Confused by a section on the spring 2014 SAT

Confused by a section on the spring 2014 SAT If your student took the SAT recently, he or she may have noticed that one section on the test seemed very different from the others.  This section may have included  math, reading, or grammar content in a different format from the rest of the SAT.  For instance, the reading section might have asked the student to justify his answers, or the grammar section possibly included longer paragraphs with underlined phrases or sentences that needed editing.We wanted to respond to some parents concerns and let you know that  these SAT sections were most likely experimental.   Each SAT includes one experimental section which doesnt count towards students scores and is used by the College Board to gather data on students responses to the problems.  In the past, the experimental section has had the same format as the rest of the test, so test-takers havent been able to tell which section is experimental.  However, now that the College Board has announced the redesigned SAT to be released in spring 2016, it appears that new question formats are being tested on the experimental sections of current SATs.Its important for students to realize that any section on the SAT with a drastically different question format they havent encountered before likely will  not  count toward their score on the test.  Of course, we encourage students to take every section seriously and not to try to guess which section is experimental.  But its almost certainly the case that  an unusual section will not affect their score, and students shouldnt let it distract them from a strong performance on the rest of the test.The redesigned SAT will first be administered in the spring of 2016, so it will primarily affect current rising sophomores and younger students.  For more information about the SAT redesign and sample problems, please take a look at the College Boards site  Delivering Opportunity.Rest assured that AJ Tutoring is staying abreast of the latest updates on the SAT, and well be upda ting our materials to reflect the changes to the test in 2016.  Were currently monitoring the College Boards SAT information releases, and our directors and tutors are taking the actual SAT to preview the upcoming changes.  Well keep you updated on the SAT redesign as more information becomes available, but for the next academic year (2014-15), the SAT will keep the same format.If you have any questions about the experimental section or the SAT redesign, or if your student would like help reviewing for the fall SAT or ACT, please reach out to us at (650) 331-3251 or via email at info@ajtutoring.com.

Five Student Participation Tips

Five Student Participation Tips If theres one thing all teachers feel would make their jobs easier, it is student participation. Your job is to engage your students in learning, after all. That task is much easier when they are willing to share their ideas and ask questions. How can you get more students to participate? Here are a few tips: Set the expectation. If you havent already, let your students know that you expect them to contribute to the class dialogue. You can certainly make participation part of their grades, but express your desire that they ask questions and offer their input and ideas. Get to know your students as individuals. The more you know about your students and their learning styles, interests, and motivations, the easier it is for you to get them involved and excited in class. Use technology. Todays generation of students is accustomed to using digital tools and apps to augment their learning. They expect that their teachers will integrate those things into their educational experience. Lecture only when you have to. The more you talk at your students, the less involved they feel in the learning experience. Try cooperative learning techniques that get students participating, or flip your classroom and do activities in the classroom (vs. having students do them on their own at home). Break students into groups. Some students are more likely to open up to their peers. Small group work is a more comfortable setting for some students who feel intimidated speaking up in front of you and all of their classmates. You set the tone for good participation in your class, so keep working on it. When you cultivate this type of environment, your students benefit greatly from that positive energy and encouragement.

How to cope with exam stress

How to cope with exam stress There is no getting away from it - exams are stressful. They involve hours of revision and studying and can leave you feeling exhausted and stressed to the hilt. Just one reason why you need to learn how to manage what you are feeling and find ways to cope. While a certain amount of exam stress is healthy (and even good for studying) it's very easy for small worries to spiral and become overwhelming. If you are experiencing any of the following you need to take action. 1. Crying because you are worried about failing 2. Finding it hard to sleep or focus due to anxiety 3. Feeling unwell with headaches 4. Not eating or overeating to cope with stress 5. Not able to think about anything but exams 6. Feeling high levels of anxiety Strategy one: talk to someone Friends are great, but sometimes they can make you feel worse, which is why a tutor or teacher needs to be your first port of call. Unlike your peers, they will be able to put your fears into perspective and help you to tackle the areas that are stressing you out the most. Common areas a tutor can advise on: 1. A revision plan or lack of it 2. Fear of failure 3. Exam nerves 4. Anxiety about taking the exam Strategy two: relaxation techniques Knowing how to handle your stress with proven techniques can also help you to feel more in control. Award-winning apps like Headspace and Calm can help you to switch off and manage your anxiety via breathing and mindfulness techniques. A good routine around revision, with breaks, will also help. Make sure you have a break every hour and that you stop revising at least an hour before bed. This way, you have time for your brain to unwind and relax before bed. Finally, get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Rest is a powerful mechanism for both remembering information and lowering your stress levels. Too much or too little sleep will have the opposite effect. Strategy three: tackle your stress/study trigger points There will always be certain aspects of exams that will cause you more stress than others. Talk through what's bothering you the most so you can tackle this head-on and lower your stress levels. If it's lack of revision, talk to a tutor/teacher about where your knowledge gaps are and the most effective way you can catch up. If you are worried about forgetting everything on the day, work with past papers, so you feel comfortable with how exam questions are asked and graded. If you are worried that nerves will get the better of you trust yourself. When we get nervous, we all doubt ourselves and begin to question even the most obvious answers. If this happens, give your mind a few minutes to absorb the information before you answer. Finally remember you are not alone. Many students feel a considerable amount of stress when it comes to exams. The key to remember is that exams, as vital as they are, are just one of the stepping stones you need to get to your goals. For more on revision and exams see our blog posts on revision, GCSEs, mocks and more.

Young Basketball Star is Shooting for the WNBA

Young Basketball Star is Shooting for the WNBA Young Basketball Star is Shooting for the WNBA Ava, 11-years-old, Math Level I For 11-year-old Ava, basketball is much more than just a sport â€" it’s her passion. Basketball has given Ava the chance to shine as a leader, but has also taught her the importance of being a team player. “Playing team sports has allowed me to stand out as a leader. Sports has taught me that each player brings different skills to the game,” said Ava. “Even though we have our own role to play on the team, we are all like puzzle pieces, each different, but all important when it comes to achieving our common goal. Being a team player means sharing knowledge with others, so everyone can grow and become better.” After years of practice on the court, Ava made the cut on one of Canada’s elite youth teams â€" The Kitchener-Waterloo Vipers. During the 2019 season, Ava and her team proudly earned the title of champions from the Ontario Basketball Association Provincial Championships. Ava also plays for the Adidas ® sponsored Team Murray Girls, under NBA star, Jamal Murray. Ava’s level of discipline and focus in the game has played into her success as a young athlete. One of Ava’s strong suits is her resilience and ability to overcome any obstacle she faces. “Any time I’ve faced a challenge, I’ve taught myself to take a deep breath, roll-up my sleeves and get to work,” said Ava. “If I’m faced with a roadblock, it’s important to ask for help. I don’t have to face my challenges alone. Challenges are just bumps in the road standing in the way of achievements. When you overcome them, you will become stronger.” With her sights set on a future with the WNBA playing for either the Chicago Sky or Toronto, Ava is determined to reach her dreams. Ava was one of 56 students selected for Kumon’s 3rd Annual Student Conference in Chicago, Illinois. “I was so ecstatic when I found out that I was selected to attend the Student Conference,” said Ava. “At the Student Conference, I really enjoyed meeting other students who shared similar interests as me. I also loved exploring the city of Chicago!” Ava shares with us who her inspiration is and some of the achievements she’s most proud of. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? I enjoy that right when I wake up in the morning, there’s always a challenge waiting for me. With every challenge comes an accomplishment, and when you wake up it’s important to feel good about yourself. What achievements are you most proud of? I am proud of how even though I’m practicing and trying to balance it all, I’m still standing tall and confident. I find that I do my best when I am focused, and that’s a skill that is important in all areas of life. What do you think of Kumon’s method of thinking for oneself? Before I enrolled in Kumon, I was just an average student. I wanted to be so much more than average. Kobe Bryant once said, “We can always be kind of average and just do what’s normal. I’m not in this to be normal.” I love that quote because it encourages me to always work harder and think of ways to be better. Kumon helps me to think for myself because rather on taking the easy road, I exercise my brain and be resourceful. Why be average when I could be more and stand out from the crowd? If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Infinite. Who’s your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest inspiration would have to be Elena Delle Donne because she faced so much adversity but managed to push herself through to the WNBA as the 2nd overall pick. She inspires me to always do what suits me and be the best me I can be. What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon? Stick to it! Even though it can be hard at times, stay true to you, and stick with it. Do everything in your power to make everything infinite. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Young Leader Becomes Empowered Through Self-Learning Young Hockey Star Strives for Continuous Improvement Cross Country Star Committed to Reaching Goals Hard Work and Focus Help this 10-Year-Old Baseball Star Dare to be Different Young Basketball Star is Shooting for the WNBA Young Basketball Star is Shooting for the WNBA Ava, 11-years-old, Math Level I For 11-year-old Ava, basketball is much more than just a sport â€" it’s her passion. Basketball has given Ava the chance to shine as a leader, but has also taught her the importance of being a team player. “Playing team sports has allowed me to stand out as a leader. Sports has taught me that each player brings different skills to the game,” said Ava. “Even though we have our own role to play on the team, we are all like puzzle pieces, each different, but all important when it comes to achieving our common goal. Being a team player means sharing knowledge with others, so everyone can grow and become better.” After years of practice on the court, Ava made the cut on one of Canada’s elite youth teams â€" The Kitchener-Waterloo Vipers. During the 2019 season, Ava and her team proudly earned the title of champions from the Ontario Basketball Association Provincial Championships. Ava also plays for the Adidas ® sponsored Team Murray Girls, under NBA star, Jamal Murray. Ava’s level of discipline and focus in the game has played into her success as a young athlete. One of Ava’s strong suits is her resilience and ability to overcome any obstacle she faces. “Any time I’ve faced a challenge, I’ve taught myself to take a deep breath, roll-up my sleeves and get to work,” said Ava. “If I’m faced with a roadblock, it’s important to ask for help. I don’t have to face my challenges alone. Challenges are just bumps in the road standing in the way of achievements. When you overcome them, you will become stronger.” With her sights set on a future with the WNBA playing for either the Chicago Sky or Toronto, Ava is determined to reach her dreams. Ava was one of 56 students selected for Kumon’s 3rd Annual Student Conference in Chicago, Illinois. “I was so ecstatic when I found out that I was selected to attend the Student Conference,” said Ava. “At the Student Conference, I really enjoyed meeting other students who shared similar interests as me. I also loved exploring the city of Chicago!” Ava shares with us who her inspiration is and some of the achievements she’s most proud of. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? I enjoy that right when I wake up in the morning, there’s always a challenge waiting for me. With every challenge comes an accomplishment, and when you wake up it’s important to feel good about yourself. What achievements are you most proud of? I am proud of how even though I’m practicing and trying to balance it all, I’m still standing tall and confident. I find that I do my best when I am focused, and that’s a skill that is important in all areas of life. What do you think of Kumon’s method of thinking for oneself? Before I enrolled in Kumon, I was just an average student. I wanted to be so much more than average. Kobe Bryant once said, “We can always be kind of average and just do what’s normal. I’m not in this to be normal.” I love that quote because it encourages me to always work harder and think of ways to be better. Kumon helps me to think for myself because rather on taking the easy road, I exercise my brain and be resourceful. Why be average when I could be more and stand out from the crowd? If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Infinite. Who’s your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest inspiration would have to be Elena Delle Donne because she faced so much adversity but managed to push herself through to the WNBA as the 2nd overall pick. She inspires me to always do what suits me and be the best me I can be. What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon? Stick to it! Even though it can be hard at times, stay true to you, and stick with it. Do everything in your power to make everything infinite. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Young Leader Becomes Empowered Through Self-Learning Young Hockey Star Strives for Continuous Improvement Cross Country Star Committed to Reaching Goals Hard Work and Focus Help this 10-Year-Old Baseball Star Dare to be Different

A Love for Learning Fueled this Students Passion for Protecting the Environment

A Love for Learning Fueled this Students Passion for Protecting the Environment A Love for Learning Fueled this Students Passion for Protecting the Environment Zainab, 11-years-old, Math Level J, Reading Level III Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy and work goes far beyond the time he spent in office. Roosevelt is one of the leading pioneers in wilderness preservation, which stemmed from his early studies in biology while attending Harvard University. His notable endeavors include conservation of natural resources, and the federal protection to land and wildlife with the designation of national forests, national parks, and wildlife refuges. Roosevelt forged a path for  future environmentalists and conservationists through his perseverance and passion. Like Roosevelt, 11-year-old Zainab has a passion for the environment. She’s enjoyed learning about the preservation of national parks both in Canada and the United States. Her passion inspired her to join the National Park Service: Junior Rangers Program. Developing a close relationship with nature, she has already accumulated over 45 badges since joining the program. Badges are earned by completing activities that not only challenge, but also educate these young conservationists. Zainab remains motivated in the program, and credits Kumon for finding a love for learning. “Kumon has boosted my confidence and I know that if I work hard in anything I do, I can solve any problem,” said Zainab. “In life, perseverance and hard work is more than just being intelligent. I’ve always kept this in mind in school and even in the Junior Rangers Program.” Zainab’s hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as she was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Zainab about her Kumon journey. How has Kumon helped you inside of the classroom? Kumon has given me an academic edge over my peers. I am able to do high school-level math while I’m only in the 6th grade. Being ahead in school allows more time to explore certain science topics in-depth to expand my knowledge. How has Kumon helped you outside of the classroom? Outside of the classroom, I have been able to better manage my time and now I don’t wait until the last minute to get my work done. Kumon has also showed me that if you work consistently and remain dedicated at anything you do, you will always learn how to do it better. What is the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon? The most beneficial thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter how slow you are to start. You will get to your destination and achieve all your objectives if you do your work consistently. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Perseverance. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? I really enjoy that I can learn at my own pace. If concepts become difficult to me, I take the time to do it again and master it. What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference? Attending the Student Conference provided me with the opportunity to meet other students who are just like me from across North America. I learned how other Kumon Students manage their academics and extracurricular activities. What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? Concentrate on your fundamentals and take your time to learn â€" never rush through your work. You will be surprised how easy it will become if you don’t lose heart and keep working. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Kumon Reading Program Completer Motivated by Other Students 12-Year-Old Nonprofit Owner Ignites a Passion for Learning in Others Father of Second Generation Kumon Students Talks about Motivation and Self-Learning Kumon Student Uses Pageant Platform to Spread Awareness of the Environment A Love for Learning Fueled this Students Passion for Protecting the Environment A Love for Learning Fueled this Students Passion for Protecting the Environment Zainab, 11-years-old, Math Level J, Reading Level III Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy and work goes far beyond the time he spent in office. Roosevelt is one of the leading pioneers in wilderness preservation, which stemmed from his early studies in biology while attending Harvard University. His notable endeavors include conservation of natural resources, and the federal protection to land and wildlife with the designation of national forests, national parks, and wildlife refuges. Roosevelt forged a path for  future environmentalists and conservationists through his perseverance and passion. Like Roosevelt, 11-year-old Zainab has a passion for the environment. She’s enjoyed learning about the preservation of national parks both in Canada and the United States. Her passion inspired her to join the National Park Service: Junior Rangers Program. Developing a close relationship with nature, she has already accumulated over 45 badges since joining the program. Badges are earned by completing activities that not only challenge, but also educate these young conservationists. Zainab remains motivated in the program, and credits Kumon for finding a love for learning. “Kumon has boosted my confidence and I know that if I work hard in anything I do, I can solve any problem,” said Zainab. “In life, perseverance and hard work is more than just being intelligent. I’ve always kept this in mind in school and even in the Junior Rangers Program.” Zainab’s hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as she was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Zainab about her Kumon journey. How has Kumon helped you inside of the classroom? Kumon has given me an academic edge over my peers. I am able to do high school-level math while I’m only in the 6th grade. Being ahead in school allows more time to explore certain science topics in-depth to expand my knowledge. How has Kumon helped you outside of the classroom? Outside of the classroom, I have been able to better manage my time and now I don’t wait until the last minute to get my work done. Kumon has also showed me that if you work consistently and remain dedicated at anything you do, you will always learn how to do it better. What is the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon? The most beneficial thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter how slow you are to start. You will get to your destination and achieve all your objectives if you do your work consistently. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Perseverance. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? I really enjoy that I can learn at my own pace. If concepts become difficult to me, I take the time to do it again and master it. What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference? Attending the Student Conference provided me with the opportunity to meet other students who are just like me from across North America. I learned how other Kumon Students manage their academics and extracurricular activities. What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? Concentrate on your fundamentals and take your time to learn â€" never rush through your work. You will be surprised how easy it will become if you don’t lose heart and keep working. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Kumon Reading Program Completer Motivated by Other Students 12-Year-Old Nonprofit Owner Ignites a Passion for Learning in Others Father of Second Generation Kumon Students Talks about Motivation and Self-Learning Kumon Student Uses Pageant Platform to Spread Awareness of the Environment

Skip the Starbucks 11 DIY Specialty Coffee Drinks

Skip the Starbucks 11 DIY Specialty Coffee Drinks cincyshopper.com 1. Pumpkin Spiced Latte Oh, the PSL it’s one of Starbucks’ most famous drinks (besides their frappes) and people go crazy for it the minute September hits. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy Pumpkin Spiced Lattes all year round instead of waiting on Starbucks. All you’ll need are the same ingredients to make a pumpkin pie (minus the crust) and some coffee and you’re good to go! Find the recipe here. DontWasteTheCrumbs.com 2. Peppermint Mocha This is another famous seasonal drink Starbucks lovers wait all year for that you can make in the comfort of your own home. Using just five simple ingredients that can easily be found in the supermarket, you’ll be enjoying your Peppermint Mocha in no time! Make your friends jealous, or make them one too, with this recipe. Babble.com 3. Caramel Macchiato This recipe is a little more complicated to follow. You’ll need an espresso maker and a milk steamer if you want an authentic tasting macchiato. In just 15 minutes you will have your warm caramel macchiato ready to drink. Follow the recipe here. TheFoodieTeen.com 4. Almond Milk Chai Latte It may not be coffee, but the tea still has some caffeine in it to keep you going. You will be using a stove and a pan to make this Starbucks copycat drink. The best thing about making this drink at home is adding or substituting ingredients to fit your taste buds. Find the recipe here. HowSweetEats.com 5. Coconut Latte If you love the taste of the tropics, the coconut latte is the coffee drink for you! This recipe involves an espresso machine and a milk steamer along with coconut sugar, milk, and syrup. You can also top it off by sprinkling toasted coconut over the drink. Find this delicious drink recipe here. NewBlooming.com 6. Cold Brew Plan ahead by at least 12 hours and you can be enjoying a popular cup of cold brew in the morning on your way to class. This is different from iced coffee because the coffee grounds are submerged in the water instead of drip brewed and sit in the water over night. Make it your own by adding some cream or flavored syrups. Click here for more details. CookingCurries.com 7. Irish Cream Cold Coffee This one is for those of you who are over 21. This blended drink contains espresso, Bailey’s Irish Cream, sugar, and milk. Throw it all in a blender with ice and sip on your drink with a little kick! If you are underage, you can find Irish Cream flavored coffee creamers and still enjoy this delicious drink during the rest of the summer months. Find the recipe here. FantasticalSharing.com 8. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe For those coffee lovers with a sweet tooth, this is the perfect specialty coffee drink for you! Loaded with chocolate, Oreo cookies, and strong coffee, you can top it off with whipped cream for an even sweeter treat. Forget about spending $6 on a frappe at Starbucks, you can make this in your own home! Find the chocolatey recipe here. HouseofYumm.com 9. Snickerdoodle Latte This sweet latte takes only a whopping two minutes to prep and make before you can enjoy it. It only uses four ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen, so you don’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store during your busy semester. When coffee just isn’t cutting it for you, add some cinnamon and brown sugar. Follow the recipe here. FoxesLovesLemons.com 10. Caramel Brulée Coffee Similar to the Snickerdoodle Latte, this Caramel Brulée will satisfy both your coffee craving and your sweet tooth. With just three necessary ingredients and a stove top, you’ll be enjoying this specialty coffee drink in no time. Learn the process here. MostlyHomemadeMom.com 11. Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee This super simple recipe will impress your friends when you have in-home coffee dates in your sweats. Just add some cinnamon, maple extract, and vanilla iced coffee from International Delight to make this delicious specialty coffee. Find the recipe and measurements here.

The Characteristics that Make Being a Science Tutor So Popular

The Characteristics that Make Being a Science Tutor So PopularOne of the most popular of the hobbies that many people pursue these days is becoming a science tutor. This hobby can be of any interest, whether it's for kids or adults, but there are certain characteristics which make the hobby more likely to end up being successful than others.In general, a tutor is someone who has studied science in school and then decides to teach at a higher level. These people may have a degree in science and that's really all that matters, but the fact that they have taken the time to learn about science themselves means that they will have an easier time with the science field. It also helps if they are physically fit and as comfortable as possible in their chosen role, because this will make the learning experience much more interesting.A tutor should always be prepared. They should be equipped with sufficient knowledge about all of the different aspects of science so that they can make their stu dents understand and appreciate all of the various parts of science. They should also be familiar with all of the tools and equipment that they need in order to effectively teach and guide their students through the course of study. This allows them to provide realistic training and to help the students see the world as it truly is.They should know that they are not just trying to get paid to do what they enjoy doing, but rather that they are pursuing a very personal and independent hobby. When they have found something they love to do and want to be a part of, they should realize that it's not just about earning money, but about creating a life long passion for science. This means that they should do their best to remain motivated throughout the life of the profession.They should also feel secure that they will be providing quality education to students that will lead them towards a better career development as well. It's hard to get a job in this field these days so this feeling o f security is important. It also means that they can help students become more familiar with their field of study as well as any associated careers.Lastly, it's important that the tutor has a passion for teaching. It's vital that the tutor feels confident that he can deliver quality education to his students because this means that he will be able to impart real knowledge. The quality of the education he gives will make the students want to look at all areas of science in a new light.In conclusion, if you are looking to take up a career path in teaching, becoming a science tutor is an excellent option for anyone interested in this field. These are two characteristics which will certainly help you become a successful tutor and will also help you get a job as soon as possible. There are many different kinds of schools that offer science tutoring as well, so this hobby is suitable for everyone.