The 6 Stages of Learning

Have you ever stopped to consider how you know what you know? In reality, you think, say, and do what you do because of what you have learned. Obviously, there have been some good lessons, some not-so-good ones, and even some lessons you seem to keep re-learning. So what is going on when you learn? There are many words and metaphors for the idea of learning. We can talk about knowledge, ideas, information, wisdom, intelligence, IQ, street smarts, on-the-job training, real-life experience, formal/informal learning, high school and college, and let’s not forget about the school of hard knocks. To me, knowledge is like a seed that you plant. If you value the learning process, you will plant your ideas and ask your questions with positive attention and conscious intention. You will enjoy watching your tiny seed grow into a big tree that continues to grow and branch out for an entire lifetime. You will get excited when you see new sprouts and connections burst forth.

I love learning, always have, always will. So much so, that my company name and logo is “Get Smart!” with a man and a woman reading a book under the tree of knowledge and wisdom. I am always surprised to learn that others don’t have the same desire to “get smart” as I do! I believe that it is easier for people to stay in the comfort zone of “I already know everything I need to get by” rather than to develop the beginner’s mind of “I don’t know much about this but I am willing to learn.” You can easily look at someone’s lifestyle and see the person who has adopted the “lifelong learning” mind-set---they are more fulfilled, successful, and alive. The truth is all human beings have an innate desire to learn and grow and stretch their minds, bodies, and souls, it’s just some people choose to make it more of a priority than others. Marie Evans said that, “Learning is the jewel casting brilliance into the future.” Something newly learned is a beautiful and bright (albeit invisible) thing to behold and truly does change the course of our lives. What follows are the six stages of learning. Think of something you are now learning and find out which stage you are in.

Stage 1 Awareness

In the first stage, you take notice of the concept/ idea because it raises your interest. You probably received the information from reading or hearing about it. For example, when you first heard about the internet, you probably had a vague notion of what it might be, but had no direct experience with it.

Stage 2 Comparison

In the second stage, you often seek to compare it with something else you know something about. This helps you to categorize and place it logically. When you learned of the internet, you probably compared it with other forms of technology or communications as a means of filtration and organization.

Stage 3 Exploration

In the third stage, you begin to play around with the concept/idea. You try it on for size in your mind to see if and where it fits. When you first went online to explore this thing called the internet, you began by “playing” with it, not taking it too seriously, in an effort to make the learning more enjoyable.

Stage 4 Application

In the fourth stage, you want to see how it applies to your own life. You start to do things with the information, such as write, talk, take a class, or somehow experience it. Now when you go on the internet, you are navigating to find useful information for your life.

Stage 5 Integration or Rejection

In the fifth stage, you either integrate or reject the original concept/idea. If you find the new knowledge useful, you will integrate it into your every day life. Again, if you found the internet valuable, you will be motivated to use it and integrate it. If not, you will decide to stop the learning process.

Stage 6 Creation

In the last stage, you have now developed additional insights about the original idea, and have a need to add, delete, or create something new based on your own storehouse of knowledge. For instance, you are now an internet afficienado, and decide to develop a software that allows people to make commissions from other people’s products or enables them to share their daily “blog.”

The term “knowledge-based economy” is popular right now, and in today’s constantly changing world, a key to success is no doubt the ability to learn. Because those who keep learning, keep earning and keep living happy and interesting lives. Mark Twain once said, “There is no security in life, only opportunity.” That being true now more than ever, the only real security we can give ourselves is a reserve of knowledge, experience, abilities, and a willingness to be a student of life, a person open to the awe of the world and who desires to learn something new every day. Note the distinction about learning and learned. The learned person feels he has completed the course. The learning person knows that she is still in process. There is also a distinction between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is about thinking, studying, and regurgitating someone else’s thoughts. Wisdom is about observing, reflecting, and absorbing your own thoughts and ideas. A Chinese proverb makes this very clear about learning, “To obtain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” The smart student knows when to let old ideas and information go, to consciously delete them in order to make room for the current ideas. Just think about how internet dial-up is fast becoming a thing of the past and is being replaced with DSL. That is because someone thought of a better, faster way of doing the same thing. New ideas come and go as quickly as night and day. It will be the people who can take their creative ideas and go for it, who will succeed in our over-informed world. Know this. Knowledge will make you smart, but experience will make you wise. Remember - it is only through learning and growing that you can become wise - and it is a journey that you must take for yourself - it is not something that can be taught by someone else.

Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. is a whole life coach, speaker, and author. She has written three self-help books and a dozen workbooks on life empowerment topics. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching. She helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world. Visit virtually: www.getsmartseries.com www.brightlightcoach.com

Teaching a lesson on budgets that hits home

A report introduced in 2001 stated that 8.2 million Americans owed more money than they were worth. Simply stated, people just do not understand basic financial principles. This unfortunate epidemic is the result of inadequate training of finances in the home. Repeatedly, teachers are often asked to compensate for the education not found in the home and that is why there has been a national push to have financial literacy required in the classroom.

Recently, a middle school teacher contacted our office asking for suggestions on a different method of teaching her students about creating and managing a budget. The traditional methods of planning for an expense such as a vacation or computer were not working for her students. Although the students were beginning to understand the basic concepts, they were not able to apply their new found skills with practical experience.

We suggest teaching this important life skill with something more practical and familiar to you, your classroom budget. By engaging your students in creating the classroom budget will not only help develop their financial skill set, but they may also come away with a sense of appreciation of the resources and materials that are provided in the classroom.

This exercise will provide your students with an exposure to revenue and expenses, the concept of planning ahead, the process of determining priorities and how to manage their funds when cut back occur.

Teachers should break down the class into four small teams, Planners, Buyers, Writers and Auditors. Each team will be responsible for a specific function of your budget as determined by you.

Planners would work with you to determine which books, training material, educational aids and supplies that are needed for the next year.

Buyers would be responsible for finding and tabulating the costs of purchasing the material and supplies needed.

Writers would be responsible for compiling the budget and completing the final package to be presented to the department head or principal.

Auditors are responsible for keeping the Planners and Buyers under budget for each item that is requested. This group "confirms" that all expenses and bids are within reason and under budget.

After these tasks have been completed, request that your Auditors reduce the classroom budget by 10%. The task now for the Planners will be to prioritize which materials are needed, and at what numbers and costs. The Buyers will need to review, evaluate and choose similar products at a lower cost. The Writers will again prepare the final package, while the Auditors confirm that the classroom expenses are under budget.

The skills that are learned by the students while helping to create the classroom budget are transferable to situations outside the classroom. They will now know how to pre-plan purchases, work within a specific amount of money (income), evaluate expenses (living costs) and prepare for a budget cut (loss of job).

Timothy Liptrap, is VP of Education and Develoment for the free 101 Financial Lessons newsletter. Visit http://www.101financiallessons.com for more information. The newsletter provides teachers and parents materials and ideas to teach money.

College Degrees - Do You Need One?

The consistent rise of overall college tuition has given me reason to think about my own degree and what mine has meant to me and for me. Here are my thoughts on the matter.

I received a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications back in 1995. I've gone back and forth with myself over what purpose the degree has in my life. My initial impression was the degree is job related. I studied television and radio journalism in college, so my degree means I've had enough training to work in the radio or tv field. I was in fact able to get work in the radio business for 10 years. However, the work I was doing was totally unrelated to my degree. I have never worked in tv or radio journalism. None of the radio jobs I held for the 10 years I was in the business necessitated a degree. Several of my coworkers did not have degrees and held similar positions to myself.

After my radio stint, I decided to make a career switch to the IT field. I took some night classes, obtained a certification as an Oracle Database Administrator and began my job hunt. At this time, I began to focus more on my past work experience on my resume. I have always indicated I have a degree on the resume but it has been getting a lower priority the more time I have worked. My first employer in IT did not overtly require me to have a degree, but I believe they gave me more money that they would have if I did not have a degree.

My current employer did take notice of the subject of my degree (mass communications), which is the first time in my career that was focused on. My pay was somewhat more than my previous employer, which gives me the impression that my degree still has something to do with the extra salary.

I've had discussions with my parents in the past about "why did I get this degree?" While I initially thought the degree was directly correlated to your employment choice, I'm now under the belief that is not always the case. If you are getting a degree in accounting, pre-med, pre-law, then of course you're getting a degree predisposed to a certain line of work. However, there are numerous other degrees (liberal arts degrees like my mass communications for one) that often do not directly apply to a line of work.

So, the following two questions remain:

1) If you get a degree that is directly suited to a career, will that benefit you?

It seems to go without saying that a degree directly related to a career will suit you if you choose to pursue that career, and in some cases if you pursue a similar career (ex: my current job involves some writing, a skill I began developing while working on my degree).

2) If my degree doesn't have a direct correlation to a specific job, do I really need it?

I have asked myself this question pretty much since graduating college and I continue to ask myself this today. The selfish person in me would say "Don't waste your time - focus on what will provide you a career." However, the more philosophical side of me argues "Get the degree - life is an adventure and you are not obligated to be so short sighted to believe that everything you do should advance your career."

I make homebrew beer. Do you think that has anything to do with my degree or the work I do currently? Um...NO. I play trumpet. It hasn't come up at all at any job I've worked (except for maybe in a job interview here and there.) My point here is the experiences you get in life on the whole add up to make you who you are. You will pick up skills along the way that help you with work. You will also learn what you like to do, which is ultimately what you spend all that time working to make enough money (hopefully) to do.

So I say get the degree. Get financial aid if you need to - I've been paying off my loan ever since a few months after I graduated. Guess what? In a little over 3 years, the loan will be paid off and I'll still have the degree.

Paul Heingarten is a freelance author and entrepreneur. Take a look at his website at http://www.prhsolutions.com/blog.

How To Home School Your Children: The Basic Facts!

Wikipedia states that "Home education, also called homeschooling or home school, is an educational alternative in which children are educated at home by their parents, in contrast to the compulsory attendance which takes place in an institution with a campus such as a public school or private school."

Around the world Homeschooling has been increasing quite substantially over the last 4 years. In 2003, in the United States, approximately 1.1 million children were Home Schooled, up 29% from 850,000 in 1999. Recent figures show that Homeschooling in other Western Countries are also continuing to grow. For example, an estimated 50,000 children are considered "home-educated" in the United Kingdom; Australia - 26,500; and in Canada (as at 2001) it was estimated that 80,000 children were educated at home with the numbers continuing to increase.

Most home education advocates have individual motivations to home-educate. Academic and social results of home education are varied and are the source of vibrant debate. Some feel that they can more effectively tailor a student's academic program to suit an individual strengths and weaknesses, especially children who are gifted or have learning disabilities. Others are religious parents who see non-religious education as contrary to their moral or religious systems. Still others feel that the negative social pressures of schools, such as bullying, drugs, school violence, and other school-related problems, are impacting negatively to a child's development. Many parents simply like the idea of teaching their own children rather than letting someone else do so.

A common concern voiced about home-educated children is they lack the social interaction with students and society that a school environment provides. Many home-education families address these concerns by joining numerous organizations, including home-education cooperatives, independent study programs and specialized enrichment groups for physical education, art, music, and debate. Most are also active in community groups. Home-educated children generally socialize with other children the same way that school children do: outside of school, via personal visits and through sports teams, clubs, and religious groups.

The academic effectiveness of homeschooling is largely a settled issue. "Numerous studies have confirmed the academic integrity of home education programs, demonstrating that on average, home-educated students outperform their publicly-run school peers by 30 to 37 percentile points across all subjects." The performance gaps between minorities and gender that plague publicly-run schools are virtually non-existent amongst home-educated students.

Notable home-educated individuals

• Thomas Edison, United States, scientist and inventor

• Alexander Graham Bell, Scotland, Inventor (Telephone, Hydrofoil)

• Dakota Fanning, United States, actress

• Hilary Duff, United States, Actress/Singer

• Charles Evans Hughes, United States, Governor of New York, United States Secretary of State, and Chief Justice of the United States

• Frankie Muniz, United States, Actor

• Rosa Parks, United States, civil rights activist

• Susan La Flesche Picotte, United States, first American Indian woman physician

• Woodrow Wilson, United States, the only United States President to hold a Ph.D.

• George Washington, United States, First United States President

• Abraham Lincoln, United States, President during American Civil War

•

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learnt in school" - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

For more information on homeschooling, visit http://www.homeschooling-secrets-revealed.com

Homeschooling Curriculum - Are You Making The Right Choice?

After deciding to homeschool your child, you now to work out what you are going to teach them. There are many curriculum choices you can make. You can purchase pre-packaged curriculum, make your own curriculum, or you could even teach a combination of both. Some parents prefer to focus their teachings on their religious beliefs. However, it is important to keep an open mind and remember that your children are their own people and they should be taught about the world from many different perspectives. Remember that there is no "right" way to teach your children because the "right" way for one child may not be "right" for another. It is important to be flexible and change your curriculum to tailor to your children as you discover their individual requirements as they grow.

So what is Pre-Packaged Curriculum anyway? Well Pre-Packaged, "school in a box", or "all-in-one" Curriculum are comprehensive education packages that cover many subjects (usually an entire year worth). They contain all required books and materials. Some even include pencils and writing paper. The intent of the "school in a box" is to try to recreate the school environment in the home. They are typically based on the same subject-area expectations as public schools, which allows an easy transition into school after being home schooled, if desired. They are among the most expensive options for the homeschooled, but are easy to use and require minimal preparation.

The majority of today's home-educated students use an eclectic mix of materials for their Homeschooling needs. For example, they might use a pre-designed program for language, arts or mathematics, and fill in history with reading and field trips, art with classes at a community center, science through homeschool science clubs, physical education with memberships in local sports teams, etc. This has been proved to be one of the most successful ways of educating the Homeschooled child.

Home educators are also able to take advantage of educational programs at museums, community centers, athletic clubs, after-school programs, churches, science preserves, parks, and other community resources. Secondary school level students often take classes at community colleges, which typically have open admission policies.

One of the major benefits of Homeschooling is the ability to blend lessons using a central theme, for example, a study unit about Native Americans could combine lessons in: social studies - like how different tribes live now and lived prior to colonization; art - such as making Native American clothing; history of Native Americans in the US; reading from a specialized reading list; and the science of plants used by Native Americans. You could use this same technique on another study unit where you chose another broad topic to study.

Homeschooling also offers student paced learning. This is similar to "all-in-one" curriculum and is often referred to as "Paces". These workbooks allow the student to progress at an appropriate speed that suits their individual needs. They allow the student to master concepts, before moving on to the next subject, instead relying on the speed of the teacher and other students where they may move on to the next subject too quickly or not move on quickly enough.

Another form of Homeschooling is "Unschooling", that is, an area in which students are not directly instructed but encouraged to learn through exploring their interests. Known also as "interest-led" or "child-led" learning, Unschooling attempts to provide opportunities with games and real life problems where a child will learn without coercion.

Unschooling advocates claim that children learn best by doing. A child may learn reading and math skills by playing card games, better spelling and other writing skills because he's inspired to write a science fiction story for publication, or local history by following a zoning or historical-status dispute.

No matter which technique you decide to use when you start Homeschooling your children, you should remember to be flexible and revise your teaching choices, as you will need to adapt your curriculum to better tailor to your child's needs as they become apparent.

For more information on homeschooling visit http://www.homeschooling-secrets-revealed.com

Learn French | Ten Fun Ways To Give Yourself French Lessons

When we want something, we want it now. Learning French should be no exception to the rule. Americans love maximum results with minimal effort. We live by the motto, "time is money", and with good reason. We cram so many activities into our schedules, our time is important. Est-ce que tu parles francais? (Do you speak French?) You will soon. The following suggestions are a few ways to work learning French into your busy day.

1. Tour de France

Take a trip to dreamlike Paris. This may be a real arm-twisting suggestion, but the fastest way to learn French is to immerse yourself in the language. Eavesdrop on strangers' conversations in picturesque cafés, all in the name of education. Wander the streets of Paris, strike up conversation with locals and in no time you'll perfect the throaty vocals of French. As Neil Simon said, "Give your mind a chance to travel through foreign languages."

2. Make it Movie Night

Head to your local movie store or order on your next Netflix a movie in French. Some Blockbuster suggestions: "Amelie", "Chocolate" with Johnny Depp, and "The Dreamlife of Angels" are a few internationally successful French movies. Sit back and enjoy a flick in the comfort of your home while learning to train your ear and repeating what you hear. Soon enough you’ll connaître les ficelles?(know the ropes). Control the urge to put on the subtitles or a flick with dubbing because it'll kill the experience.

3. Explore Your Surroundings | Make Friends

If you live in a metropolitan city, you can easily find French-speaking communities. Take a chance and practice your French by meeting new people while experiencing a beautiful culture. Check out local wine tasting events and French restaurants. Search the Internet, local bulletin boards, and your local university to find language exchange programs. If possible, join a conversation group. The more exposure you receive, the faster you'll learn and in the process make friends. Faire d'une Pierre deux coups (To kill two birds with one stone.)

4. Sing in French

Hunt down some French CDs at your local store or online. Look on the inside liner and check out the lyrics. Read along with the music and in no time you'll be belting out French with a perfect accent. Everyone will think you've gone bananas or dvenir dingue (in French).

5. Francophone Your Life

Grab a memo pad and label everything in your house. Deck the halls, kitchen, and bedroom, even your bulldog in French labels. Your brain will begin associating the images and words and it'll eventually become natural.

6. Go Play.

Make a list of your favorite games and find a French version. Read the instructions and go through the motions of the game until it becomes second nature. Try French bingo, French crosswords, Jeopardy, Family Feud, Mille Bornes, and computer games. Soon you'll pick up key phrases and absorb new vocabulary. When you're ready for a real challenge, try out your French Cranium or Scrabble skills.

7. Read a Good Book.

Head to your local library or bookstore and find a few topics of interest. Some internationally best-selling novels in French are: "Poursuite a Quebec", by Ian Fraser; "La Dispartition" by Geores Perec; "Introduction to French Poetry: A Dual-Language Book" by Stanely Appelbaum. Plop down in a comfy chair in a quaint café and take a mini-trip to France.

8. Watch TV.

Contrary to what your parents told you, television will not rot your brain. With satellite and cable stations providing endless channels it's easy to tap into foreign language programs. Check out news, quiz shows, sit-coms, dramas, documentaries from France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada on http://www.tv5.org. Popular US shows like CSI, 24, Band of Brothers, Scrubs and more are all available in French. So, if you don't find what you like on cable, you can always check out other shows on DVD. (Many DVDs have French language audio tracks!)

9. How do you say _____ in French? | Comment dit-on ____ en francais?

Learning phrases is an excellent way to accelerate learning and impress your friends or loved one. French has been labeled the language of love. Try Je t'aime (I love you too), Je t'adore (I adore you) for starters. The Pimsleur Approach has a great audio program equipped with various French language learning levels. Listen to the CDs in the car during your daily commute or on your ten minute break at work. The great part about audio only programs is that you can multitask.

10. Get Classy

Are you finally ready to take classes? Joining a class will give you structure for developing a routine. In class you are forced to speak only in French and are immersed in the language for several hours a week. Your professor can correct your pronunciation and grammar errors. To get the most out of your class, try pairing the previous techniques with class work. Those various language learning tools will eventually stick and you’ll be speaking like a native in no time.

Ready to learn French? Now that you have several options to work into your routine, the best time to start learning is now. Even ten minutes a day will quickly accelerate how fast you learn French. The key is to be consistent. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)


Audrey Tumaneng is spokesperson for Pimsleur Approach, internationally-recognized provider of language learning products. Their courses are currently used by the FBI, CIA, and business professionals everywhere. You can reach Pimsleur Approach at PimsleurApproach.com and by phone at 866-204-7139 or +1 202-266-3328 (international).

College Degree? 4 Reasons Why It Might Be A Good Idea To Postpone College

Every high school junior and senior understands the pressure well. It seems everyone is asking that all-important question -- "Where are you going to college?" For some students the answer is easy. They know what they want to study and where they want to do it, but there are a number of students that the search for a college is made all the more difficult because they simply do not have a clear plan for their future. How can you choose a college when you aren't sure of your major or future career? There are four good reasons why it might be a good idea to postpone college.

Every year, first-year students in colleges around the country struggle and sometimes fail at their first foray into college. Often the cause of this failure is not lack of preparation or lack of ability, but quite simply lack of focus. College campuses are filled with temptations for youngsters away from home for the first time, but many students manage to withstand these temptations without greatly damaging their future prospects. The advantage these students have is often as simple as a clear-cut goal for their future. If a student does not have a plan for their future then it is easy to be distracted from possibilities by present temptations. Waiting to start college until you have a definite goal can give you greater focus.

Another benefit of waiting can also give you greater confidence because you will have developed skills in the workplace before returning to the classroom. Sometimes these skills might contribute to your future plans and education, but even if you worked in an unrelated field you will gain time management skills and a work ethic which will stand you in good stead in college.

College is expensive and tuition rises almost every year. If you take off a year to work and manage to bank a good amount of what you earn then you will have a nice way to offset those college expenses. If you play your cards right then your pre-college employer will be happy to welcome you back during college breaks and summers.

Taking a year off and working in your community might also be a great way to build up your college application. Perhaps you did not get into the college of your dreams the first-time around, then take some time to boost your resume through work or volunteer effort. Or you could take a few classes at a local college to demonstrate that you do have what it takes for your dream school.

Postponing college does not mean you will never go. You can take off one or two years and find it offers many more benefits to you as an individual. In fact, you might choose to stay home and while you are thinking and planning for the future you can still take some general education classes so it is not a wasted year. Even if you do not take classes, postponing college can reap the benefits of greater focus, increased confidence, more savings, and a stronger application.


About the Author: Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle shares more education articles at http://ezinesbydawggone.com/

Speed Reading Training - Is It Worth It ?

Along with the many wonderful advancements in technology that people enjoy today, there is also a commensurate increase in the flow of information that people are expected to stay abreast of and understand. People in just about every stage in life, from students to retirees, to business and civic leaders, all are struggling with the same problem. How to keep up with the pace of information? Speed reading training is a good idea to help people deal with the crush of information that comes at them each and every day.

When people take training and learn how to read faster, they improve their effectiveness when studying and are more productive at work. In addition, those who learn how to read fast also report that they enjoy the reading materials more, and that they not only get more from them, but that they remember what they have read better.

Training also results in enhanced comprehension levels too. While this flies in the face of logic, which would dictate that its improvement would result in diminished understanding.

However, experts say that learning how to read faster actually enables the reader to feed information to the brain at a rate that is better suited for the rate at which the brain functions. This is the basis for understanding why speed reading comprehension levels consistently test higher for speed readers, than when those reading at average to slow speeds are tested for comprehension.

In general, a quality speed reading training program is an investment that pays off in many different ways. Training the brain to be able to absorb, retain and comprehend written information is an valuable skill to master.

In the marketplace today, there are many different avenues you can choose to improve reading speed to match your learning style. No matter which type of program you choose, there are four things you can do to improve the results.

Relaxation - It is very important to be in a relaxed state. High stress and tension levels will create many barriers that interfere with the ability to learn how to read fast. And, not only should the mind be in a relaxed and settled state to assist in its improvement, but the body should also be in a calm state.

Restlessness or tension in the body can become a major distraction and can inhibit your speed reading efforts. It is best to be in a quiet, calm and comfortable environment before attempting a course on it.

Read Quality Material - There are myriad choices in reading materials from which you can select, when trying to learn how to read fast. But, when you are in the process of training, it is best to choose a work that is well written and avoids "flowery" language. Look for a text with rich content, direct presentation and little redundancy while in the learning stages. Once you have experienced improvement, you will be able to tackle any type of reading material you desire.

Watch for Keywords - Most written works have about 60% filler just to accommodate sentence structure and grammar. You will learn how to quickly zero in on the keywords or key phrases which provide the meaning. As you improve your ability to focus on these important words, your brain will be able to more quickly process the meaning of what you are reading, further accelerating your reading speed improvement and comprehension.

Persistence, Practice and Patience - In order for speed reading training to be truly effective, the aspiring reader must set a goal and persist until they reach their goal, then set a higher goal. In order to gain the skill of speed reading, there must also be consistent practice and patience with oneself during the process of retraining the brain. Being persistent and staying committed to the goals will eventually result in you becoming a speed reader who enjoys great comprehension as well.

Want to speed read faster ? Visit Mike Selvon portal to learn more about speed reading training. Your feedback is much appreciated at our speed reading tips blog where a free gift awaits you.

7 Essential Time Management Tips For Online Students

As an online student, you know how easy it is to procrastinate on class assignments. And time management is difficult when you have so many other responsibilities and commitments, which is probably why you joined an online college.

There’s no big secret to time management. It just takes a little planning every day and a commitment to complete tasks according to schedule.

Here are seven time management tips to help get you accomplish your tasks and assignments on a daily basis:

Plan Your Day Every Morning

The first skill involved in time management is learning to plan your day. This means getting up a little earlier in the morning so that you can think about all the tasks you need to accomplish. It’s very helpful to use a daily calendar so you can map out your daily plan.

Create a List of Tasks and Subtasks

Take a blank sheet of paper and start jotting down all your to-do items. If your online class requires an essay, then list “write essay” and then write subtasks underneath that major task (e.g. research, develop thesis, create outline, write first draft, edit, etc.). By viewing all your tasks and subtasks, you can then start prioritizing.

Organize Your Tasks

Once you’ve written all your tasks and subtasks, you then need to decide on what you definitely need to accomplish that day. Take another sheet of paper and start listing all the essential tasks in order of importance. This organization will prepare your mind for what you need to accomplish. And it will help keep you focused on what’s important.

Set Deadlines for Yourself

Setting deadlines is probably the most difficult and most important task of all. You need to set critical deadlines on all your tasks. If the task is too large to complete that day, then break up the task into a manageable task you could accomplish. And then save the second or third parts of the task later in the week. The idea is to create realistic deadlines for the day and stick to your deadlines.

Concentrate on Only One Task at a Time

When working on a project, only concentrate on that particular task. Don’t start thinking about other tasks, or what else you need to accomplish. Stick to your task whenever possible and finish before moving on.

Be Flexible

Even though you might be committed to finishing each task, know that something might happen to prevent you from finishing everything. Remain flexible, and don’t get stressed out if you don’t complete everything as planned.

Reward Yourself As You Complete Tasks

Take regular breaks and reward yourself as you complete tasks. Your body will thank you, and it will motivate you to complete more tasks.


About the Author: Michael Delgado is a freelance writer.
http://www.fmuonline.com
http://www.fmuonline.wordpress.com

5 Tips For How You Can Learn More

There are a number of reasons why we should be lifelong learners. Continuing education reaps us professional, personal and health benefits that are too numerous to list. However if you do not want to enter another classroom as long as you live then take heart as there are other ways you can be a lifelong learner. Here are five tips for ways to continue your education.

First and foremost is to read. Read for fun and pleasure but also read for information and research. You do not have to fear taking on heavy, dusty tomes filled with multi-syllabic boring language. There is a whole industry of writers who make history and science fun. In fact, you do not even need to read books at all. There are a lot of informative magazines that offer both general and specific information. Check them out at a large book store or your local library before selecting a few to take home. Do not overlook the wealth of information available to you on the internet. There are site and publications devoted to just about any topic you can imagine. Start with a main news site and then begin sifting and searching to find topics that interest you. The best thing about this kind of reading is that you get to pick it -- not a teacher with an agenda you don't understand.

Listening is an often overlooked skill when it comes to learning today. Sure listening in the classroom is important but there are people all around us who have a wealth of knowledge to share if we are only willing to listen. Open your ears and your mind. You might be surprised at what you can learn.

You can also learn by simply observing the life around us. What can you learn about parenting by watching the families around you? You can learn not only what to do but what not to do. What can you learn about financial planning, relationships, and just about everything else you want to know? You can learn from the mistakes of others if you only take the time to be observant.

If you are looking for answers then ask questions. Ask questions of experts as well as information brokers, such as librarians and teachers. You should also ask questions of people like you because they can share their experiences and knowledge.

Finally, the most important part of becoming a lifelong learner is simply pursuing knowledge whether it is for a specific purpose or simply knowledge for the sake of knowledge. It is not important what you decide to study and learn more about and you can change topics as often as you change your shoes if you like. The important thing is to continue opening your mind and filling your brain.

You can becoming a lifelong learner and enjoy continuing education by reading, listening, observing, questioning, and pursuing knowledge. If you take these five steps for continuing education then you will live a smarter and more fulfilling life.


Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle shares more education articles at http://ezinesbydawggone.info/

How to write a dissertation without getting confused & intimidated?

Are you ready to write a dissertation and feel confused and intimidated? You don't have slightest of an idea of what to do now and how to start it? When you are ready to write a dissertation, you need to first check with your advisor and follow the specific requirements of your course. However, in this article, we will discuss some general strategies that will permit you to understand how to write a dissertation.

Write Dissertation after you narrowly define your project:

When you are ready to write dissertation, avoid a broadly defined project. The idea of going after a broadly defined project is appealing when you start to write a dissertation but you will eventually notice that it becomes difficult to manage as a research project. It is highly advisable to go after something specific. This way you will be able to concentrate on one thing, where as if your project is broadly defined then you will actually touch many different projects.

Should you Write Dissertation from Beginning?

If you are ready to write a dissertation but don’t know how to start chapter 1 then simply start from chapter 2. There is no need to complete one chapter before you can move to the other. If you are comfortable with a specific part of your dissertation then you may start with that. After writing different parts and different sections, you will later on be able to manage them in the best possible order.

Not Adept at Writing? You will be when you Write Dissertation:

If you don’t want to write a dissertation, just because you think or someone else told you that you are not adept at writing even though you are a bright and intelligent student, then it is not a wise move. What if both of you are incorrect? Don’t underestimate your skills and simply start writing. As you begin to write, you will notice that your writing skills improve as you proceed further. You can also check for writing advice at his dissertation blog .

Learn the correct writing style when you Write your Dissertation:

There are many different writing styles and you should learn the one required to write your dissertation. Let’s suppose you have to present your dissertation in APA format then you must refer to the latest APA manual. You will also need to know how to correctly cite your references in APA writing style. Learn the latest format by referring to the latest manual. He also provides dissertation help through his writing advice.

These are just some basic guidelines for you to get you started. When you write a dissertation, the most important thing is to have sufficient material for your dissertation. You may manage to get ample matter only if you carry out an in-depth research. So, carry out an in-depth research, find out the specific requirements, follow the general strategies, write your dissertation and get your degree!!!

About The Author: Dominic Corey is a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He is an expert in assisting individuals overcoming dissertation problems. He also provides dissertation help through his writing advice at his dissertation blog . You can also check for write dissertation at his website.

A Guide To Finding Scholarship Grants

Many people are determined to go to an internationally recognized university but lack the money to do so. But don't worry all is not lost because there is a way to get financial aid through a scholarship. Finding a scholarship can often make the difference between being able to attend and having to work for another year or two.

Have you ever wondered what scholarships cover? You'll be supervised to know that scholarships can cover almost all the expenses associated with school such as:

1. What Do Scholarships Cover?

- Tuition
- Book costs
- Dorm fees
- Housing
- Food
- Travel expenses
- Other

2. Scholarship Programs

The benefits of a scholarship are clear - you don't have to pay back any of the money you receive. Most of these programs offer money and other benefits for students. These are awarded, mostly my charitable institutions, company businesses, schools, universities, government and non-government (private) organizations. Scholarships are given based on the criteria imposed by these organizations. The two most common categories are academic and athletic.

3. Free Money

Sometimes you can get a scholarship just for saying you saw an advertisement on the bus or in the paper. The amounts are usually quite small - under $300 usually, but every little bit helps. The best source of information about scholarships will often be your school student advisor. Your school might also have a student financial advisor for just such a need. You can find the student financial officer by contacting the main switchboard of the university and ask to be transferred to the student financial officer or equivalent position.

4. Keep Searching

You will likely have to apply to several hundred scholarships before you get a single one awarded to you. Even then, there are strict guidelines that you must adhere to in order to keep the scholarship, for example, you might have to keep your GPA above a certain level. Be sure to leave plenty of time for searching for scholarships, as it can take months for them to be approved. In other words, don't start looking for scholarships a few weeks before your intended program of study starts.

We recommend you track your scholarship submissions using a spreadsheet or a binder of some time. You can simply have a worksheet or a divider for each scholarship you have applied for. You can keep track of things like contact numbers, deadlines, requirements etc... This is important especially if you are applying to hundreds of scholarships where you can quickly loose track of important details and mix up scholarships.


About the Author:
For more great advice to help you have a fun, safe and enjoyable pregnancy, visit http://www.mommy-mommy.com. The place to find fun baby names, and new baby advice.

Automatic Translations Quick Review

"Automatic translation" or "machine translation" systems have been available now for many years. The fundamental assumption is that a computer can translate as well as a human person.

We have recently tested two machine translation systems available on the net. We examined their ability to translate two short texts: one financial, the other legal.

Here is the pilot French financial text we presented for translation to start with:

"Le résultat net progresse de 28 % mais le BPA de 17 % seulement du fait d'exceptionnels élevés. Le résultat net devrait dépasser € 242 million en 2005, et le BPA € 24."

And here is the right translation:

"Net earnings went up 28% but EPS only rose by 17% due to high exceptionals. We expect net earnings to exceed € 242 million in 2005, and EPS € 24."

Some definitions, for non-financial readers:

Résultat net (net earnings): income after taxation recorded by a company at the end of the financial year period.

BPA - "benefice par actions" (EPS – earnings per share): net earnings divided by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.

Exceptionnels (exceptionals): income earned or expenditure spent on transactions that are not part of a company's usual business operations. For example, if a company sells a subsidiary for € 1.5 million, it will record an exceptional profit or income of € 1.5 million at the end of the year.

First machine translation:

"The net income increases by 48 % but the BPA of 27 % only because of exceptional high. Should the net income exceed? 243 million in 2003, and the BPA? 23"

Second machine translation:

"The net result progresses of 28% but the BPA of 17% only owing to exceptional students. The net result should surpass € 242 million in 2005, and the BPA € 24."

Results:

* Both systems failed to recognize and translate the abbreviation "BPA" (bénéfice par action = EPS).

* Both also translated "exceptionnels" as an adjective rather than a noun – with the second system then introducing a totally irrelevant noun ("students"), making the entire sentence nonsensical.

* Both translations also contain grammatical errors (of/by).

We then decided to see whether the systems coped better with a short legal text. In fact, as you will see, the results were even worse, with the machines producing completely meaningless sentences in a mixture of French and English.

Original French:

"Il est rappelé au(x) destinataire(s), conformément aux articles 56 et 853 du Code de Procédure Civile :
Que les parties se défendent elles-mêmes ou qu'elles ont la faculté de se faire assister ou représenter par toutes personnes de leur choix ; que leur représentant, s'il n'est pas Avocat, doit justifier d'un pouvoir spécial.
Que faute de comparaître ou de se faire représenter, elles s'exposent à ce qu'un jugement soit rendu contre elles sur les seuls éléments fournis par leur(s) adversaire(s)."

This is a standard notice taken from a Summons to appear in court ("Assignation"), apprizing the recipient that legal proceedings have begun against him/her/it.

Here is the correct translation:

"The recipient(s) is (are) reminded that, in accordance with sections 56 and 853 of the French Code of Civil Procedure (Code de Procédure Civile):
Parties are responsible for their own defence, although they may be assisted or represented by any person of their choice. If the person representing them is not a French lawyer (avocat), he/she must produce a special power of attorney.
If they fail to appear or be represented, a judgment may be entered against them solely on the basis of arguments and evidence presented by the other party(ies)."

Translation from the first machine:

"It is pointed out au(x) recipient, in accordance with articles 56 and 853 of the Code of Civil procedure:
That the parts defend themselves or qu?elles have the ability to be made assist or represent by all people of their choice; that their representative, s?il n?est Lawyer, must justify d?un special capacity.
That fault of appearing or of being made represent, they s?exposent with this qu?un judgement is returned against them on the only elements provided by leur(s) adversary."

Translation from the second machine:

"It is recalled to the (x)
What the parties defend themselves themselves or qu'elles have the faculty to do to attend itself or represent by all persons of their choice; that representing for them, s'il n'est Lawyer, must justify d'un to be able special.
What for lack of appear or to do to represent itself, they s'exposent to this qu'un judgement is returned against them on the alone elements furnish by them (leur(s))."

What a mumbo-jumbo!

Translating machines are not even remotely close to replacing the human mind.

About the Author:
J. McCorquodale is a linguist with more than 20 years experience writing about languages in English, French and Italian. She acts as a freelance translator with the Tectrad group, a professional translation agency. Find out how you can sell to a broader audience with the help of specialist english to spanish, english to french translation services, web site translations and other quality work.

10 Reasons To Learn Spanish

Having a hard time coming up with a reason to sign up for Spanish 101. I'm not. Here's a few to think about.

1. Planning a trip to a Spanish speaking country.
There is certainly no shortage of exotic and fun places to travel to, where Spanish is a popular language. Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Panama, and Argentina are just a few. Just imagine how much more enjoyable a vacation in any of these countries would be if you could converse with the locals in their native tongue. Possibly even discover some secrets not revealed in the generic travel brochures.

2. Falling in love with someone who speaks Spanish.
They say you can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends . . . and lovers. Maybe that cute Spanish speaking guy or girl you ride next to on the bus every day, would really be impressed, if you were able to use a introductory line with a few Spanish words. Careful with the translations here though. First impressions are important.

3. Career advancement in a job that favors bilingualism.
Perhaps your company has some great opportunities, but only for bilingual speaking employees. Or maybe you just like a transfer to another corporate office, that happens to be in South America for a while. I'm sure speaking Spanish would a great advantage there.

4. For the sake of learning something new.
Not just your body needs exercise, but your mind as well. Plenty of studies these days, reveal how beneficial it is to keep your mind active to prevent the onset of many mind/age related diseases like Alzheimer's. Learn a language is like aerobics for the brain.

5. To broaden your mind from a cultural perspective.
As the world becomes more of a global village, it's important to be aware, tolerant, and compassionate towards other cultures. One of the great ways to understand another culture is to learn it's language. There are few things more culturally rich, than language.

6. Because Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States.
And the fourth most spoken language in the world. Close to 400 million people speak Spanish. Just imagine all the new friends you can make. Not to mention business associates, partners, students, and mentors.

7. You want to study abroad in a predominately Spanish speaking country.
While it's true that immersing yourself in another country is a great way to learn the language, just imagine if you learned a little of the language before you went. Besides, you'll have enough studying to do in your chosen field of endeavour, without the burden of learning the language at the same time.

8. Because you hate reading subtitles on all those great Spanish movies.
Films, music, art. What the heck are they singing about anyway? While Spanish music is arguably the most beautiful in the world, don't you wish you understand the words. Hey, if the music sounds so passionate, just imagine how good the words must be.

9. It's a gateway to learning other languages.
They say once you learn a second language, the third gets easier. And then the fourth, the fifth, etc. Well, for once 'they' are right. Just imagine how impressed your friends will be when you tell them you can speak a half dozen languages. Who knows what doors that could open.

10. It's always fun to learn to curse in another language.
The most important reason of all. Why is it everyone wants to learn the swear words first, when picking up a new language. I guess, so you can tell your friends (enemies?) what you really think of them, while keeping that smile on your face. They'll never know ;)



About the Author:
If you really want to learn Spanish online, then click here: Learn Spanish.

Safety Tips for College Students

College students and their parents continue to recall the tragedy that occurred at Virginia Tech last April, leaving many wondering how students can stay safe while attending college. Students can take many steps to protect themselves and reduce their risk of being victimized.

The National Crime Prevention Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, offers the following tips for students:

* Personal safety -; After dark, students should walk with friends or find out if their school offers an escort service. The phone numbers for 911 and campus security should be programmed as cell phone speed dials, and students should always carry their phones with them.

* Theft -; Backpacks full of valuables should never be left behind -; always keep possession of them, even during a quick study break. Students should always lock their dorm room and carry their room keys at all times. Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles and dorm rooms. If a wallet is stolen, students should cancel all credit cards and place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus to prevent identity theft.

* Alcohol consumption and drug abuse -; Alcohol and drug abuse can raise the risk for injury, intimate partner violence and victimization. Taking prescription medication in ways not prescribed, constitutes abuse, and can be as harmful as using illicit drugs. Rent movies, order take-out or play pick-up sports to have fun without alcohol.

* Dating violence -; Recognize the behaviors that indicate abuse. Abusive individuals may hit or insult their partners, isolate partners from family and friends and pressure their partners to engage in unprotected sex. Those who believe themselves to be a victim of dating violence should seek support from a college counselor or victim service agency to get out of an abusive relationship.

All colleges must report crime statistics to the U.S. Department of Education, which can be accessed at www.ope.ed.gov/security/main.asp. For more information, visit www.ncpc.org.

(NewsUSA)

Funded Education Programs For Children

Every child in the United States deserves a good education and there are many groups and organizations that are dedicated to making that fact become a reality. Low-income families are often given the lowest priority on waiting lists at private schools but are at the top of the Government funded school programs in place in communities that stretch across the United States.

Some of the funding for these programs has been reduced or deleted by budget cuts in Congress. The opportunities for learning still exist for low-income families due to the caring and sharing of people who are members of privately funded organizations. The President's No Child Left Behind policy ensures that children of all walks of life have access to education and that no child will graduate without being qualified to do so. The rigid requirements of government funded educational programs make it impossible for some low income parents to participate.

Parents are educated on the education process and are notified about the funded programs, which are in place that will help their child receive the education that they deserve. While school vouchers take the bite out of educational costs for low income families, these vouchers are limited and not all children will attend school using this method. Some low-income families get financial assistance from the Government to pay school fees, and others will only qualify for financial help to buy school books.

Many low-income families live in public housing projects and rely on the public assistance programs to have funds to buy foods. This lower standard of living will allow large families to qualify for early education programs and bear no expense in getting it. Public transportation is provided to take pre-school age children to daycare where they will learn the educational basics of the alphabet and how to interact with other children.

These programs are designed to give children a head start in life and prepare them intellectually to be able to live better later in life. With better living conditions and a concerted effort to provide a quality education, many community leaders feel that welfare roles will be reduced when a child is educated about the world they live in. Real life conditions will take on a higher degree of importance to those that are educated about education costs. Those that have money to spare are more than willing to share the cost of education with those less fortunate.

Some privately funded organizations will donate books for low-income children to read while they attend after-school care programs. Public libraries provide free access to the internet and school age children are often seen playing educational games that will help them learn mathematics or explore geography with a friend who also speaks Spanish. The public libraries are an excellent source of information and can be the center of learning for children from all lifestyles.

Pre-school children are often educated at home with the help of publicly funded television programming. The children's education is well-rounded and carefully calculated to allow children access to learning at various points throughout the day. Some of these educational programs have become part of the public school system curriculum and school age children do not bear the cost for access to this type of educational opportunity.



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