How Are Cooking Classes Organised

How Are Cooking Classes Organised The Structure Of Cooking Lessons ChaptersGetting To Know How Your Course Will Be Set OutWhat If I Miss Part Of My Course?Will I have To Do Homework In Preparation For Classes? 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 tutorsGetting To Know How Your Course Will Be Set OutLonger CoursesWhile all cooking classes'  curriculum  will differ slightly in structure, which will be determined mainly by how much teaching time you have, many week-long courses will be organised in a similar wa y.For instance, you can expect, if attending a 5 or 7-day course to arrive at your chosen class at around 9am ready to learn. You’ll probably be greeted with a tea or coffee and be informed of what you will be doing during the day ahead (menus and recipes may be handed out). Your tutor will most likely run through the recipes for the day, to get you excited to crack on with the practical cooking techniques and elements planned for you.Find out more about the prices of cooking classes and how to find a cooking tutor.You will probably work on some savoury recipes over the course of the morning session, which you’ll then get to eat for lunch, followed by more demonstrations and cooking in the afternoon. You may find that a sweet dish is thrown in which you can try out as an afternoon snack with your tea but, in any case, any food you make but don’t eat is yours to take home.Any food that you make in cooking lessons and don't eat can be taken home. Photo credit: yoppy on VisualHun t / CC BYThe food that you cook with is provided by the cooking school, funded partly by your payment to them. It is only in very rare cases that you will be given a shopping list to buy items for yourself.Meanwhile, if you have a passion for cooking and have your heart set on a culinary arts degree, then you might have just started, or be prepared to embark on a term of cooking school next September.If you want to know how your course will be structured, like how many hours of hands on cooking you will do per week, the ratio of practical vs written work, the recipes that you will work from, etc... then you should contact your admissions office to request the details of the curriculum.Each course will have their own structure and should be able to give you an old timetable if they haven't yet released a new one, to give you a better idea of what you might expect.As an overview, you can expect to learn key cooking skills at the start of your course like basic knife skills (including using them and sharpening them) and general cooking methods before leading on to more complicated aspects of cooking like how to follow recipes or instruction.Shorter CoursesFor those enrolled on half-day or evening classes, your teacher will obtain the ingredients for you to work with and provide a partial hands on cooking class, which relies heavily on demonstration.You will probably arrive at your chosen location half an hour before your class to mingle with the other participants and have a light refreshment and appetizers. Once everyone has arrived, your instructor will no doubt give you a brief introduction to the session before moving onto some food preparation techniques. If you have an evening class planned, it may be wise to have brunch in place of a big lunch so that you aren't too full to enjoy the food on offer.Most shorter courses (less than half a day) will focus primarily on the various elements of one dish or perhaps two meals that go hand in hand, like a main meal and a dessert or even an accompanying side dish. Meanwhile, your tutor may also advise on food and wine pairings, if they are qualified in this area.If you're simply going to an hour-long demonstration, then expect the instructor to focus on a particular element of cooking, like cooking a particular cut of meat or creating a sauce for a Thai style stir fry.Some of the types of independent cooking classes you can expect to find are those centred around working with chocolate, getting a taste of Italy, vegan cooking classes, authentic Spanish tapas and paella, cooking with herbs and creating bite-sized party foods, and decorating cakes, to name but a few.Finally, if you have chosen to hire a tutor to teach you how to cook privately, your tutor will usually discuss your requirements with you and might even work with you to structure the block of courses you have paid for.In any case, they will start by teaching you basic elements of cooking, like explaining the fundamental cookware ite ms, informing you of the essentials to keep in your pantry, showing you how to prepare vegetables and preparing cuts of meat.Discover the different types of cooking classes near me here.You and your private tutor might meet to discuss requirements and then plan sessions in around each of your timetables. Photo on Visualhunt.comWhat If I Miss Part Of My Course?If you have paid for a full term at cookery school, then the chances are that you have paid quite a substantial amount of money on tuition. As such, you should do your best to avoid any absences, which don't just result in a financial loss, but also in gaps in your learning.Unfortunately, it can be quite hard to catch up on a class related to cooking, because you cannot recreate the demonstrations performed by your instructor on that day. If you are lucky, however, one of your peers may be able to help you to fill in some of the gaps.If you foresee any absences, like if you have a family wedding to go to, or if you fall sick, y ou should contact your tutor immediately to inform them of the cancellation so that they can offer you advice on how best to catch up on cooking methods taught. For instance, you may be able to attend a session held on a different day or even at a different establishment so that you don't miss vital cooking techniques.If you happen to be ill on a day that you are booked in to see a private tutor, it is only fair to contact the individual as quickly as possible so that can rearrange their schedule and perhaps even see another pupil in your place.Remember that they are working for themselves so a missed session for them results in less money in their pocket. If you continue to skip classes or consistently ask to rearrange sessions, your instructor may start to get tired of your lack of organisation and put an end to your tuition.Similarly, your tutor is not going to be happy if you miss a couple of hours of a five-day course. If you take into consideration the total number of hours of tuition you have, then this will make up a pretty high percentage! Re-book that dentist check-up for another day or make sure that you leave earlier than you need to, to avoid any issues with traffic.Leave yourself enough time to get to your class, considering peak times for traffic. Photo on Visual huntYou want to be top of the class, not the class drop out (especially if you are funding the course with hard-earned cash).Will I have To Do Homework In Preparation For Classes?Naturally, if you are enrolled on a one-day course, you won't be given any homework to do, at least nothing that your tutor will later check up on.Your instructor may, however, give you some activities to try at home in order to further develop your learning. He or she may also give you their contact details and encourage you to speak to them if you have any questions or if you want to send an update on your cooking journey beyond their class.Don't be alarmed if the cooking school's administrative team contacts you before the class with some prep to do beforehand. As most cooks attending the course will be novices, they might simply ask you to brush up on some knowledge before you arrive at class so that everyone enters the classroom on the same page.For example you might be asked look into the hospitality industry, foods from Italy (like fresh pasta or ravioli) or the art of baking and pastry, depending on the theme of your lesson.Courses that last a few days or more are more likely to require some additional work, but as a foodie you probably won't see this as an inconvenience. In fact, if you have a passion for cooking, then being asked to do cooking at home might be just what you want to hear!Along with some hands on home cooking, your tutor might ask you to do some research or studies into a particular food discipline (which might be different for one student than for another, depending on their interests).For example, alongside demonstrations taking place during the day, you may be asked to write a short essay on restaurant management, baking artisan bread, making fresh pasta, gluten free cooking, vegetarian cooking, vegan cooking, the history of French cuisine, how to work with chocolate, specialities of Italy, Mediterranean delicacies, pastry arts, the history of traditional British pies, how food and wine work together or the art of cooking with spices, for example.Rest assured, however, that a vocational cooking class will usually be ungraded, so having attended a short course is more of a personal accomplishment than a professional achievement. That said, students enrolled on courses upwards of a week in duration might see their diploma or qualification as a vital step in their career, and an important achievement to have on their resume.Regardless of the way you choose to learn to cook, how you perform or what you accomplish along the way, the main thing is to put your all into it and ensure that you do the best that you can do in the time given.If you w ish to learn more about cooking school, take a look at how to find a cooking tutor.

How to Improve Your Self-Confidence After a Car Accident - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Improve Your Self-Confidence After a Car Accident - Introvert Whisperer How to Improve Your Self-Confidence After a Car Accident I was a confident woman. You must know this type â€" the one that always grabs her chances. I successfully balanced between my personal and professional life. I held control over more or less everything that mattered to me. I worked really hard and I still do. My family is my greatest support. I love my husband and my kids. In a word, I have everything I need to be happy. And I am happy! And I am grateful too… Probably more than I ever was! Why now? Well, that’s because I recently learned one of the greatest life lessons. A few months ago, my car smashed into a big traffic sign when I was rushing to my office. Firstly, I was devastated. Then I lost my self-esteem. Then I suffered. These days, I’m dealing with my struggles and anxieties, but I know that I’m headed in the right direction. How? Here’s my story. I stopped blaming myself for the accident Like I said, I used to be a fighter who rises to the challenge. But after the accident, the situation has changed. These days, I feel that I need to endure so much. Sometimes ‘so much’ becomes ‘too much’. I am still afraid of opening up about the storm inside my head. I suspect that my family won’t really understand me. It’s tough, there’s no doubt about it. I rarely ever speak about this, but I’ve noticed a gradual improvement once I started being kind to myself. I am still working on this, but my first advice to everyone who goes through a similar situation would be to love themselves in spite of the frustration, anger, and disappointment. Saying ‘Hi, dear’ to yourself with a big smile on your face in the morning will do wonders for your self-respect.

Where to Find Your Portuguese Teacher

Where to Find Your Portuguese Teacher Where Can You Take Portuguese Lessons with a Teacher? ChaptersLearning Portuguese with a Teacher at SchoolHow to Learn Portuguese at UniversityFinding Portuguese Lessons Online with a TutorFinding a Private Portuguese Tutor on an Online PlatformLearn to Speak Portuguese Through ImmersionAlthough it doesn't immediately spring to mind,  Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages in the world.This represents just over 220 million native speakers around the world, and puts the Portuguese language ahead of French, Japanese, or German.Portuguese is the official language of 9 different independent countries, including Portugal  in Europe, and Brazil in South America.The language is also spoken in some African countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde. In Asia, Portuguese is spoken in the autonomous Chinese territory of Macao and East Timor.With so many native speakers geographically spread over four continents, you can imagine why there would be so many reasons to learn Portuguese. But one of the advantages can al so make it a slightly more difficult language to learn.How should go about starting to learn Portuguese?There are less English speakers who speak Portuguese as a second language than Spanish. It'll often therefore be more difficult to find a Portuguese tutor than a Spanish one, but that doesn't mean that it's an impossible task.Obviously you're chances will increase if you live in a city with large Portuguese speaking populations, but even outside of this you can often find a language school offering Portuguese, or even a Portuguese tutor in your city on the Superprof  website.How to learn Portuguese no longer needs to be a question that you struggle to answer; here at Superprof we have everything you need to know to get you started.If you can not afford to travel to Lisbon, talk to the Portuguese locals in your area!And if this is not a feasible option, the spread of the Portuguese across the world means that lots of large cities now have Portuguese communities. It is not uncommon to find Portuguese restaurants or shops selling Iberian products in large towns and cities across the globe. Spending time in these places also increases your exposure to the language in the same immersive way as living in Lisbon or Porto does.For a student, you could learn by working in one of these shops. Many customers are Portuguese-speakers and can help you learn the Portuguese language like a native.For those who do not have enough time, being a customer in these stores can help you create links and opportunities with Portuguese speakers.In short:Learning Portuguese is a real asset to have on your CV. Besides, it may be useful when you go for Portuguese London shopping.But first of all,  find a competent and trustworthy teacher to transmit his or her knowledge to you when it comes to Portuguese vocabulary, grammar, conjugation, pronunciation, and accent. A flawless method will get you a long way.This is the key so that each learner can progress properly. Learning a foreign lan guage also requires a significant personal time investment to achieve one's goals. Since Portuguese is a Latin language,  the  learning will probably be less technical than other languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Arabic, which don't use the Latin alphabet.There are different paths into the Portuguese language. You can make your Portuguese learning very academic by studying at school or at university, or you can use  digital means such as websites or applications.  A virtual teacher can fill learning gaps and provide significant linguistic lessons to new learners. Private lessons via platforms such as Superprof can also be an essential tool for studying and improving your language level in Portuguese.Whatever method you choose, be sure to practice between Portuguese lessons in order to reinforce what you have studied and learnt.There are many choices available to you!

How To Build Muscles With The Lafay Method

How To Build Muscles With The Lafay Method How To Practice Bodybuilding With Lafay Method Exercises? ChaptersWho Is Oliver Lafay?What Is The Lafay Method?Why Use The Lafay Method?How Does The Lafay Method Work?What Are The Benefits Of The Method?Bodybuilding is an activity that you have to engage in fully to succeed. It is easy to think that one day soon I will have the results that I am looking for. But for many, that day is further out than it needs to be. Often it is easy to make mistakes because bodybuilding is a sort of fend for yourself kind of exercise where you either hire a trainer, try a new method (like The Lafay Method) or go it alone.Building muscle, going to the gym almost every day, doing push-ups, weight lifting, or do other kinds of exercise. Is very time to consume, especially if you don’t know what you are doing?Sometimes if you do enough research, you can find some great advice from well-known bodybuilders. Who guide you on things like nutrition and calories, to how to build muscle and maintain your bodyweight. This can be an excellent roadmap to a workout rout ine that you know works.Gaps in the market like this are why Olivier Lafay created a new method for people who want to build muscle. 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) £4 0/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 tutorsWho Is Oliver Lafay?Oliver Lafay is a French sportsman and the author of a large number of books about bodybuilding, strength maintenance and body training. His book the Lafay method contains no less than 110 exercises, and it is a number 1 best seller in France. The book takes you through the technique and how to develop your fitness to get the body of your dreams.Lafay noticed a gap in the market and had the idea to create a principle which would allow people to train their body without the necessity for additional weights. He designed the system to use callisthenics, where practitioners use their own body weight and everyday items like chairs, tables and benches.The only issue is that it is currently only available in the French language.Anyone can use this -Bodybuilders, Runners and dancers alike. Photo Source: UnsplashSave money with an online personal trainer.What Is The Lafay Method?The Lafay method was invented circa 2004 in France. It is a training method for bodybuilding which balances the calibration of the body with body weight exercises. It is very focused on the effects of stretching to prepare the body for activity, and these stretches focus on the top of the body the central region of the body and the lower part of the body.The Lafay method is not just a stretching program however it is a comprehensive workout system. The Lafay method promotes endurance, flexibility and also relaxation.  It is a very  complete  fitness program  tha t is suitable for everyone, its simplicity allows you to gain muscle and lose fat with or without additional supplementation.Lafay has focused on creating a training method that was independent of going to the gym. Which allows you to use your own body weight to complete the entire series of postures. So you can train at home, in a playground, in the gym, at the beach or anywhere in fact.All you really need is a bar and something for it to balance on, which is why a playground could be the best location for you. Just make sure you use it when the kids aren't running around to avoid suspicious stares from onlookers and parents. This method is entirely location independent and is the true no excuse approach to exercise. It reminds us all that we all have the potential to be more healthy.You can also find a personal trainer to teach you the Lafay method. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st l esson 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 tutorsWhy Use The Lafay Method?The Lafay method is most well known in France but it is spreading, and people are coming to learn about the principles and benefits of this technique.   You don’t have to pay for any gym membership or fees, you don’t have to wait for machines, and when travelling, it is easy to find a playground and continue your workouts.This is a very flexible method of exercise which allows you to practice where you feel comfortable. You don’t have to do anything more than buying the book to get the exercises and learn about the philosophy. However, currently, the entire method is in French, which makes it hard for people who don’t speak French to access the information. But it is good to realise that as the met hod catches on more and more people will introduce the technique in different languages.Although the method requires nothing to practice it, you should bring your motivation each and every day to make sure you complete your session. Because it can take up to 6 months to see results you do have to remain motivated and dedicated to the practice.Surprisingly the book also touches on diet and psychology so you will be guided to stay motivated and remain committed. While working to attain your fitness and health goals. All without giving up on strength, stamina and endurance and of course flexibility.Lafay method exercises can be done anywhere. Photo Source: UnsplashHow Does The Lafay Method Work?The central idea is to peak your motivation to increase your engagement in a regular fitness regime. You will slowly as time goes on increasing the intensity of the activity while also giving your muscles the opportunity to recover fully. Over time you will see the changes within your body.Unlik e the hours at the gym that you have to invest during bodybuilding or weightlifting sessions. The Lafay method is not time-consuming, this is another clear motivating factor especially if you are very busy and fail to work out because of this.Lafay has created a system that aims to be all-inclusive, motivating and straightforward. It is an exciting system which seems to follow these steps roughly.Take a level test to determine your baseline. This is loosely based on your fitness engagement and activities that you have taken part into date.The training takes shape from here by giving you a suitable level which goes from beginner to advancedYou then follow the instructions based on your level and start working outThe method begins with a warm-upThen it leads you through a few different exercise series, which target different parts of the body. From the shoulders, arms, chest and legs.In between your series you have 25 seconds of rest time.Repeat and move up the levels of which there a re around 13 in total.An Example Of Lafay Exercise:There isn't much information available in English online about this, but I managed to find out about a set of three exercises which are called La Triade:This is the dipping series in which you use your body weight and two chairs.This is a push-ups series which you complete with a space of 40cm between your handsThe last is another push-ups series except for this time you complete it with your feet elevated and an area of 60 to 80cm between your hands.Losing weight does not need to be a headache with the Lafay Method. Photo Source: UnsplashWhat Are The Benefits Of The Method?Some key benefits of this method are the uniquely clear objectives and outcomes that provide each person with the results that they desire. So you can aim to lose weight or build muscle and adjust your workout session to suit your ultimate fitness goal.You could aim to have better endurance for your running or groom a bodybuilders physique. This method is suitabl e for all kinds of people who could all have varied ideal outcomes. But they will work towards those outcomes following the same process.Some Other Benefits Include:You can work on all aspects of your physical performance.Exercises in this method are full body workouts.It guides you entirely through the warm up to the session and the cool down at the end.If you want to be an athlete, this could help you get there, as it can also improve your endurance flexibility and your strength.The method can suit all fitness objectives.It is very nurturing and doesn’t leave you to solve problems alone, you have each difficulty written at length to support any challenges that you are having.The method supports your constant positive development. You will see consistent improvements as long as you follow the plan.The sessions are clearly explained and precisely detailed for you to follow without any confusion.The time investment for each workout is specified, so it is easy to fit it into any sch edule.The exercises are adaptable so you can tweak them to suit your current ability and level of fitness.Many top athletes use this method which is helping to spread the message and prove that the principles taught in the books and at the workshops do work.A lot of personal trainer specialising in the Lafay method.When I visited the Lafay website it said:“The Lafay Method is the opportunity to gain the versatility of an athlete in the minimum practice time. You can gain great strength, endurance, power, flexibility and relaxation all with just 2 workouts per week.”Now that’s impressive! I am sure once they translate their books from French into English and other languages they will have a substantial international following.

December - HEART NOTABLES - Heart Math Tutoring

December - HEART NOTABLES - Heart Math Tutoring December HEART NOTABLES December HEART NOTABLES December 15, 2013 Logistics Holiday Take-Home Games: Your students will be receiving a Deck of Cards and some other treats from HEART during the week preceding Winter Break. Please spend 10 minutes practicing the attached games with your students this and next week, so that they will know how to play at home with parents and siblings. In the past, students have improved their math skills over Winter Break as a result of practice at home. Encourage your students to play the games over the break! Winter Break is from December 23rd â€" January 3rd. Tutoring will take place through December 20th and begin again on January 6th. Let me know if your holiday plans interfere with tutoring, and I will make arrangements for your students. Thank you for your patience with the new sign-in computer at Winterfield. School staff and I are working to create an expedited process for HEART volunteers ASAP! Please return any take-home notebooks you no longer need so that others can use them. Tutoring Tips Keep having fun! Your students are very excited to see you each week, and your consistency and encouragement is truly building their confidence. Enjoy it! Make sure your student progress log entries include the key pieces of information: o Concept Notebook Name o Lesson Number o Activity (if you stopped in the middle of a lesson) o Focus Number (only for those working in Combos to 10). More Resources Research shows the importance of passing Algebra on the first take: Students failing algebra rarely recover. Fortunately, there are ways to begin preparing students to think algebraically in elementary school. Theres One Key Difference Between Kids Who Excel at Math and Kids Who Dont (article). “I’m just not a math person” is a self-destructive fallacy. Just for Fun Meet the Parents… o This Friday, December 13th from 7:45 â€" 8:15 AM HEART is hosting our students’ parents to a Holiday Breakfast where we will demonstrate the Holiday Take-Home Games and recognize students for their great work in HEART Tutoring. If any tutors would like to come to this event at Winterfield, please let me know. We would love your help teaching parents the games you have been practicing with their students. o Winterfield Curriculum Nights in January â€" HEART has been invited to attend school-wide Curriculum Nights, where parents learn ways to reinforce students’ learning at home. I will set up booths to demonstrate HEART’s activities. If you are interested in joining me, please let me know. They will take place from 5 â€" 6 PM January 14th, 15th, and 16th. Teachers and Staff say Thank You! o “I just wanted to tell you that as I read the progress report for all of the students, I cried tears of joy for all of the progress our students have made. The Heart Tutoring Math program has been an extremely priceless gift for our students and they enjoy having one-on-one time with an adult. Please know that we are very thankful to you and all of the volunteers for dedicating their precious time to educate our future leaders.” Michelle Johnson, Principal at Billingsville Leadership Academy o “I appreciate your dedication to the students and the program at Winterfield.” Regina Boyd, Principal at Winterfield Elementary

Executive Assessment (EA) Exam vs. GMAT Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Executive Assessment (EA) Exam vs. GMAT Pros, Cons, and Considerations GMAT MBA Admissions Blog If you are targeting EMBA programs, the Executive Assessment exam may be your best option. Executive MBA (EMBA) programs are for experienced professionals looking to earn an MBA without taking a full two years off. Traditional or part-time MBA programs are generally for less experienced, typically younger professionals. They can be structured as full-time one or two-year programs, or as part-time programs that take 3-5 years to complete. But when it comes to considering whether to take the Executive Assessment exam or the GMAT, you only have a choice if you are considering an EMBA program. Full time MBA programs require the GMAT or GRE (although some less selective programs don’t require an entrance exam at all). And although many EMBA programs require admission test results, but there are some top programs that do not. For those that do, prospective EMBA students have a choice of three testsâ€"theGMAT, theGRE, and the Executive Assessment (EA). Because we have been receiving increasing interest in Executive Assessment exam tutoring and it is closely related to the GMAT,in this article we’ll explore the differences between the GMAT and the EA exam. When did the EA exam become an option for EMBA students? If you were considering an MBA or an EMBA a few years ago and then decided to hold off, you may be surprised to learn about the EA exam upon recently returning to the process of test prep and graduate school admissions. The Executive Assessment exam is very new. It was developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the same organizationthat administers the GMAT, in partnership with a several business schools. The basic premise of developing the EA exam was to create a standardized test that would primarily measure academic readiness and find a way to consider the type of knowledge that real-world experience provides. Here are some dimensions to consider when you compare the GMAT to the Executive Assessment (EA) exam. It might be fair to think of the EA exam as “GMAT-lite.” The fact the EA measures readiness and the fact it is shorter can create the impression that the EA is easier than the GMAT. But the content is essentially the same. This is the position of GMAC.org, and they created and administer the exam, so it’s probably basically true. Certainly, all available evidence and opinions I could find suggest that the verbal section and the integrated reasoning section are the same. It may be the case that the quantitative section is slightly easier, but that’s more opinion than fact. Key points of comparison include: Applicability.As mentioned above, you can take the GMAT and still be in the running to apply to traditional MBA programs as well as EMBA programs. The EA is only applicable to EMBA program applicants. Verbal section difficulty. Theverbal section on the EA seems similar in difficulty to the GMAT, with similar percentages of Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction questions. Quantitative section difficulty.On the quant side, there is no geometry in the EA. Aside from that, the quant content is supposedly the same. However, some sources suggest that more difficult quant concepts of probability, statistics, and combinatorics are less common on the Executive Assessment. Integrated reason and AWA Essay sections. The GMAT has both. While the EA exam has ann integrated reasoning section that is the same as the GMAT, it has no AWA essay. Length.The EA is shorter. It takes approximately 90 minutes, while the GMAT takes approximately 180. This is achieved by halving the number of questions and time required for verbal and quant and removing the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. The reason for this is that the EA measures readiness vs. endeavouring to create a distribution in scores such that some students rise to the top while others fall. Competition for EMBA programs is less fierce, so schools don’t have to be as selective with candidates. Computer adaptivity.The GMAT and the EA are both computer adaptive tests (questions become harder or easier based on if you get the question right or wrong). But the GMAT gets harder or easier after every question (item adaptive), while the EA changes after a block of seven questions (section adaptive). Preparation time.Given the above, it should take less time to prepare for the EA than the GMAT. At a minimum, there is no AWA essay section to prepare for. EA Exam vs. GMAT: Conclusion If you are considering both regular full-time MBA programs and EMBA options, you should take the GMAT, as this leaves options open. If you are focused on EMBAprograms, and those programs state a preference, you should follow that preference. For example, Booth’s EMBA program prefers the EA exam, while Penn prefers the GMAT. Again, if a preference is stated, you should heed it. If the schools you are targeting have no preference, given its length and angle towards EMBA applicants, you should strongly consider the Executive Assessment exam.

Everything You Need to Know About Language Conversation Exchanges

Everything You Need to Know About Language Conversation Exchanges Everything You Need to Know About Language Conversation Exchanges Word on the street is that all the kids are doing LCEs.Oh, sorryâ€"are you new to getting your language learning kicks  online?Thanks to the Internet, the world is your oyster. It turns out that language learning  on your own terms  can be  fun, interactive and exciting.When you want to start interacting with native speakers and practicing conversational skills, youll want  to know all about the LCE experience. Far from the classroom with its recorded listening tapes and prompted conversations with other beginners, an LCE, or  language conversation exchange,  gets you speaking like a native faster through pure immersion.To do an LCE, you will meet with a native speaker of your target language and converse with them, alternating between your language and theirs. You exchange your knowledge of English (or another language you know well) for their knowledge of the foreign language youre learning. It gives you experience of real, one-on-one communication, a chance to converse and listen. This is vital to helping you learn quicker, better and with more enjoyment.Sounds pretty great, right? An opportunity like this must rapidly accelerate everybody’s language learning, right? Sadly not. LCEs often fail or fade out, and their magic potential for language transformation is lost.Luckily for you, I am going to spell out how to find, create and maintain an LCE that explodes your language learning as you know it and catapults you into a new level of fluency. And you might even make a friend along the way! Everything You Need to Know About Language Conversation ExchangesWhy Should I Do a Language Conversation Exchange?Before you start scouting for a buddy, it is vital that you know what you want this exchange to do for you. Do you want a structured and challenging test of your linguistic abilities? A mate to hang out and relax with? What is most important to you?People have all sorts of reasons for seeking out an LCE, from pure love of language to understanding a new cu lture, finding a new friend in an unfamiliar place or having someone to reassure them that they are doing fine when they order drinks in a funny accent.If you know what you want to get out of  your LCE, you are more likely to find it.  You won’t waste time with vague feelings that  this isn’t really what I was after. No time for that! You have a language to master!Sit down for five minutes and brainstorm why you might be  looking for an LCE. Then choose the three main pointsâ€"all related to what you want to achieve and experience. Make a note of them and refer back throughout your LCE to see if you are getting what you originally wanted.Know what youre looking for? Great! Lets go get it!How Can I  Find My Language Conversation Exchange Buddy?If you are looking for an online buddy then the internet is your oyster! Start right here with the FluentU iPhone app  or Android app.  Find a system that suits you with this amazing comprehensive list of high quality languages exchange sit es.I personally recommend Hellotalk to find a buddy in your target language. It is free, you are linked up instantly and you can keep searching until you find your perfect buddy. This works as a good introduction service. Later you can decide if you want to just text or maybe progress to Skype chat or beyond.Skype isnt necessarily the end goalâ€"its actually a fantastic place to start! Check out Skypes  community message boards for people looking for a partner. Skype language lessons  attract speakers of all languages and you can find many offers for languages exchanges there.Couchsurfing  also has a great community forum you can log into and post on for buddies.  Here you can find kindred spirits who enjoy travel and adventuring.These are my personal favorites. Check out the links above and see what works for youâ€"and dont be afraid to get out there and explore more options!As for those of you lucky enough to actually be  living abroad, it is even easier to find a buddy. Utilize c enters of educationâ€"universities, schools, cultural centers. Leave an advert and a contact number there. Many universities offer a “Tandem” or language exchange service. Contact local TEFL teachers, tooâ€"they can give you contacts to their best and keenest students.Being the foreigner in your town, many people would welcome the opportunity to learn with you. Ask your friends, ask your colleagues. Somewhere out there is your perfect LCE party waiting  eagerly  to set out on a language adventure by your side.How Do I Recognize My Ideal LCE Partner?Be discerning at the start. The better suited you two are for one another, the better your chances of having a successful LCE. Gut feeling is a good indicator. Is this person interesting to you? Do  they have a similar personality and lifestyle? Would you choose to chat with them normally?Then there is level. It is not necessary to have someone the same as you in ability and fluency. Even a total beginner and a near fluent speaker can help each other wonderfully as long as both are fulfilled and getting what they want.Next, find out what your potential buddy wants from this exchange. Can you help them? Do they seem interested in helping you?This last point is very important. Do they want to help you as well as improve their own level? Be sure you have a partner who you feel comfortable with, who seems supportive, patient and interested in your motivations and desires. People sometimes forget that speakers of a global  language like English also want and need to improve their second language skills. Make sure your buddy is a team player before you move forward!Okay, Got My Buddy! But How to Start?Be flexible at the beginning. The relationship will take its own shape. That said, it is good to set some starting rules:How often will we  meet? At least once a week is best to keep things progressing nicely, but the more you meet up the better your speaking skills will become. Do not try to overwhelm your buddy with to o many meet ups if they have a busy schedule, but be sure that you express your goals in terms of frequency.How will we  divide the languages? The most common format is to speak for half  the time in your language, half the time in theirs. But it is up to you and your partner. You could alternate weeks or come up with your own system. Bear in mind though that extended language immersion will deepen your skills, so try not to flit between languages too quickly and too often.If you are in an online LCE, you have the advantage of at least some written communication. That means you can post a short summary of the guidelines of your desired LCE to your buddy. Feel free to keep in touch via online messaging in between your meet ups.Where will  we meet?  If you have a physical meeting, then vary the location. This makes each session unique with its own set of challenges and learning opportunities. Go to a museum or a park. Meet at your house or at your buddys. Not only will you be more sti mulated by each meeting thanks to the varying scenery and topics of conversation, you will come across new vocabulary and challenges too.If you are meeting online, there is no reason not to explore cyberspace together! Play games, have fun. Sometimes you can Skype for talking practice.  Sometimes you can text chat so that your buddy can give you writing tips. Try different chat rooms and experiment with different conversation sites. Maybe you can even go on a SIMS adventure together!The Time Has Comeâ€"What Should We Talk About?Try to keep the topics of discussion diverse. At the start, you can focus on getting to know each other, but your LCE will be much more fun if you deliberately address different areas of conversation.This is especially relevant for online LCEs because we all spend a lot of time on the computer and are distracted by Facebook, background events, etc. Planning varied and fun themes ensures that your LCE is the only thing on your mind when you turn on your comput er. By avoiding distractions and staying focused on a topic, you will get the absolute most from the exchange.Role play and explore situations. This can work as well through Skype as in person. Your buddy can prep you for possible job interviews or interactions with trained staff. Role plays are a great way of both minimizing nerves (by pretending to be someone else) and becoming adept in situations you may need in real life. And they do not need much preparation. Just set a situation and think of a few points that may come up. Believe me, it is less effort than preparing nothing and then forcing conversation about the weather and your summer plans.If your language has a formalinformal function, as most languages do, you can choose to speak one week formally and discuss  more professional  topics such as your  career. Then the next week you can devote to casual speech and slang words.Get practical. Put yourself in real situations. Explore language through food! Go to dinner or to th e pub together, order food and pay the bill. Agree to take your native buddy around town without guidance so that you read the maps and you ask for directions when you get lost. Go to an art gallery and explain how each picture makes you feel. Take the train and describe the route to your buddy.Maybe you want this to be very low-key and laid back. That is fine as long as it is what you and your buddy both want. But remember that variability and challenging yourself will take you farther faster. You are going to meet loads of foreign speakers to chat and hang with once your language level starts accelerating. Why not use this novel opportunity to its maximum potential?This was fun. When shall we meet next?  Always end with a new time to meet. This is important for motivation and so that your LCE does not get swallowed up by the busyness of your lives. Having  research to do,  a role-play to plan or a topic to mull over means that your mind will stay on your LCE all week.How Do I Know My LCE Is Really Working?Want to be sure that you are getting the most out of your LCE experience? Want to rest easy knowing that you are making tons of great progress thanks to your new buddy?Make a goal for your LCE, whether it be to widen your vocabulary, increase your confidence or simply be able to order drinks by yourself (with or without laughter). This main goal gives you something to aim towards. Then you can set up small, achievable goals for each meeting, such as:Go out for dinner and talk to the waiter all nightHave a basic discussion about the political background of this countrySurvive a 30-minute conversation without giving in and reverting to EnglishThis does not need to be a structured thing with charts and progress boards. Just keep it in your own mind. Keep your focus on what you want to achieve and how that is going. This will keep your LCE alive and useful for you and make sure that you know you are progressing.It is also up to you to set the level of correctio n you want from your buddy. If your aim is confidence, then just relax and talk as much as possible. If you want to nail your grammar, then ask them to point out and explain mistakes. You can set yourself specific goals for each session, for example:Today I want to use conditionals correctlyI am  bored of using the same adjectives all the time. Today I will experiment with more advanced and unusual onesOnce your buddy knows your aim they can help you reach it and give you feedback and advice.How Do I Keep My LCE Fun?Treat it like any other important relationshipâ€"invest your time and energy in it. Commitment and regular communication are important to keep your LCE a part of your life. Be excited about it. Goal plan and reflect on how each meeting went and what you each got from it. What could you improve next time and how could you better help your partner? Once your LCE is something you are excited about, it will stay on the front page of your attention span.How to End My Language Conversation Exchange?For whatever reason, LCEs are sometimes quite short. Maybe you just needed that initial boost to get you going in your new language or to find a group of friends. Maybe you or your buddy is super busy now. Thats okay, it usually has to end sometimeâ€"and you can always keep in touch in the future if you like.But do make sure you end your LCE fittingly. It has been an adventure and a learning process for both of you. Go for a final dinner or drink together. If you are online make sure you schedule that final webchat or Skype meet. Chat about what you learned and what was fun and think about your plans now.How you will keep improving your language? Did you get what you wanted? Did you push yourself and reach new boundaries in your new language? Are you still hungry to go farther, to get even more fluent, confident and capable?If so…there are a million other LCE partners waiting for you. Whether online or in your town, reach out to them. Rememberâ€"each human b eing is a whole new world. For you, that is a whole world of new knowledge, understanding and learning. Use this opportunity to your advantage!