Why Does College Algebra Story Problems Helping Students?

Why Does College Algebra Story Problems Helping Students?College algebra story problems help students who find themselves stuck in the difficulty of a homework assignment. What follows is an explanation of how math problems make homework much easier for most students.The first thing to keep in mind about homework is that it should never be the end of the story. Students should be encouraged to do more than just complete the assignment. In addition to completing the task, they should also learn from the assignment as well as how it can help them to progress toward a future goal.Since math problems are often presented in a very visual manner, it is very easy for students to understand the most effective ways to solve them. It is not as easy to understand them if the solution is done by recalling different algorithms or formulas.Find a simple and short form of the problem. Think of one of the most obvious solutions to the problem. Then get to work on that. Make sure that the solution us ed is not too complicated, but simple enough to have students see how it fits into their conceptual understanding of the problem.Since algebra is a difficult task to learn, many students will naturally want to avoid the difficulties they have to face by doing the most efficient way to do the assignment. If you use this strategy, you can usually trick students into thinking they have solved the problem, but it is not true. They only did one thing-they learned that they could do the best solution to the problem.When students are faced with challenging assignment problems, they are usually looking for a shortcut. They know it is very difficult to solve a problem by visualizing the steps needed, so they turn to algebra. They are basically seeking a formula that they can always refer to when they need the answer.These students do not appreciate the challenge they are facing because they have forgotten the challenging and difficult things that make it so. In college, they are still learni ng the most important things and they are naturally curious about difficult tasks. College algebra story problems help students to make themselves a step ahead of their peers.

Painting Classes Near Me

Painting Classes Near Me Where to Practice Your Painting Skills ChaptersPainting Classes in EdinburghPainting Courses in BelfastPainting Lessons in CardiffArtistic expression has taken on many forms through the modernization of the digital age. Everything from content creation through video to publishing online magazines â€" art can be found everywhere on the internet.If you’d like to learn to paint, guides like this one and inspiration elsewhere on the web can help you get started on your journey. Painters, instructors, as well as seasoned experts all have to begin by understanding the basics of a painting course.Getting an arts education can be fun and easy!Why You Should Take a Painting ClassA Brief Digression on Skill in ArtWhilst we think of art as an exercise in creative expression, this is a sort of myth. A myth created, if I may be a little controversial, by a bunch of sentimental cry-baby poets and philosophers back in the nineteenth century.These guys decided that art â€" by which they meant poetry, painting, novels, and drama â€" sho uld be an exercise in creating, in letting feelings out to make something beautiful or sublime, tragic or rousing. These guys â€" because they were all pretty much guys â€" thought that this was what true art was about.As one person said, under the influence of these guys living earlier, the practice of poetry is a ‘safety-valve’ for pent-up emotion, to get it out before you explode. Whilst the man that came up with this rather strange metaphor had an Oxford college named after him, pretty much everyone else forgot all about him (and good riddance, we might say).However, because of influence of these thinkers in the nineteenth century, we’ve sort of been stuck with this idea ever since. It’s entered into common sense, and those few people that have challenged it â€" or just politely said something different â€" have been a little overlooked.In this way, there’s not necessarily very much that is strictly ‘expressive’ about painting. And just about every painter that has ever lived, and has ever worked successfully, will tell you that ‘expressiveness’ is great, sure, but that means nothing if you don’t have the technical skill to back it up.(By the way, before the nineteenth-century movement we’re referring to here â€" Romanticism â€" the ideas about the value of art were quite different. It wasn’t so much expression they were after as technical skill; not so much creativity as ingenuity, which is quite different.)So, Learning Technical Painting SkillJust as you will never write a good poem if you know nothing about metre â€" unless you write one completely by accident â€" and you will never take a nice photo if you don’t understand ideas about light and the actual object of the camera, there is not a chance that you’ll produce anything worth looking at with a paintbrush if you don’t have some sort of skill with one.Simply put, you can’t break the rules if you don’t know the rules in the first place. And all your favourite paint ers and artists â€" from William Blake to Van Gogh, from Leonardo da Vinci to Francis Bacon â€" were all rule-breakers. The same applies to those in ceramics, portraiture, digital photography, representational work, and whatever: all the people from art history who have been remembered are those that have learned the rules of technical skill and then did their own things with them.That is to say that, without these rules, you are nothing. As T.S. Eliot famously said, good art comes from learning the technique and the history of art and bringing it slowly forward.The Role of a Painting TeacherThis is what painting classes will help you with. Painting teachers â€" in summer camps or weekly arts classes â€" will evaluate and give critiques to your work. They will introduce you to new art materials and techniques, from gouache to calligraphy and observational art. And they will encourage you to draw and paint until you have become comfortable with these new styles.The encouragement is a lmost the most important part, because whilst teachers can demonstrate and critique, it’s on you to do the actual producing. You’re the one that has to sit in front of the various canvasses and practice and practice and practice. Without encouragement, you won’t really do this (we’re betting â€" as this is the way with most people) â€" and without continual reminders that, no, you haven’t mastered that technique yet, you’re just being lazy.Because you won’t be the next Van Gogh unless you put the work in. Producing art is precisely not this ‘expressive’ activity. It’s pure labour, going over and over again on the same canvas, working and working the same few lines of poems.As W.B. Yeats wrote, ‘A line may take us hours maybe;/ Yet if it does not seem a moment’s thought,/ Our stitching and unstitching has been naught’. Whilst, again, he’s talking about poetry, these lines communicate the real perseverance that is art. Art isn’t about creative expression â€" it just appears to be so. Rather, it is about delicate, laborious construction. And it’s that the teachers are able to teach.Find painting classes in Belfast!How to Choose a Painting ClassSo, whether you’re looking for an art class for beginners or are already in your last leg of a painting course, it’s always good to start by understanding what the different genres of painting are. If you can think back to your childhood art projects â€" which most likely involved dry pasta, glitter and hopefully very little glue-eating â€" you might only recall some very strange looking and crude pieces. This, however, marked the start of your art education.While it may seem counter-intuitive to what happens to be a very technique-heavy subject, art begins when you are able to simply let go. In less vague terms, many of arts greatest movements happened because of rule bending and as a response to methods people viewed as perhaps too traditional. From Van Gogh’s experimental oil paintin g, to Cubism’s mixed media â€" if you want to learn to paint, learn how to paint with the same creative energy as when you were a child.Okay, enough pep talk and down to business. Art is typically broken down into three categories: literature, performing arts, and the visual arts. While there tends to be a lot of crossover between the three, as a beginner you can differentiate the three by the subjects that constitute them.Literature: poetry, prose, dramaPerforming arts: music, dance, theaterVisual arts: drawing and painting, sculpture, printmaking, film, architecturePainting, as you can see above, is classified under the umbrella of the visual arts. Within painting itself, there are a countless number of genres and mediums. Here, we will break it down into the ones you are most likely to encounter in any painting class.Find painting classes in London.Oil PaintingI’m going to be frank, becoming adept at oil painting is not an easy feat. This medium is something you’re more lik ely to encounter after a couple of beginners painting classes. Oil paint essentially involves pigment that is kept from drying by the addition of oil.Basic chemistry will tell you that clearly, mixing water to thin your oil based paint up will simply result in a mess. To remedy this, turpentine is normally used (and yes, it does smell horrible).Oil painting is best for everything. From Van Gogh’s portrait painting to Klimt’s symbolism paintings, some of the world’s masterpieces  have been made in oil paint.Watercolor PaintingWatercolor is a medium you are more likely to encounter at the beginning stages of your painting career. The reason does not have to do with its level of difficulty and more because of its accessibility. Essentially, it involves pigment mixed in water based solutions and is used to refer to the artwork as well as the medium.Watercolor was traditionally used best for landscape painting and figure painting. Today, however, painters using watercolor are conti nually pushing the boundaries. If you’re interested in taking art lessons in water color, check out Cheng-Khee Chee’s koi and Mary Whyte for some inspiration!Find a painting class in Leeds.Acrylic PaintingA favorite amongst many hobbyists, acrylic painting is faster drying than oil and involves water soluble pigment that has a bit more body than watercolor. While acrylic tends to be better for styles like the pop art of Lichtenstein and David Hockney, it also goes incredibly well with photographic, life drawing styles. If you’re interested, check out Sedona by Bob Petillo or Fleeting Beauty by Henry Bosak.Lastly, it is important to mention that painting requires a great deal of basic drawing skills. While many painters sketch their preliminary painting in their medium of choice, taking drawing courses will enhance this skill. Whether you get involved in figure drawing or simply practice sketching on your own, painting and drawing are indelibly linked.The traditional forms of a rt can all be used to paint masterpiecesPainting TechniquesIf you’re worried about arriving to your art class and being the only one unfamiliar with the lingo, no need to worry. Here are some of the more common techniques you’re likely to encounter when being introduced with the artists’ lexicon.Whether you’re taking painting lessons, or want to move on to other mediums like pastel or digital media, there are a couple of basics you need to master.Find a painting class in Birmingham.Color Theory:While it may sound obvious, understanding how color works is vital to any successful painting. Color theory argues that there are three base color groups â€" primary, secondary and tertiary â€" that can be arranged on a color wheel. Whether you’re dealing with watercolors or trying to execute a still life, color theory can tremendously improve the composition of your painting.Underpainting:This technique is typically used on canvases destined for oil and acrylic painting. Before you get started on sketching and shading in your initial ideas, it is important to create a base color to paint over your white canvas. This will not only create an added texture to your painting, but also provide you with richer color values.Finishing up your artwork:This step can apply to paint as well as drawing genres such as cartooning and sketching. If you’ve ever looked at some school notes written in graphite, you’ll understand the importance of protecting your artwork from smudging and other, general wear and tear.Whether you’re painting a portrait, a simple human figure, landscapes or still lives â€" the glazing process for painting is the same. It involves painting a transparent coat of paint over your finished, dry painting. This protects the painting as well as intensifies the colors.Art Supplies and Materials You Will NeedNow that you’ve gotten acquainted with all the basics, it’s important to understand the types of painting materials you will need. While art k nows no bounds when it comes to creativity, buying new materials can be a financial strain.If you’re a beginner, however, don’t worry. While art classes will typically require you to bring your own materials, your teachers should generally have some extra brushes and a palette or two you can borrow. Brushes range from the synthetic to the real with a wide variation in price. Keeping your budget in mind, you should also make sure to buy an array of brushes (small tipped to flat and wide).Art material can be thought of as an investmentCaring for your brushes are equally as important as buying them, as not washing them in the proper solution or not washing them at all can lead to irreparable damage.Don’t walk into your art supply store without knowing which class you will be taking or what kind of medium you’ll be working with. This will make it easier to decide what type of acrylic paint or watercolors you will need to buy.It is imperative that you ask your teacher which color s they recommend for you to purchase so that you don’t have either stare at the massive color selection, dumbfound, for too long a time or end up wasting money on colors you don’t necessarily need. A general rule of thumb when it comes to buying colors is to stick with the ones you’ll be using the most for color mixing.If you’re in it for the long haul, it will be worth investing in more expensive items like quality oil paint and even an easel.Find a painting class in Manchester.Where to Find Art Classes and WorkshopsLuckily, you happen to live in a country where finding an art school or art instruction is just a quick google search away.If you’re looking to take adult classes in painting, there are plenty of art workshops and courses you can take. Start by taking a look at some of the studio art in your town and see if some artists provide an open studio, where you can view painters in their element for free.Next, if you don’t have any past experience with drawing, it m ight be a good idea to start by improving your drawing skills through self-practice or through some drawing classes. This will form the basic foundation to not just painting, but also other mediums such as illustration and design.Next, enroll in a course either at your local art center, art studio, or college. These courses typically go from a couple of days to a couple of months. Some art centers even give some workshops across the UK, like Craft Courses or Class Art.If your looking for classes that involve kids art for your child, start by asking your school’s administration. Elementary schools across the UK typically either house art workshops themselves every couple of months, or advertise for them. This is a great way for your child to express themselves and can even be a creative solution to after-school care.Another great way to get started is becoming an instructor yourself. If you’d like to self-teach yourself, plein air painting is a great way to get started, as it doe sn’t require you to utilize paints and other materials in your home as well while allowing you to have an outlet.Let's take a look at the opportunities available in some cities for you to see what the options are like. Here are Edinburgh, Belfast, and Cardiff, at random. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPainting Classes in EdinburghEdinburgh is a particularly arty city - famous for its festiv als in literature, drama, music, opera, and comedy. You'll notice that there is no painting there. But luckily enough there is a festival for that too (although it ain't quite as famous as the others).The Edinburgh Art Festival is Scotland's largest visual arts festival - as well as one of the biggest in the UK. It brings artists from all over the world and takes over many of the city's art galleries, museums, public spaces and monuments. It’s a lovely time of year, and a great opportunity to learn painting from some of the biggest names in the contemporary art scene.And so, Edinburgh is a nice and appropriate place to learn to paint. There are options for everyone â€" from the academic and full-time to the casual class for the hobbyist. Let’s take a look at some.The Edinburgh College of Art is the place to go if you are committed to a life of painting. It’s a three year Bachelor of Fine Arts, meaning that you will either be in a painting studio perfecting your technique or in a lecture learning about how to perfect your technique full-time. It’s beautiful if you can manage it, in one of the most prestigious art schools outside of London.Look and Draw Workshops provide technical painting classes across Edinburgh â€" and their focus is on supplying a good time alongside your painting. So, they offer classes in drinking and drawing, or painting out of doors.The Art Club Edinburgh is a nice little institution offering painting classes to adults and kids and all the people in between. Kids can go to the zoo and adults away for a week in Morocco or France â€" to find the space to dedicate to their art.Learn more about painting classes in Edinburgh here.Painting Courses in BelfastBelfast is an endlessly growing city whose cultural output is endlessly surprising, interesting, and important. As such, it’s a great place to learn the art of painting â€" as there are an astonishing number of galleries, museums, and creative spaces in which you can develop your talent.We can start off with the mighty Belfast School of Art, an institution that makes up a part of Ulster University. Here you can dedicate yourself to your painting all year round â€" in a purpose-built centre for arts. You won’t just learn the skills of painting per se, nor the history and theory of the art. You’ll also be learning about how to survive in the art world: how to market your work, how to hold exhibitions, and how to make a little bit of dosh.Then there are the painting classes for amateurs. The highlight of these is probably in the Crescent Arts centre at the north end of Queen’s Quarter. Alongside all the other subjects that you can imagine â€" from music-making to languages, from pottery to textiles â€" they offer beginner classes in painting. Of course, it is not as intense by half as an arts degree, but for those looking for a good time, you’ll find nowhere better.Painting Lessons in CardiffThe capital of Wales easily holds its own for its cultural out put â€" and its educational institutions are pretty top notch as well. This gives it the nice condition of being a great place to go to learn â€" and a nice place to stay in to learn too.You’ll know about the galleries and museums and all that jazz, but it’s worth saying that, if you are actually considering dedicating some time to painting, these are the first places to go to do a bit of learning. In the same way that only people who read can be writers, only people that look at paintings can be painters. So, your first step is this one.After that, you could of course get yourself onto a painting degree at the Cardiff Met university.Or, if you are feeling that you don’t have the time for that â€" if you are seeking painting classes between work and sleeping â€" get in touch with either the Art Workshop Cardiff or ArtSpace. The latter focus only on adults, but this makes a nice mature and dedicated environment in which to concentrate on your painting. Art Workshop, meanwhile, welcomes everyone â€" and hopes that you’ll find the passion you need to keep painting.

The Guide to Teaching Photography

The Guide to Teaching Photography The Complete Guide to  Starting Photography Teaching Jobs ChaptersFinding Students for Your Photography ClassesBeing a Photography TutorDetermining How Much a Photo Class Will CostGiving Photo Classes Via WebcamIf you have a taste for the arts, why not become a photography teacher for beginners and start online tutoring jobs? You don't necessarily need any degree, a photography tutor  is a job for those simply wishing to pass on a passion. In a few sessions, your student will be able to take pictures like a real photo professional.Follow the guide to becoming a private photo tutor!Before organizing an introductory photography workshop in your workshop or in a photo studio, you should take a second to  analyze the competition  in your field. You'll be noticed more if you have a price that corresponds to who you are and to your class!Adjusting your Rates According to What Kind of Photography Tutor You AreTo determine the price of your photo class, you must not only take into consideration the average price of other tutor, but many other crite ria, too.First of all, a novice photo tutor will, logically, be paid much less than an experienced photography tutor. The photography tutor-student  must make sure his or her rate is quite low for a basic photo training course.But it is especially specialty and experts in a certain photo technique that will have higher rates. Anything from:Depth of field,Long exposures,Photo touch-up in post production or post treatment,Black and white photo,Mastery of sharpness and soft focus,Manual mode or automatic mode,Nature photos,Family photos,Digital SLR, etc.If you have advanced knowledge in any particular field, you are likely to stand out and have a higher rate.Our advice: agree to give courses online to reach a wider audience. The rarer the discipline, the higher the price. Indeed, a photo specialty  will attract more advanced students, who are more inclined to pay more in order to improve and learn to take beautiful pictures like famous photographers.Finally, if your specialty requires specific camera equipment, you can inflate your rates.In short, to make a good living thanks to private photo lessons, bet on the originality of your course while keeping it both educational and fun!Giving Photo Classes Via WebcamTake advantage of the digital age to find students looking for quality photography training online!Teach students to take beautiful pictures with the camera of their choice!In recent years, the practice of online teaching has become increasingly common. If this formula appeals quite a bit it is thanks to the popularity of digital tools. The vast majority of students and tutors already have the necessary equipment  it takes to organize an online photo course, which saves them precious money.Here is a list of equipment to acquire if you would like to offer an online photo tutorial:A laptop or desktop, Windows or Mac, depending on your desired post production software,A quality webcam, preferably not your computer's (count between 20 and 30 USD for a webcam of sufficient quality),A microphone built into your computer or webcam, or a microphone via headphones,A good internet connection (DSL is recommended),Instant chatting software with screen sharing (Google Hangouts, Skype...),Photo editing software for post production.The webcam course is particularly recommended for photography tutors just beginning!This type of teaching tends to severely take  stress away from both the student and the tutor. They can easily get in touch with instant messaging apps, which makes light of the overly serious side of in-home private lessons!But, before you leave, don't forget these important pic tips from PetaPixel:1. Get in closeIt was the famous photojournalist  Robert Capa  who once said “If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” He was talking about getting in amongst the action. If you feel like your images aren’t ‘popping’, take a step or two closer to your subject. Fill the frame with your subject and see how m uch better your photo will look without so much wasted space. The closer you are to the subject, the better you can see their facial expressions too.2. Shoot every dayThe best way to hone your skills is to practice. A lot. Shoot as much as you can â€" it doesn’t really matter what. Spend hours and hours behind your camera. As your technical skills improve over time, your ability to harness them to tell stories and should too. ?Don’t worry too much about shooting a certain way to begin with. Experiment. Your style â€" your ‘voice’ â€" will emerge in time. And it will be more authentic when it does. â€" Leah Robertson3. See the lightBefore you raise your camera, see where the light is coming from, and use it to your advantage. Whether it is natural light coming from the sun, or an artificial source like a lamp; how can you use it to make your photos better? How is the light interacting with the scene and the subject? Is it highlighting an area or casting interesting shadows? T hese are all things you can utilise to make an ordinary photo extraordinary.4. Ask permissionWhen photographing people, especially while in countries with different cultures and languages, it can be hard to communicate. In certain countries if you photograph someone you are not ‘supposed’ to photograph, it can get ugly and rough very quickly if you are not careful. So out of respect you should always ask permission. ??I have started shooting a series of school children in Pakistan. These are all posed portraits and they are looking down the lens. My guide helps me with the language and I limit myself to smiling, shaking hands, giving ‘hi-five’ and showing them the image on the back of my camera once it is done. You would be amazed how quickly people open up. â€" Andrea FrancoliniSo, why not start teaching photography lessons now?

How To Increase Your GMAT Analytical Writing Score

How To Increase Your GMAT Analytical Writing Score UPDATE: Some of this article's advice is now outdated due to changes in the GMAT. An updated article on the exam can be found here.The Analytical Writing section is the dark horse of the GMAT. Often ignored and rarely prepared for, the Analytical Writing section slides behind the curtain of the Quantitative and Verbal Sections. However, it can dramatically improve your chances of acceptance, and some schools even place minimum Analytical Writing score requirements. The following tips can make it easier for you to grasp what a solid essay is and the thought behind it. But, working with a GMAT Writing Tutor can help you take your essay to the next level, and ultimately improve your chances of acceptance. See more from Varsity Tutors on how to increase your GMAT score. Background: You will write two, 30-minute essays (Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument), scored 1-6. Your overall score is an average of the two, and it can range in half point increments. Each of your essays will be graded by a human reader and maybe automated, essay-scoring software, which will evaluate structural and linguistic features. But most importantly, your readers are looking for a logical organization of ideas, syntactic variety and topic analysis. The GMAT Analytical Writing Section boils down to this: make a legitimate point and convince your readers it is true (including your non-human ones). Chances are, you will see a business-related topic, but you might see a variety of other general-interest topics. The average score is 4, and a 5 or higher would rank you in the 90th percentile. To be accepted into top schools, you will probably need at least a 5. Analysis of an Issue: Here,you have to argue for or against a given topic. What you really need to do, is establish a firm position in your first paragraph, and then pick 3-4 examples to support your stance. Try to diversify your supporting examples. Use a business example, a historical example and a personal example. With this prompt, youre writing your typical 5-paragraph essay with an intro, supporting body paragraphs and a conclusion. Analysis of an Argument: Instead of arguing your belief on a particular topic, you will analyze an argument that is provided. You will be asked to discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and how you can make it better. You can write about how the argument presented has solid logic. However, you will be able to pull from so much more content if you state the argument is illogical. You want to look for faulty assumptions the author made. Thats your bread-and-butter in this prompt. Chances are, the prompt will take a giant leap forward, claiming one truth causes another, when the truths are actually correlated and not causally related. Look for that. The prompt will also ignore many factors that need to be considered, especially if its a business prompt. There are a lot of business factors that need to consider beyond profit margin, including: image, employee morale, environmental efforts, persona, ethics, etc. Write about how these are ignored. This does not have to be the typical 5-paragraph essay. But, you need to state if the argument is valid or not in your first paragraph, then have 3-4 paragraphs of examples supporting your point, and then a conclusion. Review with a tutor: Practicing can improve your writing, and it can do so dramatically. Pull a few prompts off the web and write essays for them, and have your tutor grade them and offer suggestions. Write as many of these as you possibly can. Be specific: Time is an issue, but you need to be as specific as humanly possible for both prompts. Instead of stating something like Wal-Mart focuses solely on cost-cutting, write something like: Wal-Mart takes measures to ensure employees do not earn overtime, uses energy-efficient light bulbs, operates with less packaging all of which improve its cost-cutting business model. Use numbers: Money is the universal business language. Most of your prompts will hint at costs, profits and revenues. Use these figures in your essay, either made up, ballpark figures or actual figures. Teach your reader something: Everybody has some weird, random knowledge that is never useful. Well, its useful here because you want your reader to learn something new by reading your essay. If your reader can stop and say: Oh, thats interesting. I didnt know that, then you have won. You have proven that youre intelligent. For example, cite a specific fallacy the writer makes in your analysis of an argument essay. See a full list here. Read business material: Youre applying to business school, and you need to be current and knowledgeable in the field. Read the business sections in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and watch as much CNN as you possibly can. Bring this knowledge into your essays. Try to write something like: It would be wise for this company to avoid the same mistake company XYZ did in assuming. Read opinionated pieces: Newspaper columns, blogs, editorials, etc. Pay attention to how these writers form their arguments and try to mimic their style. You know the old saying: you are what you eat. Well the same holds true with writing: you write what you read. So, load your mind up with this style of writing, and it will all just fall out. Make stuff up: Dont lie about what existing companies did, but it is safe to make something up about a personal example. You have to argue your point, and if you only use existing facts/knowledge, you are severely limiting yourself. So, be creative and bring your brothers imaginary business model into your essay.

Learn How to Sew with a Serger with our Sewing Classes

Learn How to Sew with a Serger with our Sewing Classes Sewing Tutorials in Using a Serger: Overlock Stitch, Straight Stitch, and Cutting ChaptersWhat is a Serger?Which Serger Suits You?Stitching Made Possible with a SergerLearn to Sew: With or Without a Serger?The Straight Stitch on Sergers: Are They Worth the Cost?If you have been watching sewing tutorials online â€" or are taking sewing classes, you may well have heard about a mysterious and efficient machine called a serger.While your basic sewing machine is capable of rendering quality stitches and beautiful garments, a serger permits a wider range of stitching and finishing, as well as working with a greater variety of fabrics.Have you every tried to sew jersey or other knits on your sewing machine?The stretch, the curl of raw edges; the likelihood of bunching under your presser foot...There was a time, in the history of sewing, that needles of bone or wood were the only type of notion available.Aren't we grateful that technology has refined the practice of home sewing!These days, sewing machines are computerized, allowing for precise plying of needle and thread, making it easier than ever for the seamstress, tailor or dressmaker to turn out quality clothing in no time flat.Let Superprof ease your way into beginner sewing â€" from the blind stitch for hemming to the buttonhole; from garment patterns to sewing curtains and pillows...Now we enter the enticing world of home sewing on a serger.Such a finishing stitch is only possible on a serger Source; Wikipedia Credit: SeniorCrochetTo  preserve and protect your fabric's raw edge manually â€" stitching it by hand,  you would require meticulous and time-consuming work.Contrast the hours you could have to spend edging your fabric with the mere minutes the efficient serger would require for the same task!It would probably render a much more even sewing stitch, too!You can learn more about sergers/overlocks by discovering the history of sewing …Which Serger Suits You?In fact, there are 2 types of machines that can fulfill these multiple functions:One with a single needle that renders a whip stit ch of varying grades, depending on how the machine is set â€" fine or gross stitching.Sergers are double-needled and can use up to five spools of thread, and cuts off the seam allowance as you stitch.Again, keep in mind: for fabrics such as jersey, fleece or lycra, you will be best served with a serger!Some types of fabric, especially thinner or more delicate ones, are very difficult to work with a classic sewing machine.The overlock also ensures a beautiful finish of the hem, especially on those fine fabrics. If you like to make your own clothes, you should definitely consider investing in such a machine.Imagine working silk on a standard sewing machine. Or even more challenging: by hand!What about a material that stretches easily, such as tricot or some other poly knit fabric?Not everything can be made out of cotton â€" that ultimately workable type of cloth, after all!One of the greatest advantages to working with a serger is the ability to stitch stretchable materials effortless ly.Of course, if you are unusually adept at sewing by hand or with a machine, you could already possess exquisite sewing techniques, and might have sewn whole wardrobes, using a zig zag stitch instead of overlocking your edges and seams.Join the discussion: is sewing a skill that only women should cultivate?A serger can sew rolled hems and seams, but cannot sew buttons or buttonholes Source: Pixabay Credit: WeinstockHowever, a serger renders an especially precise hem, with minimal fabric loss.Even though we are currently in the grip of winter, you may be looking at sewing patterns for summer clothing â€" keeping your sewing room busy in preparation for spring.If that is the case, mastering the rolled hem on a serger would be ideal, because such a hem is particularly suited to light, airy fabrics.You might start with easy projects: maybe a dress or skirt, with a choice of using a 2- or 3-thread stitch.If you opt for a 3-thread hem, you will get a finer rendering; a 2-thread will give the right side the same appearance as the wrong side.The Flatlock SeamAs its name implies, it is a flat seam: most likely, you are familiar with them if you own a lot of sportswear.A prominent example of such a seam can be found on casual wear collars.This seam consists of two fabric panels butted together. It is executed by selecting that particular type of stitch.Of utmost importance when sewing in this manner is to disable your serger's cutting blade.You can also select this type of stitch to make decorative borders if you are making a scarf, or adding ruffles to a sleeve.The Classic HemWho has never stitched a hem?In a hurry and your pant's cuffs have come unraveled. A quick bit of hand sewing, a snip of the scissors, and that's got it, right?Have you ever dismayed over how elementary your hand sewing stitches look, compared to machine-stitched hems?This type of hem, rendered on a serger, was executed with 3 threads, giving it a professional grade look.Sewing on a serger will t ake you far beyond these basic notions! Source: Pixabay Credit: BluemorphosLearn to Sew: With or Without a Serger?Of course you can learn how to sew without a serger! However, you should invest in a basic sewing kit containing:a sewing needle complement â€" an assortment of different sizes, for different types of fabrica needle threader might be a good tool to have, toosewing thread: at least of the basic colours, for easy sewing projectsyou can buy specific shades later, for specific craftingA thimble or twoa scissors set: fabric shears, pinking shears and maybe even a rotary cutterstraight pins and a pincushionbias tapeelastic and velcroThese are the sewing basics. There will certainly be much more available at your sewing notions counter; these are just to get started on needlework.Of course, not even fabric shears can match the precision of a serger's cutting implement, when it comes to eliminating seam allowance.Furthermore, you would have to be mighty experienced to achieve a finish  that would be comparable to anything a serger could yield,  by hand or even with the best sewing machine.As great an advance as machine sewing was, novice seamstresses may find themselves dismayed to see their beginner sewing projects come unraveled after just a few turns in the washing machine.Sewn with a serger, your garments' lifespan will be much longer.Do you absolutely need a serger to achieve beautiful finishes?Of course not! There are other finishes, like the zigzag stitch or a nice French seam, done on a standard home sewing machine, to finalize your sewing work.Still, to assure quality, durability and attractive work: of all the sewing tools available, the serger is the only one to deliver all three!Also learn the terminology for all of your sewing tools and materials...As great an advance as the sewing machine was, sergers render a more professional look to everything you sew Source: Pixabay Credit: Sabine van ErpThe Straight Stitch on Sergers: Are They Worth the Cost?If you love to sew, have entire drawers full of free sewing patterns; have a room replete with sewing supplies...If every member of your family has a complete wardrobe sewn by your hand, most likely you will redeem the cost of your serger within a few months.However, if you have just completed your Sewing for Beginners class and, at best, have managed to turn out a pillowcase â€" or some other simple sewing projects, perhaps you should hold off on your investment.At least, for a little while, until you get another sewing lesson or two under your belt.Overlock machines use two needles and up to five spools of thread at once, and can be highly specialised.The downside to such a machine is that it does not function like a regular sewing machine so, if you are just starting out in dressmaking, you might spare yourself the just over £200 price tag.Conversely, if you intend to establish yourself as an independent tailor, you might consider more complicated machines, with all the bel ls and whistles, that could set you back nearly £500!As you consider your serger purchase, bear in mind some of the top names: Janome, Brother, Toyota, Singer, Bernina and Pfaff.Think about what options you would like to have, versus those that are absolutely necessary for efficient use of the machine, such as: a retractable (or easily removable) blade, and a needle threading accessory.It might also help to have a catcher under the knife, otherwise you will have errant threads everywhere.You can learn a lot more about sewing in general and serging in particular by reading sewing books, joining a sewing circle or taking part in a sewing bee.We hope that this article has helped to point you in the right direction as far as selecting your very first serger!Now you can learn how to sew from the masters of fashion!If searching for ‘sewing classes near me’ come direct to Superprof and find your sewing classes from Edinburgh to Sewing courses London.Discover more about:interfacing fab riccouture clothing

Why is Learning Maths so Important for Children

Why is Learning Maths so Important for Children Help your Kids with Maths: An Essential Part of Learning from Day One ChaptersThe Aim of Learning Maths at Nursery School and KindergartenMaths Teaching at Primary SchoolArithmetic for Children: Essential SkillsTools to Help Children Practice MathsMathematics is one of the most important subjects taught in school. From nursery, children learn about numbers, arithmetic and geometry.Throughout primary and secondary school, children are constantly delving deeper with their understanding, learning to break down numbers and do multiplication for the first time with a multiplication table, as well as tracing geometric shapes.Later on, in their academic careers, students are taught about algebra, trigonometry and calculus.The basics must be mastered if students want to increase their chances of academic success in the future. And if they face obstacles along the way, there are solutions available to help.Emphasising maths from kindergarten will provide children with a strong basis for reasoning, estimation and thinking logically in later life. Playing games r elated to maths, completing exercises with them during the holidays and searching for maths tutors together will increase their interest and expertise.Give children the tools to make sense of the world ¦ source: sasintThe first calculations done by a child represent a big step in their learning. Beyond knowing their times tables by heart, this shows that they have taken a logical route to finding a solution.Knowing the sign for 'add' and the one for 'subtract', finding the product and the difference are all steps along the path to a way of thinking that seems obvious to adults but is quite advanced for young students!By using arithmetic to solve a problem, children familiarise themselves with the properties of numbers and how to manipulate them. With practice, this becomes easier and children will be able to do simple sums as a reflex. Children will also employ techniques and develop automatic reactions to mental arithmetic questions.To help them make good progress, it is important that children can see the applications of maths in real life. Visual association will help the child develop an appreciation for operations and their uses as they can see an end goal.And maths mastery is down to practice!Tools to Help Children Practice MathsIs your child struggling with maths? Don’t let problems fester.Before turning to a private maths tutor, think about offering an alternative approach to learning to help your child view maths problems from a different angle.With a fun approach to learning, you child will be able to improve their skills whilst enjoying themselves!Exercises During School HolidaysExercise books help children to stay on the ball and commit information to memory during the time when they are not at school.Self-motivated children will enjoy working through their homework books and may not even see it as work.Even so, if your child sees workbooks in a negative light, they are far less likely to work hard and it and take it seriously, and there will, t herefore, be little benefit.This is why it is important for parents to encourage their children along the way, providing support in their learning.Educational AppsChildren love playing on phones and tables, which is perfect for getting them to play educational games!Apps for learning times tables are particularly easy to find. The child can track their progress, which motivates them to keep improving.Children learn best when they're having fun! ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapThese apps are real games with challenges to overcome, levels to pass and a story to follow.CartoonsIt’s easy to find educational cartoons online, which can help explain maths to children.Supporting your child this way will give them the opportunity to learn maths by a different, and maybe more effective method than the ones used at school.Learning about a new topic which is explained visually can completely turn around a child’s understanding.Board GamesDo you enjoy playing games as a family?If your youngste r is struggling with their maths skills, why not suggest playing an educational board game  adapted to their age?Developing logic and reasoning skills, learning calculations and broadening their understanding of graphing are all advantages of family games, which allow the child to make progress without feeling isolated.Having a good time with their parents can mean a boost in self-esteem for children and they learn without any pressure.Beyond helping your child with their maths by incorporating it into games, you can also make maths a part of your day-to-day life.Without pressing them too much for an answer, ask your child questions to help them learn to appreciate the practical uses of math in real life.Baking a cake is a good time to get in some practice:I have a mug of 100g of flour and I need 250g of flour for the recipe. How many mugs of flour should I use?If I put the cake in the oven at 3:50pm for 25 minutes, when will it be ready?There are many ways to get your children to a ppreciate maths and its uses, and this is completely worth the effort as laying a solid foundation will enable learners to build their knowledge with less difficulty later on.Find a local and an online maths tutor for A-level and GCSE maths revision all over the UK on Superprof’s great tutoring platform!

Learning Different Chinese Languages

Learning Different Chinese Languages Why Should You Learn the Different Chinese Languages? ChaptersBetter Understanding the CountryStudying Chinese Languages Allows You to Travel BetterLearning Chinese Languages, an Impressive Linguistic Achievement“The limits of my language means the limits of my world.” - Ludwig WittgensteinIt’s a fact that most languages have dialects and Chinese is no exception. However, Chinese isn't even a single language but rather a number of related languages that belong to the Sino Tibetan language family. This means that you can't actually learn Chinese but you can learn one of the Chinese languages.In fact, there are different languages spoken in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the Sichuan Province. There are plenty of different Chinese languages, dialects, and regional variants.For example, in Taiwan, Min Chinese and Hakka are spoken. These two languages, neither of which are official languages, are hugely important where they’re spoken.A survey reveals that 15% of the Hakka community can’t speak the Hakka language and 24% of Taiwa nese people under 30 only use Mandarin in their daily lives. These languages are far too important to be allowed to peter out.So what are the best reasons for learning a Chinese language other than Mandarin?In this article, we’re going to look at some pretty good reasons to choose not to learn Chinese Mandarin and take your language learning elsewhere. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBetter Understanding the CountryIf you plan to travel to China, learning Mandarin a nd the local language of where you’re going is a pretty good idea. Knowing how to speak fluently or even just hold a conversation will always help you learn more about where you are. By speaking Mandarin and the local language, you can also learn far more about the culture of where you are in China.After just a few private tutorials, you can learn about different Chinese languages, and not just Mandarin! (Source: Free-Photos)Whether you’re travelling to China or not, it’s still a good idea to learn one of these languages to just learn more about the country itself. You can learn about traditions, local variants, and the country’s identity. With several languages spoken across the country, it’s down to the student to decide which language to learn in order to get by when they’re there.Learning a language will also help you with Chinese writing. Whether you take Chinese lessons, China is a country with a rich culture and history of which writing is a big part. Learning one of these languages will also help you to see China in a different light.Chinese calligraphy and writing is just one part of Chinese culture. The other languages and their vocabulary are another side of the same coin. Of all the languages around the world, the Chinese languages are some of the best for understanding the country where they’re spoken, especially if you’re planning on travelling or studying there.Studying Chinese Languages Allows You to Travel BetterOnce you’ve learnt the pronunciation, phonetics, and writing, for example, you’ll probably want to start thinking about travelling to China. This is one of the biggest advantages of learning a Chinese language, being able to speak Cantonese, for example, with locals in Hong Kong, or getting to know more about a particular region by speaking to its inhabitants in their mother tongue.Travelling around China is a great way to learn more about Chinese and Asian culture. However, learning local Chinese languages are a gr eat way to completely integrate yourself into local culture! (Source: huweijie07170)Getting to know people living in Shanghai or visiting the Great Wall of China is much better when you can speak to the people in their local language. Even though most people in China speak Mandarin Chinese, locals are much happier to speak to you in their mother tongue.This is what travelling is all about, after all. The best thing about travelling is going without a dictionary and speaking to the locals and learning about their culture from the source. To get the most out of travelling, you need to prepare for your trip, which includes learning the language spoken there.Language is a fundamental part of a culture, people, and their traditions, and if you want to fully immerse yourself in China, you need to really learn more about the languages that are  spoken there. So you should probably start looking at ways to learn these languages. You could choose an intensive course, online lessons, or priva te tutorials, etc.If you want to travel in a different way, you’re going to have to learn Mandarin Chinese as well as one other Chinese language. You’ll also get a taste for discovery, discussion, and feed your curiosity. While learning a Chinese language such as the Wu dialect, is a great way to learn about the local culture, learning a language is an impressive achievement in itself.Learning Chinese Languages, an Impressive Linguistic AchievementAs a learner, you’re going to need to be patient and motivated in order to learn a foreign language, especially one that isn’t as widely spoken. After all, some of these Chinese languages are spoken in a very small part of the world, albeit by staggering numbers of people.Learning other Chinese languages will be very useful when you travel to certain parts of the world. (Source: MonikaP)That said, learning these languages will also teach you more about languages in general and teach you more about certain words used all over China. This means that some of these languages may even help you to learn Mandarin Chinese.So are these languages similar to Mandarin Chinese? Is the official language of China written in the same way, etc?To quickly learn a language without the help of a bilingual dictionary, there’s nothing better than immersion.  Almost everyone agrees that in order to get better at a language, you need to practise. The best way to practise a language regularly is to go to where the language is spoken. In the case of Chinese languages, you’ll have to go to the regions where they’re spoken.  You’ll soon see just how rich the local culture is once you start exploring it in its own language. Wouldn’t surrounding yourself with the language you want to learn be much better?Learn Chinese Languages to Stand OutOnce you’ve decided which Chinese language to learn, perhaps the Fujian region Min Chinese, some parts of your life will be exactly the same while others will take on a different shape.How s o?Being able to speak an uncommon language could become a huge advantage in terms of your professional life.Whether you want to travel, take a language course, or live and work in China, you need to study the right language! (Source: pixel2013)For example, before the interview stage, an employer may have seen tonnes of CVs with English, Spanish, French, German, and maybe even Mandarin. They probably won’t have seen many applicants with a local Chinese language.This is one of the biggest advantages of learning any uncommon language, helping you stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, they can also make you more interesting. Of course, you’ll probably have an interesting story or two to tell about learning the language and travelling in China.A language can make one region inherently more interesting than another, especially if you go there to learn that particular language, make friends, study, or work. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to go to just one!You probably get the idea that China is a vast country with a broad and varied culture, history, and linguistic landscape that’s worth exploring. Even just having a grasp of the grammar, knowing a few conversational phrases will go a long way to helping you chat with native speakers.Don't forget that when you learn to speak a new language, it can make learning subsequent languages easier. This means that if you learn to speak Chinese or another dialect or language, the language skills you pick up will help you during your next language courses or when studying a different language and culture.In short, while you learn Mandarin London online, in Chinese classes, or with a Chinese private tutor is a good idea, it doesn't have to be the first Chinese language you learn, especially if you're not planning on going to mainland China or you're travelling off the beaten path!If you're struggling to find resources for learning how to speak one of the less common languages from China, you should consider looki ng for specialised private Chinese tutors in the languages you're trying to learn.If you can't find any tutors near you, don't forget that you can get online private tutorials.  If you've got a computer with a webcam, microphone, and decent internet connection, you can get private tutorials from tutors from anywhere in the world over Skype, for example.If you're ready to start learning a Chinese language, check out the tutors available on Superprof!

Sentence Fragments, Run-On Sentences, and a Comma Splices

Sentence Fragments, Run-On Sentences, and a Comma Splices   Punctuation errors are easy to make and hard to spot. For some writers, it is especially hard to catch punctuation errors such as sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices. These punctuation errors can really make your writing seem chaotic. A grammar checker can catch these errors some of the time. Better than a grammar checker is your ability to catch these errors yourself.   Sentence fragments A sentence fragment refers to groups of words that act like a sentence yet cannot stand on their own because the writer has made a range of mistakes. To start with, the right subject-verb relationship may not be available within the independent clause. For example, a statement such as Working Far into the Night with the Aim of Finding Their Ornament is a sentence fragment because the writer tries to describe something but fails to create a relationship between the subject and the verb. A different idea may also create a subordination of the relationship. It is worth noting that this can be acceptable when a writer is using it as a style in their pieces. The freedom is, however, restricted in professional writing. INCORRECT:   The sun shining. CORRECT:   The sun is shining.   Run-on sentences A run-on sentence is also known as a fused sentence. It has two independent clauses. The two parts are improperly connected. Even short sentences can be run-on sentences. In a nutshell, sentences are run-on sentences when two independent clauses are joined with a coordinator without a comma, or they are linked by a conjunctive adverb. This mistake is easily corrected with the right punctuation and conjunction.   INCORRECT:  Our house is narrow but it has 8 floors. CORRECT:   Our house is narrow, but it has 8 floors. EXPLANATION:   The conjunction but joins two sentences without a comma. Add a comma before the conjunction.   INCORRECT:   I asked everyone if they had seen my parrot but no one saw it. CORRECT:   I asked everyone if they had seen my parrot, but no one saw it.   Comma splice errors A comma splice is an error made by the writer when they use a comma to join two independent clauses. For instance, a sentence such as I am going to the library, I will study for my exam. In this case, the comma is utilized to join two independent clauses. It can be fixed by adding a conjunction. A semicolon can also be utilized because they are strong enough to create a relationship between two independent clauses. Furthermore, the writer may opt to write two different sentences and hence do away with the comma. In the artistic forms of writing such as poetry, the comma slices can be embraced to create an exciting piece. The racing thoughts of a character in a fictional story can be linked using the splices. In professional writing, however, this mistake must be avoided. INCORRECT:   I am going to the library, I will study for my exam. CORRECT:   I am going to the library. I will study for my exam. CORRECT:   I am going to the library, and I will study for my exam. It is clear that the run-on sentences, comma splices, and sentence fragments are different. However, they share a common characteristic; they tend to be utilized when a person is trying to create the appropriate independent clauses in a sentence. The writer may not be aware of how to create a subject and the verb properly, hence coming up with a sentence fragment. They may also be trying to create a connection between one thought to another, and will, therefore, make the mistake of including the run-on sentences and comma splices in a sentence. To avoid this, it is critical to observe the grammatical rules and regulations when writing. Proofreading the written materials is also worth considering.     Sources http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/fragments.htm http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/fragment.htm https://www.grammarly.com/blog/comma-splice/ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/run-on-sentence-basics/ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm Please follow and like us: