Education Archives - Foreign policy

How to Develop Your Language Skills by Learning Jokes

Published on April 10, 2021

Learning a new language is always among the best choices to improve as a person. When you adopt such a skill and are able to communicate with a whole new group of people, so many new doors open for you and you take one step further to becoming a true citizen of the world. Language barriers were among the most prominent forces that prevented civilizations from getting along, so naturally people decided to put an end to it and adopt learning each other’s ways of communication. In the modern world, it is hardly enough to only speak your native language, or even just one foreign language for that matter.

In order to be a true modern citizen, you must have the means of communicating with anyone and anywhere, which statistically means speaking at least two foreign languages. Chances to meet somebody who can understand you increase dramatically whenever you adopt a new language so expanding your skills in this area should never stop, both for your personal and professional lives to prosper and be more successful. Since language and culture go hand in hand, there are certain shortcuts to improving your language skills, one of which is the star of this article. By this we mean learning jokes with a goal of developing your language skills further. To find out how humor and jokes can help you become a better polyglot, keep reading this article and make sure to check out jokesbuzz.com for more.

Language and Culture

Languages and cultures of the world developed at the same time. There can never be one without the other and the reasons for that are many. First of all, you cannot document a culture and its traditions without the proper use of spoken and written language. Next, you cannot really have an identity as a separate people, ethnic and racial group, or nation without something crucial as the way you talk to your fellow compatriots.

When we want to learn a new language, we must also take some time to study the history and the culture of the people(s) who use it as their mother or native tongue. For example, during the studies of English as a second language, students always learn things about the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and even South Africa. You cannot understand the language and use it properly without knowing the people who use it and the way they live.

There are so many notions and sayings people of different cultures and from different corners of the world use that are hard or even impossible to understand and translate. Therefore, taking some time to learn them and adopt them into your own use of that language is a key component of mastering it completely. And what better way to understand a whole people better and to be able to spend time with them than learning how they like to have fun and joke among themselves?

Humor and Jokes as Learning Tool

Let us start this section with an example of a classic joke in English. Before we give it to you, consider the two English words, homophones, that sound the same but have vastly different meaning. The word “eight” is the number we all know, and the word “ate” is the past simple form of the verb “eat”. So “eight” and “ate” are pronounced exactly the same. Time for a joke. “Why is six afraid of seven? Because seven eight (ate) nine.” If you understand English well enough, you will understand the joke immediately since you know about the past tense of the verb and the number that sound the same. If not, you will be confused because it does not seem funny, it looks just like a string of numbers without the punchline.

This is only one of the examples and English language is rich with similar jokes. Word play is crucial for it because it is a type of language where the phonetics and spelling are two different things. The potential for clever and hilarious jokes, as well as vulgar and dark humor, is limitless. And the same exact thing is possible in numerous other languages but in different ways. You cannot tell the same joke from above in any other language however because it would not have the same effect. Once you hear such humor during your studying, it will stimulate your brain and make you wonder about the language and its mechanisms more and therefore help you adopt more knowledge and new ideas.

Skills Jokes Help With

Apart from making your family and friends laugh in multiple languages and some bragging rights here and there, you will also get numerous useful benefits and more refined and developed language skills if you try to incorporate jokes into your learning. The aforementioned homophones are great for expanding your vocabulary, but so are homographs (spelled the same but red differently). Together, they make homonyms, a special group of words that will make you a much better speaker if you learn them.

Perhaps the most special way of telling jokes is through idioms and metaphors. In figures of speech and strings of words, the whole phrase means one thing but individual words mean something else when isolated. Beating around the bush does not literally mean beating the area around a bush. It means being hesitant to say or do something without for some reason. If you know such a saying, you instantly become a better speaker of English. And again, there are idioms and metaphors in all languages.

Laughing is healthy and it promotes positive vibes and a generally pleasant atmosphere in the classroom. It does not matter if you are a part of a language learning group or if you are doing it on your own. Try to incorporate foreign humor into your lessons and you will see how much fun languages can truly be. You will explore whole new approach to learning and elevate everything you have successfully dealt with so far, from tenses and complicated rules to specialized vocabulary, prepositions, and conjunctions.

A Few Sound-alike Jokes for You:

What does a rabbit use to fix its fur? A hairspray. (hare=hair)

What is the cheapest way to travel? By sailboat. (sail=sale)

What did the beach say to the tide? Long time no see. (see=sea)

Some Knock-Knock Jokes:

Knock-Knock! Who’s there? Candice. Candice who? Candice door open, or am I stuck out here? (Candice=can this)

Knock-Knock! Who’s there? Voodoo. Voodoo who? Voodoo you think you are, asking all these questions? (voodoo=who do)

Knock-Knock! Who’s there? Mikey. Mikey who? Mikey isn’t working, can you let me in? (Mikey=my key)

10 Tips for Writing Better University Assignments

Published on March 20, 2021

Education

Being at the university level, many students will have to start writing essays or articles for their classes. And if you’re not sure where to start, then this article is perfect for you. This blog post will give you 10 foolproof tips that are guaranteed to get the best marks possible on your assignments.

Tip 1: Write an engaging introduction

According to mydissertations.com, the introduction should not just “introduce” the topic; it should also capture the reader’s interest. The first sentence of your essay is your one golden opportunity to hook the reader and make them want to read the rest of your paper! Use strong language and interesting examples.

Tip 2: Presentation is key

Presentation can include both visuals (graphs, charts) as well as good formatting and style. It is a good idea to create an outline for your essay first and then develop each header section in more detail. It will help you define what you will write about and make it easier to structure your arguments.

Tip 3: Be clear and concise

Demonstrating that you know how to use language well (with strong verbs, varied sentence structure, word choices with emotional impact) is a big part of writing well. The words you choose and how you connect them with each other will greatly impact the image that your reader has of your ability. It is imperative when it comes to getting a job or gaining admission to graduate school.

Tip 4: Consider your audience

You should always think about who you are writing for. It is especially important when it comes to academic essays. Your choices of topic, language, length, and style will all be influenced by who you are writing for. For example, if you are writing for an international audience, it will help avoid American vernacular and write more clearly.

Tip 5: Do your research

If you wish to write a good essay, the best place to start is with great information. The best resource for this is the academic databases available through your library. They provide access to a huge amount of information that can be used and cited in your essays.

Tip 6: Be clear about your argument

Your essay should have one clear argument, supported by key facts and clear examples. It should have a strong thesis statement at the beginning, which clearly defines what the reader will expect to find in the essay (like a roadmap). Your essay should also have a clear structure: introduction says what you’re going to write about; Body paragraphs say what you are going to write about; Conclusion says what you’ve written.

Tip 7: Include a conclusion

The conclusion is that part of your essay where you sum up your argument and respond to any points of contention. It should be roughly 3-4 paragraphs, and the final paragraph should contain the reader in some way.

Tip 8: Show your original thinking

A university’s purpose is to learn how to think, not to learn facts and information. Your writing should demonstrate that you know how to take a subject, break it down into key points, and analyze them critically. This process should cover all the key points (so your good analysis should be well-researched), but it should also show some original ideas about the topic.

Tip 9: Be consistent

Consistency is a key element of good writing. The way you present your arguments, the language you use, and your essay structure should all be consistent throughout. It is especially important for university essays because they are often read by multiple people looking for any reason to reject them (and if you vary greatly from one paragraph to another, or even within paragraphs, this will look bad!).

Tip 10: Proofread carefully

Spell-check and grammar-check are great, but they will not catch everything. For the proofreading process, you will need to read your essay carefully and several times, focusing on the big things: headings, punctuation, spelling of words you use only once or twice. Now is also an excellent time to get someone else to read it!

University assignments can be tough. That is why we’ve put together this article with some tried and tested tips for creating better university assignments. Here are some more take away tips:

Know your audience- who is reading this assignment? It will guide you on the information you need to include in your assignment, what tone or style you should use, and what resources to use to cite sources.

If it is a large assignment, break it down into smaller tasks and work on each section separately. It will help you achieve your ultimate goal of completing the entire assignment without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

When writing your assignment, try not to write too much information. There is a fine line between including relevant information and being concise.

Ensure that you format your assignment correctly- make sure that you write in paragraph format and don’t just list information up the page.

If you are struggling or have hit a brick wall when completing your assignment, try some research to find more information. Research is an invaluable tool when writing your assignments at university.

When referencing, don’t forget to title your references and use the correct format. It will help you not only when referring to them in your assignment but also when it comes time to hand in the assignment.

If you are reading your assignment back and it isn’t making sense to you, try editing it. Often editing your writing is the most important step in writing your assignment.

Ask for help if you are struggling or think that there may be something wrong with the way you are completing your assignment. You can ask friends, teachers, tutors, or family members for help.

Ensure that you include examples in your assignments, as this will help you understand and demonstrate what you are trying to say.

When you have completed your assignment and are reading it back, ask yourself, “does this make sense to others?” If it doesn’t seem to make sense, try rereading it or doing a fresh rewrite.

Good luck with your assignments!

6 Successful Studying Tips for College Classes

Published on March 19, 2021

Education

Studying can be hard if you’ve no peaceful place to study at. Studies are not something easy to do or something that can be left at the end of the day. You should constantly study no matter if your exams are near or not. Studying on a daily basis will help you develop your base quickly and by the time your exams come near, you’ll be good to go.

Finding the best study tips can be stressful and frustrating. Having good studying tips can help you get good grades and in acing your weekly or monthly tests. You can also ask your teachers for help as well if you feel you’re having difficulty doing your homework or preparing for your upcoming exams.

You can also use websites like https://www.paperhelp.org/ for your studies if you’re having difficulty in them.

Having effective study habits will not only help you in acing your weekly tests but will also help you in covering your course at a fast pace. It’s really important if you want to have a successful academic life. You won’t be able to achieve your goals if you don’t have proper studying habits.

It’s totally normal to stress about your exams but it’s not something you should give all your time to because your health is also important so, make sure to keep a healthy lifestyle so you can study well. With the right and effective study tips, your exams can become much less of stress as you’ll be able to cover your syllabus in no time.

It’s mostly about getting rid of the things that distract you and also getting rid of the bad habits like sleeping late and then waking up late. Learn how to do well in your academic years by following and doing these tips mentioned below.

It can be very challenging to focus on your studies if you have a lot of background noise at home. You should consider studying somewhere else then here are some successful studying tips for your academic life;

1. Fixed timetable

A fixed timetable is necessary if you want to achieve or improve at something. Without a timetable, you won’t have any motivation whatsoever as you won’t goals. Goals are very important in order to achieve something. Try starting with something small like covering this chapter on this day and another chapter on the next day and etc.

2. Manage your time

Time management is the key to getting good grades. It’s very important when it comes to studying. This can save you from last-minute stress and other things like an incomplete syllabus in the final week of your exams.

Try to divide your day accordingly to your subjects by giving time to every subject you study in your school or college. You’ll know how much time you need to give to every subject, just what subject you’re weak in.

3. Healthy lifestyle

In order to study well, you need to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle or else you won’t be able to study well. You’ll feel lazy and tired all day, thus, no effective studying will be done. Try keeping a high protein diet, this will help you keep your energy levels high because of which you’ll be able to study effectively.

Always take breaks in between your study time, studying continuously can also make you feel tired and get your energy levels down.

You can spend your break time watching Netflix or with your friends. Take a maximum break of 30minutes and not more than that or else you will just be wasting time nothing else.

Also, try going to the gym to get some workout in as it’s proven that exercise can actually help you stay active and focused during your day. This will help you a lot when studying as you’ll need the focus and high energy levels.

4. Find a studying spot

Look for a spot where you the study the best, be it a library, a cafe or your friend’s house. I’d suggest going to a library as it’s probably the most peaceful place in the world. You’ll study more effectively with no background noise and you can even use their books for academic purposes if needed. They also have computers which you can use for your research.

If you’re a person who likes a little background noise when studying, you can choose to study in a cafe. A cafe is also a great place to study, most of the high school students choose to study there with their friends or alone as you can order food while studying. You can have a cup of coffee to boost your energy levels up.

If you like studying at home, tell your parents and siblings not to disturb you when sleeping because if you don’t tell them, they’ll just come barging in asking you for different kinds of things. And if you live in an apartment with your friends, you can ask them not to make loud noises or play music on a higher volume as it will distract you and you’ll lose focus.

5. Ask teachers for help

For example, you’re doing a question and you’re having difficulty doing it, you can note down the questions and ask your teacher about it when you get the chance. You can message them to give you a time in which you and your teacher can discuss the questions you’re having difficulty doing.

6. Take notes

While your teacher is giving the lecture in class, always try to make notes out of it so, when you go home you can study them again and more effectively with short notes. Notes can save you from the last-minute study as if you’re successful in making notes in every class of your semester, you can just take a brief look at them for revision.

So, try to make notes in every class possible, it’s for your own benefit. And if you’ve missed any class, talk to your friends or teachers and ask them to give you a brief summary about the class so you can write down the notes.

What’s the Difference Between Argumentative & Informative Essays

Published on March 12, 2021

Education

When it comes to argumentative and informative essays there are a lot of similarities, and also a lot that makes them different. For one, both are types of essays that rely on information and facts. People often mistake the two so it is vital to try and explain the main differences. In this article, we are going to try and proved the answer to the question what’s the difference between argumentative & informative essays. For one, you need to know that the argumentative type tries to work on the reader and the attempt lies in the fact of trying to convince the reader to accept the writer’s view on the matter in question. The informative essay, on the other hand, is based on providing the reader with facts and information directly with the final thought being left to them.

Informative Essays

Most informative essays are focused on a certain topic or a problem and are trying to explain it to the audience. The goal of every informative writer is to be objective, at all times neutral, and without attempts to push the narrative to either side. You could argue that informative writers are alike reporters that work on news. The difference would be that writers only deal with true information and facts, without trying to form an opinion or to convince the reader into anything. If a writer wants to remain true to this type of writing it is essential to stick to the facts and never layout personal beliefs, opinions, or ideas.

If we are talking about SAGE testing or similar tests, informative essays should contain three paragraphs. It all starts with an introduction paragraph which should serve as an introduction for what follows. In the beginning, you should focus on what your entire paper is going to be about. Moving on and you should put all the vital information and facts on the topic in the body of the essay. It should be filled with everything that you know about the subject. The final part of the informative essay is the conclusion that should take a brief look at everything you laid out in the parts above. If your goal is to pass a SAGE test stick to the construction we explained above. But, you should know that real writers write about long topics. Due to this fact, they use as many body paragraphs as they need to explain their topic.

Argumentative Essays

This type of essay is a bit more interesting as the writer isn’t only laying out information, but it’s trying to convince the audience of his opinions. It contains not only information and facts about the subject but is also filled with writers’ opinions and ideas. Compared to an informative essay it is more personal to the writer. It all starts with him preparing research into a subject that has a goal of collecting enough evidence and making his stance viable to the reader. While the writer is free to be subjective and biased it also has to be aware that the other side could have its opinion. In surroundings like these, it is essential not to allow yourself to stray away from logic and reasoning. If you want to write an argumentative essay for SAGE testing it needs to be at least four or five paragraphs long. Same as with an informative essay the first paragraph needs to be all about introduction where you’ll make a case for the rest of the argument. In the next two or even three paragraphs, you’ll need to create enough essence for the argument you’re trying to make. This should be the body of your essay which should contain everything you have on the subject and what helped you to form an opinion on the given subject. The last paragraph is of course the conclusion which should be the summary of everything you’ve said in the paragraphs above. Similar to what we said in the passage above, if you are doing this for the sake of SAGE testing do not force the body paragraphs but stick to two or three. Bur if you are a professional writer or you tend to be one, be free to use as many body paragraphs as you like or need to prove your argument. If you need help writing this type of essay you can always seek Wr1ter for help.

The Difference

As you can see from the two paragraphs above there are some vital differences between these two styles. By using our recommendations we also have an introduction, two body paragraphs, and what you are reading right now is the conclusion. Our form is purely informative, as you guess. Talking about the differences the primary one lies in the fact that informative essays only contain pure information on any given subject. Argumentative essays offer much more in terms of writers’ ideas, opinions, and stances, while also relying plenty on facts, information, and various statistics. But, this is not all. Furthermore, informative essays tend to be unbiased, objective, and true to the topic without straying away from it. At the same time, argumentative ones tend to be a lot more subjective and biased, containing much of the writer’s personal touch on the subject.

Argumentative essays cover a lot more writing field as they are a combination of information and facts, but also writers’ opinions and emotions are tied into it. Also, if you are looking to spot the difference straight away it is made possible for you. These two types are different from the start and one of the essential differences can be seen straight in the introduction. For one, the informative essay states what the topic is and it is introduced to the reader in the first few sentences. On the other hand, we have an argumentative essay which in the first few sentences is trying to show what the argument is to the reader. As you can see there are many differences and some of them are easy to spot, others not so much. We hope that after reading this article things are at least a bit clearer to you.

Is Online Learning Really Effective for Younger Learners

Published on March 10, 2021

Education

While virtual learning is the best option for most schools since the onset of the pandemic, which caused nationwide lockdowns, this method of educating students comes with its own cons.

Any teacher that deals with little kids knows that the best way to teach them is a hands-on approach with ample time for practice. In any pre-school or kindergarten class you walk into, you will surely see an activity center somewhere in the room, with fun, colorful learning tools that will keep children engaged.

Puzzles, mazes, colorful bricks, and free reading comprehension worksheets help your kids make connections and learn better through play. Visit here for a free reading comprehension worksheet.

With the coronavirus and the safety protocols that have been put in place, schools that have reopened operate under strict guidelines, including the social distancing rules that require no touching or sharing of objects, and maintaining six feet between people.

Virtual learning and social distancing might work for older students, but the truth is that the younger learners bear the brunt of the disadvantages of online learning.

Students who need special attention will struggle with online learning

It might be hard to imagine a young kindergartner already struggling with schoolwork. However, there are some kids who are behind their peers in terms of education. Sometimes, it is caused by poor home conditions, and other times the child might simply require special attention.

Kids will not get adequate supervision

Many parents already enroll their kids in daycares due to their tight work schedules. Having their children forced to stay and learn from home means that they must assist their children with schoolwork and online learning.

If the parents simply do not have the time, the children will miss out on those learning moments that require hands-on supervision, which their teachers would have provided in physical class.

The switch from physical classes to online learning might be difficult for parents, students and teachers to keep up with, but there are some tips to ensure success with virtual learning.

Maintain personal meetings with students

It won’t be easy to fit this into your busy schedule as a teacher, but you can try to create one-on-one time with each student, where they communicate with you in any area they are having problems. This will build trust and a better relationship over time, and you will also be more aware of each student’s strength and weakness.

Collaborate with parents to create proper timetables and school habits

Send regular emails to update parents on what their children are learning in school, what assignment they have to do, and how they can help the kids to practice what they learn in class. Include some helpful tips and tricks that will make it easier for the parents and kids.

Offer resources to students who need them

Find out from your school the possibility of loaning out manipulatives and other hands-on learning tools that will help your students learn more comfortably at home. If this is not possible, inform parents on how they can create DIY learning objects, and what home supplies can be used for art and music classes.

Online classes are not the best for younger students, but with the technology we have today, teachers and students can find a way to make it work. Follow the simple tips to make the most out of your online classes.

Homework often leads to arguments

Actually, the child has his beloved soccer training in the afternoon, has a date with his girlfriend or wants to go buy the urgently needed shoes – but the homework is not finished yet. The child dawdles does not concentrate and smears and is too good in the end it comes to a solid quarrel. A very typical family situation that doesn’t have to be that way. Neither he does the daily hours of practicing the school material.

How much time is appropriate?

The real purpose of homework is that the material learned in school should be applied and deepened at home, independently and in a reasonable amount of time. There are general guidelines for this ‘reasonable time’. Thirty minutes for the first and second grades, one hour for the third and fourth grades, ninety minutes for grades five and six, and two hours per day for the upper grades. Sometimes more, sometimes less – but on average this time should be enough and give the child the opportunity to have plenty of space for leisure activities.

What do I do if my child needs significantly longer?

If these times are exceeded regularly, even homework dragging on all afternoon every day and determining the entire family life, then something is wrong. On the one hand, this can be due to the framework for homework, and on the other hand, the child is overburdened or insufficiently challenged, but it can also be because the respective teacher misjudges the situation. In the last two cases, an interview with the teacher is advisable. Most of the time, however, this is not necessary. A few simple rules are often enough to bring calm back into a situation that is often full of emotions and stress.

The right time is different for each individual

First of all, it is important to determine the right time for homework, preferably together with the child. Because everyday school life is exhausting and children react differently to it. Some want to finish everything as quickly as possible in order to have their head free, others need a certain amount of time first – either to rest or to let off steam. These different needs should be taken into account when planning. However, the agreed time must also be adhered to by both sides.

The optimal environment

Another important point is the homework environment. For this it is necessary that the child has a quiet place in which to work. This can be the desk in your own room, but it can also be the vacated family dining table. The latter is particularly suitable for primary school children, who often find it difficult to organize themselves in their own room. Then it is sometimes necessary to bring the child’s attention back to the tasks.

The role of the siblings

Siblings too now have to be considerate and leave the working child alone. Smaller siblings can often be calmed down by the fact that they are also allowed to do “homework”. In some cases, larger ones can also take on the role of tutor. “Many children prefer the help of older siblings, as they mostly know the textbook, have mastered special learning paths and technical terms, may have had the same difficulties and can therefore often help more specifically and more quickly than their parents,” reports Dr. Britta Kelly from the pedagogical department California University of Applied Sciences from her many years of experience with the subject.

Overcoming the Challenge of Teaching Complex Content and Crucial Life Lessons

Published on March 5, 2021March 8, 2021

Education

Teaching complex concepts can feel like an uphill battle. It can also be discouraging for both teachers and students. If students find the study material hard to understand, they can resort to surface-learning techniques such as cramming. After all, most of these students are verbally competent and highly intelligent.

Considered the most predominant role models in students’ development, the responsibility of teachers goes beyond academic enrichment. You must reach your students on multiple levels and connect with them on a personal level if you want to be a great educator.

The best teachers are committed to the well-being of their students both inside and outside the classroom. They can affect virtually all aspects of learners’ lives by forging strong relationships. They can do this by teaching them essential life lessons to help them succeed beyond standardized tests and term papers.

How to help students better understand what they are taught

Teachers face many classroom challenges such as teaching difficult content, motivating uninterested students, and increasing class sizes. While technology may offer some help in the education process, it is a common challenge. Instead of reading the textbook chapter, students tend to rely on electronic learning aids and textbook slides.

It takes a great teacher to change a student’s life as it’s not always easy. Aside from academic performance issues, some may be experiencing troubles in their personal lives and may need someone to talk to.

While you spend your entire career learning how to change students’ lives, you can draw some helpful inspirations from Bree Picower. She is an Associate Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Montclair State University. Having taught in several elementary schools, she works to create spaces for educators, helps them sharpen their skills more, and acts for educational justice.

As a life-changing teacher, here are the key aspects that you can apply to help your students excel:

1. Inspiration

To encourage students to fulfill their potential and attain their goals, inspiring them is an integral aspect. When inspired by their teachers, students can accomplish amazing things. This motivation stays with them and helps them to continue excelling in many aspects of their lives.

Inspiration can take several forms, from helping pupils maneuver through academic years to assisting them to achieve short-term goals while guiding them towards their careers in the future. Years after graduation, many working professionals attribute their accomplishments to their educators and cite particular teachers who fostered their current achievements and the love of what they are doing now.

2. Education

Engaging lessons are pivotal to the academic success of a student. To achieve this, a great teacher has to make learning stimulating and fun. Students prone to disengagement, truancy, or misbehavior tend to be more dependent on an engaging teacher.

If you want students to be fascinated by learning, you have to make your classroom an exciting environment. Students learn best and tend to grasp things more when they are both interested and challenged. While the ways of motivating students may not be easy, they benefit from them immeasurably in the long run.

3. Enlightenment

Regarding weighing important life decisions for students, educators can be a trusted source of advice. They can guide pupils towards pursuing higher education, competing in events, exploring career opportunities, and helping them discover their talents.

Since students perceive their teachers as people with substantial knowledge and experience, they trust them fully as their mentors, and they are likely to ask for advice of any kind.

4. Contact with students

Teachers should strive to build rapport with students. Contact between teachers and students is vital to the success of individuals. If students happen to encounter experiences of isolation, some may leave school. When shown some concern, students can get through difficult times. It helps them to focus and grasp even the difficult lessons that are being taught.

5. Prompt feedback

By letting students know what they know and what they do not, they can better focus on learning. Students need frequent improvement suggestions and other opportunities within the classroom for them to perform. When starting, help them to evaluate their current capabilities and knowledge.

Throughout students’ time in school, they need to reflect on what they’ve learned, how to assess themselves, and what they are yet to know. Students need appropriate performance feedback to benefit from courses.

How life lessons impact the lives of students

Influential by nature, teachers often utilize opportunities when they present themselves to teach life lessons to their students. Life lessons taught by teachers usually make a far more significant and lasting impact on many students than standard-based content. They present indirect and direct opportunities to instill lessons.

Indirectly, educators take advantage of teachable moments to discuss aspects or expand topics to life-based issues brought up by students during class lessons. Natural components of schooling are directly used to lead students to learn life lessons.

Life skills education is based on methodology and research for positive education, developed along with positive psychology. Teaching research-based life skills such as strength, happiness, resolution, interaction, emotional skills, self-management, empathy, and relationship skills at school are essential. In this way, students grow up to be mentally strong, whole, and resilient adults.

Life skills can be implemented as individual exercises or as a module. Teachers should familiarize themselves with training on teaching life skills. Apart from the well-being of the individual student, the results of taught life skills will become visible at the school level when these skills are taught consistently.

Can teaching critical thinking help?

For more than just academic reasons, developing substantial critical thinking capacity for students serves them well in all aspects. It encompasses several vital life-skills such as decision making, problem-solving, effective management of relationships, and personal responsibility.

To help learners think more critically, teachers can explore concepts by using real-world examples. However, you must recognize the challenges and barriers that come with teaching critical thinking skills and discover how to get around them. Without a doubt, critical thinking is among the crucial mindsets that students should have – for learning and life.

9 Surprising Benefits of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

Published on February 26, 2021

Education

Jigsaw puzzles are a good way to enhance the brainpower of a child. The use of mathematical puzzles is quite efficient in building a child’s interest in this challenging subject. Students have shown great improvement in their math results by doing jigsaw puzzles. It has proven to improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. The exercise of putting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together requires concentration that improves the short-term memory and problem-solving skills of kids. Here are five surprising benefits of doing Jigsaw Puzzles:

1. Improves Memory:

Playing jigsaw puzzles is an especially effective way of improving short-term memory. It can improve short-term memory and increase a child’s performance in studies. Doing a jigsaw puzzle reinforces connections between brain cells, improves mental speed, and elevates memory power. When a child picks up a piece of puzzles to join, they have to search among the other pieces for color or shape. For that, they need to visualize the whole image, which they saw when pieces were together. This exercises the part of their brain in charge of storing this information to help maintain and improve short-term memory.

2. Increases IQ:

Doing a logical jigsaw puzzle has the potential of increasing your IQ. As most of the logical puzzles are derived from the field of mathematics, and math is a subject that improves the capability to think critically and solve problems. These logical puzzles are surely an effective activity that can improve kids’ intelligence quotient (IQ).

3. Collaboration and Team-work:

Doing a jigsaw puzzle in a group or as a collaborative activity with other kids promotes team spirit and collaboration in kids. It enables kids to attain a sense of teamwork to contribute to a team’s success positively. Encouraging such skills in kids can benefit them in the long run. These qualities are beneficial for kids in their careers as teamwork and collaboration are essential and valued organizational skills.

4. Mental Exercise:

Doing jigsaw puzzle exercises the whole brain. When a child solves a puzzle, both of their left and right brains collectively work together, increasing cognitive abilities. The two hemispheres of the brain control different functions. The right brain is in charge of creativity and emotions; whereas the left brain deals with logical and methodical things. By engaging your child with puzzles, you can develop both sides of their brain, giving a real mental workout. Exercising the mind also helps prevent cognitive decline.

5. Increases Productivity:

When a child learns math through puzzles and games, they feel happier and less stressed. Playing with puzzles makes it easier for them to focus; with this improved concentration, their productivity skyrockets. These puzzles also promote long term engagement, implying increased productivity and consistency.

Using a jigsaw puzzle gives an exercise to a child’s mind that can help spark imagination and creativity in them. It is useful in increasing both creativity and productivity in children. By encouraging children to do mathematical puzzles, you can deliver complex concepts and fundamental knowledge easily. To find some more interesting activities for your child to learn math, visit www.cuemath.com.

6. People can pay attention to details:

At the time of solving the puzzles, it is very much important for the people to pay proper attention to the details especially in case the pieces are very similar. Hence, this way the people will be able to train their eyes very easily and ensure that they will be able to find out differences between shapes and colours that will allow them to complete the image very easily. Hence, this is considered to be the best possible way of developing different kinds of skills which are very much helpful in every aspect of life, especially at work. Hence, in this way, people will become very detailed, precise because the quality of the work will very easily improve.

7. Improves the problem-solving abilities of the people:

Another very important benefit provided by solving jigsaw puzzles is that people will be having different kinds of abilities to improve their problem-solving skills. People will learn the value of formulating different kinds of theories, testing the hypothesis and changing the perspectives whenever things do not move as per the plan. Hence, these kinds of skills can be easily transferred to work which can make the people highly innovative because they will be based upon critical thinking, better adaptive skills and several other kinds of associated things.

8. People will always have a good mood:

Solving puzzles is considered to be a great way of ensuring that people will be able to have a good mood because it is directly linked with increasing dopamine production. This particular hormone is very much responsible for regulating the mood and optimism among people and it will also affect the learning and memory of the people. This particular hormone will be released whenever people will solve a puzzle which will further make sure that it will encourage people to deal with challenges in life very well and ensure that they are always successful.

9. It will help in decreasing the stress levels:

Another very important point associated with the solving of puzzles is that people will be having a lot of relaxation and in this way, they will be reducing their stress levels because this is directly linked with increasing self-confidence, relieving the stress, lowering down the BP and they will also have the best possible ability to make deeper connections with themselves. The whole process of solving the puzzles comes with different kinds of cognitive and physical benefits for the children.

Conclusion:

If you’re finding it challenging to keep your child focused in his studies, then jigsaw is a sure-shot way to keep them meaningfully engaged and focused. Doing jigsaw puzzles help to keep kids away from screens and to stay focused on their studies. Giving short breaks for doing a puzzle can reset their brain to perform better in studies. Many online math classes use puzzles and similar games in their curriculum to develop kids’ math skills. It is also a great way to make studies enjoyable. By playing with puzzles, kids feel refreshed to start with studies.

9 Steps to Become an Efficient Student

Published on February 24, 2021

Education

As a student, you’re facing a lot of challenges. Some of them are academic- your exams, school assignments, and grades. Others are related to your mental health, physical health, social life, and balance you’re trying to find. All of these challenges are making it hard for you to become and stay an efficient student, and get everything done easily.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of 9 ultimate steps that will help you establish a winning routine as a student. This way, you’ll be more efficient and more productive. Let’s break it down.

1. Write Things Down

The golden rule of being a well-organized and efficient student is to keep everything in writing. Instead of memorizing, make sure to write down:

your school deadlines
exam dates
requirements for tasks and projects
homework assignments

Write it down to ensure you have all the necessary information for completing your projects correctly, and in time.

2. Create a Schedule

If you want to make the most out of every school day, you should create a schedule that implies:

planning specific study time
planning your breaks
setting daily goals
breaking down more serious projects into several days of work

Planning is the best way to use every moment you have productively. Create a schedule, update it regularly, and stick to it.

3. Take Active Breaks

When you’re taking a break from your busy day full of studying and working on school projects, you should always make time for taking active breaks.

That means your break should not be anything like watching TV or scrolling down your social media feed. Instead, do something that will boost your brain activity:

go for a walk
do some exercises
do some yoga
walk your dog
sit in a park or by a lake

Be creative and do something to boost your energy and get back to work fully recharged.

4. Don’t Procrastinate

Procrastination is a major issue for so many students. You should stop procrastinating ASAP since it’s a habit that’s killing your efficiency.

It might seem like you’ve got enough time to study, write an essay, or finish a project, but once the deadline approaches, you’ll start panicking. This will in no way improve your efficiency, and you’ll just end up with poor results.

That’s why it’s best that you:

study regularly
devote a certain amount of time to school obligations every day
do not postpone anything

If you did postpone an essay for too long, and you don’t have the time to write it, you can find professional help online. A good services aggregator, TopWritersReview, breaks down the best writing services you can find. So, try not to procrastinate and don’t leave things for tomorrow if you can do them today.

5. Sleep Regularly

Lack of sleep or sleep deprivation can cause some serious damage to your overall health as well as your academic success. When you haven’t had enough sleep, you’ll be unable to:

focus
study actively
participate in your classes
achieve your daily maximum

Make room for enough sleep every day, and get plenty of rest to help your body push through.

6. Find Company

Most students find it easier to achieve academic success if they have a study buddy or a friend to share the journey with. Team up with some colleagues to support each other and do things together:

study together
do projects
proofread each other’s papers
give feedback on each other’s projects

You’ll be more motivated and inspired to work hard when you’ve got someone to share this experience with. This type of support and even a bit of competitive spirit is a true efficiency boost for most students.

7. Do the Hardest Work First

Another great piece of advice that students find super-useful is doing the hard work first. Let’s say you’ve got an extensive research paper to write and you know nothing about the subject matter. On the other hand, you need to write a single-page essay on your favorite composer.

You should do the research paper first since you need more energy and concentration for it. Once you finish it, you’ll feel like you’re almost done for the day. And, be certain to check all your writing for plagiarism using Lets Grade It. This will secure maximum success.

8. Change Your Study Space

For most students, spending days studying in the same space can be bad for their inspiration and productivity. Changing your study space from time to time is a good idea. You can try:

your dorm room
the school library
a public library
outdoors
a coffee shop
a friend’s house

Mix it up to make it more fun and diverse. It’ll help you boost motivation and feel more eager to work and study.

9. Eat Healthily

To be efficient, you need to be energized. And, to be energized, you need to eat healthily. Junk food and too much sugar will cause serious energy deprivation, so you need to think about changing your diet.

You should eat:

fresh fruit and vegetables
nuts and seeds
whole foods
fish

Healthy food such as this can boost your brainpower and help you study better. Try changing your diet one step at a time and don’t forget to hydrate and drink lots of water.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it takes a bit of planning and strong determination to become an efficient student. The tips provided above are easy to apply but will significantly boost your productivity. Use them to improve your weak spots and become a better student.

Author’s Bio

Merissa Moore is a freelance writer and blogger. She mainly writes for high-school and college students, helping them overcome the challenges they’re facing. She shares her tips, ideas, and tricks on striving as a student.

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