Self-Learning English - Its Easy to Learn

Self-Learning English - It's Easy to LearnSelf learning English is not a difficult undertaking as long as you have the determination to learn. So many people think that they cannot learn anything but when they actually look at it, this is wrong.It is so easy to learn English because of the fact that the English language itself is so simple and regular. If you see your native tongue in a language book, then you are already ready to understand the words and phrases properly. The language can be explained in various ways, so you will not have any difficulty in understanding it.When you choose to learn English by yourself, there are some things that you need to consider. If you want to be able to go to college and get a degree, you should have the willingness to learn as well as to do some extra activities.You will have to give some of your free time for study. Learning takes time, so you should set aside enough time in your schedule to learn the English language. For most of us, this ma y be a problem because we are busy with work and other responsibilities. However, you should be ready to give up your schedule so that you can learn more.Do you have the time to study on your own because if you don't have enough time, then why would you want to learn a foreign language? If you have more time than your family members, you will have more time to concentrate on the language and thus, you will be able to learn the language faster.If you choose to learn by yourself, you will have to set aside a good amount of time and that time must be devoted for self learning. When you set aside time for self-learning, you will be able to stay focused and put your best effort to learn. That means that if you learn only one thing from the course, then you will be able to do it.It is not a difficult task to learn English because there are certain tools which can help you learn it. Once you have the desire to learn, then the only thing you need to do is start.

Free Error Correction Card Game

Free Error Correction Card Game By Rebecca Kennison [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], from Wikimedia CommonsResearch has revealed that some of the strongest influences on student learning include reciprocal teaching, cooperative learning, and computer-assisted instruction (Hattie, 2009). ESL teachers can make excellent use of all three of these powerful pedagogical levers at once by having students play a simple card game, like this one in Actively Engaged Online  (Walker, 2015) from Bokomaru Publications  with the support of a grammar checker especially designed for English Second Language learners. Error_Correction_card_game_from_Actively_Engaged_Online                ________________ Good Pedagogy Savvy teachers will see a range of pedagogical opportunities open up as students play this error correction card game. This serious game provides useful practice correcting avoidable errors, with a number of additional benefits. (You can skip all the rationale and read the how-to  below if you prefer.) Learning to correct high-frequency errors is only one good reason to have students play this game. Here are four more. Since only the correct answer can win the card, this game provides opportunities for peer-feedback on grammatical form in a safe and structured way. By providing both the prompt and the correct answer, the cards ensure that the feedback is correct and uncontroversial. And since the cards do not provide explanations for the corrections, the question “Why?” will arise naturally from time to time during game-play. Uncertainty about the nature of the error and the reason for the correction will create contexts for students to discuss the corrections and the grammatical rules that motivate them, a form of consciousness-raising. When students disagree with each other about the grammatical rule that motivates a correction, they may find themselves reaching for a reliable reference that they can use to answer their grammar questionsa form of metacognition. If students use their cell phones to visit an online grammar checker in order to answer questions about an error, they will get to use their cell phones in a new way to further their learningan opportunity to develop their digital literacy. Heres where the game gets really interesting.                ________________ Online Grammar Checker Support As mentioned above, one advantage to having students play this game is that it can be used to promote students digital literacy through the judicious use of their cell phones.   Usually, teachers are justifiably cautious about allowing students to access their cell  phones in class, but in this case cell phones can be a big ally.   Heres how. Ask students to take out their cell phones for the duration of the game so that they can access the Virtual Writing Tutor grammar checker  if they need to. Why? When students feel unsure about a particular error or correction, they will be able to type the sentence into the Virtual Writing Tutors sentence corrector  on their mobile device to see the correction, a grammar explanation, and a link to a remedial activity. Since all of the grammar errors  in this card game can be detected and corrected by the VWT  online grammar checker  (Yes, Ive checked them all) teachers will indirectly be able to provide answers to questions about grammar without having to memorize all of the explanations beforehand. This computer-assisted pedagogical support dramatically reduces preparation time. Dont worry. Students will find it easy to visit the simplified mobile version of the website, type in the sentence containing the error into the text area, hit Check grammar, and get the grammar explanation they need. In this way, playing the game will promote digital literacy, autonomy, and lifelong learning skills. Using an online grammar checker to get corrective feedback on grammar errors contained in the Error Correction Card Game will thereby serve as an easy introduction to the usefulness of free online grammar checkers when it comes time to correct their own writing.                ________________ How to Play The Error Correction Card Game is an easy-to-use, mildly  competitive guessing game that is easy to explain. Have students play this card game in groups of  three or four. Shuffle the cards and place the deck in the middle. Player 1 takes a card and reads the sentence containing the error aloud to Player 2 and 3. Players 2 and 3 try to provide the best oral correction of that sentence. Player 1 gives the card to the player whose correction matches the correction on the card. If both players answer correctly at the same time, Player 1 returns the card to the bottom of the deck. If neither player answers correctly, Player 1 reads the answer and returns the card to the bottom of the deck. The player to the left takes the next turn. The player with the most cards at the end is the winner.                ________________ Download the Card Game Download this game and use it with your students by clicking on the image of the Error Correction card below, or use the hyperlink below.   I generated the PDF myself from an InDesign file and is to the best of my knowledge virus-free. Scan it yourself to be doubly sure. Download the PDF                ________________ Printing Instructions The first page in the PDF explains how to play. You dont need to print it. Instead, print pages 2-11 as two-sided copies. Use heavy paper if you have it.   Do not scale the copies to Fit to page or you will have to cut around the edges of each page. Here is a screen-shot of the print dialogue generated by Chrome.                ________________ References Hattie, J. A. C. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over  800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. London, UK: Routledge. Walker, N. R. (2015). Actively Engaged Online. Montreal, Canada: Bokomaru Publications. (Jump to the how-to,    download link, or printing instructions.) Please follow and like us:

Listening Exercise Do You Really Know How to Tie Your Shoe

Listening Exercise Do You Really Know How to Tie Your Shoe This TED talk caught me by surprise. It is a about a simple thing we learn to do when we are children that perhaps we have been doing it incorrectly all our lives.Interestingly I struggled to learn how to tie my shoes.   Partly because my mother is left-handed and she ties them backwards, which is a bit tricky to learn. Now I learn she was actually teaching me how to tie the strong knot rather than the weak knot. Have a listen and see if you have been tying your shoes wrong your entire life. Also check out the listening and writing exercise and remember we learn from our mistakes, even if it takes us 30   years!1. How does he describe the TED audience?2. I also have reason   to believe that many, __ ___ most of you are tying your shoes incorrectly.3. What was different about his new shoes?4. One of the life skills I had really _______was tying my shoes.5. How do you tie the strong form of the knot?6. It will let you _______less.7. Live ______ and prosper.Writing Exercise:Is there som ething that you have learned youve been doing incorrectly? How do you feel about learning something new or about learning you were wrong about something? Can you admit when you are wrong? Why or why not?

How to Take Care of YOURSELF This Holiday Season

How to Take Care of YOURSELF This Holiday Season Image via Pixabay.com Many people have yet to head to the stores to start tackling their holiday shopping list, maybe because of the dread of facing down the throngs of other shoppers hustling about the mall. There are office parties to attend, cards to send, relatives to call… It can all be a bit overwhelming. Amid all of the rushing, it’s important to still make time for yourself. Even if it’s the season of giving, you won’t feel in a very “giving mood” if you’re not happy and taking care of yourself. In order for you to get the most of your holiday experience, I’ve come up with 5 ideas on how to take care of yourself during the holidays that will make sure that you and everyone around you are in for a good time. 1.  Give what you can. It’s super easy to get carried away when you’re out shopping for the perfect presents for your loved ones. Spend what you can but don’t go overboard when you’re shopping. Create a budget that will allow you to buy those closest to you the perfect present and still have money to pay bills, afford rent, and any other fixed expenses you may have in the future. Also, don’t feel the need to buy presents for every single person you know. This will drain your bank account quicker than anything else this holiday season. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but give presents to those who you truly love and wish to give presents to. For distant friends and acquaintances, consider getting a card or a small stocking-stuffer. You can’t buy gifts for everyone, so don’t feel guilty for not doing so. 2.  Don’t overdo the partying. As much as you may want to go to every party you’re invited to, partying too much can be draining. Music, dancing, good food, and drinks are all a lot of fun every so often but waking up with a hangover at 2 p.m. every day can sap away your energy. Instead of going to a party every night, give yourself time to recharge for a day or two or you’ll wind up feeling exhausted instead of cheery this holiday season. Image via Pixabay.com 3.  Eat and drink wisely. Now, I’m not telling you to not enjoy food this holiday season. That’s crazy. I fully support stuffing your face for every holiday and not feeling an ounce of guilt while doing so. Enjoying good food with family and friends is a big part of celebrating during the holiday season. But … I don’t think it’s wise to go back for thirds, fourths, or fifths in one sitting. Just because it’s a holiday, doesn’t mean that grease, fat, alcohol and other unhealthy components of holiday dining are going to take a vacation and not affect your health. Enjoy the food but don’t overdo it, especially if you have high cholesterol or other health problems that could be affected by food and drinks. 4.  Don’t be a people-pleaser. Do what you want! Sometimes, people are going to try and force you to believe that they know what’s best for you. Those same people are going to suggest you do such-and-such or go to a place of their suggestion or buy this person a certain gift or bring a certain dish to the office holiday party. It may even be groups of people suggesting/telling you that you should do these things. Tune those people out! This is your life and your holiday to celebrate however you please! Don’t do anything just to appease another person in your life. Make decisions for yourself and stick to them. If you don’t want to go to a party, you don’t have to go. The people who love you will respect you decisions and not try to make you feel guilty about them. 5.  Be grateful. You’re here, you’re alive, and you’re able to celebrate the holidays! Just taking a second to be grateful for the things we sometimes take for granted will lower your stress levels and really put the reason for the season into perspective. I hope that all of you will remember to take care of yourself this holiday season! Happy holidays, everyone!

No Teacher No Problem! 6 Language Immersion Software Programs that Give a Classroom Experience

No Teacher No Problem! 6 Language Immersion Software Programs that Give a Classroom Experience No Teacher? No Problem! 6  Language Immersion Software Programs That Give a Classroom Experience There’s no substitute for a good language teacher.…Or is there?Getting your hands on the right software might just set you free.Classroom time for learning and practice is hard to beat when you’re trying to master a language.  Yet classes can be time-consuming and expensive, so they’re not the best option for everyone.Language immersion software programs fill the void when you’re learning without a teacher. Like the CEO of the classroom, language immersion software gives guided instruction and practice sessions  that are relevant and fun.You get the structure, order and traditional framework that self-educators  often find themselves craving.Plus, you get to choose the software that targets your specific needs and interests! Advantages of Language Immersion SoftwareLanguage learning software programs take many different approaches to mastering a language. Some focus mainly on speaking and listening, while others incorporate reading and writing as well.Are you a visual lea rner? Immersion software could be the best thing for you, as it includes images and videos to match the audio components.Unlike in the classroom, where the pace is determined by the teacher, immersion software lets you go at your own pace and return to lessons you need to review. The best part is, you can do it from the comfort of your own home.Every language software program is structured differently. When choosing one, consider how you learn best, your goals and the your current proficiency with the language. This list of the best language-learning software programs will help you decide!How to Succeed with Language Immersion SoftwareReady to start with a computer-based language immersion program? There are a few things you should know before diving in. Consider this section your life jacket.Language immersion software does give a classroom-like experience, but it’s not the same as a classroom. There’s no teacher telling you what to do and when to do it. These programs require quite a bit of self-determination, so prepare to stay disciplined during the course.It may be tempting to skip around from lesson to lesson, but it’s better to resist and follow the lesson exactly. You might miss important content that’s required for lessons further down the road.In the absence of classmates, seek out an online community of language learners that use the same software to ask questions and get feedback. You’ll be surprised what you can learn from other students!No Teacher? No Problem! 6  Language Immersion Software Programs That Give a Classroom ExperienceRosetta StoneCost:  As low as $229 for five levels or $184 for three, depending on the format (online, CD or download) or length of subscription.The latest version of Rosetta Stone, perhaps the most widely known language learning software, caters to many different learning styles. The program engages students in listening, reading and speaking activities that exercise the brain and improve fluency. Beginners t o advanced learners will find a Rosetta Stone program that suits their needs.The Rosetta Stone canon offers a very broad selection of languages for any level:SpanishGermanItalianFrenchArabicChineseJapaneseKoreanPortugueseThe user experience design simply can’t be beat. Optional web tutorials give supplemental lessons with a live language teacher.FluentUCost: $20/month to $30/month.  Discounts available for year-long subscriptions.One of the best ways to become immersed in a language is to interact with content that comes from the countries where the language is spoken.  Video content is especially effective because it combines visual and audio learning with culture.FluentU gives you the opportunity to listen to a wide array of native speakers.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. Fluen tU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Videos with Interactive CaptionsUnder the Vocab and Dialogue tabs, youll find words and phrases from the video and a complete interactive transcript.Interactive Transcripts on FluentUYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs Quiz Mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoFluentU is also flexible. You choose what you watch, when you watch it and how much you watch. Meanwhile, FluentUs algorithm tracks your learning to present you with questio ns that build on what youve already learned. Because of this flexibility, FluentU is appropriate for any level of language learner.FluentU also ticks off the convenient box. You can use FluentU online, download the the iOS app or try the Android app.FluenzCost: $218 for disc 1; $677 for all 5 discsAppearing in a set of 5 discs, the Fluenz software CDs are geared toward new learners and aim for complete understanding of all course material. Fluenz is famous for its English-speaking Sherpa character who appears in videos throughout the program. The Sherpa guides learners along, introducing and recapping each lesson.Currently offering  six languages, the program is perfect for beginnersâ€"so new learners need not worry about getting lost (the Sherpa will help you find your way). The lessons move along at a natural pace and cover a wide variety of topics. There is more than enough content to build a strong foundation in the basics of grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.Mango PassportC ost: $79 for Journey 1; $132 for Journeys 1-2; $176 for Journeys 2-3Ideal for travelers, Mango Passport covers what you need to know if you plan to spend time in a foreign country. Cultural information and travel tips are integrated within relevant and comprehensive language content. With rich screen displays and crisp, clear audio, Mango Passport is a pleasure to use.Passport is modestly priced compared to its other software counterparts. The program is offered in 17 languages (including English). It comes with MP3 audio lessons that you can add to a mobile listening device for on-the-go learning.  While Passport contains useful material and is user-friendly, note that there’s no scoring system that tells you how you’re progressing overall.Rocket Languages PremiumCost:  Rocket Languages has different packages that vary in price according to language and content, but their Premium programs start at around a hundred dollars for a one-time payment.Offering a very affordable, web-b ased portal for beginners and travelers, Rocket Languages Premium stands out for both its value and content. Rocket Languages is a go-to option for aspiring polyglots, as it offers a wide selection of languages, including:SpanishRussianKoreanGermanPortugueseJapaneseChineseArabicItalianFrenchThe lessons also come on CD, if web-based learning isn’t your thing (though at a much higher cost).Since Rocket Languages is primarily web-based, students can learn anywhere they have internet access. Additional downloadable content gives learners more content on the go. The website’s dashboard is easy to navigate. The content is well-paced, covering must-know information without being overly ambitious.Tell Me MoreCost: $199 for 3 months of web  access; DVD-ROM bundles from $299-$529Many immersion programs are designed for beginners and travelers to get their footing on the path to fluency. If youre an intermediate or advanced student in a language, Tell Me More  may be more your style. With many activities and scenarios to choose from at different proficiency levels, Tell Me More provides a customized learning experience tailored to  specific skill sets.Like a  Choose Your Own Adventure game, Tell Me More lets users select specific lessons and topics (like business and politics). This setup personalizes  the learning process. The program is rich in content and offers assessments and games that challenger learners.Now that youve got these software recommendations, youre all set to start studying. But dont leave it all up to the program to teach youâ€"theres still a few things you need to do for yourself!Do a little bit every day to stay consistent, so you don’t forget what you’ve learned.Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you meet them.With the right motivation and persistence, language immersion software can turn you into an A+ student!

When to Hire a Tutor A Few Common Misconceptions

When to Hire a Tutor A Few Common Misconceptions When to Hire a Private San Diego Tutor? A Few Common Misconceptions When to Hire a Private San Diego Tutor? A Few Common Misconceptions This article will explain some of the optimal times to look into private San Diego tutoring for yourself or your student.   There are many common and conflicting misconceptions about when during a class or school year a student who needs additional help should start tutoring.   Some parents subscribe to the method of hiring a tutor right before major tests to improve studying and improve their child’s grade.   Some believe that after a certain amount of time into a class or semester that it is too late and that a tutor would have little to no benefit.   Others believe nearly the opposite â€" that a tutor should only be used later in the class after the student has thoroughly proven that they cannot attain success in the class on their own. These ideas stem from greater misunderstandings of how tutoring should work (and how it does work if hiring from an experienced and reputable source). You can see a tutor more than just before a big test First, tutoring is not exclusively a band-aid that can be slapped on right before a test to cram information and get an ‘A’.   A good tutor will be able to correct poor study habits, identify important information, and execute an effective study plan with a student.   However, this studying needs to be continued, and if there is a significant gap between what the student has learned and what the teacher expects the student to know, then that gap will only continue to widen without more intervention.   Students do usually find some success with this style of scheduling, but most would find much more with a more consistent tutoring pattern (READ: Tips from a San Diego Tutor: Keeping in Touch After Graduation). A tutor can help even towards the end of your class Second, a large part of a tutor’s job is in diagnosing problems and prescribing solutions.   A tutor needs to decipher why the student is not reaching his or her goals and use their experience to help remedy the issue.   In many cases, these problems can be alleviated or fixed entirely in days or weeks, rather than months.   Whether it’s helping you find which fundamentals to memorize for your final, having an experienced pair of eyes look over your last paper, or an effective teacher helping you understand those boring lectures for the first time all semester, a tutor may be the solution you need to find more success even at the end of a class.   Unless all of your assignments are turned in and your tests completed, it is never too late to consider outside help. It is never too early to be proactive in your education Third, students are experienced in the subjects, classes, and tests that they teach.   As such, they often know what skills and prerequisite knowledge are important beforehand.   They also know what will be emphasized, what the common problems are, and how the courses or tests are usually structured.   With this knowledge, a tutor can help teach and prepare a student even before they’ve had their first class.   You do not need to wait until you or your student is failing before you hire a tutor.   Students with experienced tutors who begin their tutoring early can expect to have a much better understanding of the material, a routine schedule for developing studying and work habits, and the tools necessary to be successful in the class and any progressive classes following it. Do not believe these common misconceptions about tutoring.   A tutor’s job is to help students achieve the most success in their education goals.   They are experienced and know how to accomplish this task.   An experienced professional can help you â€" it isn’t too late, it isn’t too early, and there doesn’t have to be a test the next day. Book your experienced San Diego tutor today! Michael C. is currently a private math, science, and standardized test tutor with TutorNerds in Irvine and Anaheim. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

?? Easiest Musical Instruments To Learn

?? Easiest Musical Instruments To Learn Easiest Musical Instruments To Learn Some musical instruments are much harder to learn than others. The violin, for example, is notoriously difficult - the lack of frets and unusual position in which it’s held all contribute to this. Getting to grips with an easier stringed instrument might be a good idea before tackling the violin.Learning an instrument is hard enough without added complications.If you want to start from a good place and graduate your experience, you may want to check out these instruments that will welcome you with open arms into the musical world...1.Ukulele This is an incredible instrument to begin learning with as an adult. It is easy to learn and soft to the touch. The ukulele comes topmost on the list of instruments that are easy to learn at any age. Ukeleles are inexpensive to buy and require almost no maintenance (apart from the occasional change of strings). The uke can also be a great way to pick up the fundamentals of stringed instruments which you can easily apply to its big brother, the guitar.2. HarmonicaThe harmonica is a mouth organ that is relatively easy to play depending on the quality of the instrument you get and whether or not you have a music tutor. The harmonica lends its sound to blues, country, rock and folk music. This instrument is a lot of fun too! It is very difficult to sound bad on a harmonica, as all the notes it can create are all in the same key. 3. Piano The piano enters this list not because it is exactly easy but because it appeals to our sight and its skills are easy to pick up. It may seem daunting at first as you’ll have to learn to coordinate both hands, but once you start to learn the basics of the piano it can be one of the most rewarding instruments out there. However, you will need a lot of practice and time to become a pro at it. Check out our piano resources guide here4. Drums Playing the drums does not only relieve you of stress but also provides you with a fun way to dive into music. The basics of drumming are also relatively easy to learn, but mastering the drums is anything but. 5. Guitar Learning the guitar takes consistent practice and determination. Your fingers will hurt and the chords you strike will make no sense at first. However, it is one of the best instruments to begin learning music as an adult. As it’s one the most popular instruments in the world, there are countless resources out there that can get you started: Check out our awesome guide here Your Music Tutor Is ImportantYou can go it alone, although the best way to learn music as an adult is with a tutor. You can go several steps forward and faster too if you learn your chosen instrument under supervision. Some of the reasons it’s recommended to get a tutor include: 1. EaseYour music tutor can help you make learning an instrument easier. They are able to identify mistakes you make faster than you could. Correcting these mistakes early on is vital, otherwise they quickly bad habits. Learning the right techniques at the start will make things so much easier in the future 2. PracticeYour music tuto r can push you beyond your limits when it comes to practising. It’s easy to relent on your practice efforts when you are doing it on your own. With a little help and regular routine, however, you can achieve so much in a short time. Your tutor can also help you practice smart, by providing exercises.3. MotivationGetting a music tutor can be very motivating. They’ll give you encouragement and help you set goals on the way to succeeding with your chosen instrument.It doesn’t matter how old you are when it comes to learning an instrument or diving into music. What matters is the effort you are willing to put in and the fact that music makes you happy. These two are all you need to get a grasp of music at any ageYour perfect music Tutor could only be a few clicks away Author bio - Adam is a blogger running his own website about home improvement, hobbies and everything you need for an even more comfortable life Keywords - Music, Help, Guide, Adult, Beginner, Piano, Guitar, Tutori ng, Ukelele, Drums