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/
Thursday, January 31, 2008
5 Tips For How You Can Learn More
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
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.
About the Author: James Brown writes about Jostens deals, 2Blockheads.com coupon codes and CrayolaStore.com promotion code