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.
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