GCSE Biology Revision Where to Find Past Papers Exam Boards

GCSE Biology Revision Where to Find Past Papers Exam Boards GCSE Biology Past Papers Exam Board Information ChaptersExam Boards Offering A GCSE Biology SpecificationWhy Do Courses Undergo Changes?GCSE Biology Revision: Past PapersHistorically, Biology made up one third of a Science qualification at GCSE level, along with Chemistry and Physics. These subjects were usually taken as part of a Double or Triple Science award, which would lead to the equivalent of two or three GCSEs respectively.Now, however, students tend to study one main or 'core' Science, which they tackle academically, along with an additional Science which has a vocational focus. They are then graded individually for each, which actually makes it easier to get a good grade in your preferred scientific subject.You can find out all you need to know about Biology revision by clicking here.In addition to this change, Biology (as well as the other Sciences) has undergone some changes as a result of the qualifications reform led by the U.K. government. The main amendment is the marking scheme, which now offers pupils grades from 9-1 instead of A*-G.To find out more about the content you will cover on the newly-reformed GCSE Biology course, including a list of the topics that make up the syllabus and how the exams are structured, take a look at the other posts in our GCSE Biology series.However, if you wish to find out more specifics about the different Biology specifications on offer at this level, then keep reading to discover which exam boards offer Biology at GCSE level and how their past papers can help to put you in a great position ahead of the exams.Doing past papers is especially useful if you are new to formulating exam-style responses. By using past papers properly, you can work on improving your technique and growing in confidence. However, it is no good simply reading past paper questions or just jotting down answers haphazardly.You must train yourself to cope with the pressure of exams so make sure that you put yourself under the same conditions as you would in a real exam. If you are not sure what to expect from an examination centre, ask your teacher to provide you with some details. Below are more tips on how to benefit from past papers in your subject.How To Use Past Papers To Your AdvantageYour teacher may organise a mock exam for you, or set a classroom task which simulates an exam. Either way, the key is to stay focused and to take away the maximum from this very valuable experience. Since you may not have sat in an exam hall before, you should know that there are many rules in place to ensure that every student has a fair assessment.Pupils must arrive on time, and can only take a small number of items (including refreshments, stationery and, at times, books) into the hall with them. But, most importantly, there is strictly no talking, passing notes or any other form of communication allowed. This can be quite hard to get used to but it really is very important to respect the conditions set out by assessor.So, if you are practicing at home using past papers, don't shy away from doing them properly. Ask your family not to disturb you for the duration of the trial exam (if you consult your exam board's website, you can find out exactly how long your exam will be, although this should be clear enough on the paper you have downloaded and printed out too).Be sure to get yourself in the zone beforehand - make sure you have used your revision cards, read through your textbooks and classroom notes, have been to the toilet and only have the essentials with you like a bottle of water and some stationery.Most importantly, make sure you have switched your mobile phone off so that you are not distracted. Also, to avoid any temptation to look at your phone display during the course of the task, don't use it as your stopwatch. Look for a timer or alarm clock around the house or even ask a parent or guardian to come and alert you when your time is up.Don't let yourself get tempted into checking your mobile phone during a practice test. Photo credit: perzons eo via Visualhunt / CC BYExam-taking is not all about what you know and how well you cope under pressure though. A very important aspect of being assessed is the way you write your responses. Consulting past papers can enhance your ability to respond well and gain extra marks by teaching you what it is the examiner is looking for.Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are commonly set and ask yourself what it is they are trying to get out of you. Furthermore, find out what can add or lose you points in the exam, as mastering this technique could be the difference in you getting one grade or another when the results are published.You can do all of this by checking out the mark scheme and examiners' notes, two very important documents that should not be ignored if you are serious about doing well in Biology.To discover GCSE or a level biology tutors in your area, visit Superprof.

Antiderivative of Trig Functions

Antiderivative of Trig Functions Antiderivative is the method of finding the area covered by a function when graphed on a coordinate plane. Antiderivative is the opposite method of thederivative method of a function and hence the name. Antiderivative of trig functions is the method of finding the integral of the trigonometric functions which include functions like sinx, cosx, tanx, etc. Example 1: Find the antiderivative of the trigonometric function cos4x. The antiderivative notation of the given trigonometric function is: cos4x dx We can use u-substitution method to find its antiderivative. Let u = 4x, then du = 4dx, dx = du/4 Now substitute the above u value in the given function We get, cos4x dx = cosu * du/4 = 1/4 cosu du Formula for antiderivative of cosx = cosxdx = sinx + c Applying the above formula, we get: 1/4cosu du= 1/4(sinu) + c = 1/4(sin4x) + c Hence cos4x dx = 1/4(sin4x) + c Example 2: Find the antiderivative of the trigonometric function 2sinxcosx The antiderivative notation of the given trigonometric function is: 2sinx cosx dx We can use u-substitution method to find its antiderivative. Let u = sinx, then du = cosxdx, dx = du/cosx Now substitute the above u value in the given function We get, 2sinx cosxdx = 2 u cosx * du/cosx Cancelling cosx up and down we get: 2 u du Formula for antiderivative of x = x dx = x2/2 + c Applying the above formula, we get: 2 udu = 2(u2/2) + c = u2 + c Hence 2sinx cosx dx = sin2x + c

How to Choose Between Types of Computer Hardware

How to Choose Between Types of Computer Hardware Choosing the Right IT Equipment ChaptersTop 10 Reasons for Buying a MacTop 10 Reasons for Buying a Windows ComputerHow Much Do Computers Cost?Should You Choose a Laptop or a Desktop?“I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.” - Bill GatesSince the invention of the microprocessor, personal electronics have become increasingly popular. When we talk about computers, we can talk about hardware and software. Hardware is the tangible parts of the computer that you touch. Software is the programs that are often saved to the hard disk drive and operate using computer's hardware.So what should you keep in mind when choosing computer hardware?Should you get a laptop or a desktop?Which are the best brands? Which are in your budget?You’ll know by the end of this article! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTop 10 Reasons for Buying a MacThe Apple brand was founded in 1978 and is one of the market leaders in computers, especially when it comes to laptops. Their laptops are powerful, portable, and ergonomic. Either a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro will do the trick.Apple products are very popular. (Source: Pexels)When choosing a Mac, you’ll need to compare products based on your needs. Pay particular attention to:Memory, especially on the MacBook ProThe processor type (it’s a good idea to have an Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7)The OSThe screen qualityThe hard disk drive capacityThe size and weightThere are several different types of Mac including the iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and the M ac Mini.Apple Mac’s are popular for a number of reasons, and not just because they look good but because they’re also powerful. Macbook Pros are a good option for editing video.That’s not all, though. Here are a number of reasons for opting for Apple products:Thanks to cloud computing, you can synchronise all your data and avoid losing it.Mac’s ergonomic and sleek design means it can be used in any workplace.Macs are more secure than PCs. Most viruses are written for Windows, making Macs far safer in this respect.TimeMachine is very useful. Rather than using iCloud, you can use TimeMachine with an external hard disk and find your data easily in just a few clicks.Macs start up quickly and very rarely crash.Macs’ keyboard shortcuts can help improve your productivity.Apple’s preinstalled programs, such as iMovie and Photobooth are good for making videos and photos.Macs are beautiful to look at and to work on.Macs can also run Windows. You can install Windows as an operating system or even use Windows programs like Skype and Office.Macs are modern and always pushing the envelope.In short, Apple Macs are a blend of technical performance and unparalleled design.Top 10 Reasons for Buying a Windows ComputerMicrosoft launched Windows in the 1980s as one of the first operating systems with a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Today, it’s the most common operating system around and is regularly updated. There have been a number of versions over the years.A lot of professionals prefer Windows. (Source: Kleineganz)Some of the more recent versions of Windows are:Windows XPWindows VistaWindows 7Windows 8Windows 8.1Windows 10Did you know that while Microsft sells its own computers, you can get Windows on plenty of other brands including Acer, Asus, and Lenovo?Before you get a laptop computer, you should be aware of a few things about Windows computers.83% of professionals use WindowsComputers using Windows start at around £200.The most recent (and therefore most r egularly updated) version of Windows is Windows 10 (2015).So here are our 10 most important reasons for choosing Windows:Windows has been around a long time and is here to stay. It’s regularly updated with new interfaces and functionality.Professionals prefer Windows and computers operating Windows are common in workplaces.Starting at £119.99 (and often included when buying a new computer), Windows is very affordable.Programmes for Windows can be used on different computers running Windows.Windows file formats are compatible.The cloud. You can get access to OneDrive for free and upgrade it for a cost.The Windows help system is intuitive and interactive.Windows adapts and changes over time.Windows graphics are better for gamers. With Nvidia or AMD graphics cards, you’re set with Windows.For Microsoft Office, there’s nothing better than its native operating system.As you’ve probably noticed, Windows is not only accessible to all budgets, it’s also very useful for personal a nd professional projects.Find our different online IT courses here.How Much Do Computers Cost?Whether you’re buying just the computer or a whole range of accessories, you should keep your budget in mind. In fact, 85% of consumers have a budget in mind when buying computer equipment.If only it was that easy! (Source: stevepb)It’s great that there are so many different brands and ranges on offer.But how much should you spend on computer hardware?It depends what you’re looking for:Basic hardware: Screens, keyboards, mice.Advanced hardware: Towers, components, etc.Practical hardware: printers, scanners, photocopiers.Your budget could be anywhere between £250 and £2500!Before we start talking about price, you should think about what your personal or professional needs are:Working from homeImproving your businessUsing social mediaFun and gamingTypical IT functionality like word-processingTo improve staff productivityYou can compare different models and prices online. Some brands a nd stores also offer promotions when buying PCs, such as including Microsoft Office for free.According to a URSSAF study, 54% of self-employed workers have a computer and 54% of them have both a desktop computer and a laptop.Here’s a quick summary of PC (personal computer) components to give you an idea.What budget have you set for your IT equipment?Should You Choose a Laptop or a Desktop?You need to think about what type of computer system you want to get. In fact, the war between desktops and laptops is still ongoing. However, in recent years, sales of laptops have increased while the sales of desktops have decreased.Of course, you can always put a laptop on a desk! (Source: Free-Photos)However, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Desktops can be upgraded, are flexible, and can be adapted to a number of different uses. They’re also better for gaming. Additionally, there are several types of desktop  computer:Mini PCs. These are good for casual users who just want t o surf the net and don’t want a big tower or computer case cluttering up the room.Traditional Desktops. These include a large number of peripheral devices.All-in-one Desktops. These computers can save you a lot of space because the screen is often a touchscreen and they come with Bluetooth keyboards.When it comes to laptops, you can save a lot of money. You can take laptops anywhere (especially the MacBook Air which only weighs 940g). When it comes to laptops, here are some of the best:MacBook ProSurface ProLenovo ThinkpadChromebookAcer PredatorLenovo YogaAsus TransformerBefore choosing between a desktop and a laptop, you should ask which of the following you need:Basic functions like word processingPhoto or video editing programsA powerful computer with an Intel Core central processing unit (CPU) for games.Professional usability and multitaskingTo make the right choice, you should compare what’s available, keep an eye out for reconditioned computers, and look for the best value for money!Consider each component and whether you need it or not.  For example, while a modem was essential back in the days of dial-up internet, you probably won't need one nowadays but rather a wifi adapter or an ethernet port (to connect directly to your router, which is often faster than a wireless connection). Networking has changed a lot in recent years!If you save large files like videos and photos, you'll probably need a large hard drive. You'll also need to think about different graphic cards or video cards.For those doing a lot of intensive tasks at the same time, you'll need a decent amount of RAM (random access memory) that can be quickly accessed.You might also consider getting a solid state drive (SSD) as a storage device. These work similarly to a flash drive as they have no moving parts. This means it performs better and has better reliability than hard disks with moving parts.If you want to upgrade a desktop, choosing your motherboard (the computer's main circuit b oard) is one of your most important decisions you'll make. Your mainboard will define the maximum amount of RAM you can have, the processors you can use, and how many expansion slots you'll have for future-proofing your computer.Do you struggle with computers?If you need to brush up or learn from scratch, you should have a look at IT tutorials on Superprof - or take your computer skills one step further with coding courses.

Best Professor Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas 25 Top Picks by Teachers -

Best Professor Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas 25 Top Picks by Teachers - Amy W Oct 9, 2018 Its tough to figure out the best professor or teacher Christmas gifts every year for a whole new set of teachers!   Christmas is a time of giving and its also a time of total stress! Whether you are visiting family for the holidays or hosting the festivities, there is always a lot going on. While buying gifts is usually high on the priority list, there are some people that are notoriously harder than others to buy for. Teachers often fall into this category. The good news is that we are here to help. ‘We’ are a bunch of teachers who have an excellent understanding of the best teacher Christmas gift ideas. Trust us, we’ve received them all â€" the good, the bad, and the ugly! So, sit down with a glass of festive mulled wine and check out this years teachers Christmas gifts idea list. Teacher Gift Etiquette First and foremost, remember this â€" teachers don’t expect Christmas gifts! In fact, they don’t expect gifts, period. This alone should take the stress out of gift buying. However, it doesn’t take away from the notion that most people want to buy their child’s teacher a present. Try not to freak out, keep calm and do a little investigative work. Make inquiries about their interests and hobbies, and pay close attention to factors such as what they wear, eat and drink, and what is on their desk. Don’t be afraid to join forces with other parents. This opens up more ideas and helps bring costs down. Finally, a card goes a long way so make sure a hand written one goes with the gift. If time (or money) is tight, a card or note is perfect all on its own. Teacher Gift Card Ideas There is often a preconceived idea that gift cards are a cop-out gift. After all, they don’t require a lot of time and effort do they? Wrong. Well, almost. They don’t require much effort, but they have potential to be incredibly useful and appreciate making them one of the most popular and appreciated of the best teacher gift ideas for any time of year. Check out some of our most loved gift card ideas. Starbucks Not only do teachers love coffee, they love the festive holiday concoctions that Starbucks create every Christmas. Even the smallest of gift cards will help buy multiple drinks and treats! To find great gift cards for shops like Starbucks, check out all your gift card options HERE! Amazon You can buy practically anything on Amazon, so it is guaranteed that your child’s teacher will find something they need or want. Click HERE for some great Teacher and Professor gift ideas! Whole Foods Help your child’s teacher prepare for their own Christmas with a gift card to Whole Foods. They may use it to indulge in food and drink that they wouldn’t ordinarily buy, just what a gift card should do! Local Restaurant Not only does this support local businesses, but it gives teachers the chance to break from monotony, and enjoy a meal out. The holiday break means they have less school preparation to do, so it’s the perfect time to get used. Beauty Salon Whether you buy a gift card for a specific service (a massage is a great idea) or leave it open for choice, this gift gives your child’s teacher some much needed and well deserved ‘me time’.   You can choose a local salon or go online and choose a package from some of the national options. Best Gifts for Female Teachers Hand Cream Teachers’ hands get a total work out! They are constantly washing their hands after art, gym, lunch and, let’s face it, just generally looking after children! A hand cream in a pump bottle is perfect for the their desk, or a small tube to live in the top drawer is equally appreciated.   What we love about this gift is that there is something for everyone in this collection. Bath Treats Your child’s teacher will be exhausted by the time Christmas break rolls around. Bath bombs, bath salts and bubble bath make for a relaxing bath time. For something a little different, check out this bathtub tray.     Find more cute cheap teacher gift ideas HERE! Winter Accessories Think scarves, gloves and hats. They keep us warm and cozy and can be worn over and over again. Go for something plain and long lasting, or pay homage to the festive season with a Christmas-themed number. Smart Jewelry Bellabeat make great jewelry pieces that track and monitor health, sleep and activity. They are beautifully made and complement any outfit. They are a little on the pricey side, so it will require some parental teamwork, but your child’s teacher will receive one very useful and practical gift! Toolkit Sometimes waiting for school maintenance can take forever! Give a teachers the tools (quite literally) to take matters into their own hands. This pink toolkit fits easily in a desk drawer ready for use at a moment’s notice! Best Gifts for Male Teachers Socks These aren’t just reserved for dads and grandads. Men love socks. Teachers are fun-loving people who enjoy sharing the festive season with their class. Find some fun Christmas socks like these to help spice up any teacher outfit. Portable Speakers Whether they are used to play Christmas tunes at home, or create a surround-sound experience in their classroom, teachers will make good use of easy-to-carry speakers any time of the year.   And these are a gift that will last long after the holiday season is past. Docking Station Men’s pockets fill up during the day. One of these docking stations are perfect for home or their school desk, to place all their little bits and pieces so they don’t get lost! Serving Dishes For the entertaining teacher! Christmas themed serving plates and bowls are wonderful for this time of year. Or opt for something a little more year-round practical like this divided dish to keep the crackers away from the dip!   A favorite of mine is to give a fun or holiday themed dish or bowl with some baked good orf candy in it.   A BIG hit that doesnt have to cost much or take much time. Credit Card Multi Tool This is a new twist on the traditional Swiss Army Knife. Designed to fit in a pocket or wallet, this multi tool can go everywhere the handy teacher goes!   And it definitely will be an item that starts some conversations amongst the teachers as well with its cool look and multi-uses. Food Gift Ideas Chocolate It’s definitely a little cliché, but teachers love chocolate! It’s easy to buy, just don’t buy the ultra cheap stuff. Go for a mid to high-end range. Think quality over quantity.   So you can go with a local store or weve discovered a couple of fun options to consider as well!   Check HERE for fun gift boxes of retro candies and other fun items or check these guys out for their awesome teacher gift subscriptions. Homemade Christmas Cake or Other Baked Goods Or any other festive treat. These are the best inexpensive Christmas gifts for teachers. The best thing about this idea is that you can make a big batch and divide it up between several teachers. It’s perfect for parents that have multiple children, or when your child has multiple teachers. Plus teachers love the homemade effort. Something to Drink Alcohol is the first thought that comes to mind here. Many teachers love a glass of wine, a bottle of craft beer, or some festive bubbles. Minimal thought is required, but we love it anyway! There are also plenty of non-alcoholic options too â€" elderflower cordial and other similar drinks are delicious!   Its an easy and quick way to say thank you to your teachers any time of year.   One of our favorites are wine club gifts!   And Wine of the Month Club which you can find HERE is the most affordable and gets raves from Consumer Reports.com, Forbes magazine as well as Food Beverage magazine plus their pricing is great! Gift Baskets Teachers also have the holiday stress of entertaining family and friends. A basket filled with delicious food and drink, as well as seasonal accessories such as napkins and Christmas crackers, make a practical and loved gift. You can buy ready-made gift baskets and boxes, or team up with some other parents to make a teacher gift basket that specifically suits your teachers’ tastes, making them one of the best teacher Christmas gift ideas.   This is truly an all time favorite for teachers.   Its something that they can share both at home and at work and it[s definitely something that helps fill that mid-day lull when an energy boost is needed.   For some fun and affordable options check out this collection! Gourmet Coffee Kit Staff room instant or filter coffee gets tiresome. We drink it because we need it. But what we need even more is our very own gourmet coffee kit. Try buying a single-serve sized press such as those from American Press or like these weve discovered, and some gourmet coffee â€" we will love you for it!   One of our favorite coffees to share is Hawaiian coffee brand! This is one we discovered when we were visiting: 100% Kona Coffee Gourmet Coffee from Hawaii So delicious   plus just imagining being in Hawaii some days makes everything easier. ?? Other Gift Ideas Art Supplies Teachers all over the country fork out hundreds of their own dollars buying art and craft supplies for their class. They do this out of pure love for the learning of their students, but an extra helping hand goes a long way. You can buy markers, colored card, paint brushes, pencils, and more individually, or team up with some other parents and put together an art and craft hamper! Your child’s teacher will appreciate it and your child will also benefit â€" it’s a win-win! Something Personalized Having a gift personalized turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Pens, notebooks, stationary and pencil cases are all easy to get personalized.  Organizational Gifts Teachers are organized beings, it’s in our nature. Which means we can’t get enough of gifts that help us do this. Steer clear of things like diaries, journals and calendars, we have plenty of these. Instead check out drawer organizer, bags, purses and wallets. We loved these whiteboard storage pockets as well as these cool Dr Seuss like hand pointers as fun little gifts to give to teachers. KeepCup Teachers love coffee, but they already have a million coffee mugs. What they probably don’t have is a KeepCup. They are great for the environment â€" no more throw away take away cups, and the lid means there is no risk of spilling a hot drink all over children (or their work). Subject Specific Gifts Look for gifts that reflect a teacher’s favorite subject. They may often seem silly, but trust us, teachers love these quirky, fun gifts as they show how well you know us!     For example these science scarves are an all time favorite gift for science teachers!   My sons chemistry teacher still comments on how much she loves hers!   And there are other subjects available as well. By now you are feeling much more confident when it comes to what to give teachers for Christmas or at the end of the school year.   Whether you need a gift for a male teacher or female teacher, you are sure to find the perfect idea here.   We have done the hard work for you, all you have to do is get shopping!

Tips on How to Praise Correctly

Tips on How to Praise Correctly Most school teachers, tutors and parents agree on the importance of praising children. Praise can be an immensely important motivator driving a child’s performance, whether the goal be a passing a common entrance exam, good GCSEs, or just encouraging children to develop their talents and fulfil their potential. But are we giving the right sort of praise? One of our tutors, Stephanie S, is an Educational and Child Psychologist. She explains how to use praise in the best way. The importance of praise is now an old phenomenon; the notion has been around long enough for people to be  sceptical  about its benefits. It seems  that we are beginning to underestimate its value and some even think it be may detrimental - I regularly get asked questions along the lines of: “But won’t praising my children spoil them or fill them with false hopes?” From previous research we know that praising children for their efforts rather than their inherent traits has a positive impact on their all-round development (Kamins and Dweck, 1999; Mueller Dweck, 1998). What this means is that we should praise children using “process praise” â€" i.e. focusing on their efforts, actions and strategies to completing a task, rather than our view of an inherent ability (“you’re so smart”, “you are good”) that helped them complete it. This idea is backed by a new study by Carol Dweck and Elizabeth Gunderson, who monitored how parents praise their young children in real-life situations, and to note the impact of this on children 5 years later. The key finding was that the more parents praised pre-school children for effort (known as process praise, as in “good job”), the more likely it was that those children had an “incremental attitude” towards intelligence. For example, such children tended to agree that people can get smarter if they try harder, and disagree with the idea that a naughty child will always be naughty. From other research we know that such a mind-set has a positive impact on a child’s life and academic success. So how should we praise a child? “You found a good way to do that!” “You worked really hard at that!” as opposed to “you are so smart” “That was some really good addition” “Very nice handwriting” as opposed to “you have neat handwriting” “You did a good job drawing” as opposed to “you are a good drawer” “Good job counting” as opposed to “you’re a good counter” “You’re trying your best” as opposed to “good boy” What if they make a mess of the end product, and there is nothing to praise? Well… is there really nothing to praise?? If you do some really good detective work there will be at least 1 action the child did well, even if it was only standing up! Click here to view Stephanie’s profile page and find out more about her. _________________________________ Cimpian, A., Arce, H., Markman, E. M., Dweck, C. S. (2007). Subtle linguistic cues impact children’s motivation.  Psychological Science, 18, 314â€"316. Kamins, M., Dweck, C. S. (1999). Person vs. process praise and criticism: Implications for contingent self-worth and coping.  Developmental Psychology, 35, 835â€"847. Mueller, C. M., Dweck, C. S. (1998). Intelligence praise can undermine motivation and performance.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 33â€"52. Gunderson EA, Gripshover SJ, Romero C, Dweck CS, Goldin-Meadow S, and Levine SC (2013). Parent Praise to 1- to 3-Year-Olds Predicts Children’s Motivational Frameworks 5  Years Later. Child development, 84 (5), 1526-41 PMID: 23397904 http://bps-research-digest.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=praise Post written by Christian Jarrett (@psych_writer) for the BPS Research Digest. Illustration from  dad.menshealth.com  -CC-by

Mistakes Make the Student

Mistakes Make the Student Mistakes Make the Student Mistakes Indicate Future Success, Not Failure “Click!” You realize your mistake as soon as you hit send. The funny cat video you meant to forward to your friend was just emailed to the entire company, CEO and all. We’ve all made the “reply all”  mistake.   But chances are, you never did the same thing again. This is because making mistakes is a key part of the learning process. Huge blunders like emailing the entire company will stick in your mind for a long time. But even minor errors can have a big impact on how youâ€"and your childrenâ€"learn. Research Shows Mistakes Help, Don’t Hurt Educators used to believe that making mistakes hurt students’ learning. They thought  if a student learned to do something the wrong way, it would become fixed in their brain and they’d always make the same mistake. The opposite, in fact, was true. Several studies have shown that making errors during the learning process, and correcting those errors, leads to  better understanding and recall. In 1994, researchers conducted a landmark study comparing the US education system to Japan’s. The study found that American teachers praised students for correct answers and ignored incorrect responses. They would not discuss why the correct answer was right or the incorrect answer was wrong. Conversely, Japanese teachers would ask students to find an answer on their own. They would then discuss the different answers. Students would learn why an incorrect answer was wrong and a correct answer was right. This reflection and reinforcement would lead to much better recall. Letting students make mistakes and learn from them was found to be a key reason  Japanese students outperformed Americans on global math tests. The Power of a Growth Mindset The value of making mistakes is also clear when comparing students with growth mindsets to those with fixed mindsets. Stanford Professor Carol Dweck has done substantial research on the impact of growth mindsets. People with a growth mindset understand that intelligence is not set at birth, and they can work to improve. Those with a fixed mindset believe you’re either born smart or you’re not.  The theory is backed  by the science of neuroplasticity  and proven with significant research. Students with a growth mindset perform better throughout the course of their studies, even if they tested lower than their fixed mindset peers when they were younger. Students with growth mindsets view mistakes as learning opportunities.  A study comparing how kids with different mindsets play video games showed the difference. After making mistakes, students with a growth mindset performed better, with higher accuracy rates. Fixed-minded students did not show the same improvements. Classroom studies showed similar results. Instead of viewing mistakes as embarrassing, growth-minded students learn from them. Frame mistakes as  opportunities, and your children will see the benefits! Mistakes in Kumon Mistakes are an important part of the Kumon Program. In Kumon, students aren’t taught. Instead, they learn for themselves through carefully designed worksheets. Students follow directions and study examples to grasp new concepts. Errors come with the territory. Few kids can get long division or algebraic expressions  right on the first try! Instructors pay close attention to how students correct their mistakes. They then use that to lesson plan and assign work. Take Joey, for example. Joey sees subtraction for the first time in class. He gets every answer wrong on the first page. When he gets his worksheets back, he realizes he added instead of subtracted. He figures out his mistake and can correct it right away. It’s clear that Joey understood the concept and may not need much repetition to progress. While Kumon Students ultimately work towards mastery, the goal is not to receive a 100% on the first try. Learning from their mistakes is more important than perfection. In fact, it tells us a lot about the student and their motivation. Not every mistake is as traumatizing as the dreaded “reply all.” But every error is an opportunity to improve and learn. The next time your child makes a mistake, don’t get mad! Praise them for correcting and learning from it. You’ll be amazed at how impactful it can be! You might also be interested in: Motivating Children by Developing a Growth Mindset Neuro-what? Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter. The SAT, Redesigned Defying Age Limits: How One Student Conquered the Stage and Academics Mistakes Make the Student Mistakes Make the Student Mistakes Indicate Future Success, Not Failure “Click!” You realize your mistake as soon as you hit send. The funny cat video you meant to forward to your friend was just emailed to the entire company, CEO and all. We’ve all made the “reply all”  mistake.   But chances are, you never did the same thing again. This is because making mistakes is a key part of the learning process. Huge blunders like emailing the entire company will stick in your mind for a long time. But even minor errors can have a big impact on how youâ€"and your childrenâ€"learn. Research Shows Mistakes Help, Don’t Hurt Educators used to believe that making mistakes hurt students’ learning. They thought  if a student learned to do something the wrong way, it would become fixed in their brain and they’d always make the same mistake. The opposite, in fact, was true. Several studies have shown that making errors during the learning process, and correcting those errors, leads to  better understanding and recall. In 1994, researchers conducted a landmark study comparing the US education system to Japan’s. The study found that American teachers praised students for correct answers and ignored incorrect responses. They would not discuss why the correct answer was right or the incorrect answer was wrong. Conversely, Japanese teachers would ask students to find an answer on their own. They would then discuss the different answers. Students would learn why an incorrect answer was wrong and a correct answer was right. This reflection and reinforcement would lead to much better recall. Letting students make mistakes and learn from them was found to be a key reason  Japanese students outperformed Americans on global math tests. The Power of a Growth Mindset The value of making mistakes is also clear when comparing students with growth mindsets to those with fixed mindsets. Stanford Professor Carol Dweck has done substantial research on the impact of growth mindsets. People with a growth mindset understand that intelligence is not set at birth, and they can work to improve. Those with a fixed mindset believe you’re either born smart or you’re not.  The theory is backed  by the science of neuroplasticity  and proven with significant research. Students with a growth mindset perform better throughout the course of their studies, even if they tested lower than their fixed mindset peers when they were younger. Students with growth mindsets view mistakes as learning opportunities.  A study comparing how kids with different mindsets play video games showed the difference. After making mistakes, students with a growth mindset performed better, with higher accuracy rates. Fixed-minded students did not show the same improvements. Classroom studies showed similar results. Instead of viewing mistakes as embarrassing, growth-minded students learn from them. Frame mistakes as  opportunities, and your children will see the benefits! Mistakes in Kumon Mistakes are an important part of the Kumon Program. In Kumon, students aren’t taught. Instead, they learn for themselves through carefully designed worksheets. Students follow directions and study examples to grasp new concepts. Errors come with the territory. Few kids can get long division or algebraic expressions  right on the first try! Instructors pay close attention to how students correct their mistakes. They then use that to lesson plan and assign work. Take Joey, for example. Joey sees subtraction for the first time in class. He gets every answer wrong on the first page. When he gets his worksheets back, he realizes he added instead of subtracted. He figures out his mistake and can correct it right away. It’s clear that Joey understood the concept and may not need much repetition to progress. While Kumon Students ultimately work towards mastery, the goal is not to receive a 100% on the first try. Learning from their mistakes is more important than perfection. In fact, it tells us a lot about the student and their motivation. Not every mistake is as traumatizing as the dreaded “reply all.” But every error is an opportunity to improve and learn. The next time your child makes a mistake, don’t get mad! Praise them for correcting and learning from it. You’ll be amazed at how impactful it can be! You might also be interested in: Motivating Children by Developing a Growth Mindset Neuro-what? Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter. The SAT, Redesigned Defying Age Limits: How One Student Conquered the Stage and Academics

Weve made the Public Video Pledge for the 2014 italki World Cup Language Challenge!

Weve made the Public Video Pledge for the 2014 italki World Cup Language Challenge! Were Doing it!  So Should You! If youre taking the Langauge Challenge and really want to succeed, were giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!   Why would you ever want to do this? (Click here for more details)   Please take some time to motivate and encourage our Public Video Pledge Challengers  by commenting on their Notebook entrees! Lindsaydoeslanguages from England Lindsay is a veteran italki Challenge winner.  Shes a Polyglot and well known blogger and vlogger on her popular Language Learning website Lindsaydoeslanguages.com.  Shes going to be blogging about her experiences tackling Portuguese throughout the Challenge.  Send her some words of encouragement on her  Notebook entry! Lindsay also thinks that England will win the World Cup! Kobinata Reiko from Japan This is Kobinatas 3rd italki Challenge! She has committed to learn English and Chinese and will be taking 25 hours worth of lessons in both these languages! She is also one of our most beloved Japanese Community Tutors. We received a great Testimonial Story about her from Alisa, who is learning Japanese on italki.  Her Public Video pledge is below.    Please comment on her Notebook entry! As Kobinata hails from Japan, we have a strong feeling she wants Japan to win the World Cup! Søren (aka Koko the Polyglot)   from the United States Søren is also a Language Challenge veteran.  He took the last Challenge where he came oh so close to reaching his goal but just sputtered towards the end.  It just goes to show you that even the most talented language learners have trouble staying motivated.  Hes determined to finish this Challenge though as he was one of the first Challengers to submit the Public Video Pledge!  Now the whole world will be watching and cheering him on.  Søren will be learning Catalan.  You can follow his progress on his language learning blog site Kokothepolyglot.net.    Send him words of encouragement in his Notebook entry. Søren predicts that its Denmark or Sweden winning the World Cup!  Lets see if hes right! Vero from Italy Vero, who is also one of our Professional Teachers teaching Italian and Spanish is taking the Challange to learn French! Shes already got a good foundation but hopes that the Challenge will take her French ability to the next level. Read her notebook entry here and leave some words of encouragement! Vero, who is Italian, wants Italy to win the World Cup. Andy from England Andy is learning French for the Language Challenge. In his own words, while its very straightforward for me to practice reading and writing, the speaking and listening aspect is much more difficult. Im still translating a lot in my head, things arent coming to me and flowing as naturally as they would, so i think a nice intensive period doing lessons is really going to help! This is exactly why we run the challenge! Leave some comments on Andys notebook entry here. Yet another Challenger from England.  Yet another Challenger rooting for the British National Team! Rachel Boyce from England This is a great Public Pledge from Rachel who just happens to be one of our Professional Teachers teaching English. She is taking the Challenge to kickstart her Russian which as you can tell from her Public Pledge is starting from the beginning! Give her some love by commenting on her Notebook Entry! Its not very hard to guess what team Rachel wants to win the World Cup?  Just look where she is from (even though shes living in Italy) Rob from the United States Rob, who is fluent in Sign Language, struggles with learning new spoken languages.  As hes making a move to Mexico, hes determined to learn Spanish from scratch!  He made a great Public Video Pledge video where explains his motivations to learn this and his commitment to succeed.  Please send some words of encouragement in his notebook entry. Rob predicts the host of the World Cup Brazil to take home the trophy! JasmineEnglishTime   from the United States JasmineEnglishTime is one of our Community Tutors who teaches English and has signed up for the Language Challenge to improve her Mandarin.  She already has a strong foundation in Mandarin (as you can see/hear from the below video) but she wants to take it to the next level and even pass the HSK4 exam as one of reasons for taking the Challenge.  Give her some support by commenting on her Notebook post here. JasmineEnglishTime doesnt mention anything about the World Cup but were assuming shes rooting for the United States! Chad   from the United States Chad is a college student who is majoring in Chinese so he actually speaks quite fluently already (check out his pledge!). Hes mainly taking the Challenge to push his Mandarin ability to the next level. He specifically wants to improve his fluency and grammar and expand his vocabulary.  Give him some support by commenting on her Notebook post here. nuriayasmin   from the Germany nuriayasmin is actually a Professional German Teacher who has taught over 1400+ hours on italki! To put things in perspective thats 60 days or 2 months of taught language lessons However, shes actually the Challenge to learn both Spanish and Hungarian! Show her some support by commenting on her Notebook post here. nuriayasmin really doesnt care for the World Cup but if she were to root for a team it would be Spain! Victor   from the Dominican Replublic Victor represents our South American contingent for the World Cup Language Challenge. Victor is committing to to 3 English lessons a week to finish the Challenge and wants to improve his English skills. He wants to focus on his fluency and also his confidence in speaking. He sounds pretty good already but theres always room for improvement (judge for himself).  Give him some support by commenting on his Notebook post here. When asked who he thinks will win the World Cup, Victor is very confident and gives a resounding Go Italy! to support his favorite team! Fermin   from Mexico Fermin is one of our Language Challenge veterans who participated in our last Challenge. Hes back again and is now focused on learning Mandarin for the World Cup Language Challenge. Fermin is also one of our Community Tutors teaching Spanish.    Send him words of encouragement in his Notebook entry. Fermin wants Mexico to win the World Cup! Leigh Davis   from Northern Ireland Leigh is already very fluent in Spanish (check out his video below) but he really wants to take it to the next level!  He also will be visiting Spain to test his Spanish.  Please wish him good luck by commenting on his Notebook entry. Leigh did not tell us who he wants to win the World Cup but we feel its probably Ireland! Massimo Grazzi   from Italy Massimo, who is also one of our Professional Teachers loves to teach Italian language and culture, but this time he wants to refresh his Russian! He seems really determined to complete 25 hours to finish the Challenge! We are all confident he will make it! Lets support him by commenting on his Notebook entry. Obviously, Massimo wants Italy  to win the World Cup! Fabricio Carraro   from Brazil Fabricio  is from Brazil and he loves languages. His passion is Italian, but for our  World Cup Language Challenge he wants to focus on improving his Japanese. Fabricio  is committing 3 to 4 Japanese lessons a week to finish the Challenge.  Give him some support on his Notebook entry. As we all expected, Fabricio wants Brazil to win the World Cup! Sandrah   from the United States Sandrah is a student living in California. She is really excited about our World Cup Language Challenge and she wants to learn French. She will be taking 2 to 3 lessons a week with a French tutor. She hopes that at the end of the Challenge she will be able to speak some actual French! Read her Notebook entry and leave some words of encouragement. Sandrah wants Spain to win the World Cup, but her second favorites are Brazil, Italy, and Germany! Fabio   from Spain Fabio is taking the Challenge to learn English and has committed to taking 25 hours of language lessons in 2 months.  Give him some support by commenting on his Notebook post here. Fabio feels that Spain will repeat as World Cup Champions! FutureSpy   from Brazil FutureSpy can speak Portuguese, Catalan, Spanish, and Japanese. This time he took our World Cup Language Challenge to improve his skills in French. It seems he already has a very strong foundation in French (as you can hear from the video below), but he wants to become more confident with this language. Lets wish him good luck by leaving some comments on his Notebook post here. FutureSpy didt say who he wants to win the World Cup, but we think its probably Brazil! Adri   from the United States Adri is learning Japanese and she is tanking the World Cup Language Challenge to learn more about grammar, vocabulary, and sentences structure. Please send her some comments of encouragement in her Notebook post here. Adri will support the USA team during the World Cup! Even though the Challenge has already started, you still have time to make a Public Video Pledge. Dont forget we’re giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!!! Weve made the Public Video Pledge for the 2014 italki World Cup Language Challenge! Were Doing it!  So Should You! If youre taking the Langauge Challenge and really want to succeed, were giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!   Why would you ever want to do this? (Click here for more details)   Please take some time to motivate and encourage our Public Video Pledge Challengers  by commenting on their Notebook entrees! Lindsaydoeslanguages from England Lindsay is a veteran italki Challenge winner.  Shes a Polyglot and well known blogger and vlogger on her popular Language Learning website Lindsaydoeslanguages.com.  Shes going to be blogging about her experiences tackling Portuguese throughout the Challenge.  Send her some words of encouragement on her  Notebook entry! Lindsay also thinks that England will win the World Cup! Kobinata Reiko from Japan This is Kobinatas 3rd italki Challenge! She has committed to learn English and Chinese and will be taking 25 hours worth of lessons in both these languages! She is also one of our most beloved Japanese Community Tutors. We received a great Testimonial Story about her from Alisa, who is learning Japanese on italki.  Her Public Video pledge is below.    Please comment on her Notebook entry! As Kobinata hails from Japan, we have a strong feeling she wants Japan to win the World Cup! Søren (aka Koko the Polyglot)   from the United States Søren is also a Language Challenge veteran.  He took the last Challenge where he came oh so close to reaching his goal but just sputtered towards the end.  It just goes to show you that even the most talented language learners have trouble staying motivated.  Hes determined to finish this Challenge though as he was one of the first Challengers to submit the Public Video Pledge!  Now the whole world will be watching and cheering him on.  Søren will be learning Catalan.  You can follow his progress on his language learning blog site Kokothepolyglot.net.    Send him words of encouragement in his Notebook entry. Søren predicts that its Denmark or Sweden winning the World Cup!  Lets see if hes right! Vero from Italy Vero, who is also one of our Professional Teachers teaching Italian and Spanish is taking the Challange to learn French! Shes already got a good foundation but hopes that the Challenge will take her French ability to the next level. Read her notebook entry here and leave some words of encouragement! Vero, who is Italian, wants Italy to win the World Cup. Andy from England Andy is learning French for the Language Challenge. In his own words, while its very straightforward for me to practice reading and writing, the speaking and listening aspect is much more difficult. Im still translating a lot in my head, things arent coming to me and flowing as naturally as they would, so i think a nice intensive period doing lessons is really going to help! This is exactly why we run the challenge! Leave some comments on Andys notebook entry here. Yet another Challenger from England.  Yet another Challenger rooting for the British National Team! Rachel Boyce from England This is a great Public Pledge from Rachel who just happens to be one of our Professional Teachers teaching English. She is taking the Challenge to kickstart her Russian which as you can tell from her Public Pledge is starting from the beginning! Give her some love by commenting on her Notebook Entry! Its not very hard to guess what team Rachel wants to win the World Cup?  Just look where she is from (even though shes living in Italy) Rob from the United States Rob, who is fluent in Sign Language, struggles with learning new spoken languages.  As hes making a move to Mexico, hes determined to learn Spanish from scratch!  He made a great Public Video Pledge video where explains his motivations to learn this and his commitment to succeed.  Please send some words of encouragement in his notebook entry. Rob predicts the host of the World Cup Brazil to take home the trophy! JasmineEnglishTime   from the United States JasmineEnglishTime is one of our Community Tutors who teaches English and has signed up for the Language Challenge to improve her Mandarin.  She already has a strong foundation in Mandarin (as you can see/hear from the below video) but she wants to take it to the next level and even pass the HSK4 exam as one of reasons for taking the Challenge.  Give her some support by commenting on her Notebook post here. JasmineEnglishTime doesnt mention anything about the World Cup but were assuming shes rooting for the United States! Chad   from the United States Chad is a college student who is majoring in Chinese so he actually speaks quite fluently already (check out his pledge!). Hes mainly taking the Challenge to push his Mandarin ability to the next level. He specifically wants to improve his fluency and grammar and expand his vocabulary.  Give him some support by commenting on her Notebook post here. nuriayasmin   from the Germany nuriayasmin is actually a Professional German Teacher who has taught over 1400+ hours on italki! To put things in perspective thats 60 days or 2 months of taught language lessons However, shes actually the Challenge to learn both Spanish and Hungarian! Show her some support by commenting on her Notebook post here. nuriayasmin really doesnt care for the World Cup but if she were to root for a team it would be Spain! Victor   from the Dominican Replublic Victor represents our South American contingent for the World Cup Language Challenge. Victor is committing to to 3 English lessons a week to finish the Challenge and wants to improve his English skills. He wants to focus on his fluency and also his confidence in speaking. He sounds pretty good already but theres always room for improvement (judge for himself).  Give him some support by commenting on his Notebook post here. When asked who he thinks will win the World Cup, Victor is very confident and gives a resounding Go Italy! to support his favorite team! Fermin   from Mexico Fermin is one of our Language Challenge veterans who participated in our last Challenge. Hes back again and is now focused on learning Mandarin for the World Cup Language Challenge. Fermin is also one of our Community Tutors teaching Spanish.    Send him words of encouragement in his Notebook entry. Fermin wants Mexico to win the World Cup! Leigh Davis   from Northern Ireland Leigh is already very fluent in Spanish (check out his video below) but he really wants to take it to the next level!  He also will be visiting Spain to test his Spanish.  Please wish him good luck by commenting on his Notebook entry. Leigh did not tell us who he wants to win the World Cup but we feel its probably Ireland! Massimo Grazzi   from Italy Massimo, who is also one of our Professional Teachers loves to teach Italian language and culture, but this time he wants to refresh his Russian! He seems really determined to complete 25 hours to finish the Challenge! We are all confident he will make it! Lets support him by commenting on his Notebook entry. Obviously, Massimo wants Italy  to win the World Cup! Fabricio Carraro   from Brazil Fabricio  is from Brazil and he loves languages. His passion is Italian, but for our  World Cup Language Challenge he wants to focus on improving his Japanese. Fabricio  is committing 3 to 4 Japanese lessons a week to finish the Challenge.  Give him some support on his Notebook entry. As we all expected, Fabricio wants Brazil to win the World Cup! Sandrah   from the United States Sandrah is a student living in California. She is really excited about our World Cup Language Challenge and she wants to learn French. She will be taking 2 to 3 lessons a week with a French tutor. She hopes that at the end of the Challenge she will be able to speak some actual French! Read her Notebook entry and leave some words of encouragement. Sandrah wants Spain to win the World Cup, but her second favorites are Brazil, Italy, and Germany! Fabio   from Spain Fabio is taking the Challenge to learn English and has committed to taking 25 hours of language lessons in 2 months.  Give him some support by commenting on his Notebook post here. Fabio feels that Spain will repeat as World Cup Champions! FutureSpy   from Brazil FutureSpy can speak Portuguese, Catalan, Spanish, and Japanese. This time he took our World Cup Language Challenge to improve his skills in French. It seems he already has a very strong foundation in French (as you can hear from the video below), but he wants to become more confident with this language. Lets wish him good luck by leaving some comments on his Notebook post here. FutureSpy didt say who he wants to win the World Cup, but we think its probably Brazil! Adri   from the United States Adri is learning Japanese and she is tanking the World Cup Language Challenge to learn more about grammar, vocabulary, and sentences structure. Please send her some comments of encouragement in her Notebook post here. Adri will support the USA team during the World Cup! Even though the Challenge has already started, you still have time to make a Public Video Pledge. Dont forget we’re giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!!!