Benefits of Using a Virtual English Tutor

Benefits of Using a Virtual English TutorVirtual English tutors are a great way to improve your English skills, whether you need a little personal guidance or you need to take your skills to the next level. As an online English tutor myself, I've found that there is much flexibility with these programs and they offer flexibility that other tutoring methods simply can't match.The flexibility of being able to book with a virtual personal tutor can be a big benefit if you have an appointment that's specific and very short. Not only do you get to see them, but they can give you feedback on your progress as well. In some cases, this feedback will include their assessment of your speaking ability and how well you understood what they were trying to say.This is something that many online tutors don't offer. Instead, they tend to focus more on letting you use their software to practice speaking words or phrases. In some cases, the best online tutors can be useful in these regards, but it's i mportant to know that there are plenty of other benefits of being able to speak to a live teacher.If you're an individual who doesn't have the time to take an English class, or just doesn't feel comfortable doing it on your own, taking a virtual English tutor is a good option. Being able to meet in person with a teacher, be able to actually attend a class, and not just see the results in your lap can be very helpful. Plus, you'll get to learn from someone who actually speaks the language, unlike those online tutors who mostly rely on your computer keyboard.Another advantage to this type of personal guidance is the ability to see improvements over time. These tutors, unlike online tutors, can actually go through the lesson and critique your efforts. You can see when you're doing the right things and what you could be doing better and this can be a real learning tool.Some online tutors also do online coaching, where you can ask questions to a live teacher about your practice sessions. This can be very beneficial as you're able to see how much you've improved and if there are areas you need more improvement. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who might not find a regular classroom setting a good fit.Online tutors have been around for years, but we see more people using this method of learning for several reasons. It allows them to get better at speaking quickly, it gives them the benefit of seeing their progress over time, and most importantly, it gives them the ability to meet with a real person who can help them with any issues they might have. This is a great way to make sure you're getting quality lessons that are going to have long-lasting benefits.

Summer 2012 practice SAT and ACT tests at the San Jose office

Summer 2012 practice SAT and ACT tests at the San Jose office San Jose, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Saratoga students did you know that AJ Tutoring is offering free proctored SAT and ACT exams on Saturdays this summer for our current students?   The mock SAT and ACT exams are held most Saturday mornings at AJ Tutorings San Jose office, located near the Almaden neighborhood across from Oakridge Mall.Taking a practice timed SAT or ACT is a great way to keep your edge over the summer and make sure youre on track for the September and October tests.   The mock exams are timed like the real test, and AJ Tutoring will give you score feedback after the test is over.AJ Tutoring will hold practice SAT and ACT tests at the San Jose office on Saturday July 7 and July 14, 2012, from 8:30 am 12:30 pm.   After that, practice tests will happen most Saturdays in July and August 2012.   For a complete schedule, please check our website.If youd like to register for a practice SAT or ACT, or speak with someone about tutoring for fall 2012 tests, please email info@ajtutoring.com.

Food in the United States Its not all Hamburgers and Hotdogs

Food in the United States Its not all Hamburgers and Hotdogs One of my favorite English lessons to give students is about food. We talk about what they eat in their country, and ask what dishes and cuisine they associate with different countries, including Mexico, Japan and the United States.When I ask what food they associate with the United States, they almost always say hamburgers and hotdogs. Or Mcdonalds, or fast food in general. Ive been trying to convince them that there really is a variety of food here, that its not all hamburgers and hotdogs and fast food, but its been hard for me to pin down just what I would call cuisine from the United States.So, rather than try to explain it with words anymore, Im going to start posting a regular series of photos to show people just what it is we eat in the U.S.Heres two I took with my iPhone in the last few weeks:This is the pastry case at my favorite local coffee shop in Whitefish, Montana. I had the chocolate raspberry bread.Brussels sprouts from the local Farmers Market.

Teach Away Telegram - December 2012

Teach Away Telegram - December 2012 As always, the end of the year has crept up on us. We wish all of our teachers a very happy holiday season and hope you have plans to celebrate the new year (if you’re in a country that does so on January 1st!).In this month’s issue, we’re announcing the launch of our new Application Portal! We’ll also share five New Years Resolutions for teachers and travelers. Finally, our country spotlight for December is Vietnam.  Teach Away News: A Better Way to Apply!Teach Away is excited to announce the launch of our new Application Portal. Applicants will now create a user profile that they can update with career developments in order to be sure their information is always up to date.The enhancements to the new Application Portal ensure that teachers with fully completed profiles will be matched with the best opportunities for their qualifications, experience, and locational preferences. With this new, more comprehensive system, Teach Away reinforces its commitment to providing its ed ucators with the highest level of service.Teachers who already have applications with Teach Away will have the opportunity to update them through the Application Portal. We hope our educators enjoy the new and improved user experience!5 New Year’s Resolutions to Make this YearStarting fresh in a new year is a great goal. Actually doing so, however, is another story. We’ve all triedâ€"and failedâ€"before, possibly because we’ve set resolutions that are impossible or overly vague. The success of a New Year’s resolution depends largely on its size and specifics. Teachers and travelers could consider one of the following resolutions:1. Learn something newThis is a great and attainable resolution, as long as you settle on something specific you’d like to learn. Resolving to learn something new is great for a teacher: we’re used to instructing students, but we sometimes forget what it’s like to be a student!You might want to learn something academicâ€"a new language, or the comprehensive history of a new country (come on, you’ve got a year!). Maybe you’d like to learn something technical, such as how to use Photoshop. Or perhaps you just want to pick up a new hobby, like knitting. Whatever the case, come up with your plan firstâ€"will you enroll in an online course, research through blogs, or buy some books to get you started? Set a goal (“learn to create a basic website”), design the plan (“take an online course”), and go!2. Reach at least one additional student who’s been having troubleWe all want to start the new year as better versions of ourselves. But simply deciding you want to be a better teacher isn’t a clear goal. Instead, resolve to make an extra effort to reach out to students with whom you’ve been having difficulty. Perhaps you find there are a few students who make you lose your patience, or a child who is having difficulty learning to read. Make it your goal to improve this situation in some measurable way. This could m ean making a conscious decision to let go of the small things, or counting to ten before raising your voice, or giving up a free period to provide extra tutoring. Try to make a habit that will last the year.3. Try one new cultural experience each monthIt’s easy to fall into a routine once you’ve grown accustomed to your new home. For many teachers, though, the experience abroad won’t last forever, and it’s important to take advantage of your time overseas while you can! Many teachers fall into the same trap after moving overseas: they have every intent to visit all those museums, restaurants, and festivals, but because they’re no longer in “tourist” mentality, they put it off. Don’t let yourself say, “I really want to check that place out someday.” Check it out now! Learn more about your country, and take advantage of every minute.4. Learn local recipesAgain, it’s important to take advantage of living in a foreign country. Resolve to learn to cook one new local specialty each month, and work that dish into your repertoire (if you don’t have a repertoire, now’s the time to build one!). You’ll be thankful if you move back to your home country and can still enjoy tasty reminders of your time abroad!5. Add something new to your lesson plansIf you’ve been teaching a long time, you might be comfortable with the routine you’ve established in your classes. It’s easy to fall back onto the same activities and projects, and it’s great to find a comfortable rhythm. But don’t let yourself fall into a rut. New activities can energize you as a teacher, making your classes more dynamic. Try out a new game, introduce a different book, or change the way you approach certain concepts. You might be surprised with how the change resonates with your students!If you are a relatively new teacher, identify an area where you’d like to improve your teaching. Perhaps you’re a haphazard lesson planner, or your classes are always running behind sch edule. Pinpoint a specific area where you could improve, think of how you could get better, and resolve to change!Country Spotlight: VietnamDespite the influences from other cultures that are so apparent in Vietnamese architecture and cuisine, the country has an identity all its own. Vietnam is developing rapidly and is leaving behind the legacy of its tragic past, although some remnants remain. The country’s many museums and monuments provide fascinating commentary on the American War, but visitors and residents have ample opportunity to relax. Visit a French-style café in Hanoi, lounge on one of the nation’s many tropical beaches, or simply enjoy a piping hot breakfast of pho from a local stall.Though the whole of Vietnam is located in the tropics and subtropics, the country’s long, narrow shape means that climate can vary greatly from north to south. The south sees little difference between the hot and cold season, while the average temperature in the north varies more wid ely. Though each region comes with its own set of weather complicationsâ€"monsoons, typhoons, or extreme heatâ€"the months of April, May, or October are generally the best bet in terms of hitting pleasant weather throughout the country. Teachers can relax on one of the many tropical beaches, visit the mountains, or explore the villages and floating markets of the complex Mekong Delta.Educators who currently teach English in Vietnam enjoy a low cost of living and a beautiful location. Despite the country’s long history of foreign occupation, foreign visitors are treated warmly. For more information about working in Vietnam, check out the current teaching jobs abroad.

Job Showcase Private school foundation in Qatar

Job Showcase Private school foundation in Qatar Rapid growth, fascinating architecture, and world-best career opportunities in education have taken Qatar by storm in recent years. It is thrilling to share that Teach Away is recruiting for a heap of teaching and other education positions throughout Qatar, including positions in the capital city, Doha. These private school foundation openings in Qatar pay monthly salaries between $3200 and $4500 USD. The benefits are very inclusive as well. If you’re a successful applicant, you can expect fully furnished accommodation, health insurance, airfare, and education allowance for you (when applicable) and up to three dependents. You’ll receive a relocation allowance of $2000 USD and $500 USD per month for transportation. And on top of all this, teaching in a private school foundation in Qatar comes with 11 vacation weeks. Living in Doha, Qatar is an experience like no other. Its skyline boasts beautiful modern buildings based on ancient Middle Eastern architecture against astonishing blue skies and exotic sunsets. It’s exciting times in Doha and in Qatar, as the nation is undergoing massive change. As shown in this image, which compares aerial photos of Doha from 1980 (top) and 2013 (bottom), Doha is a very new city and it is developing at a truly incredible rate: (Top photo courtesy of Sheraton Doha; bottom photo courtesy of Fadi Al-Assaad/Reuters) Since 2013, the city has continued to grow - larger and greener. And along with the growth of the city and country have come growing education initiatives and organizations, which is why we have this fantastic list of amazing private school opportunities in Qatar for you to apply for today: (Please note, all positions below have August 2016 start dates and preliminary interviews will be held in Atlanta, GA, USA in February 2016.) Language Pathologist - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Special Education Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar ELL/ESL Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Librarian (Elementary) - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Instructional Coach - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Physical Education Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Arabic Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar School Counselors - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar ICT (Computers) Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Art Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Music Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Science Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar Math Teachers - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar English Teachers - Private Education Foundation in Qatar Early Years Teacher - Private School Foundation - Qatar Elementary Teacher - Private School Foundation - Doha, Qatar

Always do What you Can not to Do.

Always do What you Can not to Do. I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist who lived and worked in Paris for many years. Picasso the inventor of new forms of art, an innovator in styles and techniques, and one of the most prolific artists in the history. Picasso created more than 20,000 paintings. He was not only a painter but also a sculptor. His full name was Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Clito Trinidad Ruiz and Picasso. He is one of the most famous figures in 20th century. Together with Georges Braque, Picasso initiated around 1906â€"1908 Cubism, based on a strong inspiration of Paul Cezanne  work. Picasso is considered the founder of Cubism.

FREE family days out for the summer holidays

FREE family days out for the summer holidays Summer's coming and although it may feel as though the kids have only just gone back to school, they'll need entertaining once again this summer holiday. There's no need to break the bank though, we've found some FREE family days out available nationwide! Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust offers free activities from bug hunting, crown making to pond dipping - there is an activity for children of all ages. Admission to the woods are free and their website has free printable activity sheets available to keep your children occupied in all weathers. To find your closest woodland, check out their website. Free Swim-Safe Sessions Children aged 7-14 can take part in open water 'Swim Safe' sessions running in 14 open-water locations in England and Wales throughout August. The programme, run by ASA-qualified swimming teachers, will include 30-minutes of open water swimming, along with advice on water safety from qualified lifeguards. To book and find out more information head over to http://www.swimming.org/learntoswim/ Pet Workshops Pets At Home have fantastic interactive workshops to get kids up close and personal to learn about the small furry friends that they have in-store, and give a really 'hands-on' approach to pet care. Whether it be aquatics, small furries or reptiles your child is interested in, please be sure to book in advance as there are limited spaces per store. Museums There are more than 180 museums spread across the UK which you can visit completely for free. Many will also run extra free events over the school holidays, so it's worth checking their websites to see what's on offer. The Museum Association or a simple google search can help you find an event local to you. Cycle Trails There are many National Parks across the country that have some beautiful cycle trails. There are plenty of studies to show that the physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits of cycling are almost limitless. And it's a great way of making the most out of your national parks. The National Park website offers a search function so you can find a park local to you. Visit England The Visit England website is not just for tourists. Search your county, select filters 'Family' and 'Budget' and find a variety of FREE days out for you and your family. From bird watching to fossil hunting there is something for all ages. Free Cinema Tickets Ella's Kitchen have teamed up with Odeon cinema's to offer FREE CINEMA TICKETS to families nationwide. All you need to do is answer the question to be in the chance of winning. Alternatively, Voucher Cloud are offering a third screening of any film absolutely free (expires 25-06-17) saving you up to 20 per person. Fruit Picking Fruit picking can be a great cheap alternative for a family day out. Many local fruit farms offer activities for children throughout the summer months, including cookery classes, jam making and baking. Find a PYO fruit farm near you here. If you know of any free family days out we would love to hear from you. Simply send us a tweet @FirstTutors