Wednesday, March 25, 2020

A Career in Computational Chemistry

A Career in Computational ChemistryComputational chemistry jobs are found in the fields of medical research, biotechnology, environmental science, microbiology, and chemical engineering. These jobs require highly specialized knowledge of chemical processes and elements that can be found in nature, and may also involve learning about unknown elements.The two areas of biomedical research that are on the increase are imaging and diagnostics. Biomedical researchers need computer software for analyzing the image that is captured from a clinical or imaging instrument, as well as for data extraction from the images. Data extraction involves use of a computer program to extract what the imaging instrument can see out of the sample being examined. Since image analysis requires the knowledge of image processing, imaging scientists must use computational chemistry to help make their job easier.Molecular biology, on the other hand, is the study of how cells use protein and other building blocks to build up cells. As molecular biologists, they also need computational chemistry programs to help them better understand how proteins work together with other molecules to create a living cell. The chemical structures that molecular biologists study is based on observations made by animals. For example, the eye is composed of proteins and water, but an expert in computational chemistry will be able to predict the design that a human eye would have, because it is based on the observation of living organisms.However, not all computational chemistry jobs are as technically challenging as one might think. Some simply involve making numerical models to describe the behavior of molecules that are far too large to be measured or manipulated using chemical methods. Although molecular modeling is essential to all fields of biomedical research, it is useful in computational chemistry jobs because the building blocks that are used in such modeling include things like atoms, particles, and pa rticles of different sizes.Computational chemistry jobs require knowledge of computer programming, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and more. To ensure a good chance of getting a good job, one must look into careers that offer both academic training and practical experience.Jobs related to biology, medical research, and molecular biology require much more training and certification than jobs related to computing or engineering. One should look for jobs that offer both field work and educational experience in order to ensure that they get the most experience possible. They can do this by volunteering in various educational or scientific fields or by getting hired at schools and institutes where there are summer school programs for students who are interested in career advancement.Although computational chemistry jobs are high tech and involve good pay, they are also often on the higher end of the scale for a position. Careers in these positions often require long-term relationships with larger corporations or research labs.

Friday, March 6, 2020

An introverts guide to confrontation - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / An introvert’s guide to confrontation - Introvert Whisperer An introvert’s guide to confrontation Confrontation is probably in the top three of most introverts’ lists of ‘Things I really, really don’t like to do’. After all, confrontation is just a group meeting with added anger and intensity, right? Well, only if you’re doing it wrong. In fact, facing up to conflict can play to an introvert’s strengths and free up precious emotional energy to focus on more productive tasks. Bottling up a sense of anger or injustice, on the other hand, is likely to have damaging effects on your nervous system. And you don’t want to be that quiet guy in the office who explodes every so often. Get it out of your system, clear the air, and you’re more likely to be able to get on with your own thing without worrying whether your colleagues are correctly attending to theirs. The trick to confrontation as an introvert is twofold. On the first hand, you need to prepare your case by researching and thinking through the background to the area of conflict, defining your boundaries for yourself and a resolution or range of solutions with which you’ll be satisfied. This will make you more confident and more adept at dealing with the second part: remaining open, listening to the other guy, and responding in real time. Take it as an opportunity to learn, and remember that your voice will be heard more clearly by someone who in turn believes that they are being listened to. Listening may also help you to get outside your head and remain objective and practical about what has happened and what’s being said. That way, you can focus your criticisms on tangible mistakes, offences, and solutions, rather than verbally linking his offence to his character (i.e. ‘you’re late because you’re lazy’). Such statements are insensitive, unprofessional â€" and ineffective. This new infographic breaks down the ideal confrontation process into steps so you can be assured you’re arming yourself the best you can before you step outside your safety zone. Make yourself comfortable with confrontation, and you have one less thing to worry about each time you reach the office.

ACT and Scholarships Survey

HLC Announces Results of 2019 SAT/ACT and Scholarships Survey Huntington Learning Center, a leading test prep and tutoring services provider, recently completed its annual survey of college students about their SAT/ACT scores and scholarship dollars received. Responses on ACT/SAT results (2019) were as follows: Total scholarships awarded to Huntington students surveyed was $187 million, up from $140 million in 2018. Of the students surveyed, scholarship offers averaged over $71,000 per student. The average increase for students taking the ACT after completing a Huntington ACT prep program was 5.4 points. In 2018, the increase was 5.2 points. The average increase for students taking the SAT after completing a Huntington SAT prep program was 229 points. In 2018, the increase was 226 points. Eileen Huntington of the Huntington Learning Center says that Huntingtons test prep programs have proven successful for many years. We take an individualized approach, which is highly effective because our programs are designed to meet students needs and not as one-size-fits-all curricula, she says. The upward success trajectory of our survey findings confirms what becomes very clear during one of our SAT or ACT exam prep sessions: customized learning yields better results. Huntingtons positive news comes as U.S. News and World Report shares that more students in the graduating class of 2019 took the SAT than ever before2.2 million, a 4 percent increase from 2018. The increase is largely attributed to more states allowing schools to administer the test during the school day for free. More students from low-income areas and students whose parents did not attend college took the exam. Overall, median SAT scores (2019) for math and reading dropped slightly. Huntington explains that while score fluctuations are to be expected year to year, good test preparation makes a difference. When students have a good handle on their strengths and weaknesses and take the time to study carefully, they perform better, she says. At our 300 centers across the country, we have seen great improvement among students for that reason. Diligent, focused studying makes all the difference. For more information about Huntington Learning Centers exam prep services and how they help students perform better on the SAT and ACTand prepare for college successcontact Huntington Learning Center at 1-800 CAN LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

21 English Verbs connected to Movement - Intermediate Level English

21 English Verbs connected to Movement - Intermediate Level English Each of us has a different set of legs and arms and eyes, and we move different ways. Here you will learn 21 English verbs connected to Movement.  I also have a separate post for 6 different words for Walking in English so make sure to read that one too.   21 English Movement Verbs Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: BEND DOWNto lean down, to move closer to the groundex. She dropped her pen, so she bent down to pick it up.CHASEto follow someone in order to catch themex. ‘Stop!’ she shouted as she chased the thief through the park.CLIMBto use your hands and knees to go up on somethingex. From an early age it had always been his ambition to climb Mount Everest.DASHto go somewhere in a great hurryex. He dashed across the street to catch a bus on the other side of the park.HOPto jump a short distanceex. Kangaroos don’t really run, they hop. JUMPto push yourself off a surface and up into the air using your legsex. He had to jump across the stream as there wasnt a footbridge.LIMPto walk unevenly because of having a damaged leg or footex. He was limping really badly after being kicked on the ankle.MARCHto walk with a steady regular stepex. The soldiers marched proudly through the streets.PICK UPto lift something up, to collect and put things away in order to make a place look tidy and organisedex. Dont leave your clothes on the floor!, the mother said to her 15-year-old son. Pick them up!RIDEto travel on something. For example, you can ride a horse or your bicycleex. Riding your racing bicycle in the mountains is an amazing experience.Scroll down to learn English verbs connected to movement 11 21 English Verbs connected to Movement SLIDEto move something in continuous contact with a surfaceex. There was ice on the pavement and the children were having fun sliding down it.STAGGERto move or walk unsteadily as if you are about to fallex. The drunken men staggered home along the pavement.STANDto be in an upright positionex. There were no seats left in the room by the time we got there, so we had to stand at the back.LEAP  to jump a long distanceex. He had to leap over the gap to reach the other side of the hill.THROWto use your hand and make something to go through the airex. The children kicked the ball into our neighbours garden and asked him to throw it back to them.CATCHopposite to throw. If someone throws something to you, you catch itex. Jim stood there ready to catch the ball.LEANto move the top part of your body in a particular directionex. He leaned against the wall with his arms folded.SQUATto move yourself closer to the ground with your legs bent under your body and keep your weight on your heelsex. I ha ve read that you have to squat to have great legs.STRETCHto straighten your arms and legs to their full lengthex. Its important to stretch after your workout, it reduces muscle tension and increases relaxation.GRABto take hold of something with your hand in an abrupt or rude wayex. He grabbed my wrist and twisted it painfully.PUNCHto hit hard with your fistex. He grabbed me violently and then he punched me in the chest.

Write On! 3 Cool Ways to Get Solid Foreign Language Writing Practice

Write On! 3 Cool Ways to Get Solid Foreign Language Writing Practice Write On! 3 Cool Ways to Get Solid Foreign Language Writing Practice Speaking gets most of the press, but writing is a major part of learning a language.The benefits of writing while learning are majorly neglected, too.While  writing, you have all the time in the world to think, correct yourself and polish your work.Its a great flip side to  the adrenaline of speaking!Not only that, but it’s one of the four major skills involved in becoming proficient in a language, along with speaking, reading  and listening.Writing does come with its own challenges. However, it’s super easy to get started learning.So, you wanna get started writing in your target language? Well, let me tell youâ€"there are plenty of exciting ways to do that! No need to limit yourself to classroom essays or textbook exercises, especially if those aren’t your cup of tea.Follow these tips, and soon youll be taking advantage of awesome online resources and interacting with native speakers in order to improve your writing skills! Write On! 3 Cool Ways to Get Solid Foreign Language Writing Practice1. Journaling  OnlineEver wish you could get your attempts at writing corrected by native speakers? Well, with sites like Lang-8 and italki, you can! Thanks to  amazingâ€"and freeâ€"resources like these, you don’t need a tutor or teacher in real life to correct your  compositions.Both of these sites allow you to write a journal entry  in your target language, but with a social media twist.Sign up, make an account and get to writing! Native speakers will correct your grammar and vocabulary mistakes. Turnaround is fast, even for less commonly spoken languages.If you want a professional eye, italki is the ideal platform to hire a paid tutor.How to Get the Most Out of JournalingLang-8 and italki are great resources in and of themselves, but we can make them even more effective for learning how to write clearly and correctly.Write ConsistentlyThis can mean very different things for different people, so don’t feel bad if your writing schedule looks different than some one else’s. For example, a busy person with a full-time job and kids might be able to write only a post or two on weekends. A student with a more flexible schedule might be able to write a post three times a week, or even every day.The key here is to be consistent.If you write on Saturday mornings, always write a post on Saturday morning. If you make the commitment to write every day, then stick with it. The consistency will pay off far more than binge writing every now and again.If remembering is an issue for you, try setting an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to get those words in.You can also ask questions in the comments sections to  clarify any confusing points you may have in mind.Add Some VarietyAdditionally, you can get the most out of journaling by writing about a wide variety of topics and in a number of different styles. Changing it up forces you to learn and use new vocabulary and grammar. It also  keeps things interesting for you! For instance, you could write:Movie/book synopses or reviewsFriendly letters (you don’t have to actually send them!)Personal essaysShort storiesPoetryEach of these suggestions has different requirements for style, so  you’ll probably end up learning more than you bargained for. Try not to fall back on writing diary entries on your daily life too oftenâ€"those can be great, but they’re limiting in terms of style and content.Remember Those CorrectionsFinally, make sure to practice the  corrected words and phrases you get back with an SRS (Spaced Repetition System).  SRS is a great tool for remembering vocab and grammarâ€"it forces you to review concepts that you struggle with or that have faded into the background of your memory.For one, you can use the unique SRS built into FluentU by importing any bits of your writing that have been corrected online. Youll get to practice it using FluentU multimedia flashcards and interactive games, and youll even get to hear how those words, phrases or grammar patt erns are used by natives in authentic videos from within the program.Alternatively, you can try out a more conventional flashcard app like Anki  or you can write out your own cards by hand.  To get the most out of your corrections here, enter the whole corrected sentence (in the target language) on the front of the card and your English/native language translation on the back. That way, you’ll be reminded of the correct grammar and word usage over and over.2. Venture into the Wild World of ForumsYou thought forums were a thing of the early 2000s? Think again!In many circles, online forums are alive and wellâ€"and they’re a fantastic way to practice a new language. Find a forum focused on an interest of yours (a hobby, profession, game, sport, etc.) in your  target language and have at it!There are tons of forums on every subject imaginable. For example, check out this French video game forum or this  Spanish movie forum. You could even just participate in general question and an swer forumsâ€"here’s Japanese Yahoo Answers! Simply Google “name of your hobby + forum” in your target language to see what’s out there.Forums are great places to get started interacting with native speakers. The low-pressure atmosphere combined with people who share your interests makes for a relaxing yet motivating learning experience.You’ll be interacting with folks outside of the world of language learning, which makes for more interesting conversation than you would find when just sticking to learning circles. To everyone else on the forum, you’re just another person who shares the same interest.However, this comes with a caveatâ€"while you can ask for corrections, your fellow forum-goers may not be as enthusiastic about teaching the language. Just remember to be polite and  say you’re learning!How to Get the Most Out of ForumsKeep It SimpleAt first, depending on your level, youll want to start out posting short, simple responses. Lang-8 or italki are the places t o practice long, flowery language. Here, just try to write without making too many mistakesâ€"and this usually means sticking with what you know really well. As people respond and you get the hang of it, you’ll end up writing longer responses.Imitate!By copying how other people write, you’ll learn plenty of slang words and casual sentence structures. This ain’t how your textbook teaches writing! Look up new vocab and familiarize yourself with terms about the subject matter of the forum.Participate in ChatroomsAnother relic from the past, right? Again, a lot of places online still have chatrooms, and theyre often in the same online communities as these forums. Chatrooms are a wonderful way to see people talk in something close to real time. Participating in a chatroom is great for learning to think on your feet in preparation for speaking with natives.You can also download HelloTalk  on your device to get your own personal chat going with a native speaker.3. Get a PenpalPenpals bring with them even more benefits for learning to write. Find one on sites like Conversation Exchange where you can specify that you want to practice writing (email or snail mail) rather than live speaking.Penpals will correct you, just like the native speakers using other online resources, but it will be a much more personal interaction. On Lang-8 or italki  , your post will be corrected by whoever finds it first. With a penpal, you get to know one person over time, and theyll become familiar with the types of mistakes you’re prone to making.Once you get to know one another, you can comfortably ask questionsâ€"or ask for brutal honesty about your writing. And considering that this isn’t a social media experience, a good penpal will take the time to answer you!How to Get the Most Out of Your PenpalBe Discriminating in Your Penpal SearchWhen you’re beginning your penpal search, try to find someone who’s just as committed as you are, someone who wants to practice English (or another language you speak natively) and is serious about writing regularly. When you find someone with similar goals, make a schedule so you’re always exchanging letters and emails!Youll also have better luck in establishing a long-term friendship if you look for someone who shares something in common with you. Shared hobbies, profession, life stageâ€"these can all provide subject matter to write about!Write Letters in  Both LanguagesSince these interactions are generally set up as language exchanges, your penpal probably wants to practice English or another language you know well. This is fine! Simply write your letters twiceâ€"once in your target language, once in the language your partner wants to practice. Ask your partner to do the same. This way, you get corrections on every letter, rather than taking turns writing in different languages.Pick Your Penpal’s BrainFinally, use your new friend for detailed info on grammar. They’ll be more able to tell you what “sounds ri ght”â€"the kind of nuance that’s always elusive to the language learner! It’s this kind of detailed learning that’s difficult to do on a learning site  or casual forum, so take advantage of your penpal’s insider knowledge! And, of course, provide them with the same helpful details on the language they want to practice, too!There’s a way to practice writing for every personality, so settle down and write something in your target language.After all, the only way to improve is to practice!

Amman Academy

Amman Academy Amman Academy About Amman AcademyLocated in West Amman, Amman Academy (AA) is a private co-educational, bilingual (English and Arabic) day school enrolling 1,628 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The school was established in 1993 and has been an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School since 2006. It is authorized to teach the IB Middle Years Program (MYP), and a candidate for the IB Primary Years Program (PYP). Students completing the MYP transition into the IB Diploma Programme (grades 11-12). This is an academically challenging program wherein students study six subjects over the course of two years, complete internal assessments that are moderated abroad, and sit for an external examination in each subject at the end of the program. Amman Academy is comprised of four separate schools which coordinate to offer the student body a complete and continuous academic and social experience.Amman Academy is a top ranking private school in Jordan. Between the years 2008 and 2014, AA s tudents achieved a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma Program examinations and an average score surpassing the international average.Amman Academy’s campus covers an area that exceeds 16,2000 m2 and includes three media centers housing a collection of more than 75,000 books, seven computer labs, six science labs, a state-of-the-art solar energy photovoltaic (PV) lab, two theaters, and numerous green spaces. Sports facilities include an indoor pool, outdoor basketball court, a gymnasium and two soccer fields with comfortable risers that accommodate hundreds of spectators.The school is converting to an eco-friendly facility, and much of its energy is provided by solar power. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, while iPads are available for student use in the classrooms and media centers. The school contains 120 desktops, all of which are connected through 40 servers, and all staff members are provided with laptops. The school’s campus is fully wireless.Mission Statement“Amman Academy is anIBWorld School and a center of academic excellence and creativity. Our core strategic objective is to prepare our graduates to join the finest universities in the world.AA aims to prepare principled future leaders who are tolerant, caring and responsible. Our graduates are disciplined life-long learners capable of making a positive impact on the world around them.Amman Academy students are proud of their national heritage and its contributions whilst appreciating and respecting other cultures.”

4 Things Students Can do to Improve Their SAT Scores

4 Things Students Can do to Improve Their SAT Scores Tips from an Orange County SAT Tutor: 4 things students can do to improve their SAT scores Most college prep students are anxiously studying to take the SAT. These scores are pretty crucial to a college applicant’s future because it can, in part, determine where a student is admitted and whether or not they receive scholarship money. Students have the opportunity to take the test more than once, but this will take up a substantial amount of their free time and cause extra stress. One of the best things students can do is practice tips and tricks for improving their scores before the big day our private Orange County SAT tutoring will have you prepared for test day. 1. Mimic the test as closely as possible When prep students are taking practice exams or sections of the SAT, they are encouraged to duplicate the exam as closely as possible. Many students take a section untimed or allow themselves a couple of extra minutes to finish, which can artificially raise their score. Other students take a couple of sections in the morning and then take a long lunch break before finishing the exam. On the actual day, students will have to take the test very early in the morning from start to finish with only a couple of breaks. This means they’ll be more tired and need extra concentration to keep their score high. For students to know where theyre starting out it’s important to get a realistic base score when they take a practice exam. 2. Study vocabulary One of the best things students can do to improve their overall SAT score is to work on broadening their vocabulary. This doesnt mean that students need to memorize list after list of vocab words, but rather they should learn which words are most appropriately used in a sentence, which words have a positive or negative connotation, and which words are considered archaic. Students can do this by reading novels, news articles, and other academic texts or writing sentences where a particular vocab word might be used. They might do a word of the day challenge, or they might work on vocab with their study group. The important thing is that students can improve their vocabulary over time and be able to add these new words and phrases to their reading comprehension and writing skills on exam day (READ: IRVINE SAT TUTOR: Why Students Should Take the SAT Early). 3. Brush up on math formulas Its also essential for students to make sure they know the many math formulas that theyll have to remember when taking the exam. Whether its a simple or advanced formula, forgetting one small piece can certainly mess a student up and lower their overall score. Students can do a few formula review sheets or take some notes that they can go over the days leading up to the exam. Most students who are good at math learn by doing, and so completing a few practice problems is always helpful. 4. Lower stress to improve concentration When students are overwhelmed by the many tasks they need to complete during their college prep years, they tend to have more trouble concentrating on one important task such as the SAT. Starting a week or two before the big day students should eliminate, or at least minimize, the other chores they have in front of them. They may need to talk to a teacher or coach about their upcoming test date, or they may benefit from working with a private tutor who can help organize other assignments or college prep materials that are due within a few days of the SAT exam. The lower a student’s stress level, the more likely they are to be able to concentrate on the test and be successful the first time around. Great news, Orange County! Weve launched   www.TutorNerd.com to offer the best online and in-home tutoring in SoCal. Get 50% off your first online or in-home tutoring session with code: SUCCESS. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.