Archive for June, 2011
Sensory Input – The First Step in Learning
We can use the computer as an example of how we learn. Computer hardware is essentially useless without input or software. Computer programmers use special code to input that information. Babies begin receiving input from the moment of conception – some of that input is genetic and much is environmental. Those of us who are interested in the process of learning must remember that Sensory Input is the first step in learning. To unlock learning potential, one must discover whether the brain is receiving useful information.
While the two main learning senses are visual and auditory, the other three senses can affect how one learns. To determine what the cause of a learning problem is we must look at each of the senses to see if there is a problem with how the brain receives information. Often this requires consultation with medical professionals. For example, rule out visual acuity problems by seeing the eye doctor before seeing a learning specialist. Or rule out hearing acuity problems by seeing the ear doctor before assuming there is a learning problem. Listed below are some areas that affect learning:
Eyes
* Acuity (seeing well enough)
* Convergence (the eyes working together)
* Enhanced peripheral vision (seeing too much from the sides of the visual field)
* Underdeveloped central / detail vision (not seeing enough of what is right in front of you)
* Horizontal and vertical tracking
* Various other eye sensitivities.
Ears
* Acuity (hearing well enough)
* Hypersensitivity to sound – responses may be either to shut down for self- protection or screaming or distraction
* Tinnitus (ringing or sounds in the ear) and
* Ear fluid – causing an inconsistency in the quality of the input)
Creative Writing Tips and Techniques
An original writer is appreciated centuries after centuries. They become role models and creators of masterpieces that define literary culture. The perfect blend of words, harmony in thought and an accurate creation of the mental picture just as the author perceived it, defines the identity of a creative genius. These works of art are appreciated by readers of all ages and become a benchmark for future writers.
Most of us have a favorite author who has influenced us in such a way that we would do anything to become like them. Getting influenced is a positive way to start a writing career. However, the emulation has to stop when it is border lining plagiarism.
The ideal way to emulate the writers you admire is to write clearly and precisely. There are several online writing courses and workshops that will improve your writing skills.
It is essential to take up creative writing lessons as they help to broaden your vocabulary and command over the language. Texting jargons and short forms cannot be used when writing for a larger audience. Grammatical and punctuation errors are key factors that can bring down any story idea.
Understand the genre, writing style of your admired writer. Whether the setting is a romantic one or the theme is based on the end of an era. These basic details will help you to base the setting of your novel.
Next, pay attention how the characters are introduced and learn to develop them. Make sure they become an integral part of your storyline. Everything is dependent on the thought behind the story. Ways to entice the reader to move on to the next page and get him addicted to your writing style is what should be the ultimate goal.
Tips for Selecting a Good Tender Writer
A good tender letter is very important to get hold of a contract. Getting contracts is the main method of expanding businesses these days. Many companies across the globe don’t get contracts even after having world class infrastructure and having all that is required to take up the contract. What goes wrong on their part is the tender letter they attach to their application when applying for a contract. There’ a communication gap between you and the client if you don’t submit a good tender letter. You need to show your competence in the tender letter if you want to get the contract. The client never assumes things. You need to convince them.
That’s where the need for a good Tender writer arises. Majority of firms neglect the need of a separate dedicated tender writer and get the tender written from someone in the company itself. One shouldn’t do the mistake of getting the tender letter made by an inexperienced person. When you hire a tender writer or get the tender made by some tender writing services, you are assured of proper research about the client, the contract and its requirements. No one can boast of 100 per cent success rate. If someone does that, he’s selling himself on basis of a lie. Remember every company that’s going to bid for the tender will make sure that their tender stands out among the others; hence it becomes very important to get the tender made by someone who is a pro in this business.
Be it a separate tender writer or a tender writing service, following are some of the points you should keep in mind before selecting the tender writer for your contract.
Online Colleges and Five Tips for Choosing a Great Online Degree Program
It is important when deciding where to pursue your online degree that you consider the reputation of the school in question. The institution from which you receive your degree plays a huge role in how possible employers view you and whether they consider you a qualified candidate. It can be much more convenient to get your degree online than at a traditional campus, but it may not be worth it if employers will not consider the degree of the same value as a traditional one.
There a few factors to keep in mind that will make you more likely to find a school that will be accepted by employers. Firstly, make sure that the institution is accredited, or it will not be taken seriously. Another important thing to consider is the program’s relevance to your profession. Does the degree sound like something that would be an asset to someone with the position you desire.
Here are some more factors to consider when choosing an online school:
1. Choose a school that does not say “online” in its name. While you don’t want to give false information to a potential employer, words like “online” can seem to mean “not real,” which reflects poorly on you.
2. Choose a school with a traditional campus. There are two types of institutions from which you can obtain an online degree. Some are strictly online, while others are “normal” universities that happen to offer online classes. Since many traditional students take an occasional online course, your degree will seem more legitimate.
3. Do your research. Don’t be afraid to search the internet for what people have to say about the school you are considering. If you find complaints about a school’s degrees not being accepted, you should look into a different one.
A Teacher’s Ramblings: This is Why I Teach
In his speech A Call to Teaching, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, “Put plain and simple, this country needs an army of great teachers…I think that teaching should be one of our most revered professions.”
Sadly, in American society that is demonstrably not the case. Teachers get little consideration. Teaching pays much less than other professions requiring similar levels of preparation. So why WOULD a sane and intelligent person become a teacher?
I ‘wandered’ into the profession, I suppose. While attending graduate school, I got the chance to teach courses at a local college night school program. The money was an effective enticement, to be sure, but WOW – what a heady experience! There I was, two nights a week, showing off what I knew and how well I could plan and deliver a lecture. When I look back, I realize I probably wasn’t a great teacher, but the unshakable certainty of success in me infected my very motivated class, and, by some LUCK, they learned!
I taught in that program for eight years. I did, finally, develop some teaching skill, but, more importantly, I never lost my pure delight in the process!
I had several decades in teaching and curriculum development behind me when I decided to become a High School teacher. Some thoughts I’d had a bit earlier of ‘getting into the system’ plotted together with ‘if not me, then who?’, gave me a SHOVE off that ivory tower, and morphed me into a High School English Teacher.
Hundreds of books and dozens of movies illustrate the grim realities of public education: not enough student motivation, not enough resources of any kind, not enough support from administration, not enough family involvement, not enough respect, not enough time, and not enough energy! It’s all true, I can tell you.