Sunday, March 29, 2020

The Southbay Math Tutor

The Southbay Math TutorIn the first of a two part series on how to get better grades using evaluation machines, we are going to talk about how to effectively use the Southbay math tutor: using evaluation machines to understand algebra. In this post we are going to focus on the third part of the series.In the second of a two part series on how to get better grades using evaluation machines, we discussed using the CRT and the Excel. Now that we know how to use these evaluation machines, we can proceed to using them for more complex tasks. We will also discuss using evaluation machines in the third part of this series.In the first of a two part series on how to get better grades using evaluation machines, we discussed how to properly set up a test and how to use the Excel to enter and edit our data. In this third part of the series, we will take a look at how to get better grades using evaluation machines but not with just one of these evaluation machines. Rather, we will be combining m ultiple evaluation machines into one unit. Now, if you are thinking that all these machines are just so expensive and complex, you have not heard of the Southbay math tutor: its development started by training teachers in integrating computer aided assessment (CAA) with classroom teaching in the schools of Japan.Now, back to the question: How to get better grades using evaluation machines? The answer is: Use CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel to create a group of grade reports that track the students' development in their respective subjects. The CRT and Excel will track the student's progress on individual subject's progress. Here is what we can do to create one grade report for each subject:CRT -In this example, the grade report will show there's grade for each subject. We can use the CRT as the report that the CRT will produce, the CRT grading will determine the grade for each subject.Excel - In this example, the grade report will show the grade for each subject. We can use the Ex cel to create the grade, this will determine the grade for each subject. We will use the grade report that Excel will produce, which will determine the grade for each subject.If you want to understand the whole process of grading by using the grades created by the CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel combined, you can take a look at the third part of this series: Using the grades from the CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel combined. To recap, this is how to combine the CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel combined.The above three examples of how to use the CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel combined are how to take the grades from the CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel combined and use them to create grades that will be useful in getting higher grades for every subject. Now, you do not have to struggle with mathematics if you have a Southbay math tutor: its development was the outcome of work done by the teachers of Japan who are trained in the proper use of using CRT, Excel, and the CRT and Excel combined to enhance grades for students.

Friday, March 6, 2020

13 free resources for ESL lesson planning I couldnt teach without

13 free resources for ESL lesson planning I couldn’t teach without So you think you can TEFL? And it’s true, you’ve got the certificate, you’re fully qualified and all set to teach English abroad or even teach English online. You ’ve got some lesson ideas under your belt. Maybe you’ve got more lesson ideas than you know what to do with, I was like you once… young, eager, the power of my TEFL notes clouding my vision. There are days when churning out another TEFL lesson plan is going to feel like an impossible feat. During my second week in South Korea, (a newly-minted teacher with lots of stickers and enthusiasm) I was asked to plan not one, not two, but fifteen weeks worth of 2-hour after school classes (that quickly put a stopper on my enthusiasm, and it quickly turned to blind panic. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to fill up two hours with fun activities for bored fourteen-year-olds… but it’s hard enough when they speak your language, let alone when you will be miming 90% of the time. And then to plan 15 of those lessons….all at the same time. I was also told the principal would attend these classes. Just you know, to add to the overwhelming feeling of nausea. To say I almost had a heart attack is the understatement of the century. The 15 weeks’ worth of lesson plans weren’t due by the end of the month - they were due the very next day. You might think - sure, that would never happen to me. Who is this disorganized nincompoop? I bet they gave her loads of notice and she just forgot. But let me tell you, I am not a nincompoop. I color code my spreadsheets, I plan most things a month in advance and I don’t even find thrillers surprising. I’m a serial organizer. I like to make lists, tick off lists, you get the picture - LISTS are my particular way of life! I spent a dark, dark night planning those 15 lessons, the internet became my savior. Afterward, I sat back and thought - this is going to happen again, isn’t it? Rather than go to bed and sleep it off like a reasonable person. I made a list. This list was my way of coping with any last minute mass ESL lesson planning. Some of these resources helped me with regular lesson planning too. There are so many great teachers out there sharing ideas, exercises and activities for ESL students at every level. This list meant I could get inspiration on demand and even if a request for a truckload of lesson plans came through. I didn’t need to break out in a cold sweat. Although, I did anyway. Some of us are just born this way . All these resources are not created equal. Some are better for TEFL games, others for summer or winter camp activities, others will help you sort out those painful grammar classes. Never forget, there’s a whole community of teachers out there just like you, and everyone struggles with a lesson plan from time to time. So go forth and get some TEFLspiration. Yes, it’s a word, just go with it. 1. Pinterest If you use search words like “summer camp”, “ESL” or “TEFL, Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas. I even used the DIY sections to build in craft activities for those longer after school camps or winter camps. Y’know those ambiguous periods where you’re half-teacher, half-babysitter, and 100% worried that the kids might get bored, stop paying attention and start eating potatoes (even though I’m Irish, this was a new one for me!) or stabbing each other with pencils (ditto…)??. And yes, I taught teenagers, why do you ask? 2. British Council One of the best things that ever happened to me was finding this website. From grammar exercises to helpful videos, to listening practice… there is no shortage of free TEFL lesson plans and ideas here. They’re also pre-graded and there are different sections for teaching adults, kids and teenagers. It’s a serial organizer’s dream! This website is also perfect for last minute planners or emergency classes (you know when there’s suddenly a class on your schedule that wasn’t there before). 3. Englishgrammar.org Not so much for lesson planning, more for those tricky questions advanced students or co-teachers might try to ask on the spur of the moment. “It just sounds right” won’t be a good enough answer and it can be hard to remember the trickiest rules of English (it’s a pretty fickle language) at a moment’s notice. This is also handy for some ideas on how to teach a few of the trickier tenses. It’s not going to set their eyes alight, but it will help you clarify exactly how to teach the harder bits. 4. ESL Partyland Don’t judge a website by its name, design, or layout! Trust me, the section on this site that’s dedicated to helping teachers is wholesome! From ways to incorporate music, games, video, and film, there’s no shortage of ideas to springboard your next ESL lesson plan. Just try not to cringe over the whole Partyland thing… TEFL turns the best of us into mildly cheesy grammar clowns. 5. My ESL Corner TEFL worksheets, lesson plans and games galore. This is a great little hub of ideas that will get your students excited about learning English. From lessons like creating your own restaurant to designing your own music magazine, this is a wonderful resource for some project-based learning. I particularly love the blog and it has lots of great articles, like this one on unique intro classes. 6. The Internet TESL Journal This website is amazing! It’s also quite ugly, but don’t let that put you off. What they lack in fancy design work, they make up for in sheer brilliant content. The lesson plans are life savers and if you’re looking for some interesting conversation class ideas - then you won’t be disappointed. There’s also plenty of articles and research on teaching techniques that will be invaluable in the classroom. 7. UsingEnglish.com When it comes to finding exactly what you want at the last minute - this site isn’t great. But it sure is worth a browse. If you pop into the teaching section, it’s divided by ESL levels, so you can easily find different types of games and lesson plans for students at different levels. 8. ThoughtCo Beautifully named, this site is perfect for some of those formal or business English classes, this collection of blogs has plenty of ideas for dialogue, conversations and class management. I quite like resources section where there are blogs on stuff like short speaking activities and fingerplay songs for kids. 9. ESL Galaxy This little site was great when it came to study classes, supervision and those times when you’ve got a clever clogs that is way ahead of the rest.??? You can easily print off some worksheets here that will keep even your highest level students busy, while you focus on getting the rest of the class caught up. When you’ve got 30 students in one room, and 40 minutes - sometimes a simple worksheet can give you valuable minutes. There’s nothing worse than watching a bright kid dying a little inside, so I always tried to keep mine on their toes. 10. ESLvideo.com Depending on where you’re teaching - YouTube and short online videos can be a HUGE resource. Even the potato-eaters paid attention when I played a clip. I used to trawl youtube for fun things my students might like and then build out quizzes and blank fills for them. But there are days when trawling the internet is not the best use of your time and this site already has videos and exercises sorted by ability level. So whether you’re looking for a song with appropriate vocabulary for your ESL students or a TED talk that won’t leave them scratching their heads, this is definitely a quick fix. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. 11. BusyTeacher.org An oldie but a goodie! Busy Teacher is one of those sites where you can get some pretty interesting resources. As I write this one of the top worksheets of the week is Donald Trump’s Speech (Designed for Russian-speaking students!), But there are less niche resources and you can easily find some TEFL board games and worksheets that will pad out those lesson plans. 12. ESL Games World There’s nothing my students loved more than being tricked into learning with interactive games. This site is a great one if you’ve got access to computers. Everyone can work at their own level. Although I would only suggest computers in smaller classes where you can make sure they’re not just googling cute popstars. “Teacher, is he sexy?” - is technically English, but maybe not what I was setting out to achieve in my classes. The site has printables too, and everything is based around target language that you’re most likely going to be teaching. I found this site helpful for printables as I didn’t have access to much technology in most classes. 13. DUOLINGO It depends where you’re teaching. But I was in South Korea and there is an English for Korean speakers section. It’s worth checking it out. Gamification at its finest. Even my weakest kids loved to get 5 minutes on their phone to level-up. I positioned it as a reward, little did they realize they were learning! They’d often come up to me to show me a new lesson or unit they had completed. I had to walk the co-teachers through the app first. They were older and a little suspicious of the students learning English on their phones. One of my co-teachers became a bit of an addict! She absolutely loved getting her bonus points for perfection! It only keeps the students amused for 5 minutes and you can’t really use it for a whole lesson, but I got my students to make sure it reminded them to practice every day.

Three ways to attract teachers to vacancies

Three ways to attract teachers to vacancies Having trouble driving applications to your teaching job vacancies? It can be difficult for schools to find teaching candidates from thousands of miles away. Luckily, utilizing technology makes it easier for you to reach more applicants and attract a higher number of qualified candidates. Post your job on social media In the United States alone, 14.4 million job seekers have reported using social media to seek their next employment opportunity, and almost 30% of candidates say that social media is their primary source for leads on new jobs. If you’re not utilizing social media, you may be missing out on a significant percentage of candidates. Ensure that you have an up-to-date profile on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, and post new job vacancies to get the word out there! Revise your title and job description When writing job descriptions for an English-speaking audience, opt for a professional title and description. Avoid using exclamation marks in the title (“Great opportunity!!”) and making bold claims that you think will entice applicants (“Great salary! No visa required!!”). Instead, opt for a simpler, professional-sounding title, such as “ESL Teacher - Reputable Language Center in Shanghai.” As for the job description, keep it informative but brief. You’ll want to give candidates enough information so that they can decide whether to apply, but keep in mind that a job description is also a form of job marketing, and the text should be short enough so that they do not lose interest. You can give further details at later stages of the application process. Post a listing on Teach Away Smaller schools with a few vacancies should consider Teach Away’s job posting options. Advertising your job on Teach Away’s site means reaching a database of over 220,000 educators from around the world. For one flat fee, job postings stay on Teach Away’s popular job board for 30 days, with options to upgrade as well. Check out your options here, or talk to someone at Teach Away for more information. Happy recruiting!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Elements - The Math Equation

Elements - The Math EquationA little known fact about the elementary design math equations and their Elements is that they can be worked out in the different elements of a periodic table, called the Elements. This table represents the chemical elements of our world and has been widely used as a way to classify things. Elements are different than elements because they have different densities, and different compounds.Nowadays, you can work out elements in most science texts with the help of a formula such as Z = nCn, where Z stands for Zirconium, C stands for Cobalt, and n stands for Nitrogen. A proof will usually start from there, so what can be done if we know that? By using this equation we can now do the compound for Element A by taking the lowest value of the function ZZ or Z/C. The formula looks like a long equation in Arabic. We now have the formula to combine an Element A compound ZB/C.Next, we can see the Element A and find the Key that we need to break the formula down to El emental A and B. Since we are working with an abstract system, we can use the Natural Number System, which involves the symbols that are not mentioned above. When using natural numbers, we are using the same symbol every time, just replacing its value with one from the set, either positive or negative. For instance, A=1, B=0, which equals C=0, so A becomes C or vice versa. For the time being, we are going to use natural numbers for the element A, but there is a technique to create an Element A when we want to.Factorization is the easiest way to get the element. In fact, it is also one of the best ways to work out a formula that can be used for a given number. If we need an Element A, then we should use the formula C=A+a to work out the compound formula. Factorization can be easily explained. For the Base 10 scale, you simply multiply the coefficients of the natural numbers by the number. For instance, we could convert that C=x2, and then multiply the result by 10 to get an integer. Factoriation can be applied to any base. You might remember factorization being used in grade school math, especially when kids were doing fractions.Another way to think of it is to think of it as a geometric form. We can represent the elements as a regular diagram, much like a graph. In these diagrams, we are only going to write down the names of the elements. Instead of multiplying a formula by it, you would multiply a number by a certain number of horizontal lines. Then you divide it by the number of horizontal lines.As you can see, there are several ways to explain the Element Equation formula, but it is really just a formula. There are several ways to do the same thing, but it really depends on what your program allows you to do.

Join The Spanish Crowd With A Distancia Ifpe Class

Join The Spanish Crowd With A Distancia Ifpe ClassIf you want to learn Spanish in the most efficient and effective way possible, then look no further than the well-reputed Spanish Tutor A Distancia Ifpe. This class provides students with comprehensive learning materials that include lesson plans, mp3s, worksheets, and audio clips. These resources help learners learn to speak, read, and write Spanish very quickly. It's ideal for people who are interested in learning a new language but aren't sure what they should learn, or those who want to brush up on their skills in a fast and efficient manner.A Spanish English Language Tutor gives students an opportunity to learn the basics of speaking, reading, and writing in a second language. All lessons are given in both spoken and written English, and cover topics like phrases, vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar. The materials help students build a solid foundation in Spanish so that they can tackle more advanced subjects later.The cl assroom environment provides learners with a sound base to build from. Teachers provide students with lessons that are brief and easy to understand. Students feel comfortable in the classroom and are encouraged to make use of the materials on the day of class.An in-class atmosphere also creates a comfortable learning environment for students. This is perfect for learners who enjoy working with others in a quiet setting and prefer to take notes at their own pace. Students who prefer to speak in front of a teacher will find it difficult to learn at their own pace because it's hard to keep up with what's going on in the lecture room.Teachers are certified and highly experienced in teaching conversational Spanish, and are knowledgeable about how to help students get the most out of their lessons. All lessons are taught using real life examples, and the text is formatted in a way that allows students to retain what they hear without having to keep track of their own notes. For students w ho want to talk in front of a teacher, this is a great solution.Real life examples and dynamic Spanish lessons provide students with a wide range of vocabulary, sentence structures, grammar points, and pronunciation. Students learn at their own pace and focus on listening and speaking at the same time. Students develop strong conversational skills and be able to converse in Spanish in any situation.The tutor A Distancia Ifpe has been in business for over twenty years and has seen many different trends in education. In fact, many people who have tried their lessons have praised the course as being very effective. They tell stories of friends who have gone from not speaking a word of Spanish to conversing with native speakers throughout the world and have found new friends in the process.

What is it Like to Attend George Washington University

What is it Like to Attend George Washington University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Noel received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He is currently a tutor in Washington, D.C. specializing in AP Comparative Government and Politicstutoring, Germantutoring, mathtutoring, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at George Washington University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Noel: The campus of George Washington University is in the middle of downtown Washington, D.C., which meant the campus was completely urban. There was no real delineation between where campus stopped and the city started. Public transportation was abundant, but the easiest and cheapest way to get from one point to another was to walk. In other words, there is absolutely no need for any undergraduate student to have a car on campus. Unless you choose to live somewhere that is not Metro accessible, a car is more of a burden than a convenience. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Noel: I would describe George Washington University as a medium-sized university system with approximately 10,000 undergraduate students. This means that the introductory courses (economics, anthropology, statistics, etc.) were housed in large lecture halls. With that said, there were required breakout discussion groups with a TA (or teaching assistant) where students could ask their questions. Additionally, professors had scheduled office hours where students could go and work one-on-one with a professor as necessary. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Noel: The dorms at George Washington University are rather good. Some dorm rooms are converted hotel rooms, and there is a lot of new construction happening on campus. My freshman dorm experience consisted of two double rooms sharing a bathroom, with a study alcove off the shared entrance to the suite. That dorm building sits directly next to the main student center, which had a wide variety of dining options throughout the day. There are certainly other dining options both on- and off-campus, including across the street, where there was a TGI Fridays on one corner and a Johnny Rockets on the other corner. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Noel: My undergraduate major was International Affairs, which was the whole reason for me going to that particular university. George Washington Universitys International Affairs program is world-renowned, and I wanted to learn from the best minds in the field. Even today, I hear people delineate all other majors from mine in the sense that you either were or were not in the Elliott School of International Affairs. Because of its prominence and popularity, I would say my university did a fantastic job at supporting that program (and indeed, the school itself). VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Noel: I lived in what they called a living and learning program my freshman year, which means all the freshmen living on my floor took at least one class together during both semesters of our freshmen year. Because I immediately began living and studying with a core group of students, it made getting to know new people incredibly easy. While there is a significant Greek presence on campus, I chose not to go down that road. I had no issues with meeting people and making friends outside of Greek circles, since there are more student clubs than any one student could possibly participate in. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Noel: The further away I get from my undergraduate years, the less I seem to glean from the Career Center. That being said, I found the Career Center incredibly helpful with support for students. My first job out of college was through an on-campus interview with a local company, and I have found other positions later in my career through its online job posting portal. In addition, each college within the university has its own program-specific job databases, so there are many different resources a student can utilize for career and professional development advice. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Noel: I found that I did my best studying in my dorm room, so I didnt use the shared study rooms a lot for individual assignments. When I had group assignments, however, we often met either at the library (in one of the larger study rooms) or on an upper floor of the student center. There was always some space where a group of students could meet to work on group assignments or get together for a study group before a large test. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Noel: The George Washington University campus is located right in the middle of downtown Washington, D.C., so one side of campus borders Georgetown, one side borders Dupont Circle, one side borders the World Bank, and the bottom side borders the U.S. Department of State. There are countless restaurants, cafes, and museums within a 15-minute walk in all directions from campus. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Noel: While the more popular introductory classes may be in larger lecture halls with more than 300 students in attendance, those larger classes almost always had some sort of study group/breakout session each week to ensure the content could be properly absorbed. After freshman year, those class sizes dropped considerably. I never had a serious issue with any of my class sizes. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Noel: During the summer between my sophomore and junior years, I had already discovered the Study Abroad Office and made plans to study in Europe for the next semester. During my time getting to know the process to study abroad, I discovered other smaller, shorter-term study abroad opportunities. I ended up tagging along with a political science professor taking a group of graduate students to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Traveling to new countries, learning about current political issues, and learning what academic life was like outside of the classroom was a blast! To top it off, after the trip was over, I spent an extra day or two in Vienna because the parents of one of my undergraduate friends lived there. Check out Noels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Best Place to Stay in Kyoto

The Best Place to Stay in Kyoto Staying in the Ancient Capital of Nippon ChaptersWhere to Stay in Kyoto While on HolidayCheapest Places to Stay in the City of a Thousand TemplesTraditional Hotels and Lodgings in KyotoHow and Where to Stay in Kyoto City?With its temples, shrines heritage sites and traditional architecture, Kyoto is without a doubt a must-see in any trip to Japan. Often ranked higher than other Japanese cities like Osaka and even Tokyo, the capital of Japan, Kyoto holds the title of being the best historically preserved cities in Nippon.One of the only cities you’ll be able to get to experience a traditional shrine, geisha tea ceremony and the best of world heritage all in one day, Kyoto is full of great locations to stay and experience some of the local life.There are many different, and many time artistic, options for lodging in Kyoto, Japan. Whether you’re looking for a stay near the strategic Kyoto station or want an immersive experience of Kyoto city life, Superprof invites you to discover some of the best locations in Kyoto accord ing to your budget and travel needs.Take part in the local experience by eating lunch at Nishiki market and having a beer in Gion! NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhere to Stay in Kyoto While on HolidayThere are plenty of districts to stay in Kyoto if you’re looking to pass a couple of days in the city touring the best of what the Kyoto prefecture has to offer. The city is  easily accessible by the Shinkansen, Kintetsu and Hankyu bullet tr ain as well as the major airports in the area - Kansai international airport, Narita Airport and Osaka Itami International.Getting to each district is, likewise, easily accessible by public transport including the city bus and metro. Some of the qualities you may be interested in are nearness to world heritage sites, price and availability.Gion is one of the most frequented districts in Kyoto. Known for geiko’s dressed in traditional the Japanese style of kimonos, this district is home to UNESCO sites, Shinto shrine and Kiyomizu temple and streets that have preserved Shinto culture, the Meiji, Edo, Kofun period and more. Between Buddhist temples, you’ll be able to try traditional Japanese food and discover Kyoto’s ancient past. If you’re a history buff or want a “traditional” experience, staying in Gion may be worth your while.If you’re a person who thinks historical centres are a bit stereotypical and want to experience a more modern Kyoto, you can stay in the centre of Kyoto next to the Karasuma metro station or Kyoto tower. It’s also a great location if you’re looking for shopping or a great night out.On the same note, staying next to Kyoto station is a great idea if you’re looking to take advantage of the Japan rail or your Japan Rail Pass, or JR pass. Whether you want to use your rail pass to discover the JR West line or simply want to make day trips, Kyoto is a great starting location for seeing some of Japan’s greatest cities: Himeji, Hiroshima, Hakino, Hokkaido and more!Another great district to stay in is Arashiyama in the West of Kyoto. More recommended for those who have the most time in the city or for return-visitors, the West will offer you access to the infamous Bamboo forest and Togetsukyo bridge.Likewise, if you’re looking for a location further from the bustle of the city, take a look at lodgings in the South. Located next to beautiful mountains, you’ll be able within walking distance of the Fushimi ward, home to the Fusimi Inari Taisha, or Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the god Inari. Start at the Taisha, the head shrine at Fushimi Inari, and hike up the mountain for the most breath-taking views.To the higashi, east in Japanese, you’ll bump into a traditional pagoda, Heian period shrine and UNESCO world heritage monument all in one day. While lodging in this area is sparse, accessing this location is easy by public transport: find the best hostel or hotel Kyoto has to offer and you’ll still only be half an hour away from this historic district.If you want to stay in the city centre, which extends from the Kyoto station to Gion, you’ll be able to experience many of the different tourist activities while staying within a reasonable budget. Some of the activities and monuments you’ll be able to visit while staying here include:Nijo CastleNishiki, or Nishiki marketKyoto Imperial Palace, or Imperial PalaceTo the North is a Buddhist temple admirer’s dream. If you’re a fan of Japan tr avel and are ready to experience more of the UNESCO world heritage site list, zen temple and garden Kankuji, or Kinkaku, Kitano and more are the perfect activities if you’re staying in the area.Want to know the best seasons to visit Kyoto? Check out our seasonal guide to the ancient city!Whether you're visiting Kyoto University or simply on a layover, you can take advantage of the amazing views the city has to offer!Cheapest Places to Stay in the City of a Thousand TemplesPart of Japanese culture isn’t just buying the best souvenir for friends and family or visiting Mount Fuji - it’s also being able to spend a night on a typical tatami. Whether you’re visiting for cherry blossom season or you have an overnight layover from Kansai airport, staying in a hostel is a popular choice, especially in Gion.   With so many different activities and site-seeing to do in Kyoto, you’ll be able to find one from 25 to 50 pounds a night in a central location. You’ll normally have to pay in yen on the day you arrive or leave.Capsule hotels are a popular choice, found from Kansai international to the city centre. The concept is quite simple: each “room” is designed as an individual “capsule.” While not for everyone, it’s a great experience. Capsule hotels can run from 40 to 70 pounds a night.Airbnb has become the more popular choice in recent years - although prices can vary depending on the season. For the seasoned traveller who enjoys a space of their own, this is the best bet. You’ll be able to find an Airbnb from 50 to 100 pounds a night.Traditional Hotels and Lodgings in KyotoFinding a hotel in the city isn’t too complicated. Whether you’re in town to visit Kyoto university, are making a pilgrimage to a UNESCO world heritage site or are in town for the Matsuri festival, getting a great hotel just takes some booking well in advance.Prices for hotels in Kyoto vary:1 star or less: 70 pounds2 stars: 90 pounds3 stars: 120 pounds4 stars: 250 pounds5 st ars: 950 poundsLuxury hotels can reach to astronomical prices and that is a trend you’ll find throughout Japan. While it may seem worth it, luxury experiences can be found at cheaper prices so make sure to do your research.Ryokans are another traditional experience when staying in traditional styled Nippon lodgings.   Having at least one lodging experience in a ryokan is highly recommended.Another great experience is getting a hotel that has an onsen, or hot spring. Coming from nearby mountains, these hot springs offer a relaxing experience and can be accessed at hotels in the price range of 50 to 230 pounds.Learn more about the history of the Meijji and Edo periods through Kyoto's cultural activities!How and Where to Stay in Kyoto City?Whether you’re interested in the history of the Shogun, love the history of the Edo period, or want to have a great home base for your travels in Japan, Kyoto can be a great place to live. The first thing you should know is that renting any lodgi ng in Kyoto usually requires 6 months rent in advance.If you have kids, there are plenty of international schools in Kyoto, including those that offer the International Baccalaureate program. Compared to the United Kingdom, food, personal care and entertainment are all higher in Japan. Housing, cloths and transportation, on the other hand, are cheaper. Here are some of the characteristics you should keep in mind when deciding on which district to settle down in:PriceLocation (nearness to work)Atmosphere (more touristy, less congested)Your choice of lodging will depend heavily on the reason for your stay in Kyoto. If you’re there on a work and travel basis, Kyoto is one of the best connected cities in Japan. If you’re wondering how to get to different cities, you will be a short bullet train ride away from places like Kanazawa, Miyajima, Nagoya, Kurama and even the notorious Shinjuku in Tokyo. There are also plenty of natural sites to take in near Kyoto apart from a traditional J apanese garden or rock garden like those found at Ryozen Kannon. Lake Biwa is a great option for those into being in tune with nature.Want more info? Check out our guide on traveling to and staying in Kyoto!

Dealing With Passive-Aggressive Behavior - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Dealing With Passive-Aggressive Behavior - Introvert Whisperer Dealing With Passive-Aggressive Behavior I had someone ask me a great question this week. “What do you do with a passive-aggressive person that makes snotty remarks, sighs and rolls their eyes?”   I’d love to hear what your solutions are to this question. While I think most of the time you simply ignore someone who does this, you do have to think through whether or not that type of behavior should be allowed to continue. It’s not productive and as the recipient, it feels disrespectful.   It does nothing to solve problems or build a relationship.   All it does is repel you as its not comfortable being around someone who does this.   Eventually, it will negatively impact how you do your work. People that are passive-aggressive don’t feel empowered to directly confront concerns they have â€" for whatever reason.   Maybe they don’t know how to comfortably address issues they have with you or are concerned that if they do, they will damage the relationship.   The deal is, they don’t realize they are damaging the relationship by their behavior. Here are a couple of my suggestions: Act confused and ask for clarity. “I’m confused.   By your reaction, it seems something has you upset but I’m not sure I know what it is.   Could you let me know?” Be transparent and describe what is going on. “I can tell from the eye rolling you’re doing that you must disagree.   Let me know if you see issues that I may not be aware of.” Or “I doubt that your comment was designed to really solve a problem.   Do we have a problem that needs to be discussed?” Passive-aggressive behavior is a learned behavior.   That means that a person that does this sort of thing may not stop what they are doing.   I do think you train people on how you want to be treated and if you allow someone to do something repeatedly to you that goes against your values, it will continue and get worse.   They will think twice before attempting it with you again if you confront the behavior in a constructive way. No, it would be great if everyone were upbeat and happy each day you go to work, but that’s not always possible.   I hope this gives you a few ideas if or when this happens to you. Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Famous Painters and Paintings

Famous Painters and Paintings Renowned Paintings and the Masters that Rendered Them ChaptersPablo Picasso, the Artistic WolfVincent van Gogh: Not Exactly a LambThe Artist Who Tried to Not Be OneThink back to your days of studying art history: which artists and art movements featured in your curriculum?Surely you learned about the big names but what about Artemisia Gentileschi â€" unusual for being female in the male-dominated world of Italian Renaissance art?What about Paul Cezanne who was so prolific that he painted more than 1,300 canvases in his more than 40 years as an artist but didn’t sell a single one?Humans have always had a need to create art; proof is found everywhere from the Lascaux cave paintings to the images etched in stone in the highlands of Peru.Accordingly, there are/were those who would sacrifice everything from their physical well-being to their sanity for a few more brushstrokes, one more etching, one last depiction...Today, your Superprof takes an artistic turn: we look at two legendary painters at opposite ends of the art spectrum and one w ho considered himself a failure even though, in his lifetime and still today, he is considered one of the most famous artists in the history of art.Put down your gouache and come along! 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 tutorsPablo Picasso, the Artistic Wolf Picasso's most renown painting is a tribute to the Battle of Guernica Image by Almudena Sanz from PixabayWolves are generally described as instinctual, intuitive and intelligent. Such characteristics describe Picasso to a T.Born into a middle-class family in Malaga, Spain, little Pablo had as great a sense of destiny as he had a need to draw. An apocryphal story relates his first word â€" not ‘Mama’ or ‘Papa’ but ‘Pencil! Pencil!’Maybe there was a reason for young Pablo to crave the graphite instrument: his father was a museum curator and a painter of wildlife and landscape art.Still, his father must have been intent on him following in his footsteps. When the boy turned seven, his Dad started giving him lessons in drawing. He also taught his son painting techniques.So driven was Picasso (or so talented) that his work soon surpassed anything painted by his father. Picasso Sr, having by this time relocated his family to Barcelona, made use of his position at the Academy of Fine Arts, where he was teaching, to secure an audition for his now teenaged son.Pablo did not disappoint. In fact, he shocked, surprised and overwhelmed the admissions board with the breadth of his experience, rare in one so young and undisciplined.Discipline was indeed a problem for Pablo. His ability to paint amazing works of art was not in question, what was missing was the capacity to take instruction and follow rules. He spent a lot of his time in Barcelona getting acquainted with decidedly non-scholarly pursuits.Pablo Picasso’s arrogant streak would dominate his life. Uncaring of critics and their sometimes stinging reviews, he would paint what he liked, as he liked and he didn’t care if anyone liked it.Once on the Parisian art scene, Pablo Picasso moved easily among the various circles, impressionist and expressionist alike. As he became more open to new ideas, including eroticism, his work took on new dimensions.It was the Demoiselles D’Avignon, a large oil on canvas representation of a bordello â€" well, the unclad occupants of a bordello that scandalised the art world. Most decried it as vulgar and ugly; even Georges Braques was repulsed yet fascinated by it.Henri Matisse, Picasso’s lifelong frenemy, rejected the work outright.Braque, a French painter who couldn’t quite get on board the fauvist movement, saw the oeuvre as a gauntlet thrown down.Picasso claimed that this work that eschewed both perspective and classical form liberated him in some fundamental way, permitting him to create an original style of art. Braque agreed.With Picasso and Braque as the fathers, the Demoiselles gave birth to Cubism, a seemingly discordant art movement that ended, some say mercifully, in the late 1920s. Vincent van Gogh repeatedly painted his self portrait because he had no money for models Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayVincent van Gogh: Not Exactly a LambAt the other end of the ‘vainglorious and cocksure’ spectrum, we find the haunting story of a man dragged into being an artist by destiny.Born into a devoutly religious family, this Dutch painter failed to make any positive impression on the art world until after his death. Indeed, he initially didn’t see himself as having any future in art; he came to the discipline accidentally.Vincent was a quiet child who liked to draw; his mother gently encouraged him but by no means treated him as the prodigy Picasso’s parents cultivated.Looking over events in Vincent’s early life, it is easy to recognise several destabilising elements:an emotionally distant parentliving in close proximity to a grave with his name on it (and being repeatedly brought to said grave)being the oldest childbeing sent to a boarding school far from hom ebeing mentally illAll of this resulted in a socially awkward person who, by all accounts, suffered rejection at every turn â€" romantically, professionally, religiously and socially.Vincent van Gogh offers a cautionary tale of ‘fake it till you make it’.First as an art dealer and then a missionary; as a teacher, a suitor and a painter, narratives all tell the same story: Vincent started out enthusiastic and energetic but things soon went awry. He would find fault with the plan, the process or the person imposing on him, the net result being rejection, again and again.Vincent had three saving graces: his brother Theo, the comfort he found in people (women) at the lower end of social ranks and painting. It was art that finally provided him with an outlet for self-expression.Virtually untrained in everything from wielding a brush to mixing colours, the last 10 years of Vincent van Gogh’s life were nothing if not productive: he turned out more than 900 impressionistic canvases.Un able to afford models, he painted the people and scenes around him. As his madness grew and he was confined to an institution, he painted what he saw out of his window. The more people shunned him, the more he turned to his brushwork.Unlike the self-assured Picasso who was certain his destiny was painting (whether that destiny was shaped by his parents’ wishes is a moot point), Vincent’s lifelong struggle was for mere acceptance.This might lead you to think that, had their paths actually crossed, a wolf like Picasso would chew up and spit out a craven creature such as van Gogh but the truth is that the Spanish artist was in awe of the Dutch post-impressionist painter.Another incomplete thought: Vincent van Gogh was not as meek as his need for acceptance would seem to make him. Quite a few people turned away from him because of his unpleasantness and, at times, his raging temper.Paul Cezanne, his contemporary, knew all about those raging fits. So did Paul Gauguin, who was stridin g away from him when he cut his ear lobe off. Leonardo da Vinci tops the list of famous painters even though he hardly thought of himself as one Image by Free-Photos from PixabayThe Artist Who Tried to Not Be OneFrom the painter who embraced his destiny to the one who struggled to find his, we now travel about 450 years back in time, to a period when being a painter was absolutely the best job anyone could have.The circumstances surrounding Leonardo da Vinci’s arrival in the world were certainly not auspicious; being illegitimate held certain stigmas, especially in Italy, the seat of Catholicism.Leonardo knew nothing of all of this; he was shielded from the worst society could heap on a person by being treated like every other legally-begotten child.He lived in his father’s house â€" a man of good social standing, received the requisite education and, when the time came, was apprenticed to a local artist’s workshop.Teenage Leonardo was both handsome and talented; it is commonly accepted that he posed for several works and also that he lent a hand with some of his mentor’s paintings. He learned how to draw and paint alongside Botticelli, Perugino and other great names of the Early Renaissance period.Did you know that only Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, rivals the Mona Lisa in fame?It wasn’t long before word got out about da Vinci’s extraordinary painting skills; soon he was dodging commissions left and right â€" meaning that he would accept the commission, start working on it and get distracted, leaving the work incomplete.Still, there were a few paintings that he did not shirk from, among them:The Annunciation (Uffizi Gallery), oil and tempera on poplarMadonna and the Carnation (Munich), oil and tempera on poplarThe Adoration of the Magi (Uffizi Gallery), oil on woodLady with Ermine (National Museum of Art, Kraków), oil on walnutThe two most famous paintings of da Vinci’s bear special mention.The Last Supper was commissioned by his patron, the Duke o f Sforza, to adorn the newly-built refectory on his compound. As he was living in the duke’s court, he could not neglect this assignment lest the duke expel him.Perhaps the most famous painting in the world is the Mona Lisa.This painting too was a commission, given him by a relatively wealthy client at a time when Leonardo was a free agent â€" not a member of any court. Keen to build up his bankroll, he accepted the job but then neglected it in favour of other projects â€" map-making, weapons design and engineering.Strangely enough, while all of Italy was throwing commissions at Leonardo, he mentioned his ability to paint almost as an afterthought. He preferred to bill himself as an engineer a cartographer; two functions he fulfilled brilliantly.Yet, as his life waned, he thought himself a failure in spite of the impact he would have on the painting world for centuries to come. In his last months, he put the final touches to his magnum opus, his Mona Lisa, expressing regret at hav ing squandered his great talent for art.Mona Lisa now hangs out at the Louvre museum, smiling her enigmatic smile, knowing that his dying thoughts were off the mark.Picasso gave us Guernica and a whole range of artworks; van Gogh left behind Starry Night, self-portraits and sunflowers; some of the world's most expensive paintings â€" ironic because he only sold one work in his lifetime.Leonardo da Vinci, who billed himself as anything but a painter, not only left behind remarkable insights into his mind but also his visions of the future... and two of the world's most famous works of art.Now learn about the father of impressionism...