Traditional Teaching Methods Bore Students

Earlier this week, a spokesperson from St George International (SGI) suggested that traditional teaching methods were ineffective. The representative explained that lessons needed to incorporate more creativity to keep the attention of the modern student.

Today’s youth tends to lapse into boredom far more easily than earlier generations. Technological advancements have ensured that everything in the world happens very quickly. But, these developments have come at a cost – the cost of students who now expect everything to happen instantly.

The shortened attention span of modern students has resulted in the advancement of“edutainment.” This educational method combines entertainment and education to create an environment in which the students enjoy studying. Language institutes are attempting to breakdown the notion that a classroom is a boring place. If teachers want to maximise development, they must find a means by which to counter this timewasting boredom.

SGI’s answer to this problem is to take students out of the classroom. In June, SGI modified its curriculum to include a wide range of activities not normally associated with education. Instead of sitting in a classroom, students could enjoy a city tour of London with one of the teachers. Other excursions included a visit to science museum, a theatre trip and a football match against a rival school was also organised. The weekend trips to Paris, Belgium, Edinburgh and Amsterdam also offered students the opportunity to really hone their speaking skills.

The SGI spokesperson explained that “Studying English is so much more than learning English in the classroom.” Students will only remain interested if they practically apply what they are studying. Students dislike compulsory foreign language courses at school, because they battle to see the point in studying them. When students are encouraged to practise a language in a normal social environment, they immediately want to learn more.

The SGI spokesperson explained that students were often welcomed with drinks at a local pub. He said that they wanted to allow students to practice “English in a relaxed way.” He said that they wanted to separate SGI from the negative connotations often attributed to schools. Instead of simply being a place of learning, SGI is also a place where students can travel and meet new friends.

Modern students may have shorter attention spans, but this does not render them unteachable. Teaching methods need to adapt in order to meet the requirements of today’s students. St George International shows us that when you sign up for a German course London doesn’t have to be boring experience.

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Holiday Study at UIC

UIC is a language school located near Oxford Circus in London. Each summer the college runs a successful and very popular holiday programme for students under 18 years of age. The programme combines the teaching of English with a programme of events and activities designed to help students develop in many ways. They learn English alongside gaining experience in other areas.

In the mornings students on the holiday programme take English classes. The course they take has been devised for them by UIC’s director of studies, and it contains three separate types of classes. The first is the English Skills class, which aims to reinforce and improve knowledge in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The second is Functional English, which is designed to help students learn more independently and improve their overall communication. The third is Active English, which uses innovative methods to teach English via another subject. The different subject options include radio broadcasting in UIC’s special studio.

During the afternoon students take part in a number of different activities. Sporty students are well catered for, with many different sports on offer, some of which are coached by professionals. There are also many non-sporting choices, including arts, cooking and computing. In the evenings there are other activities designed to help students socialse. These include discos and other social events. Two days a week there is a trip – sometimes within London and sometimes to another city.

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Texas Students To Receive State-Of-The-Art Supplemental Science Learning Materials

Students from 5th through 12th grade will, this school year, have internet learning assistance to improve their science grades.

In June, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) had panels of assessors reviewing internet learning submissions from a number of companies. The subject matter review experts on these panels determined which submissions were compliant with the new science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) statements, which include 5th through 8th grade as well as high school Biology, Chemistry, Physics and IPC. Following the reviews the Commissioner, Robert Scott, recommended a list for adoption by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). On July 22, 2011 the SBOE voted to adopt a number of submissions. From the adopted list, schools can elect to purchase access to the software that they feel will suit their students best.

For students, these interactive learning programs will include; virtual experiments, animated simulations and instantly marked assessments, all designed to motivate students to explore the world of science.

In the present economic climate it must be good news that this dynamic learning material is available to Texas students at a fraction of the cost of traditional textbooks.

One of the systems adopted has been created by Texas entrepreneur, Tim Brown.

Tim, the President of Technical Laboratory Systems, has funded a partnership between his Texas-based team and a world leading company in the design of e-learning materials, to produce learning programs for all eight grade levels that are totally compliant with the new science TEKS*.

It is Tim’s opinion that this new TEA initiative creates a real possibility that more Texas students will succeed in school science and then choose to follow careers in science, technology or engineering.

Tim says;

“As a provider of technical education equipment to Texas schools and colleges for more than thirty years, I have been saddened to see the decline in the number of quality students opting for careers in technology and engineering. Middle and High School science is the bedrock for college studies in science, technology and engineering. Science teachers, who do their utmost to motivate students, will find that difficult task so much easier with this software. It was a logical step for me to invest in new technology to improve the prospects of our young students. Here in Texas we have world leading companies in all the technological areas, if we cannot provide them with the skilled and innovative workforce that they require, they will be forced to go elsewhere.”

Academics have lobbied hard for our policymakers to address the state’s declining SAT scores and maybe their message is being heard. Perhaps this new initiative by the TEA will go some way to ease the concerns of many in Texas, that the present financial constraints will damage the prospects for our schoolchildren.

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Surge of Interest in Dissertation Editing and Proofreading

Over the summer there has been a surge of interest in the dissertation proofreading and editing services offered by the academic editing service proofreading.co.uk. Operations Director Rory O’Farrell reports record numbers of final-year undergraduates, Master’s and PhD students bringing their theses and dissertations to the company. “We have the best-qualified editors in the business,” stated O’Farrell, “and the word gets round. Top quality students want a PhD-qualified editor to look after their work and bring it up to the best it can be, and we can offer that service. These students use our proof reading and editing service, they’re happy with the high standard of work they receive, and naturally they tell their friends. We’re getting a massive amount of business now from word-of-mouth recommendations.”

The company, based in central London, finds that a large proportion of its academic work is done for clients who have English as a second language. In many cases, these students have been advised by their supervisors to have their dissertation proofread or edited to iron out remaining language problems so that the quality of the actual research can shine through, and that has brought them to proofreading.co.uk.

There’s also a demand for dissertation proofreading and editing from students who have English as their first language but are dyslexic, and again the University will often recommend that the students have their proofreading professionally done by a well-qualified editor.

“And of course, there are many, many people out there who just want another pair of eyes!” says O’Farrell. “When you’ve been working on a thesis or a dissertation for a long time, you simply don’t see the typos and grammar mistakes because you’re too close to the work. Your brain plays tricks on you and reads what should be there. Our editors completely understand that, and our dissertation proofreading is meticulously done to ensure that all those little errors are picked up and corrected. Nobody takes as much care with dissertation proofreading and language editing as we do, and that’s why clients come back to us time and time again.”

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How School Prepares You for Success

Many intelligent and well-educated women make the mistake of assuming that they are not prepared for success. They think they do not how to succeed because they do not realize how school prepares you for success.

If you have successfully completed your high school and college education you are well prepared for success. It is not just the knowledge that school gives, it also gives you valuable experience.

The most important thing we learn in school is hard work. The most successful students in school are often not the brightest girls but the hardest working. In many cases average people who work and study hard are the best students. The same thing occurs in real life, the most successful women in many offices are those who work hard not the smartest or most capable professionals.

Another lesson you can learn from school is dedication. Persons who dedicate themselves to class work and study often succeed even if they have hard time understanding the lessons. Women who dedicate themselves to their professions and work and study hard will often succeed even if they lack knowledge.

School also teaches you how to find the knowledge that you need. The study skills you learned in school can help you in the office. In school you learned how to find knowledge and apply it to your studies. In the office you can find knowledge and apply it to your job. The most successful professionals in today’s world are often not the smartest but the best informed. Anybody who studies can be well informed about almost any subject.

The final way how school prepares you for success is through socialization and networking. The most successful students are those who are most involved in the school community – the people who participate in the clubs and the sports. The most successful professionals in the real world are those who participate in their communities and professions.

Persons who are willing to network are more likely to succeed. That means you need to be involved just as you were when you were in school. There are many organizations such as the National Association of Professional Women or NAPW that can provide you with networking opportunities. Getting out and getting involved will lead to friendships and contacts that can advance your career.

Those who can remember how school prepares you for success are prepared to succeed in the professional world. Those who do not will fail and spend their days feeling sorry for themselves.

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Los Alamitos Show Choir Explodes Into Audience During Finale of “Hairspray” at the Hollywood Bowl

The third and final performance of “Hairspray” at the Hollywood Bowl was spectacular! An amazing cast was clearly enjoying themselves on stage and during the reprise of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” more than 100 choir students from Los Alamitos High School joined in on the fun. They came running out to dance and sing in the aisles to that catchy tune, with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. The teens were dressed in bright colored t-shirts, jeans and white tennis shoes and really added to the excitement of the finale.

With less than a week’s notice, Mr. David Moellenkamp, choir director, managed to pull together 100 + kids during the middle of summer vacation to spend 3 days rehearsing and 3 nights performing. “It is just a great way to kick off the year!” exclaimed David Moellenkamp, “these kids have really stepped up and shown themselves to be excellent performers on such short notice.”

Sunday night was extra special as at the last minute the students were informed that they would join the cast on the stage of the Hollywood Bowl for a final bow and photo op. The kids were ecstatic and so grateful to the generosity of the all-star cast in their time. Many of the students got individual photos with stars and lots of hugs and handshakes were exchanged. “It’s hard to top an experience like this” Mr. Moellenkamp stated, “but we will work hard to do just that!”

The Los Alamitos High School choir program boasts five choirs and will have over 280 students enrolled this school year. “Many of our students are involved in multiple choirs”, states David Moellenkamp, “and we have seen the program really expand over the past couple of years.” With a classical, concert choir and four show choirs Mr. Moellenkamp is kept very busy teaching music to high school students. “We are so fortunate to have such a supportive school administration and school district”, cites Lynnette McMahon, Note-ables Booster Club President, “they have kept music in all schools within the district.” Note-ables Booster Club is the parent organization that spearheads fundraising and the runs the logistical side of this creative program. “Although the district is supportive of our efforts, the reality is that they provide less than 2% of our $600k annual budget”, Lynnette McMahon explains, “We are always looking for new and creative ways to raise money to keep this program at the top level and allow more kids to participate.”

In April 2011, Mr. Moellenkamp took two show choirs to New York for a national competition. Sound FX is the advanced mixed show choir and consisted of 54 students who delivered a “Harry Potter” themed performance that was a real crowd pleaser. It was also a favorite of the judges, as they gave Sound FX top honors in music, choreography, costumes, a cappella and first place which named them “National Champions”. The second choir is Soundtrax, advanced all-women show choir with over 50 high school teens who wowed the audience with their “Desperate Housewives” set of song and dance. Soundtrax also swept the awards and were named “National Champions”. Following their national titles won on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, as presented by Show Choir Nationals [www.showchoirnationals.com], Los Alamitos is most definitely a major force in the world of show choirs.

Los Alamitos will present four shows throughout the school year. Their first show will be “Broadway on the Big Screen” and you can be sure “You Can’t Stop the Beat” will have a starring role! The Broadway show will be October 13, 14 and 15, 2011.

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Renewed Sponsorship Deals for Postgraduate Fair with FindaMasters.com & FindAPhD.com

Following a successful year as official sponsors of the Manchester Careers Service Postgraduate Fair and the London Careers Group Postgraduate Study & MBA Fair, FindAMasters.com & FindAPhD.com are proud to announce a new three-year sponsorship deal with both organisations.

The deal sees FindAPhD & FindAMasters remain as the official sponsors of two of the largest postgraduate fairs in the country.

The fairs, attended by around 90 higher education institutions, provide an excellent forum for students to meet face to face with representatives to discuss all aspects of further study.

The deal is part of the group’s long term commitment to support postgraduate study, and help match students with courses from institutions in the UK and further afield.

Andy Pritchard, Managing Director at FindAMasters & FindAPhD commented; “We’re proud of our long association with the UK’s two most established postgraduate fairs, and these three-year sponsorship deals will allow us to invest in a long-term marketing programme to help ensure these events grow from strength to strength.”

Jan Hewitt, Fairs Organiser at The University of Manchester commented; “We are delighted FindAMasters & FindAPhD have agreed to sponsor the Postgraduate Study Fair in Manchester for the next three years. Their involvement last year added real value, the benefits being appreciated by visitors and exhibitors alike. We love the innovative ideas they bring to our publicity drive and they’re a dream to work with as our sponsors.”

Clare McSheaffrey, Head of Events at The Careers Group said; “I am delighted to renew our partnership with FindAMasters & FindAPhD as the main sponsors of our Postgraduate & MBA Fair in January. They helped to bring about a large increase in attendance at our 2011 fair, and provided a valuable service for student and graduate visitors, as well as the exhibitors. I look forward to a series of successful fairs over the next 3 years”

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Farmers Insurance Group Federal Credit Union Launches Private Student Loan Program, Partners with Education Loan Source, Inc.

Farmers Insurance Group Federal Credit Union (FIGFCU) is proud to announce the launch of their private student loan program for families and students looking to pay for undergraduate and graduate school. To customize their program specifically to meet the needs of its members, FIGFCU has chosen to partner with Education Loan Source, Inc. (ELS), a leading provider of education financial solutions.

“We are happy to add Student Loans to our lending platform, making our portfolio of products and services even more robust. Our members benefit by having educational funding options with competitive rates and terms in difficult economic times.” said Brian Leonard, Chief Lending Officer of FIGFCU.

The Custom Loan SourceSM (CLS) program offered by ELS, provides credit unions with the opportunity to develop their own customized student loan products without the need for additional staffing or resources. CLS is a turn-key student loan solution which includes every aspect of the student loan process from program design through portfolio management. Credit unions working with ELS benefit by gaining an in-depth knowledge of the student loan industry, while attracting a more diverse membership base and the ability to design a custom product to specifically meet their goals.

Long-time ELS business partner Cology, Inc. was selected to originate and service loans for the FIGFCU program. With its industry-leading loan platform, Volta™ , Cology offers FIGFCU expert origination, disbursement, and servicing technology.

“Since FIGFCU has 18 branches, in 12 different states, it’s especially gratifying to launch this new program for their members. CLS is a perfect fit for FIGFCU, as it allows the Credit Union to bring their existing corporate lending standards and philosophies to an education loan program. FIGFCU was able to set their own rates and fees, and define their own school list.” said Jacklyn Schneider, Director of Client Services for ELS. “FIGFCU can increase its portfolio and member base with a student loan program that is highly in demand, while families receive the financial assistance they need.”

For more information on the Custom Loan Source Program offered by ELS, call Jacklyn Schneider at (858) 720-6809.

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Students Experience Real London With St George International

Language students attending St George International (SGI) school have been getting a taste of the real London in a series of guided cultural visits throughout the capital.

Staff at St George International (SGI) have taken advantage of the school’s enviable location between Oxford Street and Regent Street by organising outings for students to see some of the city’s festivals, events and attractions.

As one of the world’s great multicultural cities, London has a lot to offer language students studying St Georges German courses, as well as its Spanish, French and Italian programmes. SGI’s busy social programmers aim to ensure that students are able to enrich their learning by making new friends and absorbing new experiences.

This summer has been no exception, with a new group of Spanish teachers making the most of the 32C weather with a walking tour of the city. In a single week, meandering student groups visited the Tate Modern, a photo exhibition at the Museum of London, the Tower of London, the National Gallery, the British Museum, took a relaxing boat trip on the Thames and stopped for afternoon tea at Brown’s in St Martin’s Lane.

Student accommodation is all based in central London and allows students the chance to do some extra exploring with their new-found friends outside of school. Accommodation options include home stays, hotels, student residences and executive apartments.

Some students prefer to immerse themselves in the host culture by staying in family homes, all of which are inspected and selected by SGI according to strict criteria. Students seeking more independence and a chance to meet other students may go for one of the SGI-approved student residences. SGI also has a number of partner hotels and executive apartments in and around central London.

The staff at SGI can help with specific accommodation requests. For example, for students receiving Italian lessons London accommodation near Little Italy – a nickname applied to the western side of Clerkenwell, which has strong Italian connections that go back more than two centuries – might make for a more rewarding experience.

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Improve Your English In London This Summer

Learning English is one of the most important skills a person can develop, and there’s clearly no better place to do it than in the capital city of the United Kingdom. Over the summer, UIC offers a variety of courses, catering for all abilities, in an unbelievably convenient central London location, as well as providing a countryside summer school for children, based in beautiful Ascot, Berkshire.

United International College offers students an opportunity to live in one of the most exciting, vibrant and busy capital cities in the world, at the same time as developing a crucial life skill. No matter how confident students feel about their English when they start a course at UIC, there is an option to suit them, in a diverse environment. UIC can also help to arrange homestay accommodation for students, meaning that they are completely immersed in the English language for as long as their course lasts.

Over the summer holidays, there is also an opportunity for children to embark upon an intensive language course. UIC’s residential English school is based in Ascot, Berkshire – a safe, small and idyllic countryside town that has quick and easy access to larger towns nearby, such as Bracknell, Reading, and of course, London. Catering for children aged 7 to 17, the facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, sports facilities (including swimming pools, tennis courts and acres of fields), as well as a modern theatre and performing arts complex. What all this means, then, is that there is something so suit everyone – whatever interests children studying at UIC may have.

UIC also provides an opportunity to gain experience working in communication radio. This course won UIC the 2011 British Council ELTon award for Innovation in Language Teaching, making it one of only two language schools to do so – something that really sets it apart.

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Mimi Jett Joins Avant Assessment as VP Business Development for K-12 Education

Avant Assessment, pioneer in web-based proficiency assessment, announces the appointment of Mimi Jett as Vice President of Business Development for K-12 Education.

Avant Assessment is pleased to announce the addition of Mimi Jett as Vice President of Business Development for K-12 Education to its leadership team. Ms. Jett brings more than 25 years of educational technology and corporate leadership experience to Avant as it expands its efforts in the personalized learning arena with new, authentic-evidence, competency-based learning support systems.

As VP of Business Development, Ms. Jett will focus on building channel partners, strategic partnerships, and alliances that promote Avant’s products and services in the K-12 market. As a member of the Executive Team, she will collaborate with product, marketing, sales, and technology teams on strategy and operational implementation of initiatives to bring competency focused solutions to the education market.

Prior to joining Avant, Ms. Jett was the General Manager of netTrekker, a leading provider in the organization and delivery of digital K-12 educational content and tools, where she led the development of new products and services. Her record of success also includes strategic management positions with Renaissance Learning and IBM Research, where she was appointed to the elite Institute for Advanced Learning leadership council. As an entrepreneur, Mimi Jett was the founder and CEO of Electronic Technical Publishing, leading delivery of advanced technology solutions to higher education publishers in the fields of mathematics and engineering. Ms. Jett was an elected delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and served as the Technology Advisory Committee Chair for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ms. Jett serves on the Software & Information Industry Association’s Education Division Board of Directors, is co-chair of the Global Strategies working group, and a member of the Open Educational Resources working group. In addition, she sits on several industry advisory boards and acts as a mentor for innovative entrepreneurs.

“Ms. Jett has an extraordinary talent of expanding the impact of a company’s work through development of key partnerships”, said Mike Patterson, CEO, “and we at Avant are excited to apply that talent to our efforts in bringing a more personalized learning environment to every student.”

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Creative child awards ‘Wizarday- when our stuff went away’ 2011 game of the year

Over 100 moms, educators and child psychologists reviewed new products, on behalf of Creative Child Magazine, to judge one product to be the best product of the year. They chose Wizarday to be the best product of 2011 at the“kid`s board game & social skills/self discovery” category.

This award comes after a prestige book review by Jim Cox of Midwest Book Review: ‘‘Scheduled around a ghostly holiday (Halloween), the events of Wizarday lead to fun-filled games and routine -related deals that somehow lead to smooth operations of daily routines and increased family harmony. How does all this work? It really is best to read the book, besides, it‘s more fun that way!……Parents of preadolescents will love Wizarday but they may have to wait their turn to read it‘‘.

Filled with fun characters and silly names, Wizarday consists of a hilarious fiction storybook with 3 corresponding board and card games. Game 1 follows the story as players race around the board in search of their lost routine. In game 2 each player finds a proper room for his opinion. And game 3? A quick card game to play on the go.

Reading and playing helps families facilitate their understanding of routines, preparing tweens for responsible adolescence. Old family values with 21st century skills – communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.
Age 8+ ● $37.5

Since its debut, Wizarday was awarded “The Toy Man Editor Choice Award” and “The Toy Man Seal of Approval”, for high value of potential cognitive/critical skill growth and overall improvement in an individual or group. In addition, Wizarday book received a 5 star rating in the “American Chronicle” children book review by Rhonda Fischer.

Toys N Tayls was founded by Dr. Sarah Itzhaki and Steven Tobias, Psyc. Its goal is to bring health awareness to the home through fun experiences. Each product has a book and corresponding game or toy, which targets a different kind of personal challenge. Through humorous stories and games, children ages 5 and up learn how to face daily challenges and discover ways than can conquer their fears, doubts and problems.

Visit the award-winning ToysNTayls at toysntayls.com for more information.

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The Market Development Training Program hosted by the Headquarters of the MLDEX, was held in Melbourne, Australia in the week of 12-19 June 2011

The Market Development Training Program hosted by the Headquarters of the MLDEX, was held in Melbourne, Australia in the week of 12-19 June 2011.

This program was designed as a forum for the exchange of best practices in the development and regulation of capital markets presented through a series of lectures, roundtables and case studies.

Senior experts from different International Regulatory Agencies and the Capital Markets Board (CMB), as well as speakers from the region shared their insights on capital market development, enforcement, and examination of market participants. The Program also explored responses to crises and market abuses, provided observations comparing and contrasting approaches by regulatory systems around the world, and highlighted international best practices.

The presenters used real-world examples of market abuse and inefficiencies to explore the regulatory, statutory, and other tools that capital market regulators need to address.

Besides CMB representatives, many international exchange representatives and market professionals attended the event that was also sponsored by MLDEX.

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Advances in Technology See Breakthroughs in English Learning Tools

Modern technologies in internet applications usher in a new age in learning development tools particularly in ESL training and teaching.

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Teachers and students alike are being given new opportunities in mastering the English language. What once began as a real-life and hands-on learning experience can now be accessed through a computer and an internet connection. While the traditional methods of teaching English as second language to students in a classroom still has its advantages, alternative learning packages are being introduced and explored to address certain limitations in learning.

One such example of technological advancement is the “English Interactive” ESL program. It is a full tutorial course being offered online and at the convenience of the teacher and student. Coming in with more than 100 hours of complete immersion in contemporary everyday situations, this online tool offers a virtual version of an English course. English skills are targeted and developed accordingly with separate sections for grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, speaking and final tests. Every skill level is carefully prepared by leading ESL teachers and experts so that each student is given a full comprehensive learning package according to his capabilities.

One of the advantages of the online tutorial course is the role playing options a student may engage in. He is able to choose a role that he would like to fulfill and then begins to perform a dialogue with a video head. The student can record their conversations as many times as he would like to, until the correct pronunciation is nailed. The online tutorial course serves to build up the confidence of the student as unlike in a classroom; he is able to go through lessons as many times as he needs to. There is no pressure or competition from other students in a class.

For a teacher, the online course offers maximum efficiency and practicality. Lesson guides are detailed and tracked down accordingly. Grades are recorded and computed electronically so there is little room for mistake. A teacher is also given the option to enroll in classes to sharpen their mastery of the English language further. Dubbed as Teacher Development Courses, they can enroll and log in at their most convenient time to advance their studies in teaching English. The program has been met with positive reviews by teachers and students alike.

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Distance learning providers to benefit from university fees controversy

Distance learning providers could be well placed to capitalise on the furore surrounding many universities plans to increase course fees to the maximum level. Established distance learning companies such as the Interactive Design Institute have remained unaffected by the scrabble to establish record levels of tuition fees across the UK’s higher education sector. “The cost of providing higher education courses need not be prohibitive” according to Michael Stewart, director at IDI, “Distance learning providers are able to deliver the same courses with the same high levels of student support but at a fraction of the cost”.

Currently, universities in Wales are desperately revising their proposals to charge student tuition fees of up to £9,000 per annum after their original applications were rejected by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. The HEFCW stated that the universities would be required to allocate a proportion of the new fee to the promotion of higher education and the encouragement of equality of opportunity.

The cost of the new scheme could result in long term financial difficulties for university level education in Wales. In England, the fees will be paid directly to the university as a government loan. The university then recoups this loan from students following graduation. However, in Wales the government are planning to cover the increase by providing a grant to fund the difference between the current course fee and the proposed higher fee. Consequently, 75% of Welsh students will be unaffected by the increase as they will be in receipt of this government grant. The cost to the Welsh Assembly will be in the region of £1.5 billion and this explains why the Welsh Assembly is anxious to ensure the maximum return on this investment.

The Welsh universities have until the end of June to submit their revised plans and a final decision from Higher Education Funding Council for Wales is expected on July 11th. Some commentators feel that the delivery of higher education requires a major overhaul. Issues of affordability, flexibility and inclusion can be tackled quickly by re-evaluating the way in which education is delivered. Face to face interaction at an attendance based university is a resource heavy, inflexible and expensive model that requires the provision of an extensive infrastructure.

The physical classroom is no longer the centre of the educational universe, fact recognised by the collaborative partnership between The University of Hertfordshire’s and the Interactive Design Institute.

Distance learning providers such as the Interactive Design Institute deliver their courses to students through an online learning environment where each student has their own studio and can communicate with their tutors and fellow students in a series of dedicated forums.

And IDI is subject to the same rigorous quality assurance procedures as any institution. “All our courses have been especially developed for online delivery”, states Stewart, “But we are still reviewed annually and our students receive the same qualification as those attending the University of Hertfordshire”.

“What we provide is choice” says Michael Stewart, “We offer our students the opportunity to choose what, when, where and how they study and their learning experience is tailored to meet their needs – online study enables us to be flexible”.

This flexibility means that online study is inclusive; “We pride ourselves in providing the opportunity for everyone to study toward gaining a university degree. If you fulfil the entry requirements, you can study with IDI” says Stewart.

“Because we don’t have to support a massive infrastructure, IDI is able to maintain its course fees at the same level as last year, fees that are already well below those charged by other universities”, says Stewart, “and students who study with us are able to apply for course and fee grants to help with funding”.

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St George’s New Summer Language Options

Specialist language school St George International (SGI) have this month introduced new flexible course structures and pricing options for those looking to learn a language. These new opportunities complement the school’s existing high quality choices for learning English and foreign languages.

For those with busy schedules to fit their language lessons around, SGI’s new nine hour course option enables students to study as and when they are able to take a lesson. In addition, St George International’s UK-wide range of native-speaking teachers means that students can enjoy learning at a broad range of locations. This means for those hoping to relocate to Spain and preparing by taking a Spanish course London is not the only place to learn.

This summer, learning a language for professional, academic or leisure purposes is also good value. Private one-to-one lessons are available at £28.00+VAT per hour for all learners. With SGI learners could practice their local language skills before going on holiday to many parts of Europe, from Germany to Portugal. After taking one of SGI’s French courses London, one of their main centres, is well-placed to take the Eurostar to France to practice with the locals. For trips further afield, courses are also taught in key global languages, from Arabic through to Mandarin Chinese.

Finally, St George International has also developed a selection of group offers so that those needing a little extra motivation can study with a friend or colleague. With this offer, students can study with one other friend and a teacher for£15.00+VAT per hour. With three learners and a teacher, prices are £12.00+VAT each!

These offers make it a good time to begin researching opportunities for one-to-one or group language lessons to fit around any lifestyle. Beginning to study a new language as a student, in time for the new autumn term, could be valuable for enhancing future career prospects. Professionals, many of whom are currently facing difficult job prospects and rising living costs, will also benefit from additional skills within their budget and timetable.

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Radio UIC By Students For Students

London is the world’s centre of English language learning with thousands of international students moving to the capital each and every year. To cater for their needs there are many language schools available for students to study at across the city.

But with so much choice available and many schools offering very similar programmes and facilities, it can be difficult for individuals to decide where to study. For this reason, students are now searching for something extra special.

One such school is London UIC. Here students get the chance to get involved with and produce a radio programme. The innovative method of learning helps to inform students, provides extra English listening activities and can prove to be a lot more fun and engaging than standard textbook lessons.

Many students and teachers get the chance to contribute to the station and those studying the Communication Station course, which won the British Council ELTons award 2011 for Innovation in Language Teaching, focus a lesson per week on the station.

There are also podcasts made for students to download from the school’s official website. These audio guides give students the low-down on living and travelling in London and hugely inspire individuals to make the most of the stay whilst also improve their listening abilities. English natives can also study foreign languages at the school and soon there will be podcasts available in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese and Chinese.

As well as offering students innovative multimedia platforms with which to improve their English language learning, London UIC still offers everything that you would expect from a modern and well-regarded school. To understand more about what is on offer and what to expect, log on to the website for a range of informative videos about both the language school London and Ascot campuses.

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Avant Assessment leaders’ experience on national language standards and assessment committees will support U.S. interests at the international level

Avant Assessment CEO Mike Patterson has been appointed to lead U.S. delegates to the International Standards Organization TC232/WG2 (learning services for non-formal education and training technical committee workgroup focused on language learning services) meetings in Beijing, China this week.

Workgroup delegates to ISO TC232/WG2 represent over a dozen countries and have the task of ensuring that the views and positions of their country are known and understood by the committee. The goal of the international committee is to develop consensus and an international standard for providers of language learning services in the non-formal sector (outside the mainstream school and higher education curriculum).

Mike and Avant Vice President of Research and Assessment, Paul Tucker, have participated in three previous international meetings and have been delegates to the workgroup since its inception. Both bring critical experience to the U.S. delegation having served on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Testing Committee which is a network of Federal, academic, private business and NGO language specialists and managers who share a common goal of improving the nation’s capacity to learn, teach and effectively use foreign languages in the national interests.

Additionally, Paul Tucker served as the Lead Writer for the ASTM Standards of Practice for language education and now chairs the testing subcommittee (F43.04) which is looking at differentiating standards per testing purpose. Mike Patterson served as a committee member at the U.S. Department of Education National Educational Technology Planning Sessions in 2003 and 2004, and has been actively involved with SIIA, CoSN, SIF, Software Association of Oregon and other industry organizations where he has served as a presenter and panelist at national and regional conferences.

“It is an honor to represent the interests of our country in the field of language acquisition” says Mike Patterson, Avant’s CEO. “As a country, we are a leader in developing thorough and rigorous standards on language training. It is important to the future of global communication that international standards meet or exceed those same standards. I look forward to these experiences working with colleagues from around the world on common goals. They are as rewarding as they are educational and challenging.”

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Sportwise to Launch New Physical Education Courses

Sportwise Education and Training — a specialised Physical Education institute — will be opening new sport, health and fitness coaching and training courses for enrollment on its website in the months ahead. Prospective physical education trainees, ranging from children to teachers to other interested adults, should contact Sportwise Training representatives through its website so as to learn more about its accredited qualifications course offerings.

A provider with a strong national reach, Sportwise Training’s specialty is to deliver top-level, nationally respected VRQ and NVQ fitness courses in Birmingham and other UK locations. VRQs are qualification programmes for Physical Education teachers, while NVQs assess skills and abilities. Alternatively, the firm’s National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) programmes are popular with fitness and health professionals seeking certification.

Based in Birmingham, Sportwise Training is a Sports Leaders UK Qualifications operator. This programme looks to heighten communication, organisational and motivational skills in children and adults wanting to become inspiring leaders in sport and other areas in life, including the home or work space.

Sportwise Training’s BTECs Level 1 programme is all about providing its students a foundation in Professional Development in Urban/Freestyle Football. The two-unit course is requisite for BTECS qualification.

Sportwise looks to promote lifelong learning through its offering of sports and fitness qualification programmes, which can cater to people as young as 11. The duration of the courses last from one day to weeks, and can be taught in different locations across the nation.

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Education Loan Source Expands TuitionFlex Financing Program for San Francisco School of Massage

Education Loan Source, Inc. (ELS), the nation’s leader in education financing administration and services, is proud to announce the expansion of their partnership with San Francisco School of Massage (SFSM). SFSM originally launched the TuitionFlexSM program in March, 2010 and the school is now expanding the program to include a choice of longer payment plan terms.

TuitionFlexSM provides students with the option to extend tuition payments over a specified period of time instead of paying cash up-front for an academic program. “With new state regulations slated to take effect at the end of this year, increasing the number of required course hours in the fields of massage and bodywork, SFSM wants to be in position to assist students with affordability,” said Gary Witt, Chief Executive Officer of SFSM. “Expanding the TuitionFlex program furthers SFSM’s commitment to make education accessible to students who are already managing a variety of personal and professional responsibilities.”

As program administrator, ELS offers comprehensive support for the program and, as a result, the program requires very little involvement from school officials. From the point of online application all the way through servicing, ELS provides a seamless flow for both students and school. ELS programs are in compliance with federal and state Truth-in-Lending disclosures and are of particular assistance to schools looking to meet 90/10 regulations.

“We are excited about expanding our partnership with ELS,” said Rocky Hall, Director of Operations. “We appreciate the expertise that ELS has earned in the educational finance arena and have benefited by their commitment to enhance TuitionFlex and bring innovation to the space.”

“Given the dynamic nature of the higher education industry, it is a pleasure to deliver financing solutions that can be easily tailored as requirements change,” said Jacklyn Garcia-Schneider, Director, Client Services for ELS. “Knowing that the expanded program will enable more students to get their education at SFSM – one of the most respected massage and bodywork schools in the nation – is especially rewarding .”

For more information about the TuitionFlexSM program, call ELS at (888) 335-6261.

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