Discovering The Arts In Sydney

Discovering The Arts In SydneyIf you are looking for an educational institution in Bankstown NSW, a great place to start would be the TAFE (The Australian Federal-Administered School) and one of the great things about TAFE is that there are so many excellent tutoring programs. You can take TAFE qualifications at any age and it can be a great tool for training for professional certifications. These include certifications such as Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Business Analytics, Criminal Justice and more.There are so many different options available that you will likely find that you can get tutoring from the instructors in Bankstown as well as other tutoring institutions. This is because there are so many different specialised businesses in the town of Bankstown. Banksy, which is a live painting, sculpture and performing art festival in Sydney is also located in the same area.Bankstown, along with its closest suburb Darlinghurst, is where many of Banksy's paintings have been located . That said, this is not meant to be any form of endorsement of Banksy, nor of Banksy's paintings. It is simply meant to show that this place is full of surprises and that there are some fun surprises, perhaps even hidden in Banksy's artwork, that await you and your child.In addition to that, the local arts community in the area is very active and welcoming. You might want to take a look at the various local events that are organized by the local performers in the area. You may even want to consider going to the Sydney Comedy Festival in Darlinghurst to see a comedy night or a ballet concert or musical event. All of these are only a few of the festivals that are held throughout the year in Darlinghurst.As you go through the local arts community, you will be able to take part in performing arts and you may even find that this is something that you would like to do on a regular basis. When you spend time in the arts community you will be exposed to a variety of different types of musi c and you may even find that you start to like it. You might even find that you get your first glimpse of the amazing musicians that are all around you.Once you get a little older you may find that you want to spend more time with your daughter. This is not to say that you are going to leave her to fend for herself, but rather that the arts are something that she enjoys and she may want to continue her love of learning through tutoring in the arts. You should find that there are more adult tutoring services available than there were a couple of years ago.The activities that are available at the Banksy art gallery and the performing arts center are exciting and entertaining. Your child will love going to the street theatre, or they may enjoy being part of the kids' theatre group. If you are going to the Banksy event, you might be able to find some people who are selling Banksy art and other merchandise.Whether you are looking for adult tutoring services in Bankstown, or are a parent looking for ways to provide some fun activities for your children, there are many choices available to you. If you have ever wanted to visit the arts in Sydney you are sure to be excited about that, and the best part is that you will have so much fun that you will want to come back again. Take some time to browse through the various choices that are available to you, and to try some of the fun things that you find.

Choosing Between a Part Time Private Tutor and an Independent Tutor

Choosing Between a Part Time Private Tutor and an Independent TutorThe International Board for Tutors (IBT) was formed in 1986 by a group of high school teachers who thought that they had to create a specialized, all-encompassing international curriculum to produce a better education system. The original Board, however, failed to include representatives from the different schools and universities of the world, and after a few years it was disbanded. In order to help schools around the world have a greater say in the curriculum development process, they established an International Advisory Council.The International Advisory Council is made up of many experienced tutors from across the world. They are chosen from all around the world and are committed to following the International Board's curricula. In addition, these schools are required to agree to adhere to the IBT standards. These Standards are the same as those set forth by the International Board for Educators.The IBT accredits all schools that are affiliated with the IBT. All IBT members must meet the standards set forth by the IBT and are accountable to them.Independent learning is now becoming more popular, and so is independent tutoring. Many students are also choosing to work directly with a tutor rather than taking a full time job, and the whole purpose of a quality private tutor is to make sure that the student receives the best possible education and a successful career.Independent tutors are far more likely to be concerned with their students' academic success than an IBT member is. This makes it easier for a teacher to focus on other aspects of the school, such as building relationships with parents and students, ensuring the student has access to teachers in the community, providing extra supervision, etc. These types of tutors are much less expensive than IBT members are and provide an education in a way that is more flexible and unique.Idyllic tutors are a perfect solution for many schools. T hey are independent and dedicated to their students, and often charge less than a full-time classroom teacher. This allows the school to make adjustments without affecting the quality of education, while also allowing the individual to spend more time with the student.If you are looking for an Idyllic tutor, you should start with the website of the International Board for Education in the United States. These resources will allow you to compare schools and find the best possible education for your child.

The Importance of Lectures and Seminars

The Importance of Lectures and SeminarsUndergraduate and graduate UCSD Chemistry Seminars is invaluable resources for those students who want to earn a degree in chemistry. In this fast-paced environment, it is no surprise that many college students are unable to maintain a level of focus on the coursework. The seminars offer students a chance to learn and grow at the same time, which will provide them with greater flexibility in the areas they study.The scientific and technical aspects of chemistry are often learned through the participation of several experts in the field of Chemistry. Many of these seminars are held in various locations. University student groups, businesses, laboratories, and government agencies also organize the seminars. Students are encouraged to participate in these events to meet other individuals from different areas of the field.The first of the seminars is typically held at the beginning of the school year, at the end of summer. This is often held during the Fall semester. These seminars offer flexibility in scheduling as well as the ability to build up new connections with people in the field. The seminars are arranged by the university, usually at the beginning of the school year. Typically, these workshops are held at a local hotel or convention center.By holding workshops under the supervision of recognized professionals in the field, UCSD Chemistry Seminars is an excellent way to gain a new perspective on the topics taught. Often, faculty members discuss the recent discoveries in the field, why the information is important, and how the subject can help students with their studies. Other topics may include the theory behind chemical reactions and processes, basic procedures of analyzing substances and determining their effects, and more. The presentations are comprehensive, and students are able to focus on one section of the seminar while learning the remaining aspects.There are a number of additional lectures that take place d uring some of the UCSD Chemistry Seminars. This is an opportunity for students to become familiar with various process of the college curriculum. A number of specific labs, tutorials, and assessments are offered as well. These are opportunities for instructors to allow students to test their knowledge and to evaluate whether or not they have mastered the topics discussed. Students who join the UCSD Science Department or work for the engineering department can even become involved in departmental committees that are formed to work together with other students to solve common problems and improve the quality of education.Whether these seminars are held during the school year or during a break from classes, they are a fantastic way for students to gain a greater sense of self-confidence. Many of these workshops offer opportunities for students to meet each other from diverse backgrounds. They also provide a chance for students to experience a real-life approach to learning that helps t o prepare them for college in the future. The goal of these programs is to educate students and help them develop the skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.College students who attend the UCSD Chemistry Seminars should be aware that there is an increased level of pressure on them to excel academically. If a student chooses to participate in these workshops, they should expect to do so under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Doing so will help build the student's confidence, as well as make him or her better prepared for the challenges they will face when they enter the college environment. There is a wealth of information available online to help students prepare for their first semester of classes.

How to Select a Math Tutor

How to Select a Math TutorIf you are a student with math aptitude, there is a wide array of private math tutors who will help you find the most efficient solution to your math problems. Math tutors can be found in almost all public and private institutions offering math courses. They can also be found online in popular tutoring sites.There are many reasons why you should consider a math tutor. The very first reason is that you can get the assistance of a math tutor to avoid the tedium of repeating the same processes over again. Moreover, they can be your lifeline in order to study better and learn faster. If you don't have the right kind of math tutor, then it would be difficult for you to do your homework or work in solving math problems.A math tutor is also the best choice for students who want to be advanced in math rather than going through the boring routine of memorizing whole formulas. Mathematics has the most advanced techniques in it and they need a lot of dedication and har d work to master this stuff. Therefore, you have to set aside some time in your schedule in order to perform simple calculations to improve your math skills.In the past, a student is supposed to rely on the teacher in learning, but the technology today has made a student more independent and free from any such conditions. A math tutor is the best and effective option for the students who require exceptional care and attention while learning mathematics. Most private tutors are also available to help you even if you want to be assigned to a math course online or you want to be managed by an expert teacher, such as a professor.The importance of selecting a math tutor should not be underestimated. A wrong choice of the tutor can severely affect your learning process because he/she can offer you an incorrect approach for the solutions. Also, it can be quite difficult to manage your homework or other school work if you don't have the right type of tutor.It is also advisable that you can use the online resources to find a math tutor. This way, you can have more options to choose from as far as what kind of tutor to be assigned.There are many considerations that should be taken into consideration before deciding whether to hire a math tutor or not. Therefore, the decision should be based on your specific needs and goals. To make the right decision, a good decision-making process should be adopted.

A Guide to Differentiated Instruction

A Guide to Differentiated Instruction Differentiated Instruction: What it is and How it Impacts Students, Teachers and Tutors ChaptersHow Differentiated Instruction Challenges Traditional Teaching NormsThe Importance of Differentiated Instruction for StudentsWhat Tutors Need to Know About Differentiated InstructionTutoring: the Ultimate in Differentiated InstructionOf all the buzzwords in education today, differentiated instruction is making the most waves â€" yet few teachers or school administrators in the UK know exactly what it is.Is it a new way to promote student learning? Does it involve major curricular changes? Is it a surer path to literacy and maths comprehension?Every educator, whether tasked with administrative duty or a member of the teaching staff, should take a closer look at this education initiative.2018 global ‘best teacher’ prize.And thousands, maybe even millions of people, quietly doing remarkable things in classrooms all over the world.Still, should you have occasion to visit a classroom or five, you will most likely find a typical scene: teacher giving instruction and students fo cused on learning, to one degree or the other.On the whole, that instructional model works... but only in some situations.For learners who are invested in their education, such as university students and continuous learning groups, a teacher centred pedagogy is fairly effective.One might say that, for the most part, primary and even secondary school students are the very opposite of being invested in their schooling; a situation that puts an almost unbearable burden on teachers.Teachers are generally described as people who impart knowledge. That is an absolutely banal and minimally-encompassing term for what teachers actually do.Teachers instil discipline to the child who cannot sit still as well as to the taunting bullyTeachers as managers: yes, managing a classroom but also managing conflicting personalities, managing time and assignmentsTeachers as front-line defence: constantly casting a critical eye over students, teachers are the first to spot signs of special learning needs as well as mental and emotional distressTeachers are administrators: not only do they have their classroom to manage but they must also comply with the Department for Education’s and schools’ bureaucratic requirementsTeachers are learners, expected to continue their professional development.With all of this crammed into an alleged 8-hour day, how is it that we’re shocked about teacher burnout statistics and dismayed as more and more teachers leave the profession?If you’re a teacher thinking of leaving the vocation you love, please consider putting your plans on hold in favour of trying some new instructional strategies.For one, how about cultivating a student centered approach to teaching?You might try placing your kids into small groups according to their scholastic abilities and personal interests, so that your gifted students may feel as fulfiled in their learning as your SEN students do.You could also diverge from textbook material, using it instead as a guideline for co mmon core instruction while challenging your students’ thinking skills through project-based learning.You will be amazed at how easy it really is to foster such a learning environment!Differentiation strategies can change the way your students think about and approach their studies; indeed it may well invest them with an unprecedented eagerness to learn.Why not find out more ways that differentiation is redefining the art of teaching?The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for StudentsGet your kids on board, connect with them, find out what it is that they’re interested in â€" Andria ZafirakouIt seems that, without the label attached, Ms Zafirakou applied the principles of differentiated learning in her classes.Let us think about the average student. Is s/he excited about learning new things? Does s/he come to school eager for whatever knowledge comes his/her way?Or is students’ attitude towards school more in the negative range: anxious about lessons and fearful of bully ing?Nobody is claiming that differentiating instruction will solve all of public education’s problems â€" either the academic or the social aspects of schooling.On the other hand, differentiating does address multiple intelligences, which not only considers individual learning styles but also fosters a learning process that emphasises student strengths.One of the biggest challenges for teachers is that their students, all of the same age group, have different levels of intellect.At one end of the spectrum, there are gifted and talented students while at the other end are those whose circumstances cause them to struggle in class.Yet, the same teacher is expected to accommodate all of the different learning styles and everyone’s learning needs, all while seeing to it that academic standards are met across the board and all assessments conducted timely and fairly.How can assessments be fair if some students far exceed the norm and others need help achieving them?Today’s students are aware of these yawning deficiencies in education. That is perhaps why, as they get older, their attitude toward school and learning becomes more jaded.Differentiation of instruction can help students regain confidence in themselves and in those whom they look to for knowledge.Again we aver that such teaching strategies are no cure-all for all of the challenges that teachers face, but it does go a long way toward empowering students and helping them to succeed academically.Doesn’t it simply make more sense to create a positive learning experience rather than force-feed facts and hope they can be digested?You can discover more about teaching and learning differentiation strategy.Students may feel crushed by the mass of information they are required to absorb Source: Pixabay Credit: WokandapixWhat Tutors Need to Know About Differentiated InstructionChildren should be seen and not heard â€" 15th-century English proverbIts original wording stated specifically that young females sho uld be quiet â€" the use of ‘mayde’, the word in the original text, means ‘a young female’.Possibly male children were expected to be exuberant?Questions of behaviour aside, today that old saw still resonates; in some circles, that philosophy is most rigidly adhered to.What is even more remarkable is that our education system seems to reinforce that edict. Teachers do most of the talking and students (should) only speak when given permission to â€" through raising their hand or by being called on.That is perhaps one reason why, when tutors encounter reluctant students, their most prevalent challenge is getting those learners to talk.Please note that by no measure are we saying that teacher should repeat Sir William Golding’s debate experiment, when his classroom descended into a free-for-all â€" which gave him the inspiration for Lord of the Flies.Discipline in the classroom is needed, but perhaps shouldn't be so linear or strict.Whether one opts to teach using the direct instruction method or chooses to differentiate instruction, classroom management, curriculum development and student assessment are vital components of every teaching strategy. It's just that differentiation allows for diverse learning strategies.  That means that tutors, when taking on pupils who learn in a differentiating environment, may be pleasantly surprised to find they have empowered students to work with, rather than overwhelmed, insecure ones!What is it about differentiated instruction that brings such a change about? Let us first tell you what it isn’t...Differentiated instruction is not a set of worksheets, nor is it a teaching programme.So, when you arrive at your student’s home, it is quite possible you won’t see him/her with learning materials strewn all over the dining room table, trying to make sense of things.       2. Differentiation is not about textbooks; it’s about their content.To be sure, students still have to learn what is set forth in the nationa l curriculum â€" so there will be books; there just won’t be an over-reliance on them.Instead, you may find your student’s higher order thinking challenged as s/he wrangles with problem-based learning, evidence-based or inquiry-based learning.      3. Differentiated learning is not a one size fits all proposition.It will not turn your students into super-scholars overnight... but it will make them more eager to learn.It will not make them magically retain everything they’ve been taught, but it will show them how to learn.Once you know how to differentiate, you will see a positive change in your students’ attitude toward learning.  They may even see schoolwork as an adventure rather than mere drudge!Find out what the best tutors know about differentiated instruction...Tutors are uniquely positioned to help students make sense of the whirlwind of information they are caught in Source: Pixabay Credit: Ivan PaisTutoring: the Ultimate in Differentiated InstructionIt has long be en ascertained that teachers are being pulled in too many directions at once.Thus, it would be no stretch to contend that traditional teacher-led instruction is more than a shout away from effective teaching.Furthermore, the required summative assessments â€" the exams at the end of every study unit, semester and significant key stages compels teachers to tailor their lesson plans to exam results rather than exploring the subject they are so passionate about.Tutors, on the other hand, have plenty of leeway in determining how best to work with their students.Providing individualized guidance and instruction, tutors are free to devise learning activities that will promote student achievement and mastery of the subject in question.How do the best tutors manage to help their students meet learning goals so consistently?Simply by doing what proponents of differentiated instruction advocate for: glean a bit of background knowledge about each student, tailor instruction to each student’s individual learning style and conduct an ongoing formative assessment throughout the mentoring relationship.Come to think of it, isn’t that what tutors have been doing for millennia?Dear Tutors, it is time to finally put a name to your brand of lesson planning. It is called differentiated instruction and you are at the forefront of this exciting educational revolution.You can read more about how your teaching methods are vital to student success and maybe even pick up a few tips to expand your teaching repertoire.

The History of Maths Teaching

The History of Maths Teaching Discover the History of Mathematics Tutoring: from Ancient Times till Today ChaptersMaths Background in Ancient GreeceMaths Teaching in Ancient RomeThe History of Maths in the Renaissance PeriodThe History of Mathematics in the Nineteenth CenturyLearning Maths TodayLooking at all aspects of Maths teaching begs the question: how was maths taught in the time of Plato and beyond?He then proceeded to write entire textbooks on each subject.Remus and Recorde's textbooks awakened an interest in Mathematics, not just in scholars and well-to-dos but among the middle class. As society's hunger for maths knowledge grew, private Maths Tutors were soon earning a comfortable living.It took a bit longer to coordinate advanced maths teaching in schools.Upon graduation from Cambridge, John Dee proclaimed the need for improving maths in Education. Not that there was much practical or commercial use for maths at that point, but because of its ability to 'lift the heart to the heavens!' - reflecting Pythagoras' declaration of centuries before.In spite of assertions by Dee and o thers, universities maintained the Medieval Curriculum â€" teaching math, geometry and astronomy only minimally; focusing on the Trivium.The History of Mathematics in the Nineteenth CenturyMuch focus was given to when and how a pupil should be taught maths:Children should start learning basic Arithmetic as soon as they enter school, and their learning should be based on perception of physical objects. In spite of progressive thinking, many of Britain's schools were still very conservative. The foundation of the Analytical Society of Cambridge served to persuade that institution to embrace broader Maths studies. By 1823, differential calculus had made its way into the curriculum.Soon, a new type of school opened, one where maths and other sciences were given pride of place.The University of London would provide an education in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The first chair of Mathematics was given to Augustus De Morgan, who revolutionized the way maths was taught.After lecture, h e would hand out test papers based on that day's lesson. The students were to return the completed exams, from which he would discern areas of understanding and where more explanation was needed. The next day's lecture incorporated what had not been grasped the previous day.Teaching maths today includes a variety of applications. Source: PixabayLearning Maths TodayAlthough great advances have been made in the field of Mathematics, the art of teaching maths at primary school or GCSE maths revision, remains essentially unchanged since De Morgan's time.Even private tutoring of maths harkens back to ancient times, except that you can teach maths online.Government and organizations have invested tremendous resources in developing teachers and teaching methods. Expanded common core maths curriculum includes the study of:Mathematical conceptsAlgebraGeometryCalculusTrigonometryThe study of equations of all types: quadratic, linear, differential, parametric â€" among others.The fact remains that it has always been teachers who, through their very love of the subject material, ignite a desire to understand and and explore the exciting arena of maths.Looking for online teaching jobs or tutor jobs London? Find them on superprof.

Mobilegeddon What Is Its Impact On Websites

Mobilegeddon â€" What Is Its Impact On Websites Mobilegeddon is the latest update of Google and this has been much talked about for a reason. Its impact on the ranks of websites which are mobile friendly and on those which are not. It is a wave which affects many of the businesses that are run online. Google is on its way to make it 100% live in its data centers in due course of time. What is Mobilegeddon? Mobilegeddon is concerned with the rank a mobile friendly website has on search results and it goes on to clarify that those websites which are mobile friendly. Such websites will rank higher on the search engine result pages.. As their keyword ranking increases, their rank also goes up. Other websites, which are not mobile friendly, go down in ranking and hence there will be a natural impact on their business owing to reduced visibility on SERPs. Why should a website be mobile friendly? Mobile friendly websites make reading on the mobile comfortable. The user wouldn’t have to zoom or scroll continuously while reading. The content would be in readable size and this provides a much better user experience. Also, mobile friendly websites are the need of the hour as many users employ smart phones or tablets to search for a specific business or service or product. Google’s John Mueller confirmed this morning in a live hangout on Google+ at the 4:40 mark. The roll out has 100% begun and is actually completely live in some of the many Google data centers. Here is what John Mueller said: It’s definitely rolling out. I know in some of the data centers its already rolled out completely. So that is something where I think you will probably see that change over the course of a week, maybe a week and a half â€" something like that. From the first day to the next day, I don’t think you’ll see a big change. But if you compare last week to next week, then you should see a big change. And I’ve seen some blog posts out there have noticed it’s different, and tried to document the difference between the desktop results and new mobile results. So there are definitely people noticing it. Impact of Mobilegeddon â€" An overview It is felt that most of the sites which run businesses which have local dependence are sure to face the impact of Mobilegeddon. If their websites are not mobile friendly, the search results would be poor for their sites owing to low ranking on SERPs and their clientele could become less. The Google rank also would be impacted by the same. Similarly, desktop searches also would face a bit of impact through this Google update. Tracking potential losers No sites are reporting major hits yet, but by looking at the Mobile-friendly tag for the top domains in Mobile. We can start to piece together who might get hit by the update. Here are the top 20 domains (in our 10K data set) as of April 21st. Along with the percent of their ranking URLs that are tagged as mobile-friendly: en.m.wikipedia.org â€" 96.3% www.amazon.com â€" 62.3% m.facebook.com â€" 100.0% m.yelp.com â€" 99.9% m.youtube.com â€" 27.8% twitter.com â€" 99.8% www.tripadvisor.com â€" 92.5% www.m.webmd.com â€" 100.0% mobile.walmart.com â€" 99.5% www.pinterest.com â€" 97.5% www.foodnetwork.com â€" 69.9% www.ebay.com â€" 97.7% www.mayoclinic.org â€" 100.0% m.allrecipes.com â€" 97.1% m.medlineplus.gov â€" 100.0% www.bestbuy.com â€" 90.2% www.overstock.com â€" 98.6% m.target.com â€" 41.4% www.zillow.com â€" 99.6% www.irs.gov â€" 0.0% Interestingly, YouTubes mobile site only shows as mobile-friendly about a quarter of the time in our data set â€" this will be a key case to watch. Note that Google could consider a site mobile-friendly without showing the Mobile-friendly tag, but its the simplest/best proxy we have right now. (source http://moz.com) Impact of Mobilegeddon on educational websites Online tutoring sites which are responsive to mobile searches and those employing cloud based technology could benefit a lot from this Google algorithm. Many of the sites make provision for students to avail their services through mobiles and tablets and thus prove beneficial for students during their exam preparation. Tutor Pace is an online tutoring website that is 100% mobile friendly and provides its users with an extremely comfortable reading experience owing to its responsive design. It renders help to all students who access its services through their mobiles and tabs and aims at providing exclusive help for their doubts and queries with its easy infrastructure. It offers 24/7 help through live chat and Skype which are user friendly on mobiles and tabs. Math queries pose threats at unwanted moments to students and if they are able to access solutions for all such things on their mobiles at any time, they couldn’t ask for anything better! Such hassle free moments are possible at anytime from anywhere through the mobile friendly site of Tutor Pace and it provides fabulous benefits for the students in their last minute revisions and exam prep time. The online Math tutors are accessible through their mobiles and passing even difficult exams in Math like Calculus or Algebra becomes a piece of cake! Students could avail tutoring services through their mobiles for other subjects like Science, English and Economics too from Tutor Pace. Conclusion When education has become a resourceful and smart process through small and local devices like tablets and smart phones, it is better to take the Google mobile friendly test and keep your website fit for keyword search and achieve a high Google rank. Tutor Pace’s website is mobile friendly and helps students study from anywhere and at anytime and it helps them improve scores through able technological support.

The Health Benefits Of Becoming a Vegetarian

The Health Benefits Of Becoming a Vegetarian Why Become a Vegetarian? ChaptersCan We Survive On Simply Eating Fruit And Veg?Why Aren't More People Going Meatless?The Health Benefits Behind VegetarianismVegetarianism is a term that we are very familiar with in modern society, but how long has it been around for? And are experts able to confidently prove that it has positive effects on our bodies? Are there really benefits to our bodies if we avoid dairy products, meat and fish? Can we really get all our vitamins, nutrients and plant protein from a vegetarian diet?If you are interested in the history of the vegetarian movement, take a look at this related blog: The History Of Vegetarianism.Below, I will uncover the health benefits that are said to come from becoming a vegetarian. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCan We Survive On Simply Eating Fruit And Veg?If you are familiar with the long-standing history of vegetarianism, or if you have been told war stories from your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents, then you may already know that, for a long time, Britons had to live on eating plant-based foods from cans or dug from the ground.During the war, people had to eat food they had dug up. Photo credit: Dark Dwarf on Visual HuntWhilst  famine and disease prevailed during World War II, meat became a luxury for the rich and so, for many years, we ate nothing but food that was grown in the ground.This just goes to show that a vegetarian lifestyle really is nutritious enough t o keep us going. Not only that, it fed the mouths of a nation going through some of the toughest physical and psychological conditions known to man - which indicates that it also gave them the strength they needed to get out of their living nightmare.This begs the question, therefore,  why are so many of us still eating meat almost every day of the week?It is encouraging to see the recent rise in allotments or vegetable gardens.With gardens now being quite a statement for many homeowners, the idea of being self-sufficient also appeals to the masses. This is why we see so many people on televised gardening shows longing for raised beds so that they can grow herbs and vegetables to use in their cooking.Why Aren't More People Going Meatless?I think that, ironically, the psychology that meat was once a food that only the rich could afford to buy has led to us eating more meat than we need to (because, as we know, a meat-free diet does offer the body what it needs). This is no doubt beca use we want to live in the best way possible and treat ourselves to nice things. Now that meat has been made affordable to all, we just can't help ourselves and continue to buy it because everyone around us is.Imagine a world where 90% of the population was  completely meat-free, how would you feel being one of the minority going into the shop to buy your steak with everyone's eyes on you? This doesn't mean to say that vegetarians look down upon meat-eaters, still they don't agree with their carnivorous eating habits.That said, I strongly believe that meat-eaters do not eat flesh from animals because they see the creatures as a lower class of species to them. There is no spitefulness to the act of meat eating. I think that those who adopt a traditional western diet simply don't think about the food they are eating in any depth, other than to consider which flavour combinations go well. Or perhaps it is that they don't want to think about it...Most meat-eaters don't tend to think abo ut how the animal meets its end. Photo credit:  Visual HuntMost people, especially animal lovers, will agree entirely that there should be rules against cruelty to animals yet they will continue to eat from them because that is what they are used to.If you are brought up in a household that eats meat day in, day out, it can be quite a daunting idea to cut it out from your diet entirely.The Health Benefits Behind VegetarianismThere are many scientific health benefits to adopting a vegetarian diet, which I will go on to list below, but one of the main and perhaps most important is purely the good it has on the soul.By not playing a part in the slaughter of animals, whether brutal or sensitive, our conscience can remain clear and we can feel like we are doing our bit to contribute to saving animals' lives.If a guilt-free life isn’t enough to sway you, then here are some facts on how a meat-free diet can benefit you physically, too.Eating food that is naturally low in saturated fat h as been proven to protect our bodies from debilitating or worse, terminal, illnesses and diseases such as heart disease, gall stones, hypertension, coronary heart attack and some diet-related cancers.Just as you’d expect, this low-fat diet also helps to keep our bodies in shape, resulting in a leaner and more toned figure. The cause of this is fewer calories entering our stomach, coming from power foods like grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables, providing a good source of fibre and calcium in place of heavy proteins and carbohydrates (did you know that a fibre-rich meal keeps you feeling fuller for longer?).What people may not realise, however, is that it is not only the muscles and bones that benefit from vegetarianism. Experts say that vegetarian living often results in better vision and less skin degeneration â€" which effectively means that by going vegetarian, you could be winding back the years!Of course, there is one other very important part of the body that benefits : the brain. Balanced eating, a healthy body and feeling good in oneself are very important factors in supporting the health of your brain.With so many great effects on the body and mind, it is no wonder that athletes often choose to adopt a strict vegetarian diet, either permanently or to get them for before a game, race, match or other competition.Many classes focus on vegetarianism so why not join one of these cooking courses.Vegetarian Diets For Weight LossIf you are looking to become a vegetarian to better yourself and lose weight for your own self-confidence, then you might be interested to know that Slimming World offer vegetarian meal plans as well, which can be followed any time of the year (as can those provided by the National Vegetarian Week campaign, if you so wish!).Their 7-day recipe ideas will take all the hard work out of meal planning, so all you need to do is cook and enjoy the amazing, guilt-free food.Organisations like Slimming World can help you to plan your we ekly meals. Photo credit: mealmakeovermoms on VisualHunt / CC BY-NDCheck out the table below for some examples of a weekly vegetarian meal at Slimming World:MondayCrustless red onion and courgette quicheTuesdayAsparagus and roast pepper muffinsWednesdayBaked canelloniThursdayBaked eggs with peppers, spinach and tomatoFridaySouth Indian vegetable currySaturdayFeta couscous with griddled vegSundayMediterranean vegetable filo tartWith such diverse, flavourful and satisfying dishes on offer, it is a wonder why we find losing weight so difficult!The benefit of eating well-balanced vegetarian recipes designed by experts is that you can feel confident that you get the necessary nutrients, be good to your body and stay feeling full.Check out cooking class London to learn more about vegetarian recipes.World Vegetarian WeekIf you aren't up for sticking to vegetarianism for any length of time, but are keen to try out a meat-free diet first-hand in order to reap the many benefits even for just a small period, then you might like to try adopting a plant-based diet for a week.National Vegetarian Week 2018 will run from 14-20 May and is all about eating delicious and exciting plant-based food.Anyone can join, even if they don't plan to continue with a meat-free diet afterwards. The idea is to highlight the benefits of vegetarianism by encouraging others to try it out.If this interests you, or you want to invite a friend to join you eating meat-free food, then you can sign up for the campaign's newsletters which will be packed full of fantastic recipes, helpful information and competitions throughout the course of the week.This campaign is similar to the Veganuary one, set up to encourage people to go vegan for the month of January.I recently heard someone talking of Veguary too which, as far as I can tell, is the February equivalent of Veganuary, but for veggies.But you don't have to wait for one of the campaigns - go vegetarian today if it is something you have thought care fully about. You won't look back, I swear! And if you need some inspiration, there are many food bloggers who offer great recipe ideas.Further ReadingFor more interesting facts about vegetarian cooking, see the following blogs:  Tips To Be A Healthy Vegetarian

10 Essential Study Tips for Learning French

10 Essential Study Tips for Learning French Suzy S. With the right study plan in place, you can make learning to speak French a lot easier! Take this advice from French tutor Carol Beth L. to create a study plan that is, in a word, magnifique! If you are learning French or know people who are, you may have realized that many people have different ways to approach learning new things. What works well for you may not work well for another person, and vice versa, and each approach may have varying results. When it comes to learning French, here are a few things you can try. 1. Take a class This is a very effective method for many people â€" provided, of course, that they are diligent and keep up with homework and studying on their own. Depending on where you take your class, those without much time may be able to find a class that does not require much homework. Language conversation classes often have very minimal amounts of homework. Keep in mind, however, that classes with little or no homework outside class are unlikely to allow students to advance very quickly on their own. This is also true of classes that meet less frequently, since learning a language takes constant repetition. 2. Find a tutor If you dont have time for a class, need individual help with your class, want to go at your own rate, or need to accommodate a complicated or busy schedule, a French tutor may be able to help. Tutors typically help just one person at a time. If it is appropriate to you and your tutor, some tutors may accept more than one student in a subject at the same time. 3. Set aside time on your own to study Usually, those without a schedule for keeping up with regular practice on their own advance less quickly because they do not study as much or at all. Some people begin learning French knowing that they will not have much time to study on their own. If this is your case, be sure that your methods can accommodate this. If your time is limited, keep a set of vocabulary flashcards or a small notebook with vocabulary and grammar notes with you at all times, and you can pop them out when you have a minuted or two free. You can also find great resources online to help you practice, such as blogs and YouTube videos for learning French. 4. Be consistent long-term Learning a language doesnt happen overnight, and it doesnt happen without regular practice. If you stick with it only a short time, or study sporadically, you are not likely to advance quickly. If you have a set time every day or even 3-4 times a week to study, practice, and reinforce what you have learned, you will progress steadily. 5. Connect with others who speak French locally Find a French language meet-up, conversation groups, or start your own. Depending on your area, Meetup.com can be a valuable site to find other francophiles. Sometimes universities or colleges may be able to help you find francophone connections. The Oldenborg Center at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, for example, organizes foreign language conversation tables at lunch time for its students. Community members must pay for their meal, but are otherwise welcome to join. Try searching online for French conversation groups in your area. 6. Watch French videos Depending on your level and interests, this could include cartoons, childrens movies, comedies, documentaries, or YouTube videos. Lower level students often start with subtitles, but transitioning to watching without subtitles when you reach the right level can be a big deal â€" it means you are understanding enough to follow everyday conversation. Remember also: subtitles dont necessarily have to mean English subtitles. For many students, French subtitles for the spoken French can be as helpful as or more helpful than the English. By following spoken and written French simultaneously, you are reinforcing both forms and the connection between them. 7. Keep a diary or journal Even at a low level, you can do this. Use the limited language you have and find a few simple things to write something about your day. I began this at the end of my first year of French from middle school, and when I came back to school after the summer, I had one of the best retention rates in the class. 8. Read in French When you see how the experts write, you will begin to pick up on patterns they use. If you are not very advanced, look for childrens books, such as fairy tales or comics. Asterix et Obelix and Tintin are two popular French comics series. 9. Travel to a French-speaking country This is perhaps not for those on a tight budget. If you have money to set aside for a vacation or study program abroad, however, it can be a wonderful opportunity. Some exchange programs will allow for classes or homestays that will permit a French immersion environment. As a tourist, you can also see the country, go on tours (including tours in French), and learn about its history. It may take a higher linguistic level and more persistence to convince people to speak to you in French if they know some English. Even if they use their English to try to help you, however, people will appreciate your efforts to speak French. 10. Get a penpal You might exchange only a few letters or emails, or you could find a life-long friend. Either way, its a another way to practice your French and learn about a native-speaker â€" and for them to learn about you. Penpal programs are out there, often because the programs founders value the international exchange they foster. A few websites that offer penpal services include Students of the World, interpals, and mylanguageexchange.com. Working with a tutor is one of the best ways to improve your French quickly. TakeLessons tutors are available to help you learn French and many other subjects either in-person or online via Skype. Schedule your French lessons today! Carol Beth L. teaches  French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009.  Learn more about Carol Beth here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Harumi Ueda