How to Prepare for Your Med School Admissions Interview Part 3

How to Prepare for Your Med School Admissions Interview Part 3 By Michelle Finkel, MDInsider Medical Admissions The following piece was written byDr. Michelle Finkel. Michelle has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is a former Harvard Medical School faculty member. She is the founder ofInsider Medical Admissions. You never get a chance to ruin a first impression, and, unfortunately, the stakes are particularly high getting into medical school. Its important to make sure the fine points of your interview day are smooth and in check. Please take a look at my July Varsity Tutors blog entry on medical interviews for advice on how to let your story show your glory and how to fake it until you make it. Also, check out my August entry reminding you that you can run, you can hide, but you cant escape. Lets start by reviewing some subtleties of the interview day. You can check out anytime. But you can never leave. One day, years ago as a Harvard faculty member, I was again spending the morning interviewing applicants for our emergency medicine residency program. Over lunch, we discussed each candidate, and one in particular stood out. He was impressive in every way academics, extracurriculars, commitment to the field. He seemed like the total package. Each of my colleagues who had interviewed him (I had not) spoke very highly of him until we had gone around the room to the last faculty member. This physician paused and then rather unexpectedly and emphatically said that he would not recommend ranking the applicant favorably on our Match list. This statement seemed quite odd, considering the previous rave reviews, and there was a bit of a rumble in the room. The physician continued, explaining that the applicant was from California and had said that he loved California and wished he could stay there. Why should we rank him highly if he isnt interested in us? the faculty member asked his colleagues. Little did the applicant know that with that one stray remarked, he had completely ruined his chances of a Harvard slot. So, when interviewing for medical school, watch for the Hotel California problem. You do not want an institution to overlook you because you have not convinced them of your willingness to move and be in their city. Show enthusiasm for where you might be for the next few years. Its a good idea to even spend a few minutes practicing how you would answer questions like, What do you know about the city were in? or What will you do during your free time here in Houston? If you have a social support network in the area, its worth mentioning because if the interviewer has qualms about whether youll move, she might be reassured. My brother lives here in St. Louis, and he has loved being here, might help. Definitely dont let on to hesitations you might have about a move. Its not that geography is not important. On the contrary, I think it is sometimes more important than the reputation of the school. However, there is no reason to harm your candidacy by showcasing your worries about an institutions location. You can make a pros and cons list about the schools location once youre accepted.That's Amore There is a psychological principle worth knowing: If someone thinks you like him, he will, in turn, like you more. When I was interviewing applicants, those candidates who had done their research always impressed me. They seemed to be organized, thoughtful, and enthused about our institution. Their enthusiasm often translated into mine. Before you arrive at your interview, you should know the institution backwards and forwards. Study the website, talk to students who attend, read about the associated hospitals. Be familiar with the schools curriculum, extracurricular activities, and research opportunities. Have some very specific questions to ask your interviewer that demonstrate your intimate knowledge of the school and your belief that you could be a contributing member of the class. Doing your due diligence will not only demonstrate your keen interest, but it will also help you in making future decisions about where to attend. In the next entry, Ill cover more fine points that can make or break your interview day. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Where Can You Take Dutch Lessons

Where Can You Take Dutch Lessons Everything You Need to Know About Learning Dutch in the UK ChaptersWhy Learn Dutch: A Few Great ReasonsResources to Learn and Review DutchDutch at GCSE LevelHow to Certify Your Dutch Language SkillsIf you long to walk the streets of Amsterdam or Utrecht or any other of the Netherlands’ major cities, or you would like to see for yourself the vast fields of tulips in bloom, you may have already concluded that you should learn to speak Dutch.If you have had the pleasure of enjoying bitterballen with your pint in some intimate club off the beaten path in Rotterdam or photographed those iconic windmills guarding the fields of Holland, you may be captivated by Dutch language and culture as we speak. Lucky you!Your Superprof has something for you whether you are of the first category or the second.Here, we help you to continue your Dutch studies by providing a list of resources to learn with and direct you to ways you can certify your language acquisition.You will also discover some great reasons to learn Dutch... as if you needed any!Let’s kic k this article off with that topic and find out how much we’re in accord, shall we?ühwein; what we term mulled wine.And then, there’s the stick-to-the-ribs meal called stamppot... but then, that is a dish to be eaten year ‘round.Naturally, a craving for epicurean delights is not the only reason to learn Dutch.The Dutch seem obsessed with linguistic brevity. In fact, they converse in much the same manner as we text!Be honest: have you ever told someone (not in a text message) “IDK who that guy is”? Or, while out with mates: “BRB, I want to...”The hyper-efficient Dutch have no problem peppering their speech with such shortcuts, so much so that beginner Dutch learners may find themselves completely bewildered, should they eavesdrop on native speakers’ conversation.The curious-sounding aub represents a surgically precise way of saying please rather than signalling difficulties swallowing.Zgn, ipv, mua... quirky vocabulary you won’t learn in any language course, so it would be best to learn how to speak Dutch so you can discover and use these expressions yourself!Other great reasons to learn Dutch include:An easy second language for English speakers to grasp (you already know some Dutch words!)You will understand English better, if only because you are training your brain to distinguish between languagesThe psychological and cognitive benefits of speaking more than one language are well establishedEnjoy Dutch movies â€" a highly underrated industry that provides a fantastic opportunity to listen to conversational DutchTravel: not just to Holland but to Suriname, Aruba or Curaçao, and be understood once you get there!Cycling: if you love to bike around everywhere, you will feel right at home in Holland!Some of their most endearing idioms centre around the bicycle.Now that you burn and yearn to learn, let us provide you with language training materials!Resources to Learn and Review DutchYou may use a blend of printed and online resources to furthe r your Dutch studies Source: Pixabay Credit: Startup Stock PhotosQuite unfortunately, the language of the Netherlands is not among the list of languages that are considered vital to our country’s future economic growth.That means that there are fewer institutions that offer Dutch language lessons; indeed, Dutch as an elective has been withdrawn from our schools.Nevertheless, as a support network for determined language learners such as you, we know you will strive to master Dutch grammar with or without public education... and we will help you do so!Not just by making our more than 100 Dutch tutors available to you but by presenting resources to make your learning experience all-inclusive.First, you will need a Dutch dictionary.The best of the best in that category would arguably be Van Dale publications, specifically the one targeted to those who intend their language learning to culminate in a certification exam.It is titled Dutch as a Second Language NT2 (in Dutch, of course!) and includes sample sentences, verb conjugations and the proper use of articles de or het for every noun.While you are browsing Amazon for your dictionary, you should also order a copy of Concise Dutch Grammar, preferably the edition that includes poetry and essays, if only to get a closer look at Dutch culture.How better to do that than by sampling literary works?And then, you will need access to spoken Dutch, along with some form of instruction.In both cases, DutchPod101 fits the bill.Suitable for beginners or intermediate level students of Dutch and handy even for those more advanced, this series of language instruction videos  are hosted by lively teachers in their native language.After creating your free profile on their page, you may join the community chat platform; a place where you and other Dutch students from around the world may discuss anything from the lessons at hand to challenges of language learning in general.You may consider participation in that forum a form of p eer tutoring, as students help each other understand difficult to grasp grammar â€" de and het, anyone? You may also help improve fellow learners’ pronunciation!And, don’t forget: Superprof tutors are standing by, ready to help you excel in your language courses!Dutch at GCSE LevelIf you have been learning Dutch at breakneck speed with the intention of demonstrating your grasp of Dutch words and phrases at your school leaving exam, you may take heart in this nugget of news:Although students may no longer select Dutch for their GCSE, they may opt to sit the IGCSE offered by Cambridge International.This exam yields an advantage traditional GCSEs don’t: its results are accepted worldwide!However, that bonus comes at a price: this ordeal is a bit more rigorous than the standard test of language ability  formerly administered through the public school system.Fortunately, you may refer to that organisation’s website for review materials including past papers and marking schemes as well as other study resources they recommend.They also provide instructions on how to register for your exam.At this point, you might wonder: what is the purpose of sitting Dutch GCSEs if the A-Level has been withdrawn and there are no Dutch undergraduate programmes available in the UK?How to Certify Your Dutch Language SkillsIndeed it is quite tragic that Dutch is not as sought after as other languages! Source: Pixabay Credit: PDPWe sympathise with you: after so long and so much effort and hard work put into learning a new language, it seems unfair that there are no avenues to prove you can speak this foreign language in our country.But you are certainly welcome to prove your proficiency in Dutch through the Netherlands’ language certification process!In fact, there are three exams you may choose from; the one probably most suited to your purposes would be the CNaVT.Divided into four bands, each exam is tailored made for any learner’s specific purpose: the tourist, those desir ing to relocate, those who want to work in the Netherlands and those who want to study at a Dutch university.There is a fifth band as well: those who are at near-native speaker or bilingual level... is that you?This proof of your language ability most closely matches the structure of other CEFRL exams: you would be tested purely on your reading and writing ability in Dutch, as well as listening and speaking.If your plan, from the outset, is to relocate, you might consider focusing on the controversial ‘assimilation’ exam which requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Dutch law and societal convention.This exam requires you to sit a pretest in the UK prior to migrating to the Netherlands for the actual qualifying exam.In fact, if you plan on living in the Netherlands, you will be required to pass this test but, if you’ve successfully demonstrated your ability to speak Dutch through the CNaVT, you may waive the assimilation exam’s pretest.In spit e of Dutch not being a strong contender as a world language, it is a tongue well worth learning: for its unconventional turns of phrase to its absolutely conventional cuisine, this culture and its language deserves to be celebrated.We’re so glad you’re with us on that point!

When is the Right Time to Start Music Lessons

When is the Right Time to Start Music Lessons Suzy S. Music lessons really are for all ages! Dont believe us? Think youre too old to learn? Read on as Dayton, OH teacher Mike H. explains why this is far from the case! Studies have shown that the younger a child is, the better the chances of starting a successful music education. Children as young as 2 start learning under the Suzuki method and most children have a “window” of opportunity that opens around age 3. Sadly, that window closes around age 10, well past the age where most public schools now begin their instrumental music programs. But what if you’re an adult who never got to learn the instrument of your dreams? I have talked to people over the years who were trying to encourage their own children to take the opportunities they had not. They were encouraging their children to learn music from a perspective of missed opportunities and the thought that it’s too late for them but not for their child. Well, it’s never too late to learn a musical instrument! Adults may not realize that now that they’re fully grown with life experience, they are capable of learning an instrument despite the perceived setbacks. They often become bogged down with work schedules, family life and the delicate balance of life. But music lessons later in life have suggested a number of extra benefits such as: It can be relaxing and a great way to de-stress. Music lessons can help with organization and planning skills. Music can enhance your ability to do math and logical calculations There are more opportunities than you might realize for public performance Learning an instrument later life can act as an obstacle to Alzheimers I’d like to start at that top of that list and discuss the relaxation benefits of taking music lessons and illustrate a few examples of what that might look like.   If you’re like most adults, you already have some sort of activity you enjoy when you get the time whether that be a hobby, or a simple afternoon nap. Listening to your favorite music has a calming effect. Your blood pressure will drop slightly and your heart rate will actually pace itself to the beat of the song. This is why you prefer hearing up-tempo music while exercising but not necessarily while trying to sleep. But what about playing an instrument? In my experience, this effect is heightened a bit more than just listening, which alone is often done in the background of other activity. In that case, it’s not likely to work at all.   When you concentrate on the notes of a melody of a familiar song while playing it yourself, you can hear it come to life and the satisfaction from the hard work and perseverance is more rewarding than simply listening to the song on an iPod. The skills you pick up learning an instrument pay off huge dividends and you may find it’s easier than you think to get started. So drag out your guitar or dust off your old piano and take the first step! Like this post? Dont miss out on any of our tips, tricks and advice! Sign up for a free email subscription and receive our updates! You might also like 4 Inspirational TED Talks for Musicians Battling Your Inner Critic During Performances 5 Key Advantages of Taking Music Lessons as an Adult Mike H. teaches drum, guitar, piano, music recording, music theory, percussion and songwriting lessons in Dayton, OH. He received his Bachelors degree in Music Education from Wright State University, and has over 11 years of experience teaching music! Mike joined the TakeLessons team in December 2012. Learn more about Mike, or search for a teacher near you! Photo by Tulane Public Relations

Basic Geometric Shapes

Basic Geometric Shapes Geometric shapes are analyzed and studied under Geometry. Each geometric shape has its own set of properties such as number of sides, dimensions, area, perimeter, volume etc. Every geometric shape has its own set of formulas. Two or more points are joined to form straight lines and these lines are the sides for a particular shape. More than two lines are joined and various geometric shapes are formed. Example 1: What is the area of a triangle which has base side of length 10 cm and height of length 12 cm? Triangle is a geometric shape which has 3 sides. The area of the triangle is = 1/2 *(base)* (height) Given are length of the base side and height of the triangle. The value of b = 10 cm, h = 12 cm. This makes the solution = 1 /2 * 10 cm * 12 cm = 60 cm2. Therefore, area of the given triangle is 60 cm2. Example 2: What is the area and perimeter of the rectangle with dimensions 3 cm and 2 cm? Rectangle is geometric shape with 4 sides. The given rectangle has dimensions are 3 cm and 2 cm respectively. Length, l = 3 cm; Width, w = 2 cm. Area of rectangle = length * width The area of rectangle is = 3 cm * 2 cm = 6 cm2. The perimeter of the rectangle = 2(length + width) The perimeter of the rectangle = 2(3 + 2) = 2 * 5 = 10 cm. Hence, area = 6 cm2 and perimeter = 10 cm.

Is the Level of Spelling in the UK Falling

Is the Level of Spelling in the UK Falling Do the British Need to Brush up on their English Spelling? ChaptersWhy Is Learning to Spell Important?The Rise of ‘Text Language’Should There Be More Emphasis On Spelling In Schools?With GCSE and A Level results on the rise, why does it seem like our nation’s English language level, in particular spelling, has fallen? There are many factors to consider when answering this question: increase in web content, the popularity of social media and blogs, the development of ‘text message’ language and the use of emoticons are just some examples of these external influences on our population.Although it may feel like the standard of English has fallen across the country, we have to wonder if it is actually the advancement of technology that is in fact making poor language more apparent.Nowadays, people will consult the Internet for a variety of purposes: to check up on a symptom they are experiencing, to look for a product’s instructions, to do some online shopping, etc… and they are able to find answers to their queries each and every time. This is because people are now finding new ways to voice their opinions and provide information to others via comments, forums, blogs, social media sites and independent websites.Students can find reputable English tutor GCSE here.We are all guilty of using the Internet to look up symptoms because information is now so freely available. Photo credit: Rachel Olmanson via Visual HuntIt is this ease of sourcing information that makes us all the more reliant on the web and, as a result, more and more content will keep on filling our screens. The amount of writing available for us to access will continue to multiply until the Internet ceases to exist, there is no space left in the ‘cloud’, or at least until a replacement for the World Web Web is invented.Take for example a newspaper’s website, like BBC or The Telegraph, you can search an archive of published articles spanning several years, yet the paper continues to release more and more texts for its readers. Now if you thi nk about the bigger picture, you can only imagine just how much written English is accessible at the click of a button and how this volume is only going to keep on increasing.Gone are the days when public writing was produced by people who had a flair for language, since anybody can now write a blog, post a tweet or even publish a book with no vetting process involved.Among this vast amount of words reaching our screens, there are no doubt numerous typos, grammatical errors and Internet-based abbreviations which, paired with our need to find answers to everything, make our population appear increasingly inarticulate.Can you fathom how much the English language has changed over the centuries? 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 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 tutorsWhy Is Learning to Spell Important?As a consequence of the ease of expressing one’s views online, it feels like the value of the English language has somewhat deteriorated. This may be because, statistically, errors are far more common in line with the volume of texts, but also because posting on the Internet is now the norm for many (especially our younger generations) and they therefore simply see writing as a means of communicating quickly rather than a skill to be used with care.However good it is that more people are embracing the art of writing in their every day lives, it should nonetheless remain an art and a skill to be celebrated. After all, written manuscripts are some of the most sacred artefacts in relation to our country’s history and have taught us so much about life in other centuries. To think that our future generations will be reading about the culture of the 21st cen tury and coming across heaps of errors and false information is very sad indeed!Furthermore, English is considered as the number one business language in the world which makes it all the more special, and means it is important that it is used properly to maintain consistency across the nations.Teaching our younger generations to speak, and more importantly write, well in English is a necessity not only for the future of our language as a communication tool but also for our adults of the future. By giving help for English to all youngsters and improve their communication skills and the way they approach writing, we could be welcoming more creative minds, an important quality for the development of our society.Would you like to teach young students how to write effectively?We must teach our younger generations to write English correctly. Photo via VisualHunt.comThe Rise of ‘Text Language’Another influencing factor on the perception of our country’s spelling level is the huge ris e in ‘text language’, also known as ‘SMS language’. This digital or Internet-based language is made up of a variety of abbreviations, not only for single words but for entire sentences.For example, popular terms are ‘BRB’ (be right back), ‘LOL’ (laughing out loud), and ‘TMI’ (too much information). It is not unheard of to abbreviate much longer phrases too like ‘IYKWIM’ (if you know what I mean)!With these terms floating around on the Internet and in messages going back and forth to smartphones, it raises the question of whether our language is evolving with modern technology and society and if we need to seriously consider studying this development in English.It is currently seen as a crime for parents or ‘older’ people to attempt to use these up-and-coming slang terms but who is to say that this will not become the language of our future?Add to the rise in shortened language the introduction of emojis or emoticons, and we have an entirely new language t rend emerging.Described by some as revolutionary, emojis are a new way of communicating an emotion or even a collection of thoughts. While these images have changed the way we text, it is unclear if everybody reads them in the same way and if, therefore, we are fluent enough in this type of language to communicate effectively.This could be why students have trouble composing a good essay!Studies into the use of emoticons in written communications are ongoing, with some even investigating if entire texts can be sent using the icons to convey a particular message that can be understood by all.If this takes off, we could be looking at a new form of international communication, yet many are quick to point out that cultural and religious differences come into play here.Make sure to be the best speller thanks to the help of a private English tutor.Text or SMS language, including emojis, are taking over our language. Photo credit: Free For Commercial Use (FFC) via VisualHuntWe could be a l ong way away from a standard, worldwide language but the advancements in technology sure are raising questions about whether spelling is going to be as important as it is now in the years to come.Should There Be More Emphasis On Spelling In Schools?Back to here and now, we must consider the role of schools and colleges in asserting the importance of good spelling to our generations now in education, as well as those entering the education system.Apart from the proportion of adults who continue to or go back to studying after the age of eighteen, the legal school leaving age, people across the country will be relying on their primary and secondary education to provide them with the basic literary and numeracy skills they need in life. It is therefore vital that educators do all that they can to bring students’ spelling level up to a reasonable standard and inspire them to take pride in their writing abilities.Would you like to improve your spelling abilities?Although many English c ourses operate a system whereby they have different sets designed to group students of similar abilities into different classes, if a student falls short of the lower set’s standard for any reason, there is little teachers can do to raise their level of English. This is because class time is designated to certain tasks in order to prepare students for assessment at the end of their course.In France, as an example, if a student was not working at the level expected of them, their teacher had the power to hold them back, called 'redoublement' (or, in English, redoubling), until they were able to display the required understanding of not only the subjects studied but also communication skills in general. This included their ability to read and write at the same level of their peers.Although a drastic measure, this commitment to ensuring each and every student passes a particular milestone with at least the minimum level required meant that all students were given the same opportuniti es and that no students were ignored simply because the resources required to help them were unsupported by the education system at that time.Some might agree that a whole new education system needs to be introduced in the UK which takes into account issues beyond students’ control, such as more support for pupils with special needs and a better awareness of mental health issues among many more factors which might hinder a student’s ability to acquire basic skills like reading and writing.Did you know that daily writing can improve your overall health?Promoting ChangeAlthough the UK is currently churning out record numbers of A* pupils, the education system is still letting many children and young adults down.Ofsted raised the issue of weaknesses in the way English language was taught across all ages back in 2012, and highlighted a distinct lack in focus on the basics of spelling and handwriting. It pointed out that, if students were beginning to struggle with reading and writin g at the age of seven, then they would undoubtedly fail to ever catch up with the rest of their peers as they progressed through school.Sir Michael Wilshaw, the chief inspector, took action following this report and called on tougher English targets and more specialist English teachers to be recruited in primary schools.However, it is important that the Department of Education  continues to drive these improvements forward, especially at a time when Internet-based language is influencing students to such a high degree.Why not get started on improving your English writing with these guidelines?

How to Learn the Cyrillic Letters by Heart

How to Learn the Cyrillic Letters by Heart The best way to learn the Russian alphabet ChaptersThe rules of the Russian alphabetTechniques for remembering the Russian alphabetWhat are the ideal conditions for learning the Russian alphabet?Tips and tricks for learning the Russian alphabet“When you fall out of the water, you no longer fear the rain.” ~ Russian proverbAs a general rule, the most dreaded languages that cause students to break out in hives, are languages like Chinese or Russian with their seemingly incomprehensible alphabets. After all, the alphabet is the basis for most language learning, and without understanding it will be difficult to perfect your Slavic writing.Faced with this challenge, many language students opt to study Spanish or French instead, both of which are much easier to understand than a Slavic language.However, despite the end of the cold war (or perhaps because of it), the Russian language still seems to hold a large fascination for Americans. According to a 2015 survey, the top reason for learning Russian is often to meet Russians or travel or to live in Russia!In order to effectively communicate with Russians, especially if you’re doing so via correspondence, it’s essential for any English speaker to begin by learning the Cyrillic alphabet. In contrast to the Chinese alphabet, the Russian alphabet isn’t too far off from our Latin alphabet, and can easily be learned in a few weeks or months.Here are our top tips for learning the Cyrillic alphabet! LavaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LarisaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors InaRussian Teacher 4.88 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IrynaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvgeniaRussian Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnastassiaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NikolaRussian Teacher 5.00 (4) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MargaritaRussian Teacher 5.00 (3 ) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe rules of the Russian alphabetThe Latin lettersFirst introduced in Russia in 988 AD, the Cyrillic alphabet is made up of 33 letters, 7 more than our Latin alphabet. Although this foreign alphabet can seem completely confusing to an English speaker, the two alphabets do share some commonalities - for example, the Russian language is also made up of vowels and consonants.Fiodor Dostoïevski, Léon Tolstoï, Alexandre Pouchkine, Nicolas Gogol … Russia has been home to many famous authors! By learning the language, you can also read their works in the original form!In the Cyrillic alphabet, there are 7 letters which come from the Latin Alphabet:A - pronounced ‘A’,E - pronounced ‘Yé’,3 - pronounced ‘Zé’,K - pronounced ‘K’,M - pronounced ‘M’,O - pronounced ‘O’,T - pronounced ’T’.However, there are also several letters which look a bit like letters from the Latin alphabet, but which aren’t (there’s one th at resembles an H) - be careful!These letters are Russian letters and aren’t pronounced at all the same as their Latin cousins. When you’re studying, you need to be cautious of false cognates and forget about your native language.It’s a good idea, when learning the Cyrillic alphabet, to start with these 7 letters, which as well as being common, will be easy for you to learn than the other Russian letters!By learning to read in Russian, you’ll be able to discover a host of Russian authors in their native language.The Greek lettersEvery year, many classics students choose to learn ancient Greek in college. Although the language is considered ‘dead’, its letters live on in certain alphabets that are still in use today, including the Cyrillic alphabet.If you’ve ever studied ancient Greek, it might be a bit easier for you to learn the Russian alphabet and vice versa!The Russian alphabet includes 9 Greek letters:? - pronounced ‘B’,? - pronounced ‘Gué’,? - pronounced ‘D’,? - pronounced ‘Ou’,? - pronounced ‘F’,? - pronounced ‘P’,? - pronounced ’S',? - pronounced ‘R’,? - pronounced ‘L’.Once again, make sure you don’t get confused between the English and Russian pronunciations of some letters (like with the ‘P’ for example). Russian students must resist the temptation to make comparisons between their native language and this Slavic language, which although they share some similarities, have drastically different pronunciations.One small anecdote - the USSR, the former name of the Russian Federation, was written ‘CCCP’ - not quite the same as what we used in English. What’s more, CCCP was pronounced ‘SSSR’ - a great example of why we shouldn’t let ourselves get led astray by things that seem the same…but aren’t!The Russian lettersWhen you’re learning the Russian alphabet, the hardest thing to do will be to learn the new Cyrillic letters, which for most English speakers will be completely unknown. H owever, this new-ness can actually be helpful and easier for students as these new letters and their pronunciations don’t include any of the temptations of false cognates.A native Russian speaker makes a great tutor - with expertise in teaching, they can guide you through their culture and all the challenges you’ll face in learning their native language. A great way to learn faster!This section of the Cyrillic alphabet is made up of just 15 letters - the letters and their sounds can easily be learned after just a few hours of daily study! It’s also a good idea to practice writing out the Russian letters to help learn them faster.Here are the Russian letters in the Cyrillic alphabet:? - pronounced ‘l’,? - pronounced ‘Yeu’,? - pronounced ‘Tseu’,? - pronounced ‘Tsheu’,? - pronounced ’N',? - pronounced ‘Sheu’,? - pronounced ‘Shsheu’,? - pronounced ‘Kha’,? - pronounced ‘?’,? - pronounced ‘J’,? - pronounced ‘V’,? - pronounced ‘Hè’,? - p ronounced ‘You’,? - pronounced ‘Ya’,? - pronounced ‘Yo’.With a good pronunciation of the Russian alphabet, the student can learn how to speak Russian fluently and prepare themselves for some time studying abroad in the largest country in the world!The Russian alphabet: soft and hard signsOnce you’ve learned all the letters and their pronunciations listed above, you just need to learn the last two letters in the Cyrillic alphabet: the soft and hard signs.Some students of Russian struggle to learn these signs because they are letters which aren’t vocalized, and so their study is sometimes reserved for students who are experts in Russian!However, it is difficult to understand and learn how to pronounce the Russian language without taking these two symbols into consideration.The two symbols are:The hard ?, which indicates that the previous consonant isn’t palletized.The soft ? which tells you that the previous consonant is palletized.Therefore, it isn’t really a ques tion of reading and understanding, but of pronunciation. In order to get a good grade on the ????- TORFL, for example, students must be able to show that they understand all the intricacies of Tolstoy’s language.In order to truly become bilingual English - Russian, you’ll need to have a firm grasp of all the symbols that modify pronunciation!Techniques for remembering the Russian alphabetCreating a Russian crib sheetIn order to work on your tonic accent, start learning a Slavic language and become bilingual in Russian, we’d recommend coming up with a few crib sheets to study between Russian classes with your professor!With a good general level of Russian, American students can choose to enroll at a well known Russian university, like the University of Moscow.In fact, learning the Russian alphabet ahead of your classes will ensure that you’re well prepared for your tutoring sessions and can help you space out your lessons, which will both help you learn and save you some mone y. The best thing to do is to break the letters down into several categories (like we’ve done below, or by consonants and vowels), in order to really master each letter.Before moving onto another study sheet, the student should make sure they’ve truly learned each letter and its pronunciation, as well as constantly reviewing the previous lessons.In order to master the Russian alphabet and its pronunciation, students can also use:Russian study booksRussian - English dictionaries (with a phonetic transcription)Online study guidesRussian podcastsRussian videos on YouTube, etc…In order to make studying as fun as possible, students can use different memorization techniques. For many students, mind-mapping techniques can be highly efficient in order to combine mental and physical elements for a holistic association for each letter and its pronunciation - by visualizing the Russian pronunciation, the student will find it easy to retain Russian vocabulary.In order to further deepen th eir Russian knowledge, students might also choose to sign up for private Russian lessons!Here, a bilingual or native Russian speaker will be totally at the disposition of the student to provide a structured framework in which they can learn the language. You can find Russian courses London wide, (and elsewhere in the UK), where the student will cover:the Cyrillic alphabetRussian cultureRussian grammarRussian vocabularyand even Russian literature!Taking Russian classes is a great way to work on your accent and prepare to travel to Russia!Study the Russian alphabet onlineLearning Russian online is completely possible thanks to online Russian for beginners courses!With a good linguistic foundation, it is totally possible to find a job and start working in a large Russian city, like St Petersburg. A great experience to add to your resume!Whether on your computer, tablet or directly on your smartphone, students can spend just a few minutes daily studying the Russian alphabet. Online Russ ian classes are a great way to work on your oral expressions and easily learn the Russian language.Electronic classes are often adaptable to any level - beginner, intermediate, or advanced. There are even apps for young children who can learn the Russian alphabet without even seeming to learn, thanks to games and fun interactive lessons.Through their online Russian classes, students can also add a Cyrillic keyboard to their computer, or voice recognition software that will check their Russian accent!To learn Russian online is a good way to learn how to write in Russian, work on the Cyrillic alphabet, and review syntax, personal pronouns, and prepositions before signing up for private lessons.Here are a few resources that can help you learn the Russian alphabet:Free educational apps for learning RussianWebsites for learning RussianMOOC courses onlineFilms and TV series with subtitles in RussianFree Russian exercises and worksheetsOnline videos for learning RussianOnline Russian class es are a good way to begin exploring the language and develop a basic crib sheet for the language. We’d recommend you learn how to write the alphabet on paper in order to work on your motor memory and practice your Cyrillic handwriting and cursive.So why not learn the Cyrillic alphabet without leaving your home?What are the ideal conditions for learning the Russian alphabet?Learning the Russian alphabet isn’t as difficult as you may think. In just a few weeks, it is totally possible to learn all of these letters and symbols which seem a bit terrifying.The Russian alphabet is defined in this way:A bicameral alphabet made up of 30 letters, created towards the end of the 9th century in Bulgaria by Cyrillic monks, based on Greek writing and the Glagolitic alphabet.The Cyrillic alphabet is also used to read and write in other languages besides Russian, including:BulgariaBelorussiaUkraineSerbiaMacedoniaIn order to learn the language and its alphabet as easily as possible, some prerequ isites can be a great help.Have a perfect mastery of EnglishIf you aren’t very skilled at correcting your syntax, spelling, conjugation, and grammar in English, you need to improve your skills in English!In fact, learning English and all the intricacies of your own language will make it easier for you to learn Russian.Not only will a firm grasp of English grammar help you work through your Russian lessons, but it will also help you learn the Russian alphabet faster.Knowing English will make it easier to learn the Russian alphabet.Like we’ve explained before, the Russian alphabet shares many similarities with the Latin alphabet used in Romance and Germanic languages.So you need to have a firm understanding of the rules around vowels and their use.Russian pronunciation is also quite similar to French pronunciation, which can be quite helpful for any students who previously studied French in high school.Each letter in the Russian alphabet has its own unique sound, in contrast to Ea st Asian languages like Chinese or Japanese.What’s more, Russian pronunciation is sometimes much easier than in English, because, in Russian, all of the letters are pronounced.In English, because the language was heavily influenced by waves of Norse, Germanic, and French invasions, the same letter can often be pronounced and used in a multitude of ways, depending on the origins of the word.In Russian, in contrast, there are no silent letters, just like in Spanish or Italian. They also don’t have multiple pronunciations, so it’s impossible to make a mistake as you sound out a word.All facts which should be reassuring to students of Russian!Knowing other languagesKnowing how to speak other languages before learning Russian and its alphabet can also be almost as helpful as having a firm grasp of English.If you already know the basics of another Slavic language like Polish, Czech, or Slovak, learning Russian and assembling Cyrillic letters into words will seem much easier for you. The letters used in Slavic languages are very similar.What’s more, if you’ve mastered one of the Slavic languages, that means that your brain has already proved itself capable of learning a language with letters that look very different from the ones we use in English and can still recognize those letters as a word.Learning the alphabet for a Slavic language is still easier for an English speaker than learning an Asian language.Learning a Slavic language can, therefore, help you progress much faster when you’re learning Russian.Tips and tricks for learning the Russian alphabetRussian is studied by many language learners around the world. Just like Chinese or German, Russian language skills are in high demand in the employment market today.There are 14 million people learning Russian worldwide.Therefore, there are several different tricks that have been developed to help students of Russian learn the Cyrillic alphabet as easily as possible.The akamoto techniqueKesako ?The Akamo to technique consists of learning 30% of the most useful letters of the alphabet in 10 seconds.Earlier, you will have understood that the letters of the Cyrillic alphabet can be broken down into categories so that they’re easier to learn.Now, we’ll go over how to learn the most useful letters in just a few seconds, in order to improve and begin speaking in Russian as quickly as possible.These five letters (A,K,M,O,T) make up 30% of all Russian texts. That means that by learning and recognizing these five letters, you can begin to read and understand texts in Russian. Isn’t that good news?And in order to remember these letters, you can put them together in a few different combinations: Akamoto, kamoto, aktom, tomak,…Once you’ve learned them, there are already a few different words that you can use:???: cat,???: so,????: atom,???: there,??: ok.Practice your writing regularlyLearning the Russian alphabet also means learning to write the letters and combine them to create word s. Just learning to recognize the letters on a computer screen isn’t going to help you anywhere near as much as writing and re-writing them.Basically, your brain has a strong muscle memory function. It’s also known as procedural memory.Here’s how it’s defined by Wikipedia:Procedural memory is a type of implicit memory (unconscious memory) and long-term memory which aids the performance of particular types of tasks without conscious awareness of these previous experiences.This is the type of memory where our brain stores information about riding a bike, making pasta, or starting a car. It’s also in this part of your brain where you learn how to write letters with your hand without thinking about how to do so.Put your procedural memory to work!However, it does take a good amount of time and plenty of repetition before Russian letters will be fixed in your brain.It’s for this reason that it’s important to practice regularly so that your brain can begin to internalize your movements. Write each letter several times each day.It’s also important to work on both uppercase and lowercase letters. Russian is a bicameral language (meaning the writing has two variations - capitals and lowercase).Take advantage of applicationsIn order to learn the Russian alphabet, is there a better solution than to have fun while you learn?Some applications offer Russian classes with lessons that include:learning the alphabetpronouncing the lettersgrammarRussian expressionstransliterationetcWhether you’re at an intermediate, advanced or beginner level, these apps will let you study wherever and whenever you want, so you don’t need to lose a minute!The apps will also help you learn Russian easily thanks to interactive lessons and efficient English/Russian dictionaries.It’s a great way for you to practice and brush up on your language skills before you speak to native Moscovites.Take your time and study regularlyThe best advice for learning anything is to take your tim e. This doesn’t necessarily mean to advance at a snail’s pace, but more to just study regularly.It’s pointless to study hard for three days and then to do nothing in the days following. Your brain will quickly forget the alphabet and everything else you’ve learned if you don’t continue your Russian classes.What’s more, you’ll lose motivation when faced with the amount of work catching up in your studies will take.Vowels, accents, lowercase, uppercase…learning the Russian alphabet means mastering several different ideas.Learn everything in what seems like just a few hours.In contrast, by working for just a few minutes every day, you won’t really feel like you’re making too much effort.Learning Russian only takes a few minutes every day.Russian vocabulary, the Latin alphabet, Soviet culture, the Cyrillic alphabet, pronunciation, writing…mastering all of these require working on the language just as if you were with your Russian professor.Be the teacher and the st udentThe Cyrillic alphabet, spelling, Russian grammar, Russian culture, transcription, Russian literature - Russian classes often cover many important topics.So in order to improve, why not find a friend and study together?Studying with a friend in order to learn Russian will let you be the student and the teacher at the same time. When your friend doesn’t understand something, you can help explain it to them.And by explaining these concepts aloud, it’ll help you understand whether you have truly mastered a concept or not. If you can’t manage to explain something clearly, that’s a good indication that you haven’t totally understood or mastered that lesson either.Working together also makes it easier to stay motivated!Have fun!Whether you’re learning Russian online, or in person in classes in New York, San Francisco, or Seattle, it is important that you’re doing so by choice and that you have fun learning the language!Tackling your Russian dictionary, Russian translatio ns, prepositions, and wading through lessons can often be less difficult than they seem at first.Motivation and desire are two things which are key to get you through.It’s important to take pleasure in mastering the basics - like the Russian alphabet - in order to retain information better.It’s also a great idea to take an interest in Russian culture by watching some of their national cinema or taking an interest in Russian cuisine.Head to RussiaSt Petersburg, Moscow, Vladivostok, Sotchi,… what’s a better way to learn the Russian alphabet and master the language than to take a trip to Russia?Going to Russia can help you learn the language and alphabet quickly.Of course, it isn’t an option for everyone, but taking a trip to Russia is a great way to get motivated about learning the language.It’s an opportunity to meet native Russian speakers and to speak to people who’ve learned Russian as their first language,It’s also a great opportunity to motivate yourself and expl ore different aspects of Russian culture like songs, films, cooking, history, etc.A trip to Russia is also an opportunity to learn to decode all the letters on the street signs into Russian words. Up to you to set yourself a new challenge!

Volunteer with Heart Bill Butler - Heart Math Tutoring

Volunteer with Heart Bill Butler - Heart Math Tutoring Volunteer with Heart: Bill Butler Volunteer with Heart: Bill Butler April 8, 2016 Bill is an  attorney at Moore Van Allen and learned about Heart Math Tutoring through his friend who has been a tutor for several years. His friend spoke about the remarkable progress students make through the tutoring sessions, not only in their math skills but also in their confidence. Bill works with a second grader and a third grader each week at Billingsville Leadership Academy. Why did you become a volunteer? Like a lot of people, I wanted to be invested in the Charlotte community but didnt know where to start. Heart provides an opportunity for someone like me, who doesnt know the first thing about math tutoring, to make a direct impact on a critical area of need. What was your favorite moment from working with students? Definitely playing War, or any other competitive game.   My students really enjoy a little competition, and it is so much fun watching them focused and engaged in developing their math skills to beat me.   And most of the time they do! What would you tell someone who is  thinking about becoming a volunteer? It will be one of the best hours of your week. Heart is grateful that Bill  has chosen to spend an hour each week at Billingsville! Bills students come bounding down the hall beside him when he picks them up right after breakfast each Thursday morning. They smile the entire time theyre together and love sharing stories with him about their  school week thus far. #VolunteerwithHeart #ItAllAddsUp

John von Neumann Mathematics is Simple

John von Neumann Mathematics is Simple If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is. John von Neumann John von Neumann was one of the most prominent mathematician of the 20th century. He made ?? significant contributions to the field of mathematics such as set theory, functional analysis, quantum mechanics, ergodic theory, continuous geometry, economics and game theory, computer science, numerical analysis, hydrodynamics (of explosions) and statistical data. In particular, von Neumann was one of the first operators to apply the theory of quantum mechanics, as well as a member of the infamous Manhattan Project.