Learning
How to Write a Book Review
Writing a book review is a rewarding task that allows you to share your thoughts on a book while helping others decide if it is worth their time. A well-crafted review can influence a reader’s decision to pick up or skip a book. But Writing a book review is a rewarding task that allows you to share your thoughts on a book while helping others decide if it is worth their time. A well-crafted review can influence a reader’s decision to pick up or skip a book. But how can you write a compelling book review? Let’s break down the process step by step.? Let’s break down the process step by step.
Steps of Writing Book Reviews
Read the Book Thoroughly
The first and most crucial step in writing a book review is to read the book from cover to cover. Skimming or relying on summaries will not give you the depth of understanding needed to write a meaningful review. As you read, take notes on key points, interesting quotes, and your initial reactions. These notes will prove extremely helpful when you begin writing your review.
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Reflect on Your Reading Experience
Once you have finished the book, you should take some time to reflect on your reading experience. How did the book make you feel? Did it challenge your thinking or inspire you in some way? What were the main themes or messages? Reflecting on these questions will help you form a clear opinion about the book. It is essential for writing a balanced review.
Research the Book’s Background
To add depth to your review, research the book’s background. Try to look into the author’s other works, their writing style, and the historical or cultural context in which the book was written. Understanding the genre and its conventions can also help you better appreciate the book’s place within its literary tradition. This background information will enable you to provide a more informed critique.
Outline Your Review
Before you start writing, it is constructive to outline your review. You should decide on the main points you want to cover, such as the book’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact. Structuring your review in advance will ensure it flows logically and covers all the essential aspects.
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Start with a Strong Introduction
Your review’s introduction should be engaging and to the point. You may start by mentioning the book’s title, author, and genre. You can also include a brief statement about what drew you to the book. Then, state the purpose of your review—whether you aim to recommend the book, critique it, or simply share your thoughts.
Summarise the Book’s Content
Next, provide a concise summary of the book’s content. Focus on the main plot points, the central characters, and the setting. Be careful not to reveal any spoilers, as this could ruin the experience for potential readers. Your summary should give enough information for the reader to understand what the book is about without giving away any surprises.
Analyse the Book’s Strengths and Weaknesses
In this section, you need to delve into what the book does well. Does the author excel in character development? Is the plot engaging and well-paced? Also, be honest about any weaknesses you noticed. Perhaps the book was too slow in parts, or the ending felt rushed. By balancing your praise with constructive criticism, you will provide a fair and helpful review.
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Evaluate the Author’s Writing Style
The author’s writing style plays a significant role in how the book is received. Comment on the tone, style, and language used throughout the book. Was the writing vivid and descriptive, or did it feel overly complicated? Consider how the style either enhances or detracts from the overall story. This evaluation will give readers a sense of what to expect in terms of readability and enjoyment.
Discuss the Book’s Themes and Messages
Books often explore deeper themes and messages that resonate with readers long after they have turned the last page. Identify the book's central themes and discuss how effectively they were conveyed. Whether the book tackles social issues, explores human emotions, or presents a philosophical viewpoint, your analysis of these themes will provide readers with a deeper understanding of the book’s significance.
Conclude Your Review
Your conclusion should sum up your overall impression of the book. Did it meet your expectations? Would you recommend it to others? Offer a final verdict that encapsulates your thoughts, and suggests who might enjoy the book. This conclusion will help readers decide if the book is a good fit for their interests.
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Ultimately, your critique should address this key question: would you recommend this book to others or not? You could conclude by comparing it to other works in the same genre or to authors with a similar style, perhaps saying, "Readers who enjoy so-and-so will likely appreciate this book."
Edit and Revise Your Review
Before you hit publish, take the time to edit and revise your review. Check for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Make sure your review is balanced, offering both positive and negative points where appropriate. A well-edited review not only reflects well on you as a writer but also ensures that your review is as helpful as possible to potential readers.
Takeaways
Writing a book review is not just about sharing your opinion—it is about guiding other readers in their literary choices. By following these steps, you can craft a thoughtful, well-structured review that offers value to both readers and authors. So next time you finish a book, take a moment to reflect and share your thoughts in a review. Your insights could be just what someone needs to find their next great read.
Read more: 10 Best eBook Reader Apps for Android, iOS in 2024
2 months ago
10 Best eBook Reader Apps for Android, iOS in 2024
Plenty of ebooks are available online for purchase or free download, and you don't need a dedicated ebook reader to enjoy them. Simply use an ebook reader app on your phone or tablet. Whether you're reading Mobi, EPUB, or PDF files, there's an ebook app that suits your needs. Let’s learn about some of the best eBook Reader Apps for mobile devices.
Top Apps for Android, and iOS to Read eBooks on Screen
Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Google Play Books & Audiobooks, developed by Google LLC, is a popular reading app with a 4.3-star rating on Google Play and a 4.5-star rating on the App Store. The app is free to download, with no subscription required to purchase books. It offers millions of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga.
Features include offline reading, customisable reading settings, syncing across devices, and the ability to organize your library into shelves. The app size varies with the device, requiring Android 16.0 and iOS 16.0 or later, with an 82.4 MB download size on iOS.
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Barnes & Noble NOOK
The Barnes & Noble NOOK app is a free digital reading platform offering access to over 4 million eBooks, comics, manga, and magazines, along with 300,000 audiobooks. Developed by Barnes & Noble, the app is available on both Android and iOS.
On Google Play, it has a 3.2-star rating, while on the App Store, it holds a 4.7-star rating and needs iOS 14.0 or later. The app size is 162.3 MB on iOS. Features include customizable reading and listening experiences, syncing across devices, and family profiles for shared access.
Kobo Books
The Kobo Books app, developed by Rakuten Kobo Inc., offers a comprehensive reading experience with a 4.0 rating on Google Play and a 4.5 rating on the App Store. Free to download, it provides access to over 6 million eBooks and audiobooks. In-app purchases range from BDT 5.00 to BDT 110,000.00.
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The app is compatible with Android 8.0+ and iOS 16.0+, with a download size of 97 MB for Android and 174.1 MB for iOS. Features include customizable reading settings, audiobook playback, multi-device sync, and support for multiple languages.
Libby
Libby, the Library App, developed by OverDrive, Inc., is a free, highly-rated app for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks from libraries It boasts a 4.3 rating on Google Play and a 4.8 rating on the App Store. The app is lightweight, with a download size of 3 MB on Android and 11.2 MB on iOS.
Compatible with Android 7.1+ and iOS 10.0+, Libby allows users to browse, borrow, and read or listen to titles offline, sync reading positions across devices, and even send eBooks to Kindle (U.S. only). The app offers adjustable text settings, a versatile audiobook player, and easy library card management.
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FBReader
FBReader, developed by FBReader.ORG Limited, is a versatile and free eBook reader that supports a range of formats including ePub, PDF, Kindle azw3, and more. It has a 4.2 rating on Google Play and a 3.4 rating on the App Store.
3 months ago
Best Free Online Scriptwriting Courses in 2024
While watching a TVC or drama, have you ever wondered who wrote those lines? Screenwriting or scriptwriting refers to the art and craft of writing scripts for digital and mass media such as TVC, YouTube, plays, feature films, video games, etc. Nowadays, scriptwriting offers a dynamic career with opportunities for writers in film, television, and digital media. Here are the best free online international scriptwriting courses in 2024 to launch your writing journey.
7 Free Online Scriptwriting Courses
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Scriptwriting: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)
In this free, project-centred course, you will write a complete pilot episode for your unique TV or web series. Over 21 hours, spread across 3 weeks at 7 hours per week, you will break down the creative process, discover a structured approach, and produce a polished, pitch-ready script.
This course emphasises "Active Learning," meaning you will learn by doing. Gain confidence in your ideas and abilities, preparing you to pitch your first script and start your next project. The course holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 741 reviews. You can get more details here
https://www.coursera.org/learn/script-writing
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Learn Screenwriting Basics from 'The Avengers'
This free, 30-minute tutorial introduces beginners to screenwriting, using 'The Avengers' as a prime example. Rated 4.7 out of 5 with 384 reviews, the course covers writing an outline, structuring three acts, building scenes, and creating interesting characters.
You will learn the mechanics of big movies through 8 concise lessons. By the end, you will have an outline for your next movie, utilising techniques from one of the biggest films of all time. Get enrolled here
https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-screenwriting-basics-from-the-avengers/
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An Introduction to Screenwriting
This free online course by the University of East Anglia spans 2 weeks, with a 3-hour weekly study commitment. It introduces key concepts and fundamental principles of professional screenwriting. You will learn basic theory, script analysis, and practical exercises, covering topics like story structures, character development, scene construction, and screenplay formatting.
Ideal for beginners and experienced writers aiming to elevate their skills, this course includes engaging videos, articles, and discussions. The course has a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on 884 reviews. By the end, you will be fluent in screenplay language and concepts. Find the course here
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/screenwriting
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Professional Scriptwriting for Animated Explainer Videos & Motion Graphics
In just 38 minutes, this free course teaches you how to write engaging and high-converting scripts for animated explainer videos and motion graphics. You will learn essential skills such as determining script length, designing a professional briefing form, and capturing the brand's voice.
4 months ago
Distance Learning: Top Universities Offering Online Courses for International Students
As the world grappled with the reality of the pandemic, most of the academic activities across the world moved to online platforms. Educational institutions utilized technological tools to provide classes and even hold exams. And with that, the concept of distance learning resurged in the limelight. Many renowned universities offered distance learning even before the pandemic. With time, it is becoming a popular and convenient way of attaining a higher degree. This article looks at some of the best international universities providing distance learning opportunities.
What is Distance Learning?
The concept of distance learning is nothing new. The earliest example of distance learning dates back to the 1840s. Back then, Sir Issac Pitman taught shorthand to his students via postal mail. However, today’s concept of distance learning largely differs from that of the 1800s.
Distance learning today essentially mimics an actual classroom with teachers and students. Universities across the globe partner with platforms like Coursera, and edX to provide certification courses to aspiring students. Some universities offer these courses on their own platform. Recently, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are also made available through distance learning opportunities.
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8 Best Universities in the World with Distance Learning Opportunities
This list includes universities offering certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It's important to note that distance learning bachelor’s programs are less common than master’s or certificate courses.
University College London
University College London or UCL was founded in 1826. It was established after the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. In addition to their London campus, the university has campuses in Qatar and Australia.
UCL has 11 academic wings ranging from arts and humanities to medical sciences. It ranks 12th in US News’ list of Best Global Universities. The university offers 403 undergraduate degrees. Additionally, it offers 621 master’s degrees, and 271 online courses/degrees. The online courses are a mix of certificate as well as postgraduate degrees in all of their available academic wings.
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1 year ago
Self-learning for Career Growth: Know the Pros and Cons
In today’s rapidly-evolving professional landscape, achieving continuous career growth is a crucial objective for individuals across various industries. One powerful strategy to propel one’s professional career forward is self-learning. This is an approach where individuals take charge of their learning journey. This article delves into self-learning, exploring its advantages and limitations in the context of career advancement.
How Self-learning Strategy Can Help Career Growth
Tailored Learning Experience
Self-learning allows individuals to personalise their learning path according to their unique learning styles, pace, and preferences. In contrast, traditional classroom education often follows a standardised curriculum. Sometimes it might not align perfectly with an individual's specific career goals.
Flexibility and Convenience
Self-learning offers flexibility in terms of when and where one can learn. It accommodates busy professionals who may not have the time to attend regular classes. On the other hand, formal education often requires a fixed schedule and physical presence. This procedure makes it less convenient for those with full-time jobs or other commitments.
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Cost-effectiveness
Self-learning can be a cost-effective alternative to formal education. Many online resources and courses are available for free or at a significantly lower cost compared to tuition fees and other expenses associated with traditional education.
Speed of Learning
Self-learners have the freedom to progress at their own pace. They can dive deeper into subjects they find challenging or swiftly move through material they already understand well. In a traditional classroom setting, the pace of learning is determined by the instructor and the class as a whole.
Diverse Learning Resources
The internet provides an abundance of learning resources in various formats. It includes videos, articles, forums, and interactive platforms. Self-learners can access a vast array of materials that cater to different learning preferences. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.
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1 year ago
How AI Can Improve Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising numerous sectors and industries, including the realm of education. AI can potentially address significant global challenges and opportunities in education, encompassing aspects like accessibility, quality, equity, personalisation, and lifelong learning. This article explores how AI can lend support to educators, learners, and policymakers in creating more efficacious and all-encompassing learning environments. AI is causing a revolution in various industries, like medicine and finance. However, its impact on education is equally remarkable. Let's delve into some instances where AI is enhancing the educational landscape.
10 Ways AI Can Help Students Learn
Personalised Learning
One theory in pedagogy suggests that individuals have diverse learning styles, such as visual, aural, or kinesthetic learners. Although this theory has been debated, it is generally acknowledged that people learn differently, varying in work and study styles, learning pace, and ease with specific subjects or concepts. Given this understanding, personalising the learning experience becomes essential. However, manually tailoring lesson plans for every student is impractical due to time constraints. This is where AI-powered personalised learning comes into play.
AI's strength lies in its ability to quickly analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns, making it the perfect tool for developing personalised learning plans. AI-based learning systems can provide teachers with detailed insights into students' learning styles, abilities, and progress, enabling them to customise their teaching methods accordingly. For instance, AI can suggest more advanced work for some students and offer extra attention to others.
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Furthermore, AI can enhance accuracy in predicting results, assisting teachers in ensuring their lesson planning meets learning targets.
AI's role in planning, scheduling, and creating unique learning experiences for students can free up teachers' time, allowing them to focus on high-value tasks such as individual student support. Several universities have tested the use of chatbots for repetitive tasks typically handled by professors, providing 24/7 assistance to students.
Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning employs AI to tailor resources and learning activities to suit each learner's unique needs, especially in online learning.
This method involves rigorous analysis of a student's performance data, enabling the AI algorithm to adjust the course material's pace and difficulty, optimising the learning process.
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Adaptive learning not only improves the learning process but also saves time and resources by eliminating unnecessary repetition and focusing on areas where a student may struggle. The teacher can offer support where needed, while the student can learn at a comfortable pace.
Many companies are embracing adaptive learning to improve content delivery. A notable example is Duolingo, a language-learning app that provides personalised exercises for learning various languages. The app uses AI to ensure lessons are paced and levelled according to each student's performance.
Automated Grading
Grading assignments and exams is among the most time-consuming tasks in education. AI-powered tools, utilising machine learning algorithms, can evaluate essays, multiple-choice tests, and programming assignments with remarkable accuracy and efficiency, thus saving teachers considerable time.
Using computers for grading ensures consistency and reduces bias, including unconscious bias that teachers may have, while also providing personalised feedback to students. This encourages students to take ownership of their learning and improve in problem areas.
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Although automated grading has significant advantages, it is crucial to address biases that may persist in AI due to the underlying data used to train the algorithms. China has been experimenting with AI auto-grading platforms, with around 1 in 4 schools using machine-learning auto-grading platforms.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are computer systems powered by machine learning algorithms that offer personalised and adaptive lesson plans based on individual students' learning needs and pace. Similar to other AI tools, ITSs analyse student data to understand learning patterns, enabling them to provide customised suggestions, feedback, and exercises tailored to each student's requirements.
ITS benefits both students and teachers, allowing educators to monitor students' progress and modify their teaching approach for effective lesson delivery. Students can learn at their own pace while receiving support when needed and engaging in more advanced concepts when ready.
A study by the U.S. Department of Education revealed that existing ITS can enhance student literacy by improving their reading comprehension and writing skills. Implementing these systems in classrooms poses challenges, and natural language processing techniques have been suggested for scoring student responses.
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Smart Content Creation
Creating lesson plans presents a significant challenge for teachers, as each student has unique learning requirements. "Smart content creation" refers to the use of AI to automate and enhance the generation of educational content. AI platforms analyse student data to create personalised and engaging educational material.
This customised content can then be used to create tailored environments catering to different learning outcomes. Students can select lesson plans that align with their needs. AI can generate interactive quizzes, simulations, and experiments using chatbots, augmented reality, or virtual reality, enriching the learning experience.
Coursera is a prime example of successful smart content creation, using AI to curate multiple educational and professional courses and suggest appropriate courses based on students' learning performance, pace, and individual needs.
Learning Analytics
Analysing large amounts of student data can be a tedious task, but AI-powered automated analytics make the process easier. Teachers can use the data to track student performance and engagement, enabling timely interventions and additional support as required. Students can also leverage analytics to monitor their own progress and request help when needed.
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For instance, the University of Michigan offers a dashboard called "My Learning Analytics," allowing students to visualise and track their grade distribution, assignment planning, and resources.
Implementing learning analytics in education may face ethical and privacy issues, as well as challenges related to data collection and analysis. Addressing these concerns with the help of AI is essential to ensuring responsible usage.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants powered by AI can automate administrative tasks such as lesson planning and scheduling, freeing up teachers' valuable time to focus on essential duties like lecturing and engaging with students.
Virtual assistants also provide customised feedback to students, monitor their progress, and offer additional resources based on individual needs. Interacting with AI-powered virtual assistants has even shown positive correlations with students' academic performance.
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Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an AI field focused on making computer systems capable of understanding and interpreting human languages. NLP has various applications, such as text generation, chatbots, and information extraction. For instance, ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, serves as a language model used by students for homework help, exam preparation, and learning in general. Teachers can also use ChatGPT to prepare lesson plans and check assignments for grammar and information.
It is important to view NLP and AI as assistive technologies, not absolute sources of knowledge, as they may have limitations and potential biases. Careful consideration of the technology's impact on the education sector is essential.
Predictive Modelling
AI-powered predictive modelling analyses large amounts of data to predict various outcomes, such as student performance. This information is valuable to teachers, parents, institutions, governments, and students, as it can greatly enhance the learning experience and set benchmarks. Predictive modelling allows teachers to offer timely guidance based on students' predicted performance and previous test or exam results.
Data-driven analysis helps improve individual student performance and provides additional support when needed, enriching the learning experience. Governments can also utilise predictive modelling for planning educational goals.
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Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have gained popularity in recent years. AR overlays computer-generated content onto real-world objects, while VR creates a simulated virtual environment. These immersive technologies hold immense potential for education.
Students can interact with AR and VR learning materials to enhance their understanding of complex concepts and their overall learning experience. VR can simulate labs for conducting chemistry experiments or virtual dissections, while AR enables studying stars and galaxies up close.
AR and VR technologies have promising applications in enhancing STEM courses, medical simulations, arts and humanities materials, and technical education. They are already being utilized by various institutions, like Arizona State University (ASU), to offer unique learning experiences.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence presents promising advancements for the education sector, benefiting both teachers and students. However, it cannot replace human interaction and empathy, and addressing biases and data privacy concerns remains crucial. Integrating AI responsibly is essential for leveraging its potential while understanding its limitations. The future of education could be revolutionised with AI's continued implementation, shaping the learning experiences of future generations.
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1 year ago
Covid-induced school closures: New learning resource module launched to reduce learning gaps
Plan International Bangladesh and Surovi have developed a new learning resource module as many students, especially students from low-income areas, are facing learning gaps following long-term school closures.
This module will be used in Dhaka's 22 high schools under the "Child Bride to Bookworm" project. Bangla, English and math, have been included in this package.
This resource pack aims to develop a resource pool by providing training to 257 teachers of the selected 22 secondary schools.
Professor Nehal Ahmed, director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, launched the package in Dhaka Wednesday.
"The government has been working to reduce the learning gap caused due to Covid. The Covid crisis has emerged as a unique challenge for us. Through online education, we have worked to mitigate the challenge to a great extent," he said.
"But online classes are never an alternative to in-person classes. Students learn more effectively when they are present in the classroom and learn from the teachers directly. Long-term school closures created several challenges for us. The government has been working to reduce the learning gaps. And this flexible learning package can be an impactful initiative."
Jolly Nur Haque, director (programme development and learning) at Plan International Bangladesh, said: "The learning package will help the teachers identify the learning gaps of the students from previous classes and teach them accordingly."
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2 years ago
Motivating Kids to Study, Do Homework, Get Good Grades: Know Secret Ways
Most parents find it difficult to engage their kids to do their homework and study attentively. Some kids are reluctant to do their homework and some others claim that they don't have homework. But when the report card comes out, everything becomes clear to parents. If you face this problem, don’t be frustrated, angry, and exhausted. We are here with some proven tips on how to motivate your child to study and do homework.
What are the most common reasons kids don't want to study?
Before motivating your child to study and do homework, you should first understand the root cause of the problem.
The following are some common causes of a lack of motivation:
- Lack of interest in school work or a subject
- Low self-esteem
- Bullying at school or home
- Depression
- Poor grades in school
- Excessive pressure from parents and teachers.
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13 ways to encourage your child to study, do homework
Make it Fun
Encourage them to complete your homework by making it enjoyable! Teachers have discovered that doing homework with amusement is the most effective method to motivate students to complete it. The trick is to find out the student's passions and then apply their interests to provide the basis to help them with their homework. For example, if the student is passionate about sports, maybe you can assign them a task where they make their team and also write about it.
Offer a Reward
Another best way to motivate the child to study is to provide a good incentive. A good reward can be an outing with the family or a film night. Some prizes may be better suited for youngsters, like an exciting new video game or toy. Rewards work best to make them regular and prompt.
Be Consistent
Keep supporting your child's efforts to perform well in school. It is crucial to consistently support your child's endeavors at school. Your constant assistance will make them feel more secure and inspired to succeed in school.
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Be Present
Keep them in your presence when they're at school or working on an assignment. The most important thing you can do is to remain present and not get distracted by other activities. If you're in the moment and can assist your child with their work or assignments, they will feel more confident about themselves.
Create A Study Plan Together
A child thrives with structure. Having a proper study plan can help to keep your child focused. Sit with your child and develop an outline of how they will complete their homework every evening.
Your plan should contain:
-What amount of time needs to be spent on homework?
-How often should breaks be taken, and how long?
-Which tasks should be given priority.
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Make Study Time Easier
Make studying as simple as you can by providing them with everything they need to finish work:
-A quiet space: Find an area that is quiet and free of distractions for your child to work in.
-Drinks and food: A child cannot concentrate on the task with an empty stomach. Offer your child small snacks before studying and drink plenty of water to stay focused.
-The best instruments: Make sure that pencils, an eraser, a calculator, and other essential tools are readily available, so you don't have to locate them.
Achieving that your child has everything he or she requires will mean fewer fights and excuses.
Distractions
Today, the primary distractions for students are likely their devices on the internet, such as mobile phones. Studies have shown that schools that have banned mobile phones saw an impressive increase in students' academic performance. Thus, while your child is doing homework, you should try to take the electronics from their room. This will allow them to complete their work more quickly and better.
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Help your child organize their time
The quality of organizing anything is an essential nature your child needs to develop and learn. If they are assigned various tasks to accomplish, take them to a table and inquire about the most efficient method of splitting your hours. Offer suggestions if there's a better way to do it. Outline and assist them in adhering to it to complete their duties.
Growth mindset
When it comes to homework, You may hear your child say "I don't know how to do this" as well as "I can't do this". This kind of thinking is called fixed thinking and implies that their skills are fixed in stone.
The opposite, also known as the growth mentality, is based on the idea that you can improve your ability, intelligence and performance. As a parent you must inspire your child to build a growth mindset. Inspire them that they can achieve what they desire with a little additional time and effort.
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Be a role model
Let your child observe you working on tasks that they need to do, for example, creating grocery lists or discussing what you've completed at work during the day. If your child sees that you are also doing things, it will encourage your child to complete homework too.
Focus on learning instead of performance
Instead of focusing on the grades, focus on the achievements of learning, both big and small. Praise your child when he or she can solve an intricate math problem or after he or she is finished writing the initial outline or essay. If you shift the focus to studying, the child will have more fun doing work, increasing motivation.
Encourage your child to set small goals
Instruct your children to establish small, manageable goals for their studies in line with what must be achieved. Setting goals provides your child with a clear direction of what they need to accomplish and increases confidence when they complete the objectives.
Examples of goals for studying are:
-Complete one chapter of the reading assigned
-Notes on review for 20 minutes
-Take 5 practice questions from the text.
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Take proper study breaks
The brain of children may become distracted and lose focus without interruptions. Breaking down studies into manageable pieces is crucial to keep your child's mind sharp and active. Make sure your child takes regular breaks during study.
What is the Best Strategy for Motivating Kids?
The best strategy for motivating kids is to give them the right amount of autonomy. This will make the child feel like they are in control of their own destiny and more motivated to do what you want them to do.
Here are some ways that parents can give their children more autonomy:
- Give them the freedom to choose their clothes in the morning
- Help them to choose what they want for dinner
- Let them decide when they want to go to bed.
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Bottom Line
Children are naturally stubborn. They like to play instead of sitting down in a space and doing homework. If your child is not willing to study or complete homework, you need to deal with this problem with patience. So far, we have discussed several ways to motivate your child to study, and complete homework. Incorporating these suggestions into your daily routine can make the learning process go faster. This will support your child's academic growth.
2 years ago
Everyday Habits to Learn English Successfully
English is indispensable around the globe. International businesses hold meetings in English, Universities offer courses in English, and all over the world, travellers and tourists use English as a standard language. Therefore, it is impossible to compete in the current competitive market without having good English writing or speaking skills. However, learning English can be challenging, and that progress requires time and effort. Can everyday habits help your English learning process?
10 Habits Can Help You Improve Your English
We have many habits. Some are good while some may be bad. But practising some good habits can help your learning process. Here are 10 proven tips to help you establish solid learning habits to make English learning a part of your everyday life.
Make a Routine
The process of learning a language isn't something that can happen over the night. It is necessary to set aside time for it and think about the best time and place to incorporate it into your schedule. Small, regular pieces of work tend to be more efficient than long, more frequent ones. Therefore, spending much time is not essential.
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You can take five to ten minutes to review your vocabulary or complete some exercises daily. A regular session with your teacher will eventually help increase your proficiency.
Focus on Pronunciation
When planning is done, focus on your pronunciation. Research on the internet and local English language learning institutes to collect resources. You can also follow helpful YouTube channels who teach English pronunciation accurately.
Learning the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) will help you pronounce every English word accurately. Start studying and practising the correct pronunciation through following a daily routine. It would be best if you can practise your pronunciation while communicating with friends, colleagues or teachers in everyday life.
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The habit of improving pronunciation does not mean getting rid of your original accent artificially. Rather, it means making your pronunciation clear enough for others so that they can comprehend what you are saying when you speak. Proper English pronunciation will help you avoid many hassles and confusion in both daily life and career path.
Apply English for Doing Things You Love
You will be able to master the language faster by using the language while learning it. There are various ways to achieve this, but the most effective is to utilise it to perform something you love.
For instance, if your passion is music, travel, sports, fashion, art, or even reading news, you should try doing your work and making the necessary communications through the English language. This habit will help you hone your English language skills in a stress-free and natural way.
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Write
Make the habit of writing every day. It has incredible advantages. Writing is among the most effective ways to remember new English terms and phrases that you have encountered recently. It is the best way to remember vocabulary too.
While reading a book, online article, or watching television shows, you come across fresh concepts and phrases. Rather than just listening to the terms, and allowing them to remain in your head, note them down. You can keep a notebook for this purpose.
Later, you can utilise the new vocabulary and sentence structures to express your thoughts through spoken or written English.
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Read
The habit of reading will help you learn new vocabularies, sentence structure, etc. You should read something every day. It may be online news, articles, journals or a printed book or newspaper. However, you may feel overwhelmed confronting new words.
If you are at a basic level, consider comics or books for children. Although it may seem silly, the images, common words, and basic structure of sentences will help you comprehend the story. Thus, you can strengthen your grasp in English day by day.
Regular reading practice will not only help you to understand everyday vocabulary, but also enable you to develop the skill of speaking and writing in the English language.
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Listening
Everyone loves movies. Find the english dubbed versions of your favourite television shows, dramas or movies. For the beginners, it is an excellent idea to enjoy movies with English subtitles.
Besides entertainment, make the habit of listening to English contents or resources for professional and education purposes. For instance, you can use the internet to search for the topics you are interested in such as science, technology, sports, business, history or anything else. You can listen to international news telecasts, podcasts, youtube videos, etc,
Overlook Mistakes
It's easier to say than to do. Continue the practice of learning. Use the English language for listening, writing and speaking whenever you get the chance.
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Don't worry about mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, including native speakers! and making mistakes is the most effective learning method! There will be a time when you will easily identify the errors you have made. Thus you can develop the ability to rectify mistakes without the help of your teacher.
Speak and Record
Try to speak in English when you communicate in professional life. Even if it's difficult to know how to express something, don't translate directly, but find a way to convey what you wish to say. Make use of simple phrases. Simple sentences can make you feel more comfortable and assist you in translating what you are thinking into words.
Self-critical learners attempt to evaluate their progress. Record yourself speaking a short text or discussing the topic. You can utilise the webcam of your laptop or computer and the video camera of your phone.
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After you have made your recording, review it immediately and consider what you could do to improve the quality of your recording. Re-record it, then watch it and compare it to your original recording to see whether it's better. Continue this process regularly and save all of your old recordings. After a few months, you will begin to notice a noticeable improvement.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Refresh your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. This will allow you to write well-formed sentences and increase your confidence when speaking English.
You can learn new vocabularies from online resources, printed books, dictionaries, etc. Besides these, the habit of reading, and listening to English contents will introduce you to many new vocabularies. For memorising vocabulary you can use diverse techniques like using vocabulary cards, writing blogs, etc.
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Grammar is very essential to write and speak English correctly. The basic Grammar includes, Parts of Speech, voice, narration, syntax, idioms, Phrases, etc. Pick a good grammar book to learn the basic to intermediate level grammar. Then advance your knowledge accordingly. You can take the help of a mentor to learn Grammar in a systematic way.
Make the habit of applying the grammar lessons in your everyday English communication including speaking and writing.
Join a discussion
Participate in English discussions about something you are interested in. You can join or create an online community. Schedule some time in your daily routine to check in and look at what other people are talking about a certain topic. Try to share your opinions too.
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While navigating social media or social networking platforms, you will see that numerous people are placing queries regarding many issues. If you have knowledge regarding any of these queries, take it as an opportunity to express your opinion. Stop scrolling and share your opinion in English. This habit will encourage you to communicate in English without hesitation.
Bottom Line
In your suitable time of the day practice reading, and writing in English. Create a flexible schedule to get you started. During leisure time, try to watch dramas in English or with subtitles. For professional purposes try to communicate in English with the right pronunciation. At home, practise English speaking by recording yourself regularly and then re-listening the recordings.
So far, we have discussed some simple but efficient habits for successful English language learning. Keep in mind that developing healthy habits requires a bit of time. It's not as simple as deciding you should do it.
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Dyslexia: How to help kids with this learning disability
Disorders that affect the abilities of understanding or using spoken or written language, doing mathematical calculations, coordinating movements, directing attention are called learning disabilities. Dyslexia is one kind of learning disability. This may happen in very young children but they are generally not recognized until the child reaches school age. Continue scrolling to know how to help children with Dyslexia.
What is dyslexia?
If a child struggles with reading, writing, or speaking maybe she or he is with dyslexia. When you or your partner or someone else in your large family struggles to learn to read, dyslexia is probably the cause.
It is a specific learning difficulty and can affect (10-15)% of the population. It can be mild, moderate, or severe and it can run in families. If a child experiences a particular learning difficulty like dyslexia, it does not mean they are less intelligent than their peers, they just process and learn in a different way.
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Reading and spelling difficulties are most common in dyslexia. Besides, it can also affect an individual’s ability to remember information also.
Symptoms of Dyslexia
Although it is difficult to identify the signs and symptoms of dyslexia before your child enters school, some early clues may indicate a problem.
Before school
Symptoms that a young child may experience are as follow:
-Late talking
-Learning new words slowly
-Face problems forming words correctly- reversing sounds in words or confusing words that sound alike
-Cannot easily remember letters, numbers, and colors
-Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or playing rhyming games.
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School-age
Dyslexia signs and symptoms of school-age children may be:
-Reading level remains below the expected level for age
-Face difficulties in processing and understanding hearing
-Don't find the right word or form answers to questions
-Cannot remember the sequence of things
-Problems sounding out the pronunciation of an unfamiliar word
-Difficulty spelling
-Take a long time completing tasks related to reading or writing
-Don't like to take part in reading activities.
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Teens and adults
Some common dyslexia signs and symptoms in teens and adults are:
-Difficulty aloud reading
-Slow and labor-intensive reading and writing
-Problems spelling
-Difficulties of mispronunciation
-Take a long time completing tasks that involve reading or writing
-Difficulty summarizing a story
-Trouble learning a foreign language
-Difficulty memorizing
-Difficulty doing math problems.
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Causes of Dyslexia
Dyslexia tends to be a genetic problem. The causes are as follows:
-A family history of dyslexia
-Premature birth or low birth weight
-Take nicotine, drugs, or alcohol during pregnancy or being infected that may alter brain development in the fetus
Complications of Dyslexia
Dyslexia can create the following problems:
Trouble learning
Of course, reading is a basic skill like most other school subjects. A child with dyslexia experiences difficulties in reading class and cannot keep up with peers.
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Social problems
Children with dyslexia may experience low self-esteem, behavior problems, anxiety, aggression, and withdrawal from friends, parents, and teachers.
Problems as adults
Children with dyslexia or learning disabilities cannot reach their potential when they grow up.
10 Effective Ways to Help Children with Dyslexia
Here are 10 practical ways to assist kids with dyslexia.
Nurture thinking skills
Grow thinking skills in your child so that they become an independent and active learner rather than passive learner. Discuss the problem or topic related to school assignments. Share points of view. You can spend fun and quality time together with your child.
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Work on reading skills
Ask them some questions to understand your reading comprehension. The questions may include: What do you have to find out? What do you already know? Who are the main characters? What are the main ideas? Have you read something like this before? What’s your plan for answering this question? If your children follow these steps, they will increase their reading skills.
Work independently
Let your child handle his or her work independently. But make sure you follow up afterward. Your follow-up question: Did you use your plan? Is this your best work? Can you clarify this? Show me how to do it?
Praise
Never forget to praise appropriately to your child. Perfect praise and rewards are a great thing for your child. Don’t miss any opportunities to acknowledge their effort and highlight the positives where you can.
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Building positive self-image
Dyslexic children may have to try much harder than other kids to keep up with school work, which can be tiring and eat away at self-esteem. So, let them create a positive self-image of themselves and remind them of their strengths. Help them keep things in perspective when they're having a bad time.
Allowing enough sleep
Enough sleep is fundamental for every child and it is more essential for dyslexia children. Naturally, a well-fed and well-rested child learns better. So, make sure they go to bed early so that they wake up refreshed. A good night’s sleep boosts confidence and helps review information right before bed.
Providing study space
Different children learn in different ways. Some can study in a noisy place but some others cannot. Try to understand your child's choice and make sure they know they have a dedicated space to retreat to when they need it.
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Following custom calendar
A custom calendar can give your child a nice routine for his studies. Prepare a calendar and put it on a notice board or the fridge and keep it up to date. Make your child prepared for tomorrow the night before.
Setting ground rules
If you have a target for work to be completed, make some ground rules. Never tolerate conflict. As you are in charge as a parent, set out your expectations clearly. Make them understand that without finishing the work, they don’t enjoy certain privileges.
Bottom Line
Dyslexia or learning disability is not a permanent or serious problem. Your care, love and companionship can ease this problem. Besides, you need to take some effective steps to work with dyslexia-affected children. Our above-mentioned tips will help to handle your child with dyslexia.
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2 years ago