Private Tuition How to Lower the Price

Private Tuition How to Lower the Price Our Advice for Reducing the Cost of Private Tutors! ChaptersHave Group TutorialsSpread Out the TutorialsWorking between Private Tutorials to Better PrepareWhy Not give Competent In-Home Tutors with Less Experience a Chance?What are the Risks of Paying Less?The cost of having one on one private tutoring or online tutoring can quickly mount up!The teaching approach can differ greatly depending on whether the student is at primary school, secondary school, university, or an adult learner. Whether they've chosen tutoring services for test prep, exams, or to work on their homework.In fact, the higher your level in a given subject (be it German, English, geography, science, or even Spanish), the more you'll pay when it comes to private tuition. You'll pay less to study basic grammar with a French tutor than you would for an advanced-level conversation class.However, whether your just starting out or you’re at an advanced level in a given subject, the goal of your private tutor isn’t to empty your wallet, but rather do everything they ca n to make you succeed! With that in mind, what is the right price to pay?Here are a few tips and tricks to help reduce the cost of your private lessons! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics T eacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHave Group TutorialsBeing tutored in a small group comes with plenty of benefits, especially financial benefits.In fact, the rate per hour is:either divided amongst the studentsor the tutor offers a reduced rate for each student which will be agreed upon before the tutorials (for example, £12/hour instead of £20).In addition to the financial benefits of these types of tutorials, they can also be more effective as it allows you work with other stude nts while the educator monitors and provides important feedback.You’ll no longer be alone when you struggle: students can help each other to learn! With a certified teacher guiding the group, you can develop study skills that'll help you become a better learner and do better in school.Can you have a tutoring session as a group in your house?Of course! By having academic support at home, you can reduce the cost of the tutorials, which, in London, are usually as follows:Maths: £21Physics: £22French: £20Biology: £18Philosophy: £30History: £23Design: £28Technology: £22Don't forget that Superprof has a new system of tutorials in place: webcam tutorials.Thanks to this device,  online tutoring can be organised through video-conferencing with other students! This can also help reduce the costs of a lesson: webcam + group classes = twice the savings!Don’t hesitate to ask your tutor if they accept group tutorials and offer a discount!Spread Out the TutorialsIf you prefer routine o ver intensive learning, set up a lighter schedule with your private tutor and save some money.Whether it’s help with homework or an assignment, academic or online tutoring, or exam preparation, by starting earlier you can outline your objectives without having to increase the frequency or intensity of the tutorials!In order to do this, you have to talk with your private tutor and ask them the right questions:When are you available (weekends, evenings, holidays)?What approach can we take?Can you effectively tutor me over a longer period of time?How often should I have my tutorials to learn effectively?How can we set up regular academic coaching?There’s no problem with planning ahead!Make sure to plan your private tutorials in advance! (Source: Virtue Digest)Contrary to what you might think, reducing the number of tutorials per week doesn’t necessarily have a negative affect on your academic performance as long as you give each class your undivided attention!The aim is to have a n effective hourly tutorial rather than hour after hour of intensive study that tires you out.This method is very cost-effective.Rather than spending around £200 per month on home tutoring, you can have a single tutorial a week and effectively half the cost of your tuition! Make sure that you’re paying a fair price for tutoring jobs, though!Spreading out your tutorials will therefore be great for both your learning and your wallet! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Disc over all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWorking between Private Tutorials to Better PrepareThere’s no secret to having a successful year. Work, work, and more work...Of course, a private tutor can’t perfo rm miracles if you’re not putting the effort in! Working on your own outside of your tutorials can also be very beneficial!When it comes to academic support, the private tutor has to follow the national curriculum, which they can help you with by giving your adapted exercises to do on your own when they’re not there. To better advance and improve, use extra work outside of class in order to help you learn better!If you follow your tutor’s approach to learning, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be able to lighten your workload during the private tutorials.However, working on your own isn’t just a good idea for academic support tutorials.For example, if you’re working with a sports coach, they’ll probably teach you the techniques in order to work more effectively on your own.Make sure you train outside of our tutorials, too! (Source: Pop Psychology)You can also save money on the sports tutorials and classes on Superprof. The average rates for London are as follows:Sp orts Coaching: £27Fitness: £23Martial Arts: £36Suggest a block-booking discount with your tutor: for example, for 10 hours of tutorials, they could offer you a 15% discount (some tutors already offer this)!If the tutorials are prepared well in advance, you’ll waste a lot less time when it comes to catching back up and learning new things.This is a much better use of your money!Why Not give Competent In-Home Tutors with Less Experience a Chance?If you’re set on reducing your costs, you’ll have to make the odd compromise! While one on one tutoring is an investment for the future, not everyone is willing to pay top dollar for it!You’re going to be hard-pressed to find a home tutor with a PhD working for less than £20 per hour! The best tutors in terms of qualifications tend to demand the highest rates for in home tutoring.The tutors with less experience could be just as good when it comes to giving one on one tutoring. Give them a shot!We love rising stars at Superprof: tha t’s why a lot of students teach their first ever private tutorials on our platform.Talent knows no age! (Source: National Geographic)Start by having a look at potential tutors, their qualifications, and their experience.Then, using Superprof, get in touch with your tutor. Most of our tutors offer free tutoring for the first hour, meaning there’s no risk for you if it doesn’t work out!Going with a younger tutor can save you a lot of money since their hourly rates are usually lower!For example, if a younger maths tutor charges £15 (with the average being £21), you could save nearly £50 per month if you have two tutorials a week. Just because they're younger doesn't mean that they don't have a good grasp of algebra, geometry, or calculus!To start getting better results, get in touch with a tutor today!What are the Risks of Paying Less?Saving money is great but there must be some risks, right?A lot of people ask this question. They worry that a reduced rate means a reduced qual ity.There’s always an inherent risk when you spend any money: whether it’s pennies or thousands, you can never guarantee that you’ll get on great with your tutor.Prices for private tuition vary considerably, and if you decide to pay less for your tutor, you’ll have to compromise on a few things.For example, your tutor could refuse to travel to your house since they’ll end up paying half their hourly rate in petrol.It might be best to find a place halfway like a library or café.The same can be said for their schedule: If you’ve decided to go with private tutorials from a university student, you’ll have to understand that their timetable can change from one term to the next and they mightn’t always be able to provide tutorials at the same time or day!University students also have really busy schedules. (Source: Journalism Research News)The qualitative issues are normally those that cause the most problems.When it comes to academic support, there are fewer risks since tutors can follow the national curriculum.Of course, experience can still be an issue. However, our young tutors should know how to motivate students and provide tailored private tutorials since they’re usually working towards becoming a teacher.On the other hand, when it comes to leisure or sporting tutorials, you’ll have to concede a few of the privileges you get from the more expensive tutors!For example, you can’t expect your “low-cost” sports coach to bring all the latest equipment with them (dumbells, weights, mats, etc). You’ll therefore have to put in a bit of effort if you want to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger!Don’t forget that there’s no obligation to keep having your tutorials: Since you have the first hour free, if you choose to keep searching for a better tutor, you can do so!This is one of the many advantages of Superprof: you can save money on your private tutorials by leaving your doors open to the rising stars of the tutoring world.

How to improve grades when you are under performing

How to improve grades when you are under performing 0SHARESShare The importance of having good grades throughout the year especially since middle school needs no stressing upon. Good grades lead to a good GPA and improve one’s chances of getting into prestigious colleges. If you are not performing well, there is a dire necessity to improve your grades right away and we have collected a few tips and tricks from teachers and online tutors to help you do so. 1: Analysis is the key to success and good grades Finding out where you are lacking or what is causing your low GPA is important. Are you consistently doing poorly in all subjects or is one subject pulling your grades down? Similarly, finding out why you are performing poorly in certain subjects when compared to others could help you improve. For instance, if you are missing classes or finding some subjects difficult or having problems with the teacher or not faring well because of lack of practise â€" whatever the reason, arriving at the root cause of it is important and this is why you should analyse where you are going wrong. 2: Time management is important This is true with everything in life and especially important when you are a student. When you are in college, you could be working part time and will find it increasingly difficult if you don’t learn it now! Studies suggest that doing things regularly at the same time is very important. Set aside time for homework and assignments everyday and manage to stick to your schedule. Beat the laziness in you and work diligently every day. In fact, when you study every day, it won’t seem like too much as opposed to when you pile it all up and try to do it in a day or two. 3: When in doubt, seek help If you aren’t clear with something, get your teacher’s help. If you still find it difficult, get a friend’s help and if all else fails, hire a personal tutor and get your doubts clarified. Today, online math tutors and science tutors are available round the clock and you can get your doubts clarified as and when you need help without having to pay a bomb! Also, with such tutors, you get personal attention which isn’t very easy to come by in today’s classes. Staying organized, being disciplined and simply doing your homework and paying attention in classes can help you get back on track! Good Luck!

The Online Learning Process Tips for Students and Parents

The Online Learning Process Tips for Students and Parents 0SHARESShare Online tutoring is becoming more and more popular these days. However, students and parents need to be careful to maximize benefits of learning. Tutoring enhance child’s performance at school if their parents are successful finding out right tutoring services. Let us check out few tips for parents and their children taking online learning. Tips for Students taking Online Learning: Online learning might be a new experience for lots of students. Follow given tips to help students out developing online learning skills Stay motivated Prepare questions useful to learning prior taking online session Protect data and Information about your learning Develop time management strategy Make the most out of online forums and discussions Make connections with fellow students Tips for Parents whose child is taking Online Learning: Often parents assume that their role in online learning is completed once they find right tutor online for their child. Unlike conventional school learning, parents play a major role with an opportunity given by online tutoring to participate in their child’s tutoring experience. The results of online learning show improved performance of the children when they find the parents Remain Involved Be Proactive Be Responsible Make their child learn better time management Participate and Experience tutoring     Encourage their child pulling out apt resources from the internet Set goals for their child and work together achieving them There is no magical formula that gives success in online learning. It is all about using various techniques that can give rich learning experience for students and parents. Try Math tutor online as your first experience of online learning!   [starbox id=admin]

What Are The Different Types of Dance

What Are The Different Types of Dance What are Some of the Main Dance Genres? ChaptersHow to Dance to Rock Music?Learning to Dance at the Club: Urban StylesUnleash your Sensual Side with SalsaGet those Feet Moving with Tap DanceThe Allure of Ballroom DancingWhat Is Contemporary Dance?If you love watching musicals or you're always the first one on the dance floor, it sounds like you have a passion for dance. Is your mind blown watching professional dancers perform their intricate dance routines?Rock, salsa, hip-hop, classical, modern, Irish, tap, tango or mambo ... Whatever the style of dance or genre of music, one thing is certain, you love to throw some shapes and are dying to learn how to move your body in rhythm.Want to know how it's done?An African proverb says:If you can walk, you can dance.Some people have rhythm in their blood while others are born with two left feet. Regardless, dance is a craft that can be learned. So, there's really no excuse not to get up and start that dance class you've been dreaming of!With a little willpower and patience, you'll be amazed at the progress you can make. Taking classes to learn to dance will make you progress even faster.15 Reasons to Finally Learn How to DanceNot convinced yet? Remember, learning to dance is not just about having fun or being active.Classical dances like ballet are great to know. Source: PixabayYou will discover that dancing has many advantages, some of which you won't even be aware of. Here are just a few reasons why you should dance. Not only will you discover skills you never knew you had, but you will also realise that:Dancing is great fun,Dance helps you destress,Dancing helps you stay in shape,Dancing is a fun way to watch your waistline,Dancing improves flexibility,Dancing is a good seduction technique,Dancing can help you make friends,Dancing with your partner enhances intimacy,Dancing helps you unwind from everyday life,Dancing gives you self-confidence,Dancing keeps you young,Dancing is a great way to communicate,Dancing stimulates memory,Dancing promotes creativit y,Dancing can become your job.The list goes on, but these are some great reasons to start moving your booty. In fact, numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of dance. Dancing not only works your body muscles, it also stimulates the brain and produces endorphins which give you that positive feeling of well-being. Moreover, having to memorise all the steps in a dance routine is an excellent brain exercise.How Can I Learn Dance for Free?Now that we've convinced you, you need to consider how you want to learn to dance.Weekly dance classes are usually a significant investment. It is, however, possible to learn to dance for free.Obviously, we will naturally progress faster when we can utilise the experience and knowledge of a dance teacher, but if you take the time to do the necessary research and practise regularly, it is indeed possible to to learn to dance by yourself.Some talented dancers have been self-taught without taking dance lessons. It's quite common in the world o f hip-hop for example.Dancing is a great to tone and improve flexibility. Source: Visual HuntIf you want to teach yourself how to dance, you will need to be strict with yourself and do the following:Commit to regular practice sessions,Look for learning materials and music adapted to your level and dance style,Make some space at home and get the right dance equipment to be able to practise regularly and see real progress,Perform to an audience every once in a while to have an outside perspective on how you are progressing.Before you start, take time to learn about the different styles of dance to determine which one suits you best. Rock n'roll, African, salsa, ballroom, belly dancing... the possibilities are endless. All you have to do next is find your inspiration and work hard at the dance you want to learn. Take note from videos available online, follow dance tutorials on YouTube and practise.Thanks to the internet, you can also take dance classes for free online. Some websites ar e actually very useful. You can download explanations, discover a type of dance and its origins and follow videos to learn the steps. Repeating a routine is sometimes tedious, but once you've learned the moves, you will start to see progress quickly.Suitable for everyone, there are classes for all levels: introduction to dance, beginner, intermediate and expert level. It is always good to keep trying to improve, to have new ideas and to try new steps. Some dance websites specialise in a particular style of dance while others are more general. This is the case for Learn To Dance: a website dedicated to a variety of different dances including videos, tips and free classes.Check out our Zumba classes online!Learn how to dance to the different dance genres.contemporary dance tutorials and even online dance instructors there to help.Discover the benefits, artistically, creatively and physically with contemporary dance lessons. What’s even better is you can choose the  pop music  you al ready listen to and love to dance to!To be able to dance well, you have to get moving. First and foremost, forget about your hang-ups and other people and dance like nobody's watching. Your passion for dance will enable you to expand your universe and try all dances.Why not take a group lesson in salsa, bachata, waltz, madison, cha cha cha, acrobatic rock, pole, Latin, oriental, Argentine tango, country... The list never ends! One thing is for certain: you have not mastered all of the dances out there. Go ahead and take a trial class at a dance school or a private lesson from home.Before you go, check out our London dance classes!

8 Things to Consider When Creating a Study Schedule for the MCAT

8 Things to Consider When Creating a Study Schedule for the MCAT MCAT Medical School Admissions The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is one of the most challenging graduate school entry exams. While the content and strategy is difficult, it is essential for students to focus on planning when preparing for this lengthy exam. A successful MCAT preparation begins with creating a study schedule that manages to accommodate your other commitments while meeting your preparation needs. Here are eight tips to assist you in preparing your own study schedule for the exam: 1. Consider when you want toapply and begin medical school With 50+ hours of prerequisite courses and a year-long process for applying to medical school, planning for the MCAT can be daunting. There are two ways of approaching this based on what type of student you are: Traditional Students: Traditional students are those who plan to finish college in four years and start medical school the fall after graduation. Typically, traditional students finish their prerequisite courses by spring of their Sophomore year and schedule their test during their junior year. This allows them enough time to take the MCAT twice (if needed) prior to May, when applications open. Nontraditional students: A nontraditional student is anyone who does not fall under the category above. These students tend to struggle scheduling their MCAT because their timeline is not as strictly defined. In order to apply, you will need a score report for your MCAT prior to May of the year of application (e.g. If you want to matriculate in Fall 2018, you will need to take your tes t no later than April 2017 so that you receive a score report by May of 2017, when applications open). Also, keep in mind that you may want to retake the exam and should plan for a retake just in case your score does not match your goal. 2. Evaluate if you are prepared to begin studying for the MCAT Before deciding to take the MCAT you should have completed ALL your prerequisite courses. While some may advise that you can ‘self-teach’, most students struggle with this and see severe deficiencies on their score reports.Evaluate what events are coming up in your life in the next six months. Work, personal, or school events can drastically affect your study schedule. When setting up your study schedule, factor in birthdays, weddings, exams and other major events so that you do not overbook your study schedule. Make sure to leave yourself some wiggle room when planning your study schedule. Most students have some bumps along the way studying. Whether it’s the flu or car trouble, make sure you leave yourself some buffer time to deal with regular life. 3. Register for your test as early as possible and set a score goal Test registration fees increase closer to your testing date, while site availability decreases. Be sure to register early so that you can plan for your test date. In addition, use this as a motivator throughout your study plan by counting down the days. Research medical schools and note their median scores for matriculants. Set your target score slightly above the median score of schools that you would like to attend. 4. Your study schedule should be about 100 days Each student will vary in how much time they need to prepare for the MCAT. In general, a minimum of 100 days is sufficient to review the material and take a variety of practice passages and exams. Your preparation should consist of about 60% content review and 40% strategy and testing. 5. Invest in a variety of practice materials A common mistake students make when preparing for the exam is using one brand of test preparation materials. While this seems ideal since the materials usually integrate well, it also leaves the student vulnerable to a few common problems.1) Students often develop a bias towards how they approach test questions and become used to that style of writing and questioning. When the structure of questions or passages varies, they tend to not score as well. 2) While every test preparation company does their best to review all the content, they may miss some topics or not explain them in a way that resounds with the student. This is where students benefit from a variety of content review books, practice passages, and exams. In addition, reading multiple test preparation sources with the same content will reinforce the content through repetition. 6. Invest in a planner that breaks down your day into hours, days, weeks, and months Most pre-medical students are overachievers and lead extremely busy lives. Given this type of lifestyle, it is easy to lose track of how a day, week, or even a month is spent. Studying for the MCAT is like training for a marathon, every session counts towards your long-term goal. Using a planner that breaks down your time allows you to track your short-term study habits, while also keeping track of your long-term goal for your exam. Ideally, you should be tracking how many hours you study per day while noting how much you can accomplish during that time frame. 7. Evaluate and adjust your study schedule. Track your progress Use your planner to evaluate whether you are sticking to your study schedule and meeting your goals. This will allow you to assess whether you need to change study habits, environment, or lessen commitments. In addition to a planner, an excel sheet or notebook tracking passage and exam results is a useful tool to measure progress. This will allow you to assess whether you are on track to meet your target score and what areas of content are weak. 8. Beware of burnout and don’t be afraid to alter your plans or test date While studying for the MCAT can be all consuming, it is important to balance the exam. With a 100-day study schedule, you should be able to take at least one day a week off from studying and testing. Breaks allow you to refresh and remember why you are studying for such an arduous exam.As you approach your test date, it is normal to consider rescheduling your exam if you are not meeting your score goals or are behind on your study schedule. You can reschedule your exam up until 1 month prior to your test. Relax and take the time you need to do well; you will be glad you did!

Its in Your Blood Understanding Hematology on the MCAT

It's in Your Blood Understanding Hematology on the MCAT MCAT Medical School Admissions In our last post on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), we discussed the integration of endocrinology and physics in the cardiovascular system. This month we will dive in further and discuss the hematologic system that drives the cardiovascular system and how to apply concepts from genetics and chemistry. In order to answer hematology questions on the MCAT, we first need to tackle the concept of what blood actually is and how we discern the different components. When blood is drawn at your annual checkup, the phlebotomist or technician will place the blood into the centrifuge. The centrifuge will separate the blood into three layers based on density: plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. It is crucial to understand what is contained in each section of the blood in order to understand lab values and to answer some of those integrative chemistry concepts. The plasma is the top layer, meaning it is the least dense. The majority of plasma is composed of water. The remainder of plasma is composed of proteins such as albumin, antibodies, fibrinogen, and hormones. Albumin plays an important oncotic role in the vascular system by creating oncotic pressure that drives the movement of water into the vascular system. An important distinction is between that of serum and plasma; serum is plasma without fibrinogen and clotting factors. Below the plasma layer is the white blood cell layer or the ‘buffy coat’. This is where platelets and white blood cells are found. The bottom layer of the blood is the erythrocyte layer or red blood cells. The erythrocyte layer will contain hemoglobin, the transport binding protein for oxygen on red blood cells. From the erythrocyte layer we can determine the hematocrit percentage, which is a clinically important measure for determining the patient’s red blood cell production. Hematocrit is simply the volume taken up by red blood cells divided by the total blood volume. For example, a patient with polycythemia vera would have an abnormally high hematocrit because they overproduce red blood cells, while an anemic patient might have a relatively low or normal hematocrit due to low production of red blood cells. What hormone is responsible for this? Erythropoietin. What organ(s) if damaged could cause anemia due to lack of available erythropoietin? The kidneys. These are the types of integrative questions you can expect on your MCAT and testing yourself in a continual question basis is a good way to learn and build your understanding. Now that we understand the components of hemoglobin, let’s talk about the primary function of red blood cells â€" gas exchange. Red blood cells are often referred to as a ‘bag of hemoglobin’. This is because red blood cells lack organelles and a nucleus, and contain millions of hemoglobin proteins. Hemoglobin (Hb) is a unique protein. It has four subunits that each bind to oxygen. Hemoglobin is the quintessential example of cooperative binding, meaning that each subunit’s affinity for binding increases as other subunits become bound to oxygen. This gives the binding curve a sigmoidal shape (Check out MD Herofor more on this topic). While the majority of oxygen moves through the blood bound to hemoglobin, it is noteworthy that a small percentage is simply dissolved in the blood. Gas exchange is blood is a highly integrative topic since it connects many organ systems including the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. As we discussed in last month’s blog, your cardiovascular system has a systemic and pulmonary circulation. The pulmonary circulation allows the hemoglobin to pass through the lungs and bind oxygen (inhaled) and released carbon dioxide (exhaled). The pulmonary circulation then returns to the left side of the heart and is pumped to the systemic circulation. The body’s tissues need oxygen to drive their cellular respiration. For example, when you are at the gym doing squats you are utilizing a large amount of energy in the form of ATP. Replenishing your oxygen stores through circulation is essential for your body to continue to drive aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration. In this area of the circulation, oxygen is released into the tissues and carbon dioxide is removed by hemoglobin on the red blood cells. This exchange is dependent on the partial pressures of each gas in the tissue. In systemic circulation, the oxygen partial pressure is low and carbon dioxide partial pressure is high in the tissues. This drives the high concentration of oxygen in the blood to equilibrate and release oxygen and bind to carbon dioxide. The opposite occurs in gas exchange in the pulmonary circulation. As you develop your understanding of this concept, try to link it back to the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. Particularly high yield are understandings of acid-base, 2,3-bisphophoglyceric acid, and temperature. We will cover these and the bicarbonate buffer system in our next blog post. As you delve into learning your organ systems and applying your basic science concepts to the MCAT, realize that these are the foundations of your clinical reasoning. While these concepts are challenging now, the depth of this material will be significantly greater in medical school. It will serve you well on both your MCAT and in your future as a student and physician to hone these concepts and integrate your learning. About the Author Jordan S. is a current medical student, and one of our most experienced MCAT tutors. Click here for more information.

Guide to Prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences - ALOHA Mind Math

Guide to Prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences ALOHA Mind Math offers educational tips for parents to communicate with teachers during and after the Parent Teacher Conference. Before going into the parent teacher conference ALOHA Mind Math suggests there are several things a parent can do ahead of time to prepare themselves and their child. Keep in mind that an older child is usually more stressed than a younger child. It is the added pressure they feel on themselves and the unknown of what the meeting will uncover. To relieve the added stress, agree with the child that whatever the issues, together you will both enter the meeting with an attitude to assist the teacher to make things better and focus on improving. Remember that this is a stressful day for the teacher too. She is meeting parents every few minutes to review their child’s school performance. This is not the environment or the time to get into deep conversations or dive into the challenges at hand. Set a separate appointment to review what was discussed. The purpose of a parent teacher conference is to obtain a snapshot of the child’s learning. The first thing a parent can do is basic attend all of the meetings with the teachers. Being an informed parent can ease everyone going into the meeting. School Attendance Is the child arriving to school regularly? Or is he too early, or too late? If the school has not informed the parent of these mishaps then you can briefly directly address those then. Classroom Participation and Behavior If there have been issues in the classroom, teachers normally inform parents of excessive behavior in advance of the mid-year report. The teacher will review the child’s behavior and participation in class. Is the student cooperative, follows directions, and interacts with classmates well? Do they have a great attitude? Do they help other students in areas they excel? If needed, schedule a conversation of life disruptions or stresses that have affected the family and the child and their learning. Classroom Learning Parents can also ask their child about their learning. Surprisingly they can uncover quite a bit of information from a casual conversation about school in general, or what they like the most, what their biggest challenges are and why. This can be useful during the conference. The teacher will discuss whether the child is paying attention in class. Is his learning on average or above his peers? Standardized Tests Performance How does the child perform on these tests? What does the teacher see as their strengths, as well as areas that need more attention? Does the teacher see any patterns, or new learning or memory issues that signal future challenges or strengths? How can these be addressed at school and at home? Improvements in Learning Every parent wants their child to do well in school. Ask the teacher “Is my child working up to his ability? What can my child do to improve in those areas at school and at home? How can I assist? How can my child advance his skills and enhance learning both at school and home?” After the Parent Teacher Conference Now that the conference is over ALOHA Mind Math suggests the following steps to keep lines of communication open with the school. Set an appointment to review your concerns or life challenges that could affect his learning. Create a regular daily or weekly routine for about 5 to 10 minutes to examine the school website, social media page, or other means the school communicates with parents. Review the homework and projects schedule. This will keep the family updated to avoid procrastination of projects due the next day. Communicate regularly with the teacher and stay in touch regarding the child’s progress. This keeps you more involved with what is going on with the child at school. Everyone is more connected and updated on school activities, assignments, projects, in-service days, holidays, etc. Another advantage is that all parties are being kept updated on his learning, behavior, strengths, and challenges. Being an informed parent and prepared daily makes for a better relationship with the child and school; this in turn correlates to better attitude, behavior, and education performance.