Classes Vs. Lessons What is the Best Way to Learn French

Classes Vs. Lessons What is the Best Way to Learn French Sign up successful Personal Attention However, commensurate with a higher cost for private lessons comes a higher focus on your learning. Just as cost of a teacher is spread over all the students in a class, so too the teachers time is divided between them: any personal attention or accommodation for your individual needs and preferences has to compete with others. If your learning patterns fit well with the teachers educational methods, this may not be much of a concern, but finding a match like that is essentially a matter of luck. Convenience Another primary benefit you purchase with the extra cost of a private lesson is convenience. Classes must take place at a set time, and students are expected to arrange their own schedules accordingly. If you miss a lesson, its incumbent on you to catch up on your own or risk falling behind permanently. Commutes can also be onerous. Again, its certainly possible that you will find a class that fits well with your schedule and doesnt require much travel to reach, but you cant count on it. A private tutor, on the other hand, only needs to work to your schedule (and their own), and can be available at a time thats convenient for you. There are limits, of course, but when its often a matter of as little as a half an hour either way to avoid conflict, the ability to control your scheduling can make all the difference. There again, tutors generally meet at your home, or in some public place convenient for you. If this means a long commute for them, you may be required to pay a little extra to cover transportation costs and time, but the  time  commitment of the commute has been shifted away from you. Private tutors are also available online. You can take lessons via Skype or Google Hangouts and receive all the same benefits of private lessons, typically at a lower cost than traditional in-person lessons, with the added convenience of being able to take your lessons anywhere you have an Internet connection. However you choose to proceed, best of luck and welcome to the study of French! Dont wait too long to get started.  Search for a French tutor near you or online today! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Morgan

Everything to Know About Japanese Entertainment

Everything to Know About Japanese Entertainment Entertainment in the Land of the Rising Sun ChaptersThe Must-See Films of JapanBest Japanese TV SeriesJapanese Game ShowsManga Publication MagazinesNippon is one home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth and, because of this, has witnessed countless examples of artistry in the forms of sculpting, painting, photography and film-making. Having influenced East Asian popular culture since time immemorial, Japan saw artistry flourish even in the Heian and Meiji periods.Today, Japan travel and tourism isn't just centred around understanding Japanese government, culture and society but also aspects such as street fashion, Japanese television, media and more. From the 17th century, Ukiyo style of painting to the Tokyo and Kyoto subculture of Harajuku's Lolita fashion - art created for and by Japanese audiences has been steadily gaining traction on the world stage for decades now.Whether it be anime and manga or television documentaries, getting to know Japanese culture and language doesn't strictly mean you have to take a trip to Japan. On the contrary, Japanese language and popular culture has been made much more accessible thanks to the help of 21st century technology.While Studio Ghibli, Akihabara kawaii pop culture, otaku, and more have put Japan on the map in terms of entertainment, it’s the entirely original and deeply rooted cultural media that have helped export Japanese pop culture to the rest of the world. Whether you want to get to know more about Japanese society and Japanese people, want to improve your Japanese language skills or even want to design your own manga anime one day, learn everything you need to know with this guide on everything to do with entertainment in the country.Japanese films have made an impact on generations of filmmakers NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teac her £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Must-See Films of JapanWhether you're preparing for your upcoming trip to Osaka, want to know more about kawaii, or cuteness, culture, or are simply curious to learn more about everything from Japanese pop songs to Japanese animation - the easiest way to start learning about culture in Japan is by watching movies!Japanese style is, like all cultures in the world, made up of a plurality of identities and subcultures. The yen, kimono, woodblock prints - Japanese fashion, architecture and lifestyle are as diverse and historically nuanced as any. Movies, however, can help bring both the main ideas and subtleties of Japanese society and history to the fore front. Here are some of the best Japanese movies you must see.Seven SamuraiA cult film considered by many to be the best movie ever made, Seven Samurai was directed by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa in 1954. The movie's plot centres around a 16th century village that hires 7 samurai in order to defend and protect their citizens against the bandits in the region. Known for its epic scenes and classic plot, the movie has influenced generations of directors and actors since its initial debut. Earning praise both domestically and internationally, the film has continued to receive awards throughout the years.The GrudgeWhile this film might already be popular with English speaking audiences thanks to the help of its American remake released in 2002, many movie lovers have recognized the original as the best of its kind out of all the iterations that have since come out.Created in 2000 under the title Ju-On and directed by Takashi Shimizu, the film tells the story of school teacher Shunsuke Koba yashi. Kobayashi, worried about a truant student, pays his family home a visit only to find out that the boy is dead. After that spooky encounter, Kobayashi starts experiencing strange phenomena happening all around him.Some of the other notable Japanese movies you should check out are:GodzillaTokyo StoryHana-biBattle RoyaleBest Japanese TV SeriesWith classic theatre drama like Kabuki, subcultures like visual kei, and sports like sumo wrestling, Japanese artists have had an impact in the world arena for centuries. Boasting some of the best comic books, anime manga and more - it's no wonder much of contemporary youth culture includes many Japanese idols.While modernity has taken much of the guesswork out of finding new music, books and shows to try out - it can still be overwhelming to navigate the crowded space of Japanese entertainment. If you're looking for cool Japan guides for understanding many a fandom, music, pop culture, manga and anime - the best place to start is by watchi ng TV!While it may surprise you, whether you're currently living in Japan or want to visit someday, real-time viewership is still higher than internet audiences. Take a look at some of Japan's most famous shows and you'll probably figure out why.Learn about Japanese culture through their entertainment industryMy Boss, My HeroTouching on the same themes as the wildly popular Japanese manga Great Teacher Onizuka, this 2006 drama was released on Nippon TV in 2006. The story's main character, Makio Sakaki, is a 27-year old Yakuza member whose gang leader is actually his father.When his father decides Makio must go back to high school and finish his degree, he is forced to disguise himself as a 17-year old and re-integrate into a society that is not only unrecognizable, but with whose modernity he's lost touch with.One Litre of TearsCantered around the narrative of Aya Kito, the drama was released in 2005 under the Japanese title Ichi Rittoru no Namida. In the story, Aya's expectations o f starting her high school experience on the right note are shattered when she starts to lose function in her body. Diagnosed with an incurable disease, she must re-orientate how she views her place in the world. Be warned, the title is what it is for a reason!Whether it be the style in Shinjuku, the history of the Edo period, postwar economics, or a traditional tea ceremony - Japan has been at the forefront of style, finance and history for centuries. Getting a glimpse of Japanese popular culture can help you start to untangle their society's long and diverse narratives. Here are some other Japanese dramas you should check out:Switch Girl!!Hanazakari No Kimitachi ENodame CantabileHibana: SparkJapanese Game ShowsCat cafes, pop music, Japanese tea and Japanese comics - Japanese soft power has consisted of exporting its entertainment to the world for decades now. One of the most well received of these has come in the form of game shows. Regardless of whether you're interested in build ing your own Japanese garden or can't point out Japan on a map - you're bound to love the drama, comedy and suspense contained in an episode of some of Japan's most famous game shows.Ninja WarriorRemade into many similar game shows in countries around the world, Ninja Warrior is made up of 4 rounds where contestants must complete obstacles and tasks within certain time limits and physical boundaries. The typical set up of a round consists of an obstacle course that each contestant must complete by reaching the buzzer at the end of the line. Out of the nearly 100 candidates put to the test, only four are allowed at the final round.Tetsuko's RoomOriginally airing on TV Asahi in 1976, the show is hosted by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Running for half an hour, the talk-show made history in 2015 when, celebrating its 10,000th episode, it was inaugurated into the world's hall of fame for the longest running, single-hosted talk show in the world. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is one of the most admired women in the country and has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 1984.Take a look at some more instances of Japanese artists, Japanese history and more through some other great Japanese game shows like:Dero!Takeshi's CastleMarshmallow Funny FaceJapanese Literature, Culture and MoreInterested in post war autobiographies, Japanese anime or science fiction? Here are all the different types of Japanese publications you should check out to learn more about the language, culture and economy!Read some of the best popular Japanese manga!Manga Publication MagazinesWhat started with Osamu Tezuka, often hailed as the father of manga, has grown into an international art form loved by many. Before manga get published as graphic novels, they often get their start by being included in pre-publication magazines specifically for manga. The different types you can check out are:Shojo mangaJosei mangaShonen mangaSeinen mangaThe first word in these different types of manga stand for the Japanese word for wo man, young adult female, boy and man.Beauty MagazinesIf you want to learn more about beauty tips, trends and fashion, take a look at some of Japan’s most popular beauty magazines:JellyMamagirlElle JapanArts and Culture MagazinesInterested in Japanese music, sports and politics? Some of the magazines you should check out include Records Collectors' Magazine, Music Magazine and Bungeishunju.LiteratureHere are some recommendations if you're just getting started with Japanese literature. From science fiction like Gundam to classic texts.Tale of Genji by Murasaki ShikibuConfessions by Kanae MinatoSnow Country by Yasunari kawabataLearn more about the different kinds of publications Japan has to offer!

The History of New Years Resolutions

The History of New Year’s Resolutions Hindsight is 20/20, so let's begin 2020 by taking a look back at one of our favorite New Year's articles. If you're planning to make a New Year's resolution for 2020, here's some context behind the traditionand maybe some inspiration too. If resolutions have been around for over 4,000 years, can you make yours last more than a couple of months? Now that 2018 is here, you may be thinking about your own history of making New Years resolutionspromises to exercise more often, or to study more regularly. Maybe you lived up to these promises in 2017, or maybe you didnt. But have you ever wondered why we make New Years resolutions in the first place? Consider the history that surrounds this annual tradition: [RELATED: 10 Study Habits to Avoid] The origins of the New Years resolution You may be surprised to learn that the core concept behind New Years resolutions has existed for at least 4,000 years. The ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year with Akitu, a festival that included promises to the gods to repay debts or return items they borrowed. It took place in March, not January, because the new year was tied to the planting of spring crops. However, the idea of starting the year off on the right foot is an echo of our modern tradition. New Years resolutions and the Romans January 1 was decreed the start of the new year by Julius Caesar in ancient Roman times, and the Romans also promised good behavior in the coming year. This practice was linked to the Roman god Janus, who was associated with beginnings, endings, doorways, and transitions. The month of January was named after him, and he was represented as a two-faced god who looked back to the past year and ahead to the next. New Years resolutions and watch night services Another historic tradition related to New Years resolutions is the watch night servicea Christian church service typically held on New Years Eve or New Years Day. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist faith, began the tradition of holding these services in the 1700s, in the belief that Methodists should reaffirm their covenant with God each year. Watch night services included prayers, song, and self-reflection, and similar services are still held today. [RELATED: The Importance of Self-Reflection: How to End the Year on a Positive Note] The terminology of New Years resolutions As discussed above, the concept of promising better behavior in a new year has existed for centuries, but the current terminology is a more recent development. The first recorded use of the phrase new year resolutions was in a newspaper article from 1813, according to Merriam-Webster. The article noted that there are many people accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour... (Sound familiar?) By this point, its clear that the practice of these annual promises was becoming common enough that people would understand the above reference. Since then, the practice has only become more popular. A recent poll suggests roughly 44% of Americans plan to make changes in 2018. Although few people seem to completely succeed in the long term with their New Years resolutions, about two-thirds of those who made a 2017 resolution said they kept at least part of their promise. [RELATED: 2017 New Years Resolutions for Students] Now that you know the story behind New Years resolutions, perhaps you will be inspired to help keep this tradition alive and to prevent your own resolutions from fading into history. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Peter Matthew Bauer of The Walkmen Talks Living Room Shows and Liberation!

Peter Matthew Bauer of The Walkmen Talks Living Room Shows and Liberation! Megan L. Growing up on indie rock, The Walkmen were among my favorite bands in high school and college. Though they are now on extreme hiatus, members of the band continue to make great music that I can love as an adult too. The bands bassist Peter Matthew Bauer embarked on a solo career with his 2014 album Liberation!, an album that pairs spiritual themes and literary references with catchy rock hooks and psychedelic vibes. I got the chance to talk with Bauer about his musical background, his solo career, and his favorite Latin American authors. TL: How did you get into playing music? PMB: I started taking guitar lessons when I was a kid from a guy in Washington DC who was sort of the local guitar teacher of choice. I did that for a couple years. I had a friend who was an older kid who had a band, so I wanted to be like them. And now youre a guy who a lot of people would want to be like, with your time in The Walkmen and your incredible solo record.  Whats it been like for you getting out on your own and writing songs? Its a lot of fun. Its great! Its a little lonely I guess. Its a lot more on you when its your own name and youre doing everything. That makes it fun. One of the things I really love about your record is how you incorporate some Eastern sounds in your music, a little reminiscent of George Harrison and the Beatles but theres also something really modern and cool about how youve done it. Did you have a kind of guiding philosophy around how you used those elements? I was writing these songs about how I grew up, so I thought if I could figure out ways to use slightly Indian sounding things in a couple spots, without it sounding kinda hacky, it would be fun, sort of funny. I had a harmonium laying around the house and I liked the sound of it, and that was the idea. Theres not that much of it that was meant to be Indian, its just sort of stuff I had. Yeah, its a really light touch with that instrumentation but its really cool. One of my favorite songs on the record is Latin American Ficciones. Is that a reference to any specific author? Yeah, its a reference to Jorge Luis Borges, and Roberto Bolaño also. I think I  just changed it to Ficciones because  I had a bad mix of it when it was called Latin American Fiction. [Laughs]. Its a dumb joke. Its sort of a song from when I was figuring out how to sing and what I was going to sing about, and I think both of those writers have meant a lot to me in terms of how strong their voices are. As much as people think of them, Borges especially, with intricate plots and being this erudite fella, really hes bluffing his way through the whole thing and its just his personality. Its himself coming through whatever hes talking about that he thinks is interesting. He could write a movie review and youd know who it is. I think thats the sign of a really great writer or artist or whatever. They can be doing anything and you can tell its that person. And I think its also very anti-psychological too, which I think is nice. Its not like hes whining or self-referential, which I think is a happy way to be. In songwriting, a lot of people think its about trying to exorcise these psychological problems or something like that, and I dont think thats the case. Even maybe people who think thats what theyre doing arent necessarily doing that, because that  isnt really whats universal. So it sounds like for you songwriting is more about the experience and finding a way to transmit something universal. A lot of the songs also reference spirituality, from Hinduism to Scientology. Where does that theme come from for you? I guess its just how I grew up and what I think about. Its not that popular of a theme in rock music, which is weird because its a pretty big chunk of life, to reckon with that sort of thing seriously, or not seriously, or somehow. Its what I think about and talk about and read about, so I thought Id write songs about it. It seemed more where Im coming from than writing songs about anything else. What was it like for you growing up? My father and mother were both very heavy into meditation and spirituality, so I was kind of dragged around as a kid to different ashrams and things  like that. So I thought if youre gonna write a solo record with your name on it, and its your first one, it should be about where youre coming from, that seems to be what people do. Thats where I was coming from, so I figured I would find my own take on that and figure out what all that meant to me. Do you feel now after writing those songs like you have a better grasp on what all that experience meant? Yeah, a little bit. I think it helps to kind of process something in a song, to process the experience in a way that you wouldnt otherwise. Its much less of a psychological thing and more just the experiences coming across in music, which I think is something that the musical form can do that maybe other forms cant do as well. So I see youve done entire tours of living room shows, playing in peoples homes. How have you enjoyed that as compared to the club circuit, and how did the living  room tours come about? Well, it came about because its a smart way of doing things when youre by yourself. Its either that or you hire five of your friends and drag them around and lose a lot of money. Or you can kind of go out on your own and meet people and have these shows. You come to realize if youre going to be playing for 50, 100, 200 people, you really dont need a drumset to get your point across. It kind of ends up being a little off-putting to be playing with a huge band in a small room. It can be fun on certain nights but if youre just trying to get yourself over to people its not that great. I actually prefer it a lot now that Ive done it, to the alternative. Its a small group of people and you meet everybody, and I think they have a better experience than if they went to a rock club which can be very standoffish. Yeah, theres a kind of intimacy in a house show that you dont get at another venue. Yes, its a different thing. I think its something people will start doing more of. Theres starting to be a little network of it across the country, which is great. It feels fresher, youre not going to the same place that 500 other people just went through. You get to blaze your own trail. It takes a little more for everyone to be there, so everyone involved has more intention than just a Friday at the local indie rock place. I like it a lot better. So  you have a performance coming up at KAABOO and some other tour dates as well. Whats next for you? I just moved to Los Angeles so Im trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life. [Laughs]. Yeah, so Ive got to figure that out and from there Ill see what happens next. Im going to put a more LA based band together, or something like that I think, just to start playing with locally and work with some folks out here. And just trying to enjoy California. It seems pretty damn great. Keep up with Peter on Facebook and Twitter, and dont miss him when he performs in your town! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Making New Years Resolutions in English

Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Making New Years Resolutions in English With the start of a new year, people make resolutions. These are intentions to do something new or to change old ways or habits in the year ahead. You, for example, might resolve to learn English this year!What are your resolutions for 2011? Let’s learn some vocabulary.Personal lifeI resolve to…..Take up a hobby or a pastime.Learn something new and explore a fresh talent.Engage in foreign travel.Catch up with old friends.Quit bad habits like smoking or excessive drinking.Battle the bulge (lose weight).Get in control of finances, reduce spending and get out of debt.Read more books and broaden my general knowledge.Be more environmentally conscious and recycle.Professional LifeI resolve to….Embark on further education to develop my job prospects.Do some voluntary work in my community.Stop procrastinating (putting off) and to take my career goals more seriously.Explore the job market and find more challenging work.As we learn vocabulary on making resolutions lets listen to a news r eport  on this very issue. See if you can answer the questions below:When does the report say is the right time to start our new years resolutions?How many adults in the UK have vowed to be fitter, thinner, healthier or wealthier at the start of the new year?What body carried out the study?How many people will have given up on their resolutions within a week?What percentage of people sticks to new years resolutions for the entire year?What is the most difficult promise to keep?What is the most popular new years resolution according to the study?What percentage of people made a resolution to save money last year?How did you get on? Feel free to send us your answers and email us any questions you might have on the class.

Do you have a question about teaching overseas

Do you have a question about teaching overseas We’re very excited to announce that on Thursday, November 13, from 8 - 9 pm GMT, we’ll be holding a live Q&A on Twitter with our Placement Coordinator, Alexandra Capistrano. She’ll be taking over the @teachaway Twitter account for 1 hour.Alexandra has been working as a Placement Coordinator with Teach Away for just over a year. Before that, she was teaching abroad herself at a conversation school in Okayama, Japan, and was an Assistant Language Teacher at a private high school in Matsuyama, Japan. She loves to travel and has been to the UK, Ireland, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Morocco, South Korea, and the Philippines. As one of our Placement Coordinators, she is currently working with private schools in Abu Dhabi, Macau, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. When she’s not finding the best candidates for teaching positions overseas, she’s either assuming her duties as the resident Teach Away DJ or sharing cute dog photos with the office.Our Twitter Q&A will be your chance to ask Alexandra anything to do with teaching overseas in one of the countries she focuses on, or about her own personal teaching experience.To participate, all you have to do is tweet us your question by including the hashtag #askteachaway. Alexandra will retweet the question before she tweets her answer, that way everyone can follow the Q&A.If you’re not on Twitter, click here to sign up. Once you’ve signed up, or if you already are, just follow @teachaway.

Why You Should Take an Online Class This Summer

Why You Should Take an Online Class This Summer 5 reasons college students should take an online class over the summer Summer session is in full swing, but there is still time for students to take an online class over the summer. Summer classes offer students tons of opportunities including getting closer to graduation and exploring elective subjects. Unfortunately, most students dont live on campus over the summer and end up missing out on summer session. Nearly every college and university will offer online courses that count towards graduation or may even accept online courses from other colleges if the student can make a good case for the content of the course. Students who take a class over the summer often find that the academic year is a lot easier our private Los Angeles college tutors are here to help you stay on track . 1. Get closer to graduation It seems like its more difficult with each year for students to graduate on time. Classes are impacted, and students have to work more to pay for increasing tuition costs. Summer classes, however, generally offer a more relaxed environment and are sometimes held on an eight-week basis, allowing students opportunity to travel, work part time, or just spend time with family and friends. Diligent students may even be able to take both summer sessions, making their school year more balanced and easier to navigate. 2. More attention from the instructor Digital communication is easier than ever, and students will have a chance to interact with their professor or TA regularly during an online course. When taken over the summer students often have the opportunity to get to know the professor more and learn about the intricacies of their subject. This is a unique opportunity because, during the academic year, professors might have up to 300 students in any given course, making it difficult to give anyone one-on-one attention (READ: Tips from an Irvine Math Tutor: Why You Should Focus on Math Over Summer Break). 3. Explore electives Students will have a set schedule during the year because they need to make sure they have taken all of their prerequisites and are on a path to graduation. Most students need several elective units to graduate, but they can pretty much choose which ever course they want. Summer is a great time to take an interesting elective course that a student has always been interested in but maybe didnt have time to take during the year. When taking courses, online students have the opportunity to live at home and work a part-time job while still exploring different aspects of their education. 4. Convenience Online education is extremely convenient in that students can study in the peace and quiet of their own home. Some instructors offer live interaction with students and usually allow an entire week to complete an assignment so students can mold their class assignments around other responsibilities. As long as students are diligent and go online regularly make sure theyre up to speed, they’ll be able to complete the course quickly in a convenient environment. 5. Affordability In many cases, online courses are less expensive than brick and mortar classes because the university doesnt have to provide a classroom or other physical materials for students to take the course. Additionally, as long as there are adequate teaching assistants online courses can accept more students than a physical classroom. Students taking online classes directly from the university should consider also investigative any scholarship or financial aid that can help them with summer school. Each persons financial aid package will be different, so its important to check ahead of time before paying for any courses. Our private Los Angeles college tutors will help make sure you are on track to graduate on time. Call us today for more information. 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.