Why College Student Debt Is Growing

Why College Student Debt Is Growing There is now more accumulated student loan debt than accumulated credit card debt for the first time in the United States, according to an article in the New York Times. Accumulated student loan debt will likely reach a trillion dollars this year, as more students are enrolling in colleges and borrowing government dollars. However, economists argue that this is actually a good sign and could boost the economy as students pay back loans with interest. They believe that its a healthy investment that will lead to higher earnings, unlike credit card debt, which only hurts consumers budgets, giving them less disposable income to put back into the economy. But, this increase also means that more college graduates will be repaying debts and repaying them longer. In 2008, two-thirds of bachelors recipients graduated with debt, compared to less than half in 1993. In 2010, the average student debt (for those who took out loans) was $24,000. This average has been rising consistently and even faster for students and graduates of for-profit colleges. In 2000, accumulated student debt was slightly under $200 billion and was barely a factor in overall household debt. Many expect student loan debts to increase rapidly in the next few years as tuition at public colleges rises because of tighter state budgets that will likely decrease their college funding. Also, it looks like Pell grants may be cut, which offer the largest amount of financial aid to low-income students. In the coming years, a lot of people will still be paying off their student loans when its time for their kids to go to college, said Mark Kantrowitz, the publisher of FinAid.org and Fastweb.com. Kantrowitz has compiled student debt estimates for federal and private loans. Increased debts could create larger, macro issues as well. People are now taking longer to transition from adolescence to adulthood, as they get married, buy homes and have children later on in life. Larger debts can only slow down this process. Yet, receiving a college degree still yields significantly higher returns even if student debt is incurred. In 2008, full-time employees working year round who had bachelors degrees earned a median of $55,700, which was $21,900 more than the median earnings for just high school graduates. Also, the unemployment rate was significantly lower for college grads. The Obama administration alleviated some of the pressures of student debt in 2009 as it made it easier for low-earning graduates to get out of debt. It created an income-based repayment plan for students that also forgives remaining student debt after 25 years for those who put at least 15 percent of their income toward their debt consistently. Those who work in public service get debt forgiveness after 10 years.

Euphemism

Euphemism Euphemism Generally, people like to use softer words to overcome awkward situations during interpersonal interactions. To avoid talking about events or things that appear to be not suitable in a polite society people use euphemisms. Euphemisms are defined as the act of substituting words that generally evoke strong emotional reaction by harmless ones. Definition of Euphemism Euphemism is defined as use of a socially accepted word that is both mild and harmless in the place of a word or expression that is generally considered unacceptable, strong or unpleasant. For example, people avoid mentioning the word death and replace it with a genteel expression like passed away. Mild words are not likely to provoke undesirable emotions that lead to stress and awkwardness between individuals or groups. A number of example of euphemism are used in everyday life. Some more euphemism examples Body Helper instead of a nurse Administrative Assistant instead of a Secretary Intern instead of a trainee Wash room instead of a toilet Different Kinds of Euphemisms Soft euphemism: These are used instead of rough and literal words, and they play the role of hiding the rough nature of the words. Examples: Physically challenged instead of lame or blind. Best of luck for your future instead of you are fired Taking vacation instead of unemployed Euphemisms that are used in a cordial environment Using numerous euphemisms are necessary when you are interacting in a polite society where rude words and gestures are forbidden. Examples: Sanitation engineer instead of a plumber A little heavy instead of obese. A little tight instead of drunk. Euphemisms that used to show disrespect Some euphemisms are deliberately used to show disrespect without sounding rude or boorish. The sarcasm used is very subtle and sometimes passes over the head of the recipient, sometimes they are also used to lighten the atmosphere. Example: Fell off from the back of the truck for stolen goods You are becoming a little thin on the top (bald) He is always tired and emotional (drunk) List of Common Euphemisms 1) Passed away died 2) Frumpy fat 3) A few extra pounds fat 4) Over the hill old 5) Collateral damage killing the innocent people during attack 6) Couch Potato someone who is lazy. 7) Put to sleep killing pets or animals by lethal injections 8) Visually challenged blind 9) On the streets homeless 10) Economically disadvantage - poor 11) Passed away died 12) Frumpy fat 13) A few extra pounds fat 14) Over the hill old 15) Collateral damage killing the innocent people during attack 16) Couch Potato someone who is lazy. 17) Put to sleep killing pets or animals by lethal injections 18) Visually challenged blind 19) On the streets homeless 20) Economically disadvantage - poor

So You Want to Become a Singer Heres How to Get There

So You Want to Become a Singer Heres How to Get There Suzy S. Private lessons? Check. Big dreams? Check! But theres one more part of the equation thats integral to become a singer and reach your career goals. Find out as Monclova, OH teacher Carrie A. explains I cant tell you how many students over the years have come to me saying they wanted to be on TV or Broadway. While those are great aspirations to go after, it really isnt the place to start to become a singer. What I have found is a great way to get started is to look for opportunities to perform right in your own community. It is seriously a huge long shot to go from never performing at all, to being chosen for some sort of reality show. Without preparation and experience, it can really be a recipe for disaster. I have performed in front on thousands of people numerous times, including once at Carnegie Hall. I, however, did not start there. I participated in lots of community theater, performed at weddings, did gigs at coffee shops, and performed at other small-scale venues before I had more distinguished opportunities. I understand the desire to perform in front of large audiences, but I strongly encourage my students to take advantage of every opportunity they have to perform, whether big or small. Every performance is an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. Im going to give you some suggestions that I have given to my students that have opened lots of doors for them. First, get a set list together. Whether you are a vocalist or instrumentalist, you need to have at least 10 songs prepared that you can use if someone gives you the opportunity to perform. Dont be in a hurry with this step. Look for songs that mean something to you and flow well together. Work with your music instructor to find what fits you and go with that. Second, gear up for rejection. You will be told no, probably multiple times. Dont stop until you get a yes! Im a professional singer and Ive had to deal with the same thing. Dont take it personally, just move on and get excited for when someone says yes. Third, connect with area charity organizations and ask if they need music at their next fundraiser. It will be a chance to use music to strengthen the community and possibly create more connections for future performances. Fourth, think of places you can give back and get performance experience at the same time. For example, lots of nursing homes will jump at the chance to have you come and entertain their guests. Finally, dont look down on any opportunity that comes your way. Remember in the beginning its all about getting yourself out there and letting people know you are available, and honing your skills at the same time. If that means you start by singing the national anthem at a local high school basketball game, so be it. One of my students did that very thing and now is invited by major car racing events to do the national anthem where she sings in front of 30,000 people and the event is televised. Bottom line in the beginning nothing is too small if you really want to become a singer. Enjoy where you are and build to a great future in music! Carrie A. teaches guitar and singing lessons, and tutors in various subjects, in Monclova, OH.  She has a BA in music and business, and has been teaching and performing professionally for over 10 years. Learn more about Carrie here! 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 COD Newsroom

Explore the Fretboard With These 5 Essential Pentatonic Scale Shapes

Explore the Fretboard With These 5 Essential Pentatonic Scale Shapes Megan L. Knowing your pentatonic scales on the guitar will open up a new world of possibility when it comes to improvisation and soloing. Guitar teacher  Milton J.  explains why The guitar is a wonderfully rewarding instrument to play. Its versatility lends itself to a variety of melodies and chords that make the instrument welcome in many musical genres. As we find all of the wonderful ways the guitar will bring musical joy to your life, an essential part of learning the guitar is understanding the pentatonic scale and how to find it on the fretboard. The Pentatonic scale is a musical mode made up of five notes per octave, which contrasts to the normal heptatonic, or seven-note, scale such as the major scale and minor scales we learned early on in our guitar lessons. Understanding the construction of the major pentatonic scale is made easier by using the circle of fifths. One construction takes five consecutive pitches from this circle of fifths starting on C, these being C, G, D, A, and E. Transposing, or rearranging, these pitches to fit into one octave gives us a major pentatonic scale: C, D, E, G, A. However, most commonly used for blues and lead guitar scales would be the relative minor pentatonic scale, derived from the major pentatonic. The scale tones, or notes within the key numbered 1 through 8, would be 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the natural minor scale. Using A minor as a example since it is the relative minor of C major, the notes would be A, C, D, E, and G. With that said, the following represent the 5 main pentatonic scale shapes for guitar, which can be transposed across all minor keys. 5 Pentatonic Guitar Scale Shapes Much like playing the piano, each finger has a purpose on the fretboard. As you read the tabs above, understand that each number corresponds with the fret and each line corresponds with the string your fingers should be placed upon (the bottom string being the low E string, and the representing the high E string). From there, your fingering should also correspond to the numbers, as each fret has a corresponding finger. When the tab calls for a skip of a fret, you also skip a finger. In Example 3, the first two notes call for an A on fret 5 and a B on fret 7. Use your first finger to fret the note on the fifth fret. For the second note, use finger 3 (ring finger). That means your fingers numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 correspond to the frets 5 through 8 on the guitar. Maintain this alignment as finger 1 needs to be moved across the fretboard; for example, when finger 1 acts as a barre in example 4. When practicing these pentatonic scale shapes, be sure to practice using these fingerings to build muscle memory in your left-hand fingers! Now, it is important to note that routine practice and memorization of these five shapes will allow you to use scales effectively for your lead guitar solo lines and melodic improvisations. To understand more fully how beneficial these pentatonic scales can be for your guitar playing, now is the time to begin guitar lessons with your local TakeLessons teacher today! Happy practicing! Milton J. teaches guitar, piano, singing, music recording, music theory, opera voice, songwriting, speaking voice, and acting lessons in  Corona, CA. He specializes in classical, RB, soul, pop, rock, jazz, and opera styles.  Learn more about Milton here! 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  Nicolás Giorgetti

How to become a great tutor...fast!

How to become a great tutor...fast! We've had an amazing 2015 here at Tutorfair thanks to our fantastic community of tutors and students!  We asked a few of our favourites to share their adventures with us.  Here, Charlie tells us how to become a great tutor. Charlie s   My name is Charlie, I’m 22 years old and my core subjects are Psychology, Statistics, and Primary education. I was introduced to Tutorfair in September 2015, and being a part of the community has already proven to be amazing! For someone who is studying a highly demanding course, it is a great way of earning an income whilst also knowing you’re contributing to a good cause. Since starting out on Tutorfair, I have been quite successful in attracting a respectable number of clients in a short space of time. Although it may be partly due to beginner’s luck, I think a big reason for the success is because I am willing to go the extra mile for my students. Accommodating for their individual needs is essential to getting established, which can be easily achieved by having some key principles of your own… Flexibility and availability â€" Quality and quantity are both important! The more lessons you advertise; the more potential bookings you can get. Additionally, the more spread out they are; the more needs of potential clients you will be meeting (so more bookings by different clients!) Honesty â€" Always be straight with your students and Tutorfair. If you know you’ll be late to a lesson, or may have to cancel, tell the client ASAP (adding an apology with a smiley face helps!). Advertisement â€" Don’t be afraid to ask past teachers or students for a reference! You rarely buy something before reading a couple of reviews, so fish for the compliments and stand out. It is important to play on your strengths. Everybody is different, and in my case I am often described as funny, enthusiastic and energetic, all of which I use in my teaching style. Lastly, if you enjoy what you’re teaching, your students will enjoy learning it (trust me, I tutor stats!)   Want to book Charlie for Psychology revision?  Or perhaps you want to sign up as a tutor? There's something for everyone at Tutorfair!

The ADHD and Math Connection

The ADHD and Math Connection Kids with ADHD often struggle with math. Difficulties with sustained attention, working memory (manipulating numbers in your head), organization and planning all interfere with math learning and performance. Starting from an early age, kids with ADHD struggle to memorize math facts and are prone to making errors on simple math problems (3-2=6). As they progress through school, they may struggle with word problems and more complex calculations by missing key details or having difficulty sequencing problem solving steps. As a result, its not uncommon for students with ADHD to be performing at least one year below grade level in math even when they dont have a specific learning disorder. This can be incredibly frustrating for parents and teachers, and the student themselves especially when they know that they are capable of doing better. The relatively recent introduction of Common Core math has added another layer of complexity for kids with ADHD. Unlike older models of math instruction, which focused on rote memorization of math facts and mastery of basic computational models, Common Core math emphasizes the teaching of problem solving strategies. Students are often required to solve a single math problem in multiple ways so they learn different strategies for obtaining the answer. They may also be required to explain their process and strategy in writing. While a solid argument can be made for the value of the Common Core problem solving approach over traditional memorization and computation, students with ADHD often find the process tedious, redundant, and lengthy three factors that severely tax their ability to stay on-task, focused, and motivated. Although math may not come easily to kids with ADHD, most can perform at grade level with modified instruction and additional support. Pushing kids with ADHD to reach their full potential in math is important! Studies show that students who complete higher levels of math in high school fair better in the job market and earn higher salaries. So, while it may be tempting to let your child slide in math and allow him or her to focus instead on subjects that come more easily, you will help your child in the long run if you provide the math support he or she needs now. Here are a few tips to help get your child on track and keep him or her going: Identify your childs math learning style. Is he or she a visual learner? Does he or she learn best by doing? Does he or she benefit from drawing or mapping out the process, or from having tangible items that can be manipulated? Do they need someone to verbally talk him or her through math logic and reasoning in a one-on-one or group setting? Then work with your childs teacher to put strategies into place that match your childs style. Have your child memorize basic math facts. Have your child overlearn these facts so he or she can recall them quickly and easily. This will help him or her work through math problems more quickly, more confidently, and with fewer errors. Its never too late to commit math facts to memory. So, if your child didnt master them in elementary school, help your child do it now. Kids with ADHD may find it easier to memorize math facts using an app, like Sushi Monster or Math Board. Help your child connect with math. Kids with ADHD find it easier to stay focused and motivated when they are interested in a subject. So, help make math interesting for your child! Math is essential to almost every aspect of our lives, including every sport, music, art, and technology-related interest that your child may have. Do search the web with your child to learn how math is important to the things he or she enjoys most. The University of Cambridge has some great online resources that really bring math to life. I especially love: Wild Maths, Plus Magazine, and the Math and Sport Millennium Mathematics Project. Get extra support. Some kids with ADHD simply need extra support at school or afterschool from a learning center or tutor. Request an assessment and extra support from your childs school if you think your child is not keeping up with his or her peers in math. If possible, find a learning center or tutor to provide extra support after school. Just make sure they have experience working with kids who have ADHD. With extra support, encouragement, and motivation kids with ADHD can succeed at math, and may even learn to love the subject along the way! ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

4 Reasons to Take Notes During Class - TutorNerds

4 Reasons to Take Notes During Class - TutorNerds Tips from a Fullerton Private Tutor: 4 Reasons to Take Notes During Class Taking notes during a lecture is an extremely important part of understanding the class material and being able to recall important information later on. Many students find it difficult to focus on the teacher and take notes at the same time, tempting them to forgo note-taking altogether. Although it can be a challenge to divide attention between listening and writing, note-taking is one of the most valuable skills a student can learn. If theyre currently struggling with note-taking, students are encouraged to work on it with their teacher or tutor so they will be able to utilize the skill in future semesters. Students who take notes efficiently and regularly will see a huge improvement in their GPA over time our private Fullerton tutors are filled with tips for succeeding in class. 1. Recall important information When a student is listening to the teacher during a class lecture, they often think they will remember everything that is said later on. However, they may need this important information a day, a week, or even a couple of months later. Its almost impossible for anybody to remember the details of any given lecture several days later without something to jog their memory. When students take notes, they remember every important thing the teacher said. Whether its a due date, pages for a homework assignment, or an important change in the class material, the student wont have to remember it because everything will be right there in front of them. If students arent sure exactly what to write, they should look at what the teacher is writing on the board. This is a pretty good starting point (4 Great Ways to Organize Your Time in High School). 2. Get tips and tricks for the next exam Many teachers will provide important information about what will appear on the next exam during a course lecture. They will sometimes do this when it appears the majority of students are not listening. This means that the students who are listening and taking notes will be at an advantage over their classmates. Teachers may hint that a particular chapter will be more heavily covered on an exam or the students will need to focus on a particular part of the study guide to ace a test. 3. Separate important information from non-essential material A lot of class lectures will cover information that, although interesting, is just a background. It will explain the context of whats going on but may be too much for a student to write down. It can be hard to remember what information was just background material and which information was an essential part of the lecture. When students take notes, they separate this important information from the less important material, and when they go back to study later on, they wont become overwhelmed with things they dont need to know. 4. Get help studying for an exam or writing a paper Students will either have to take an exam or write a paper, or both, in any class they take. Many teachers will instruct students to refer back to their course notes as a study guide for the exam or instruct students to look through their notes to get ideas for their paper. Students who did not take any notes will be at a loss. Course notes serve as a great self-prepared study guide for any student in any course. Additionally, if students are struggling to come up with ideas for a paper or thesis statement they can easily refer back to their course notes to come up with ideas or an outline. Its never too early to start prepping for final exams and papers. Call us today for information on our experienced Fullerton private tutors. 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.

Orange County College Tutor Modern College Experience

Orange County College Tutor Modern College Experience Tips from an Orange County college tutor: The modern college experience: One size doesnt fit all Tips from an Orange County college tutor: The modern college experience: One size doesnt fit all College freshmen are now returning to their second semester of a brand new experience. Although each student will have a different situation and be studying different subjects, one commonality remains in that most students’ expectations were shattered. Students are often told stories by family members, older friends, and educators. However, its important to remember that was their experience, and this is your experience. If you feel like your transition to university life is not quite what you expected, or maybe not even what you wanted, its important to remember that in today’s educational world, one size simply doesnt fit all and thats absolutely okay ask your private Orange County college tutor about their college experience. 1. The living situation The living situation may not be as ideal as one would have thought, although most college students will have heard at least one horror story about the dorms and roommates. If this situation isnt working out, there are several alternatives for modern students. Students can transfer out of the dorm (and probably save a lot of money doing so) and into student housing with a preferred roommate. In some cases, students can transfer to a different on-campus housing situation. Whats important is that freshmen have the opportunity to learn and enjoy their college experience, not that they can fit into a preconceived notion of college life (READ: 5 Things to do Before You Go Away to College). 2. Academics Oddly enough, freshman academics are probably the hardest of all four years. Its important to remember that upperclassmen courses are taken by students who are specializing in that major. Advanced engineering is probably not incredibly hard for an aspiring engineer, and ancient Egyptian art history is probably easy enough for an art major. However, every single person has to take freshman English and math whether theyre good at it or not. It may be a relief to know that academics will usually get better after freshman year once students have had an opportunity to learn how to study like a college student, not a high school student. As long as freshmen can avoid academic probation, theyre on a good path. 3. Campus life Campus life is one of the biggest variables among students. Someone at a giant urban university will have a very different campus experience than somebody on a small suburban campus. Regardless, its important for freshmen to experiment with different social aspects of campus life and see what works best for them as an individual. In addition to basic social clubs, there are also honor societies, clubs for people of a particular background, clubs focused on gender, volunteer and work experience, and individual research projects. Students are encouraged to visit as many clubs as they want just to try it out. At some point one or two will just feel right (READ: Going Back to College: A Mature Students Checklist). 4. Social life In addition to broadening the campus experience, its important for students to have a healthy social life. Of course, this doesnt mean partying all day every day, but it does mean making new friends and finding your place. There is a preconceived notion that students will simply show up on campus and make a dozen friends the first week since everybody is new. In reality, many students get dropped off the first week and dont know one single soul. Over time, this can leave freshman feeling rather lonely and disconnected. Unfortunately, simply waiting for friends to make the effort may result in a lonely semester. Students who put themselves out there and form their own study groups, arrange their own weekend plans, and encourage their peers to get together will often be more socially successful. 5. Independence The perceived glory of independence may be one of the biggest disappointments for college freshmen. Yes, students will be able to make their own schedule, go where they want when they want, and have little to no supervision. However, each decision comes with its own consequence. Students who stay up too late will still be tired in the morning. Students who skipped class will have a lower grade. And students who spend too much money will have massive debt to pay off. Independence is a great thing and should be enjoyed but its important to test those waters slowly and be able to take responsibility for one’s choices. In Short At the end of the day its important for students to remember that they dont have to fit into a specific mold, rather they can mold their college experience to fit them. In order to do this they will have to be diligent, responsible, and use those critical thinking skills to brainstorm for new and exciting experiences. Make the most out of your college experience with the help of one of TutorNerds experienced Orange County college tutors. 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.