Algebra Linear Equations Online Tutoring

Algebra Linear Equations Online Tutoring Algebra linear equations are always of form ax + b = 0 where x is considered as the variable in the equation and a and b are real numbers. This form ax + b =0 is called as the standard form of any of the linear equations. The variable can be any other alphabet too. Let us take some examples of Algebra Linear Equations to understand the concept I a better way. Example 1: - Solve the following equation 2 (3 + x) + 5 = 10x 2 (x 1) Solution: - From the equation:- 2 (3 + x) + 5 = 10x 2 (x 1) 6 + 2x + 5 = 10x 2x + 2 11 + 2x = 8x + 2 Subtracting 2 from both sides, we get 11 + 2x 2 = 8x + 2 2 9 + 2x = 8x Subtracting 2x from both sides, we get 9 + 2x 2x = 8x 2x 9 = 6x Dividing both sides by 6, we get 9/6 = 6x/6 x = 3/2 Hence x = 3/2 is the solution of equation 2 (3 + x) + 5 = 10x 2 (x 1) Example 2: Solve the following equation for m 5 (m + 2) -10 = 8m (3m + 7) Solution:- From the equation: 5 (m + 2) -10 = 8m (6m + 9) 5m + 10 10 = 8m 6m 9 5m = 2m 9 Subtracting 2m from both sides, we get 5m 2m = 2m 9 2m 3m = -9 Dividing both sides by 3, we get 3m/3 = -9/3 m = -3 Hence m -3 is the solution of 5 (m + 2) -10 = 8m (3m + 7).

5 Essential Tools for Receiving Online Tutoring

5 Essential Tools for Receiving Online Tutoring 0SHARESShare If you have decided to augment your school learning with online tutoring then you will need some basic equipment. Many students are lucky to have all this equipment already present in their homes. Other students who might not have these tools need not despair. Here are the five essential things you need for logging on to online tutoring. The first thing you need is a good computer. If you can manage to buy a laptop it is all the better because you can carry it around conveniently. The configurations of the laptop should be such that it should be able to operate with the latest browsers. It should have enough memory and speed to work efficiently with any modern web site. You can take the help of one of your computer savvy friends in getting the right computer or laptop. Make sure that the equipment is not older than one year. If you can buy a new one then that is perfect. You have your own room and you have your study table. Make sure your room has a plain and pleasant environment for undisturbed interaction with your online tutoring site. The quiet room is thus an integral part of your online tutoring experience. The third thing you need is a good internet connection. You can call up your local phone company and get all the information regarding charges per month and speed. Go for an unlimited package which is reasonable and allows you to surf the net without worrying about the bill. The fourth thing you need is a web camera. The best online tutoring is possible only when tutor and student can see each other. This gives a real classroom experience. The fifth piece of equipment is a good pair of headsets with a microphone. This way you can also listen to your tutor and talk to him. You can add speakers to get a better sound experience. Now you are all set for online tutoring. [starbox id=admin]

Should I Take a Gap Year

Should I Take a Gap Year Its common for students to jump into four years of college immediately following their high school graduation. In contrast, however, a growing number of recent high school grads are choosing to take a gap year, otherwise known as a year off from their formal education before college. After being accepted into college, students might ask themselves, Should I take a gap year? Scenarios where a student perhaps should take a gap year include wanting time off to get volunteering experience, search for a job or an internship, or travel to see the world. It is important to make sure if you do take a gap year for one of these reasons, your experiences will bring you something specific and beneficial to bring to your college experience, otherwise college admissions staff may not see the value in your gap year decision. Should you take a gap year? Yes, if Youre unsure of a college major and future career Some students who take a gap year are unsure of which academic paths theyd like to take in college. A gap year might give you the time you need to get a better direction of where you see yourself in the future. Going into college after a gap year with a focused academic plan can help you achieve more academic success than going straight into college without direction. You know youd benefit from a break from formal academics Spending consecutive years in classrooms, libraries, and study halls can get tedious. If youre feeling a little burnt out by academics following your high school graduation, it may be beneficial to take a little time off. But note that a gap year isnt a break from learning. Instead, it gives you an opportunity for self-discovery and skill development, which can be beneficial in college. If you choose to take a gap year, make sure its productive: fill it with work, pursue an internship, travel, or do other activities that help you develop your skills. Should you take a gap year? No, if You have a hard time acclimating after academic breaks If in high school, youve had a tough time getting back into the swing of school after your winter and summer breaks, you might want to avoid taking a gap year. Some students perform best academically when their education is continuous. Its important to recognize that while time off can be helpful to some students, it can be a distraction to others. Money is a concern Scholarship packages can greatly benefit students who need financial assistance attending college. These packages can cover a variety of things, including: tuition housing meal plans There are many questions to ask your college about financial aid, and some you may consider asking prior to a gap year decision. If money is tight for you, taking a gap yearwhere you have to support yourself for an extra year before collegemight be a financial setback. Take note about gap year policies Not all colleges permit accepted students to take gap years. Taking one at a college that doesnt approve it, for instance, may result in your acceptance being revoked. That means if you want to attend that college after your gap year, youll have to reapply and be readmitted. [RELATED: What to Do After Youve Submitted Your College Applications] At colleges that do permit students to take gap years, students are usually required to outline what they plan to do in their year (or sometimes two years) off before enrolling. Harvard University is one school that allows students to take gap yearsin fact it encourages students to consider it! If a college approves a students gap year plan, the student will likely be required to submit updates on their activities to the college to show that they have a continued interest in attending. If you think a gap year might be for you, make sure the college you really want to attend wont revoke your admission if you decide to take a gap year. You should make sure you can commit to your colleges gap year requirements. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Ingredients for Weight Loss

Ingredients for Weight Loss What Food Should You Eat to Lose Weight? ChaptersEat Fruits and VegetablesConsume ProteinFood You Should Consume in ModerationFoods Famous for Helping with Weight Loss“Pasta doesn't make you fat. How much pasta you eat makes you fat.” - Giada De LaurentiisDon’t run before you can walk. The same applies when it comes to weight loss. Regularly trying different diets won’t help you in the longterm. Many of us have already tried one of these diets, too.The problem with diets is that once you’ve finished your diet, you’ll put the weight back on. You’ve got to change the way you eat. It’s better to lose weight slowly and keep it off than quickly.Let’s have a look at the food you should be eating. RebeccaNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FernNutrition Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JehanNutrition Teacher £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FazNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AsherNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!D iscover all our tutors DelNutrition Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YusefNutrition Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEat Fruits and VegetablesIf you want to grow up big and strong, you have to eat your greens. At least that’s what our parents told us. Rich in vitamins, vegetables don’t tend to be very calorific so they’re perfect if you want to lose weight. Fruits and vegetables are generally quite good for you. (Source: ejaugsburg)Green vegetables are good for detoxing, too. They stop fat from building up, anti-oxidant, and diuretic and are part of any healthy diet. Make sure you cook spinach, green beans, lettuce, broccoli, fennel, courgette, cabbage, celery, and asparagus.  It should be noted that cauliflower and Brussels sprouts need to be cooked. If not, they’ll slow your digestion and lead to bloating.However, most vegetables are great for diets because they contain a lot of water and fibre. You should have them with every meal. Eat them when they’re in season as they’ll be more nutritious and cheaper.You can also buy frozen vegetables as long as sugars haven’t been added to them. Tomatoes (which is actually a fruit), cucumbers, aubergines, and mushrooms are all good for you, too.  In fact, the aubergine is great because it absorbs the fat in your body and can leave you feeling full for longer.As for fruits, apples are gre at for losing weight. They’re a great healthy snack. You should go for fruit that’s low in sugar but high in water like melons, pineapples, and berries.  Grapefruit is great for getting rid of toxins and strengthening your immune system in the winter.Dried fruits like dates, figs, apricots, and raisins aren’t recommended as they tend to be very sugary. The sugariest fruits include grapes, dates, cherries, banana, prunes, and pears.  Avoid fruit juices and jams which tend to include a lot of sugar and very few vitamins.Don’t forget to drink lots of water! Of course, water doesn’t lead to weight loss but it can fill your stomach ensuring that you don’t feel as hungry. Don’t drink too much during your meals as it can mess with your digestion.Find out more about losing weight.Consume ProteinIf you want to lose weight, you’ll also need to regularly exercise. Exercise can turn fat into muscle. While muscle weighs more than fat, you’ll be in better shape. Protein is good for building muscle. (Source: monicore)For fat to turn into muscle, you’ll need protein.  You’ll want meat that’s high in protein but low in fat like chicken, rabbit, turkey, etc.Eggs, despite their reputation, are actually really good for managing your hunger and are a great source of protein and vitamin B12.Dairy products aren’t off the table but you shouldn’t overdo it. You’ll want to avoid products with too much sugar in them. Dairy products contain a lot of calories but can leave you feeling full for longer. Even cheese can stave off hunger. Ideally, you’ll want a low-fat cheese as most cheeses are really calorific.If you’re vegetarian or vegan, soy is the option. You can find it in all shapes and sizes: steaks, salads, yoghurt, milk. It’s a good source of vitamins and protein.Check out some great meals for losing weight.Food You Should Consume in ModerationThere’s no such thing as bad food when it comes to losing weight. It’s not about what we eat but rather how much of it we eat, how it’s cooked, how it’s seasoned, and how often we have it. Like with everything in life, moderation is key. (Source: silviarita)Carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet and can help provide us with energy throughout the day. Foods with a low glycemic index are good for keeping us from snacking throughout the day.You just need to pay attention to the food you eat throughout the day. Avoid white bread. It can lead to bloating and is less filling than brown bread. You’ll want to consume around 40g of wholegrain around breakfast and 100g at lunch.  Don’t go mad with fatty products like butter, oil, or cream when cooking, either.In terms of proteins, you can eat walnuts and almonds if you’re hungry as they’re high in fibre and will provide you with energy. However, only eat them in moderation as they’re quite high in calories.Pulses can lead to bloating. Consume beans and peas in moderation. Lentils are good at regulating your blood sugar level and stop you from feeling peckish.Avocados are rich in Omega 3 but are also quite calo rific and to be consumed in smaller quantities.Find out more about diets for sustained weight loss.Foods Famous for Helping with Weight LossAs you’ll have understood, there are no magic foods that guarantee weight loss. It’s all about how much you have of each thing. That said, there are some foods that can help:Cider vinegar: this helps digestion and burns fat.Chia seeds: these can manage hunger and absorb sugars.Strawberries: as long as you don’t have them with cream!Cinnamon: an excellent substitute for sugar. Try it!Spice: the capsaicin can increase your metabolism. However, it’s not recommended for those with sensitive digestive systems.Garlic: except for your breath. Garlic won’t help you on a date but it can help you to lose weight.Tuna: not tuna mayo! In small quantities, you can also enjoy salmon. These fish are full of anti-oxidants. That said, they’re not the most ecological of foods...Oat bran: this will help you control your appetite and it’s rich in fibre . It’s also good for intestinal discomfort.Lemon: this is good for cleaning you out. Drink lemon juice in the morning to wake up your body and encourage it to produce stomach acid. Furthermore, it boosts the immune system.Coffee: black, of course. Caffeine can help you to break down fat. Don’t overdo it, though. More than 3 cups a day is bad for your heart.Green tea: if you don’t like coffee, you can always go for green tea. It’s great for detoxing. Coffee can help with weight loss as long as you don't add milk and sugar. (Source: fancycrave1)And there you go! By adding these foods to your diet, you’ll be able to start losing weight.Just be patient!Find out how to lose weight healthily.If you'd like to learn more about healthy eating, nutrition, and cooking, consider getting help from one of the many talented and experienced private tutors on Superprof. There are several different types of tutorials available but they all fall into one of three main categories: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Each type of tutorial has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, learning styles, and effectiveness so make sure you think carefully about which will work best for you before you start looking for tutors.Face-to-face tutorials take place between just the tutor and one student. This means that all the tutor's attention is on you. While this is great for ensuring that you learn quickly, it also come s at a cost. Outside of your tutorials, the tutor will be preparing and planning your lessons and will factor this extra time into their hourly rates. Face-to-face tutorials are usually the most costly type of tutorial but they're also usually the most effective.Online tutorials are similar to face-to-face tutorials as they have the same tutor-student ratio. However, your tutor won't be in the same place as you. Instead, they'll teach you remotely using a computer, webcam, and video conferencing software like Skype. Since the tutor doesn't have to travel to their students and can schedule more tutorials each week, they tend to charge less than their face-to-face counterparts.Finally, group tutorials are between one tutor and several students. With each student paying for the tutor's time, these tend to work out as the cheapest per student per hour. Unfortunately, the tutor won't be able to tailor the tutorials or the course to each student.Remember that many of the tutors on Superpr of offer the first hour of tuition for free so you can try a few of them out and make a decision after you've met them and discussed what you want to learn and what you need out of them.

Is ADHD Real

Is ADHD Real More than any other disorder, the legitimacy of ADHD as a mental health diagnosis is questioned by armchair experts everywhere. Anyone who has ADHD themselves or has a child with ADHD has encountered family members and friends who are more than happy to share their belief that ADHD doesnt actually exist - I was hyper when I was a kid too, but I didnt have ADHD. Its just kids being kids. Kids are too coddled these days, so they dont respect their teachers. If parents would just discipline their kids, then they wouldnt behave this way. If kids didnt spend so much time watching TV and playing videogames, then they wouldnt have ADHD. Hearing these messages is especially difficult for parents of kids with ADHD. Parents face the challenge of not only having to cope with their childs ADHD, but also having to defend their parenting choices and the very existence of the ADHD symptoms. For many parents, dismissive comments from friends and family also plant seeds of doubt, leading them to quietly wonder whether their parenting is in fact the problem, or if they did actually cause their childs ADHD by allowing them to play too many videogames. In addition, these comments perpetuate the stigma that too often surrounds ADHD, and ultimately discourages people from seeking help for themselves or their child. While public opinion about ADHD varies widely, the science behind ADHD is actually quite specific: ADHD is a real, brain-based disorder that manifests as difficulty with concentration, organization, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Through brain imaging studies scientists are now able to identify parts of the brain that develop and function differently in individuals with ADHD (see my previous post on brain differences in with ADHD). What causes ADHD? Researchers are continually developing a more sophisticated understanding of why some people develop ADHD and others do not. The science shows us that the number one factor contributing to the development of ADHD is not watching too much TV or playing too many videogames, or parenting style or the food someone eats. Its genetics. A persons genes make up about 80% of their risk for developing ADHD. The other 20% likely comes from other environmental or health-related factors, like exposure to nicotine in utero, being born prematurely, being exposed to lead, etc. While factors like screen time, parenting style, teaching style, and diet dont cause ADHD, research show that they can affect the severity of ADHD symptoms. So, growing up in a structured home environment, attending high quality schools, spending limited amounts of time playing videogames and watching TV, and eating a healthy diet can all help with the management of ADHD symptoms. These protective factors may even change the w ay the brain develops over time, leading to a less severe course of ADHD overall. With so much evidence showing that ADHD is real, why do people question the diagnosis? For starters, ADHD symptoms exist on a spectrum, and everyone as moments or days when they are less focused than theyd like to be or find themselves struggling to sit still. So, on an individual level, people without ADHD dont fully understand that their periodic symptoms are far less severe than the chronic symptoms experienced by those with ADHD. As a result, they struggle to comprehend why it is that a person with ADHD cant simply make themselves focus or stop fidgeting. On a societal level, we believe that parents and teachers should be able to control a childs behavior. And, we fundamentally believe that all children and adults can be focused and organized when they choose to apply themselves. Individual weaknesses in these areas are rarely discussed or accepted as valid challenges faced by people with ADHD. There may be times when it seems like everyone has a different opinion about whether or not ADHD really exists but the scientific evidence doesnt waiver. ADHD is a brain-based disorder that has a very real impact on the lives of children and adults, as well as their families. Parenting and teaching styles, screen time, and diet dont cause ADHD to develop, but intervening in these areas can have a positive impact on symptoms and the trajectory of ADHD over time. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center 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 of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Travel English New York City

Travel English New York City Preparing for a trip to New York City? Here are some some travel trips for people who speak English as a Second Language.First off, let me admit that Ive only been to New York City once in my whole life. I spent 5 days there in May of 2008 for my sisters graduation from Columbia. It was an amazing time, and New York left an impression on me. Its a big and busy city, but also surprisingly clean and friendly.Maybe suggest radio programs?* the city = [Manhattan] * Alphabet City = part of the East Village, specifically avenues A,B,C, and D. * BQE = [Brooklyn] / [Queens] Expressway * Hero = type of bread * DUMBO = an artsy neighborhood in [Brooklyn] (the acronym stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) * Ground Zero = a rather unfortunate name for the World Trade Center mostly used by tourists in questions like Excuse me, how do I get to Ground Zero?. Avoid. * GU (pronounced goo) geographically undesirable: chickspeak for guys who live way outside of Manhattan and are, presumably , not the right material to be dating (or even talking to). If youre a girl of the Sex The City circuit, you might find this term useful. * Pie = whole pizza * BT or BT people = bridge tunnel [people]: those living in the outer boroughs and New Jersey. Can be used as an insult. Not to be confused with BLT (bacon, lettuce tomato). * To stand/be ON line = to stand IN line (the process known to Britons as queuing). Alphabet City A Manhattan neighborhood from East 3rd Street to East 14th Street between Avenues A thru D.Avenue of the Americas Another name for 6th Avenue in Manhattan.B.Q.E. An acronym for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, (I-278) Interstate 278.Downtown Anything south of Canal Street in Manhattan is considered to be downtown.DUMBO An upscale Brooklyn neighborhood. DUMBO is actually an acronym that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.The G.W.B Acronym for the George Washington Bridge.Houston Street A street in Manhattan that runs east and west. It i s not pronounced like Houston Texas. Phonetically its pronounced how ston.Hells Kitchen A Manhattan neighborhood that is from 40th to 59th Streets between the Hudson River and Eight Avenue.Johnny Pump Fire Hydrant.The L.I.E. An acronym for the Long Island Expressway (I-495), Interstate 495.The Meat Packing District A Manhattan neighborhood that was the central point where all the meat that was shipped to NYC was butchered and packaged for market. Many wholesale meat distributors are still in existence in the Meat Packing District, however the neighborhood has become trendy, with upscale lofts and boutiques popping up all over the area. Its border are Gansevoort Street to the South and West 15 Street to the north, between 9th and 11th Avenues.NoHo is an acronym for North of Houston. Its a Manhattan neighborhood thats boundaries are Houston Street to the south, 8th Avenue to the north, the Bowery and Third Avenue on the east, and Broadway on the west.Nolita A trendy Manhattan n eighborhood that is north of Little Italy. Its boundaries are Little Italy (Broom Street) to the south, Houston Street to the north, Bowery on the east, and Lafayette Street on the west side.SoHo is an acronym for South of Houston. Its a Manhattan neighborhood where you can find some of the best shopping in the city. If youre a shopaholic, you cant visit New York City without visiting Soho.TriBeCa An acronym for Triangle Below Canal. An upscale Manhattan neighborhood thats home to many celebrates and the Tribeca Film Festival.The Village nickname for Greenwich Village, a neighborhood in Manhattan. Its boundaries are Houston Street to the south, 14th Street to the north, Broadway on the east and the Hudson River on the west.The Willie B nickname for the Williamsburg Bridge.

11 teacher podcasts you need to listen to right now

11 teacher podcasts you need to listen to right now If you’re looking for tips on being a better teacher, then we have a quick and easy way to keep your teaching skills sharp - for free! We’re talking teacher podcasts. It’s no wonder that many teachers are jumping on the podcast bandwagon of late - as a teacher, you know that you need to be constantly learning. The genius of teacher podcasts is that they blend the practical advice you need to be better at your job, along with stories and advice from real educators, in an easily digestible format. And the best part? You can listen to them anywhere. So, without further ado, here are the best teacher podcasts as selected by the team at Teach Away (in no particular order). Sit back, tune in and get ready to learn. 1. Truth for Teachers Frequently ranked in the top ten K-12 podcasts on iTunes, Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers covers all aspects of the daily life of teachers, speaking words of encouragement and truth to educators to inspire you for the week ahead in the classroom. 2. Cult of Pedagogy On her podcast, Cult of Pedagogy, if there's a concept that has to do with teaching, Jennifer Gonzalez covers it. Full of tips, stories and interviews from fellow teachers, administrators, parents and students - she provides a wealth of information helpful for any teacher, regardless of their subject area or experience level. 3. House of #EdTech In House of #EdTech, host Christopher Nesi explores how technology is impacting and changing not only the way teachers teach but education in general. Listen to stories from teachers and innovators for teaching tips and strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow. 4. Teachers That Teach Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Broken up into 10-minute weekly segments, Teachers That Teach gives language teachers strategies and advice that they can use in the classroom. These short and fun episodes are great for those teaching in a foreign language classroom abroad. 5. Talks With Teachers Get inspired by top American educators through first-hand advice experienced through years in the classroom. Talks With Teachers aims to help teachers love their job and find their purpose in the classroom. 6. Every Classroom Matters Host Vicki Davis covers two main topics in her podcast Every Classroom Matters - the effective use of technology to teach and using technology to build a better relationship with students. Although new episodes of this podcast ended in January 2017, it’s still a great resource for student-teacher relationship building in the classroom! 7. The Teachers Lounge Teaching can get stressful, and The Teachers Lounge gives teachers advice and tools to help them succeed at their jobs. From managing your classroom supplies budget to dealing with difficult parents, each episode provides insight into navigating through many difficult topics. 8. Moving at the Speed of Creativity A long-running podcast on education technology and digital literacy, Wesley Fryer, host of Moving at the Speed of Creativity, focuses on how these two important concepts are shaping current education and teaching styles. 9. TEDTalks Education Part of the famous TED Talks organization, TEDTalks Education on all things education and learning from some of the brightest and most innovative minds in the industry! 10. EdSurge Podcast Tune in for the weekly rundown of all things to do with education technology withEdSurge Podcasts. From exciting news, inspirational interviews, and insightful debates, EdSurge is a great listen for teachers looking for new and exciting ways to implement technology into their classroom! 11. Teaching Matters Podcast: NPR NPR is a great resource for education-focused podcasts that cover a variety of topics from stories from teachers to the latest classroom resources. The Teaching Matters podcast focuses on the changing needs of students, and how teachers can keep up with these needs. Each week different teachers on the show discuss their experiences and advice on classroom management. Got a favorite podcast that’s not listed here? We’d love to hear about it! Let us, and your fellow teachers, know about it in the comments below.

5 Curious and Counterintuitive Tips on Learning a New Language

5 Curious and Counterintuitive Tips on Learning a New Language What if I told  you that everything you know about learning a language is wrong?What if those things you think you need to do are the exact opposite of what you should actually be doing?Hi!The name’s Stevie D., and in this post were going to talk about the counterintuitive, the hidden and the  secret.But before that  why even start to learn a new language? Your life is already awesome as it is, and you’re doing just fine. So, what’s in it for you? Learning a New Language Has Its RewardsWhy learn another language?Well, why not, when learning one has never been so easy, so accessible and so cheap?Learning a second  or a third  language is just awesomeâ€"there’s no simpler way to phrase it. And I’m not even going to  talk about how it will boost your social life and self-esteem, not to mention open the romantic floodgates. I won’t talk about how it’s good for your brain, how it makes you a nimbler  thinker  and decision maker. You’re likely young and healthy, so you’ re probably not interested in how it delays the onset of age-related diseases.And I’m not going to  waste your time persuading you that learning a new language would probably be good for your career. Employers will love you. Promotions and higher pay, anyone?Well, you already know that.You also already know how a new language necessarily opens up a new world. A whole new culture, a whole new way of looking at things. It’s like having a second soul. It’s not just for ordering food when you’re abroad, or asking for the nearest comfort room 20 minutes later.Truth of the matter is, learning a new language is cool. Especially when you can brag to your best friend, “Ha, I know German and you don’t!”Yeah, you already know all these things. So why don’t we move on to the five  counterintuitive things you need to do in order to learn any language on earth.5 Curious and Counterintuitive Tips on Learning a New Language1. Don’t SpeakReally?! Learn to speak a language by not sp eaking?  Isn’t that a glaring contradiction?Nope.Remember when you were a kid and still learning your first language? Probably not.But if you have a nephew, a niece or if you’re somebody with even a little observational capacity, you’ll notice that early on in first language acquisition, babies don’t speak at all. They simply observe and listen. They look at you with those cute little eyes as they drool on their bibs.This is what’s called the “silent phase” or the “preproduction phase” of first language acquisition. The linguist Stephen Krashen asks, “If this is how we got to learn our first language, why not mimic it for learning another one?”Too often there are tremendous pressures on adults to instantly or immediately get into word production, speaking practice and proper pronunciations. Job, business and romance often dictates that we skip the listening phase and move into the actively talking and practicing part.And we wonder why it’s so much harder for us to pick up a second language.In order to learn a new language effectively, you have to let go of that pressure to talk from day one. Talking happens much later in the process. In the early phases of second language learning, you have to do a lot of listening.This isnt passive listening where you play hours of audio and go to sleep. This is active listening. You are doing this thing for comprehension. The goal here is to understand words and phrases even though you cant enunciate them yetâ€"just like babies. Again, if you observe babies, you’ll realize that comprehension comes before production. They know that you said you want them to pick up the ball, they know that you want them to give it to you.The listening and comprehension phase is very important in language learning. Without it, you’ll just be parroting a bunch of words that you don’t understand.Don’t worry, the talking part will come in time. But the absolute first step isnt talking. It’s understanding. Not the other way around.2. Don’t Try HardDoesn’t this go against our human ethic? We’re supposed to work hard, right?Of course. But we also have to work smart.So let me ask you a question: Do babies stay up all night beefing up on their vocabulary  because mommy will give them an oral exam in the morning?I hope not!Babies, they just take it all in. Like I said, they listen. They listen to mommy and daddy talking, they listen to what Barney says in the song. And through  repetition, theyre eventually able to pick up the meaning of words.Adults, we take it upon ourselves to learn the language. Maybe we just got assigned to an international account at work and we need to learn the language, pronto! We have unrealistic expectations that ramp up the pressure, which only results in us being further from our original goal. We kill motivation early in the process and shoot ourselves in the foot.Well, there are people who thrive on pressure. Good for them. But if you’re one who gets frustr ated because you’re not learning fast enough, or you keep forgetting what you’ve learned and you feel like you’re running in place, then maybe you’re trying too hard.When you’re anxious, tired and hungry, nothing ever works.You need to settle down and take it easy. For example, when everything seems like a game, when it’s no big deal, then your brain is open enough to receive and store input. That’s why a lot of language programs come in the form of games. They’re telling adults, “It’s okay take it easy, man have some fun everything is just fine.”TPR, a language learning approach developed by James Asher, places students in a stress-free and judgment-free environment where they can simply have fun and learn the language intuitively.Relax, man! Watch a movie in your target language. Follow a telenovela or something. Put down the thick “Advanced Learners Edition” and read Cinderella in French.Trying even harder will only make the task harder. You need to chil l in order to kill (the language). That’s one of the paradoxes of learning that applies to a great number of people.If language learning isnt fun, then you’re not doing it right.3. Keep Taking BreaksIf you think doing all-nighters is an effective language study technique, then you might not have taken into account “effective study” time. Thats  the number of hours or minutes when the brain is happy to integrate new information. You could plan a 5-hour study marathon, but how many hours of that is actually “effective study” time?Now be honest with yourself. How long can you keep your focus, really?Ever had the experience when, after an hour’s worth of language study, your brain just doesn’t want to work anymore? You feel like it’s gone to jello and, no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to get past short-term memory. You might as well hug your German grammar textbook to sleep.On the other hand, have you ever had that experience where youre just  starting a study session or coming off a break and your brain is fresh as pancakes and everything seems to flow a little easier?Instead of doing marathons, try studying in manageable chunks of time. Go for short bursts of studying followed by necessary breaks. When you notice that studying the language isnt effective anymore, you take a breakâ€"a well-deserved one at that. This way, you’re not only saving time, you’re also making the most out of it.Studies  have found that the magic number seems to be around  45 minutes. For every language study hour, youll spend 45 minutes of it on vocabulary  drills, games and language learning, and the remaining 15 minutes youll spend on breaks,  like taking a short walk, looking at beautiful scenery or playing with your pet.Or, if 45 minutes seems like too long a time, you can use the Pomodoro Technique. Here, sessions are only 25 minutes long, followed by 5-minute breaks. So for every 30 minutes, youll spend 25 of them on learning the language, and 5 of th em on breaks. After 4 “pomodoros,” you take a longer break of 30 minutes.Try them out and see if your language learning productivity rises.4. Make MistakesMistakes are bad, right? They’re a no no.But consider this: When toddlers are learning their native languages, we adults find it so cute when they make mistakes. They say “pesghetti” instead of “spaghetti, they use plural forms incorrectly or go “meow” when they see a dog.It’s all so cute and harmless.We patiently correct them until they get it right.Being adults, for us mistakes have become death sentences. Nobody wants to make them. Everybody wants to avoid the embarrassment of making mistakes. The result? Nobody even tries. For fear of falling, nobody takes the first step. It’s a case of perfectionism being your  worst  enemy during the  learning process.But the thing is, falling and getting mud on your face is a necessary part of the journey. Mistakes arent something to be feared, theyre well-springs of lea rning.Benny Lewis, the man behind the Fluent in 3 Months blogâ€"one of  the biggest language learning blogs on the Webâ€"talks about the fear of making mistakes as one of the biggest mental blocks that plague adults today. Lewis, who speaks seven  different languages, recommends making as many mistakes as possible.Mistakes = Lessons. If we make plenty of mistakes, it would mean we learn plenty of lessons. By that logic, we should make plenty of mistakes, and fast!We need to have a healthier attitude towards mistakes. Just as we’ve learned to laugh at kids, language learners shouldn’t be too hard on themselves. Come to think of it, learning a new language is really like being a kid in that language. You’ll mess up the verb conjugations, you’ll forget the translations  and you’ll butcher the pronunciations. But guess what? It’s all part of the journey.The faster we make  our peace with this, the faster we’ll learn the language.5. Grammar Comes LaterGrammar is king!Or is it?Isn’t it interesting that the most beloved polyglots of the world don’t even recommend grammar books in the pursuit of languages?Guys like Donovan Nagel of The Mezzofanti Guild  fame considers grammar rules as what fluent speakers use to describe what they already know. As children, before we even sat for our first grammar lesson, we were already fluent with the language. We were already talking to mommy and daddy, asking for all sorts of toys, lying to mommy about how delicious her pie was.Benny Lewis recommends skipping the grammar books to play language games instead.Ron Gulleksons site  Language Surfer  recommends more listening and less grammar drilling in language programs. Luca Lampariello of The Polyglot Dream has this interesting method of learning a language by performing translation exercises.It’s quite telling that none of them recommend mastering grammar as the key to learning the language. In fact, many of the world’s polyglots didn’t learn language formal ly. They used all sorts of tricks, hacks and techniques that worked for them. (Meet some of the world’s polyglots in this post.)Grammar comes much later in the language journey. Listening and comprehension must come first. This sequence is crucial. Many students drop out, check out or give up in a linguistic endeavor because theyve been overwhelmed by too much grammar too early on.So believe it or not, for beginners, put down those grammar books. Try immersing yourself in videos, music, games and apps. You’ll learn much better.For videos, don’t forget to check out FluentU’s  amazing collection. FluentU takes authentic videos like music videos, movie trailers, interviews or inspirational talks and turns them into a language lesson. The FluentU  team performed magic on those videos and came up with interactive transcriptions for every clip.What does this mean for the language learner?  It means that not only do you get subtitles for the clips, every wordâ€"and I mean every wor dâ€"in the transcription has its own pop-up entry containing practically everything you need to know about that word. Cool, huh?So those are the five things you need to do. Fight every temptation to do their opposite and you’ll be on your way to learning that second, even third  language.Good luck!