GCSE Chemistry Revision Chemistry Of The Atmosphere

GCSE Chemistry Revision Chemistry Of The Atmosphere Chemistry Of The Atmosphere ChaptersWhat Will You Cover in This Topic?How Best To Revise Topics Such As Chemistry Of The AtmosphereIf You Need Further HelpThere is no getting around it â€" when it comes to learning about chemistry, there are a lot of things that you need to know! Regardless of whether you’re studying chemistry as a single GCSE or as part of a combined science GCSE, there are a fair few topics that you should have an understanding of before sitting your exam.There is a range of the fundamental chemistry topics that might appear as part of your GCSE chemistry syllabus. For instance, if your exam board is AQA and you’re studying GCSE chemistry as a single subject, you might learn about topics such as:Quantitative chemistry;Chemical atomic and sub-atomic changes;Chemical and structural analysis;Organic chemistry; andAtomic structure, the states of matter, and the periodic table, among others.One topic that you might also come across as part of your GCSE chemistry course is the topic of the chem istry of the atmosphere.Many students might find that they enjoy learning about this particular topic, not least because much of what is taught is highly relevant, as issues such as global warming and climate change are increasingly reported in the media.These issues are also becoming increasingly political, and any students that would like to learn more about issues such as climate change can easily do so by reading up on the latest news articles regarding climate change policy around the world.The recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for instance, is something that GCSE chemistry students may find interesting.While it might be useful to learn about such topics during the school year, one of the most important things when studying for a GCSE is that you are able to absorb what you’ve learnt over the course of your studies and put it to good use on the day of your exam, thereby increasing your chances of getting as many marks as possible.Part of y our preparation for any upcoming GCSE exam, including GCSE chemistry, should, therefore, be to put a good revision strategy in place. Getting the best result possible out of your chemistry exams is especially important if, for instance, you’d like to study chemistry at A-level, or even at university or beyond.This article looks at what you might learn about the chemistry of the atmosphere in class as part of your GCSE studies and how you can revise topics like this as part of your preparation for exam season.During your GCSE chemistry studies, you'll learn that oxygen is not the dominant gas in our atmosphere. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Simon, Pixabay)Physics; andBiology.One great example of where the worlds of chemistry and environmental sciences combine is the topic of the chemistry and the atmosphere. This topic is often taught at chemistry GCSE level, and so you may already have come across it during the course of your studies.As part of this topic, you may learn about a variety of things, including the history of the atmosphere and how it has developed over time. Although there is still a lot that is unknown about the very beginnings of the atmosphere and its composition, we do know a lot more about the “modern” atmosphere (which is still millions of years old!) Today, our atmosphere contains gases such as:Nitrogen;Oxygen; andA small percentage of various other gases, including carbon dioxide.Additionally, as part of your studies on chemistry and the atmosphere, you may well also learn about things such as climate change, global warming, and atmospheric pollutants. You may also learn about how humans may have an impact on the greenhouse effect. For example, through breeding cattle for food, more methane is released into the air from the cattle.Equally, deforestation has an impact on the levels of carbon dioxide, leading to it being released into the air, while also providing fewer trees and plants that can absorb carbon dioxide through a process known as photosynthesis.Having a good revision technique is part of what it takes to do well in GCSE chemistry. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, quinntheislander, Pixabay)How Best To Revise Topics Such As Chemistry Of The AtmosphereIt’s important that you take the time to revise any topic that features within the GCSE chemistry syllabus well before the expected date of your chemistry exam. This is because if a topic is on the GCSE syllabus, whether it relates to chemical reactions, atoms, or acids and alkalis, or another area entirely, it could well come up as part of an exam question, or there may be an entire exam question dedicated to the area.As a result, if your GCSE exam board has included a topic such as the chemistry of the atmosphere, or a similar topic, within its curriculum, then it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re at least comfortable with the core ideas taught as part of that topic.For instance, in the case of learning about the chemistry of the atmosphere, it would make sense to know at least something about the following areas, although this list is by no means exhaustive:Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect;Global warming and climate change; andThe composition of Earth’s atmosphere.If your exams are still some way off, you’ll have the benefit of time when it comes to revising. Ideally, the more time you have to prepare for an exam, regardless of whether it’s a chemistry, physics, history, or English exam, the more time you have to address any problem-topics and to get comfortable sitting and completing exams under timed conditions.Aside from giving yourself as much time as possible to revise, are there any other revision techniques you could use to give yourself the best chance when it comes to sitting your GCSE chemistry exam?The below are just a few revision suggestions, although there are many more out there. While these suggestions could certainly help when it comes to revising GCSE chemistry and the topics within it, whether tha t’s atomic structure, the periodic table, or the atmosphere, these techniques can equally be applied to your other GCSE subjects as well.Consider Joining A Study GroupA great option when it comes to revising for exams is to try and find a study group that you can attend. You don’t need to have a lot of people for a study group â€" even two or three people who are studying for the same exams as you can work well.The advantage of having a study group is that you can talk about any issues that you’re having with the syllabus with other students, who may be able to help you work through your problems.Equally, a study group gives you all a platform to discuss and contribute what you’ve learnt from a subject. As some students likely remember different aspects to others, it can be a great way to revise topics from the syllabus that you had forgotten about, which can be really helpful when it comes to your exam preparation.Begin your  A Level chemistry tuition  now.As some people pr efer to revise alone, this revision method may not work well for everyone, but if you do enjoy revising alongside other people this might be a strategy worth pursuing.Past GCSE chemistry papers are a great resource when studying for your final chemistry exam. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, asi24, Pixabay)Seek Out Past Paper QuestionsPast paper questions are one of the best revision resources you can find. They can give you an idea of what topics may be tested in your exam and they also give you a chance to work through a previous exam paper and see whether you could actually complete it within the allotted time.If you are looking for ways to test your knowledge of topics like the chemistry of the atmosphere, then looking for past paper questions, attempting these, and then checking your answers is a great idea.Find the best  online chemistry tutor  now.If You Need Further HelpRevision can feel overwhelming at times, and understandably so. If you do find yourself struggling, remember that y ou could always consider hiring a chemistry tutor to help you work through and revise any areas of the syllabus you’re having difficulty with, whether that’s the chemistry of the atmosphere, the periodic table, or another area entirely.If you are looking for quality chemistry tuition, Superprof has a range of experienced chemistry tutors who are happy to provide in-person or online only revision lessons if you do feel as though you need the extra help, or even if you want to speak to someone about improving your exam technique or potential revision strategies.

How to Teach Spanish Without Certification

How to Teach Spanish Without Certification Can you become a Spanish teacher without teaching qualifications? ChaptersWhat is the teaching certification?Teach Spanish as a substitute teacherTeach Spanish at a learning center or a language schoolBecome a Spanish teacher at a private school!What about becoming a Spanish tutor?Have you completed a masters, but not passed your state’s teaching certification test?Is your goal to become a Spanish teacher, either in the public school system, at a language school, or as a private tutor? This last option could be a great option if you're looking for jobs after teaching in schools.Don’t lose heart. While you study to prepare for your states teaching exam so you can officially begin applying for Spanish teaching jobs in the public school system, you can still explore some of these options…Working in the private sector as a tutor or for a learning center is a great way to develop your teaching skills. You’ll be able to gain experience and try out different teaching methods while you work towards your goals of giving Spanish classes!So without fu rther ado, here are some other ways in order to start teaching Spanish to your students without a teaching certificate… CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st less on free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is the teaching certification?There is a National Teachers Examination, but unfortunately, only a few states use this. Much more commonly, different states have devised their own teacher certification, like Massachusetts with the MTELs. Some states mutually recognize the teaching exams of other states, but they don’t always, so you need to think carefully about which state you want to live and work in in the future before you pick an exam to begin studying for.Each certific ation system also has multiple components. Spanish teachers taking the National Teachers Examination, for example, will also need to take the foreign language education component of the exam.Find out what training you need to become a Spanish teacher...Teacher certification exams can seem like a sinister challenge, but are possible to pass, even if it takes some a few tries. And in the meantime, it’s still possible to teach in other ways!Getting a Masters in EducationIn addition to passing the exam, each state will have different education and experience requirements. In order to become a Spanish teacher in Massachusetts for example, you must have completed an ‘educator preparation’ program (usually a Bachelors in Education, but it could be a Masters too), as well as pass the general MTEL and subject MTEL (in this case, Spanish).You then have 5 years to complete a teacher induction program. In most school districts, you will also be required to complete a Masters in Education, if you haven’t already.Join the discussion: what essential qualities must a Spanish teacher have?Teach Spanish as a substitute teacherHaven’t passed your National Teacher’s Examination yet?Even if you aren’t a fully qualified teacher, you’ll still be able to work in the public school system and gain some teaching experience, as a substitute teacher. You can even still teach Spanish this way.Substitute teaching requirements vary according to the school system as well, but in many public school systems, you just need a minimum of an Associate’s Degree or two years of a Bachelors degree in order to substitute teach.As a substitute teacher, you can still work on your teaching skills and help children explore new knowledge.Some school systems might have certified teachers as their primary substitute teachers, and a rota of additional substitute teachers who aren’t qualified to fill any gaps. It all depends on the system in your town, so it’s worth going to your local sup erintendent’s office to speak to them and find out how to register.There are generally two kinds of substitute teachers:A daily sub is usually paid on a daily basis, isn’t a qualified teacher, and can fill gaps in any subject, for any grade. They’re often called up to cover for teachers in case of last minute sickness or personal emergencies, and will often be left a lesson plan to follow.A permanent or long-term substitute teacher: sometimes a qualified teacher, but still sometimes not, these teachers are hired to replace a specific person for a specific subject and absence, often to provide maternity cover or cover for a longterm sickness.In order to apply for substitute teaching jobs and maybe even jobs as a permanent sub for Spanish, you’ll need to register with your local superintendent's office. Often they’ll have an online system to log in to, so you’ll need to check in regularly every morning to find a post. Although it’s helpful to have a Bachelors in Spanish or Education, it’s certainly not required.What are the advantages?Many people who are interested in teaching first try out the profession this way to get a bit of classroom experience. If you can find a job as a permanent sub for a High School Spanish teacher, you’ll be able to develop a good understanding of whether or not it’s the right career for you. If you then want to continue teaching Spanish after the end of your contract, you’ll need to complete your education and take the Teacher Certification Exam.What’s the downside?Substitute teaching jobs are precariousSubstitute teaching is a bit of chance, and you’re only ever guaranteed one day of work at a time. You also won’t receive any benefits, even if you end up subbing every day, so you need to be prepared to cover your own health care and save for retirement.Rates are also often depressingly close to minimum wage.Learn everything you need to know about becoming a Spanish teacher in this complete guide... CalumD rama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTeach Spanish at a learning center or a language schoolAdult learning centers are often large employers of language teachers! And since they’re private, there’s often no set required qualifications to teach Spanish…As private entities, there’s no set qualification to teach at a learning center, and they will often be looking for people who can provide a wide range of classes, including foreign language courses.Some of the teachers at these centers will be fully qualified teachers who might be teaching in the evenings to earn a bit of extra money, while others will just be subject experts. There are also permanent and temporary positions, depending on the current course catalog, so you may need to do a bit of searching to find the right post for you.In short, even if you aren’t a qualified teacher, you can still teach Spanish at a private learning center or language school.Find out exactly what level of Spanish you must have mastered to become a Spanish teacher...Substitute teachers aren’t always certified teachers.At private learning institutions, pay can vary widely depending on the type and location of the center, your qualifications, and experience, so it’s worth talking to a few different potential employers to get a sense of remuneration.Teachers at the centers usually come from a range of backgrounds, including teachers with second jobs, retired persons looking to share their knowledge, or individuals freelancing.In general, in order to teach at a learning center, it’s good to have qualifications, but the most important thing is that you are a subject matter exp ert in the field you intend to teach. Teaching ability and fluent Spanish will be much more important than having passed a teacher certification exam.Depending on your background, experience, and skills, you can easily find a job at a private adult education center and begin teaching Spanish.Discover also how to become a self-taught Spanish teacher...Become a Spanish teacher at a private school!Similar to learning centers, private schools don’t have any set requirements for teacher certification and can more or less hire who they like.Of course, convincing parents to shell out thousands for their children’s education is a bit difficult if the school doesn’t have any fully qualified teachers, so this doesn’t mean that private schools will just hire anyone.Normally, they will want you to have gone to a good college, (and perhaps a private high school yourself) and to have a high level of knowledge about the subject you’re applying to teach. Preferably, they will also want yo u to be a fully certified teacher with a Masters too.However, they will all have their own selection criteria and will certainly be hiring language teachers for subjects like German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian…So if your mother tongue is Spanish, or you’re already bilingual, don’t hesitate to apply. With their emphasis on expertise over formal teaching qualifications, teaching at a private school may counter-intuitively be easier than finding a job teaching Spanish in the public school system.How can you find a job teaching Spanish without passing a Teacher Certification Exam?What about becoming a Spanish tutor?Do you like the idea of giving personalized Spanish classes one on one?What motivates you the most about teaching and makes you want to see students succeed?There’s nothing to stop you from working as a private in-home Spanish tutor, even without a formal degree or teaching qualification. And as a private tutor, you’ll be able to develop a much closer relationship with your students, and really get to know them and how they learn. You’ll be able to personalize your teaching to their learning style and needs and help them achieve true academic success.This is even more true than usual when you’re tutoring someone in a second language, and getting the student to participate actively is a key part of the learning process. It’s important for them to take an active role in the learning process, and it’s easier to tackle tricky concepts when you’re working one on one. Things like spoken Spanish, grammar, etymology, vocabulary, conjugation, syntax, pronunciation…If you haven’t yet considered it, why not jump straight in? Even if in the long run you plan to become certified and teach Spanish in the public schools, doing a bit of private tutoring gives you a chance to:work on your teaching skillslearn to stay organized and develop lesson plansadapt your teaching to different ages and levelsTutoring can be a rich and demandi ng experience that will require a certain level of discipline and self-improvement.However, if you want to become a private Spanish tutor, even if you don’t have a degree, we’d at least recommend spending some time in a Spanish speaking country and immersing yourself in the language and culture.Private tutoring can be a great experience for teachers, whether they’re teaching Spanish or another subject like Chinese, Portuguese, ESL, French, history, geography or math…whichever subject you choose to teach, you’ll still be gaining teaching experience.So while you’re working up to passing your teacher certification exam, why not become a private Spanish tutor?!You can also find plenty of Spanish classes and teaching resources online if you’d rather avoid any additional formal education…

Six Issues Tutors Must Address When Teaching Students with Autism

Six Issues Tutors Must Address When Teaching Students with Autism Improving Academic Performance To nearly everyone off the spectrum, autism is an utterly baffling disorder. Autism rewires how those affected see and understand the world around them, but the severity of the disorder varies widely. Sometimes, autism manifests as a bit of social awkwardness; sometimes, it prevents those afflicted from communicating, sensing the world around them, developing fine motor skills, and worse. Autistic students typically require special attention in educational environments â€" but rarely are teachers or tutors equipped to manage an autistic student’s unique needs.In some cases, a psychologist or clinically trained learning expert is appropriate, but in other cases, students with autism just need and could benefit from the expertise of an academic tutor for a given subject who is sensitive to the needs of the autistic student. Considering that cases of autism have increased in recent years â€" perhaps due to a greater familiarity with the disorder â€" tutors should strive to equip themselves with tools to help autistic students learn. This article addresses six unique things a tutor must keep in mind when working with a student who happens to be autistic. Students with autism often have: Difficulty with Social Interaction Delays in Cognitive Development Differences in Sensory Perception Struggles with Motor Skills Trouble Focusing Fear of Change Difficulty with Social Interaction Some will say that this is the most obvious aspect of autism. There is a social disconnect for people with autism, and they are unable to read the social world as the rest of us are. The social cues and body language we take for granted on a daily basis are difficult, and sometimes impossible, for autistic students to interpret. For a tutoring relationship to be truly successful, a personal connection must be established. The best tutors will take extra time to get to know their students and connect what they’re learning to the individual’s particular interests and learning style. This can become difficult when working with an autistic student. Be clear. Don’t rely on tone, sarcasm, or body language to convey your point. Don’t be offended. People with autism don’t necessarily recognize social norms or etiquette, and they can be very blunt. Use structure routine. Create an outline that you’ll more or less stick to for every session. People with autism are typically visual thinkers. When learning vocabulary words, write them down. When teaching math problems, try to use concrete objects to represent numbers, percentages, etc. Don’t be afraid to get to know them. Usually, autistic students have specific, intense interests. When meeting them for the first time or taking breaks, figure out what they enjoy and try to connect the lesson to these things as often as possible. Delays in Cognitive Development Oftentimes, although areas of intellectual development are strong, autistic students will struggle on varying levels with certain topics or subjects. When teaching an autistic student new or problematic content, play to their strengths. People with autism have unique patterns of development, and quickly adapt to using their stronger skills to supplement the areas where they may be lacking developmentally (be sure to evaluate whether they’re visual-spatial, nonverbal/kinetic, or auditory learners). Differences in Sensory Perception Most of us have heard the term ‘sensory overload’. Many people on the autism spectrum experience some form of over- or under-sensitivity (sight, touch, smell, etc.), and these sensitivities can lead to anxiety, withdrawal from the present situation, and even physical pain. Of course, as the student’s tutor, you want to make the environment as comfortable and conducive to learning as possible. Always be on the lookout for any loud noises, lights, etc. that may become an issue. Make sure you’re doing all that you can to minimize the possibility that something may be disruptive (turning your cell phone to silent, for example). Also have a game plan and escape plan in place for when disruptions do happen. Tell the student about possible stimuli they may experience if this is a different environment for them. Open communication here is key. Struggles with Motor Skills Children with autism often experience delays in acquiring motor skills such as writing, tying shoes, running, etc., which can lead to frustrating and negative day-to-day experiences at school and in the home. As the tutor, make sure you check in with the student’s parents beforehand. They’ll be able to fill you in on any specific motor skill deficiencies the student may be struggling with and what strategies they use for combating them. For instance, if an individual has trouble writing, they may use speech recognition software instead. It’s important to know these things beforehand and to be prepared to adjust your usual teaching methods to accommodate these modifications. If you’re working on developing motor skills, connect the activity to something the student is interested in and take breaks often. Trouble Focusing As the tutor, you’re most likely only with a student for a limited amount of time every week; therefore, it’s important to maximize the time you have. When an autistic student is having trouble staying on task, here are a few strategies you can employ: Break content up into smaller chunks. This way, you can have the student complete one part, take a break, and then move on to the second, rather than spending 15 minutes on an entire problem. Remove distractions. Whether they’re visual, auditory, etc. remove everything that is taking away from the lesson at hand until breaktime. Use physical activityduring breaks. Give the student something active fun to do on short breaks, whether it’s bouncing on an exercise ball, playing with Play-Doh, going outdoors. This will help them stay more engaged when it’s time to get back to work. Provide rewards when tasks are completed. Fear of Change Change, especially unexpected change, causes stress and anxiety for individuals with autism. It is imperative that tutors introduce a sense of structure to sessions to provide consistency and stability. Providing a visual, written out schedule that is shown to the student at the beginning of every session will help keep things predictable. As always, communication is necessary. Let the student know what is going to happen in this lesson and try your best not to stray from that plan. If you have an idea of what you’ll be working on in the next session (you should, by the way), tell them. For instance, if you’ll be focusing on their vocabulary skills next week, let them know that you’ll be reviewing words and their meanings for the first half of the next lesson. This way, the student knows what to expect and there are no surprises. Conclusion In recent years, the general public has become more familiar with autism and its meaning. However, there is still a lot to learn. As a tutor working with a student on the spectrum, it’s important to be prepared for their specific struggles and weaknesses, as well as to be aware of their strengths and interests. If you’re interested in pursuing a career working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a Graduate CertificateProgram is a great option. Keep in mind the six factors explained above, and you’re well on your way to a successful and positive student-tutor relationship.

Six Tips to Keep Your Child Safe Online

Six Tips to Keep Your Child Safe Online Six Tips to Keep Your Child Safe Online Cyberbullyingonline predatorsidentity theft. For many parents, the World Wide Web is a source of fear and anxiety. Yet, in todays Information Ageand with children who are digital nativesavoidance of digital technologies, social media and cyberspace in general simply isnt possible or practical. Heres the good news: the Internet offers many advantages to students of all ages. It is easier than ever to research any topic or interest, share information, and make connections with people around the world. While the benefits of having so much information at ones fingertips are many, there are risks and dangers as well, especially for children. Here are six tips to keep your child safe online and help him or her learn to use the Internet safely and appropriately: Tip #1: Set limits. Establish house rules about online time. Perhaps you allow 20 minutes immediately after school while your child unwinds from the day and has a snack. Keep a screen-free house once homework time begins and try to maintain a consistent schedule for homework, dinner and bedtime. If your child has a mobile phone, set rules about when the phone gets turned off each night. Tip #2: Keep the computer in a visible location. Its easier to monitor the amount of time your child spends on the computer and the type of content that he or she views if you have it in the kitchen or family room and not his or her bedroom. Tip #3: Be aware of what your child does online. Just as your parents wanted to know where you went and who you spent time with when you were growing up, you should know who your child interacts with online and what types of websites and tools he or she visits and uses. Make it a rule that your child only chat with, instant message, email or talk on Facebook with friends that he or she knows in person. Tip #4: Use safety settings. Set up parental controls on any computers, tablets or other devices in your home. These controls can help you limit Internet access, messaging, email and other online communication capability as well as the time your child spends on the computer. You also can personalize individual settings for children of different ages. In addition, you can buy Internet filter software such as McAfee Safe Eyes or Net Nanny. Tip #5 Talk about privacy. Your child needs to understand from an early age that some people on the Internet might pretend to be people who they are not. Talk about the importance of interacting online only with people he or she knows in real life, and never with strangers. Stress to your child that he or she should never share personal information such as his or her full name, address, phone number or password information with anyone online, no matter who they claim to be. Tip #6: Talk about social media etiquette. Children need to understand what constitutes bullying online: harassment, repeated cruelty or rumor spreading via Facebook or other social media outlets, for example. The rules for treating others with respect and kindness are the same online. If your child ever becomes the target of a bully online via threats or harassment, he or she needs to know that there are ways to remove him or herself from the situation, such as blocking the person and reporting such incidents to a school official. Perhaps the most important way to mitigate the risks of going online is to communicate frequently with your child. Talk about the risks of giving out information online, spending too much time online and visiting unsafe websites. Make your child aware of the instantaneous nature of spreading information in an era of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Discuss how social media impacts how he or she feels about friendships and him or herself. As with all aspects of parenting, keeping your child safe online requires maintaining an open and honest dialogue.

Debate of the week Education needs an early start

Debate of the week Education needs an early start According to new research, children growing up in the poorest fifth of families in the UK are already nearly a year behind children from other families in vocabulary tests by the time they are five. The research was published by the Sutton Trust, which aims to promote social mobility through education. In it, 12,500 British five year olds were surveyed with reading and vocabulary tests. The results found that good parenting and a supportive home environment were the most important influencers, with children who benefited from both scoring more highly in their tests. Just under half of children from the poorest fifth of families were read to daily at age 3, compared with 8 in 10 of children from the most affluent families. Often, children find it difficult to catch up after such a poor start and their parents cannot afford private tutors.Whilst at First Tutors, we have sought to make private tutoring as affordable as possible (some of our tutors charge as little as 9 per hour) we acknowledge that it can be difficult, particularly in a recession. That's why we support the principles behind the government's initiative to provide one-to-one tutoring for those struggling the most in class. As most families who have tried tutoring know, one-to-one tuition is a very effective way to learn and the government's funding of this scheme endorses that perspective. But what if tutoring isn't an option? Try reading together as a simple way to get their education off to a great start. If you have small children, try reading to them every day - even if it's just for ten minutes. If you don't have children of your own, why not volunteer to help teach reading at your local primary school?

5 Creative Summer Reading Tips

5 Creative Summer Reading Tips 5 Creative Summer Reading Tips As you bask in the summer sun and enjoy the longer days, it’s the perfect time to incorporate reading into your children’s daily routine. The magical thing about books is that they can make our imaginations soar by whisking us off to faraway lands or transporting us back into history, but they can also spark new interests. Ongoing research indicates that most students can lose up to two to three months of critical reading skills over the summer months. Whether at home, by the pool, on a plane, or at the local library, daily reading can strengthen your children’s reading skills. With a little creativity, summer reading can be fun and help prevent your children from spiraling down the “summer slide.” Here are five creative summer reading tips: Create a reading spot. Designate a cozy nook for your children where they can relax and get lost in a book. Try a hammock in the backyard or build your own reading fort with blankets and pillows. Connect books to travel or activities. With family trips and activities planned for the summer, find books related to where you’re visiting! If you’re planning a day at an aquarium, check out books related to various sea life. Or, if you’re visiting sites that are rich in history like the nation’s capital, dive into some books to learn about the country’s founding fathers. They will have fun connecting their own experiences to the books they are reading. Read the same books as your children. Tackling the same reading list as your children will be your own form of a book club! Engaging in thoughtful discussions will further develop their insight and critical reading skills. Visit your local library. Beat the summer heat and head over to your local library. Have your young reader explore the library and check out a book of their choice. Some libraries even offer story hours, educational speakers, workshops, and musical performances that will keep your children engaged! Subscribe to educational magazines. Magazines can be fun for children to read over breakfast and in between books! Try subscriptions to educational publications like, Highlights, National Geographic Kids, Muse, Stone Soup, and Ranger Rick. You might also be interested in: 6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer Four Easy Ways to Make Summer Break Fun and Educational 6 Practical Tips for Summer Parenting Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup 5 Creative Summer Reading Tips 5 Creative Summer Reading Tips As you bask in the summer sun and enjoy the longer days, it’s the perfect time to incorporate reading into your children’s daily routine. The magical thing about books is that they can make our imaginations soar by whisking us off to faraway lands or transporting us back into history, but they can also spark new interests. Ongoing research indicates that most students can lose up to two to three months of critical reading skills over the summer months. Whether at home, by the pool, on a plane, or at the local library, daily reading can strengthen your children’s reading skills. With a little creativity, summer reading can be fun and help prevent your children from spiraling down the “summer slide.” Here are five creative summer reading tips: Create a reading spot. Designate a cozy nook for your children where they can relax and get lost in a book. Try a hammock in the backyard or build your own reading fort with blankets and pillows. Connect books to travel or activities. With family trips and activities planned for the summer, find books related to where you’re visiting! If you’re planning a day at an aquarium, check out books related to various sea life. Or, if you’re visiting sites that are rich in history like the nation’s capital, dive into some books to learn about the country’s founding fathers. They will have fun connecting their own experiences to the books they are reading. Read the same books as your children. Tackling the same reading list as your children will be your own form of a book club! Engaging in thoughtful discussions will further develop their insight and critical reading skills. Visit your local library. Beat the summer heat and head over to your local library. Have your young reader explore the library and check out a book of their choice. Some libraries even offer story hours, educational speakers, workshops, and musical performances that will keep your children engaged! Subscribe to educational magazines. Magazines can be fun for children to read over breakfast and in between books! Try subscriptions to educational publications like, Highlights, National Geographic Kids, Muse, Stone Soup, and Ranger Rick. You might also be interested in: 6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer Four Easy Ways to Make Summer Break Fun and Educational 6 Practical Tips for Summer Parenting Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup

The Rise of For-Profit Higher Education

The Rise of For-Profit Higher Education As Britain's second for-profit institution is granted the title of University we discuss the implications for-profit higher-ed will have on the landscape of UK education and society. In Britain we have an ingrained, congenital suspicion of the Profit Motive. Thus, predictably, when the private BPP College of Professional Studies ascended to BPP University with the government's blessing, the UCU (University and College Union) decried the move. It will Open The Floodgates, they said. It will Endanger Our Reputation, they added. We will Become Like America. But how valid are their concerns? Do they have basis, beyond our cultural phobia for the Free Market? First off, let's look at the state of play as it stands. The UK has over 200 Universities and other HE establishments, the overwhelmingly vast majority of which are nonprofit foundations, usually part-funded by the government, all of which have the autonomy to set and award their own degrees. In the 'good old days', they required no tuition fees: receiving a top-quality education was simply a matter of making the grade. Then Labour introduced the 1000 'top-up' fees. This quickly trebled to something in the region of 3000. Then, as you know, they recently trebled again to 9000 (so much for just being a 'top up') - an act which will leave all graduates with a considerable millstone of student debt to carry. Admittedly, this 'debt' isn't the scary type of debt - the debt of creditors, banks and bailiffs - but more of a 'graduate tax' that is chipped off your monthly pay, along with Inco me Tax and the like. Well, at least at the moment it is. Policy could change, and however lenient the current government may be, the fact doesn't stand for future regimes. Where do private institutions fit in to this equation? Historically, there have been a few companies that have set up low-key colleges or institutes (categorically not universities; well, until recently), which have offered courses in various limited subjects (usually business related) and have often been affiliated with international entities (the city of Oxford sports an outpost for a Saudi university, for example). They have tended to cater to niche markets, and are no way near destabilizing or replacing the conventional HE pathway. But now, private universities (a serious step-up from colleges) are clearly here to stay. Being private, they will rely heavily on tuition fees to keep afloat. Their student intake will be their life-blood, even more so than conventional universities. So the question must be asked: what would make someone choose a private institution, as opposed to taking the well-trodden path of going to uni? Surely the Benign Debt of uni is preferable to the Scary Debt of private companies? Unless, of course, the fees for such institutions were within a manageable price bracket... as currently, they are. The BPP University will charge 5000 per year for a three-year degree, a far more manageable sum than 9000, even if it's meted via Benign Debt. You see, 5000 is a sum that in conceivably in the price range for many people to pay outright (start saving now, parents), negating the debt aspect entirely. Now, if private universities decide to go the way of the States with, quite frankly, ludicrous tuition fees, then what gives? Pupils can still go to conventional unis (which, at present, are far more prestigious anyway), leaving the rich and foolish to pursue their pipe-dreams. The idea that just by having universities that charge incredible fees, the UK HE scene will somehow 'Americanize' is silly: our Ivy League lies firmly in the Conventional area of things, and it's very unlikely that Oxbridge or the Russell Group will go private any time soon (forays into the Gulf excepted). ...at least for the moment. However, if a significant number of private universities spring up, gain popularity and then raise their fees (and demonstrate that people are willing to pay those fees), there is the danger that Conventional unis could follow suit (via government reform, of course), just because they can get away with it. Then we'd see the fees arms-race of the States, and we would be in a pickle. At the moment, however, this outcome is thankfully in the realm of speculative fiction. So what benefits may private universities (alongside conventional ones) have for UK students? Straight off the bat, they seem to be providing a cheaper alternative. An indirect benefit of this lower-priced private competition may include forcing the Gov to re-think its tuition fee policies in a downwards direction (the very essence of capitalist competition), encouraging them to spend more tax dollar on subsidizing education (is there ever a better use of public money?). The lower cost of private university, driven down by competition, could also make university education even more accessible, giving more people the chance to pursue professional careers and a better quality of life. Niche universities could arise, giving students' more choice of where and what to study. There will be, in real terms, more universities, meaning even greater choice (and geographical accessibility). Universities focused on later life learning may develop, unseating the still-extant stigma of being a 'mature' student. There are also a caveat which is, in a way, a flipside of previous points. While it is entirely possible the introduction of private universities will create greater choice for students, there is a danger that, responding to market forces, they will homogenize their courses into a morass of Business Studies variants, leaving liberal arts (and indeed hard sciences) floundering by the wayside. While the argument for the usefulness of liberal arts is for another blog piece (hint: it is very necessary), we should reject anything that would limit educational prospects on principle. This feeds directly into a fundamental question surrounding HE in general, not only private unis. To what extent should HE reflect and respond to current socioeconomic pressures? In short, should HE exist for education's sake, or to act as a personnel farm for Britain's commercial sectors? One could well argue that the very act of creating private universities is a manifestation of the latter. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Equally, since taxpayer money subsidizes conventional universities, surely there is an argument for making their courses industry-led and -centered as well? In a way, this question may be becoming redundant, as many universities are already electing to drop (or cut funding to) subjects with little economic impact. These are incredibly difficult issues to which there are no clear-cut answers. In the end it comes down to ideals: the ideal of a utopian anything-goes HE system, existing for its own sake, or a pragmatic, numbers-led HE system that feeds directly into the country's larger economy, and is informed by it. We certainly seem to be transitioning from the former to the latter, which many people would argue is a regression. They would say the utopian version of HE breeds innovation and new ideas (amusingly, anyone who's experienced the tangled world of academia would probably disagree), while the proponents of pragmatism would cite its increased economic efficiency and benefit as de facto justification. A minefield indeed. The point to take home from this is that private universities aren't a boogeyman, and current universities aren't the bastion of academic purity they claim to be. They are exist within the same system and are swayed by similar forces. However, private unis will rise and fall on their own merits, unlike conventional ones, so it's unlikely that the status quo will be destabilized just yet. Instead of scaremongering, the UCU and the press in general should take a nuanced view of the issue, especially as - if nothing else - it could be the wake-up call conventional HE needs to get its fee-structuring act together.