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Make Sure to Look Out for These 3 Points Before Choosing Where to Study
Make Sure to Look Out for These 3 Points Before Choosing Where to Study
I hope you find these three points helpful, don't be like me who made the mistake of not seeking out these information before applying to university, which I of course later regretted. If you prefer to watch a video than read the following below make sure to click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
1. First - Think about the location of the school especially the size of the town! People often take this for granted. For instance, small towns may not have everything but they have the basic things and there’s often a sense of community and closeness to the natural environment. However, big cities are often busy, crowded, and fast paced. Hence, it can be noisy, distracting, and more difficult to form bonds with people. However, they provide the benefit of extensive road and transport networks, there are more opportunities, you meet every kind of people, never run out of things to do and get to experience good night life. On the other hand, mid-sized towns provide the best of both worlds from what you would get from a small town and a big city, they provide a good balance.
2. Secondly - Don’t forget to look at the housing and transportation situation for whatever location your interested in because some towns and cities have poor or non-existent transport systems, some don’t have sufficient housing or housing can be very expensive! Often, housing price and transportation availability is tied to the type of businesses that are moving a certain location. For instance, housing in a mid sized town or small town can be comparatively expensive to housing in a big city if they are highly touristic destinations! So make sure to look out for these so you don’t end up regretting, spending money you don’t have or having to move somewhere else – because moving isn’t always easy.
3. Thirdly - Check for the size of the department. Once you've determined the location your interested in then search for departments with expertise in the field you want to study. The higher the number of schools within the location of your interest, then the more flexibility you have to decide on the size of the department. For instance, smaller departments with few staff and just about average quality teaching may not provide you with everything but you get the benefit of being connected to your peers. You also get enough mentorship and support time with professors, which is often the best choice especially for graduate school because you will need all the support you can get. However, in bigger departments you are likely to get a highly challenging and motivating experience but you run the risk of lacking academic related relationships with your peers and professors because no one really has time for you. You can feel alone and lost at the same time but if you don’t really care and just want in and out of school then this might just be the right choice for you.
02/08/2019
PS: All animated vector photos used for creating my YouTube video were freely collected from https://www.freepik.com. Creators include freepik, microvector, vectorpouch, vectorpocket, rawpixel, studiogstock and many more !
1. First - Think about the location of the school especially the size of the town! People often take this for granted. For instance, small towns may not have everything but they have the basic things and there’s often a sense of community and closeness to the natural environment. However, big cities are often busy, crowded, and fast paced. Hence, it can be noisy, distracting, and more difficult to form bonds with people. However, they provide the benefit of extensive road and transport networks, there are more opportunities, you meet every kind of people, never run out of things to do and get to experience good night life. On the other hand, mid-sized towns provide the best of both worlds from what you would get from a small town and a big city, they provide a good balance.
2. Secondly - Don’t forget to look at the housing and transportation situation for whatever location your interested in because some towns and cities have poor or non-existent transport systems, some don’t have sufficient housing or housing can be very expensive! Often, housing price and transportation availability is tied to the type of businesses that are moving a certain location. For instance, housing in a mid sized town or small town can be comparatively expensive to housing in a big city if they are highly touristic destinations! So make sure to look out for these so you don’t end up regretting, spending money you don’t have or having to move somewhere else – because moving isn’t always easy.
3. Thirdly - Check for the size of the department. Once you've determined the location your interested in then search for departments with expertise in the field you want to study. The higher the number of schools within the location of your interest, then the more flexibility you have to decide on the size of the department. For instance, smaller departments with few staff and just about average quality teaching may not provide you with everything but you get the benefit of being connected to your peers. You also get enough mentorship and support time with professors, which is often the best choice especially for graduate school because you will need all the support you can get. However, in bigger departments you are likely to get a highly challenging and motivating experience but you run the risk of lacking academic related relationships with your peers and professors because no one really has time for you. You can feel alone and lost at the same time but if you don’t really care and just want in and out of school then this might just be the right choice for you.
02/08/2019
PS: All animated vector photos used for creating my YouTube video were freely collected from https://www.freepik.com. Creators include freepik, microvector, vectorpouch, vectorpocket, rawpixel, studiogstock and many more !
Three Types of Housing for College / University & Where to Find Them
Three Types of Housing for College / University & Where to Find Them
Your choice of housing will be determined by many factors as written below, but If you prefer to watch a video than read the following, make sure to click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
Factors include:1. Terms of lease– length of contract and the flexibility to get in and out of lease contract in case of emergencies or unforeseen events.2. The price - which is determined by the safety of location, and proximity to campus, downtown, basic stores, and transportation. The better and more strategic the location is, the higher the price.3. Living Preferences - if you prefer to live with friends, family, only girls or boys as housemates, and if you prefer privacy or don’t mind sharing living space. If you prefer housing that is fully furnished and has all the basic amenities such as WiFi, laundry units, parking space, and extra facilities like a gym and pool etc.
1. Hostels: Are provided by the college / university, although they can vary in size, style, and privacyhostels are generally akin to community living because you often get to share bedroom and bathroom space, and living room space. The cheaper it is the more number of people and spaces you share with others. But hostels are often fully furnished, right on campus, safe, and you enjoy lots of social gatherings or events.
2. Corporate hostels / student housing: You can easily search for these in your zip area location or postcodes via Google, they are similar to college hostels but offer more privacy and less shared spaces. For instance, you can have your own bedroom but share bathroom, living room, and kitchen space with other house mates. They are often fully furnished, have all the basic amenities, located right outside of campus or not too far distance from campus.
3. Private apartments and full houses: You can search for these on apartment finding websites via Google and advertising websites like Craigslist etc. Also, you can use property and real estate agency websites in your location to find private apartments and houses. The good thing about these types of housing is that you have more flexibility to chose what you want like the distance, price, number of shared spaces, basic amenities etc You also have the flexibility to chose who you want to live with whether friends and family etc However, as a result, the competition for them is high and so the earlier you start searching the better chance you have to find somewhere with your specific tastes.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask around for help when it comes to housing, you can get in touch with current students, alumna’s, and even appropriate campus staff to find out more about the housing situation in the location of your school.
05/08/2019
PS: All animated vector photos used for creating my YouTube video were freely collected from https://www.freepik.com. Creators include freepik, microvector, vectorpouch, vectorpocket, rawpixel, studiogstock and many more !
Factors include:1. Terms of lease– length of contract and the flexibility to get in and out of lease contract in case of emergencies or unforeseen events.2. The price - which is determined by the safety of location, and proximity to campus, downtown, basic stores, and transportation. The better and more strategic the location is, the higher the price.3. Living Preferences - if you prefer to live with friends, family, only girls or boys as housemates, and if you prefer privacy or don’t mind sharing living space. If you prefer housing that is fully furnished and has all the basic amenities such as WiFi, laundry units, parking space, and extra facilities like a gym and pool etc.
Three types of housing available
1. Hostels: Are provided by the college / university, although they can vary in size, style, and privacyhostels are generally akin to community living because you often get to share bedroom and bathroom space, and living room space. The cheaper it is the more number of people and spaces you share with others. But hostels are often fully furnished, right on campus, safe, and you enjoy lots of social gatherings or events.Three types of housing available
2. Corporate hostels / student housing: You can easily search for these in your zip area location or postcodes via Google, they are similar to college hostels but offer more privacy and less shared spaces. For instance, you can have your own bedroom but share bathroom, living room, and kitchen space with other house mates. They are often fully furnished, have all the basic amenities, located right outside of campus or not too far distance from campus.
3. Private apartments and full houses: You can search for these on apartment finding websites via Google and advertising websites like Craigslist etc. Also, you can use property and real estate agency websites in your location to find private apartments and houses. The good thing about these types of housing is that you have more flexibility to chose what you want like the distance, price, number of shared spaces, basic amenities etc You also have the flexibility to chose who you want to live with whether friends and family etc However, as a result, the competition for them is high and so the earlier you start searching the better chance you have to find somewhere with your specific tastes.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask around for help when it comes to housing, you can get in touch with current students, alumna’s, and even appropriate campus staff to find out more about the housing situation in the location of your school.
05/08/2019
PS: All animated vector photos used for creating my YouTube video were freely collected from https://www.freepik.com. Creators include freepik, microvector, vectorpouch, vectorpocket, rawpixel, studiogstock and many more !
Studying in the UK vs the US - Things you Should Know
Studying in the UK vs the US - Things you Should Know
Here are some key (5 points) differences between studying in the UK vs the US that you should bear in mind if trying to decide between both countries. If you prefer to watch a video than read the following, make sure to click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
1.The duration of study: The duration of study is shorter in the UK than in the US. For instance, undergraduate study in the UK is on average 3 years but is up to 4 years in the US, while a masters is between 9 months to one year in the UK but is on average 2 years in the US with some few exceptions depending on the program of study. A Phd on average is for 3 years in the UK, but if up to 4-5 years in the US.
2. Work load time/depth: However, the shorter duration of study in the UK also means that the work load at a time is often much more and in-depth than in the US. For instance, one module or class is on average about 6 credit hours in the UK, which is equivalent two classes in the US. In the US, a class on average is 3 credit hours, but the exception is in graduate school wherein you can assign up to 6 or more credit hours for a research class.
3. Learning style: The workload in the UK is a very challenging experience for students compared to the US. For instance, a majority of the burden of learning class materials falls on the students. Expect lots of group work, research and writing for every class, as well as workshops where everyone is expected to participate in class so be prepared. In the US, the majority of the burden falls on the professors or lecturers, students are expected to read and do other assignments but the primary assessments are based on tests and exams so expect lots of independent studying. Whereas tests and exams are not as common in the UK.
4. Reading materials: Reading materials are often more flexible in the UK, you often don’t need to buy a particular text book for a class like in the US. In the UK, Professors or lectures often provide a wide range of texts on the same subject that you can read and sometimes work with the library to limit the duration for borrowing each texts so that most students can have equal assess to the books.
5. Preparation for after school: The UK system prepares you more for graduate school if that’s what your into and propels you to the job market because it is required to do work experience as part of the curricular for most degrees such as volunteer or internships and job skills classes, whereas in the US these are optional and its up to the student to seek them out.
In the end, school should be a good balance of work and play. The US offers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience whilst studying than in the UK.
12/08/2019
PS: All animated vector photos used for creating my YouTube video were freely collected from https://www.freepik.com. Creators include freepik, microvector, vectorpouch, vectorpocket, rawpixel, studiogstock and many more !
1.The duration of study: The duration of study is shorter in the UK than in the US. For instance, undergraduate study in the UK is on average 3 years but is up to 4 years in the US, while a masters is between 9 months to one year in the UK but is on average 2 years in the US with some few exceptions depending on the program of study. A Phd on average is for 3 years in the UK, but if up to 4-5 years in the US.
2. Work load time/depth: However, the shorter duration of study in the UK also means that the work load at a time is often much more and in-depth than in the US. For instance, one module or class is on average about 6 credit hours in the UK, which is equivalent two classes in the US. In the US, a class on average is 3 credit hours, but the exception is in graduate school wherein you can assign up to 6 or more credit hours for a research class.
3. Learning style: The workload in the UK is a very challenging experience for students compared to the US. For instance, a majority of the burden of learning class materials falls on the students. Expect lots of group work, research and writing for every class, as well as workshops where everyone is expected to participate in class so be prepared. In the US, the majority of the burden falls on the professors or lecturers, students are expected to read and do other assignments but the primary assessments are based on tests and exams so expect lots of independent studying. Whereas tests and exams are not as common in the UK.
4. Reading materials: Reading materials are often more flexible in the UK, you often don’t need to buy a particular text book for a class like in the US. In the UK, Professors or lectures often provide a wide range of texts on the same subject that you can read and sometimes work with the library to limit the duration for borrowing each texts so that most students can have equal assess to the books.
5. Preparation for after school: The UK system prepares you more for graduate school if that’s what your into and propels you to the job market because it is required to do work experience as part of the curricular for most degrees such as volunteer or internships and job skills classes, whereas in the US these are optional and its up to the student to seek them out.
In the end, school should be a good balance of work and play. The US offers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience whilst studying than in the UK.
12/08/2019
PS: All animated vector photos used for creating my YouTube video were freely collected from https://www.freepik.com. Creators include freepik, microvector, vectorpouch, vectorpocket, rawpixel, studiogstock and many more !
Students Here's How to Save Money - 10 Tips
Students Here's How to Save Money - 10 Tips
Want to save money or cut down cost as a student? Here are some tips that have helped me along the way and I hope you find them useful! or click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
1. Make a monthly budget and list of things to buy: or you can make a budget or list every time you go shopping. This helps you to keep track on your spending. Also, try using cash instead of a credit or debit card whenever you go shopping. I find that this helps strengthen my shopping discipline. Overall, reduce your trips to the stores by buying in bulk so you don't end up buying more or spending more money than you intend to.
2. Use/buy generic supplies: instead of buying expensive or high end ones. This includes supplies like toiletries, basic household items, book supplies, hygiene and even basic beauty supplies. You can buy generic supplies from the dollar store or stores like Walmart, which have their own brands that are much cheaper than the high end ones but equally good.
3. Go thrift shopping or subscribe to online market forums: like Craigslist or groups on Facebook to buy necessary household appliances such as tables, chairs, cookwares, storage boxes, fans and heaters etc. I mean the list goes on and on. You can find these items for free sometimes especially online around your area, people post them for free or cheap on Craigslist and Facebook all the time.
4. Cook at home and make weekly meal preps: instead of spending the little money that you have on buying food outside. You can learn how to cook your own food and bake snacks at home, there are so many useful resources online via google and YouTube. Not only do you save money you also save your health.
5. Similarly, make drinks at home: instead of buying sodas, ice cream, Starbucks coffee etc. You can simply blend any type of fruit into smoothies, you can mix and match and there are so many recipes online. Lemonades, for instance, are also easy cheap and easy to make, just squeeze out the juice from the lemon into a bowl or cup and add some honey or sugar to make a lemonade and store in the fridge. This will save you both your money and health.
6. Buy used books or rent them online: instead of buying a new book. You can find used books and rent books via online resources like Amazon, ebay etc. Moreover you rarely make any profit after using new textbooks when trying to resell them.
7. Use public transport or bicycle: instead of spending money on gasoline, car insurance, and car maintenance. You also save the environment whilst doing so.
8. Reduce the number of times you go out with your friends: and or be strategic about the places you go to. You don't need to always go to places where you need to spend money on drinks or food. You can meet in places like parks where your not tempted to spend. Also, you can split the bills and take turns in paying the bills every time you go out with your friends. This helps you to be sensitive to and keep track of how much money your spending when out with friends.
9. Do laundry by hand if you don't have laundry in your residence: For instance, I do most of my laundry by hand because I know how to but for my bulky clothing like bedding's and towels i take them to my friends or laundromat every once a month. This helps me reduce my cost.
10. Buy everyday basic clothes from low end stores: like Walmart. They even sometimes have good high quality clothing that you can wear outing for cheap. Also, look our for outlet stores like Marshalls, Bealls, Dirtcheap etc where you can find designer clothing including makeups and perfumes for much cheaper than in the original brand stores.
23/08/2019
1. Make a monthly budget and list of things to buy: or you can make a budget or list every time you go shopping. This helps you to keep track on your spending. Also, try using cash instead of a credit or debit card whenever you go shopping. I find that this helps strengthen my shopping discipline. Overall, reduce your trips to the stores by buying in bulk so you don't end up buying more or spending more money than you intend to.
2. Use/buy generic supplies: instead of buying expensive or high end ones. This includes supplies like toiletries, basic household items, book supplies, hygiene and even basic beauty supplies. You can buy generic supplies from the dollar store or stores like Walmart, which have their own brands that are much cheaper than the high end ones but equally good.
3. Go thrift shopping or subscribe to online market forums: like Craigslist or groups on Facebook to buy necessary household appliances such as tables, chairs, cookwares, storage boxes, fans and heaters etc. I mean the list goes on and on. You can find these items for free sometimes especially online around your area, people post them for free or cheap on Craigslist and Facebook all the time.
4. Cook at home and make weekly meal preps: instead of spending the little money that you have on buying food outside. You can learn how to cook your own food and bake snacks at home, there are so many useful resources online via google and YouTube. Not only do you save money you also save your health.
5. Similarly, make drinks at home: instead of buying sodas, ice cream, Starbucks coffee etc. You can simply blend any type of fruit into smoothies, you can mix and match and there are so many recipes online. Lemonades, for instance, are also easy cheap and easy to make, just squeeze out the juice from the lemon into a bowl or cup and add some honey or sugar to make a lemonade and store in the fridge. This will save you both your money and health.
6. Buy used books or rent them online: instead of buying a new book. You can find used books and rent books via online resources like Amazon, ebay etc. Moreover you rarely make any profit after using new textbooks when trying to resell them.
7. Use public transport or bicycle: instead of spending money on gasoline, car insurance, and car maintenance. You also save the environment whilst doing so.
8. Reduce the number of times you go out with your friends: and or be strategic about the places you go to. You don't need to always go to places where you need to spend money on drinks or food. You can meet in places like parks where your not tempted to spend. Also, you can split the bills and take turns in paying the bills every time you go out with your friends. This helps you to be sensitive to and keep track of how much money your spending when out with friends.
9. Do laundry by hand if you don't have laundry in your residence: For instance, I do most of my laundry by hand because I know how to but for my bulky clothing like bedding's and towels i take them to my friends or laundromat every once a month. This helps me reduce my cost.
10. Buy everyday basic clothes from low end stores: like Walmart. They even sometimes have good high quality clothing that you can wear outing for cheap. Also, look our for outlet stores like Marshalls, Bealls, Dirtcheap etc where you can find designer clothing including makeups and perfumes for much cheaper than in the original brand stores.
23/08/2019
Tips to Save Money Part 2 - Cut Phone Bills by more than Half
Tips to Save Money Part 2 - Cut Phone Bills by more than Half
Having a mobile phone is very important but do you know that there are several ways that you can cut your phone bills by more than half? or click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
1. Wireless Mobile Apps: such as GoogleVoice and TextNow are among the many wireless mobile apps that allow you to make and receive calls for free to anyone within the US and even Canada. All you need is wireless connection. With these types of apps your assigned a number like a regular mobile number or you can transfer your current mobile number from whatever network your currently using to these.
2. Another benefit is the extra convenience: of making and receiving texts or calls from your tablet and laptop because wireless mobiles apps like Google voice and Hangouts are available on all devices. Moreover, most public places like universities, restaurants, stores and transport systems now offer free WiFi service so you don't necessarily have to feel like your are missing out from using the traditional sim contract plans that cost me 40-50 $ per month on average.
3. Flexibility & Cheap International Rates: GoogleVoice and TextNow for instance allow you to make calls at a cheap rate to foreign countries. You can also determine how much you airtime you want to buy for your mobile phone and buy airtime anytime as well. You can also use your number from these wireless mobile apps for other messaging apps like WhatsApp and MobileVOIP, which allows you to use your number to make international calls for very free and cheap to anywhere in the world.
31/08/2019
1. Wireless Mobile Apps: such as GoogleVoice and TextNow are among the many wireless mobile apps that allow you to make and receive calls for free to anyone within the US and even Canada. All you need is wireless connection. With these types of apps your assigned a number like a regular mobile number or you can transfer your current mobile number from whatever network your currently using to these.
2. Another benefit is the extra convenience: of making and receiving texts or calls from your tablet and laptop because wireless mobiles apps like Google voice and Hangouts are available on all devices. Moreover, most public places like universities, restaurants, stores and transport systems now offer free WiFi service so you don't necessarily have to feel like your are missing out from using the traditional sim contract plans that cost me 40-50 $ per month on average.
3. Flexibility & Cheap International Rates: GoogleVoice and TextNow for instance allow you to make calls at a cheap rate to foreign countries. You can also determine how much you airtime you want to buy for your mobile phone and buy airtime anytime as well. You can also use your number from these wireless mobile apps for other messaging apps like WhatsApp and MobileVOIP, which allows you to use your number to make international calls for very free and cheap to anywhere in the world.
31/08/2019
Beware - Mental Health in Graduate School
Beware - Mental Health in Graduate School
Many suffer from mental health in graduate school so here's what I have to say to spark the discussion on this supposedly forbidden topic or click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
1. If you’re a graduate student and you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, and or depressed you’re not alone. Hence the reason why I chose to speak on this because it appears that no one ever wants to talk about the mental health struggles of graduate school. Yet everyone of my colleague that I’ve managed to talk to have all experienced some form of mental stress as a graduate student. Everyone keeps quiet and graduate students are expected to just go along like its normal when it obviously not fine.
2. First of all one needs to bear in mind that in graduate school, you expected to learn so much in depth knowledge within a short period of time and produce quality work. So the workload which includes reading for classes and the amount of assignments for each course is very much. Your expected to spend close to 15 hours per week for each course. However, its just not the number of hours that you have to read that causes the mental breakdown, it is the mental energy that is expended to read close to 500 pages or more for each course, multiply that by the number of courses which is usually well over a 1000 pages of reading. This especially takes it toll on you in the first couple of semesters. You experience high levels of mental stress that if not addressed can lead to either or both psychological and physical illness. Even the more reason I wonder why no one never talks about it.
3. Graduate students especially need to be advised and assisted in regard to mental health. Several studies show high rates of mental stress among graduate students, more than 50% of graduate students are likely to experience mental health related problems especially depression (just click on any of the articles with the title mental health in graduate school on Google). Hence leading to a large number of graduate students quitting half way through their degree program especially Phd students.
4. If your in the midst of your degree and considering quitting, please pause, take a time to breath and seek counselling as soon as possible, it really helps. I for one can say that it has been of immense help to me throughout my mental stress struggles in graduate school. 5. There is however also trick to learn, which is that you don’t need to spend all of your time reading every word, every sentence, and every page. You need to be skillful in reading only the parts that matter to reduce the mental workload and professors don’t actually expect you to do all of the readings but obviously no one is ever going to tell you that. You just sort of have to figure it all out on your own as you go.
21/09/2019
1. If you’re a graduate student and you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, and or depressed you’re not alone. Hence the reason why I chose to speak on this because it appears that no one ever wants to talk about the mental health struggles of graduate school. Yet everyone of my colleague that I’ve managed to talk to have all experienced some form of mental stress as a graduate student. Everyone keeps quiet and graduate students are expected to just go along like its normal when it obviously not fine.
2. First of all one needs to bear in mind that in graduate school, you expected to learn so much in depth knowledge within a short period of time and produce quality work. So the workload which includes reading for classes and the amount of assignments for each course is very much. Your expected to spend close to 15 hours per week for each course. However, its just not the number of hours that you have to read that causes the mental breakdown, it is the mental energy that is expended to read close to 500 pages or more for each course, multiply that by the number of courses which is usually well over a 1000 pages of reading. This especially takes it toll on you in the first couple of semesters. You experience high levels of mental stress that if not addressed can lead to either or both psychological and physical illness. Even the more reason I wonder why no one never talks about it.
3. Graduate students especially need to be advised and assisted in regard to mental health. Several studies show high rates of mental stress among graduate students, more than 50% of graduate students are likely to experience mental health related problems especially depression (just click on any of the articles with the title mental health in graduate school on Google). Hence leading to a large number of graduate students quitting half way through their degree program especially Phd students.
4. If your in the midst of your degree and considering quitting, please pause, take a time to breath and seek counselling as soon as possible, it really helps. I for one can say that it has been of immense help to me throughout my mental stress struggles in graduate school. 5. There is however also trick to learn, which is that you don’t need to spend all of your time reading every word, every sentence, and every page. You need to be skillful in reading only the parts that matter to reduce the mental workload and professors don’t actually expect you to do all of the readings but obviously no one is ever going to tell you that. You just sort of have to figure it all out on your own as you go.
21/09/2019
Students here's How to Read Fast
Students here's How to Read Fast
I’m going to be talking about how I read fast, which has worked for me and that can help both undergraduate and graduate students, or anyone. or click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube
Disclaimer: There is no perfect method to fast reading. Also, I would say that there are different things that can affect how you read, for instance, it can depend on your educational level, your filed of study etc. You also need to be aware that different techniques go with different types of reading materials or reasons for reading. For instance, are you reading for an exam, a class, or assignment – all these fall in the same category but can differ based on the type of reading material, whether it’s a text book, article, or novel kind of book.
1. Fast reading is in two words all about time management - when you have so much on your plate and deadlines, you need time management.
2. If your reading for an exam or assignment - the first thing to do is to read carefully the topics or questions that you have to answer, and highlight the key points, themes, or words of interest.
3. Then if it is a text book that you have to read– go straight to the chapters that contain the topics and answers to the questions of interest. Once in the chapter, scan quickly all the subheadings or subsections and look out for those with the title of interest that you know contain the information that you need. Once you’ve identified the sections/ subheadings of interest, don’t just start reading in detail instead scan quickly for key words and whilst doing that highlight the sentences and paragraphs that contain the key words. Then you can go in and read those highlighted paragraphs and or sentences. This really helps and will be a lot faster to do if your reading an online version of a text book.
3. If your reading an article – read the abstract, fast read the first and last paragraph of the introduction, and the first paragraph of each subheading or section, and fast read the first, middle and last paragraph of the conclusion. Whilst doing this make sure to look out for key words and themes throughout. If it’s a topic you’re already knowledgeable about , after doing this you're more than likely going to have a good idea of what the article is about. Then you can either take your time to read the sentences and paragraphs that contain the key words or points of interest. Or you can even go ahead and read the entire article, you’ll also realise that you will be reading a lot faster.
4. If you’re a graduate student and you need to read for a class, it is going to be quite different, because for graduate classes your most likely not going to be reading novel like books, which contain few chapters and sometimes no subheadings. •So here’s the trick• First go straight to the class syllabus and search for the particular class topic. I find this useful because some professor’s include the reading aims that they want students to understand under each class topic, and if that isn’t included, just scan the entire list of reading materials for the class topic and highlight the key words in the title of each reading. And if there’s more than one book or article, try to connect the running themes and key words that connect all the readings together. These will be your reading guide .• Second, once that’s done, if all you need to read are articles or textbooks you can apply the same suggestions I previously discussed above but if you are reading a novel like book or books with few or without any chapters, divide the book into 5 so that there are 3 middles. •Third, the speed read the first 5 pages or little more depending on how large the book is, then go to the first middle and scan or fast read 5-10 pages or more. Do the same for the next 2 middles, and finally, read the last 5-10 last pages of the book. And keep in mind whilst doing this to look out for and highlight key words and running themes throughout. And there you have it. You should have a modest idea of what the book is about, and if you feel like you have more time or need to understand more then your free to read more.
5. Make sure that at the end, whether it’s a book or article that you read as a graduate student, to have answers to these 5 points•First, what is the topic, research question or key aim of the book/article? Second, how did the book/article go about achieving the aim? Third. what was found, did the book/article achieve or did not achieve the aims? Fourth. what are the implications of the findings? and Fifth, how do the findings or books/articles relate to or address the class topic.
6. Lastly, graduate students and all students alike, it is always good to come to class prepared to discuss but it is also equally important to have questions prepared to ask. So don’t panic if you feel like you don’t completely understand the readings. Professors like it especially when graduate students have questions to discuss because it helps to enhance class discussions.
28/09/2019
Disclaimer: There is no perfect method to fast reading. Also, I would say that there are different things that can affect how you read, for instance, it can depend on your educational level, your filed of study etc. You also need to be aware that different techniques go with different types of reading materials or reasons for reading. For instance, are you reading for an exam, a class, or assignment – all these fall in the same category but can differ based on the type of reading material, whether it’s a text book, article, or novel kind of book.
1. Fast reading is in two words all about time management - when you have so much on your plate and deadlines, you need time management.
2. If your reading for an exam or assignment - the first thing to do is to read carefully the topics or questions that you have to answer, and highlight the key points, themes, or words of interest.
3. Then if it is a text book that you have to read– go straight to the chapters that contain the topics and answers to the questions of interest. Once in the chapter, scan quickly all the subheadings or subsections and look out for those with the title of interest that you know contain the information that you need. Once you’ve identified the sections/ subheadings of interest, don’t just start reading in detail instead scan quickly for key words and whilst doing that highlight the sentences and paragraphs that contain the key words. Then you can go in and read those highlighted paragraphs and or sentences. This really helps and will be a lot faster to do if your reading an online version of a text book.
3. If your reading an article – read the abstract, fast read the first and last paragraph of the introduction, and the first paragraph of each subheading or section, and fast read the first, middle and last paragraph of the conclusion. Whilst doing this make sure to look out for key words and themes throughout. If it’s a topic you’re already knowledgeable about , after doing this you're more than likely going to have a good idea of what the article is about. Then you can either take your time to read the sentences and paragraphs that contain the key words or points of interest. Or you can even go ahead and read the entire article, you’ll also realise that you will be reading a lot faster.
4. If you’re a graduate student and you need to read for a class, it is going to be quite different, because for graduate classes your most likely not going to be reading novel like books, which contain few chapters and sometimes no subheadings. •So here’s the trick• First go straight to the class syllabus and search for the particular class topic. I find this useful because some professor’s include the reading aims that they want students to understand under each class topic, and if that isn’t included, just scan the entire list of reading materials for the class topic and highlight the key words in the title of each reading. And if there’s more than one book or article, try to connect the running themes and key words that connect all the readings together. These will be your reading guide .• Second, once that’s done, if all you need to read are articles or textbooks you can apply the same suggestions I previously discussed above but if you are reading a novel like book or books with few or without any chapters, divide the book into 5 so that there are 3 middles. •Third, the speed read the first 5 pages or little more depending on how large the book is, then go to the first middle and scan or fast read 5-10 pages or more. Do the same for the next 2 middles, and finally, read the last 5-10 last pages of the book. And keep in mind whilst doing this to look out for and highlight key words and running themes throughout. And there you have it. You should have a modest idea of what the book is about, and if you feel like you have more time or need to understand more then your free to read more.
5. Make sure that at the end, whether it’s a book or article that you read as a graduate student, to have answers to these 5 points•First, what is the topic, research question or key aim of the book/article? Second, how did the book/article go about achieving the aim? Third. what was found, did the book/article achieve or did not achieve the aims? Fourth. what are the implications of the findings? and Fifth, how do the findings or books/articles relate to or address the class topic.
6. Lastly, graduate students and all students alike, it is always good to come to class prepared to discuss but it is also equally important to have questions prepared to ask. So don’t panic if you feel like you don’t completely understand the readings. Professors like it especially when graduate students have questions to discuss because it helps to enhance class discussions.
28/09/2019
Why Students Fail Essay-Written Assignments & How to Improve Assignment Score Grades
Why Students Fail Essay-Written Assignments & How to Improve Assignment Score Grades
I’m going to be sharing why student fail essay-written assignments and how to improve. Or click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube.
There are many reasons why student fail essay-written assignments but here are the common ones:1. Students don’t always take the time to read carefully the instructions and questions.2. When they do read, they don’t always correctly understand the instructions or questions i.e. what is exactly required of them.3. So they fail to properly or substantially answers the questions. Or they write the right answers but for the wrong question.4. Students when they don’t understand the questions fail to ask questions.
So here are tips on how to avoid such errors and improve your assingment scores:1. Always read the instructions.2. Make sure to understand what are required.3. Ask questions if you don’t understand
Furthermore, whether you’re writing a one paragraph, one page or an essay assignment - remember to keep it structured by integrating the 5 essential components:1. Introduction - Start with an introduction or introductory sentence or statement.2. Argument - State your argument i.e. our answer3. Example(s) - Include an example or more depending on the length of your assignment to illustrate and support your argument. Don’t just state your example, discuss how and why the example used illustrate or supports your argument.4. Conclusion - Write a conclusion or concluding statement.5. Citation & Reference - Lastly, this is major, don't forget to use or include citations in their answers/assignments. You need to demonstrate that your examples and arguments are supported by other third party scholarly or reputable sources even when it is a personal opinion because it is academia. Unless instructed otherwise, also always include a reference list of all citations used in your answer at the bottom of the assignment. Why so that your professor/grader can see what types of third party works you’ve used and can double check them to determine if they are reputable or not.
However, if you have a three page essay assignment. The format is pretty much the same, follow the same steps just mentioned. It will however need to be more detailed and creative so for example:1. The introduction should be at least one paragraph length, which should comprise of the introductory statement and a summary of the entire essay.2. The next 2 to 4 paragraphs will be your argument. Here is where you can be more detailed and creative, you can for instance include counter arguments, and use examples of studies to demonstrate how and why they are proven wrong. etc3. Last paragraph will be the conclusion. Similarly, you will have to write a concluding statement, and end with a strong note on why you stand with your argument. This should be more or less like writing a summary of the positive implications of your argument and the findings from the studies used as examples in the essay.
Don't forget to include citations and a reference list of all the citations used in your essay!
Best of luck!05/10/2019
There are many reasons why student fail essay-written assignments but here are the common ones:1. Students don’t always take the time to read carefully the instructions and questions.2. When they do read, they don’t always correctly understand the instructions or questions i.e. what is exactly required of them.3. So they fail to properly or substantially answers the questions. Or they write the right answers but for the wrong question.4. Students when they don’t understand the questions fail to ask questions.
So here are tips on how to avoid such errors and improve your assingment scores:1. Always read the instructions.2. Make sure to understand what are required.3. Ask questions if you don’t understand
Furthermore, whether you’re writing a one paragraph, one page or an essay assignment - remember to keep it structured by integrating the 5 essential components:1. Introduction - Start with an introduction or introductory sentence or statement.2. Argument - State your argument i.e. our answer3. Example(s) - Include an example or more depending on the length of your assignment to illustrate and support your argument. Don’t just state your example, discuss how and why the example used illustrate or supports your argument.4. Conclusion - Write a conclusion or concluding statement.5. Citation & Reference - Lastly, this is major, don't forget to use or include citations in their answers/assignments. You need to demonstrate that your examples and arguments are supported by other third party scholarly or reputable sources even when it is a personal opinion because it is academia. Unless instructed otherwise, also always include a reference list of all citations used in your answer at the bottom of the assignment. Why so that your professor/grader can see what types of third party works you’ve used and can double check them to determine if they are reputable or not.
However, if you have a three page essay assignment. The format is pretty much the same, follow the same steps just mentioned. It will however need to be more detailed and creative so for example:1. The introduction should be at least one paragraph length, which should comprise of the introductory statement and a summary of the entire essay.2. The next 2 to 4 paragraphs will be your argument. Here is where you can be more detailed and creative, you can for instance include counter arguments, and use examples of studies to demonstrate how and why they are proven wrong. etc3. Last paragraph will be the conclusion. Similarly, you will have to write a concluding statement, and end with a strong note on why you stand with your argument. This should be more or less like writing a summary of the positive implications of your argument and the findings from the studies used as examples in the essay.
Don't forget to include citations and a reference list of all the citations used in your essay!
Best of luck!05/10/2019
The Basics You Need When Applying to University/College
The Basics You Need When Applying to University/College
I've gotten this question many times over about how to apply to university/college/higher education, in particular what requirements are needed to apply. The process however can differ by country, field of study, department, type of educational level be it a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD. Moreover, some are easier than other’s. For the basic requirements that are compulsory or necessary when applying to Universities/Colleges in the United States continue reading. Or click on video above to direct you straight to Youtube.
1. Certification: Most universities require that potential candidates have some form of certificate that indicates that they have completed and passed the necessary steps to move unto the university level. This includes a high school or secondary education certificate if applying for undergraduate education, or and plus certificate of your undergraduate education if applying to a Master’s or PhD.
2. Transcript(s): Most universities require transcripts from previous educations, which is also an important indicator of whether you have completed fundamental knowledge and passed the necessary courses to be able move unto the next level. This can be high school transcripts if applying to undergraduate education, university bachelors transcripts if applying to a Master’s or PhD etc.
3. Standardised Test Scores: Most universities require widely accepted official examination or standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT standardized test for undergraduate education, and the GRE or GMAT standardized tests for a Master’s or PhD. Other types of general standardized tests scores may be required such as TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) or IELTS (known as the International English Language Testing System) if English is not a first language etc. So don’t forget to check the particular university/college or department for their requirements in regard to applying, which are usually available on their webpage. . For instance, some universities may require particular standardized tests that are less common or specialised, and or that potential candidates pass or meet a specific score threshold on standardized tests.
4. Application/Cover Letter: Many universities not all require that potential candidates write an application or cover letter stating educational interests, qualifications, and reasons for applying to further education etc.
5. Reference: Lastly but not the least, most universities require that potential candidates include at least two or more references from former teachers or professionals that they have worked with in the past that can recommend them as a suitable or qualified candidate.
Note: Remember these are the 5 basic requirements when applying to university/college, some may require more information or different sets of key documents not listed above. To avoid any errors, make sure to always double check the college, university, department that your applying for all their requirements.
Best of luck!11/10/2019
1. Certification: Most universities require that potential candidates have some form of certificate that indicates that they have completed and passed the necessary steps to move unto the university level. This includes a high school or secondary education certificate if applying for undergraduate education, or and plus certificate of your undergraduate education if applying to a Master’s or PhD.
2. Transcript(s): Most universities require transcripts from previous educations, which is also an important indicator of whether you have completed fundamental knowledge and passed the necessary courses to be able move unto the next level. This can be high school transcripts if applying to undergraduate education, university bachelors transcripts if applying to a Master’s or PhD etc.
3. Standardised Test Scores: Most universities require widely accepted official examination or standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT standardized test for undergraduate education, and the GRE or GMAT standardized tests for a Master’s or PhD. Other types of general standardized tests scores may be required such as TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) or IELTS (known as the International English Language Testing System) if English is not a first language etc. So don’t forget to check the particular university/college or department for their requirements in regard to applying, which are usually available on their webpage. . For instance, some universities may require particular standardized tests that are less common or specialised, and or that potential candidates pass or meet a specific score threshold on standardized tests.
4. Application/Cover Letter: Many universities not all require that potential candidates write an application or cover letter stating educational interests, qualifications, and reasons for applying to further education etc.
5. Reference: Lastly but not the least, most universities require that potential candidates include at least two or more references from former teachers or professionals that they have worked with in the past that can recommend them as a suitable or qualified candidate.
Note: Remember these are the 5 basic requirements when applying to university/college, some may require more information or different sets of key documents not listed above. To avoid any errors, make sure to always double check the college, university, department that your applying for all their requirements.
Best of luck!11/10/2019
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