Friday, April 3, 2020

Are English Tutors Online Better Than a Traditional Teacher?

Are English Tutors Online Better Than a Traditional Teacher?What is it about English tutors online that makes them so popular? Surely you must have heard about the great reputation they have, how good their services are and how good they are for students of all levels. And for this, they are being touted as the new generation of English tutors. But are they really?English has become very popular over the years as a second language. There are many who feel that this is because of the increase in the number of native English speakers. The use of English has been widespread and there are more people learning English as a second language. So naturally, the demand is also increasing. So why would someone choose an English tutor online?To answer that question, we need to define what the main benefit of taking an English teacher online is. It is the fact that you don't need to be physically present at the tutoring sessions. Of course, you can call the tutors and ask them for their next sess ion, but this isn't very convenient since you will need to arrange a time that works for you.Some of the most important benefits of going with a tutor English are convenience, credibility and accountability. When you are using an online instructor, you don't have to be concerned about whether they are accredited. Since they are working on the internet, you do not need to worry whether they are offering genuine English classes or not.The online tutor also gives you the opportunity to see the progress of your student. Because you are interacting with the instructor, you will know how much progress you have made, how well your student understands English and whether they understand the instructions given.Convenience is another reason why you should consider taking an English tutor online. You can receive an email notification every time your students finish their lesson. And with the digital age, you can have instant feedback on whether they are doing a good job or not.Lastly, you shou ld think about the accountability of an online English teacher. The only thing that is guaranteed when you are talking about English tutors is that you will never receive any feedback on whether your student's performance was good or bad.

Monday, March 23, 2020

Top Resources to Develop Your Growth Mindset.

Top Resources to Develop Your Growth Mindset. Leave Behind Your Fixed Mindset with these Growth Mindset Resources. ChaptersWhat Can Online Resources Do to Help Your Growth Mindset?The Best Resources to Develop Your Growth Mindset.We’ve all by now heard about growth mindset, an aspect of the theory of intelligence offered by the Stanford University  professor, Carol Dweck. If you haven’t, you can find plenty of details about the difference between growth mindset and fixed mindset in our series, Why You Need to Know about Growth Mindset. Briefly put, according to Dweck, all of us sit on a continuum between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. These poles are characterised by a fundamental difference in beliefs about the origins of intelligence â€" and in the attitudes to life and learning that these different beliefs produce.If we believe that we intelligence is something that is innate and unchangeable, Dweck would say we have a fixed mindset. If we believe that intelligence, rather, is something that can be grown and developed, we have a growth mindset.And whilst we might think we believe on e or the other, this doesn’t really mean anything: the important element of mindset is that it can be seen primarily through our actions, our reactions to things like failure, and our larger behaviours in educational contexts. Not in our conscious beliefs.See our definition of growth mindset!Why We Educate for a Growth Mindset.For educators and for teachers, particularly in the UK, the theory behind the fixed and the growth mindsets has become incredibly important.This is because, in Dweck’s studies, the growth mindset emerged as one of the most important elements that increased the chances of student success. According to the theory, by inculcating into students a growth mindset â€" rather than a fixed mindset â€" student outcomes are more likely to improve.If you believe that intelligence is something that can always be developed further, if you believe that effort is more important than ‘natural talent’, and if you reckon that challenges are just opportunities for further growth, you are more likely to strive to achieve your goals. The alternative, the fixed mindset, is to set limits upon yourself due to your belief in your innate, unchangeable ability.And so, from classroom to classroom and curriculum to curriculum all over the country, the growth mindset is informing lesson plans and resources for teachers. And from instructional strategies to teaching tips, the internet is full of teaching materials to help the educator to bring the growth mindset to student learning.Yet, you don’t need to be a school-teacher yourself to benefit from the teaching resources and classroom resources that focus on the growth mindset. Rather, if you are looking to develop your growth mindset for purposes of professional development, adult learning, or just because, you can benefit from these research-based pedagogical tools, these teaching resources, and these classroom strategies.Here are some of the resources to develop your growth mindset â€" no matter where you are in life. Because that, after all, is the whole point in Dweck’s theory.Do you know the difference between growth mindset and fixed mindset? Develop your growth mindset in the classroom. TraceyPersonal development Teacher 4.93 (9) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IsamPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarriePersonal development Teacher £24/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyPersonal development Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelePersonal development Teacher 4.73 (7) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlloydPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Can Online Resources Do to Help Your Growth Mindset?Learning is not just about an accumulation of information. It’s not just about learning new practical skills, theories, or ideas.No, learning is about developing yourself â€" and tea ching about developing another â€" into a fully-fledged, competent person who is able to learn continually by themselves.This is what the resources on the growth mindset can do for you, whether you are learning maths and literacy in the classroom or whether you are aiming for professional growth at work or more broadly in life. These growth mindset resources can help you to change the way you think â€" and can help you move away from a fixed mindset.But it is not about just convincing you that you are not determined by your innate ability. Rather, it is about changing your attitude to learning, to success and failure, and to your ability to take risks.Mindset is not the easiest thing to change. However, these resources will support you in every aspect of your development of a growth mindset. Now, let’s take a look at the best resources out there â€" so that you can get started.The Best Resources to Develop Your Growth Mindset.So, here are the internet’s best resources for growth mindset development. From quick videos to resources for the classroom, from strategies with which to reach your learning goals to webinars â€" and a host of other resources besides â€" we hope you find them as useful as we did ourselves.Good luck in developing your growth mindset!First, Watch Carol Dweck’s Ted Talk on Mindsets.The best place to start when looking into the world of the growth mindset is Carol Dweck’s TED Talk, ‘The power of believing that you can improve’. Watched by nearly ten million people, Dweck’s video is the perfect introduction to the theory of the mindsets â€" and it will get you understanding what is at stake in its application and growth.She frames the question under discussion in the most simple of terms: if you have reach a problem, what will you think about its difficulty? Are you just not smart enough to solve it, or have you just not managed to yet?This difference is the fundamental difference between the mindsets â€" and it is to embrace th e latter perspective that all of these resources will aid. Develop your growth mindset with us.Head to Mindset Works for Lifelong Learning Resources.Mindset Works is one of the biggest dedicated suppliers of growth mindset resources online, offering free teaching resources â€" and paid subscription plans â€" for early childhood teachers, for school programs, and for the development of a growth mindset in later life too.They have resources on goal setting, the best way to introduce topics in the classroom to best engage students and get the best out of them, and for effective teaching more generally.Check Out Mindset Kit for Heaps of Resources on Growth Mindset.Whilst Mindset Works is the more famous of the mindset centres online, Mindset Kit has been developed by the Project for Education Research that Scales, a centre for research at Stanford University.The underpinning elements of their pedagogy are three: a growth mindset, belonging, and purpose and relevance â€" the three formative elements to be developed to ensure student engagement an d attainment. These elements are all developed through their education resources and teaching strategies.Mindset Kit have quite a considerable library to which many people can upload educational resources. From blog posts on different types of mistakes to strategies for formative assessment, from engaging animations to scenarios and handouts â€" there is plenty to learn from.Find Growth Mindset Resources at Big Life Journal.The Big Life Journal is a blog run by two American parents. And when it comes to sharing secret resources for teaching and for learning the growth mindset, they do a really excellent job.They have a page on their site crammed full of different resources for growth mindset education and professional learning. They’ve actually done an incredibly good job of scouring the internet and the real world beyond for all of the best sites and texts for mindset theory.Whether you are interested in the child mind and its neuroplasticity, or you want to know about the best w ays to praise and receive praise, this may be the best place for you.Explore Edutopia’s Massive Collection of Growth Mindset Resources.Founded actually by George Lucas, Edutopia is a hugely effective online education portal that offers training in everything from classroom management to school leadership.It also has a considerable selection of resources for learning about and cultivating a growth mindset â€" with resources on Dweck’s theory of growth mindset itself to plans and strategies for subject-specific problems.It too gives a lot of attention to the problem on praising â€" a key element in growth mindset theory â€" and offers a load of resources on facing challenges, perseverance, and grit. Teach your child a growth mindset from an early age.Take Courses, Workshops, and Tutorials on Growth Mindset from Inner Drive, Udemy, and Coursera.As we have seen, the internet is full of different opportunities and resources for turning a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. And whilst the overwhelming number of these are for teachers and students, everyone else can use them to develop their own ways to improve their growth mindset too.However, there are plenty of resources for people outside of the educational system to learn about the growth mindset too. With all sorts of online courses and workshops, there is no excuse for anyone to stick with their fixed mindset for too long.The big professional development and online learning platforms â€" such as Udemy, Coursera, and Inner Drive â€" have many courses and tutorials on growth mindset. So, if you’re looking to change your mindset a little, this is the best place to start.

Friday, March 6, 2020

5 Things to Know About Certificate Programs

5 Things to Know About Certificate Programs With so many advantages and different programs available, its no surprise that certificate programs are becoming more popular every year. Certificate programs can boast a plethora of advantages to your professional development, including helping you to develop new skills and fulfill job requirements. It can be helpful to find out why more students are choosing certificate programs than ever before, as well as what you should know before enrolling in one. Here are five things to know about certificate programs: Certificate programs can help you develop specific, up-to-date skills in a given field One of the most significant benefits of certificate programs is that they allow you to focus solely on the skills that you want to develop. Unlike bachelors degree programs, certificate programs rarely mandate that their students take general education classes. Most certificate programs simply require applicants to have earned an academic credential like an associates or bachelors degree and possibly, depending on the type of certificate, have proof of basic knowledge in a specific field, such as: Computer programming Mathematics Instead of placing you in classes that are unrelated to your interests, certificate programs allow you to concentrate on one specific field or skill set, such as digital marketing or medical interpretation. [RELATED: How to Make 2020 the Year You Advance Your Career] Certificate programs can lead to college credits, though completing one is not equivalent to a college degree To secure certain positions, interested individuals may have no choice but to earn a college degree. For instance, public elementary school teachers must often hold a minimum of a bachelors degree. While its possible to earn a certificate in education at various American institutions, such a qualification would not be accepted in lieu of a college degree. Its for this reason that you must know the requirements of the position you wish to obtain before selecting a course of action. Certificate programs can lead to college credits, but they dont always act as a substitute for college degrees. Certificate programs can prepare you for certification exams or satisfy job requirements Another benefit of certificate programs is that they prepare you for the next hurdle in the path to professional growth. The coursework for a certificate in physical therapy, for instance, could help you acquire some of the knowledge you would need to pass a PT certification exam. On the other hand, a certificate could help you satisfy certain job requirements. Schools in many countries around the world require English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Completing a certificate program can therefore improve your job prospects. [RELATED: 4 Ways Learning a Language Can Help Your Career] Certificate programs are an affordable alternative to pursuing a college degree In the United States, the cost of earning a college degree is often hefty. After factoring in room and board, fees, and other expenses, and multiplying this figure by four years, a bachelors degree can prove to be a crippling investment. Masters degrees are often even pricier. Certificate program pricing varies greatly depending on the institution and program type. They can total anywhere from roughly $1,500 to $16,000. It should be noted that the higher end of this range pertains to certificates at the graduate level. Be sure to research all aspects of a programs cost in order to deduce which option best suits you. Certificate programs can be completed remotely Much of the lure of certificate programs can be attributed to their flexibility, and what makes some of these programs so flexible is their online format. Certificate programs are often favored by those who cannot commit to degree programs, but who wish to advance their careers. The online format is ideal for busy individuals, because it gives students the option of logging into a platform and completing assignments whenever they have the time. Not all certificate programs can be completed remotely, however, so be sure to find out all the details of a program before you sign up for it. [RELATED: How Online Learning Helps Students] Its important when considering this route to do your research and ensure that the program youre interested in fulfills all your personal and professional requirements. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How Much Should Cooking Tutors Charge

How Much Should Cooking Tutors Charge How to Set Your Rates as a Cooking Tutor ChaptersSetting Your Rates According to Your LocationSet Your Rates According to Your SpecialityWhat Type of Cooking Tutorial Are You Offering?Private Classes: Define Your Rates According to Your ProfileOffer Special Rates“Cooking is about passion, so it may look slightly temperamental in a way that it's too assertive to the naked eye.” - Gordon RamsayFor many years, people have been fascinated by cooking. More and more people are now becoming interested in cooking as a hobby. Shows like MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off have helped popularise cooking.However, some people need help when it comes to cooking. That’s where you come in! If you're a master of the culinary arts and have the cooking skills to offer private culinary classes, you’ll need to work out how much you’re going to charge.In this guide, we’ll help you work that all out! GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Disc over all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover 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 tutorsSetting Your Rates According to Your LocationFirstly, when considering your rates, you need to think about the competition. Where you live may dictate how much you can charge for cooking tutorials. (Source: Pexels)Setting your rates too low won’t help you pay the bills while setting them too high will drive away potential students. You need to see what the competition is charging for similar services.Depending on where you live, you’ll also need to consider the average income. For example, the cost of living is higher in London and so are the average earnings. Outside of the capital, things tend to be cheaper.Here are the average prices around the UK:London: £24.Liverpool: £18.Birmingham: £17.Edinburgh: £16.Cardiff: £16.Manchester: £16.Belfast: £27.Leeds: £15.Bristol: £17.Glasgow: £14.Swansea: £14.Of course, any average is just that and prices will vary depending on what people offer. On Superprof, you can quickly search for cooking tutorials in any city or town and see what the average rate is.You’ll also need to have a look at exactly what the tutors in a given area are offering, too.Fi nd out more about private cooking tutorials.Set Your Rates According to Your SpecialityClassic home cooking, Japanese cuisine, organic cooking, etc. Your speciality will dictate how much you can charge as well. Certain specialities are rarer than others and you'll need to adjust your rates accordingly. (Source: severyanka)Some recipes and cuisines are considered less technical than others and certain specialisations are more popular than others and there’s more demand for certain styles than others. This is the case with vegetarian cooking classes, for example.The advantage is that it’ll be easier to find students. The downside is that with popularity comes competition. You’ll have to charge less to stand out.If you offer a rarer speciality, you can charge more but you’ll probably find that you struggle to find as many students as the more popular styles.Our advice: Check how many tutors offer the same speciality in your area. If you’re the only one, it’ll be easier to stand out (as long as there’s some demand for your speciality).Here are some examples:Baking: pastries, cakes, etc.Oenology and wine pairings.Cooking workshops for team-building or hen-parties.Refined cuisineMak ing full meals: starter, main, dessert.Molecular cooking.Asian cuisine: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.TapasCocktailsHome cookingKnife skillsGluten-free cookingBasic cookingItalian cuisine: risotto, pizza, pasta, tiramisu, etc.Don’t hesitate to check out the various local specialities and what other tutors are offering.Learn how to find students for your cooking tutorials. 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!Discover 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 tutorsWhat T ype of Cooking Tutorial Are You Offering?The Level of Your Cooking TutorialsThe higher the level, the more you’ll charge for it.  Beginners’ lessons require less planning and preparation than an advanced lesson. Of course, you can teach various levels with your rates changing according to the level your student chooses. Take the level, length, and type of tutorial into account when deciding upon your rates. (Source: Free-Photos)Similarly, you can vary your rates according to the student’s goals:A cooking workshop for Saint Valentine’s Day.A cooking workshop to prepare for a competition.Learning to cook traditional British cuisine, French cuisine, Italian cuisine, etc.Cooking hors d’oeuvres.Lessons for appearing on a TV cooking show.Baking and pastry.Training to become a professional chef.Learning how to pair wines.Cooking with seasonal ingredients in your upcoming classes.Your rates need to adapt to how difficult your lessons are.Discover how to teach private cooking tutorials remotely.The Material ProvidedIf you provide the equipment and the ingredients, you'll need to factor this into your rates. This is a huge advantage for the students because they won’t have to worry about getting the shopping in before their lessons. Of course, the ingredients won’t be free.Adjust your rates accordin g to how much equipment you provide:Equipment: pots, pans, whisks, spatulas, salad bowls, meat thermometers, etc.Clothing: apron, hat, etc.Ingredients: tomatoes, beef, curry, veal, herbs, fresh pasta, etc.Where the Tutorials Take PlaceThere are several places where a private cooking tutorial can take place:The tutor’s home.The student’s home.A cooking studio.A room rented for the occasion.You can put these locations into two groups.At someone’s home, there won’t be the cost of renting to worry about. Similarly, the student can learn in the comfort of their own home with their utensils and oven.In a dedicated room, it’s easier to teach. The materials will usually be of a higher quality and you can teach several students at once. That said, it can quickly become quite expensive.Learn how to teach private cooking tutorials in your students' homes.Private Classes: Define Your Rates According to Your ProfileYour ExperienceExperience is one of the factors that most students look for in their tutors. If you’ve been a chef for several years and have already taught cooking classes, you’ll be more likely to find students. No two classes are alike so be flexible with how much you charge. (Source: monicore)There are generally three categories of tutor:Self-taught chefs who haven’t got any formal qualifications.Students who are currently in a cooking school looking to earn some money.Former chefs passing on their passion for cooking.Your QualificationsYou don’t need any formal qualifications to become a private cooking tutor. However, certain qualifications will help your case.While you can show off your culinary skills and cooking techniques in a lesson, very few potential students will just take your word for it. Without word of mouth, you'll need to show which culinary institute taught you how to cook and what you specialised in.Similarly, teaching qualifications will show that you know what you’re doing in terms of the pedagogy. Again, however, there are no formal requirements.Student ReviewsOn Superprof, students can leave reviews for their tutor and vouch for them so make sure that your lesso ns are enjoyable, effective, and educational and you’ll get more positive reviews.Encourage your students to leave glowing reviews and you’ll show up higher in search results as the more positive reviews you have, the more you can charge. Your reputation will play a huge role in how much you can charge so take care of it.Offer Special RatesTo set you apart from other tutors, offer deals and special rates:A free trial cooking class is a great way to encourage students to choose you as their tutor.Intensive cooking lessons.Longer lessons at a cheaper rate per hour.Online private cooking tutorials over Skype.Reduced rates for group classes.You can also offer discounts to students who pay for several tutorials at once.Now you should have a better idea of how you can set your rates as a private cooking tutor.If you'd like to become a tutor on Superprof, remember that there are three main types of private tutorial you can offer: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tuto rials. There are pros and cons to each of these for both the student and the tutor so you'll need to decide which combination of them you'll offer.Face-to-face tutorials will be between just you and your student. In these types of tutorials, your students will expect a bespoke service. As a result, you'll be expected to put in extra hours outside of the tutorials planning and preparing the courses for each student. Of course, this extra work can be reflected in your rates as you'll be offering a premium service.If you've got a good computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection, you can also offer online tutorials to your students. You'll still be expected to tailor the lessons to each student but with no travelling, you'll be able to save money and schedule more tutorials per week. This means that you'll have fewer outgoings and a higher capacity for earnings, which will allow you to charge more competitively for your tutorials.Finally, there are group tutorials. While you c an't tailor these to each student, with multiple students in the tutorial, you can charge less per student as you'll have the potential to earn more per hour if the classes are big enough. Make sure you're classes are full.To attract more students, make sure you offer the first hour of tuition for free. This is a great opportunity to impress the students and convert them into loyal customers.

Want to Teach Cooking Heres How to Plan a Cooking Class

Want to Teach Cooking Heres How to Plan a Cooking Class Advice for Setting Up a Cooking Workshop ChaptersBe the Best!Think about Your OfferingHow to Create a Cooking Class Lesson PlanOutline the Steps to FollowDefine Your OfferingIf you love being in the kitchen cooking up interesting recipes, why not share your knowledge of cooking by giving private tutorials to budding chefs who want to learn how to cook?“No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” - Julia ChildWhat’s better than sharing a meal with friends or family?Follow our advice for becoming a cooking tutor and soon your students will learn to cook with confidence. 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 tutorsBe the Best!Good things come to those who wait...You’ll nee d to be an experienced cook before you start teaching cooking tutorials. That said, you don’t need to be a Michelin Star chef or even have a degree from a cooking school.With proper planning, good tutorials are a piece of cake! (Source: Daria-Yakovleva)In fact, you don’t actually need any qualifications to start teaching private cooking tutorials.  On the other hand, you will need experience. You wouldn’t consider teaching people how to drive if you didn’t know how to start a car, would you? The same goes for cooking.Are you often told that your cooking is great?Do you often impress your friends and family with the meals you make for them?There’s more to it than just knowing how to cook, though! You need to be able to transfer all of that expert knowledge of the culinary arts to your friends, whether they’re absolute beginners or decent cooks.Before you start teaching, make sure that you practise regularly to ensure that all your skills are sharp.You’ll need to have a lot of tips up your sleeves and be able to teach your students complex cooking techniques. Simply following a recipe won’t be enough, you’ll need to be familiar with all the fundamental techniques involved including knife skills, chopping, different levels of “doneness”, which vegetables are in season, and how to prepare menus from scratch.You can get this practice by cooking for families and friends. You could provide a free demonstration to them as if you were a teacher in your own cooking school. Their feedback will be useful when it comes to refining both your cooking techniques and your teaching techniques.Find out more about the cooking tutorials available around the UK.Think about Your OfferingWhat are you planning on teaching your students?This is a question you’ll need to ask yourself about your teaching methods and the type of food you’re going to teach them to cook!  You might want to teach a general cooking class on various different types of cooking or focus on certain specific cooking techniques.Tutoring jobs in cooking will come to you if you can prove that you offer something special to your students beyond just fish and chips.To make sure your cooking class stands out and your students can find you more easily, you might want to consider focusing on one particular type of cooking, a particular set of culinary skills, or cooking with certain ingredients.You could teach parents how to help the kids in the kitchen, focusing on safely using knives and kitchen safety, or you could focus on baking (it's rather popular at the moment) and help you students make their own dough, etc. If you have decided to teach people how to bake, for example, then just focus on improving that particular aspect of your cooking.In fact, rather than being a culinary Jack of all trades, it's better knowing everything about a given topic or style.  For example, you’d have to adopt a different approach if you want teach Japanese cooking rather than Italian cu isine.A basic cooking class won’t be taught in the same way as a cooking tutorial on baked goods, making healthier meals for kids, or vegetarian cooking. When prepping for online tutoring jobs, it's important to have a plan and know what exactly you are trying to teach.There are three main categories of cooking tutorials:General cooking classes: These classes focus on cooking as a part of life and can include topics like: avoiding waste, basic ingredients for cooking, making recipes with what you have in your fridge, getting kids to try new things, making starters/appetizers or desserts in a few hours, etc. These classes tend to be for lower levels and will require you to take a hands on approach and often follow a cookbook (or your own recipe).Technical cooking classes: These are classes for those want to learn how to cook for work and can include advanced techniques like cutting chicken, cooking Canelés, making homemade custard, preparing sushi, etc. Since the students in these classes will probably be more advanced, these types of classes can be run as workshops with multiple students. However, certain cooking methods will require one-on-one instruction.Cooking prep classes: These classes focus on preparing the ingredients for things like pies and cakes, paella, coq-au-vin, etc. and will have a focus on time management and the kinds of skills you are taught in a culinary school.Ask yourself the following questions:What recipes could I make better?Am I better at making mains or desserts?Have I got the technical ability for teaching cooking classes?What do I wan to teach my students?Once you’ve decided exactly what you can and will teach, you can start planning your classes. 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 4.7 6 (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 fr ee!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow to Create a Cooking Class Lesson PlanJust like teaching any other subject, it’s important that your cooking classes are carefully planned and you know exactly what the objectives of each lesson are.Make sure you tell your students what they need to bring to your lessons. (Source: monicore)To do this, you’ll need to plan out your lesson and take the following into consideration:The length of your lessons: You can’t teach as much in an hour as you can in three. You need to plan your lessons based on how long they last. Avoid overwhelming your students with too much information or boring them by having ran out of things to teach them after half an hour.Where your cooking classes are taking place: Are you teaching them in your own house, a private kitchen, or their place? If you’re teaching at your place, make sure that you adhere to the same hygiene standards a restaura nt would be held to since your student will be probably eating the food.The goals of the lesson: Whether it’s making a certain dish or dessert in a given amount of time, using different ingredients, or pairings, make sure that the lesson objectives are achievable both in terms of your student’s level and the length of the lesson.The necessary materials: the utensils, products, herbs, spices, etc. Make sure you don’t forget anything that you’ll need both in terms of ingredients and teaching resources.The recipes, of course: If you’re going to get your students to make a beef bourguignon, you should show them the recipe before you set them on their way.It might be worthwhile putting together a lesson plan on paper so that your lesson has structure and focus.  Once you’ve got all this ready, you can get going and start teaching your student exactly what you planned to.  You should check out how some of the other cooking tutors are doing it.Outline the Steps to FollowBefore you start cooking gourmet meals and trying some of the delicious dishes that you and your student make, there are three steps you should follow:Preparation (or prep): Outline which utensils they’re going to need (so they can get them out), which products they’re going to use and how much of each ingredient, as well as the techniques they’ll be expected to use.Cooking: Whether in an oven, water bath, frying pan, or sauce pan, you need to think about the temperature, how long you’ll be cooking it for, and how you’ll be able to tell when it’s done. Your students will find the latter very useful.Serving/Plating: For the full chef’s experience, show your students how to display their creations on a plate.You should make sure that your food looks good so that people want to learn how to cook it. (Source: Einladung_zum_Essen)Learning to cook like a professional chef takes patience, organisation, and technique. You’ll be expected to teach your students each of these elements .  We recommend you put together a document or handout with different tips for preparation, cooking, and serving.Additionally, you should take photos of your recipes and if you have someone to help you, you should ask them to film you and the different techniques you use while you’re making the food.  Photos and videos will help your students to follow along with your lessons.Define Your OfferingNow that you’ve got your cooking classes ready, it’s time to formalise your offering. There are several things you’ll have to do before you start your lessons and become a private cooking tutor:The price: your price will vary depending on how long your cooking classes are. The price will also change according to the type of lessons you’re offering. For example, the average cost of a private cooking tutorial in London is about £30 per hour. Of course, this rate differs across the country and also depends on the qualifications and experience of the tutor. The price can also change d rastically depending on the type cooking tutorials you’re offering. A specialised bakery tutorial could cost more than a general cooking tutorial. Have you had a look at similar tutors and adjusted your rates accordingly?The number of students: Are you considering teaching private cooking tutorials or did you consider teaching group classes? If you’re teaching several students at the same time, you’ll need to consider the maximum class size. If you have limited space, this will affect the maximum of students you can teach. In fact, a narrow kitchen might mean that you won’t be able to have a lot of students.Tasting: Will your students be eating what they make at the end or will they be taking it home to eat? You’ll need to consider this when you’re planning how long your lessons last.Your unique selling point (USP): To gain more students, you could run special classes for hen parties, team building exercises, or groups of friends. You could also offer special gifts for l oyalty, reductions on rates for recommending your classes to friends, etc. Let your imagination run wild and make your classes an essential part of your students’ schedules.You should encourage your students to try their creations at the end of the lesson. (Source: cattalin)In short:Cooking for your friends and family is not the same as teaching cooking classes. The latter requires much more planning and organisation.Becoming an expert in a particular aspect or style of cooking will help you when it comes to teaching cooking classes.Focus on what your lessons are about: teaching a beginner how to cook is not the same as teaching an experienced pastry chef advanced techniques.Be organised and methodical:  Create a handout summarising your class, where it takes place, the lesson objectives, the materials students should bring, and the recipe they’re going to be working on.  Be just as organised and methodical when preparing, cooking, and plating the dishes.Finally, don’t forget to adapt your classes to your students. That’s why they’re getting a private tutor, after all.Who knows?  You might be teaching the next famous celebrity chef Find cooking classes near me with SuperprofFind cooking classes London.Now learn how you can stand out with your cooking lessons...

Finding Online Private Tutorials

Finding Online Private Tutorials How to Find Online Private Tutorials ChaptersChoosing Good Online Tutors: Gauging SuccessGetting in Touch with Online TutorWhere Can You Find Private Tutors Online?“I don't love studying. I hate studying. I like learning. Learning is beautiful.” - Natalie PortmanNearly 40% of pupils in London have had some private tutoring at some time during their schooling.If you’re looking for online private tutoring services, keep in mind that you’re not alone. There are plenty of advantages to getting an online tutor:You don’t need to travel.Tutors have more availability.Cheaper classes because tutors have fewer outgoings.So how can you find tutors who teach via webcam?Here’s our advice. 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 Y uweiChinese 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 tutorsChoosing Good Online Tutors: Gauging SuccessBefore you start your online tutorials, you need to look for the right tutor. The clearer your request, the greater your chance of getting a good response. You might want to schedule a call first to discuss what you're after. (Source: FirmBee)Start by defining your criteria to shortlist tutors:The subject you need help with: English, maths, French, homework help, Spanish, catchup classes, physics, chemistry, biology, etc.Your level: primary, secondary, GCSE, A Level, degree, etc.Your goals: exam prep, learning a new language, improving your grades, study skills, etc.Your budget: £20, between £20 and £30, or £50 an hour, etc.Availability: evenings, weekends, lunchtimes, etc.Once you’ve worked out your needs, you can find tutors who match your criteria and get in touch with them. Go for responsive tutors.Some platforms indicate the tutors’ average response times (within less than 24 hours, for example). In some cases, you can even see whether a tutor is available or whether they have a full timetable. Don’t hesitate to see if the tutor has been teaching recently or see if they're still active on the platform.Which Are the Most P opular Subjects?Maths tends to be the most popular subject, which is probably no surprise for most. English is the next most popular subject with the sciences (physics, chemistry, biology) coming in third.Student or Professional Tutor?You’ll need to choose your tutor depending on your needs, your level, your objectives, and your budget.  For example, a student offering tutorials will tend to charge less than a qualified tutor. If you just want some academic support for a secondary school pupil, a student tutor will probably be enough.On the other hand, if you need help with your university studies, you’ll probably want a qualified and experienced tutor. Of course, the rates won’t be the same since qualifications and experience tend to be worth paying for.Keep in mind that most tutoring organisations require tutors to have a degree. Furthermore, some even have to take a test before being recruited by these organisations so that they can check their pedagogy.Find out about the c ost of online tutorials.Getting in Touch with Online TutorOnce you’ve shortlisted potential tutors, it’s time to start asking. Students can regain self-confidence through private tutorials. (Source: klimkin)When making a request, you should be clear about what you’re after. Mention your level, what you struggle with, your objectives, why you need a tutor, and when you’re available. Don’t forget to mention whether you’re after face-to-face tutoring or online tutoring. Some tutors will offer both types of tuition. You should make it clear which type you’re after.If you urgently need a tutor, you might want to mention that you want to start your tutoring as soon as possible.Don’t hesitate to ask around as you’ll increase your chances of finding the right tutor. If several tutors are available, you’ll be spoilt for choice. At this point, you’ll have to choose between the available tutors and maybe even organise a meeting via webcam to talk about the tutoring you’re looking for.  At this point, you can hire your private tutor after interviewing a few of them. Just make sure you're clear about what you're after.Find out more about resources for online tutorials.Where Can You Find Private Tutors Online?There are several ways to find online tutors. Make sure you get your equipment ready before a private tutorial. (Source: markusspiske)Classified AdsTraditional classified ads?A lot of tutors still use them, but now they’re digital. You can find plenty of classified sites like Craigslist, Gumtree, etc.  Generally, the rates are pretty low. However, it’s hard to tell which tutors are the real deal and which are less than authentic.It’s also harder to find the right tutor. Be careful as there’s no review system telling you what previous students thought of them or their teaching.You might want to ask around at school and see if any of the other parents have used a particular online tutor. After all, word of mouth can work wonders for both students and tutors.Find out what online tutorials are like.Academic Support CompaniesSome companies offer academic support via webcam. Most offer both face-to-face and online tutorials. Make sure that you've outlined what you're looking for in a private tutor before you start searching. (Source: Free-Photos)The advantage?The company takes care of finding your tutor for you. You just need to tell them what you’re after and leave the rest up to them. You can still change tutors if they’re not right for you.  Another advantage is that the recruitment process is quite stringent at the best companies.The disadvantage is that your bill can quickly add up. There are sign-up fees, lesson fees, etc. The hourly rates are also more costly, but this doesn’t mean that the tutors are paid more since the company takes a significant share of the bill.  Furthermore, there’s often a minimum number of tutorials you have to book before you’re given an online tutor.Online PlatformsBetween classifieds and tutoring organisations, there are online tutoring platforms. Superprof is one of these.The online platform offers plenty of different types of tutorials from academic subjects to music and sport; there are over 500 different types of tutorial available on the site. There millions of tutors on the platform.Not all tutors offer online tutorials, though. However, you can filter your search results to just those who do. There are over 20,000 tutors offering maths tutorials via webcam. The results narrow to under 15,000 for those offering the first hour of free tutoring for the first hour and an hourly rate of under £20. You can limit this to 13,000 if you want those who respond in less than a day and 8,500 who offer degree-level maths.Then, you can see the tutors’ profiles, reviews of their lessons, and more information about them. You can find maths tutors with a 5/5 rating, free tutoring for the first hour, who respond in less than 4 hours, and charge less than £20 an hour.Could it get any better?However, we can’t guarantee that such a great tutor won’t have a full schedule but you can always get in touch and ask them.  Each profile is verified so that you can find the right online tutor with the right qualifications. The sign-up fees are valid for a year and are only charged if you start working with the tutor which means you can send as many requests as you want but you’ll only be charged once you’ve found the right tutor.After that, payments between you and the tutor are just that; between you and the tutor. Different tutors offer different payment methods.Does that make things clearer?Now you’re ready to get a private tutor via webcam!  In the bigger cities, you'll find more local tutors but in rural areas, where there are fewer tutoring companies and services, your best bet might be opting for online tutors.Whether you're looking for home tutoring, academic tutoring, one-on-one tutoring, etc. you can find a tutor on Superprof. Be it academic tutoring, a French tutor, Spanish tutor, algebra tutor, or chemistry tutor, just search the subject you need to be tutored in and where you need tutoring.No matter what you wan t to learn, there are three main types of tutorial available: the online tutorials we were discussing in this article, face-to-face tutorials, and group tutorials. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and it'll be up to you to choose which works for you, your learning objectives, and your budget.Group tutorials tend to be the cheapest per person per hour since the cost of the tutor's time is divided between all the students attending. However, this means that you won't have the tutor's undivided attention during the whole class.Face-to-face tutorials are just between you and your tutor. The courses are tailored to you and as a result, you'll pay a premium for all the time inside and outside of the class the tutors puts into planning and teaching the course. These tend to be the most cost-effective type of tutorials even if they're also usually the most costly.And you already know what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of online tutorials!

Learn English Idioms for Sickness and English Vocabulary for Illness

Learn English Idioms for Sickness and English Vocabulary for Illness Here you will learn some of the English idioms for Sickness and also expressions and phrases connected with illness.Scroll down to watch Under the Weather idiom meaning. English Idioms for Sickness Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world: Many of my English learning students confuse the use of 2 words  Health  (noun) and Healthy (adjective). This  also got me thinking about the ways of describing how you feel in English when you are unhealthy or not well.  Bad health usually suggests to me a more long term condition that may last several months or years. (He suffered from bad health for a few years before he died). We are going to focus on the more short term English words and phrases.Some of these words and expressions will be more formal and others informal. Some are very specific to the feeling and others are more general in their meaning. English Idioms for Sickness + Sickness Vocabulary I feel a little off colour  today.This usually means you are not quite sure what you have  (what your illness is) but you do not feel yourself (feel generally unwell).I think I must be coming down with something    (the beginning of a cold or flu) or I am a little under the weather  today. When I hear the expression “sorry I must be coming down with something”  I often think it is an excuse to cancel an arrangement, to avoid going to school or to get out of something you just simply do not want to do.There are many phrases and expressions in English that are much more specific about the symptoms and the way you are feeling.  I have a cold or I am getting the flu are very specific.  Note that in English we use “A cold” but “ THE flu”. So different use of the articles.Describing how you feel in English can be difficult because only you know really what you feel like at that time: I feel unwell, I am ill, I feel bad, I don’t feel well are all well used phrases. Sickness Vocabulary - How to Describe Symptoms When you have a cold, the flu or a virus you more often give the following symptoms:I have  aches and painsMy throat is soreI have a stuffy noseMy nose is blockedI have a headacheI have a high temperatureI feel hotI have a feverOften the cause of the illness is due to something you ate or drank. In these situations we often feel like we want “to get or to be sick”.I want to vomit.    I feel like throwing up  or puking (more slang and informal)This can be covered generally by using the phrases:I picked up a bugI caught a bugIt’s just one of those 24 hour bugsIf we are ill and cannot go to work, school or university we usually have to take a sick day  (for work) or inform the school or university that you cannot attend that day.Some people are not really sick but feel like they need an extra days rest so they “pretend”  (tell a little white lie) they are sick and we refer to this in English as pulling a sickie. Other English Idioms about Sickness As sick as a dog   I am very sickI am at deaths door   really very unwellOther English idioms for sickness that we use can also have a theoretical meaning such as:As sick as a parrot   usually means to be very annoyed or angryI am sick to death of   I am really tired of somethingSome examples of using English Idioms for Sickness:Michael had wanted to buy a Harley Davidson bike but really could not afford it. He was as sick as a parrot  when his friend told him that he had just purchased one!The mother was constantly telling the children to stop shouting and fighting. She had had enough. She screamed out I am sick to death of your shouting and fighting you have to stop now!!So enjoy your week, stay healthy but learn English idioms for Sickness and other words to describe your symptoms (just in case!). As I said, English students often confuse HEALTH vs HEALTHY. To help you better understand the difference,   here is a short video lesson for you that I created to explain the difference between English adjectives that confuse everyone. One of the explanations is about the difference between HEALTH and HEALTHY. Watch carefully! One of the most common English idioms about sickness is TO FEEL UNDER THE WEATHER. It doesnt really make any sense to a non-native English speaker, does it? How can you feel under the weather? You can be under the table, under your duvet but under the weather?   My second video lesson is about this common English idiom, watch it and find out FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER meaning. Under the Weather Meaning If you follow this link, you will be able to find out UNDER THE WEATHER meaning origin.

How to negotiate price in English - Whats your final offer

How to negotiate price in English - What’s your final offer Here you will learn how to negotiate price in English.Have you ever tried to negotiate a better price for something you are buying or try to get the price  lowered to suit your budget. I hope the following will give you some idea of how to negotiate price in English and the phrases and words that you can use in such a situation.When buying anything, unless of course you are very wealthy, price matters a lot. You may have a  fixed budget  or you may be operating on a tight  budget  so you may need to negotiate a better price that fits your particular  budget. How to Negotiate Price in English - Useful Expressions Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next: You perhaps have been saving for quite some time to buy your first car or change it for a better  model or buy the replacement device such as a new mobile phone, laptop or other gadget. You  should of course shop around. Check if anyone is offering a good  discount  or selling a particular model at a reduced price to clear their stock or make  room for a new model that has been released recently.Once you have identified the model you want and the best location you can then approach the  salesman or sales assistant. You should have in mind  the ideal price you would like to  pay and an idea how much you are willing to go  above that price  in order to get it (be successful).You may be lucky and the shop or showroom  are offering a bargain  but in most situations you need to be prepared to negotiate. How to Negotiate Price in English I am on a tight budget so I am looking for your best priceI don’t have a lot of wriggle room = I cannot increase my budget too muchWhat’s the best price/what’s your best price?How far can you come down in price to meet me?  (what can he take off the price to get closer to your budget)?Let me run the numbers and get back to you  (I need to calculate if I can offer you any furtherreduction)Remember that cash is king   cash is the most important asset to have. Most of the times not using your credit card or a loan mayy get you a bigger discount.What will your cash price be?How much will you reduce the asking price if I pay cash?What’s your final offer?Lets meet in the middle. (to compromise)Ok lets shake on it (seal the bargain with a handshake)A man of your word  (agree to buy it and your word is your bond) Vocabulary to Help you negotiate Price in English fixed budget   a maximum amount you can afford to paytight budget   very little flexibility in what you can afford to payparticular budget    meets your estimate of what you are willing to payto shop around   to look at many placesdiscount   reduced priceto have in mind   to think abouthow much you are willing to go    how much more will you spend, how much more will you offer above the asking priceshowroom   a place where goods are displayed

Lexie Language Challenge Week 5

Lexie Language Challenge Week 5 Week 5! Almost there! Current Progress Check Total Completed Sessions = 15 Upcoming Sessions =    4 sessions per week Hi Everyone! How are you doing with your Language Challenge?! I have already finished 15 sessions, only 5 more to go! I am pretty confident that Ill be able to complete the challenge and win the 300ITC (30USD) reward! What Ive learned is that as long as you stick to your plan (3 to 4 lessons per week), finishing 20 sessions in 6 weeks actually is not difficult at all! And the best thing about this whole experience is I am getting used to speaking French regularly.   Learning French is now a regular part of my life now!   I wouldnt say that I have huge progress in French but the change is pretty obvious I am not scared of talking with native speakers anymore, and we can talk about varies topics now, such as pollution issues in China etc (my teacher is in France so this was something that she was very curious about as its in the news every where!) For the record its NOT that bad as we all live here! I am learning grammar by myself (via text book) because I want to use 100% of my time during the sessions to practice speaking and listening.   I think this is a great method where you self-study focusing on reading, grammar and vocabulary and then use italki solely for speaking and listening.  I also ask my teachers many questions about my self-study. So far my method of learning a language is simple.  Its repeat, repeat, then.repeat! The same way a baby learns! What do you think? Hope you are doing well with your Language Challenge! We are so close to completing the Challenge now! Good luck! Lexie Language Challenge Week 5 Week 5! Almost there! Current Progress Check Total Completed Sessions = 15 Upcoming Sessions =    4 sessions per week Hi Everyone! How are you doing with your Language Challenge?! I have already finished 15 sessions, only 5 more to go! I am pretty confident that Ill be able to complete the challenge and win the 300ITC (30USD) reward! What Ive learned is that as long as you stick to your plan (3 to 4 lessons per week), finishing 20 sessions in 6 weeks actually is not difficult at all! And the best thing about this whole experience is I am getting used to speaking French regularly.   Learning French is now a regular part of my life now!   I wouldnt say that I have huge progress in French but the change is pretty obvious I am not scared of talking with native speakers anymore, and we can talk about varies topics now, such as pollution issues in China etc (my teacher is in France so this was something that she was very curious about as its in the news every where!) For the record its NOT that bad as we all live here! I am learning grammar by myself (via text book) because I want to use 100% of my time during the sessions to practice speaking and listening.   I think this is a great method where you self-study focusing on reading, grammar and vocabulary and then use italki solely for speaking and listening.  I also ask my teachers many questions about my self-study. So far my method of learning a language is simple.  Its repeat, repeat, then.repeat! The same way a baby learns! What do you think? Hope you are doing well with your Language Challenge! We are so close to completing the Challenge now! Good luck! Lexie Language Challenge Week 5 Week 5! Almost there! Current Progress Check Total Completed Sessions = 15 Upcoming Sessions =    4 sessions per week Hi Everyone! How are you doing with your Language Challenge?! I have already finished 15 sessions, only 5 more to go! I am pretty confident that Ill be able to complete the challenge and win the 300ITC (30USD) reward! What Ive learned is that as long as you stick to your plan (3 to 4 lessons per week), finishing 20 sessions in 6 weeks actually is not difficult at all! And the best thing about this whole experience is I am getting used to speaking French regularly.   Learning French is now a regular part of my life now!   I wouldnt say that I have huge progress in French but the change is pretty obvious I am not scared of talking with native speakers anymore, and we can talk about varies topics now, such as pollution issues in China etc (my teacher is in France so this was something that she was very curious about as its in the news every where!) For the record its NOT that bad as we all live here! I am learning grammar by myself (via text book) because I want to use 100% of my time during the sessions to practice speaking and listening.   I think this is a great method where you self-study focusing on reading, grammar and vocabulary and then use italki solely for speaking and listening.  I also ask my teachers many questions about my self-study. So far my method of learning a language is simple.  Its repeat, repeat, then.repeat! The same way a baby learns! What do you think? Hope you are doing well with your Language Challenge! We are so close to completing the Challenge now! Good luck!