http://www.populate.net/ Articles at Populate.NET en-us http://www.populate.net/Science/studying-for-a-content-test.html http://www.populate.net/Science/studying-for-a-content-test.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:22:35 -0800
There are six basic types of reading content questions. If you familiarize yourself with this style of questioning ahead of time it can save you loads of time when taking a content test, because you can pick apart the content question, find the important sections of the passage, and focus your answers. The six most popular reading content questions are:
-What is the central idea? (Write the main theme of the passage or the major significance of the content.)
-Write a detailed description (these questions are looking for explicit details and facts)
-Draw a conclusion (describe in paragraph form the specific meaning of the content)
-Describe the tone (write the state of emotions the writer of the piece was intending to portray)
-Define the context (define a specific work in relation to the context of the passage)
-Write the technique (write what style of writing was used in the passage)

When you are first scanning your test, treat a content question like you do a short answer question, start with the familiar ones. Concentrate on content passages that you know, and go back to those harder questions after. Your test nerves will have settled a bit, and you can battle those harder questions with more confidence once you've got the bulk of the test under your belt.

Don't start answering a content test question until you've read through the entire section. Your goal in a content test is to write a lengthy response covering the context of the question. And this becomes confusing if you start writing before you've finished reading the whole passage. So put your pencil down and read the whole passage. Those few minutes will be worth the time spent, because you'll have a better grasp on question's content and can write a more efficient essay answer.

Keep in mind, that if a content question asks you to pick a title for a specific passage, the best answer is always the one relaying the main theme of the passage.

The most effective ways to study is to read. Get yourself used to reading lengthy sections of writing and your concentration will improve, and you'll be better able to pick out the main points of writing. Reading is the best way to exercise your attention span and prepare for a content test.

So when you are faced with content tests, remember to start with the questions you are most confident with. Take your time reading the entire passage, thinking about your answer, but not writing anything until you have read and understood the whole passage. ]]> http://www.populate.net/Career/esl-jobs-in-china-the-thrill-of-a-lifetime.html http://www.populate.net/Career/esl-jobs-in-china-the-thrill-of-a-lifetime.html Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:34:21 -0800 teach ESL to receptive people who want to learn the language that's considered the more predominant one for the new world economy, but nowhere are there better opportunities now than the ones supplied by ESL jobs in China. Especially with the Olympics right around the corner, there has never been a better time to consider this profession.

One of the biggest attractions to teaching English in China may surprise a lot of teachers in North America who are continually hampered by the large classes. In China, most classes are of no more than twenty students and this makes for a cozy environment. As well, many doors are opened to teachers accepting ESL jobs in China and they are allowed to interact with many different aspects of the Chinese culture that they might never had seen if it wasn't for the teaching jobs. Still, it's very important that the teacher brush up on the kinds of skills they'll need to make the adventure successful.

For example, most of the students that come to school to learn English are from the more affluent sections of the Chinese population and so they ask for a little more from their teachers. Consequently, the teachers might be asked to participate in some regular social and marketing activities on top of their regular activities. There are a few tips that will be helpful as well about the actual mechanics of teaching as it relates to ESL jobs in China.

First pertains to how students listen. Within the classroom setting, students become accustomed to the voice and dialect of their regular teachers. So it stands to reason that a recording played on any kind of device is not as effective for several reasons. A real time teacher is constantly using gestures and stopping for clarification where needed and he or she will constantly check for understanding. But with a recording, none of those factors are present. As well, face-to-face conversation is very difficult for students that don't speak English as a first language since the conversation tends to flow quickly for the native English speaker. Speaking on the telephone is also considered stressful when they aren't in the classroom.

Teachers should suggest that students eager to learn English watch television as a low pressure method of learning the language when they are not in the classroom. Once you've looked at ESL jobs in China and made the decision to get one, there are still some considerations you should look at before investing any further in the adventure and they are all positive.

China has an excellent transportation system so not being able to get around under your own steam in a car won't be a problem. However, some imported Western products are naturally more expensive than in your home country, but overall the cost of living in China is very low.
]]> http://www.populate.net/Science/english-language-learning-programs.html http://www.populate.net/Science/english-language-learning-programs.html Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:29:02 -0800
Someone who is not able to speak English can find themselves an outcast because of their inability of being able to communicate effectively with those around them. Even the most professional newcomers are often viewed as uneducated as they are unable to express themselves.

Luckily, there are many English language learning programs available to help people. Learning English is always a personal experience; different people learn in different ways. There are two ways to go about learning English, in a class, or individually.

Learning English with a class has many advantages. People are able to work with classmates and make new friends who are also working to learn English. A trained Professor can help people learn English quickly and well usually teaches these classes.

Usually, local colleges and high schools will offer these classes, depending on age. Naturally, the earlier a person can learn English, the better. As the workforce of the United States becomes more and more diverse, many employers are now offering English language learning courses to their employees. It would be beneficial for a new student to ask around and see what classes might be available in the community. Other names for these classes are ESL classes, or English as a Second Language.

For those who do not have either the time or money to attend classes, there are also several self-guided programs for learning English. In fact, many newcomers to the United States learn English just by buying an English translation dictionary and learning words as they hear them.

It is important to consider a few things before you choose an English program. First, a good program will teach conversational topics first. This gives the student the opportunity to use what they have learned immediately. This is one of the best ways to increase retention of the material.

In addition, English language learning programs are most effective when they can provide a guide for correct pronunciation. The most common way to do this is with tapes or CDs. Many English programs on the market teach English words with tapes. It is always wise to practice in a setting where the student can repeat the words aloud after the tape or CD.

As with anything else in life, the best way to learn English is with a friend. Having a friend with you makes attending an English class or practicing with tapes more enjoyable and more productive. Friends can encourage one another and correct each other when they make mistakes. Moreover, just like learning anything, the true key to success is a lot of practice.
]]> http://www.populate.net/Science/ideas-for-teaching-space-and-the-solar-system.html http://www.populate.net/Science/ideas-for-teaching-space-and-the-solar-system.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:05:45 -0800 space and solar system lessons is to put some creativity in the classroom.

Comprehensive Lesson
One creative idea for teaching space and the solar system is to incorporate the lessons into other subjects. The following are ideas for working the lesson into more than just science:

• Math. Students can calculate their weight on other planets. This will help reinforce the planet names, teach them about the different gravities on other planets, and use math skills. Students can also divide into teams for math races. Instead of scoring points, they move their space shuttle closer to the destination planet. They can also start at Mercury and move all the way through the solar system, with the winning team being the one to get to the end first.

• Reading. Students can read stories about space or that are set in space. There are many stories, fiction and non-fiction, at every grade level that can be used.

• Writing. You can have students write poems or stories about space, the solar system, or specific planets. Creative writing could even involve writing from the perspective of someone from another planet visiting Earth for the first time.
• Art. Students can draw or paint the planets. They can also make mobiles of the solar system or space collages.

Specific Ideas

More creative ideas for teaching space and the solar system include:

• You can kick off or wrap up the space and solar system lesson with a space-themed party. For drinks, you could serve Rocket-Fuel by either making red punch or buying ready-made fruit punch, or you could serve Tang, the “official” drink of astronauts. Astronaut ice cream and astronaut candy are readily available for purchase. You could also serve star-shaped cookies.

• Use fluorescent markers or paint to mark the stars of constellations on a bulletin board. Use string, chalk, or a light-colored marker to connect the stars into the shape of the constellation as you tell the students about it.

• A great math-related activity is to have students plot coordinates for constellations on graph paper. The teacher reads the plot points aloud, and students plot them. They finish by connecting the dots to form the constellation.

• One way to help students understand the size differences in the planets is to relate them to familiar objects. The following is a list of representations that work well: Mercury-a marble, Venus-a walnut, Earth-golf ball, Mars-acorn, Jupiter-basketball, Saturn-soccer ball, Uranus-softball, Neptune-grapefruit, Pluto-bean, Earth’s moon-raisin. These can also be used for size guides for paper maché planets, which can be made by teams of students.

In addition to these ideas, there are numerous online activities and computer-based games that for teaching space and the solar system. Space and solar system units offer an opportunity to include a great deal of fun and games in the learning process. Teachers who take advantage of that opportunity will have students who enjoy learning about space and the solar system.

]]> http://www.populate.net/Science/100-day-counting-exercise-for-elementary-math-students.html http://www.populate.net/Science/100-day-counting-exercise-for-elementary-math-students.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:54:25 -0800 elementary math game. In order to do this accurately, you will need a system of keeping track of the days at school with your students. A tally can be used for this purpose. One way to do 100 Day is to have different centers at which students spend a certain amount of time before you ring a bell that tells them to switch activities. 100 Day is great to celebrate with students from Kindergarten to Grade Four or even to Grade Six if older students are combined into groups with the younger children and can then help them do the activities.

Fruit Loop Necklace

Have children count out 100 fruit loops and string them onto a string or licorice to make an edible necklace. Having them place ten fruit loops in each cup of their ten-frame egg cartons makes the counting easier for younger children. They can also make a pattern for this necklace to practice another Math concept.

100-Day Glasses

Make a pattern for glasses made out of the number 100. It would be good to have the 100 outlined only so that students can color it in. The eyeholes will be in the 00. Run off a pair of glasses for each student. You will also need to precut, on a paper cutter, a construction paper or manila tag head band onto which each child’s glasses can be fastened. Have a volunteer cut out the 00 with a small utility knife ahead of time so students only have to cut out their glasses. The volunteer will also need to staple the glasses on to the headbands. When the students are finished decorating and coloring, an adult or older student can size the headbands and staple them closed.

Paper Clip Chain

Have students work in pairs or groups of three to make a paper clip chain with 100 paper clips. Alternatively, have pairs make a chain of 10 or 50 and join chains to make 100. These chains can also be used to measure things around the school or on the playground.

Horizontal Tower

Have students make a tower of 100 Lego or Unifix blocks. Have them lay the tower down on the floor for construction as a tower of 100 would be too tall and would keep falling. Students can work with a partner or in groups of three.

Do 100 Exercises

Have the students do 10 jumping jacks, 10 hops on one foot, 10 toe touches, etc., up to 100.

100 Years Old

Have students draw pictures of themselves when they are 100 years old. These drawings are often very cute and very funny!

100 Piece Puzzle

Have a larger group of older students put together a 100-piece puzzle.

100 Stamps

Have the students use stamps and stamp pads to make 100 stamps on a plain piece of white paper. The students can then write the number 100 on the page.
]]> http://www.populate.net/Science/tips-for-teaching-esl-to-intermediate-students.html http://www.populate.net/Science/tips-for-teaching-esl-to-intermediate-students.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:25:26 -0800 ESL activities, ESL Curriculum and ESL games to make the lessons more interesting. Here are some tips on how teachers can improve English lessons for intermediate students of English as second language:

• Use card games. There are a variety of card games that are suitable for intermediate students. Teachers could use a set of matching cards that contain opposite words or phrasal verbs. For instance, the “Opposites” card set could include words like rough, smooth, shallow, deep, brave, cowardly, enormous, tiny, relaxed, messy and so on. With this game, the students would be able to increase their vocabulary and recognize opposites. While the “Phrasal Verbs” card set could include words like put off, postpone, hold on, wait, carry on, continue and many more. With this game, the students would be able to increase their verb vocabulary and be able to match phrasal verbs with synonyms.

• Use miming games. With this game, each student has to take turns in miming each part of the word. Then the other students would try to guess each constituent of the word. For example, with the word “basketball”, the student has to try to elicit “basket” and then “ball” but cannot mime the whole word by acting as if playing the actual basketball game. This miming game is fun and at the same time very useful in sentence construction and vocabulary recall.

• Use quiz games. Quiz games are ideal for intermediate and advanced students. This includes a set of questions about four general knowledge categories like geography, science, music and sports. The students have to be divided into groups and each group needs to have a quizmaster who would ask the questions to the other group mates, while the rest would try to answer all the questions. Some sample questions are:

For science, “which planet is third from the sun?” The answer is Mars.
For geography, “what is the largest continent?” The answer is Asia.
For sports, “what nationality is the tennis player Roger Federer?” The answer is Swiss.
For music, “how many instruments are there in a string quartet?” The answer is four.

Quiz games like this would be able to help students practice their pronunciation of English words as well as develop their vocabulary and general knowledge too. This is actually a fun way to learn a new language.

• Use word games. There are various word games like crossword, missing word, multiple choice and spelling games that would help develop and test the students vocabulary, grammar, idioms and general knowledge. Being able to answer such challenging questions would also, in effect, improve their self-confidence. Word games can be done either individually or by groups, but group activities are generally much more fun to do.

]]> http://www.populate.net/Science/dont-overwhelm-students.html http://www.populate.net/Science/dont-overwhelm-students.html Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:38:43 -0800 teaching students organizational and study skills, you can very easily overwhelm students with adult processes and procedures. When coaching students and teaching them different processes you must remember to keep the processes and tools you use simple. If you build complex processes, you do take the chance of overwhelming the students to the point where they will rebel and stop using the skills and tools you want to teach them to use.
Students that do not already have good organization and study skills can often experience stress related anxiety. If you are working with a student who has experienced school stress in the past, trying to teach overly complex organizational processes can lead the students to experience additional stress. If the student starts to falter with the skills you are coaching them on, they may fall back on their old habits.
When you are teaching a student study and organization skills, you need to move slowly and show the students how well they can do in school when they use the skills you have been coaching them on. Providing positive reinforcement can keep your students self-esteem high while they struggle through the process of learning new skills. Teaching a student good study and organization skills should be a process that is taught at the speed directed by the student instead of the school year calendar.
If you do find yourself trying to coach a student who has become overwhelmed with study skills, slow down your coaching sessions and get your student back on track. Study skills need to be practiced on a consistent basis. If your students are overwhelmed and stop using the skills you have been coaching them on, you may need to re-teach the skills but this time you will understand what tools can overwhelm the student.
Many students shut down when they become overwhelmed. Avoid teaching a student that good organization or study processes are overly complicated by keeping the processes you are teaching simple and easy for the student to implement into their lives.
]]> http://www.populate.net/Career/becoming-a-personal-trainer.html http://www.populate.net/Career/becoming-a-personal-trainer.html Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:18:38 -0800
If you are interested in fitness, have an outgoing personality and are able to motivate others, personal training might just be your perfect career. There are several different routes to becoming a personal trainer. In order to safely instruct clients, trainers should be educated in all facets of exercise physiology and safety. Many four year and vocational colleges offer degree or certificate programs in personal training. There is no nationwide standard regarding the minimum requirements for becoming a personal trainer. However, many states do have regulations for the profession. It is now quite difficult to find a personal training job without some type of professional certification.
There are several different certifying organizations in the industry, and various types of certification that is available. Before settling on a certification route, be sure to research the options and find one that best matches your expertise and needs. Most certifications are granted on the basis of successful completion of an exam and the satisfaction of minimal eligibility requirements. 
 It is advisable to seek certification from well-known and respected agencies. Be wary of any business that requires nothing more than a fee to offer you a ‘certificate’ of personal training.
The most common certifying agencies are:
* American Council on Exercise (ACE): ACE offers a Personal Trainer Certification. Although they do not require that you attend their workshops to sit for the exam, it is highly recommended. ACE is one of the most respected fitness organizations in the U.S.
* American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): ACSM has four different certificate programs including Certified Personal Trainer. ACSM offers workshops but does not require attendance as a condition of eligibility for taking the trainer certification exam.
* Cooper Institute: The Cooper Institute offers the Cooper Institute Personal Trainer Certification. CI is a school that offers a complete training program in addition to administering exams for certification.
* National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM administers a Certified Personal Trainer examination as well as video and CD-ROM instructional materials. NASM does not require that you purchase any of the training materials in order to take their exam.
Although requirements for personal training certification vary from agency to agency, in general applicants must be 18 years or over. Most agencies also require applicants to have CPR and/or first aid and defibrillator training. Each of the certifications has certain requirements, advantages and disadvantages and the only way to determine which one is right for you is to do some research. Whichever option you decide to pursue, preparing for and doing well on your exam should be a top priority.
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