Understanding Oxidation in Chemistry

Understanding Oxidation in ChemistryIn the world of organic chemistry, one of the most important principles is oxidation. It is the term for the chemical process whereby substances can be converted from one form to another and this could have some exciting properties in a future chemistry lab. Many interesting reactions occur when oxidizing agents are combined with each other and these should always be researched thoroughly.Oxides are substances that can be oxidized by oxygen or the presence of hydrogen ions. Sometimes oxygen is the only chemical that can convert a substance into an oxide and this is known as oxidation by hydrogen. Oxygen is also known as the universal solvent and can react with almost any other chemical to produce different forms.The most common oxidation by hydrogen is the reducing effect of oxygen. A compound is oxidized when it has one of its atoms reduced to one of two valence electrons in the reaction. Therefore oxidation is often used in organic chemistry to c ause chemical transformations to occur.Sometimes oxidation by a catalyst is required for the oxidation of a compound and this is known as an oxidative reaction. This is usually called an oxidative reaction because all the atoms in the compound and the catalyst are oxidized. This is the same reaction that happens in biological cells which include life forms and the physical environment.Oxidation reactions are usually very slow and not easy to accomplish. In addition, the reaction is more stable than the other types of reactions and it is less likely to change the chemical properties of the compound. For example, the redox reaction is a more rapid and frequent oxidation than oxidation by hydrogen, which is typically a longer reaction than the oxidation by oxygen.Oxidation is a common way of making substances more useful because it makes them less reactive and this makes them more useful in the environment. This process can also be used to create something like a barrier in the laborat ory, if the catalyst is used properly and it is performed in a controlled way.It is very important to study the properties of the chemical reaction and make sure the substance will react properly. However, for a future lab to do good tests, it is imperative that we understand all the properties of the chemical. It is not easy to do oxidation by hydrogen because the redox reactions are complicated and it requires a lot of knowledge about the reactions.Oxidation and chemical reactions are very common and one should never think that oxidation does not happen in chemistry because it does. By studying all the reactions, you can make sure your future experiments will be successful.

English Language GCSE may be scrapped - Tutor Hunt Blog

English Language GCSE may be scrapped English Language GCSE may be scrapped to help the forgotten third of teenagers disheartened by its difficulties English Language GCSE may be scrapped to help the forgotten third of teenagers disheartened by its difficultiesSecondary SchoolsOver the last few years many subjects have been removed from the curriculum. The introduction of the new T level`s this September have effectively replaced around 13,000 technical qualifications at level 3, and many schools have ceased to offer more `esoteric` subjects, such has philosophy and psychology. There are though calls for a rather more mainstream subject to scrapped, with suggestions that English Language GCSE should be removed, in order to `end the misery` that classifies more than a third of 16 year old pupils as failures. There are some subjects I can understand being withdrawn from the school curriculum - philosophy and psychology are still offered at university for those pupils passionate about studying them - but I never thought I would see they day though when English Language was called to be removed from the classroom. When I first heard of this proposal I believed it to have been some kind of `twitter storm` or Facebook viral event, something put in motion by a disparate mass of people, using technology I couldn`t understand. When I read however that it was a headteachers union suggesting this course of action I was astounded. Their reasoning seems to be that an excessive number of pupils are being disheartened by the English Language GCSE course, and that it`s `not fit for purpose` because it focusses on literary analysis, rather than more relevant and contemporary features of the subject. My own analysis of this is a large number of pupils are finding the books they are studying to be overly difficult. If this is the case then the quality of their education up to this point must be questioned - but what a retrograde step it would be, to restrict the study of great literature because it is too difficult. Roy Blatchford, chair of the Forgotten Third Commission is adamant that the current GCSE english language course is at fault, saying `It cannot be right or sensible that we continue to operate a system that is designed to `fail` one-third of young people every year in order for two-thirds to succeed` `The third who we consign to this fate are left utterly dejected and with reduced chances for progression in education and careers.` The proposed solution is to replace GCSE English with a `passport in English.` This qualification, devised by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), will apparently be of a more practical nature, focusing on skills required by employers. My concern is that if pupils are finding it difficult to read and study the assigned literature, then there must be a problem with their English education prior to this point. It is of course upsetting to learn that many 16 years olds are `disheartened` by the trials of academia; but it would not be wise to assuage their despondency by removing obstacles and simplifying their studies. To do that would be to diminish their education. By making examinations and courses easier for pupils we may be making their studies less onerous in the short term, but this will not help them face hardships and challenges later in life. They will still have to face the exigencies of the jobs market. I can`t imagine any company will drastically alter their work routine to accommodate an individual employee`s limitations. They will be more likely to simply look for another candidate who is up to the task. This `passport in English` qualification is proposed to be taken by students when they are ready, at any time between the ages of 15 and 19. It seems students will also be able to break up the examination into more palatable chunks, allowing them to build up their marks over a long period. The headteachers` union have said English Language GCSE is `not fit for purpose` because it focuses on literary analysis rather than `contemporary English` - but to suggest literary analysis, the reading of English itself, is anything but a core component of the subject, seems to me very much mistaken. If it is the case that a third of 16 year olds are failing to attain a grade C in English, then there is indeed a problem; but the solution to this problem cannot be modifying the exam, claiming a grading system that has been in place since 1988 is suddenly `not fit for purpose.` 5 months ago0Add a Comment

3 Inspiring Reasons Why No One Is Actually Bad at Languages

3 Inspiring Reasons Why No One Is Actually Bad at Languages Were you one of the kids in school who just couldnt grasp language classes?No matter how hard you tried, you just werent ever sure exactly what you were doing or why you were doing it.Rote memorization of grammar tables was boring.And fill-in-the-blank tests were stressful.It’s memories like these that can keep adult learners  from trying on a language on their own.After all, we keep telling ourselves were bad at languages.But were wrong! No one is bad at  learning languages, and anyone can learn any language.Schools traditionally have catered to  one  basic type of learning style, and that learning style simply doesnt work for everyone. Classroom-style language learning can be a bit misleading when it comes to different learning methods or individual talent.Language, in fact, is natural, and adults can (and do!) learn as easily as children do.There are plenty of different ways to learnâ€"again, no one is bad at learning languages.Still dont believe me? Here are three reasons why, along with some real, practical ways you can make language learning work for you. h13 Inspiring Reasons Why No One Is Actually Bad at Languages1. Traditional classes just dont work best for everyoneMost of us look back on our schooling with memories of strict classes, grades and stressful competition. A lot of the time, the classes were boring, too. Boredom  plus pressure? That does not make for a productive learning experience for a lot of people.Moreover, plenty of successful language learners sucked at their classesâ€"check out Khatzumoto from All Japanese All The Time and Ramses from Spanish Only. These guys figured out that they could learn differently, and set out on an immersion-heavy endeavor that got them to fluency!But even in the classroom, a lot of teachers and researchers are taking a second glance at how things are run these days. Ive had language classes that put some emphasis on native media and immersive, colorful textbooks.Some are even doing away with grammar m emorization and are teaching grammar in an organic way through exciting materialsâ€"students end up picking up grammar mostly through exposure.So if youre looking into language classes, see if your city has Total Physical Response (TPR) method classes, which teach vocabulary through using the target language alone, along with ample context. My first Spanish classes were taught in this style, and its a breath of fresh air when compared with traditional classes!And if TPR doesnt interest you, check out the textbooks the professor is using before signing up for the class. Look for colorful, fun textbooks that have large amounts of text in the target languageâ€"lots of reading samples. You need context to learn, so the less your native language appears in your target language textbook, the better.Just goes to show that old-fashioned, traditional classes are only one way of doing things. If classes arent working for you, feel free to switch to or supplement with exciting textbooks, nativ e materials or conversation partners!One place where you can look for textbooks that meet your needs is VitalSource. They have e-textbooks that you can rent or buy, along with a convenient reading app, and they carry books for many world languages.Another great option is taking an online course like polyglot Olly Richards  Grammar Hero or Conversations courses, which are designed to help you set up workable, step-by-step systems for learning your target language. Either course can act as an excellent bridge between learner-oriented and authentic material.Which brings us to our next point:2. Immersion is key!As already mentioned, a lot of learners feel like they dont get very close to proficiency or fluency from their high school or college classes. They then take the logical leap and conclude that theyre just not good at the language.Immersion, however, can help anyone get good at learning languages.In other words, try using native media right from the start. Movies, music, TV, anyt hing you can find. You can use Amazon third-party sellers, YouTube and FluentU.FluentU makes it possible to learn languages from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes store or Google Play store.Native materials are fun. They give you more opportunities to come into contact with the language. Traditional classes fail students  when they only provide cold, textbook dialogues and grammar tables.With inherently entertaining content like sitcoms and hip-hop at your disposal, exposure will ensure you cant be bad at the language. Language learning is oftentimes  a function of quantity, and classes oftentimes just dont provide enough.If you dont know exactly where to start, I recommend media made for kids, like cartoons and comics, if you can find them.My standby method is to YouTube search for [target language] cartoon and see what I come up with. You dont have to worry about understanding everything (or anything!) when you first start to use native media, but if this worries or frustrates you, kid media is the answer. Cartoons and comics are heavy on visual context, visual humor and simple storylinesâ€"this allows you to piece together what youre hearing with whats on the screen or page.Again, dont expect yourself to understand anything right off the bat. Native media provides exposure,  which works really well when combined with other methods, like classes and textbooks. Using different tools together allows each of them to support the other.When you first start using native media, simply try to pick out vocab words youre learning at the moment. Really easy things, like and, or the or because. And then take wild guesses as to the rest of the meaning!Dont worry about being wrongâ€"languages are  big  and require mistakes to learn:  As you get more exposure and experience, youll figure out your incorrect guesses and adjust along the way.Finally, native media helps you get addicted to things in your target language. When youre having fun, you keep coming back for more. Language exposure simply takes care of itself! It helps fix the issue a lot of solo language learners struggle withâ€"how to stay committed to a long-term project.If you cant stop listening to a certain band in your target language, well, your project has a lot more hope of staying afloat!3. Self-testing for memorization = amazing linguistic talentFinally, language learners (and students of all subjects) often have problems with memory. This is what made those darn grammar tables so difficult. And how does anyone remember new vocab words, anyways?The answer? Test yourself.What? That doesnt sound like fun? Well, its more fun than it sounds once you start to realize that youll get results. By quizzing yourself over time on new information, you sol idify that knowledge in your mind.  Think flashcards or covering up answers in your notes. No more staring at grammar tables or word lists until your brain turns to mush!Here are a few neat ideas you can benefit from.Spaced Repetition SystemsTo rev up your memory even more, use a  spaced repetition system (SRS). Youll no longer have the excuse that your memory just isn’t made for foreign languages. An SRS  is a flashcard program that uses an algorithm based on how quickly human memory forgets information. To start using an SRS, you can download apps like Anki or Mnemosyne, and you can take advantage of the built-in SRS on FluentU.If you start using an SRS, believe me, youll think yourself a linguistic genius. No more forgetting! Simply plug in your target language vocab and a translation on the back, and youre golden. Let the algorithm do the rest while you rack up a sizeable vocabulary. Learning vocab isnt something you just need to muddle through. It can be fun, easy and painles s. If youre considering learning a language with a new script, like Russian, Hindi, Chinese or Korean, dont be scared! You can easily learn new scripts and even characters by using resources like Remembering Kanji  /  Hanzi  by James Heisig (which uses mnemonic devices to help you out, and SRS is a great support for that). Anki has a huge library of user-made decksâ€"you can easily download a  pre-made Anki deck that teaches you Hangul or the Cyrillic alphabet.SRS can also solve all the grammar trouble you ever had in school.  How? Instead of entering solitary words into your flashcards, enter sentences in, perhaps from your textbooks so that you have a reliable translation to put on the back. By seeing and understanding the same sentences and sentence patterns over and over, youll absorb complicated new grammar more easily than you ever imagined. Tell me youre bad at languages now!Wordlists and paper quizzesWhat if you’re a low-tech sort of person? Well, paper flashcards can be e xtremely helpful in and of themselves. It doesnt have to be like your grade school classes, either. Context is important, so use flashcards for fun words youre learning from your TV shows and music, and include quotes and lyrics as examples. Since you already enjoy the media youre consuming, youll be more motivated to try to understand it!The same principle applies to the vocab you can learn with wordlists. If you have an aversion to flashcardsâ€"and they dont work best for everybodyâ€"wordlists are your friends! Check out the Iversen methodâ€"Iversen is an accomplished polyglot who is active at the How To Learn Any Language forum. And he is decidedly a paper-and-pencil language learner, so let him inspire you.Playing games!One more way to test yourself to solidify knowledge is by playing games. A quick Google search will lead you to grammar quizzes in the most popular languages. You can also  Google search in your target language to find games kids play in your target language itse lf.For example, when I was knee-deep into learning Japanese, I played around with kanji games  aimed at Japanese first-graders. El País, the popular Spanish newspaper, recently made a Spanish accents quiz (aimed at native speakers!) that can help learners identify the differences between different accents.Most of the time, when people think theyre just bad at something, theyre dead wrong.Students and solo learners alike only need to find learning methods that work for them and excite them.Thorough experimentation can even reveal  learning methods that are more efficient for everyone.Just because one method doesnt work for you, it doesnt mean nothing will.Dont write off language learning and all the wonderful fun and benefits that come with it. Just try something else!

How to Improve Communication During a Group Project

How to Improve Communication During a Group Project When you have a group project at hand, you want to be able to effectively communicate with everyone in the group. Here are a few tips for improving communication among members of a group during a project to ensure your project's success: Have the right team You need to choose the right people to work with on your project. Most of the time you can choose your own group project members, and it is important to do so with careful consideration. While it is sometimes hard to judge people, you should have a sense of who really enjoys being in the class and who is just taking the class because it is required. You want to choose classmates who are on the same page as you. If you end up choosing people who don't care about the project, then they will not contribute work and may bring the whole group down. Your first instinct may be to choose your friends to work with on the project, but while you and your friends probably see eye to eye on most things, tensions may erupt if you have different academic philosophies. Clarify the project objectives and goals Once you have assembled your group, the first thing you want to do is clarify the objectives and the goals of the project with everyone in the group. The reasons for this are that you want to ensure that everyone is on the same topic and not wasting precious time. This helps to improve group communication because everything is laid out upfront so everyone remains focused on the task at hand, and the whole group knows what to expect with the project long-term. Goals should be broken down into objectives so you can measure the overall success of the project. Effectively manage conflict When you have a group of individuals working on one project together, there is always the likelihood of conflic arising. It is important that you manage any conflicts that may come up before they become a huge problem. You want to effectively listen to where the conflicted person is coming from. It is crucial to let everyone have their say, and try to come up with a reasonable solution as a group. Keep stress under control In order for everyone in the group to communicate successfully, everyone needs to be aware and in control of their own emotions. If you are stressed, you have the tendency to misinterpret what others say or send confusing nonverbal signals to others in the group. You need to recognise the signs that you are getting stressed, such as shallow breathing, clenched fists, and tight stomach muscles. If you do sense you are getting stressed, take a short walk to get away for a minute. You can also take a couple of deep breaths to relax all of your body muscles. By effectively following these tips, you may eliminate any potential issues that may come up during the project. You can also ensure everyone communicates well so that the project is a success.

What You Need To Know About Fairfield University Tutoring

What You Need To Know About Fairfield University TutoringThe number of students interested in taking up the Fairfield University Tutoring Programme has continued to grow over the years. Schools and colleges have recognised that these tutors are an invaluable resource that can provide them with a great return on their investment.Many schools and colleges have admitted that they found that hiring a tutor on a full-time basis was more beneficial to them than their free time being used on the job. This gives schools and colleges a greater level of security when selecting tutors, since they know that their investment is not going to be wasted.The teachers at these tutoring centres are trained by the college itself, and are subject to strict criteria to ensure that they meet certain standards. Students are not expected to pay anything if they do not meet these standards. In fact, many schools will reward any student who manages to finish a tutoring session without any questions being asked by the tutor.Students who opt for a tutor will find that they get an opportunity to interact with a tutor who will spend time with them. Students will have a greater understanding of the skills that they need to learn and improve upon and be able to gain some practical experience that can help them in their future education. Students will also be able to gain valuable life skills that they can carry with them to other areas of their lives.After the tutoring session has finished, the tutor will be able to offer a list of reading materials and assignments that the student can complete. This will give the student the chance to see if they have read these materials correctly, and how much further they need to go.If the student does not fully understand a passage, then the tutor will give them some form of tutoring sessions. This tutoring session can be as short as one hour, or as long as a weekend. The tutor will make sure that the student is learning and that they are making progress. Students will have all the resources that they need to get through university without having to sacrifice their time on the job. They will also find that they will have a better understanding of their subjects as a result of tutoring.

German Tutor in Houston

German Tutor in HoustonThe German tutor in Houston offers services ranging from tutoring for language lessons to boarding school. The average life span of an adult German citizen is about forty years old, which explains why there are so many German-speaking students at this age group. This type of education is very popular in Germany, with about two million students studying the language. Therefore, if you have ever wanted to learn German as a second language then this is a good choice for you.A private individual course may be taken, or a student can also enroll in a co-curricular program, which includes community college classes for study groups and one-on-one tutoring. When deciding between an individual and a co-curricular course, most students prefer the former, which is more flexible and convenient for students who have other commitments. Most language schools offer private tutoring and immersion programs, which require students to live in a different country.For parents who wi sh to provide their children with bilingualism, the need for bilingual tutors has been eliminated. At the same time, the introduction of all-day kindergarten and school holiday programs has been very helpful in keeping the children learning at their best. Teaching Spanish and German has become a popular method of bringing foreign language education to children who have limited exposure to the language.As the number of adult learners in the U.S. continues to grow, there are now many options available for new tutors. In particular, high-tech tools are being developed to enable effective communication with a native speaker in a matter of minutes. An individual tuition course can start as early as the child's sixth grade year.With the increase in the number of people who are fluent in multiple languages, using internet based tools and online resources is becoming increasingly popular, particularly for people in the field of English as a second language. A German tutor in Houston can als o help anadult learner to plan activities and learn about culture while sitting in a comfortable environment.Often students find the right environment to learn languages the most productive, which is very beneficial when it comes to their overall development. For some people, one of the most important factors in their language learning journey is having an experienced teacher who is dedicated to helping them acquire the knowledge they need to be successful.German tutors in Houston offer a wide range of services. Many work in an area where English is the dominant language, or where there is little to no Spanish or other foreign language presence. Some instructors are bilingual; others are teaching English and other languages.

How to Make the Most of College Extracurriculars

How to Make the Most of College Extracurriculars College can be overwhelming. On an average day, you might need to balance your courses and extracurricular activities, a part-time job, and various social commitments. In the midst of all this stress, you might wonder if extracurricular involvement is truly so important. It is, but ensuring that you maximize your participation is just as critical. Heres how you can make the most of college extracurriculars: Choose activities carefully Its easy to overcommit when youre faced with a barrage of exciting choices. While extracurricular activitiesare a wonderful way to meet new people and to strengthen your resume, you can become too involved. Think about your interests and your other time commitments before you sign up for any activities. Try something new An important part of the college experience is expanding your horizons. Use your extracurricular involvement to find an activity that you have always been curious about, and then try it in a safe space. Challenge yourself personally and professionally while you are easily able to do so. Music is a great extracurricular actovitythat many people don't think of. Become a leader In order to make the most of your college extracurriculars, consider becoming involved in club leadership. However, avoid taking on too many leadership positions focus on leading just one or two groups to maximize your experience and minimize the risk of burnout. These are some great tips to develop your leadership skill sin college. Serving as a club leader is a great way to improve your leadership abilities, which employers increasingly value. As a leader, youll take ownership of certain aspects of your extracurricular activity. Youll be responsible for making important decisions, initiating change, and mentoring other club members and you can add the experience to your resume! Step outside campus Volunteering in the community is a fantastic way for college students to further connect to their home away from home. When choosing college extracurriculars, select activities that will allow you to experience your city or town in a number of different ways. Perhaps you become involved in the community by tutoring students at a local elementary school or working in a food pantry. No matter your form of involvement, you can experience life outside your school, which can be a refreshing change. Community involvement has other benefits too. For example, you might make connections that lead to internships or jobs, or you might meet people from diverse backgrounds. You'll likely find that this networking opportunity is difficult to replicate, as well as invaluable. Create your own opportunities When participating in college extracurriculars, try toopen yourself up to opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to you. In other words, dont be afraid to use these extracurricular activities to your advantage. For instance, ask the botanical garden where you volunteered if it is in need of a summer intern. Or ask the city council member who you worked with to write you a letter of recommendation. These tips may be able to help you choose the right extracurricular activities for you. In short, ensure that you are benefiting from the college extracurriculars that youre involved with. Extracurriculars can boost your college success!If you are assisting your community, finding personal fulfillment, and experiencing personal and professional development, keep doing what youre doing!