined lifelong learners. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help 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. 2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.