Tuesday, March 31, 2020

How to Create the Virtual Chemistry

How to Create the Virtual ChemistryThe Virtual Chemistry works on the premise that chemistry is a problem solver. It is a puzzle where students will be able to create and solve scientific problems on their own. Their brains will be challenged as they will be required to study and determine the answer.This task is commonly used for Science class and helps them learn the concepts of chemistry and how it's associated with different subjects. Students will be able to solve problems while working on their Chemistry homework, science fair project or even during actual labs. Students can use the same tools and resources as they use in real chemistry classes. They will also be able to complete the same tasks that they will be doing in labs.The Virtual Chemistry is similar to the real thing except that students will be using software. There are also times when students will have to conduct their experiments without the help of software. Students will be able to make and distribute solutions w ithout their professors noticing. They will be able to solve real chemistry problems by themselves. When the professor is present, they will just be able to follow what is being said by the student.Unlike the real labs, there are no lectures involved and students do not need to spend any class hours. The idea is to develop their mind and learn more by taking on the project. They can also become proficient at it in no time. By spending less time studying and taking on the project, they can easily pass the test later.The different projects can be anything ranging from solving puzzles to making and analyzing solutions. Some of the topics that you can take on are topics in nanotechnology, physics, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and pharmacology. You can also create your own projects.You can apply what you learned from the Virtual Chemistry projects. This can be done in your regular classes as well. It will just take a little bit more effort. You wi ll need to do the research and find out more about the topic before trying to solve the problem. You can even organize some projects in collaboration with your classmates or other students that are in your school.In order to get started, you need to download the application and install it. There is an option to install the software on your computer or connect it to your teacher's computer to enable it to be connected to the internet. They will provide instructions on how to use the software.Make sure that you read the details about the test or project before trying to solve it. This will help you avoid errors and make sure that the project is done properly. Make sure that you understand what you need to do before attempting to solve the project.

Friday, March 6, 2020

20 Tips For New Tutors (Part I) - TutorNerds

20 Tips For New Tutors (Part I) - TutorNerds Twenty Tips For New Tutors (Part I) Twenty Tips For New Tutors (Part I) Individualized, private teaching can be a daunting but rewarding new challenge for prospective tutors.   Tutoring allows you to optimize learning and understanding in a way that usually can’t be achieved in a conventional classroom.   After years of tutoring and teaching students of every academic level in several subjects across four states, here are some of my pieces of advice for a tutor who is just starting are you a student? Book your private Anaheim tutor today. Only Tutor What You Know Well Just because you took a class, or even got an ‘A’ in a class, does not mean you are suitable to tutor it.   You should be able to consistently answer nearly any question that your student has about the subject; so, if the class is something you took three years ago and you don’t remember the material, then you shouldn’t be tutoring it. Try finding an online final or practice test and take it yourself to check if you know the material. Ask to See Material Beforehand Even if you are an expert on the subject, you will find as a tutor that each teacher will teach a class differently; they have their priorities, expectations, and grading styles.   To help you adjust to this and make sure you are prepared to help, you should always ask that the student send you some of their class materials or current progress (homework, previous graded tests/quizzes, finished diagnostics or practice tests, rubrics or a syllabus, etc.).   This is especially useful before the first lesson. Know the Goals of Your Client Different students (or their parents) are looking for different things out of tutoring.   They might want to understand what’s going on in class and how it applies to life.   They might need to have a strong foundation to take more advanced classes in the future. They might only want to pass the class to fulfill the requirement and don’t care about the material.   They might want to guarantee that they get an ‘A’ by the end of the semester.   They might need to be aiming for a certain score on a test.   Whatever the case, ask them what they are looking to get out of tutoring so you can tailor your lessons accordingly. Watch Them Do Work It can be easy to end up lecturing and explaining answers yourself without your student doing the work.   Often, a student might nod, or agree, or say they understand while you teach or show an example.   However, you need to make sure that they understand and can replicate what you are teaching them on their own.   Make sure you are stopping often enough to give them work to do on their own to make sure they’re keeping up. Time-Intensive Work Should Be Outside Tutoring Hours You may want to give practice tests, or extra practice problems, or have your student write a short essay as part of your learning.   You should try to keep these tasks outside of your tutoring lessons.   No one wants to give a lot of homework as a tutor, but paid private tutoring also shouldn’t include an hour of you just sitting and watching the student do work on their own.   Use tutoring time to review and check the material that you had them complete before you arrived.   It can also be an excellent way to keep them focused and on schedule if you don’t see them more than once a week. Book your experienced Anaheim tutor today! Michael C. is currently a private math, science, and standardized test tutor with TutorNerds in Irvine and Anaheim. All blog entries, except for guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

UPE Tutoring - What Is It?

UPE Tutoring - What Is It?UPE tutoring (Universal Prep) is a third generation company specializing in program delivery for both online and physical learning environments. This is the company's first experience of offering both virtual and in-person teaching solutions. UPE tutoring caters to students that have the time to complete lengthy coursework with online assistance.The online tutor includes a comprehensive online course for beginners and advanced users. The current course of instruction is for older students as well as new ones. It is possible to study at your own pace and interact with the instructor during the course. Instructors are available for consultation during training sessions.Another very important feature of this online program is the school-like atmosphere. In the course, the instruction manuals and assessment quizzes are delivered to the student through the online tool. The student receives all information and responses through email or by pinging the school at ho me.This course is ideal for those who enjoy the flexibility of working at their own pace and receiving instruction from the instructor whenever they wish. The student does not have to attend to studies on campus. The online course is suitable for non-native English speakers too.With the online program, students can find valuable information about the material, resources and methods of instruction. They also have the opportunity to interact with other students who are enrolled in the online program and exchange links and ideas.For students, this will be a perfect online learning experience. For teachers, this will be a great way to train students. It is also very convenient to teach on the Internet because the students can learn at their own pace, and the instructor can see the results on the online tools and quizzes.With anonline program, students can also earn credits while earning money, which can also be used for further study and certification. The course delivery can be customi zed to match the needs of the students and the provider can arrange for accelerated and regular curriculum, as well as the choice of an instructor.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Research Methods in Science Courses

Research Methods in Science CoursesThe Mo Chemistry tools and software are based on the desire to provide an easy and complete chemistry analysis to students, and to teachers in the process. They are actually very effective tools, especially in the current situation that the student can choose the activities from their personal bank account.They allow the materials science teacher to perform simple chemistry experiments on his or her own. The professional chemistry development courses in all high schools have been updated to include them.Mo Math and Chemistry Kit are the most advanced of all the Momschool activities in the new age of new discoveries. They are basically a reference guide for a student and not a subject of a research course.The instructors should consider using them as tools to motivate their students in every class, and to give them a better chance to succeed in life, as they are one of the best tools there is. It's a system for teaching science, mathematics and compu ter based learning.The Biochemistry kit includes biochemistry activities for Grade 12 and lower schools and there are other options like Biochemistry Activity Set, Biochemistry Essentials, Biochemistry III and Biochemistry IV to name a few. Since the students are not encouraged to participate in research, they will definitely enjoy themselves but still have fun while learning, and thus develop confidence in math, science and general skills.This is a great method of getting medical sciences students to take a more active role in the classes and to involve them in the process. What's more important is that the teaching methods would be different. This ensures the success of the whole program, especially since the Chemistry and Physics teachers can incorporate math, and even computer training in their curriculum, for a better approach to teaching.It's true that in some cases, the new addition of Biology to the science curriculum is too much for the students to handle. But what about th e projects based on their interests? This allows them to experience something different from their studies, since the teacher can use his or her knowledge and experiences to solve problems that they've never even come across before.

Private Tuition for Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Learners

Private Tuition for Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Learners Determine Your Level Before You Find a Tutor for Home or Online Tutoring ChaptersDefining Each LevelWhat is the Role of Grading in Private Tuition?Tutors and the Importance of a Student’s AspirationsOvercoming Your Anxieties to Private TutoringBefore you find a tutor, there is an essential first step: knowing your level.This will give you the best chance of finding the right tutor for you and your goals.“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment” - Lao-TzuDuring the first lesson, a good home tutor will take the time to evaluate your academic skills, but to find this, you need to know where to look.Do you have a good knowledge of French but haven’t practised since university? How can you be sure of your level?Don’t fret! We at Superprof are here to help you find the best kind of one on one tutoring to suit your needs. 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/h1 st 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 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!Dis cover 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 tutorsDefining Each LevelIn general, there are 5 levels of expertise:Introduction: This is the discovery period, where learners are introduced to a subject they have never before encountered. Students start with the basics as a first glance at a topic.Beginner: Beginner lessons mark the first stage of learning of a discipline.Intermediate: At an intermediate level, learners are familiar with the basics of a subject and their new goal is to consolidate and improve their knowledge.Advanced: This is the level where learners have not only acquired information but also have enough practice to make full use of the relevant skills.Expert: By definition, being an expert in one’s field involves achieving mastery of each domain and having significant experience in that field.In school, levels are discussed by means of compa rison with other pupils in the same establishment (such as nursery, KS1, KS2, high school, etc.), school year or class.Where to begin with a tutor? ¦ source: Pixabay - RyanMcGuireIn the education system, level is determined by academic grading.Teachers verify whether their pupils have correctly understood set topics from the syllabus.When it comes to languages, skill level is measured against the Common European Framework for Reference (CEFR) â€" a scale which assigns a level based on written and oral skills:A1: Breakthrough or beginnerA2: Waystage or elementaryB1: Threshold or intermediateB2: Vantage or upper intermediateC1: Effective operational efficiency or advancedC2: Mastery or proficiencyThis scale offers a universal framework to evaluate the skills of linguists in Europe and elsewhere.So, why is it important to know where you lie on a scale such as the CEFR before you find a tutor?To make the best choice when it comes to supplemental instruction, you can find tutors that sp ecialise according to your level of education. Find tutors for primary school or tuition for secondary school students!What is the Role of Grading in Private Tuition?Level of knowledge and grades are the first point of discussion when you’re choosing a tutor.Tutoring services are all about providing tailored support according to the needs of the learner.In order to effectively adapt their methods, programme and resources, it is essential that tutors first measure the skills of their tutee. Going into detail about your strengths and weaknesses is more important than you may think, as your personal case can affect many things:Adapted teaching methods: Private tutors put a lot of time and effort into planning lessons which are personalised according to the skills and learning strategies of their student. The teaching of theories is a large feature of beginner lessons, as it lays the foundations for further knowledge. In improvement or refresher sessions, a focus on practical work and discussion helps the tutor understand the student’s difficulties. Teaching methods can be adapted depending on these difficulties.The skillset of each tutor: Levels vary from one tutor to the next. Tutors, like students, use this to find and pair up with learners of an appropriate level. This means that when students approach them asking for homework or exam preparation help, they can make an informed decision about whether their support will benefit the student.Variation in hourly rates: Prices for lessons also vary depending on the level of the student. Costs for higher-level lessons at university are generally higher.Clearly, level plays a significant role in arranging private lessons.Tutors also have varying academic profiles, which should suit that of the learner in the interest of individualised teaching. With a good pairing, online tutor and tutee can establish a healthy relationship to boost self-esteem, optimise learning and progress rapidly towards academic success.Priv ate tuition: individual, personal, optimal ¦ source: Pixabay - jerrykimbrell10By choosing to specialise in certain types of tuition, tutors gain the ability to easily develop teaching methods which take into account the skills of each individual student.Tutors and the Importance of a Student’s AspirationsIn home tutoring is not just about getting your child a little help with their times tables.Tutors play a big part in providing their students with support and motivation  on a regular basis alongside their formal education, ultimately helping them to succeed in their academic careers.The regularity of this encouragement is paramount to progressing and perfecting a learner’s skills, whether it’s in English, maths, piano, chemistry or French.To achieve this is to take the student's competence, goals and even their age into consideration when planning lessons.An expert maths teacher could provide A Level maths students with good quality lessons in the run up to their exams, but to help the little ones discover the joys of music or learning a foreign language, the required skills are completely different.Of course, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but there are a few examples which demonstrate the point at which the level and profile of a student impact teaching methods. Discovery for toddlers“The  child is not a vase  which we fill, but a spring which we allow to gush freely” - Maria MontessoriOffering lessons in Spanish, music or even yoga to the youngest children is gaining popularity.This type of teaching (often done in a small group) not only requires a knowledge of the subject but a dash of creativity to keep little ones engaged.Keeping young learners interested is challenging, but can be made easier by:Playing gamesTelling storiesHands-on workshopsDiscussionSensory learningMaking the most of the curiosity of the little ones and helping them make sense of the world by opening their eyes to new experiences is a true mission â€" but it is so rewar ding! Learning a foreign language with a tutor as an adultWould you like to take lessons in French, German, Spanish or another language?Whether you’re starting from scratch or you want to get some use out of your French GCSE or A Level qualifications, a language tutor can put your vocabulary skills to the test and help you pick up where you left off.Blow the dust off your school Spanish and become fluent! ¦ source: Pixabay - EfraimstochterYour tutor will probably assign you a level based on the CEFR scale, which you can use to outline your competence on your CV. Intensive courses for entrance exam and test preparationAs exam period looms, many high school students resort to home tuition to make sure they have the right knowledge and exam technique to succeed on the big day.The educator becomes an academic coach, teaching theory and well as helping the student develop useful study skills and encouraging them to maintain a healthy frame of mind.The best tutors can deliver intensive courses as well as helping students manage pre-exam stress. Teaching musicWhen it comes to choosing whether to start the piano lessons you have always dreamt of and enrolling your child in guitar lessons to give them a good understanding of music, the paths are not the same!Even if two students are at the same level, their patience, motivation and learning abilities are sure to differ.It is therefore up to the teacher to adapt. This means using their teaching skills to cater to the needs and learning style of each student, so they all benefit from the lessons.Overcoming Your Anxieties to Private TutoringWhatever your level, it’s not always easy to get started.Are you worried about failing? Does learning make you stressed? Don’t worry, it’s completely natural.It can be difficult to get back into the learning spirit for evening lessons when the school gates seem so far away.It’s also a challenge to accept the fact that you cannot make this journey alone, and that you need an extra bit of coaching that your classmates may not need.Learning doesn't have to be daunting. Make the journey smoother with a private tutor! ¦ source: Pixabay - stevepbAs for taking on the challenge of embarking on a new learning journey as an adult, going back to school can feel quite odd!If you have never had the opportunity to take private lessons before, you are faced with the unknown. A deep fear or judgement by other people may cause a lot of stress, even if your only objective is to improve your knowledge.However, once you see yourself start to make progress, the satisfaction will overcome the self-doubt and make for a boost in confidence as you begin to achieve your goals.What a pleasure it will be for you to be able to say:“Yes, I learnt Chinese at the age of 40!” or “Yes, there were difficulties along the way, but I passed by GCSE exams without any resits!”So yes, sometimes you have  to swallow your pride before starting your search for a tutor, but you have ever ything to gain â€" the world is your oyster!

What Are The Benchmarks To Judge The Effectiveness And Quality Of An Online Tutoring

What Are The Benchmarks To Judge The Effectiveness And Quality Of An Online Tutoring 0SHARESShare Online tutoring is the approach of teaching via the internet with the help of specific software that allow a student and tutor to correspond with each other. Teaching tools used are whiteboards and digital pen etc. These make the communication effective and convenient. The only fundamental requirement for getting online tutoring is a computer/ laptop, internet connection, microphone and speakers. Dependable online tutoring websites like Tutor Pace offers a wide range of subjects and topics to choose from for all students between k-12.  Students can select the best module as per his/ her requirements. On completion of the registration formalities, students can choose a tutor and start session. Besides regular course study, online tutoring can be had for test preparation, homework help, math help, algebra help, assignment help and many more. Flexibility of session duration and scheduled time, ideal match of student and tutor, quality of teaching, dependability, professionalism, accountability and cost effective etc are some of those qualities that make online tutoring so well accepted throughout the world. Tutoring sessions for Math help, Science help and many more allows the tutors to understand the tendency, competence, definite requirements and specific weakness of the student. It is imperative to inspect the technology followed, tutors’ profile to     judge the effectiveness of an online tutoring site. The website should proffer online experts to meet the requirements of every student. [starbox id=admin]

The Best Cooking Classes in the UK

The Best Cooking Classes in the UK Everything You Need to Know About the Best Cooking and Baking Courses and Classes ChaptersLe Cordon Bleu LondonTante Marie Culinary AcademyWestminster Kingsway CollegeRoyal Academy of Culinary ArtsUniversity of West LondonPrivate Cooking TutorialsOnline Cooking TutorialsThere are plenty of great cooking classes for those wanting to learn. Thanks to popular TV cooking shows (like Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off), more and more people have decided to learn how to cook.In this article, we've put together a list that includes the best academic courses on cooking (including degrees, master's degrees, and diplomas), great workshops where you can learn about basic cooking techniques, culinary skills, and new recipes, as well as cookery classes from private tutors, who can offer more flexibility to a class than a structured course could.If there's a certain cookbook you want to work on or a certain cooking skill you want to master, a tutor can put together a plan for your tutorials with these in mind.If you want to become a professional baker, you should special ise in baking. (Source: Marianna_OLE)Private tutorials are also a better option for those with dietary requirements. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or have any allergies or intolerances, your cooking instructor will be able to help you with the preparation of menus that adhere to your requirements.A cooking class london will tend to follow a theme or cooking style. Anyone who wants to learn how to create meals from certain countries should look for private tutors.Online Cooking TutorialsThanks to VOIP technologies like Skype, you can now get cooking tutorials from anywhere in the world (as long as you have a relatively quick internet connection). These types of cooking tutorials are useful for those who work irregular hours or have busy schedules.Since your tutor can be anywhere in the world, this also means that if there's a very specific type of cooking you want to learn how to make, you can find a tutor from a specific country. Additionally, if you live in the country, you or your tutor mightn't be able to meet one another in person for your cooking tutorials.In terms of cost, online tutorials tend to be cheaper since neither you nor the tutor have to incur travelling costs. However, there are certain things that are easier to learn in person.Here is more on the history of cooking.Check out the various types of cooking classes.Presenting the top 10 cooking classes around the world.

Studying Political History What does it entail

Studying Political History What does it entail Politics and History: How Can You Study It? ChaptersThe Politics of an OligarchyAutocracy as a Historical Political SystemTheocracy as a Form of Government?Democracy: the Best Worst SolutionStudying Political HistoryHistory as a social science explores many aspects of life throughout the ages: economics history, intellectual innovation, and politics. In this, it is similar to sociology, except that the humanities branch including political history doesn’t study modern societies, it studies the different types of political thought throughout the centuries, the political manoeuvering of historical figures as well as various types of political upheaval (revolutions, coups, putsches etc…)Historical research in political history also studies political interaction, meaning that it crosses over to military history and diplomatic history - the various types of political ties formed between nations and their impact on inner politics and international relations.One thing you should consider is that, both from the point of view of cu ltural history and anthropology, politics and bureaucracy do not necessarily go hand in hand. Many so-called “primitive” societies without their own system of writing or political institutions such as a parliament still exhibit political behaviour and have their own system of governance and political philosophy, often steeped in their moral and cultural values and traditions.In this article, we’ll give an overview of some of the more common political systems and the different historical iterations they come in.new ideologies were sought and toward the end of the eighteenth century, the participation of the people became the ideal political philosophy. This lead to various forms of Constitutional monarchies (older in England and successful, less so in France just prior to the Revolution), many of them in the nineteenth century, then to actual democracies.  The process was finished in the twentieth century, with no absolute monarchy left in Europe.Louis XIV of France is often co nsidered the poster boy of absolute monarchy. Photo credit: Hyacinthe Rigaud on WikimediaHowever, even with the advent of globalization, there are still some absolute monarchies in the world today - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Brunei in the Arabic Peninsula, and Swaziland in Africa.ElectoratesElectorates are a form of absolute monarchy in which the monarch does not descend from a single ruling family but instead is elected from one of many aristocratic or royal families by an electoral college. This was the case in the Holy Roman Empire where the Prince-Electors chose the next Emperor from among their midst by means of an election. So theoretically a new emperor was not necessarily the son of the old - though, from 1440 onward, they were all from the House of Habsburg, and the elective role of the college was merely to ratify the usual course of succession.DespotismA despot usually designates an autocrat who is - either truly or symbolically - elected by the peo ple. Some despots are elected democratically to the presidency of their country and then seize power and disenfranchise any regulatory instances, others have rigged or single-party elections that ensure that they stay in power while symbolically giving the people a sense of political participation.However, many a despotic regime also came to power through a political or military coup.They are not monarchies mostly because they are not (officially) hereditary, although many a despot has had his son “elected” to office after him.Many despots use ideological means to stay in power, with political propaganda and information manipulation and control playing an important role to limit criticism of their regime.elections (or their equivalent) can be direct (President elected by the people), party-based (the strongest party in parliament provides the president/chancellor etc.) or through an  electoral college (a system only the American government pretends to understand).RepublicA repub lic is not a separate form of democracy, but simply designates any type of state in which government is considered a public matter rather than the sole province of a monarch or despot.Constitutional monarchiesConstitutional monarchies are systems of government in which the Head of State is nominally or politically a monarch - someone whose right to  rule is determined through birthright - but the actual governing and lawmaking is done by a parliament or other elected body whose representatives are elected by the people. Many monarchies became constitutional monarchies in the late 19th century or early 20th as a reaction against the emergence of a new sort of nationalism in which citizens wanted some say in government.The exact role and political power of the monarch is regulated by the constitution, ranging from Morocco, where the king retains executive powers (though lessened with the reform of 2011) to monarchies such as Britain and Sweden where the monarch’s power is extremely limited, playing a mostly representative role in global politics.Direct democracy vs. representative democraciesIn political science, a difference is made between direct and representative democracy.In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives that make policy and decide on laws and other governmental acts. This body of representatives is often divided into two houses elected according to different principles (population vs. area, or equal representation, or party etc.) and can be divided between the legislative an executive branches. They can be called a parliament, congress, senate, or any number of different names, but the important factor is that the people have representation by members of a political party they feel corresponds to their personal ideology. Interestingly, the idea of “left” and “right”-wing parties emerged from the seating of representatives in the parliament of the first French Republic, right after the Revolution - to the left or the r ight of the political leader.In direct democracies, the people vote directly on legislation, possibly electing one or two leaders for the executive branch of government. This is the form of government found in classical Athens, where every citizen attended sessions of parliament where they would debate the questions of the day and voted via secret ballot with stones in urns. Of course, Athens was only one city with a bit of countryside attached, and citizenship only applied to free landowning males (feminism wasn’t invented yet), so the amount of people present at any one session was not overly excessive. Another historical example for direct democracy are pirate ships. On many filibusters, the captain was elected democratically and many decisions, such as where to go next and how to divide the booty, was decided by vote.In Athens, citizens could vote to exile someone by writing their name on shards of pottery and dropping them in an urn. Photo credit: Pilar Torres on VisualhuntTo day, direct democracy is usually only occasionally practised in the form of referendums on important affairs - EU applicants have to have a referendum before joining officially, and we all know what happened with Britain’s last attempt at direct democracy.CommunismCommunism is interesting in that the political theory of communism is impossible without the economic theories behind it.Communism is often confused with socialism:While all communists are socialistsNot all socialists are communistsSocialism posits a welfare state - that is to say, socialists consider it to be the responsibility of the state to look after its citizens. To what extent depends on the individual philosophy - but most socialists agree that basic care - health care, a certain minimal unemployment and a right to basic education and foodstuff - is a governmental responsibility. The important aspect is that it’s a form of  state-run insurance, with all citizens paying into a pot that’s then redistributed.Soc ialism can exist within capitalism - the most common form of economy among democracies. Communism, however, needs a completely different framework.In communism, there is no personal ownership - of anything. Everything is owned communally and distributed to those who need it. It is often propagated as the rule of the working class. As French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau had already understood, it works best on a local level. A whole communally-owned state needs a political structure, which inevitably leads to the creation of a political elite. Oddly enough, while the theoretical structure of communist nations is a democracy, most of them turn into dictatorships, with a single charismatic personality at their heads until he dies.Communism at a local level existed in many so-called primitive societies, in which most goods were communally owned and resources distributed according to need.Studying Political HistoryUniversities rarely offer political history as a separate subject. Ho wever, if you are interested in the intellectual history of politics, there are ways you can still find out more about it by studying on an interdisciplinary level.If you are interested in the political events that formed (and destroyed) nations, become a historian and study ancient history, modern history or archaeology. Undergraduates learn about the different cultures and the social systems, and the libraries are excellent for research on political events.If you are interested in the schools of thought behind political systems and decisions, why not study philosophy? Though often considered a purely intellectual pursuit, philosophy has influenced political thinking for millennia, whether the religious philosophy found in Latin texts of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, the philosophers of the Enlightenment or Machiavelli in early modern times, or modern political thinkers such as Foucault in the twentieth century. Anyone interested in comparative politics and ethical question s in politics would do well to study the philosophical thought behind the political systems. A graduate student in philosophy understands the conflict behind the different methodological views of politics and can analyze their pros and cons - though no-one has yet found the perfect system.If you are more interested in studying how political history impacted modern society and politics - the rise of liberalism, the differentiation between legislative and executive powers, analytical views on the impact of political decisions on the economy and social history or the interaction of world powers in international politics - consider a Political Science major. A number of universities in the UK have political science courses on their curriculum.Read more about studying History in the UK.

Do These 4 Things to Start Preparing for the PreACT

Do These 4 Things to Start Preparing for the PreACT These days, things require a little more preparation than you might expect. While the PreACT in and of itself is preparation for the ACT, youll still need to think about preparing for the PreACT. When students choose to do this may vary from person to person, though there are some general guidelines to be aware of as you begin the process of working toward the PreACT. The truth is, the PreACT can provide great insight into how you may perform on the ACT, and it can help guide your study plan to your particular needs. Students who are better prepared generally feel more confident, which typically leads to higher and more accurate scoresso spend some time preparing! A few notes about the PreACT Before you begin preparing for any test, it is important to have a general understanding of what youre about to embark on. First, this test is designed for sophomores and will be available in the Fall of 2016. It will include the same sections as the ACT but will not offer the writing section (optional on the ACT). The PreACT is designed to familiarize students with the ACT and give them an idea of how they might expect to score on the ACTthink of it as the ACTs answer to the SATs PSAT. [RELATED: What is the PreACT?] Because you arent required to take the PreACT, it can be easy to dismiss it as unnecessary. However, the PreACT can offer very useful information as to where your strengths and weaknesses lie and how you can better tailor your prep to maximize success on the ACT. Now, on to how you should start preparing Pay attention in class While this is simple advice, it remains important. One of the best things you can do in preparation for the PreACT is to pay close attention to your coursework. Classes like English, social studies, math, and science focus on questions and ways of thinking that are common to the ACT, which makes them perfect preparation for the PreACT as well. Keep track of your progress As you prepare for and take the PreACT, it is important to record and monitor your progress. A particularly great thing the PreACT does for you is provide you with some clear direction for studying for the ACT. This way, youll know pretty early on if youre struggling more with math or need extra help in social studies. Keep track of whether or not your scores are improving to give you additional insight on the effectiveness of your study plan, allowing plenty of time to make adjustments. Take advantage of your resources If youd like to identify possible strengths and weaknesses before you take the PreACT, you may consider checking out ACT.org for some test preparation resources they provide specific to the ACT (which by extension can help you prepare for the PreACT). It can prove to be quite a useful starting point if youre struggling. Dont be afraid to take advantage of other online learning tools, toothere are great practice problems and prep books available that can help you in preparing for the PreACT, such as ACT practice tests or the Varsity Tutors ACT Prep Book. Dont forget about the ACTs writing section While the PreACT doesnt have a writing section, youll want to be careful that, in your preparation, you dont forget the ACT still offers one. Though its irrelevant on the PreACT, youll still want to get in a few rounds of good writing practice incase you do decide to take the written portion of the ACTdoing so can pose great benefits in college applications. Build this into your PreACT schedule so that youre giving it the same attention. Some of your peers may choose not to study for the PreACT, but your best option is to treat it as you would the ACT. Study materials in advance, measure your progress, and be sure to analyze your results and adjust accordingly. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.