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Monday, May 6, 2013
Top 10 skills children learn from the arts
You don’t find school reformers talking much about how we need to train more teachers in the arts, given the current obsession with science, math, technology and engineering (STEM), but here’s a list of skills that young people learn from studying the arts.
1. Creativity – Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think ‘outside of the box’ will distinguish your child from others. In an arts program, your child will be asked to recite a monologue in 6 different ways, create a painting that represents a memory, or compose a new rhythm to enhance a piece of music. If children have practice thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them now and in their future career.
2. Confidence – The skills developed through theater, not only train you how to convincingly deliver a message, but also build the confidence you need to take command of the stage. Theater training gives children practice stepping out of their comfort zone and allows them to make mistakes and learn from them in rehearsal. This process gives children the confidence to perform in front of large audiences.
3. Problem Solving – Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems. How do I turn this clay into a sculpture? How do I portray a particular emotion through dance? How will my character react in this situation? Without even realizing it kids that participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems. All this practice problem solving develops children’s skills in reasoning and understanding. This will help develop important problem-solving skills necessary for success in any career.
4. Perseverance – When a child picks up a violin for the first time, she/he knows that playing Bach right away is not an option; however, when that child practices, learns the skills and techniques and doesn’t give up, that Bach concerto is that much closer. In an increasingly competitive world, where people are being asked to continually develop new skills, perseverance is essential to achieving success.
5. Focus – The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Keeping a balance between listening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus. It requires each participant to not only think about their role, but how their role contributes to the big picture of what is being created. Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives.
6. Non-Verbal Communication – Through experiences in theater and dance education, children learn to breakdown the mechanics of body language. They experience different ways of moving and how those movements communicate different emotions. They are then coached in performance skills to ensure they are portraying their character effectively to the audience.
7. Receiving Constructive Feedback – Receiving constructive feedback about a performance or visual art piece is a regular part of any arts instruction. Children learn that feedback is part of learning and it is not something to be offended by or to be taken personally. It is something helpful. The goal is the improvement of skills and evaluation is incorporated at every step of the process. Each arts discipline has built in parameters to ensure that critique is a valuable experience and greatly contributes to the success of the final piece.
8. Collaboration – Most arts disciplines are collaborative in nature. Through the arts, children practice working together, sharing responsibility, and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal. When a child has a part to play in a music ensemble, or a theater or dance production, they begin to understand that their contribution is necessary for the success of the group. Through these experiences children gain confidence and start to learn that their contributions have value even if they don’t have the biggest role.
9. Dedication – When kids get to practice following through with artistic endeavors that result in a finished product or performance, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. They practice developing healthy work habits of being on time for rehearsals and performances, respecting the contributions of others, and putting effort into the success of the final piece. In the performing arts, the reward for dedication is the warm feeling of an audience’s applause that comes rushing over you, making all your efforts worthwhile.
10. Accountability – When children practice creating something collaboratively they get used to the idea that their actions affect other people. They learn that when they are not prepared or on-time, that other people suffer. Through the arts, children also learn that it is important to admit that you made a mistake and take responsibility for it. Because mistakes are a regular part of the process of learning in the arts, children begin to see that mistakes happen. We acknowledge them, learn from them and move on.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
How to Be an Outstanding Student
Academic excellence is a difficult thing to achieve. It requires dedication, long hours, hard work and an attention to detail. However, high achievement in school is not something that is determined by a natural skill or innate talent. Anyone willing to work hard enough on their classes can reach the academic heights they aspire to.
Instructions
1
Set goals for yourself. Have specific benchmarks such as a grade you want to get in a class or on a given assignment or project. Remember that grading curves sometimes make you miss your mark even if you achieved your goal, so don't be discouraged if you fall slightly short at times.
2
Avoid bad habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, while sticking to a healthy diet and staying fit. Aim for a healthy and regular sleep pattern as well. Don't neglect visiting the doctor either. If you feel unwell, schedule an appointment and make sure you are taking care of yourself.
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3
Create a schedule and stick to it. Assign yourself blocks of time that you're going to spend studying and on the classwork for each of your classes and stick to it as closely as you can. College is a busy time, and smart time management is required if you are going to make the most of it.
4
Avoid skipping classes unless you are truly ill. Participate actively in class to make yourself visible to the professor and diligently take notes and listen to the lectures carefully.
5
Become a better test taker. Before you have a test in any class, create your own practice test. Use any information you have gathered from the professor, or the style of previous tests in that class to make it as real as possible. Then, complete it with a time limit the same length as the one you will be given in the real testing environment.
Tips & Warnings
Learn how you study best and ensure that you create good study habits in yourself. For instance, some people learn better seeing material on the page, while others prefer to hear it out loud. Good study habits include avoiding potential distractions during your study time. Making an outline and a plan for your study sessions is also recommended.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
What do students really need to learn?
With the announcement that states can submit waiver requests, it would appear that the No Child Left Behind legislation is for all intents and purposes coming to an end a year early. Most educators are NOT sad about this. In fact, they are relieved. It’s not that educators are opposed to accountability and certainly most aren’t opposed to high standards, but the idea that 100% of students will reach an arbitrary (yes, I really mean arbitrary) score on the same day flies in the face of efforts to differentiate instructional practices based on the needs of the learner.
First let me defend my use of the word, ‘arbitrary.’ I’m not suggesting that the ‘powers that be’ grabbed a random number and decided this was the target score that every student should achieve. I recognize that a lot more thought went into deciding what the ‘cut’ score should be–(i.e. the minimum score every student would be expected to achieve.) However, I am suggesting that the ‘cut’ scores varied greatly from one state to the next as did the content being measured etc. In my mind, the variation between the knowledge students were expected to master coupled with the variation in acceptable scores from one state to the next points to a somewhat random and arbitrary determination.
This brings me to the question at hand…. “What do ALL students really need to learn and be able to do IF they are going to graduate from our K-12 schools and become productive members of society?” I want to emphasize the word ALL in this question, because I believe we REQUIRE kids to do many things that may not support their individual path in life. Oh sure, ‘those things’ may be important for another student, but does it make sense to ‘standardize’ learning to the point that all students are expected to complete the same requirements even though elements of it don’t meet their needs?
OK… I’m sure you’re ready for me to tell you at this point what I believe all kids MUST know and be able to do. As much as I hate to disappoint you, the purpose of this post was not to define the minimum ‘curriculum’ but rather to draw attention to the need for us to work together and redefine it. I would suggest that high stakes tests should measure what we really believe ALL kids must know and be able to do. I would also suggest if these tests really measure important knowledge and skills, successful adults should be able to pass them.
States across the country are preparing their waiver requests from elements in the NCLB legislation. Many have adopted Common Core Standards and most of those have joined one of the consortiums charged with writing assessments to measure the standards. I’m just wondering if we’ll get closer to getting it right. It seems we should measure the outcome which we desire, and I’m wondering if we are committed to preparing kids for success in their life or to take assessments that measure content knowledge?
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Tips On How To Succeed In College
Check out all the grants and scholarships that your school provides so that you can have some help in paying for your education. There are many unique scholarships out there, including one for left handed people. There are various state and federal grants that don’t require repayment.
College is an exciting time, but you may also feel a bit nervous about what is in store. Still, it is important to remember that you will be fine. You should make sure you focus on your classes, even though you are free to do what you want now. Remember that you are in college to get your education and experience independent living.
There is no one to wash your clothes and feed you anymore. Choose healthy foods, get eight hours of sleep every night, and study as much as possible. Try to have a schedule that revolves around studying, going to class and taking care of yourself. Bad habits and a bad diet will affect both your health and your grades.
Try registering for classes that you are interested in instead of opting for “easy” classes. Giving yourself a challenge is rewarding. You’ll learn more from harder classes and potentially build contacts that will assist you in your future career.
The sooner you start preparing for college the better, just don’t get too anxious. Make sure your grades stay high. Volunteer work is also important to give your resume a positive image. Compare schools that you are interested in. Don’t let the stress overtake you, though.
Sit down and think about whether going to college straight from high school is right for you. Some students actually benefit from a year off between high school and college. You have to do what’s right for you. Just be sure you think everything through prior to making a decision.
Set aside a good amount of time to study everyday. The more you spend applying yourself to your education, the more rewarded you will be. It is okay to socialize, but treat college as if it were a job. If you do well with your college career, you can expect a happier and more fulfilling life.
You need to socialize during orientation and at certain events. Many people move to places where they do not know other people and that can make them feel out of place and lonely. Introduce yourself to new people, make some new friends and you will see that college can be fun.
Read your study notes right before you go to sleep the night before an exam. This will allow you to process this information while you sleep. Your brain will help fill in the gaps of missing pieces of knowledge so that you’ll find that you understand more information in the morning.
Even if you are an exemplary student, you are sure to face a great many challenges in college. Suddenly you are in charge of most of the decisions in your life. Using the tips and hints from the article above, you can create a college plan that will work for you and help you get through college and even have time for fun.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Student Centered Learning
In the due process of education student plays a vital role. He is at the receiving end with the pure motive of acquire knowledge and information in the form of education. Student centered learning is a concept where students are the pivotal element in the process of education. Education process basically involves teachers, students and administrators.
Students acquire education; teachers deliver education while administrators manage the working of the educational institution. Teacher centered learning is where teacher is in the center playing active role while students are at the receptive end with a passive role. While student centered learning is where students are active, participating in their process of learning.
Education format was basically followed as a teacher giving instructions to the students and students are expected at the receiving end to grasp all the information delivered by the teacher. However with the advancement of science and technology and changing era the approach towards education also changed. Instead of just depending on the teachers and revisions, students started making attempts for group study and peer learning. This gave emergence to student centered education, a process where student themselves decide on their learning format and selection.
Student centered Learning facilitates active participation of students in the learning process from the independent point of view. In this process students are supposed to utilize all their class time composing the new formats of learning materials being an active participant. The classrooms are promoted by utilizing valuable learning skills that builds the students with ability of achieving far-reaching learning goals that leads to the motivating factor amongst the students. Learning also leads to the development of intellectual as well as personal growth. When student himself makes attempt to learn something in his format it has a faster effect on his intellect as well as knowledge. A teacher centered classroom can turn into student centered class room only when the teacher gauges the diverse background of the learners.
Integration of student centered class room in the curriculum
Reinforces Students motivation towards education.
Upholds group or peer learning.
Reduces troublesome behavior.
Fosters Student-Teacher bond.
Student is responsible for his own learning.
Student centered learning has brought a drastic change in the teaching methods also. The approach for reaching and learning is evolving spontaneously with new and trendy ways to reach the learners. Learning becomes more productive when teachers allow the students to explore their own routes towards academic success. This success is more or less achieved when learners are thoroughly engaged with the active learning process. In this format teacher is just a medium for students to acquire knowledge and is just supposed to guide the students with new version of the learning material.
Student centered learning provides students with the opportunity to their own format of learning to the curriculum and apply it as this process provides an exclusive learning objective. Though teacher provides genuine and appropriate opinions student is expected to generate knowledge. With a good rapport amongst the teacher-student and effective communication teacher can gauge students needs interest and overall commitment towards learning material.
Student centered learning enables the student to be a facilitating factor in his own learning process. Student centered learning is one of the best option for higher education and learning process as higher education more or less evolves group discussions, peer learning and team work.
Education upgraded my life and writing became my passion since then. Internet became the easiest medium for me to share my opinion, acquire information or enroll for Online Universities and Distance University
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Educational Activities for High School Students
Educational activities for high school students will bring cooperative learning, cooperative learning is a type of classroom environment in which small teams work together to learn a particular subject or educational activities. This type of learning activities is to create positive interdependence, face to face interaction, individual and group accountability, interpersonal and small group skills and group processing. Incorporating these social activities into the classroom may not only improve the social skills of students, but it may help students of lesser ability to learn from those who do not require as much instruction.
There are many activities from educational activities at school there are many students in high school students are probably played this game as children. It was fun then, and surprisingly, it is still a fun game for high school students. Games will make learning activities more fun and enjoyable, they will enjoy their learning activities in educational activities. There are many ways to increase your students creativity by games, one of the most popular games is role playing, through role playing it will give your students chance and experience in learning activities. Give the opportunity for one group to role play, it will give your students chance to be entertaining in front of the class and also give them a chance to learn a material with different way. Educational activities with role play it will give your students benefit. It is will makes your students give contributed to something that they get to share with their friends in the classroom.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
How College Students Can Save Money: 10 Money Saving Tips
1. Monitor your monthly expenses.
Every month, you need to sit down and write down all expenses you might have during the month. For example, this may include:
Tuition
Room and board
School supplies (books, computer costs, etc)
Food
Transportation
Insurance
Medical
Phone
Personal (Hair cuts, toiletries, etc)
Clothing
Gifts/charitable giving
Emergency fund contributions
Make sure that your expenses are less than your projected income for the month. If you have a variable income, it would be a good idea to project income equal to the worst financial month you’ve had in the past 6 months. Be conservative in your estimates, you don’t want to get half way through the month and realize you’re out of cash!
2. Buy and borrow used textbooks.
Textbooks can be expensive — very expensive! When you’re spending hundreds of dollars on new textbooks every few months, that really adds up! It can be easy to walk into the bookstore and grab what you need, but with a little extra effort, you can save thousands of dollars over the course of your education.
Find any students who have previously taken the class you’re attending. Ask your teachers if you can use older editions of books, and borrow as many textbooks as possible. The investment of your time into finding bargain literature is well worth the effort. Maybe even consider renting textbooks with a site like Chegg.com. You can also check out these Chegg coupon codes and helpful links.
3. Get a debit card that pays rewards
Many college students start themselves off to a terrible financial start by getting into credit card debt. You can avoid this and earn some great rewards by using a cash back debit card that will pay you for using it.
4. Dine at the cafeteria.
Fast food and eating out can really drain your bank account. Instead, try getting deals at the cafeteria! Many colleges will offer discount cards for low income students and bundle meal deals if you ask.
5. Seek student discounts around town.
Even though you’re on a strict budget, you have to still find time for fun! Going to the movies can be expensive — try asking for a student discount! Theaters and entertainment venues often provide a healthy discount for those dedicated to their education.
You can also find great discounts on insurance from your local agent. Occasionally, insurance companies will provide discounts with proof of high grades.
Everywhere you go, ask if there are any student discounts. You’ll find that you can save a great deal of money on computers, entertainment, insurance, food, and more!
6. Find flexible, high-income jobs.
To help pay your tuition, fees, and other miscellaneous costs, finding a great side job can be the difference between failure and success. It’s important to seek something that doesn’t have set hours — you choose when to work! School is your main focus. Organize side jobs that you can easily place on your calendar.
7. Ask for roommate accountability.
Sticking to your budget isn’t always a piece of cake. Sometimes, it can be more like pulling teeth. Few people are self-motivated, and most need some sort of accountability. If you have a roommate, explain to them the financial plan you’re on and ask them to check in on you every so often. Make sure this is something they are happy doing, and you’ll find more motivation to stay on track!
8. Stay busy, spend less!
One of the best ways to save money in college is to stay busy with your schoolwork! The more involved you are in activities that don’t require expense, it’ll be easier to save those dollars! Try joining clubs and sports that won’t break the bank.
9. Keep transportation simple and inexpensive.
To save big on transportation, live on campus. The less you have to travel the better, as vehicle maintenance, fuel, car insurance, and other costs can represent a large portion of your budget. If you have to travel, try a bicycle and only drive when absolutely necessary. Make use of the resources you have around you!
10. Actively seek career opportunities as you learn!
Just because you’re in school doesn’t mean you have to wait for graduation to start exploring career opportunities. Attend occupational fairs and seminars. Talk with business owners in the community. Network! Network! Network! The more groundwork you do in college, the better off you’ll be when you hit the streets with your resume.
Final Thoughts
It’s admirable that you’re attending college, but merely attending is not enough. By utilizing these top 10 tips, you’ll be well on your way to greater financial health and will have built a solid foundation you can stand on throughout the rest of your life. Your education needs to be a beneficial process. Don’t let mismanagement of your personal finances weigh down your opportunities. You can be successful. Dedicate yourself to lifelong learning and positive financial habits. You’ll be so glad you did.
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