Gold Coast Primary School - Preparing Students For Future Success

Gold Coast Primary School - Preparing Students For Future SuccessIt is believed that the first study-a-holic in Australia was Gordon Brown, the former British Prime Minister, who spent an enormous amount of time studying during his first year at school. Others say it was Australian Prime Minister John Howard who, according to some, took extensive tutoring at primary school from Australian parents. Even today, Tony Abbott's daughter and Australian PM's other children both come from lower middle class families.The importance of attending primary school is certainly reflected in their philosophy about education. In both schools and universities, social development is promoted as the key to success, irrespective of religion, race or sex. In some schools, one or more teachers to offer free tutoring to their pupils. When free schools were introduced in England, several academic institutions established free schools and these are widely seen as being on the right track to having an educatio nal system that could possibly compete with well-funded, state-funded schools.Gold Coast Primary School is not free and will charge for tutoring. However, the school believes that if the student in the early years of schooling can become a good and independent thinker, the child will be able to eventually flourish in later life. Its research says, 'Teaching children to think, learn and create helps them become less concerned with conformity and more concerned with taking control of their lives'.The school has over 50 teachers who are on annual contracts to work for the school and the National Teaching Service, so all teachers on annual contracts are considered on a level playing field. There are six different levels of teaching that the school teaches to its pupils, with the first level being the teaching of English. The levels go up to, and beyond, the School Certificate, the Commonwealth Certificate, the University Certificate, National Diploma, Advanced Diploma and the secondary school diploma.There are two different types of primary school - one that is part of a school district and the other is an independent school. In a school district, all the teachers are accountable to a board of trustees and the head of the school district. In an independent school, the students of that school run the school and the responsibility of the school rests entirely with the head of the school.The school in Gold Coast is based on the concept of the world's oldest profession. This is how it is organized. According to the school's website, all the subjects are taught in turn from A to Z, with one subject being considered 'the most important'. Each teacher will teach to a grade group, with the teacher responsible for teaching the same subject to five different grades.Gold Coast Primary School has an annual budget of $370 million. Its research reveals that if they had no overhead costs, such as government taxes, this school would be almost free. The school's aim is to encourag e teachers to bring home and develop a career in teaching and after-school education, teaching or education administration.

IEPs vs. 504 Plans How Do They Differ

IEPs vs. 504 Plans How Do They Differ When working toward the academic and socioemotional success of your student, its important to find appropriate support strategies. For students with learning differences, there are two in-school options that can provide the assistance your student may need: an IEP or a 504 plan. At their core, both IEPs and 504 plans exist to help students access academic accommodations. Each option is intended to protect and support students with learning differences and to allow them to thrive academically. However, IEPs and 504 plans differ in many ways, including the qualifications that must be met in order to utilize each and the implementation of both options. Keep reading to learn more about IEPs vs. 504 plans and how they differ. 1. The qualifications that a student must meet to apply for an IEP vs. a 504 plan When researching IEPs and 504 plans, you might quickly note the qualification differences between the two options. With 504 plans, students with a range of learning differences qualify, so long as the learning difference affects a major portion of their lifein this case, their schooling. 504 plans benefit students who can learn in their current academic environment (in other words, the classroom) given the addition of specific modifications. A child who is recovering from a serious illness or injury (such as a broken arm or diabetes) is one example of an individual who may benefit from a 504 plan. An IEP, in contrast, requires that students learning differences qualify under one of 13 categories. Having an IEP allows students to work with parents and school staff to create an in-depth accommodation plan detailing the required special education services to be utilized. Students must qualify in one of the following categories established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA): Autism Deaf-blindness Deafness Emotional disturbance Hearing impairment Intellectual disability Multiple disabilities Orthopedic impairment Other health impairments, such as ADHD Specific learning disability, such as dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or dyslexia Speech or language impairment Visual impairment, such as blindness Traumatic brain injury Its important to note that having one of these disabilities doesnt automatically qualify an individual for an IEP. In order to qualify, a students academic learning environment must be directly affected by the disability. Once you have a sense of whether your student qualifies for an IEP or a 504 plan, the next step is to work with a designated team through your school or school district to prepare a plan of action. [RELATED: 3 Benefits of Tutoring for Students With Learning Differences] 2. The benefits and implementation of IEPs vs. 504 plans Its impossible to say whether an IEP or a 504 plan is more beneficial, as both options provide a unique set of benefits to each individual student. Students with an IEP who require more intensive accommodationsincluding one-on-one time with individuals like reading specialistscan benefit from the special education resources available to them. These services vary by school and district, but they generally provide a higher level of individualized educational support. Students with a 504 plan are able to create a list of modifications to specific aspects of their schooling that are directly impacted by their disability. This option provides a great benefit to students who need accommodations to their educational experience, but who dont qualify for an IEP. A 504 plan gives those students who dont meet IEP qualifications an opportunity to still work with parents and school staff to find ways to promote academic success. Examples of 504 plan accommodations include modified physical education classes for students with asthma and peer note-takers for students with arm, hand, or wrist injuries. Both IEPs and 504 plans must be respected and implemented by the school and its staff. A 504 plan can be utilized on a temporary or continual basis, depending on the students level of need. IEPs serve as a detailed roadmap that school personnel use to provide special education services on a continual basis. Each option is typically reviewed and renewed annually, with changes made depending on the students current educational needs. This annual review is a great opportunity to note any ways in which your students plan could be improved in order to promote the best academic experience for him or her. The best option for your student depends on a variety of factors. Both IEPs and 504 plans have their own qualifications, positives, and negatives that will ultimately suit each student differently. Interested in learning more about how Varsity Tutors can help you support a student with learning differences? Inquire aboutlearning difference tutoring now, and well be in touch soon.

How Can I Develop My Interpersonal Skills

How Can I Develop My Interpersonal Skills Here’s How to Improve Your Interpersonal Skills Straight Away ChaptersRemind Me, What are Interpersonal Skills?How to Develop Your Interpersonal SkillsYou’ve been learning interpersonal skills â€" those soft skills, communication skills, and social skills â€" since the day you were born. Literally. And a good question may well be, why do I need to make an effort in learning these people skills now?It’s a legitimate question â€" as you may really be excellent with your personal skills â€" but it comes with an equally legitimate answer. In a business world in which organisational culture, teamwork, and collaboration are key, it is these skills that stand out as the crucial element that determine the success â€" or its opposite â€" of an organisation.You may think that your interpersonal communication skills are top notch â€" and you may well be right. However, often in work people can forget about the beauty of personal relationships and fall down the hole of day-to-day tasks. Yet, studies have shown the value of friendships, interpersonal re lationships, and peer support at work.It’s really important to remember that work is not just a place you go that is held up in balance and opposition to life. It’s where life happens too. And the value of interpersonal skills lies in exactly this. To make work a place that is enjoyable to be in, a place that flourishes with healthy relationships, and a place that provides you with all the support that you need.Here, we’re going to take a look at ways in which you can begin to bring your interpersonal skills up to scratch. It all starts with developing a greater self-awareness â€" and an awareness of the roles, successes, and struggles of others. TraceyPersonal development Teacher 4.92 (9) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IsamPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyPersonal development Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelePersonal development Teacher 4.73 (7) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlloydPersonal development Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliverPersonal development Teacher 4.33 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRemind Me, What are Interpersonal Skills?Interpersonal skills are the skills that enable you to relate to and work well with other people. They are social skills, essentially, which are based on the premise of effective communication â€" both verbal communication and non-verbal.Interpersonal skills often enough fall into a number of different categories. You’ll find things like the following:Good communication skills. The ability to make yourself be understood â€" and to understand the needs and requests of others.Conflict resolution and conflict management skills. This is the why you can handle and dif fuse disagreement when it arises.Being a good team player. A certain skill set is necessary when you are required to work collaboratively.Negotiation skills. These are the means by which people might use persuasion to convince others of their position. It’s obviously quite important in business this one.Essentially, interpersonal skills are the complement to the ‘hard skills’, the technical skills â€" whether engineering or computing knowledge, speaking a second language or understanding business processes â€" that you will learn out of a textbook and around which your job role will be based.However, one is no more important than the other. Rather, both are, quite simply, absolutely crucial to your success in business.Find out more about the definition of interpersonal skills! Why not develop your interpersonal skills?How to Develop Your Interpersonal SkillsSo, how is it done? How can you get down to it and develop good interpersonal skills?As we said above, it all starts with an awareness of yourself and of others and with a positive attitude. Without these two things, there is no chance that your interpersonal skills are going to improve any time soon.Let’s take a look at how to get better at your interpersonal relations. And you can find info on the importance of developing your interpersonal skills too!Try to Manage Your Own Emotions â€" that’s what Emotional Intelligence is all aboutEmotional intelligence is often something that comes up in discussions of interpersonal skills. And that’s because it underpins and empowers the rest of these skills.Yet emotional intelligence is not actually immediately interpersonal. Rather, it expresses the ability to be aware of and control your own emotions â€" and only later, when these emotions may be expresse d or not, does this become a social thing.If you don’t feel like you have your emotions in check, try mindfulness, meditation, or a similar exercise. The aim at the beginning is just to be aware of how you are feeling.Remember Simple Things Like Your Manners‘Manners’ might seem a little old-fashioned these days. Yet, they should be no less significant than they ever have been.Honestly. Whilst this all seems a little childish, basic manners are about empathy and respect. If you do something for someone and they don’t show any gratitude, it’s not hugely nice.Meanwhile, recognition for the completion of a task spurs people on to do more â€" it’s a hugely motivating factor.It’s a really simple habit to engage, and it’ll build people’s respect for you just like that.Your Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace Benefit Hugely from a Positive AttitudeBesides an awareness of your emotions, one of the most important things to bring into the workplace to develop your interpers onal skills is a positive attitude.This means a good work ethic â€" a desire to commit to your work, and a willingness to help others â€" alongside an openness to the needs of your colleagues.It also means a good mood too and an ability to avoid sulks when things don’t go to plan.Find out how to develop your interpersonal skills online! Good interpersonal skills lead to success.Try to Take on More ResponsibilityA part of a positive attitude is a willingness to apply yourself to new situations and roles. Rather than sticking in your corner managing your own things, try and spread your wings a little and show that you are committed.This means showing a willingness to take on more responsibilities â€" with simple questions like ‘is there anything else I can do?’ or ‘can I help you with that?’.Obviously this needs to be done in a way that doesn’t seem merely interfering. However, that ability to put yourself out there is really key to building other people’s respect for you.Remember that the Task at Hand is Not Always the Most Important Part of WorkWhilst it might seem a little counterintuitive, part of your interpersonal skills should be the ability to discern when you are actually required to close off your ears and dive into your work.Because, sometimes, even when you have a task at hand, making an effort to get to know your workmates is more important than the work itself.Producing a pleasant and productive work environment is the result of producing a comfortable one. And such comfort comes from an ability to just stop and chat for a moment.Learn to Communicate EffectivelyCommunication is a central pillar of your interpersonal skills. Yet, good communication is not just about knowing how to speak or write clearly. There is so much more to it than that.That Means Verbally…Verbal communication skills are those that are based around words. So, this means a polite, friendly, and professional manner in person, on the phone, and in writing.Clarity is everything here â€" being able to communicate what you want and what you would like to see from others. Being able to ask a question gently and effectively is a bit of a skill â€" and ensuring that everyone understands your response is just as important.In Your Nonverbal Communication…Yet, communication is also about what you do when yo u are not speaking â€" or everything about your speech besides the content of the words themselves.Here we are referring to body language, tone of voice, and things like eye contact. If you are talking to some in an inappropriate tone and don’t bother to look at them, this isn’t exactly effective communication.And in the Way You ListenListening too is a part of the process that is communication.Active listening is something that is particularly encouraged by trainers of interpersonal skills. That means ensuring eye contact when someone is speaking to you, nodding and engaging with what they are saying, and repeating back to them what they have said.It sounds pedantic, but it really isn’t. Rather, it demonstrates that you are mentally present in the conversation.Discover everything about interpersonal skills! Why not develop your interpersonal skills?Spend Some Time Practicing Being Empathetic â€" and Understanding Your ColleaguesEmpathy is something that we all have. But, in some contexts, it is worth working on what that might look like.In moments of conflict, or moments in which a colleague is acting in a difficult way, consider what it might be like to be that person for a moment. Ask yourself some questions: do they have a lot on their plate? Do they have enough support? Is there anything that they need assurance on?This is an important part of conflict resolution â€" and you’ll feel like you’ll understand your colleague much better afterwards.Be Assertive â€" and Stand by Your Core ValuesIn all of this, there is something that you should keep quite close to yourself. That’s your values. Never sell these out.Whilst here we have talked a lot about understanding other people and earning respect, one of the most important things you can do for this is to remain strong in your valu es and your beliefs.Integrity in this â€" and assertiveness, not aggressiveness â€" will ensure that people will understand precisely where you are coming from.

Negotiation Guide How to Ask For a Raise as an Introvert - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Negotiation Guide How to Ask For a Raise as an Introvert - Introvert Whisperer Negotiation Guide: How to Ask For a Raise as an Introvert Having the ability to be assertive with people who can have a great impact on your career is an important skill. After all, your professional success depends on the capability to get what you deserve. Knowing how to ask for a raise is one of the skills that will help you get what you want and how you communicate with people can be of great help along the way. But did you know that almost 60 percent of Americans report being too afraid to ask for a pay raise? Asking for more money is intimidating for everyone because people don’t know whether they’ll get what they want. They are afraid of seeming too pushy or even losing their job. For introverts, this fear is even bigger as they are naturally quiet and often uncomfortable with the idea of promoting their own achievements. The biggest problem with being too shy to speak up when you think you deserve more is that you often get passed over for opportunities. A lot of introverts stay silent until their fear of missing out on the opportunities becomes bigger than the fear of speaking up. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for that moment. Here are a few things you can do to lower anxiety when negotiating with your manager. Highlight your achievements Introverts find it particularly difficult to recognize their own achievements, especially among those who are louder and more confident. It’s also easy for introverts to get lost in group thinking where their work and ideas become everybody else’s. But when it comes to asking for a raise, it’s important to know what you have done to deserve a raise. The trick is to let the data show your accomplishments. Instead of letting your emotions lead you, try focusing on the facts and give specific examples of when you have gone above and beyond your official role in the company. Prepare yourself to discuss all the times your performance has positively affected the company. While recognizing your contributions can be awkward, it’s worth making a list. Focus only on your own accomplishments and don’t compare to others. That includes resisting the urge to say how unfair it is that your colleagues make more than you. Asking for a raise is all about how much you contribute and not about judging other people. Practice your speech   Introverts tend to let the more dominant people in the room take control of the conversation. That’s why you should know exactly what you are seeking from the management before the meeting even starts. Whatever you do, resist the impulse to accept whatever they offer you just to escape the uncomfortable conversation. Amy Cuddy, an associate professor of business administration at Harvard and a social psychologist, says that by assuming powerful physical positions, you can feel more powerful too. In her TED Talk “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are,” Amy advises that you stand tall, puff your chest and make yourself look physically powerful. So don’t forget to practice your body language while practicing your speech. Keep it simple   You might feel tempted to start your sentences with something like “I know this seems a bit out of line” just because you are nervous, but the more you apologize for no reason, the more unprofessional you look. Do your research beforehand and show why you are not out of line. Have other people received raises after working at the company the same amount of time you have? Do you know what the appropriate salary range for your position is? Keep in mind that many factors can affect pay, such as your education, experience but also the company location and size. Once you consider all these factors, sit down with your boss, look him or her in the eye and ask for a raise in a few concise and convincing sentences. Make relationships through active listening   Your boss is not the only person you need to convince when it comes to negotiating a raise at work. You also need the support from your colleagues, which means you need to make allies across the company, not just in the management. Often it’s people from different departments that decide the fate of your career, so it’s very important how you build relationships. But making new connections can be intimidating for introverts. Luckily, many introverts have the ability to “actively listen” by asking others questions about themselves. The more you can use this skill, the more you can show how much you care about your colleagues. You also get to know them better which improves the chances that those who are a part of the decision-making process are on your side. Remember that it’s not weird   Your boss knows that it’s part of his or her job to deal with employees asking for a raise or promotion. As long as you request a meeting and maintain a professional tone, your manager will be happy to have a conversation about whatever you might need. Do your homework, prepare your numbers and speech and overcome your fear of sounding too pushy or even greedy. It’s time you get what you deserve. Writer: Tamara Luzajic https://sr.gravatar.com/tamaraluzajic Web content writer and editor, currently working as a copywriter at Humanity, employee scheduling and workforce management software. Go to top NETWORKING 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

What is it Like to Attend Skidmore College

What is it Like to Attend Skidmore College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Brandon is a New York City tutor specializing in several subjects such as Economics tutoring, Reading, and College Essay prep tutoring. He majored in Theater, Economics, and Government when he attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York and graduated in 2011. See what Brandon had to say about his alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Brandon: Saratoga Springs is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the northeast; it is mostly a summer vacation town, so it doesn't feel like a college town, but there are plenty of options (food, clothing, etc.) for college students. The economy during the summer months drums up enough business for Saratoga to host some of the most amazing restaurants in the northeast, apparently keeping the record for the largest concentration of bars and restaurants in the continental United States (maybe hearsay? Either way, the town feels like that is true). Getting downtown is as easy as taking a free bus from campus, I think they still run every 30 minutes. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Brandon: My professors were almost always available to speak with and I became close with a few of them. Whether a professor is in his or her office all day or not, every professor has mandated office hours during the week. If these conflict with you, most are usually helpful and willing to accommodate. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Brandon: The dining hall is amazing. Friends of mine from home who came to visit said it was the best thing they've ever experienced, especially at a college. Dorm and housing life is always getting better; a new housing establishment has just been finished and the other options are centrally located and easy to get to. I took the off-campus housing option my junior and senior years, just because I love the city of Saratoga and wanted to be more connected with it. Actually, living downtown is different from living on campus; Skidmore is like it's own little community, and so is Saratoga. I just wanted to get a little more connected with the Saratoga community. 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? Brandon: Well, it's hard to say which program or major Skidmore sees at it's most important. Sure, there are an abundance of students majoring in Business, Studio Art and Foreign Languages, but there is room for other kinds of majors. I majored in Theater and felt very well taken care of. My junior year, I mounted a production of Jean-Paul Sartre's No Exit at the historic Caffe Lena in downtown Saratoga Springs and Skidmore gave me a grant to pay for the space and the rights for the play. The Theater department was a tight-knit group and we took care of each other. On the other hand, my housemate senior year majored in Physics and went on to graduate school at University of Washington, studying Aerospace Engineering; so, whatever you study, you will probably be accommodated. 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? Brandon: I found it really easy to meet people and make friends my freshman year. I was really stressed out about making friends and doing well before I went, but once you arrive you realize that most people are in the same boat; everyone is essentially friendless, so if you put yourself out there, people will respond. Greek life doesn't exist at Skidmore, but we have A'Capella groups, and they come close. I was in one, so it seems that way. People who weren't in A'Capella groups probably didn't care too much though. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Brandon: The Business department at Skidmore is reputable and one of the most active on campus. Ben and Jerry's Phish Food ice cream flavor came from an idea that a group in the Business department's 101 class came up with. Most of my friends received a lot of help from the Career Center and were successful in finding jobs upon graduation. It was different for me; I entered the professional theater world after I graduated, so there was not much Skidmore could have done for me other than train me and give me connections with people after graduation, both of which I received. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Brandon: I mostly studied in the library or in my room (aside from majoring in theater, I minored in government and studied economics Skidmore's Liberal Arts tradition took a hold of me). The library was great and spacious, while I was there at least. Recently, I've heard murmurs of over-crowded-ness around campus, but that may not be true. 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? Brandon: Saratoga is the best city in the north-east. Every time I go back to that place I have a perpetual smile on my face. Some of the best food I've ever tasted comes from Saratoga. It's so quaint, yet so cultured; there are art galleries, performing spaces, shops with oddities, and plenty of delicious food. While there, try The Local, Ravenous, or Putnam Market. There are so many other places, try it all! I lived downtown my senior year, some of my friends did the same thing. I'd say by senior year about half of the class is living downtown, while the other half stays with the on-campus Northwoods housing option, which is just as awesome. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Brandon: I don't think I had a single class size over 30, and most of them hovered around 10 or 15. I was generally amazed by class sizes. I had an acting class my junior year that was 5 students; this was amazing. I got so much up close and personal work with one of the best acting teachers around, a permanent member of the SITI company and excellent actor in his own right. Government and Economics was generally the same thing, I was mostly very pleased with class sizes. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Brandon: My teachers were all so available; I regret not utilizing all of their office hours more and not becoming friends with more of them. The more you forge a close relationship with a professor, the more you will learn. You'll be more engaged in the teacher and the material, and the teacher will be more engaged with you. Only good things can come of this. Check out Brandons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

An Introduction to StatisticsÂ

An Introduction to Statistics   Applied Statistics in a Nutshell ChaptersWhat is Statistics?Descriptive Statistics BasicsInferential StatisticsTips and Resources for statisticsFrom constructing a confidence interval for a point predictor to hypothesis testing, statistics can be a complex discipline to start to unravel. Luckily, this guide will help you start to understand the broad field of data analysis by walking you through the basics of its origins and composition.Crafting and implementing a study design is a vital part of statistics AisvaryaData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdeyemiData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdenikeData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GokhanData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OlawaleData Analysis Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThanushanData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AisvaranData Anal ysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Muhammad umairData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (2) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Statistics?In order to begin to answer this question, ask yourself: what is the value of data? While this very question is something modern policy makers have to examine with extreme care, investigating the value of data isn’t an exclusively modern phenomenon.We’re all familiar with the images of data and data analysis in the 90s, which typically drew on the caricatures brought forth by the dawn of the digital age: the Matrix being a prime example. In the present day, statistical data the statistical software to analyse it is available to everyone with access to the internet. From the algorithms that best match your dating profile with another to the way stores identify which items to put on sale - data is ubiquitous in our modern lives.Statistical analysis, however, has been around for centuries. Early statistic ians made the most of the statistical methods they had at their disposal in order to collect, sort and register categorical and quantitative data. While the job of the statistician didn’t involve the inferential tools involved in Bayesian statistics, the basic principles have remained the same throughout the centuries: to collect, analyse and interpret data in order to make more informed decisions.While today we concern ourselves with concepts in methodology and analysis such as sample size, raw data, or effect size, the concept of collecting demographic and economic data throughout history has mostly been interested in investigating the movements of the economy, population and agriculture. While more robust versions of the historical evolution of statistics exists, the basics of statistics can be broken down into three basic phases.The first involved collecting census and observational data to improve sanitary and economic conditions. The second, implemented heavily after the Sec ond World War, was registering demographic and economic data into government databases. The third, which extends to the present day, includes the revolutions in statistical inference brought about by technological advances. With live saving fields such as biostatistics, the improvement of data analysis methods has transformed the standards of living across the globe.Today, statistics has grown to become deeply interwoven with the field of data science. Statistical models have grown to include ones used in AI or machine learning, which often help draw inferences from non-numerical data. Tasks such as predicting an estimator or automatic randomization can be done much quicker in the present day thanks to the invention of statistical and analytical software. Some of the most common languages or programs you’re likely to encounter in statistics and data science field include R, Stata, SPSS, Python, C, and SQL.Learning statistics actually starts at a young age!Descriptive Statistics Ba sicsWhether you’ve built a histogram for a science project or regularly use data visualization tools at work, you’ve participated in one of the most important branches in the discipline of statistics: descriptive statistics. Split into two main branches, this first branch deals with data post data collection and strives to use statistical techniques to understand the composition of the data set.Often the first part of any study design, descriptive statistics reveal vital insights into the qualitative or quantitative data being considered. Whether the data is ordinal, categorical or numerative, there are two categories descriptive statistics can fall under: measures of central tendency or of variability.Measures of central tendency are used when someone wants to understand what the average looks like for one or more metrics. These measures involve aspects like the sample mean, median and mode. These three, while seemingly similar, are appropriate in different circumstances depend ing on whether or not the data has a large amount of outliers. Even the most experienced data scientists are not able to interpret anything about their data sets before conducting preliminary descriptive, statistical analyses.Measures of variability, on the other hand, include characteristics like standard deviation, covariance or the variances. These are used when someone would like to know the spread of the data, which tells you how far the data is spread around the centre, or average. This can be extremely helpful when understanding what percentage of your data falls under a certain range. When applied to financial statistics, the standard deviation can also be seen as the volatility of a particular data set.Descriptive statistics are mostly only for univariate analysis, which is the act of analysing one variable. While this acts as a way of understanding the makeup of things like income or sales, it can also be helpful when comparing the makeup of multiple variables. For example , if a small business wants to take advantage of the sales data it has for a particular event, they can use descriptive statistics to determine the percentage of its customers that are over or under a certain age.Descriptive statistics make up the vast majority of the statistics used by individuals, companies and governments. While forecasting future events is extremely important, many people only need measures of central tendency and variability to extract meaningful information for their decision making. Some of the most powerful measures and included in descriptive statistics are:Correlation coefficientSimple data visualizationDistributions (binomial, normal, Laplace, etc.)Graphing data is one of the essential components of data analysisInferential StatisticsThe next branch of the disciplines combines probability and statistics in order to understand not only what is inside the data, but to use that data to make predictions. This type of statistical analysis, called inferential s tatistics, typically draws from probability theory and a probability distribution in order to conduct multivariate, or several variable, analysis. Also known as mathematical statistics, the statistical theory involved under this branch can also reveal important relationships within the data without the use of probability distributions with non-parametric models.The types of models used in the majority of inferential, statistical data analysis involve mostly parametric models such as general linear regression models or analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Regardless of whether it’s a parametric or non-parametric test, however, the mathematician or statistician will have to meet two criteria: have a set of variables they’d like to test and have their data meet certain assumptions.The first criterion is simple and involves a process we all understand, which involves picking one dependent variable or several in order to try to predict one independent variable or more. The second crit erion is where most statisticians have trouble because most data sets do not strictly follow most assumptions required for using certain models, such as the data following a normal distribution. The Gauss-Markov assumptions for classical linear models are the most commonly known and are key to understanding inferential statistics.Inferential statistics is also distinct from descriptive statistics because it involves testing a null hypothesis against an alternative hypothesis. Using the models available, along with statistical software such as R or SPSS, you will be able to derive estimators and predictions on the mean along with their confidence intervals.If you’re just starting to learn about statistics, some of the most common parametric models include:General linear modelsLogistic regression modelsOn the other hand, some of the more common non-parametric models include:Cluster analysisFactor analysisDiscriminate analysisAlong with these models, ANOVA is a common way in which st atisticians determine which model can be more precise by comparing the variances of two or more models.Tips and Resources for statisticsFrom understanding what statistical methodology to employ with categorical data analysis to comprehending how the concept of a random variable effects least squares and regression analysis - here are some statistics tips and resources to follow if you need any sort of statistics help.AcademicNeed help interpreting the statistical significance of your dependent variable or knowing which parametric test to employ on your observational data? Heading over to Stack Exchange, a statistics forum, will most likely give you the answer to your question.If you’re interested in getting tutored in Statistics, browse through Superprof’s community of almost 150,000 maths teachers in the UK. From chi-square tests to drawing inferences from data sets, a maths teacher can guide you through the field.ProgrammingStackoverflow is another great online forum that can help you with everything coding related, from including only certain outliers in your experimental design to running a regression analysis, they’ll help you troubleshoot your coding problems.

Four Tips to Engage Your Students in a Brand-New School Year

Four Tips to Engage Your Students in a Brand-New School Year Theres a lot to do as you prepare for a new school year: getting the classroom ready, organizing your materials and plans, and brainstorming the best ways to engage your students both behaviorally and cognitively. Here are a few tips as you design this years learning activities: Share what you learned over summer. Your positive attitude can have a big influence on your students. Come in excited and your enthusiasm will inevitably rub off on them. Spend time developing a list of your takeaways from any recent professional development or personal projects that pertain to student learning. What are you eager to share with students this year? Give students some control. Empower your students by telling them that they are in charge of their learning. As the school year gets underway, start setting goals and have students come up with their own, as well as steps to achieve them. When possible, invite ideas and input. Rather than dictate, encourage dialogue. Guide students toward competence. The more you can guide your students toward success, the more motivated they will become. You cannot control students work ethic, but you can provide clear, well-thought-out direction in class and offer support and encouragement as students work toward skill mastery. Nurturing students sense of competence helps them feel more engaged in the next task. Commit to building good relationships. Show your students you care. Make your classroom a place where they feel like they belong and are treated fairly. Most of all, make it your class mantra that improvement and learning something new (and not simply obtaining high grades) is success. This year, refine your student-centered instructional approach to promote higher student engagement. Youll see your students become more focused and willing to participate, which will result in a richer class experience and greater levels of student success.

English Convesation Classes Analogue v. Digital Cameras

English Convesation Classes Analogue v. Digital Cameras One of my favourite pastimes is Lomography or informal photography. My collection of (film-based) analog cameras  includes everything from a Holga to an Action Sampler to a Fisheye, which takes wonderful circular shots.Camera with fisheye lense.These cameras mark an incredible evolution in form from the earliest manifestation of the camera as an 11th century dark box or camera obscura. Let’s not forget today’s digital cameras which have taken that evolution even further. Which do you prefer? Its a great topic for an English conversation class.Let’s talk about the cameras you use. Below youll find great English vocabulary and phrases for talking about photography, as well as conversation questions.What kind of camera do you prefer?Digital,Analog,Polaroid,Single-use,Professional,Why do you prefer digital cameras?Shots are instantaneous.I can  upload photographs easily onto my computer.There are no expensive developing costs for prints.I can take hundreds, even thousands, of pictu res provided I have sufficient memory in my camera.I can edit my photographs myself without needing a professional to do so.I can print pictures easily on my computer.I can easily delete pictures I don’t like.There are many different models of digital cameras to choose from.Digital cameras are convenient and can fit in my pocket or  purse on a night out.Why do you prefer analog cameras?I like the artistic shots I can take.I enjoy the process of developing prints in a darkroom.I enjoy the craft involved, for example having to know how to take advantage of light and positioning.An imperfection in a shot can give it originality. It doesn’t have to be perfect.Yes, digital cameras can be easily deleted but analogue photographs have been around for centuries!Now, let’s look at two photographs of New York City. One   is taken with an analog camera and one with a digital device.Which is which?Why do you think this is so?What are the differences between the two photographs?Which do you prefer?Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share this blog on Facebook and Twitter.

What You Need To Know About The Cambridge Analytica Controversy

What You Need To Know About The Cambridge Analytica Controversy via Pixabay Facebook maintains that they had no idea this was going on and that Cambridge paid them to collect data for academic purposes. However, what Cambridge Analytica did was analyze peoples’ Facebook pages to see what they liked in order to identify personality traits that were then combined with algorithms created to predict peoples’ political views. For example, if you liked something posted by Kim Kardashian West, researchers used that information to identify your personality traits, such as how extroverted you are, how conscientious and how open-minded you are. That data combined with information about other interests indicated on Facebook can be plugged into their algorithm in order to predict your political views so campaigns can target you with advertisements more effectively. Cambridge Analytica adapted this approach of personality modeling from studies done by researchers at Stanford University and the Psychometrics Center at the University of Cambridge. The studies relied on data collected by a Facebook app called myPersonality which was a quiz developed to assess a person’s openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. When respondents took the quiz, they authorized researchers to gain access to their profile data and information about their friend network. Researchers were then able to cross-reference the results of the quiz with the users’ likes on Facebook and build a model from the correlations. Once patterns were found, researchers could make accurate guesses about users personalities without the help of the quiz. How does this tie in with President Trump? President Trump recently named John Bolton as his third national security adviser. John Bolton has been heavily involved in politics throughout his career and ran a super PAC during the 2016 election. Super PACs are independent committees that raise money for political campaigns. They can raise unlimited amounts and are virtually unregulated since they are not directly affiliated with a party or person. According to Cambridge Analyticas company documents and employees, Boltons super PAC was one of their first customers. Cambridge Analytica was hired by Bolton to specifically develop psychological profiles of voters from data collected off of Facebook. While this was also going on, Robert Mercer was financially supporting Boltons super PAC and donated $5 million between April 2014 and September 2016. Why should you care? Whether you support President Trump or not, its important to be aware that his campaign hired a foreign firm to collect private information from Americans Facebook accounts. Cambridge Analytica was not authorized by Facebook or its users to collect the information it took and use it the way it was used. Legal investigations are going on currently in England as well as the United States to see if laws have been broken. It was reported that Cambridge Analytica board members did receive warnings from lawyers that it is illegal to employ foreigners in political campaigns. However, there might be a loophole since Cambridge Analytica does have ties with the Mercer family and Robert Mercers daughter, Rebekah is a board member. Whether it is determined if laws have been violated or not, what Trumps campaign and Cambridge Analytica did was unethical and unfair.