Spotlight on Wine, Spirits and Beverages Management Degrees

Today, the specialized courses dealing with subjects such as wine and spirits and beverage have management degrees that are recognized as meaningful courses and approved upon as a great asset in research as well as the Wine and Beverages Industry.

Programs like the MVS are offered by several management colleges that provide the students with practical and adapted response required by the Wine and the Spirits Sector.

Not only are there many rising opportunities in the European or French markets, in the wines as well as the spirits sector but in fact there are worldwide opportunities as well. It is one sector that is becoming more competitive each day.

The wine companies are facing a lot of economic and managerial problems that need to be solved. The wines and spirits sector companies are searching for expert managers who cannot just work with the marketing tools but are experienced and operational in matters of sales and its techniques. To understand and master the sales technique is very important. While these are the basic requirements, they are other qualifications too that should be met before deciding upon a career in this industry.

These additional qualifications are; a keen sense of creativity and adaptability and general knowledge; that is both strategic and cultural, about the company as well as the wine market.

The Wine and Spirits Management Program assists the person to understand the nature of work required of him and prepares him to work in collaboration with the experts of the Wine industry. Students learn how to guide and explain the problems that arise and provide the solutions to them. Thus an expert in the field can correspond aptly to the requirements of the company.

In many cases the tuition fee and payroll is done by the company itself. Special guidance is provided by the experts of the respective field and in 15 months time, which includes study as well as practical learning, you are all set to enter the Wine industry with all passion and vigor. For any industry it is important for an individual to learn and understand the nature and need of that particular industry and then decide to work his way accordingly, this ensures better understanding of the subject and thus far better implementation.

There are a lot of opportunities waiting for you not only in the European or French markets but instead there are new English and American markets which are growing at a fast pace, to keep up with the competition.

CulinarySchoolsU.com provides the opportunity to research and request free information top culinary schools and culinary colleges for potential students looking to start or expand their career in the culinary arts.

Community Colleges Now Offering Four-Year Degrees

In this still-uncertain economy that remains rife with unemployment, hundreds of thousands of out-of-work blue- and white-collar professionals, competing for scarce available jobs, find themselves faced with the need to further their training, expand their skill sets, or in some cases change career paths altogether. Many are going back to school, some to obtain their first college degree, others to get an additional or more advanced degree that could give their résumé a much-needed competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.

Demand for the Convenience of Online College Degrees ...

In recent years, many "non-traditional" students who aren't able to attend classes on the conventional resident college student's full-time schedule - working parents, returning older students, students holding down a part-time or full-time job - have gravitated toward online degree programs that allow students to work toward their college degrees from home (or anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection) and at their own hours. As accredited online colleges and programs have proliferated, so have the number of students pursuing online college degrees.

These online college degrees, however, can often be pricey, requiring many students to take out a significant amount of money in student loans and private student loans. And some online universities have continued to offer only associate degrees and certificate programs, no bachelor's or advanced degrees. As competition for jobs has intensified in a shrinking economy, many job-seeking professionals have found that their two-year college degree is going up against four-year and professional college degrees.

... and Demand for the Lower Costs of Community College Programs

Community colleges have traditionally offered lower-income and non-traditional students a lower-priced, commuter-friendly, and part-time alternative to pricier online college degrees and full-time four-year colleges and universities. But the two-year community college degree has posed the same drawbacks as two-year online college degrees: When going up against four-year degrees in a job search, two-year degrees simply aren't as competitive.

Four-Year Community Colleges Offer a Cost-Convenience Solution

Now, however, students are finding a growing number of four-year degree options at community colleges. As more community colleges respond to increased student demand for affordable higher education, expanding their programs to include four-year bachelor's degrees and applied baccalaureate degrees, new and returning students are increasingly able to obtain the academic pedigree of a four-year degree with much of the flexibility offered by online college degree programs but at the lower cost of a community college education.

Bachelor's Degree Programs at Community Colleges Expanding

Florida currently leads the nation with 14 community colleges authorized to award bachelor's degrees, reports The New York Times, with 12 schools already having done so, in fields including fire safety management and veterinary technology ("Community Colleges Challenge Hierarchy With 4-Year Degrees," May 2, 2009). Nationwide, 17 states, including Nevada, Texas, and Washington, have granted community colleges the authority to award associate and bachelor's degrees.

In some states, community colleges have even become four-year institutions in order to facilitate their new longer programs. At Miami Dade College in Florida - formerly known as Miami Dade Community College - more than 1,000 students are currently enrolled in the school's bachelor degree programs. The average age of these students is 33.

LaKisha Coleman, a Miami Dade student who will graduate with a college degree in public safety management this spring, recommends the school to family members for its advantages over a traditional four-year degree program at a state or private university.

"It's much cheaper, the teachers are good, you can do it in the evening while you work, and everyone's very helpful," Coleman told The New York Times.

Applied Baccalaureate Degrees Another Burgeoning Community College Offering

In the current economy, at a time when students have fewer financial resources to cover their college costs and job prospects are uncertain, the applied baccalaureate degree is becoming a popular option for students, says Debra Bragg, the director of the Forum on the Future of Public Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Usually focusing on applied academics or applied sciences and technologies, an applied baccalaureate degree is a four-year bachelor's degree that may be earned at both two- and four-year institutions, including technical colleges and community colleges. Unlike bachelor's degrees at some conventional four-year universities, however, the applied baccalaureate degree counts technical and associate degree-level courses as degree credits, allowing community college students to keep their course costs low and minimize their need for student loans or other financial aid.

"Applied baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges can be used by students looking for a career that is emerging, or for adults who have earned college credits in the past and are looking to re-enter college, often to advance their careers to a supervisory level," Bragg explains.

Since 2000, the number of states offering an applied baccalaureate degree has doubled, reports the University of Illinois. Currently, 39 states offer the degree.

The applied "real-world" focus of applied baccalaureate programs and coursework is aimed at grooming students to fill projected workforce needs in areas of the country where large concentrations of jobs have been lost due to outsourcing, a shrinking manufacturing base, or a shift in local industry.

"An applied baccalaureate degree represents a viable pathway for someone who previously hadn't thought about earning a bachelor's degree," says Bragg, "but now sees it as a necessary step to getting and keeping a good job with benefits."

online college degrees

Dual Degree Nursing Programs

e field of nursing in itself encompasses many different specialties and the ability to work as a nurse and specialize in a particular aspect or type of health related issue is very appealing to many. There are some nurses who realize that the skills they have can be utilized in other professions. Combining the skills of nursing with other entities can be both helpful and lucrative. For this reason, many colleges and universities offer dual degree programs where students interested in nursing can also pursue another degree simultaneously that is either closely related to nursing or compliments the nursing degree.

There are a few dual degree options and one of the most popular is the Masters of Science in Nursing and the Masters in Public Health (MSN/MPH) dual degree. This program combines the clinical specialization of a master's level nursing degree with a specialized master's level public health degree. Nursing and public health are very closely related and obtaining dual degrees can be very beneficial especially for people interested in public health nursing. These two degrees allow an individual to be fully informed on the clinical aspects of nursing while being capable of applying these specialized skills on a much broader level helping not just one patient but a larger number of individuals to improve their health.

An additional dual degree nursing program is the BSN or MSN and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) option. The combination of a medical and law degree is extremely helpful. There are many nurses who work for lawyers advising them on various health issues in relation to medical lawsuits. Many good medical malpractice and disability lawyers have a medical consultant-many times a nurse-to whom they seek counsel on cases. There are some nurses who decide after years of clinical work to utilize their skills legally by becoming malpractice and disability lawyers. With the clinical expertise and the legal training many find possessing a nursing degree coupled with a law degree to be quite lucrative.

Finally, for nurses looking to use their medical expertise in the business world there is the option of a BSN/MSN coupled with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). There are those who choose to use their nursing degrees and medical expertise to head major organizations such as insurance companies. Some nurses even decide to open their own long-term care facilities and medical information companies. The MBA provides a solid business foundation which will aid a nurse in applying his/her medical abilities in a variety of circumstances.

The decision to pursue a dual degree in nursing and another discipline will provide unlimited opportunities to apply clinical medical knowledge in a variety of settings.

Click here to learn more about LPN Nursing Classes and other nursing school programs.

Balancing Life & Studies - Tips For Student Success!

Regardless of your status in life or educational background, higher education is a privilege, and careful balance of life leads to student success. Though many, if not all, may possess the keys to a door [life] not everyone utilizes it's functions. That is, to insert our keys into the keyhole [our minds], turn, and then push forward [the process of opening a door] ourselves into a new beginning. One of balance and center. Each day is a renaissance, a rebirth of that once was, and is to come. As fellow students of the healthcare profession and future clinicians, I implore you to seek balance. For in deed, it is our sole purpose for making this great sacrifice, both personal and financially. Upon graduation, your professional goal will be to restore bodies, which were once healthy and functional, but has now become dysfunctional due to imbalances, and mal-alignment.

The same is true about life. We are in a constant state of dysfunction when we are not in tuned and out of balance. And with the pursuit of higher knowledge our destinations are highly reliant upon the successes of, how well we embrace the turbulence to the finish line, and our appreciation for those indelible moments. Our journey to professional education is to learn all we can, so we can be the best we can, to all we can. However, let us keep in mind that it is in fact, a journey. Like many of us who frequently race [5Ks and more], not all finish at the same time. But with determination, sacrifice and grace, all things are possible. The great Martin Luther King once said, "I may not get there with you, but we'll get there as a people," professionally.

As we study the human body [Anatomy & Physiology], we learn that if all things being constant [homeostasis, balance] optimal functioning is possible. However, should imbalance occur, whether [musculature, vascular, ligamentous or other connective tissues] the results are imminent, pathology and dysfunction, sometimes death.

Mechanically, an imbalance arises when a long and stretched-out muscle is held by its counterpart, the short and tight muscle, in such a position that if not addressed can lead to injuries.. We also learn, that any imbalance in musculature causes mal-alignment, which then leads to mal-wearing of surrounding tissues, that concludes a myriad of acquired diseases and disparities. In congruency with our study of health and wellness, all of the above are avoidable; regardless of how dismal it may appear at times, there is hope--Cheer up, there is a cure.

I encourage you to take a mental break everyday for at least ten minutes. Just ten minutes! And for those of you whom are time-conscious, you can use a stopwatch to time yourselves. We pay thousands to be at this beautiful campus, why not enjoy it. Go for a walk; sit by the pond; use the basketball court to play; read a book that is not study-related; get to know someone new; sit next to someone new every other day. Remember you cannot choose your patients, they choose you. Why not start now? Join with a friend and talk about the good-ole days; pray for each other; call your distant families regularly; give a high-five to your classmates or professor.

Let us be advocates of a great environment, and therefore, a better tomorrow. It may seem odd at first to those who are not inclined; but remember, advocacy is the ability to see what no one else sees, yet is necessary for the betterment of all. Also, it is the willingness to step out and make a change even when your feet says no! Don't wait for a survey to tell your professor how well they are doing, and how their dedication to excellence has enlightened you. Simply put, just tell them. Let them know how much you value their efforts and expertise.

In lay-terms, appreciate your opportunities because many do not have what you do. As once stated by a USA professor, "find something to be thankful for, and write it down." Hey, your mental health is vital to your survival. Start by creating that healthy environment, and set yourselves up for success. Another gifted professor once said these words from a country perspective, "A little bit-a-something is better than a whole-latta nothing."

Remember, if your sole purpose for going to school is just to graduate, then you would have missed your calling. And, after all your studies you finally made it to graduation, but are no good to your patients because of burn-out, again, you would have missed the boat.

Above all, take five minutes each day to meditate on your creator. It is ironic how we study every other book except the one that leads to life. It is great to study, academically, I love it; but "remember, there will be no end to books."

To my classmates, I love you all very much, and I consider myself very privilege to be here with many of you, and hope that through balance and good practice we will make it to the finish line---well equipped to meet the needs of our awaiting patients.

Copyright 2009 Andrew Guy

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Grants and Scholarships Abound in Places That You May Not Have Even Thought About

State scholarships, grants, federal student loans, federal scholarships, and private loans are all part of the tangled web of the financial aid process, that everyone has to negotiate in order to help minimize the out-of-pocket expense for a college education.

Grants and scholarships abound in places that you may not have thought about.

This short guide is designed to give you several places to look for available scholarships for your education expenses:

State Educational Departments-

The first place everyone should look for college scholarships is their State Department of Education.

The majority of individual states offer grants for students attending colleges and universities, but there are typically scholarships also available for individuals in their first year of university as well as continuing students.

These scholarships, however, usually require a separate application beyond the FAFSA that is required to receive financial aid from the state educational departments.

Private Scholarships-

The best place to find private scholarships is through entities and organizations that are not part of a college or university. Private scholarships can possibly be found by contacting the university's financial aid office and asking where outside scholarship resources may be found.

Private scholarships can also be found by searching the web. There are literally thousands of scholarships available to those who put forth an effort to fill out applications, write essays, and devote time to finding money for college.

Scholarships can be found for specific academic majors, for minority students, for professionals extending their education, and for a variety of other reasons and categories.

Obtaining scholarships is also the best and most economical way to pay for such a college education. When many people begin thinking about how they'll pay for a college degree a lot of money signs usually roll out of their head.

However, with the availability of private scholarships as well as state scholarships a college program should be more affordable than ever!

If you are looking for College and University Finance and don't know where to start -> CLICK HERE.

Private scholarships can also be found by searching the web. This resource will help - http://freeeducationguide2009.info

Transitions For the College Bound Student

Are you a senior in high school about ready to make the transition to college? Are you completely excited yet also incredibly terrified of what will happen? If so, take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one experiencing the ups and downs of transitioning to college. Most likely, all your friends are right there with you!

Being in college means something different for everyone. Maybe college means new opportunity, new friends, and a new life experience. Maybe college is a way to get away from your family that you don't get along with, or maybe college is the next step in your passion for learning. Transitioning to college brings multiple meanings and multiple emotions, not only for you, but also for your friends and family that have watched you grow and become ready for the college transition.

Your parents, most likely, make different meaning of your transition than you do, and your friends may have different ideas about why they want to go to college and what they want the summer to look like before everyone goes their separate ways. Regardless of meaning you may find yourself asking questions like "Will I like my major? What happens if I don't do well in what I love to do? What if I don't know what I want to do? Am I wasting time because I don't know what I want to do for the rest of my life?"

My encouragement to you is to allow yourself to ask these questions and really begin exploring your passions. The transition to college brings multiple other transitions like discovering who you are apart from your family and friends, discovering your talents that you didn't know existed, and learning how to manage your time without a teacher reminding you of your responsibilities. Some new college students learn how to manage money for the first time or do laundry all by themselves. The move to college is more than changing location, it's about learning, growing, and discovering the uniqueness of you. Below, you will find suggestions on how to make this transition easier.

1. Allow yourself to be nervous or confused. The college atmosphere is much different than your home atmosphere and it will take time to adjust and settle into a new routine.

2. Try new things during your first months at school. What you loved growing up and what you were good at during high school is not necessarily what you will want to do forever. Be adventurous and discover what else you love.

3. Do something because you want to, not because you think it would make your family proud or your friends happy, but because it will make you happy.

4. Be curious about the person you want to become. College is about developing a new identity or solidifying the identity you already have. Don't be afraid to notice the changes in yourself.

Because the transition to college and the first months at college bring increased emotion and chaos, I encourage you to speak with a counselor about your experience. If you notice that you are having difficulty making the transition during the summer or find yourself completely lost once you have arrived at college, make an appointment with a counselor in your area. The Lotus Group has many counselors who were once in your position and can help bring stability and insight to your transition. Give us a call at 595-5555 to schedule an appointment. We would love to speak with you.

While Douglas Scott continues to work on his psychology degree he finds therapy to be most beneficial. For more information on Indianapolis therapy visit LotusGroup.biz

5 First Steps to a Graduate Degree

You may be considering going back to school for a graduate degree to help increase your chances of getting and keeping a job. While about 27% of the US population has an undergraduate degree, only about 7% has a graduate degree. The graduate degree could put you ahead of the competition for jobs in this economy.

Perhaps you just graduated from college with an undergraduate degree, and you found that good jobs were scarce. So this may be a good time to add the graduate degree. Perhaps you see lay-offs around the corner at your company and want to be more competitive. Or, perhaps your company pays part or all your tuition with a generous educational assistance program. How can you not take advantage of that benefit?

Here are a few steps to get started towards that degree:

1. Choose a major field and concentration area. This step sounds simple, but colleges and universities have added new blended degrees (classes from several areas of study) in the past few years. You don't have to choose from Business, Liberal Arts, Engineering, Psychology, or Computer Science. Today's majors might be: Engineering Management, Business Computer Systems, Applied Information Management or Industrial Psychology. Look at the offerings of some of the online graduate programs to give you more ideas of major fields and the new blended degrees.

2. Select a college or narrow down your options to 2 - 3 choices. The school should have the degree and major you desire, the concentration area and the format that would work best with your lifestyle. Formats include: accelerated program, weekend, evening, online or cohort group. Don't choose a college because your friend attends that school or because you see the school's ads everywhere.

3. Review the Admission Requirements. If you need the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam), find a Prep Course at your local state university or purchase study books from a good bookstore. There are private companies that offer a Weekend Prep class, but they can be expensive.

4. Look at options for Prerequisites. Prerequisites or foundation courses are less expensive at the community college level or at your local state university's Continuing Education or Extension Department.

5. If you are working and/or receive reimbursement for your schooling, have a conversation with your manager about your career goals and how education can help you achieve those goals. Managers appreciate that you have done the research and can discuss the school choice, major field and total cost of the program. If you need help with choosing a major, school or program, check with your HR Department to see if your company offers Career Counseling and Educational advising.

Dr. Sandy Womack is Director of EduPlan, an educational consulting company specializing in Tuition Assistance Administration, Managed Education and Educational Counseling.

http://www.eduplan.org

Why is GMAT Diagnostic Test Crucial For Your Success?

Let me get straight the point:

As we all know GMAT comprises of 3 broad sections: Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing Assessment.

The quantitative section in turn consists of "Problem Solving" and "Data Sufficiency". This section is considered easy to score when compared to the Verbal section. The reason for this is that most of the questions appearing in the quantitative section are very basic and are based on basic principles of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry: which are subjects taught at school. Many aspirants taking the GMAT test have on average about 2-3 years work experience and it is very easy for them to forget the basics of what have been taught at school. This is where the diagnostic tests come to help.

Giving the correct direction:

Diagnostic tests can help you in measuring your current preparedness for the test. Sample questions corresponding to all sections of the GMAT are included, which will aid you to pinpoint your strong points and weakness both in your basic understanding of concepts and your aptitude levels. In the case of quant and specially problem solving, the diagnostic test gives you in black and white, what you need to focus on and which are the basic concepts that you are missing. This is basically telling you to get back to the reference book of your choice and start from the basics.

To prepare and score well, it is better to do a thorough preparation for approximately 2 months, of which, a month should go into preparing, understanding and recollecting the basic principles of all the areas of the test. The unconsumed one calendar month should be entirely dedicated to giving as many GMAT practice tests as possible.

In order for your preparation to be competent and streamlined, you need to be absolutely careful of which areas to stress more on and which areas to just scan through without wasting much time. The GMAT assessment test gives you an accurate picture of your current preparation levels and therefore, points you in the right direction. This is to ensure that you first month of preparation time is spent on the right areas.

Setting Appropriate Targets:

Setting a target score right before you begin your preparation is absolutely imperative. Without a aim, there is a high possibility of wandering aimlessly and not achieving a truly good score that you deserve.

These diagnostic tests also present you with a potential GMAT score (out of 800) and with this score as a benchmark, you can set yourself an appropriate target score. With proper planning and preparation, there is a high possibility of getting an improvement of about 13%-18% over your initial levels. So if in your initial assessment test you get 600, you can set yourself a target of 700 and start preparing for that score.

Considering the importance of the above mentioned points, whether or not you take a GMAT diagnostic test can make or break your overall score. Having said that, you need to choose the right assessment tools. There are plenty of free GMAT practice tests available online. All you need to do is choose the one which can provide you with those details accurately and thoroughly.

Author is a GMAT Educator for over 8years. He is instrumental in training and educating several thousand students for the GMAT exam. He writes regularly on GMAT related topics, discussion and is now the force behind GMATLive, an online educational portal dedicated to GMAT online education.

visit the site at http://www.gmatlive.com

Distance Learning - Education Created Around Your Child's Learning Style

One of the limitations of traditional schooling is the classroom setting. Most traditional school classrooms are run by one teacher who has a particular teaching style. Good teachers try to vary their teaching styles and try to incorporate as many different learning styles as they can into their daily lessons. But often, students who have particular learning styles can be left out in a traditional school classroom and can be frustrated by an inability to engage in the learning process.

Discovering your child's particular learning style might take some time, but after some assessment and observation, you will discover much about the way your child learns. Most children fall into learning categories. Auditory learners will respond well to oral instructions and will learn well in classes where the teacher gives information orally. These students learn best by listening and talking. Visual learners prefer written instructions and are best able to recall something if they've seen it written down. These learners will learn by watching, so video presentations are a good way to match their preferences. Tactile learners learn best through touching so manipulatives are an important teaching tool for them. They learn best through drawing and creating, using projects like dioramas and models. Kinesthetic learners also learn best through touching, but they also need to involve their whole body in the learning process. They remember material if they act it out. Global learners are intuitive and apt to be spontaneous. They like information to be given in a lively and entertaining manner and they get bored easily. Global learners learn best with attractive materials and they work well in groups.

Once you have a strong sense of your child's learning style, you can then search out a distance learning program in which your child will find success. Remember that simply because your child has a particular learning style, that doesn't mean that he can only learn though those methods. Learning styles are simply ways that students learn best. In order to maximize your child's learning, that learning style can be utilized the most. But other learning styles can be used as well, and children should be encouraged to learn using a variety of styles.

When searching for distance learning programs to meet your child's learning style, take a look at the method of instructional delivery. Often, in an online course, a student is responsible for reading a lesson. The online environment is very strong for visual learners. If your child is an auditory learner, look for a more interactive environment where information may be delivered orally. Perhaps your student will be able to listen to lectures or to watch a video presentation of a class. Video classes are a good option for both auditory as well as global learners.

Look at the way the students are assessed. Many auditory learners are best at giving information orally. See if you can find a distance learning program where this is an option. Find out of presentations are an option for assessment. Portfolios of projects are a good way of assessing a tactile or kinesthetic learner. Speak with the distance learning school to see how flexible they are in terms of meeting many different learning styles.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning school please visit Customized Learning at Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.

Campus Safety - Or Out of the Nest - Learning to Fly

College Campus Safety; or Out of The Nest - Learning to Fly Campus Security or College Safety classes may not be required classes at your school but they should be. You were taught the ABCs in grade school now let us see if you can get Three A's in my College Campus Safety Class. Good Morning to this Student Safety Class. The first A stands for you to be Aware.

1. Do you know where your Campus Security and Fire Stations are located?

2. Have you read the rules and regulations of the School? They are there for your Safety information as well as your deportment.

3. When you walk across the Quad do you have a cell phone to your ear and really are not aware of a person that could be a problem for you? Stalkers are everywhere.

4. Have you explored the Campus to learn the safe routes between your Residence and every other place on or off the campus where you will be going? Poorly lighted walks streets, parking lots and even hallways should be avoided if possible. Campus security will help you with this item. They know the trouble spots.

5. Is someone hanging around your Dorm on the Campus or Apartment for no apparent Second A stands for Alert. Your job to be Alert to all that is happening around you. reason? Someone you had not seen before.

6. Have you read the latest Campus Newspaper to see what is happening and what to avoid? Read the bulletin boards.

7. Do you travel either in a car or walking at night with someone else? Two are less apt to be accosted as someone alone.

8. Do you lock your room each time you leave even for a few minutes? That's how long it takes for a Laptop to disappear.

9. If you share a bath with the room next door do you leave the door to your room open so that access to your room and your things through theirs?

10. Do you have a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm in your room?

11. Do you know the escape route from your room in case of fire? You should know what you would take with you in case the alarm sounds. Third A stands for Always. Which is the opposite of sometimes or never.

12. Do you Always keep your books, laptops and whatever else you carry in your hands and never lay them down and turn your back? Books are expensive.

13. Do you Always let someone you can trust know where you are going and when you are expected to return when you go somewhere by yourself?

14. Do you Always keep the Cell Phone charged and have the emergency numbers in the speed dial list?

15. Do I sound like your Parents? I hope so as they should have given you this test before you left the nest. They also can help you in getting the information together and maybe have given you some Self Defense Items. I bet they Always will love you lots. Be Aware and Alert Always. Be Safe!

Alex Kamas is owner of Simple Safety Solutions providers of Non-Lethal Safety Items. Alex was retired after over 30 years as a Real Estate Broker but retired from retirement to enter the Safety Field. He is dedicated to assist in the Safety Education for anyone who is interested in assistance to care of their loved ones. He is willing to make presentations to all groups as well as aid them in fund raising. This could include Fraternal, Religious, Business, Unions, or neighborhood groups. Please contact me through my website. http://www.kamassimplesafety.com

Grad School Perfectionism Creates Stress, Anxiety and Depression Rather Than Excellence

Grad school is often the final phase of structured education and it is also the transitional process to a desired professional or academic identity.

As you point your sights towards your future as a professional in your field. There is often a sense that it is a critical "make-it-or-break-it" point for progress into an academic or professional career. It is also the point where academically you are given the most freedom and responsibility for self-definition and self-correction as you establish yourself personally as an authority in your domain.

This situation is both a challenge and an opportunity. With the imagined weight of their professional future hanging in the balance, it is not surprising that most grad students work very hard and put forward their best efforts... but for some students, this transition is a psychological tipping point. For a student who is already inclined to define themselves by academic excellence, this sometimes creates a situation where their need for achievement leads to an "over-valued idea" about doing "perfect" work

Grad students vary in their susceptibility to be pushed by positive and negative pressures and the departments in which they find themselves vary in the amounts of pressure or reward that they offer.

Levels of perfectionism therefore will vary from person to person and situation to situation, depending on the value that you, or others in your life, place on achievement in academics. (You may, for example, be very perfectionistic about school projects, but not perfectionistic about housekeeping). But often when perfectionism is problematic it appears in many parts a person's life.

Four Signs of Perfectionism

Setting very high standards and placing high importance on these standards. Feeling that you will be a second rate person if you do not live up to these standards

Preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, and organization.

Concern and negative reactions to mistakes. Having a tendency to interpret mistakes as failure and believing that you will lose the respect of others for your mistakes.

Doubting your ability to do a task.

NOTE: Perfectionism is not to be mistaken for effort and desire for excellence

Origin in the family

Anxiety and concern about mistakes distinguishes perfectionism from healthy effort and desire for excellence. The origin of these concerns can often be found in childhood.

Perfectionists often resonate with statements such as:

"My parents expected excellence."

"I was punished for being less than perfect."

"I could never reach my parent's standards."

These internalized standards were developed in early life and may have been automatically transfered to professors, supervisors and whole academic departments so that they are responded to with the same over-heated desire for approval and fear of rejection that was originally directed towards family members.

Perfectionists are certainly better than average at:

• Setting unobtainably high goals for themselves and considering themselves a failure when these goals are not met.
• Feeling that others have set unobtainable standards and goals for them and believing that they must meet these goals to gain the other's approval.
• Setting unreasonably high goals and standards for others and then suffering from hostile feelings when others cannot, do not or will not live up to them.

Human and non-human solutions:

Because perfectionism leads a person to treat supervisors and professors as potentially hypercritical others, it reduces the likelihood of turning to them for help and guidance in the very areas where they are the most expert. Because perfectionism makes self-exposure as a flawed and frightened person so frightening and shameful, it prevents a person from turning to others for human comfort and regulation.

Instead of turning to others for help, support and a realistic perspective on their projects, perfectionist students may turn to non-human solutions such as:

• Self medication with drugs and alcohol to lower their physical tension or escape into addictive computer games... or even excessive housework to distract them
• Use of performance enhancing stimulants to increase their ability to prod produce, produce at an inhuman rate.
• Unconsciously driven neglect and inattention can lead to "hardware solutions" to perfectionist pressure. Computers break down at in-opportune moments leading to psychologically acceptable delays and respites.
• Psychosomatic solutions: The continual high level of self doubt, self criticalness, isolation and anxiety may become too much to handle psychologically and lead to breakdown. Physical illnesses which are most easily affected by stress such as headaches, migraines, stomach problems and asthma become exacerbated . While they are physically distressing they provide a much needed psychological respite. Often students who respond physically to stress also suffered in this way as children when feeling sick was considered by perfectionistic parents as the only acceptable reason for a break from school effort.

Psychologically, perfectionism is always a "defense". Perfectionism stems from a wish for total control of the situation. It is an attempt to defeat anxiety-causing chaos, uncertainty and randomness.

Perfectionism exacts a high price.

Because perfectionism refuses to compassionately admit to human limits, it continually undermines self esteem. It makes it impossible to accept the inadequacies and frailties which are the result of our individual uniqueness which we must accept in order to accept ourselves. Because it proposes inhuman standards on self and others, it makes it impossible to ever feel successful, accomplished or proud... no matter how much good work has been done. At the graduate school level original thinking becomes part of the skill set that the academic program is trying to develop. When perfectionism limits spontaneity, flexibility, and willingness to take risks and explore imperfect partial responses, it also tends to limit or block creativity. The impossibly extreme demands that perfectionism creates can lead to equally extreme feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and despair.... and a loss of realistic perspective on the situation as thoughts and emotions circle endlessly, trapped between the impossibility of the imagined demands and the (equally imagined) shame of failure to live up to these outrageous standards. Depression can result as you psychologically "stall out" in the face of what feels like an impossible situation.

Tackling perfectionism is challenge which leads to real personal development.

The good news is that since much of the problem is internal to the sufferer it is not usually necessary to drop out of an "impossibly" demanding program or to take up arms against an "abusive" academic system.

Perfectionism is a barrier to psychological and professional development.

Fear of not being able to meet challenges "perfectly" often results in procrastination and the avoidance of stimulating but more risky challenges. Perfectionists may actually workbelow their true level of performance in order to avoid any possibility of failure. Research and writing may be limited to areas that feel safe and easy. Academic work may be limited in amount, stereotyped in style or defined entirely by what will please someone else.

It is worth struggling to lay aside perfectionism because the benefits of putting down that burden are real and important.

Often what is needed is an internal reality check. Since much perfectionism begins in family life, it is often helpful to tease out the true origin of your ideas around what makes you a worthwhile human being. It may be helpful to seek out the support of a trained counselor as you examine the roots of your stress-producing perfectionistic ideal. Sometimes what is most needed is compassionate and encouraging human contact which provides reassurance that you are valuable and valued in the world as a person outside your studies.

Feeling less perfectionistic facilitates:

• Higher and more genuine self-esteem and self compassion.
• Better, warmer and richer personal and professional relationships.
• More flexibility, creativity, curiosity and exploration.

Tackling perfectionism can result in better health, less psychological distress, better human relationships inside and out of school.... and paradoxically, better, more creative academic production. Putting aside perfectionism creates time and mental space for self exploration and self-creation outside the academic domain and leads to a fuller richer human life.

Susan Meindl, MA, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Montreal Canada. She has a special interest in Jungian ideas and practices a Jungian approach to psychodynamic psychotherapy

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/59983

The Best Source of Information and Advice on Med School Admission Requirements

Where can aspiring medical students get the best advice so they can get into a medical school? Many students have spent thousands on books telling them how to get into medical school but they say that in the end it did not help that much. There are a lot of online medical sites that offer help when it comes to med school admission requirements and how to get your application noticed amongst thousand or maybe million other medical student applicants. The best source of information are medical students themselves who have passed all the requirements of the school, doctors and if you can get advices from faculty teachers of medical schools, the better.

Actually, deciding to become a doctor is a lifetime dream for most of us. Not everybody gets in a medical school and not everybody has just because they were not able to get the med school admission right. Getting into medical school is your only hope in becoming a doctor. However, you have to be sure that becoming a doctor is what you really want because studying to become one is not the hardest stage. It is once you become a doctor. Work does not end. At the hospital, you attend to your patients during your shift. After work, you read up and study the medical journals and new technology or the latest findings on your field of expertise. You have to keep up or you will be left behind. The work of the doctor never ends. You will be on call most of the time. There are no holidays, no birthdays; sometimes you will not even get a good night's sleep. That is how hard being a doctor is.

Cheryl Forbes owns and operates the website http://www.medical-school-admissions.org

College Courses Offer More Today Than Ever Before

Education is proving to be a great way for people to get in to their desired industry and pursue the career they want. With such a diverse choice of courses the hardest part will be picking which course to take. Colleges and Universities offer a broad range of education levels that all provide the skills, knowledge and experience to make your way into the workplace. Both colleges and universities are able to offer courses that cover most people's interests and passions, and provide a door way in to the industry. Courses like music, performing arts, computing and information technology are just a few that draw people to the colleges each year. So what can you expect some of these courses to offer?

Music and Music Technology

These courses have become increasingly popular in the past years, attracting students from all over the country to study the universal appeal of music. Courses usually cater for singers, producers, sound engineers and DJs. The music courses are usually available for a range of different levels of study from a first diploma to HND level. Some of the courses provide a starting point for study and will allow you to progress to further education. Each course will allow you to develop a broad range of useful skills which can include networking and promotional skills which will be beneficial to you in the workplace.

Performing Arts

The performing arts courses are ideal for those looking to get more involved in dance, theatre and musical theatre. Courses can provide you with a platform to hone in your skills in your desired field and gain the necessary experience. This can be a great way to gain experience or perhaps use a course as a springboard on to other levels of education. Such courses might include a BTEC qualification, national diplomas, higher national diplomas and AS and A2 Levels. These courses usually include a large amount of practical work as well as the opportunity to perform in the college as well as a variety of outside venues. Some courses also allow you to visit professional workshops and see live professional performers.

Computing and Information Technology

While the industry of the computer continues to expand more and more people are looking to join the workforce of Information Technology. The courses cover many aspects of Information Technology including, technology based applications, communication systems, web design as well as the fundamental and advanced elements of programming computers. Various levels of study are offered by most colleges including BTEC diplomas, A Levels, BTEC national diplomas as well as a whole host of part time courses. Some courses will help you obtain the skills that you need in a range of industry standard software including Microsoft Office, Visual Basic, C++, Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks as well as Microsoft Project.

As the college will provide you with the skills and equipment that you need to get in to the industry, there is always an emphasis on a desire to learn for the students and attendance is of paramount importance in order to complete the courses.

Interested? These courses are available in Colleges in Northampton which offer great opportunities for those looking for a Northampton Education.

Visit my online Travel Blog http://www.onlinetravelblog.co.uk

Community Colleges Are a Bargain For New Students

A few months ago, Jose and Maria received Bachelor of Science degrees from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. They completed similar courses and participated in similar on-campus activities. The only difference was cost. Jose's four years of college cost about $32,946, or an average of $8,236 annually. Maria, on the other hand, paid $55,440 or about $13,860 annually for her four-year college experience. Why the big difference?

The answer is that Jose took courses at the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) for two full years before heading off to George Mason's main campus. That one decision saved him a ton of money. Maria was eligible to attend NVCC and pay the in-state tuition rate of $87.10 per credit hour, but she chose not to. Her high school friends and other acquaintances told her she should attend George Mason for the full four years to have a "real college experience." (Hmm. Ever wonder where high school students get their information?)

Jose's expenses were as follows: 60 semester-hours of credits at NVCC cost $87.10 per credit-hour, or a total of about $5,226. His only other expenses were for books and for bus fare to get to and from the Woodbridge campus from his home. He lived for free with his mom and dad in exchange for cutting the grass in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter.

Jose's 60 semester-hours of credits (four semesters) transferred fully to George Mason University; thus, he was admitted as a junior. He lived in a double room on campus for $2,000 per semester, and he participated in the meal plan for $1,510 per semester. Textbooks were extra, but Jose made a point of buying used books and selling them promptly at the conclusion of his courses.

Potential students who think (like Maria) that they must attend all four years at a "big name" university are mistaken. Here's why:

Instruction for first-and second-year students at four-year universities may not be as good as that provided to advanced undergraduates. Senior professors loathe teaching freshmen and sophomores. For this reason, most of these faculty members give only weekly lectures, supplemented by "discussion groups" headed by graduate students. The discussion leaders are called teaching assistants or "TAs". In most cases they are only a few years older than their students. At most community colleges, in contrast, all classes are taught by regular or adjunct faculty members who are older and who have a strong desire to teach the younger students. In fact, many regular and adjunct faculty members have special qualifications in addition to academic degrees. Accounting classes, for example, are generally taught by Certified Public Accountants. Similarly, business law courses are almost always taught by adjunct faculty members who are practicing lawyers.

On-campus activities are, of course, important to all students, but here again community colleges stand out. Freshmen and sophomores can participate in a wide range of activities ranging from language clubs to civic action and political groups. When the students transfer to a four-year institution they can select new activities based on their experiences at the junior college level.

If you are contemplating college in the fall, look carefully at the programs that are available at your local community college. If you are careful in your planning, you will find that your money will go much further, and that the ultimate prize will be the same: a fully accredited bachelor's degree in the field of your choice.

Author's URL: http://garyjacobsen.synthasite.com

College Students Work As Humanitarians in Relief Missions

Many college students volunteer to work in a third world country helping others while they are in college. Helping others is a great way to earn credits while building up a great resume after you graduate from college. You should try to do projects that are in line with your major in college. You will find that doing international public service is very rewarding as well as beneficial to your own character.

You find that many times the people that you meet and work with in third world countries have a beautiful insight to life that will help you to become a better person just by knowing and working with them. You should try to do something that is constructive in your projects. You could devise a water purification system for instance if you are studying environmental engineering. This will help a remote village plagued by contaminated water while helping you earn your degree. Perhaps you are working with computers and network systems then use your knowledge to help others set up a computer lab gaining access to the outside world. You will find that countries like Africa, South America or rural Asia would be very happy to have you come and help them gain access to others by the use of a computer.

You can gain access to many people by helping them with a short-term humanitarian mission on your part that will help others better themselves in the world in which they live. Many college students engage themselves in helping people and needs of other places and cultures in an effort to make a positive public contribution. You may span yourself to help a wide range of people or you can join a humanitarian group to help a small group of people. In either case you will find that you are a better person for your efforts and the people you help are very appreciative. Helping others can be rewarding helping you to grow as an individual in ways that you never thought possible.

You do not always have to travel abroad to work doing a humanitarian relief mission. You can find that by going to the Appalachian areas of America and helping people have a better life style is also rewarding. People need help to build homes, get a better education and even learn how to work on a job that will pay them a descent income to support their families. There are programs that help people in America today that you can join and find that you will receive great satisfaction in your work with your fellow Americans.

Going on a trip soon? You may need a portable DVD player to keep your trip entertaining. Find all of the best ones at FINDgascards.com, where you can find more of Tom's work as well.

Trying to Open the Mind of an Academic Isn't Worth Your Time

Okay, try this sometime, try explaining in laymen's terms why an academic or professor is wrong about something. It's just amazing how close minded they really are. Worse, their authoritative personality displacement makes them completely dangerous when they are outside of the field of their endeavors. So, why not remember this quote when dealing with such academic know-it-alls:

"A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still."

What academics do not understand is that "fact" is not only those things written into research papers, but it also involves experience and observations outside the laboratory in the real world. You see, if "personal experience" and "real observation" are not allowed into the academic discussion then the academics are in denial of reality.

In that case, why should they be trusted with their information, if they cannot explain it or won't for fear of conflict? Surely, someone who will not talk about actual observation or denies these events is not worthy of dialogue.

If an academic decides your questions are not worthy, and they refuse to argue points of contention, simply change the definition from argument to challenge. After all, these folks are masters at changing definitions to prove themselves right. Say something like this:

Please understand, this is not an argument, it is an "In Your Face Challenge" to your purported belief system with regards to this information you have presented. You presented this information and teach it, thus, I would hope you actually believe it right?

If so, then you ought to be able to discuss it, I would think. What is or isn't productive is regardless of my desire to explore this deeper and your need to learn beyond the academic agreed upon findings.

Surely, you can defend your position better than refusal to discuss it. Why are you afraid to do that? I realize your students probably do not challenge these things much, so I guess you are safe hanging around those that believe this stuff hook-line-and-sinker. That is scary. "

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

The Importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) For a DEA

Continuing Professional Development is a method of constantly improving ones knowledge and ability in a chosen professional sphere and as such is vital to both career progression and professional excellence.

CPD is achieved by setting oneself targets to gain experience and knowledge in certain areas in a given time. This is often done via practical experience and is kept track of by way of good record keeping and notation.

So why is CPD important for a domestic energy assessor?

CPD plays a vital part in the modern professional world and is beneficial to the professional and to the customer in equal measures. The importance to the professional is many fold:

• CPD enhances knowledge and ability on a constant basis;
• A CPD record keeps the professional up to date in terms of learning;
• CPD allows one to keep abreast with changes in professional methods or regulations;
• As far as the customer is concerned, the above are all beneficial in that they can be assured the professional is fully up to speed.

Can CPD enhance my career?

Yes it can; all domestic energy assessment accreditation schemes encourage a CPD programme to be undertaken by the professional. Through continual professional development you can add value to your professional service offerings whether employed or self-employed and inturn increase your earning potential.

Beyond that, a CPD programme is necessary in order to make sure that you are up to date with current processes and any changes in procedure, and also guides you towards improving your knowledge in areas that you feel are your weaker points.

Will it take up much time?

The beauty of CPD is that it is carried out to a great degree - 'on the job' and will therefore be part of your normal working day/week. CPD does not involve tests or exams, and does not entail you using any more than a little of your spare time. This is used to keep notes and progress marks for yourself, and to also take in a bit of 'reflective learning' - looking back upon recent CPD milestones and taking stock of what has been learned and achieved. CPD Register provides a central point for energy assessor professionals' CPD information and records.

Each CPD programme is tailored by and for the individual - there are no set rules and no rights or wrongs. You decide the areas in which you intend to improve via CPD. This is important as it enables you to look at where your strengths and weaknesses are and to choose to work on these particular areas.

Reflective learning allows you to be sure that you have made progress by comparing your previous knowledge with that gained via your CPD programme.

Put simply, CPD is important because it enables the professional to improve his or her ability and knowledge through work and learning, and is a constant record of changes in ones professional area. Being able to look back upon recent experience and learn from it is a vital part of the learning process.

HIP-Consultant.co.uk provides Energy Performance Certificate and Home Information Pack services and information.
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Concerning Athletic Scholarships and College Sports

Countless high school students, possessing athletic skill and talent, are looking forward to a college education with the support of an athletic scholarship. In order to attain these grants, there are a few things students need to remember.

It should go without saying that grades are very important in availing (and maintaining) an athletic scholarship. A player has more opportunities open to him in college sports , the better his grades are. Schools are more inclined to give sports grants and scholarships to students who show that they can perform academically as well as athletically. Poor grades in turn may lessen a player's chances of getting student athlete scholarships.

Coaches appreciate applicants who make the effort to call. It is important to contact the coaches of prospective colleges and determine what they are looking for in a student athlete. Waiting on them to call would be a mistake, given the vast number of hopefuls in other schools. Initiating contact can accelerate the recruiting process and let an applicant know what coaches are interested in.

All emails and letters from schools should be considered, even if they are not an Ivy League college. Coaches who don't receive any response from letters will naturally assume the student is not interested. Do not leave out any possibility unless the decision has been made and finalized. A so-called second or even last choice may prove to be only one.

It imperative that an applicant should be professional in the process of trying out for college sports. There are no second chances when making first impressions with college coaches and administrators. Immaturity and irresponsibility will easily turn away and discourage a potential coach. The applicant should maintain respect for all involved as much as possible. The influence other people can have to coaches in regards to assessing student's character should not be underestimated as well.

Fortunately, the Internet has proved to be a useful venue for both athletes and coaches participating in college sports. There are many websites and online forums wherein students and scouts can come together and interact about athletic scholarships and other important information. D1Athletes is an online community wherein athletes and coaches alike can share and exchange information they need. D1Athletes offers them a place to build an online presence and gain important public exposure.

To learn more, visit D1Athletes.com or just click college athletic scholarships.

Choosing Wisely - An Online Guide to Choosing the Right Distance Learning Program

Distance learning programs have become increasingly popular in recent years. By offering individual attention and accredited lessons, distance learning programs are extremely appealing to parents of homeschooled children, especially those who want to do everything they can to help their children succeed in school and gain admission into college. However, the increase in the number of distance learning programs has also made it increasingly important for parents to take the time to choose the program that is best for their child or children.

The following is a short, simple, but effective guide to what parents should consider when choosing the right distance learning program for their child. Choose wisely.

1. Individualized Programs - The entire idea behind a distance learning program is that it provides students with individual attention and an individually tailored curriculum that they might not necessarily receive at a traditional school. Parents looking to enroll their child in a distance learning program should consider whether a program provides this one-to-one attention and whether or not the program can be uniquely tailored.

2. Consider the Teacher - Parents must also take the time to find a program that features highly qualified teachers who are able to effectively and efficiently communicate with the students they have been assigned to, as well as with their parents.

3. Accreditation - Parents should also make certain to select a program that has been officially recognized and accredited by an official licensing organization such as Western Association of Schools and Colleges. By doing so, the assure themselves that the curriculum is in line with academic standards, and that the teachers delivering the curriculum are fully credentialed.

4. Inspect the Curriculum - Since the ultimate goal of a distance learning program is often to prepare students for admission and success in college, parents must take the time to look over the curriculum to see if it is designed to help students meet admission requirements for a particular college or university. Other factors that parents should look for in a program's curriculum include the method of delivery, the grade level covered, and whether or not it is aligned to local or national standards.

5. Read the Reviews - Since there are so many programs that parents can choose from, it is always important for them to look at what other parents are saying about them. Don't be fooled by fancy graphics or "extra" features, instead, look at who is running the program, and who the program is accountable to.

Besides these five factors, parents should also look at a distance learning program's record of college placement, the existence of learning opportunities with other colleges and universities, available support services, the "community" associated with the program, and whether or not the program offers any additional parent training.

Choosing the right distance learning program can be a huge decision in the life of both a parent and a child. There are definitely many factors to consider, but by taking the time to choose wisely, students can certainly reap the benefits of what has become an extremely effective method of preparing students for admission and success in college.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning program please visit Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.

How Do I Select a Study Abroad in Asia Program?

There are times when you are studying in college when you need a change of pace. This can be for any number of reasons. Perhaps you have studied only in North American schools where subjects are taught in a particular way, and you desire to experience your educational focus from a different perspective. You might be wondering how you can set your resume out ahead of other college graduates. You may just want to explore the world and go to school at the same time. No matter what the reason, you will find a wealth of opportunities to explore study abroad Asia programs online.

There are many ways to study abroad in Asia. You could select a year-long study abroad China program, or a shorter semester abroad Japan program. In either example, a quality educational liaison will help you enroll in a university located in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand or other Asian countries. Classes for foreign exchange students participating in a study abroad Asia program are occasionally offered in English, with intensive language studies in the host country language available if you choose to partake.

The courses that you take overseas as part of a study abroad China or Japan program, because they are university credits, should transfer to your current college or university. It does make sense to check with your home university academic guidance counselor to ensure that credits earned in a study Abroad Asia program will apply to your degree program back home.

Good study abroad China programs will also ensure that you are comfortable and safe while studying away from home. You will want to seek out a program that offers guaranteed housing in your host country. It is also helpful if there is some kind of introductory period when you first arrive in the host country, so that the program advisors can offer tips and help you make the successful transition to living and studying in a different culture. For your safety, day and night emergency help should be available to not only you but also your parents and the advisors of your foreign exchange program while you are in country.

Financing a trip on a Study Abroad Asia program is not all that difficult. You may find that you can use student aid from your home university to help pay for the foreign study experience.

It is always wise to talk to students who have gone on the semester abroad Japan program, or other Asian destination program, that you might be considering. Alumni of the Asian study program should be able to share their experiences and offer good advice about the program and how it helped them after they returned home.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for study abroad Asia. Their study abroad China program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the semester abroad Japan program.

Online Education - A Haven For Cheating?

Online degrees and distance learning are increasing in popularity. Easier accessibility for a growing range of subjects, as well as recent government calls for a push in e-learning, highlight the fact that more and more students will be studying from home in the future and partaking in this more economical and ecological method of higher education. But does being away from the watchful eye of tutors and teachers mean that there is an increased risk of cheating among students? And what are the measures to stop it?

In their article, Probing for Plagiarism in the Virtual Classroom, Lindsey Hamlin and William Ryan discuss the notion of plagiarism, passing off another persons work as one's own, in the context of online education. They describe how e-learning doesn't seem to make plagiarism any more tempting or easier for students to carry out in comparison to traditional learning, and suggest that this is an age old problem of education generally that can be stopped by any respective institution implementing the correct measures. They also offer details of anti-plagiarism software specifically for online education institutions.

Neil Rowe continued this discussion in his article, Cheating in Online Student Assessment, by offering his argument that other forms of online cheating need to be monitored aside from plagiarism. The notion of students being able to receive answers before completing online exams is Rowe's first worry. With students not being tested simultaneously, Rowe identifies that a method to prevent this would be for institutions to write enough random questions to ensure a suitable ratio between number of questions and number of students, in order to minimize the chances that two students will receive the same questions.

Rowe also highlights the chances that students, if unhappy with their performance during an online test, may be able to start again (after conference with external sources) by claiming that they are experiencing connection problems and have lost their answers. Similarly, he also expresses his biggest worry as relating to whom exactly is answering the questions during an online test and the possibility that bright students may complete the tests of less capable students, or at least be called upon for help.

Rowe cites G. J. Cizek for countermeasures against online education cheating. Cizek suggests promoting and teaching the value of honesty above simply employing measures to stop cheating when it happens. One such idea: 'Students could be asked to read and sign a policy statement like an honor code or integrity policy at the beginning of the course', seems an effective starting point, alongside minimizing the temptation for students to cheat by giving them overly easy or overly difficult exams.

Sarah Maple writes about adult education and home learning.

Professors - Using Student-Driven Learning Methods - Active Learning

Student-driven learning methods are based on the concept of active learning. So that you better understand that term, picture a continuum. If at one end you put active learning, what might you put at the opposite extreme--passive learning?--or is that a state that does not exist? Do lectures, video presentations, and guest speakers engender passive learning? After 15 minutes or so for most learners, does the mind typically become occupied with other thoughts? The research would indicate that it does.

For the purposes of this article, I'll define active learning as an approach selected by a professor in which the teaching and learning environment is designed for the learner to be actively engaged in the acquisition and processing of knowledge and information. In an active learning environment, students are doing much of the work, at their own pace, to achieve their individual learning objectives.

Richard Hake (1998), a professor of physics at Indiana University, prefers a synonymous term: interactive engagement. He says that such learning involves methods "designed in part to promote conceptual understanding through interactive engagement of students in heads-on (always) and hands-on (usually) activities which yield immediate feedback through discussion with peers and/or instructors" (p. 65).

Although different theorists and practitioners give different definitions of this approach, those definitions commonly include having students draw on prior knowledge to make mental connections at ever-higher levels of learning. Whatever sources you consult on the topic, and whatever differences you find among them, keep your individual conceptualization of active learning in mind as you learn more about the strategies that work.

As a professor, you have accepted the challenge of accountability for the student learning that occurs as a result of your teaching. Student learning is paramount. Every decision we make about how we teach and what we teach is made with the ultimate goal of fostering learning in students. Therefore, when you strategically choose to use student-driven methods, you are deciding that, to reach the ultimate goal of student learning, (1) students will be directing the learning along a continuum that fits their abilities; (2) the primary focus will be on a unique collection of students; and (3) students will be doing the majority of the work in the classroom and classroom-related activities. Your work comes before class when you are designing and preparing the learning experiences (and believe me when I say that it's a great deal of work to prepare for active learning experiences for students).

The operative word in the phrase active learning is the second one: learning. According to Angelo and Cross (1993), "Learning can and often does take place without the benefit of teaching--and sometimes even in spite of it--but there is no such thing as effective teaching in the absence of learning. Teaching without learning is just talking." I couldn't agree more. As a professor in the age of accountability, you must make the extraordinary effort it often takes to ensure that students are actually learning what you are trying to teach.

Counterintuitively, sometimes it is easier to convince professors of this than it is to convince students. But convince them we must, because students must now also acknowledge that they accept at least as much responsibility for their learning as we have. In a compelling article in The Chronicle of Higher Education (June 4, 1999), Mark Benvennto offers the following, in response to a student had written on an evaluation, i.e., "Get up to the f---ing board -- that's what we pay you for!"

Although many students may not want to hear it, for most of them, interactive learning is the same thing as taking your medicine. You may not like it, but it is good for you. You will learn more by being engaged in a class rather than just listening to a lecture. You will learn more by teaching your classmates, and asking them and the professor questions, than by just listening and answering others' questions. You will learn more working in a group than working alone. You will learn more if you use your mind than if you come to class simply to be entertained.(p. B9)

We need to upgrade students' perceptions of their responsibilities as learners. When we are strategic teachers and they are strategic learners, the teaching/learning experience is incomparable in its efficacy.

Teaching exclusively as you have been taught may be comfortable for you, but it is often not very effective with today's students--nor is it preferable given what is now known about the brain and learning. Wherever you are in your teaching career, you can enhance your success by developing a teaching style that regularly employs some student-directed teaching/learning methods. You will need to experiment, analyze and reflect on your efforts. You will also need to have regular discussions with colleagues experienced in these methods.

To begin, consider ways to promote learning both inside the classroom when the students are right there with you and outside the classroom (when the students are far away). The primary student-directed teaching/learning methods for use inside the classroom include open discussion, learning, role-playing, case studies, and student presentations. Methods for outside the classroom include experiential learning, fieldwork and focused study time. Each of these areas are explored in multiple articles, books, and other resources.

Strategic professors know that using a variety of teaching and learning methods is critical to students' learning and success. Pay attention to the ideas in this article and others available from Meggin McIntosh. In addition, you can learn much more about teaching and reaching the many different types of students who are in today's college classroom by reading the book *Teaching College in an Age of Accountability* (Allyn & Bacon). The book was written by Richard Lyons & Meggin McIntosh (the author of this article).

To learn more ideas that you can use as a faculty member, be sure to check out http://www.TopTenProductivityTips.com and http://www.meggin.com

(c) 2008 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Ph.D. of Productivity"(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!

Get a College Degree and Be Financially Stable!

The main benefit of a college degree is getting a regular job with salary. Research shows that a person with an associate degree earns 25 percent or more in his annual income than someone who is doing the same task without a degree. This is because college graduates are more entrusted with their skills, with the belief that college has trained them well.

Earning a college degree opens doors of possibilities and potentials of finding great jobs. Most companies prefer to hire someone with a college degree related to the industry. Some demand that every candidate have at least associates. In most instances, an employer will choose a candidate with a college degree over a candidate who has none, given the same knowledge and proficiency.

Many companies have discretion to hire someone with a college degree. This is because a higher degree means more specialization about the field. This graduate has a more comprehensive grasp of the matter at hand. A person with a bachelor's degree will attract more employers.

Knowledge is power. Graduates have this confidence, that they are well-informed and trained in college. This makes them more valuable to a company. Employers always want the best for their company. Thus they are most likely to hire job seekers with a diploma to entrust them with important responsibilities in the company.

A college degree can control your future only to a certain extent. It will also depend on how much you want to be trained and where you want that knowledge to take you. Certainly, it opens more doors for your career and gives you more chances to enjoy all the financial benefits. It also gives you more options in deciding which path to take in your career.

Earning a college degree gives you better chances to make something out of your life. It is like a domino effect. You study hard, get a college degree, land in a good job and earn big money. The whole situation makes you happier and less stressed. Feeling fulfilled is probably one of the best things in life.

More than the financial gains, getting a college degree is no easy feat. People will greatly admire you for working hard to graduate. The working attitude instilled in you college will carry over in your work place, and you will be idolized. Your workmates will look up to you. And that's one of the greatest feelings.

Getting a college degree in a way builds self-esteem. You will get the fruits of your labor once you graduate. Pursuing your goals will be much easier. Being financially secure is not easy. It is not gained in one day. It starts in college. Get a college degree now and build a bright future for yourself!

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Schools With a Distance Education Option

Medical schools with a distance education option are a great choice for people who want to get their degree but still want to stay at home. Some people who take advantage of the medical schools with a distance education option, however are doing so because it is the only way they can do it. There are advantages and disadvantages to these types of special medical schools, or more so getting your degree this way, not so much the curriculum.

Some advantages of medical schools with a distance education option are that you can stay at home using the online learning curriculum, even work full time, and still go to school. In many ways this is a great way to go because it frees up a lot of your time. These types of schools often have a great plan for giving you the lessons that work a lot like how you'd do it in a traditional school setting. One example is using the Internet for the classroom. You can actually watch real taped classes and follow along in the books. This way you get the same education and training as those who go to the school itself (physically) will get.

The disadvantages of taking your courses from medical schools with a distance education program is that you will have to become your own discipline moderator. In schools your teacher is there after class, during class, before school and after school to talk to you if you get stuck and need help. With distance learning you don't have this option, although you can probably call in and speak to an educator you miss out on the interaction during class that many students find very helpful.

The other thing about attending medical schools and using the distance option is you don't get the benefit of other people in the classroom debating and even asking spin-off questions from yours that you didn't think of. Studying with other people in your class is certainly helpful and makes things easier, but often in distance learning settings you are on your own other than the schools' support sites, phone numbers, and reading materials.

The advantages often come at a price of having to work harder, and discipline becomes harder but in the end I think that this makes you a stronger person in those areas -- something you will need in the medical field. You can also go to schools with a distance education program part of the time, and attend the actual school the other part.

For example if you need to attend the school after a year because you can't move out to the school yet, but want to take that year to still get started on your degree, (maybe you have a baby and need to be at home with the baby so your family can help while you study) you can opt for the online learning curriculum that first year then in the second sign up to take your classes in the actual school setting.

I believe that there are also ways to take part of the classes online while taking the others in the school if time management and obligations are an issue. Each way you learn the same things but in different ways, and there are some wonderful opportunities that this opens up for you, allowing you to manage your time and personal life around your schooling.

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Ohio State Buckeyes - Tracing the 22 NCAA Titles of the Buckeyes

NCAA Championships is one of the most awaited events in every college team. It is a national title wherein the best of the best from different divisions and states are named. Some of the Big Ten Conference Division are able to make it on this important event while some are not. However, the chances of joining are big since there are many sports sanctioned by this organization.

The most popular sports for this event are football, basketball and baseball. If you look at the track record of the different teams, some might take years before they get their next Championship Titles. Others can do it consecutively but could end up periods of drought. Well, it is quite expected as different teams evolve every year and different players with strong skills and abilities emerge. Not to mention, the coaches of the teams vary and they have different strategies. Some may contribute to their winning streak others just settle for division titles.

The Universities of the Big 10 Conference have their many chances in joining the different NCAA Championship Matches. One of them is Ohio State University. They have won a total of 22 NCAA Titles. Their varsity team is named as the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Out of curiosity, let us try to trace their achievements in NCAA. Below are their records and years that they have won their 22 National Titles from NCAA:

Swimming Team

Their swimming team for men has the most records of NCAA titles for this event. They accumulated a total of 11 titles since 1943. Mike Peppe was the coach in 1931-1963 who led the team to win these 11 titles. He was ranked number one to coach the most titles for the NCAA and Ohio State was one of the teams to win the most titles in a year (for the years 1953 and 1955).

Gymnastics

Their team for men was the winner of the NCAA championships in 1984, 1990 and 2001. They have produced 24 NCAA individual champions under the supervision of Miles Avery. In 2001, Jamie Natalie was the All-around champion.

Golf

The division for men won the NCAA title in 1945 and 1979. In 1945, this varsity team grabbed their first gold under the supervision of Robert Keppler. The second title was under Jim Brown. Both coaches are now in the hall of fame for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Track and Field, Fencing, Baseball and Basketball

Each of these teams grabbed one NCAA title only. Track and field gained the title under the coaching of F.R. Castleman. One of the notable players at his time was George Simpson, who was a champion for both 100 and 220-Yard Dash. Fencing team became National champion in 1942. Their baseball team won in 1966 under the coaching of Marty Karow. On the other hand, their basketball team won in 1960 under the coaching of Fred Taylor. Jerry Lucas was one of the top players at that time and he helped the team to win the title.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the Big 10 and the Ohio State Buckeyes. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his Ohio State Merchandise