by on May 3, 2013

Inspiration In The Unlikeliest Places

Writing blogs for a packaging supplies company that sells huge amounts of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and polythene bags may not sound like it has a lot of scope for creativity or enjoyment. I remember my first week on the job, one of my new colleagues tried to engage my enthusiasm by telling me that, while packaging may sound boring, once you get into it you find it’s actually very interesting.

“Yeah, right,” I thought.

Now, if I just sat in an office staring at a screen searching for ideas, I might indeed struggle to come up with much beyond the fact that cardboard boxes, for example, are very useful things for all kinds of people, come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made out of different grades of board which have a variety of different advantages and disadvantages. Practical stuff, for sure, but usually dull.

 

Sources of inspiration – people!

I also spend some time working in the Sales office, taking calls and orders from customers all over the UK. And it’s been wonderful how much material I’ve managed to create from simple conversations with these people.

Some of them have been funny, like the person who wanted a long cardboard box that was just the right size to hold a walking stick ‘suitable for a person of average height’, or the woman who couldn’t understand how her newly-published book measuring 240 x 320mm could fit into one of our 330 x 250mm book boxes.

What you soon understand, however, is that for a lot of people, packaging is actually a crucial part of their business. Finding the right packaging at the right price, which will make whatever it is they’re selling look its best and arrive with a customer safely and in one piece, can make the difference between success and failure in a very difficult and competitive trading environment. Using your knowledge and expertise to solve these kinds of problems and help people thrive in their working lives can be really rewarding.

Then there’s another world out there on the internet, where you’ll find incredibly creative people coming up with unbelievably inventive ideas for things to do with and make out of these items once their primary purpose has been concluded. Cardboard boxes are being turned into works of art or fun toys for the kids, and there’s an unending list of what people can get up to with bubble wrap!

 

Take the positives from your working life

So you eventually realise that even in seemingly the most mundane of everyday objects there lies the potential for all kinds of positivity, creativity and life-affirming enrichment. And I’m sure that this doesn’t just apply to the world of packaging materials! We probably all have cause some days to think our working lives are uninteresting and contribute little to the world, but you don’t have to dig too deeply to find how you can make a difference.

It’s very easy to get caught up in our own little words and forget how every action, phone call and conversation can bring you closer to others and have a positive influence. Remember that each morning and your working day can be the good thing in your life you want it to be, rather than something that’s only there to be got through. It’s amazing how quickly feeling positive can lead to being positive.

What this has all meant to me as a writer is that I’ve been able to create a blog about packaging that not only informs, but also entertains. And it works; the site stats indicate that people are visiting the blog, spending time reading the articles and often then going on to buy their packaging from us.

Many’s the day I come in and I’m not sure what I’m going to be writing about, but it doesn’t usually take long to come up a fresh idea. And you know what? As long as there are interesting and creative people out there to talk to and take inspiration from, I don’t think I’ll be running out of ideas soon!

Sarah Hickson is a Copywriter and Sales Advisor for packaging suppliers Davpack (www.davpack.co.uk)

Filed Under: Careers
by on April 17, 2013

A distance learning degree is worth the hard work

The recent economic recession has had a major impact in various areas, but in the recruitment sector it has been particularly keenly felt. With fewer quality jobs to go round, the competition for places has become ever more frantic. And as any potential applicant will have already discovered, having a CV that really stands out from the rest is a big advantage.

The clamour for meaningful and rewarding employment has led to an increase in the number of men and women who sign up to a distance learning degree in a bid to improve their career prospects. Further education via a reputable course provider is understandably regarded by the business community as an indication of the true worth of a candidate.

There are several benefits for the student, of course, but it’s also worth noting that there are disadvantages as well. Perhaps the most negative of these is also the one that most people fail to take into consideration; even for the most gifted among us, the need to remain on target throughout the academic year can be problematic and, for some, decisive.

Although this may seem a major issue for many, the good news is that support and encouragement is always close to hand. Any highly-regarded course provider will always ensure remote students receive all the help they need, and this is especially true in instances where the individual begins to fall behind the required schedule.

Some people, even those who have studied regularly in the past, will undoubtedly feel a sense of isolation from time to time. This is perfectly natural, because it can be difficult to get through the course without the physical contact with a university, a tutor and a group of fellow students. Help, however, is never likely to be far away.

Combating isolation via the Internet

In the past, students had to rely on the telephone to maintain contact with support from the course provider, but these days the Internet provides a virtual university for people from all over the world. Having access to academic professionals and individuals who are taking the same courses is an invaluable tool.

Although most people tend to think of distance education as an act of individual effort, this is generally far from the truth. Every student needs the help and understanding of family members, friends and work colleagues in order to achieve a pass. Without this, the chances of success will be significantly reduced and the enjoyment levels greatly diminished.

If the student is planning to carry out the majority of their studies in the home environment, a little thought and pre-planning is needed. A quiet area will undoubtedly be required, and this isn’t always an easy thing to find, especially for parents who have young children ready and waiting to offer distractions on a regular basis.

For the successful student, the rewards will always outweigh the stresses and strains of taking the course. An accredited qualification from a prestigious education provider could make the difference between remaining in an uninspiring job and gaining an exciting position that will serve as the beginning of a whole new career path.

Filed Under: General, Qualifications
by on April 15, 2013

What is e-learning? (Overview of e-learning)

E-learning is a process inwhich technology and internet is used as a medium to impart education. It is often referred to as electronically supported learning and teaching. With the advancements in technology and digital communication the education system has also evolved as an anywhere anytime approach.

It is basically a computer and network enabled process of transferring education and knowledge which includes various modes of communication. It can be a web based education system where internet is used to provide all the lectures(webinars can also be done for group classes), it can be through any other broadcast mechanism like TV or radio, and it can use CD-ROMs to provide all the study materials and a hybrid form of online and offline examination and evaluation.

E-learning eliminates the hassle of time, distance and resources in the process of education and knowledge transfer. It has not only changed the way of traditional learning and education system but it has also made the learning process more fun and interactive.

E-learning has numerous benefits and has really transformed the process of knowledge transfer. With the technological enhancements in the last few decades e-learning industry has grown by leaps and bounds.

Reduced cost: One of the major benefits of e-learning is the reduced cost of education, you need not have classrooms and furniture and even people need not travel from one place to other. It also helps the environment with a paperless mode of education where all the books are available in digital format enhanced with more informative imagery and interactive motion graphics. Even the exams and lectures are either online or through video conferencing which reduces the overall cost.

Global Reach: With e-learning people now have option to study in a long distance mode eliminating the boundaries of country and time, you can interact with the experts sitting far away, go for a specialization or a subject of study which is not available in your country, solve your problems with the help of a person sitting hundreds of miles away, access to discussion boards and forums to get multiple views of a problem. It sure is a really interactive way of learning.

Interactive: E-learning has made the process of gaining knowledge very interactive. For example, a scientific 3d diagram is much more easily viewed and understood through a computer or TV as compared to a traditional book. The process of a machine working, biological and botanical illustrations are extremely easy to understand by way of e-learning.

Ample amount of resource: There is a sea of information available today on internet, from learning to cook a Pizza from a YouTube video to havingmathematical questionsanswered on Yahoo Answers, you can do anything and everything. Wikipedia,various forums and blogs have created a huge pool of never ending learning resource. You can get help on just about any topic of your choice if you know where to look.

Convenience: Gaining knowledge has become very convenient these days by way of registering for a course online. Through e-learning your assignments can be done online, your study material reaches to your doorsteps in the form of a CD, you can clear the droughts in your study with online counselors, you can search for solutions online, you can participate in webinars to improve your skills and much more. In a nutshell receiving quality education has never been this easy.

Technological challenges: E-learning largely depends on technology. Sometimes this dependency creates hurdles in the overall learning process. For example if you have planned for an online session, technical connectivity issue, power failure,  bad weather or any such condition can prove to be a hindrance.

Less Personal: E-learning eliminates the process of personal development. In a classroom type environment personal interaction and discussions with the teacher and fellow students facilitate personal development. Traditional learning systems were very useful in bringing out the inner part of an individual.

Motivation: due to less personal interaction the elements of motivation and reinforcement are less in e-learning.

Assessment: E-learning also lacks in real assessment. Judging an individual’s actual talent and capability is difficult in this mode of learning. Some people may be good in practical work but may not be able to illustrate their prowess in a distance learning mode.

There may be some limitations in e-learning but it has really transformed learning and knowledge transfer and has become an integral part of human learning process in today’s modern society.

Author Bio:

Ela Sharma is a big time fan of technology and a fashion freak like all the girls. Occasionally writes about technology and marketing. Maintains a Facebook page and a blog Beauty & Care where you have a peep into latest fashion trends, beauty secrets, upcoming new styles and beauty essentials.

Filed Under: General, School
by on April 15, 2013

The Best Note Taking Techniques

First of all, it’s important to clear out that if you want to take legible and meaningful notes and be effective, you must be alert enough during the classes, be present physically and mentally, and pay full attention to what the professors are saying. You can’t just write down everything you heard because this way you’ll have lots of information that won’t actually help you learn the material better. That’s why it is crucial to develop note-taking techniques that work for you, and if later you can’t determine the specific relevant points in your lecture, you can ask the professor to help you clarify them.

The Note-Taking 2-6 Method. You can try to improve your note-taking system using the 2-6 method which actually refers to the way you break up the blank space in your notebook. The first 2 columns are placed on the left part of the page, with the red line being the end border, and they are used as a highlighting system, while you can write down the class notes in the other 6 columns. Main headings and important points or material you will be tested on can also be included in the left part of the page. This way, you’ll have an extensive page of information that you can quickly and easily scan when studying and preparing for tests.

The Split Page Technique. Split the pages in your notebook in two equal columns and use one of the sides to outline the class lectures, and the other for writing your notes. This way when studying you’ll have both, the class lectures and your textbook as the most basic sources of the course content you are required to learn, integrated in only one place. If you want you can add an additional third column for the questions you want to later ask your professor or mentor.

The Group Notes System. Instead of writing down class notes page after page every day, you and your classmates can create smaller groups and exchange places with the members of your group. That way, when you aren’t the note-taker for the day, you can more concentrate on the lectures and what the professors are saying during the classes, jotting down only the most important points and actively participating in the class. You can ask the professor about things you aren’t familiar with, or score additional points by answering the questions they ask during the lectures. When the class is finished you can either photocopy the notes your classmates took, or even better, you can rewrite them by yourself, this way increasing your understanding of the material even more.

So, How to Take Notes Better?

When taking notes during classes it is important to be thorough and exact. If you can’t write fast enough to be able to capture all the important information the professors share during their classes, you can also use a tape recorder to make sure nothing is left out and to additionally check your notes for accuracy. But make sure to transcribe your notes as soon as possible after the class is finished, because this way, with writing and rewriting your notes, you’ll mentally reinforce the new material and make it easier to remember when studying for the exams.

Researches show that you can remember even 80% of the new material if you review your taken notes within the first 24 hours after the lecture. That’s why it is very important for you to regularly rewrite the phrases and abbreviations you’ve jotted down, completing your thoughts and sentences and reading your notes aloud. Clean notes are also easier to read and highlight as you study, and in addition you are working on developing positive studying habits that will help improve your memory retention and, of course, your grades.

You can significantly improve your chances for success in college if you regularly attend your classes and if you are always prepared for them. When you prepare prior to attending your classes you’ll be more familiar with the subject of the lecture, you won’t waste your time taking notes about something that’s already in your textbook, and you’ll know what exactly to ask the professor. This way you’ll improve your note-taking system and learn faster and better. If your professor lectures too fast for you to follow, ask him or her if you can use a tape recorder; you’ll notice that most of them are willing to help you learn more from their lectures. When taking the notes use different tools for writing, like colored pens since, according to studies, writing in colors helps retaining 50% to 80% more of the information, without a second reading.

Filed Under: General
by on April 12, 2013

5 Critical Techniques You Need to Know for Thesis Writing

Writing a thesis for your master’s program or your doctoral program has long been regarded as a fairly difficult and complicated matter by students and even teachers. However, as you start working on your own thesis, you come to realize that it is not actually that difficult and that, in fact, it can be rather fun. Of course, you do need to love a challenge, but, as long as you use all the right techniques, writing the dissertation can be the most fun you’ll have as a student. So here are the five critical techniques you need to know for thesis writing, and how they can be fun.

1. Research

Any dissertation needs to rely heavily on some form of research that would, presumably, further the sum of knowledge we possess in a specific area. However, you should never focus on the pressure of coming up with something new, but rather on learning new and diverse things. There is a very good reason why all professors ask that a dissertation paper be based on the works of several authors: it is almost inevitable that by becoming familiar with the works of other specialists in your field, you will manage to find a bridge between their works and your own contribution to science.

2. Analyze

Of course just reading other works is something that most students can do in their sleep and sadly, they often do. What you have to do, when reading and researching for your dissertation, is to have a critical approach. You need to question every line that you read, not because you are trying to find mistakes but because you need to come to understand the author’s ideas as you would understand your own. Only by doing that you will be able to properly use the next technique.

3. Synthesize

After you have analyzed everything that has been written on the topic you are writing about, you will need to synthesize what you have read for your dissertation’s readers. It was actually Freud who observed that a scientific paper is at least 30% synthesizing the works of other people in your field. And the process will not only give your readers important background information, but it may also help you find the details that your own writing needs to stress. If, by any chance, you are stuck with your writing, remember that there are specialized thesis writing services out there that would be able to help you out.

4. Schedule

Since everything up to this point has been about the actual writing of your paper, the next two techniques have more to do with who you are and who your professors are. Working on a dissertation is a very lengthy process, perhaps the longest one you have ever worked on. Unlike term papers, a thesis cannot be crammed in the last two days before it is due. You need to make a clear schedule, set deadlines for certain parts of your paper and make sure that you stick to them.

5. Meet Expectations

Finally, you should make sure that you, your chair professor and the professors on the evaluation committee are all on the same page. That is because there is no point in writing a dissertation that nobody is interested in reading and you also have to make sure that the subject you choose is truly relevant for the field of your choice.

Author Bio: Jeff is a professional writer at SolidEssay.com which is a reputable thesis writing service helping students with their research needs.

Filed Under: Further Education
by on April 11, 2013

Personal Statement – Simple as you Like

The increasing pressures on society are evident, in the midst of a recession employers are able to select the cream of the crop, and are doing so! For many, job prospects are dwindling and essentially are weighing future options.

As one may expect, competition within the job market is fierce, when I was a university leaver a degree was sought after, more recently employers are asking for a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree! Not an easy task by any standards. So naturally universities are witnessing considerable increases in the volume of applicants. So if you are thinking about going to university, there is one obstacle that can ultimately decide the outcome of your future in education – the personal statement.

You need to understand that a personal statements is your ultimate marketing plan, it is kind of a CV for universities, although this CV is 4000 characters long. Which, to be honest, is not as many characters as you may think! If you have never had to write a personal statement before, it can be an intimidating feat! From my experience with working with students on this very topic, I would like to share some insight to guide you along the way.

 

Be Concise and Targeted

Develop an understanding for the audience who will be reading it, and remember that is shall be more than one individual doing so. Admissions tend to be a cumulative decision based upon various stakeholder s within the departments, including the heads of department. The university need to ensure that you are the right candidate for the course.  Therefore you need to write for your audience. Typically, you can deduce that the mathematics department would require a slightly differing communication style than the art department. Although, every single human being is an independent thinker with their own particular style. There are commonalities amongst groups. To reinforce the point, make sure that you understand your audience prior to constructing your personal marketing campaign (personal statement).

 

Depth Not Breadth

A personal statement should be a focused piece, it should not be loosely written. The objective is to secure yourself a position within the university; therefore you need to focus your efforts. Keep away from any waffling and ranting on. Put yourself in their shoes, are you just filling space, or is what you are saying relevant to the course that you are applying for. Do not go for breadth, but go for depth. Make sure that you highlight any skill or experience that will enhance your proposition to gain entry to the academy.

 

Spelling and Grammar

This is an important factor your statement is a reflection of your abilities to communicate on paper. Whist at university you will be expected to produce reports, essays, assignments and a variety of other academic papers. Obviously academic writing standards are higher that secondary school education. Within your application, you are expected to at least be able to construct logical and coherent sentences, free from grammatical and spelling errors. This goes not just for university application, but throughout your entire working carer. So read, check and improve.

 

Plagiarise or Cut n paste

The core concept of writing a personal statement is that it is “personal”. With this in mind, do not copy anyone else’s work. There are thousands of personal statement examples on the web; it is easy to get a hold of one. Sure, use the structure of the statement, but don’t just copy/paste. There are software programmes that colleges and universities have access to detect plagiarism, it is just not worth it.

 

Self-Promotion and Clichés

So you have to outline what makes you unique, what differentiates you from the rest and above all else, what makes you the perfect candidate. Great, explore these topics, demonstrate them with examples and experiences, but do not overly self-promote!

From my experience I have often found that people find it either difficult to talk about themselves, or they tend to talk too highly of themselves. What you need is a fine balance. The ego has a lot to answer for with some individuals, what you are looking to demonstrate is – confidence not narcissism. It’s complete judgement call of course, but there are some pretty big indicators. Try to use positive language and not overly promotional words. It will take a bit of analysis to get it right, but be mindful of not just what you are saying, but how you are saying.

 

Final Note

These are just a few tips and hints to get you on your way to writing a great personal statement, but don’t forget. You still have the opportunity to shine at interview!

 

Author Bio

James King is a freelance writer and career and guidance coach. James has helped hundreds of students develop excellent personal statement to progress their education career.

Filed Under: Further Education
by on April 11, 2013

The Basics of Spectroscopy in Astronomy

Spectroscopy is the study of matter and how electromagnetic radiation interacts with it. All molecules and atoms absorb, as well as emit, light at varying wavelengths. Scientists use this method for all sorts of experiments including understanding the Universe and the matter within in such as stars and planets.

Spectroscopy analyses colours which are mixed into a beam of light before being separated. Astronomers find this particularly useful as it allows them to uncover secrets about the Universe that would otherwise be concealed to the human eye without special telescopes. Our understanding of the Universe would be very limited if it wasn’t for the data that can be analysed that the light provides.

Spectroscopy allows scientists to study astrological entitled without actually physically taking samples. You are able to find out information such as how hot a star is, what mass it has, how large it is, what the chemical composition is and even the ability to tell how far away a galaxy is, for example.

All of this information is a direct result of the data from spectral lines within the spectrum of stars. In order to start deciphering the mysteries of he Universe with Spectroscopy requires a basic understanding of where light comes from and how it interacts with different types of matter which in turn creates unique spectra.

To begin to understand the infinitely huge, scientists must first understand the workings of the infinitely small – the atom. Atoms contain a central nucleus as well as positively charged protons, and neutrons – negatively charged. There is also a cloud of negatively charged electrons surrounding the nucleus. The number of protons determines what element it is.

Photons are tiny particles of light and play an obviously large part in the way that Spectroscopy is useful. Photons have no mass and are able to move at different speeds depending on the amount of energy based on what atoms they bump into – different wavelengths. Photons with a lot of energy move in short wavelengths such as Ultraviolet and X-Rays.

This is a chart showing the complete frequencies that light can travel in. Only a small amount of light is visible to the human eye. As the energy of a photon and an elements core must match exactly, we can also say that only a photon of the same energy, wavelength and colour will “excite atoms” into creating light.

There are several different wavelengths, colours or energy levels of light that can alter a state of an atom. By using spectroscopy it is easy to distinguish what types of atoms are present. Spectroscopy can determine not only the chemical element emitting the light, but also environmental factors such as the temperature and density of atoms.

To give an appreciation of how astronomers do this requires a sound knowledge of the various types of spectra that objects in Space – astronomical objects can emit. There are three main types of spectra that can be categorised under ‘Kirchoffs Laws’.

The wavelengths of the emission or absorption lines all depend on what molecules or atoms are discovered in the object that is being studied. Multivariate data analysis can further examine results.

Continuous Spectra
A hot gas, solid or liquid that is under high pressure will give off a continuous spectrum.
Emission Spectra
A hot gas under a low pressure will produce a bright line also known as an emission line spectrum.
Absorption or Dark Line Spectrum
When there is a cool gas under pressure being viewed a dark line (an absorption line spectrum) will be observed.

Filed Under: Science
by on April 11, 2013

Get Armed With an MBBS Qualification

Set up in 1948, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune has been proving why medical facilities in the Army are considered superlative. Well known for its impeccable record of stupendous service to the Indian Armed Forces over the years, the AFMC continues to bask in the glory of its legacy. If you are looking for a career in medicine and also like the disciplined life of an army cadet, then this may be your calling wherein you serve your country while pursuing medicine.

 

With many firsts to its credit, AFMC started its journey in 1948 with the Graduate Wing only coming in the being in 1962. Affiliated to the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences the college is duly recognized by the Medical Council of India and has a plethora of disciplines available for specialization.

Located in the plush cantonment area of Pune, the college is managed and maintained by the Indian Army and has a vast and beautiful campus laced with facilities for the students. Infrastructure wise the college premises comprises of separate hostels for boys and girls, football ground, the basketball court, TT courts, tennis lawns, auditorium and conference halls. The lecture rooms are spacious, sunny and mirror a British aura because of its architecture.

 

Fees waived off

All a student has to do is clear the AFMC entrance exam and unlike other medicine courses, tuition and hostel fees are waived off here and a student is required to only pay Rs. 7,000 annually, paltry amount by any standards, as  Mess charges and rest is taken care off by the Armed Forces Medical College administration.

 

AFMC Entrance

Being a specialised college, AFMC conducts its own All India Entrance Test and admissions for the MBBS course are based on an objective type written exam, conducted across the country at 28 centers.

After passing the exam and getting the requisite score, the student has to clear an interview and then after the final selection, 130 students are admitted to the College. Out of these 130 students, 25 seats are reserved for the fairer sex candidates. Students getting a degree from AFMC are required to serve in the medical wing of the Armed Forces on the successful completion of MBBS for at least seven years. The experience is worth all the effort as one gets to experience the Army life and respect of Armed Force personnel along with the satisfaction of treating others; which medicine as a profession provides.

But if someone does not want to serve in the Army and join other hospitals, or have a private practice in place, then they can opt out by paying a compensation of approximately Rs. 15-17 lakhs, which is generally not the norm and only a few students leave the Armed Forces Medical College service-to-the-Army deal.

 

Army Code of Conduct

As mentioned above AFMC is a unique amalgamation of medicine and armed forces, two very venerable streams, the in-campus experience that it offers is unique. Food served in the Hostel Mess is healthy and nutritious to keep the cadets healthy and college students are expected to maintain the discipline and decorum even in the canteen. Formals rule the life of cadets here and even in canteen they cannot wear chappals, sandals and floaters or shorts, denims or any other casual wear. Shirts and collared T-shirts are permitted in the canteen and wearing shoes is mandatory. Otherwise cadets have smart uniforms for daily wear.

 

College Fest

AFMC has its own annual college Festival by the name ‘Silhouettes’ held every year in the month of February. The fest is an inter college cultural extravaganza having dance, music, plays, drama, quizzes, inter college games, competitions and a whole lot of fun activities like any other college. This is time when Dhanvantri, the college auditorium, is reverberating with activities all day long. The reputed Armed Forces Medical College promises the cadet a lifelong experience which is inimitable from other medical colleges.

 

Author Bio -

Satarupa is an avid reader and passionate writer who loves to Google for work and play. She is actively involved in blogging about the latest trends in Indian education and various medical courses across different domains in the country.

Filed Under: Further Education, Qualifications
by on March 12, 2013

Child education: A backbone of a developing nation

Child education has been a concern for most countries in the world for many decades. Although several measures are being taken by the governments to provide better facilities, overall development is neither  fast nor as expected in some countries. This is especially in the case of developing countries (described by Wikipedia as “nation with a low living standard, undeveloped industrial base, and low Human Development Index (HDI) relative to other countries”) like India, China, Brazil, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, etc.

Most developing countries have poor industrial development due to which the employment opportunities and infrastructure facilities are scarce to minimum compared to the population. A proper education system ensures that future generations will be better qualified which attracts investors in all industries as there is sufficient work-force available. This creates more revenue that contributes largely to the growth in GDP of the country.

The worst enemy of children’s education is child labour. These countries have a great percentage of minors working in industries and doing mean jobs instead of going to school. These children cannot go back and continue the education after certain age and so they remain illiterate for the rest of their lives. This scenario has to be eliminated by implementing more strict laws against child labour and educating parents on the importance of their children’s education.

Another concern for developing nations is their low living standards. Creating professionals like engineers, lawyers, doctors, teachers etc., ensures that the living standards of the people can be improved through increasing the wealth, required goods, comfort of living and income.

Developing nations are plagued by issues like too much of social segregation, poverty, ignorance, superstitions etc., which only education can eradicate by creating better awareness in people. Child education also ensures that the future generations get great global exposure.

Current Scenario:

  • The school dropout rate in developing nations is very high, especially in the African and Middle-east countries where girls are not being sent to schools assuming that it is against the tradition.
  • The infrastructure and teaching methods in schools are poor which bring down the quality of the education offered. Governments are seriously working on this by taking several additional measures like providing the children with nutrition and giving them exposure to knowledge/technology.
  • Most of the schools in these nations practice the traditional teacher–student methodologies. The usage of software tools and internet for educational purposes is very limited and this is slowing down the learning process unlike in the developed countries.

Based on all the discussion above, we can say that Child Education is a backbone of a developing nation and is very much essential if the country has to attain the status of a developed nation. As we konw that  one educated person in a family  can educate the entire family,in this way we can take a step to educate the entire country .Government should take necessary action to make it mandatory and provide free education for all.Also, it is essential that the governments come up with simple schemes to help the low-income class take better care of their children just like the parents in UK can call the Child Support Phone Number to get help like child tax credits from the government.

Filed Under: School
by on February 11, 2013

Revision Techniques Key for Exam Success

Being able to use a range of different revision techniques can help you on the way towards exam success; these techniques can range from training yourself to revise in short but intensive intervals to practicing your long form writing. At the same time,revision techniques can include taking practice tests, learning mnemonics, and employing flash cards as a way of memorising key information. Using several revision techniques will reduce the effects of stress and hopefully put you in the right frame of mind for your exams.

 

Intervals

Rather than trying to revise at a constant rate over an extended period of time, instead opt for intervals where you study in short bursts; this means starting your revision relatively early (for example signing up for easter revision classes ), and then gradually building up your revision routine before the exam date. Don’t try to cram information at the last minute, but spend part of the day intensively working, before taking breaks; doing so can allow you to gradually built up your knowledge and skills without being under too much pressure.

 

Long Form Writing

It’s also worth practicing long form writing as much as possible before exams. With GCSEs and A Levels both moving towards longer exams, it’s important to be able to construct an argument and hit a number of key points. When revising for writing heavy subjects like English and History, try outlining points and writing long essays for an hour or more to build up your stamina.

 

Practice Tests

Taking practice, or mock tests, can help to reduce stress and get you prepared for an exam; ideally you don’t want to take practice tests until quite close to the actual exam date. These tests can be provided by schools, and might also be found online. You want to try to complete practice tests to exam times, without taking breaks – going back over what mistakes you may have made can make it easier to get a perspective on what you need to improve on in the future.

 

Mnemonics

This approach involves remembering key facts through the use of acrostics and words to remember the order of information. An acrostic might include ‘Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain,’ which can be used to remember the colours of the rainbow. Getting acrostics in place in your head can mean that you have an imaginative way to remember facts – once they’re well established, mnemonics are difficult to forget, and can make a big difference as you revise for exams.

 

Flash Cards

Traditionally effective for different types of exams, flash cards involve writing down or drawing key facts and information on cards, which can then be put up around your room and the house in order to jog your memory. Flash cards effectively focus your memory, and can be used as a way to break down a complex collection of facts and ideas into a simpler form. You can also make use of revision apps that use flashcards – these include Last Minute Revision Flashcards, and the GCSE Science Revision Guide, and can be downloaded for smartphones, tablets, and computers.

 

Author Bio:

Emily Steves is long-time blogger/writer and all-round creative advocate. Having spent some time recently with A-level students currently revising (or not as is often the case!),  he’s been reliving his school days all those years ago and spent much time writing on the matter.

Filed Under: Exams
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