Organic Chemistry Distillation

Organic Chemistry DistillationFor many years organic chemistry has been used to test the effects of multiple substances, such as copper sulphate, on mixed layers of graphite. Through the use of the ether method of distillation, a boundary layer separating two layers of graphite is formed, separated from the third, in the form of the vane zone. The effect is then used to measure the extent of impurities in a substance being tested. The ether method, commonly called ethyl ether is effective but expensive and not very precise.The organic chemistry distillation method utilizes the process of the oxy-methyl-acetonitrile reaction. The reaction has been known for over 100 years and is used to create a volatile gas called ethane, with the carbonic acid added by solid phase distillation. The mixture of two oxides of pure carbon is then dried to obtain a crude mixture of the pure carbon. This crude mixture is then treated with sodium hydroxide and concentrated in the manner of a corn oil still , and distilled.The reactions associated with organic chemistry have been used in the Indian sub-continent, as they have been used in Europe. In the modern world, organic chemistry is mainly used in applied science, and the laboratory environment. This type of science can be of use in applications, such as refrigeration, the study of combustion process, the industrial processes, and even in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.The processes involved in this type of science don't work unless the solvent is completely evaporated, and the reaction is in a high temperature. These are as follows: the vaporization of the solvent is done by vaporization and distillation. The equilibrium temperature for this process is 200 °C.The less known and useful process for this science is the batch distillation, which can be done by running the vapor through small lines. The moisture content is eliminated, and the reactants and products are separated and collected for further analysis. This me thod is slow and involves great care.This science is being used more often in the United States, as it is an effective and safe science for industry. In laboratories around the country, they have switched from a volatile, to a pure, solid-phase system.This chemical is easily cleaned and can be stored in a glass container for convenience. Other chemicals used for this process include: sodium hydroxide, ammonium chloride, carbonate of soda, triethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, sodium nitrate, aldehydes, esters, ketones, phosphates, acetates, and other solvents. The researchers at the University of Nebraska run several studies using the organic chemistry distillation process. The studies that are done with this method are helping them to increase the availability of this type of science, and to allow many more American companies to use this science to do their research, and turn it into a real industry.

Practice Makes Perfect, But Are You Doing It Right

Practice Makes Perfect, But Are You Doing It Right Suzy S. Yesterday we discussed some common excuses for not practicing and how to overcome them.   If youve already read that and corrected your mindset, the question remains:   How much do you really need to practice?   Theres a difference between mindless practicing and deliberate practicing read on to find out how to get the most out of your practice sessions, courtesy of this Bulletproof Musician blog post that we loved: Deliberate Practice So what is deliberate, or mindful practice? Deliberate practice is a systematic and highly structured activity, which is, for lack of a better word, scientific. Instead of mindless trial and error, it is an active and thoughtful process of experimentation with clear goals and hypotheses. Deliberate practice is often slow, and involves repetition of small and very specific sections of your repertoire instead of just playing through (e.g. working on just the opening note of your solo to make sure that it “speaks” exactly the way you want, instead of playing the entire opening phrase). Deliberate practice also   involves monitoring one’s performance (in real-time, but also via recordings), continually looking for new ways to improve. This means really listening to what happens, so that you can tell yourself exactly what went wrong. For instance, was the first note note sharp? Flat? Too loud? Too soft? Too harsh? Too short? Too long? Few musicians take the time to stop, analyze what went wrong, why it happened and how they can correct the error permanently.   Make that a habit during your practice sessions. 4 Keys For More Effective Practice 1. Duration Keep practice sessions limited to a duration that allows you to stay focused. This may be as short as 10-20 minutes for younger students (or if thats all you have time for), and as long as 45-60 minutes for older individuals. 2. Timing Keep track of times during the day when you tend to have the most energy. This may be first thing in the morning, or right before lunch, etc. Try to do your practicing during these naturally productive periods as these are the times at which you will be able to focus and think most clearly. 3. Goals Try using a practice notebook. Keep track of your practice goals and what you discover during your practice sessions. The key to getting into the “zone” when practicing is to be constantly striving to have clarity of intention. In other words, to have a clear idea of the sound you want to produce, or particular phrasing you’d like to try, or specific articulation, intonation, etc. that you’d like to be able to execute consistently. When you figure something out, write it down. As I practiced more mindfully, I began learning so much during practice sessions that if I didn’t write everything down, I’d forget. 4. Smarter, not harder Sometimes if a particular passage is not coming out the way we want it to, it just means we need to practice more. There are also times, however, when we don’t need to practice harder, but need an altogether different strategy or technique.   Think creatively. Make the time you do have count, and youll be well on your way to mastering the music.   Readers, do you have any of your own strategies to share?   As always, wed love to hear leave a comment below! Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe.

10 Most Common Italian Grammar Mistakes

10 Most Common Italian Grammar Mistakes Brooke Neuman Are you struggling to perfect your Italian grammar skills? Below, Italian teacher Nadia B. highlights the 10 most common grammar mistakes to help you get on the path to success When youre first learning Italian, it can be hard to keep track of all the complex grammar rules. Understanding all of the differences in how ideas are expressed in Italian versus in English, for example, can be hard to remember. Nonetheless, its important that you master your Italian grammar skills if you wish to be successful. Below are the 10 most common Italian grammar mistakes. By reading this, youll learn how to avoid making these common errors! 1. Noun/adjective agreement One of the most difficult things for English speakers to remember is to make the noun and the adjective agree in Italian. Just remember, no matter what the noun or the adjective is, you should always check to make sure the agreement between them makes sense. Always take into account number and gender. See examples below: Singular:  un ragazzo  amabile (a friendly boy) Plural:  due ragazzi amabili (two friendly boys) Gender:  una lezione lunga  (a long lecture) Note: feminine nouns have the adjective ending in a, while masculine nouns have the adjective ending in o. 2. Correct verb conjugation Oftentimes, verb conjugations can seem complex. Making sure the verb conjugation always reflects the subjecteven when the subject isnt explicitly statedis important. For example, in the sentence, Lucia ed io andiamo a scuola, (Lucia and I go to school) the verb conjugation is in the we form (noi)  because its referring to Lucia and I. Another common mis-conjugation is in the use of the voi  form (you all). In this case, youll be directly addressing a group of two or more people; for example, Ragazzi, siete bravissimi  (Guys, you are very good). Often, Italian language learners mistakenly use the loro (they) form when theyre directly addressing a group. 3. Collective nouns viewed as singular Some nouns in Italian appear plural because they are a unit of several, but they act as singular nouns with regard to the verb conjugation. Two examples of this are la famiglia  (the family) and la gente  (the people). Even though they are referring to multiple people, they are treated as singular nouns. See examples below: La famiglia è andata alla chiesa  (The family went to the church) La gente dice che (People say that) 4. Conditions of being When we explain how were feeling in Italian, some of the ways we express this vary from English. For example, many conditions (such as being cold, fearful, etc.) use the verb avere (to have)  instead of essere (to be). So, when you want to say youre feeling cold in Italian, you would say Ho freddo not, Sono freddo. Similarly, when youre talking about age, you would say Ho 24 anni (I am 24 years old) instead of Sono 24 anni. 5. Mi piace vs. mi piacciono Expressing what you like and dislike can often get you into trouble in Italian. The verb piace (to please) is used  in a phrase to refer to an item you like. The first common error students make is to conjugate the verb based on the person who likes it. In other words, Mi piaccio or I like myself which is not what youre generally trying to convey. The second mistake that can occur is to forget to make the verb agree with the subject in number. If what you like is plural ( i.e. the books, the topics, the shirts) then you would say Mi piacciono  If what you like is singular, then you should say Mi piace  See example below: Plural:  Mi piacciono i libri  (I like the books) Singular:  Mi piace il libro  (I like the book) 6. Shortened nouns Some words in Italian are very long. Because of this many words are shortened. For example, la bicicletta (the bicycle) can be shortened to la bici, and la fotografia (the photograph) can be shortened to la foto. In these cases, the noun is still feminine in the shortened version, even though the word ends in -i  or -o. When using these shortened nouns, remember to make the noun agree with the adjective. For example, La bici è rossa  (The bicycle is red). 7. Irregular past participles Once you learn how to form the past participle, dont forget that irregular past participles exist! Some of the commonly misused verbs include:  aprire (aperto), bere (bevuto), chiedere (chiesto), correre (corso), dire (detto), essere (stato), fare (fatto), leggere (letto), mettere (messo), perdere (perso), scrivere (scritto), vedere (visto) and venire (venuto). 8. Essere vs. avere with the past participle Another common grammar mistake is using the wrong verb before the participle. While there are only two choices ( i.e. essere and avere), its easy to get confused about which one to use. The basic rule is that most transitive verbs are conjugated with avere, while intransitive verbs are conjugated with essere. In some cases, both avere and essere can be used. However, be careful because the meaning can be very different depending on which you use. With the verb finire, for example, ho finito means I finished, while sono finito means Im dead! 9. Making the direct object preceding the past participle agree when using avere When you have a past participle with avere, you most likely have a direct object following it. For example, Ho scritto le lettere  (I wrote the letters). If you wish to use a direct object pronoun, you would put it before the past participle and avere.  If you do this, however, you must make the past participle agree with the direct object pronoun that precedes it. For example,  Le ho scritte  (I wrote them). This is a very common mistake as it is a fine point of Italian grammar. If you use this correctly, you will impress whomever youre speaking with! 10. Commands Commands are not very complicated in Italian; however, there is an exception that is often forgotten. While the  tu form is expressed in the affirmative by dropping the re of the infinitive, the tu form is expressed in the negative by using non plus the infinitive. Oftentimes, students use the same tu form for both affirmative and negative commands, which is incorrect. See example below: Affirmative: Ascoltami!  (Listen to me!) Negative: Non mi ascoltare! (Don’t listen to me!) Practicing using these grammar concepts in conversation is a good way to check if youre able to use them correctly. Knowing the most common Italian grammar mistakes should help you notice when you make an error and help you to correct it yourself, or with the help of your Italian teacher. Nadia B. teaches Italian in New York, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from New York University, with a double degree in Italian Language and Literature and Classical Music Performance.  Learn more about Nadia 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

Emblematic Piano Composers

Emblematic Piano Composers The Greatest Pianists of All Time ChaptersTop Pianists: Johannes BrahmsLudwig van BeethovenPiano Composers: Joseph HaydnWolfgang Amadeus MozartThe Pianist Robert SchumannBest Pianists: Frédéric ChopinThe Piano According to Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyBest Pianists: Giuseppe VerdiFamous Composers: Ludovico EinaudiVocabularyAs Arthur Koestler said, “True creativity often starts where language ends.”.The piano is one of the most popular instruments to learn how to play.When people think of composing music for the piano, they invariably think of classical or romantic music.With names such as Haydn, Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt, and Hector Berlioz, there are literally tonnes of talented classical and romantic composers who didn’t just influence their contemporaries but generations of later musicians.Of course, this list is by no means extensive and you're always welcome to suggest your favourite piano composers in the comments below. They don't necessarily need to be classically trained or classical musicians, either!What ’s better than a piano when it comes to expressing creativity? LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTop Pianists: Johannes BrahmsBrahms was a composer, pianist, and conductor who spearheaded the Romantic period.Every symphony starts out with someone writing some music on their own. (Source: coyot)Throughout his musical career, he left an indelible mark on classical music: 122 original works, 17 for the piano, which might seem to pale in comparison to composers like Schumann and Chopin.Brahms is known for his heterogeneous approach to music and in addition to his piano music, he created fugues on the organ and plenty of chamber music which is often associated with small orchestras.Brahms was never much a fan of being compared to Beethoven. However, Brahms first symphony is often considered to be Beethoven’s Tenth.Ludwig van BeethovenBy the age of 12, he’d already written 3 sonatas.  By the age of 26, he lost the most important sense for composers, his hearing.Did you know Moonlight Sonata (Sonata No. 14) evokes his negative feelings towards going deaf?Beethoven’s compositions are extremely interesting because the artists straddled the line between the Classical and Romantic periods.  His first works were inspired by the Viennese School (of which Mozart and Haydn were top of the class) and would later influence other artists such as Brahms. His work continued to change as quickly as music did.His repertoire was absolutely huge: Chamber music, sacr ed music, and symphonic pieces, too.  His fifth symphony is still known as one of his most famous pieces.Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is known today as the anthem of the European Union and is an incredible piece. Wagner would later refer to the Beethoven’s 9th as “the greatest western symphony of all time”.The ninth symphony is also thought to cursed as each composer died after writing their ninth symphony.For example, Antonin Dvorak, Franz Schubert, and Gustav Mahler.Take piano lessons London.Piano Composers: Joseph HaydnAs a member of the “Classical Viennese Trinity” alongside Beethoven and Mozart, Haydn’s compositions would have a huge impact on Mozart himself.With so many great piano composers, it's hard to make such a short list. (Source: Tama66)Just like Beethoven, he can be considered to transition Baroque and Romanticism.  The composer is generally known as a symphony conductor and a master of string quartets, to such an extent that he is often considered to be t he father of both.The debate rages on! One thing for sure, by listening to his symphonies, we can better understand Haydn.His 106 symphonies were spread over 40 years and are considered to be his trademark.Unlike his frugal approach to the string quartet (which he probably invented), he never seemed to stop writing symphonies.Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThe child prodigy. Mozart’s influence is immeasurable! Both in terms of classical music and everything he represented.  The very mention of his name conjures up the idea of genius.When he died aged 35, he left behind a repertoire of over 600 pieces.While 24 years his senior, Haydn always considered Mozart to be one of the greatest composers the world had ever seen. Coming from a master in his own right, this is quite the compliment.It’s mainly in his concertos, symphonies (Mozart inherited them from Haydn), and sonatas that we can see the greatest pieces written by Mozart, which are all pretty much perfect in terms of each classical a rt form. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Pianist Robert SchumannSchumann fully deserves to be placed alongside the greatest composers of all time. His works are considered to be the peak of the Romantic period which was unlike the Classical period which evoked universalism.Along with Brahms and Schubert, he’s one of the spearheads of the Romantic Lied branch which recreated poems musically. This style was particularly popular with the Germans.The German composer br ought together various styles throughout his career, from symphonic music to chamber music and concertos (violin concertos, piano concertos, etc.).In terms of the number of works he created, you could say he was inspired by Beethoven, especially when talking about symphonic music.Best Pianists: Frédéric ChopinWhile we often talk about Chopin as a piano virtuoso, which he is, we often forget to talk about him as the amazing composer that he was.Frédéric Chopin is arguably one of the most famous French composers. (Source: Walkerssk)He and Liszt were the fathers of modern piano technique and their influence on other composers is undeniable: Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, to name a few.Those who rubbed shoulders with Chopin would say that he was spontaneously creative, that the spark could appear at any moment (especially in summer) and that would be the start of several weeks of work.His wife, George Sand (Aurore Dupin Dudevant), said that he was capable of locking himself in his room with only feeling like sadness, anger, madness, or joy to keep him company as he continued to compose. George Sand also mentioned “meticulous and desperate perseverance”.The Piano According to Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyYou can’t mention artistic composition without talking about the Russian School.  We could have equally mentioned Igor Stravinsky, Dmitri Chostakovitch, and both Sergeis, Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff, to show just what immense talent there is in Russian composers.Tchaikovski paved the way for Russian composers. He’s the foundation of Russian Romanticism.His works are impressive both in quantity and in eclecticism.  He was the composer of eight symphonies, four orchestral suites, five concertos, three ballets, eleven operas, as well as 100 melodies and hundreds of piano pieces.His talent is often associated with the symphony and the orchestra first and foremost.  In terms of style, the composer was known for mixing Russian folkloric sty les with European musical sensibilities which made his music easily recognisable.Best Pianists: Giuseppe VerdiIn the same way  that the Russian School gave us so many great composers, we also have to mention the Italian School with composers like Puccini and Rossini.Giuseppe Verdi is one of opera's greats! (Source: webandi)Like many other Italian composers, Giuseppe Verdi made his mark composing operas. As a contemporary of Wagner, the Italian composer would be massively influenced by his work throughout his career.His most successful operas include Othello, Rigoletto, Nabucco, and Traviata, which are all 3-act or 4-act operas.Verdi was also famous for other styles, too, with compositions including sacred music and instrumental music. Over a century after his death, Verdi’s operas remain classics of the genre.Famous Composers: Ludovico EinaudiSince we certainly need to also mention contemporary composers, let’s talk about Ludovico Einaudi, one of the greatest composers of our ti me.Einaudi’s compositions are famous for being melodic and at the crossroads between two worlds: a mix of classical music and contemporary pop, which explains the vast diversity of people who enjoy his music and travel to see him perform it live.For those specialising in the piano, he’s considered a minimalist composer as his musical themes are often simply modified by a harmonic transformation.His talents as a composer can be seen in a number of films as well for brands like Sony and Lancôme.His compositions for films including Olivier Nakache’s Intouchables and Xavier Dolan’s Mommy have helped boost his career.While this list was dominated by classical musicians, as you dive deeper into learning about the piano, don't forget to check out modern pianists as well as pianists who play contemporary music. There's such a wealth of great music for the piano out there that it would be a huge shame to limit your search to just one or two genres!VocabularyOne of the trickiest thin gs about learning music is just how many terms there are. In a number of our articles on music, we've included a little glossary at the end. If you want to become fluent in music, you'll just have to read all our articles!FundamentalA fundamental is the main note in a chord. For example, the C in a C major chord is the fundamental.GrupettoA grupetto is a group of notes played in quick succession around the main note.Find out who are/were the best pianists in the UK!Take a look at these famous piano players.

STEM Activities for Fall

Must-Try STEAM/STEM Activities for Fall You are likely familiar with STEM (or science, technology, engineering, and math) as an education movement across schools in the U.S. A newer movement, STEAM, includes an A for art as a bridge to the other disciplines, as well as an essential component for driving innovation and problem-solving. Introducing your student to STEAM and STEM through engaging activities can be very beneficial. STEAM/STEM activities for fall can include exploring nature, experimenting with building and design activities, and getting a jump start on a science fair project. Interested in incorporating STEAM and STEM activities into the autumn months? Keep reading for must-try STEAM/STEM activities for fall: [RELATED: What is the STEAM Movement?] Explore nature with fall STEAM/STEM activities The world is your oyster when it comes to learning about nature via STEAM or STEM. Look around your backyard or a public park for elements to observe in your natural environment: for instance, mushrooms and tree rings, as well as more autumnal items like fallen leaves and pine cones. Go on a scavenger hunt outdoors for naturally occurring fractals, and then recreate them at home with art supplies. On cooler days, bring nature insidegrow flowers or other plants indoors, and record their development. Trace the veins of autumn leaves, and then research the purpose of these veins. Use fall STEAM/STEM activities to build and design objects The process of building and designing objects develops engineering skills, and it asks students to problem-solve questions of physics and balance. Try a classic activity, like building the perfect egg drop contraption. Experiment with various materials, like wood, paper, marshmallows, and clay. Build a structure using bamboo skewers joined by balls of clay or gumdrops, or make a geodesic dome by feeding pipe cleaners through straws and securing them. Dont forget to consider different types of structures, such as bridges and boats. On the design end, origami is a great STEAM-based learning activity that touches on fractions, geometry, and physics. Follow instructions to make a specific design, or try multiple ways to create the same design. Draw mazes and use magnets, on both sides of the paper, to move through the maze. Experiment with different art materials like watercolors, vinegar, oil, and dish soap, which you can use for tie dye or other paper projects. [RELATED: 4 Ways to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills] Get a head start on science fair projects with fall STEAM/STEM activities Fall is a great time to try various science experiments, especially ahead of the science fair that often takes place in the spring. Make a volcano, create a water cycle in a plastic bag, or grow flowers in the dark. Whip up a batch of Oobleck, a mixture of cornstarch and water that acts like a liquid and a solid based on how you interact with it. Ask your childs science teacher for ideas, or find books that pertain to your students interests. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Get Ahead on Your Students Science Fair Project] Fall is a great time of transitionboth in nature and at schoolthat is ripe for STEAM and STEM activities. Have fun! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Why Take Acting Classes

Why Take Acting Classes 3 Great Reasons To Take Acting Classes Chapters1. Learning To Act Is A Real Confidence Booster2. Learning To Act Enhances Listening And Negotiating Skills3. Drama Skills Can Increase Your Overall CreativityIf you have ventured onto this blog post, then it is likely that you are already interested in drama and the amazing possibilities, opportunities and benefits that acting lessons offer you. That is a good place to start!Now it is my turn to explain to you why investing in an acting workshop or seminar is something you should and must do, even if only to satisfy a hobby. Likewise, if you've dreamt of a life in the entertainment industry, then there are various acting classes just waiting to be discovered.First and foremost, let's explore what acting classes are on offer, what they consist of and roughly how much they cost.Types Of Acting ClassesThere are numerous  types of acting camps on offer  (aside from attending full-time art schools, or attending a postgraduate course that equips you with a bachelor degree in the p erforming arts) which can help you to develop different elements of the dramatic arts.Before you sign up for any class, you should familiarise yourself with the options available to you and decide on which is best suited for your own personal goals and financial budget.To save you attending expensive classes that don't meet your expectations, here is a list of just some of the courses you might encounter when looking around for acting classes to participate in.Acting Technique (High Importance For An Acting Career)The intensive Acting Technique class is the fundamental actor training  for an aspiring actor or actress with dreams of being a TV actor or going to New York City to mingle with film and broadway stars. Most serious actors will go to drama school but as someone who comes into drama later in life then this well rounded master class really is a must to give you a foundation in the industry.Individual classes will differ in layout and content due to different techniques and a pproaches used by teachers (i.e. they might adopt the Sanford  Meisner Technique, the Alexander Technique, Method Acting, Stella Adler or other) so take the time to investigate two or three classes if you know that you have a preference.Audition Technique (High Importance To Work In The Industry)Equally an important class to attend if you plan to audition for professional roles, the instructor in this lesson  focuses on the audition and callback process and how to be confident going into either scenario.Scene StudyThis training will introduce you to  studying, analysing and practising scenes off and on-camera. While it is important in understanding scenes for a play, film or television show, the class leader will still want you to draw on your acting techniques, like those learnt from the above classes.Sight ReadingAlso referred to as Cold reading, this class is great for improving in this discipline. It is best suited to those who are auditioning for roles that don’t offer much i n the way of preparation, like short adverts or brief appearances. It will teach you to quickly prepare a text and deliver it confidently, allowing you to spend more time thinking about your performance.ImprovisationThose presenting in the moment on live TV or on stage in front of thousands of spectators may have to improvise from time to time. Improv, as it is also known, is valuable for actors and comedians because it enables them to think fast, embrace spontaneity  and to be more aware of timing.Commercial ActingAnyone looking to appear in commercials should place this high on their list, but with improv being required for most commercial auditions, you shouldn’t rule out the above Improvisation classes too (with the first probably outweighing the second in terms of value).VocalVocal coaching is not just for people interested in singing; the voice is equally as important for actors in how they tell their story. This class is good for people looking to appear in stage production s, as they will be taught breathing techniques, how to sing and ways to control their vocal abilities.MovementThis is the physical version of the above course, i.e. with an acting teacher teaching you how to use your body and movement to evoke feelings in performances. It teaches you awareness of all aspects of your body, from your limbs to your facial expressions so is, again, good for those theatrical performances.ClassicalDesigned for trainees looking to appear in classical performances like Shakespearean plays, for example, in class you will learn about period acting, including dialect, accent and speech. Voice and movement techniques and other acting tips will make up part of this course, and you will be taught how to read and analyse the complicated English in classical literature.Classical acting refers to the method of learning to act out classical literature like Shakespeare's plays. Photo credit: EaglebrookSchool on VisualhuntVoice-OverThese are slightly different to vocal lessons because they focus on the specific branch of acting: voice-overs. These classes are only necessary for those wishing to pursue this as a career, so it isn't worth wasting your time and money on these lessons unless you have to master the technical aspects of this job.Highly Influential Acting TechniquesYou may have noticed that some techniques were referred to above.Just like the different movements in drama have changed throughout the years, there are also various types of acting techniques  that have come from strong and seasoned influences in the industry. Some have been around for a long time, whilst others have emerged thanks to modern developments in theatre.The Stanislavski MethodThe Stanislavski method  draws on feelings and experiences that are said to convey the truth about the characters being portrayed. The actors are encouraged to put themselves in the mindset of the person they are playing and to find links and things in common to make their performances feel more genuineClassical ActingThis term is quite broad and encompasses the expression of voice, body, imagination, improvisation (or improv) and script analysis. It is based upon the theories and principles of a selection of classical actors and directors from over the years, including Stanislavski.Method ActingMethod Acting is made up of a range of techniques formulated by Lee Strasberg in order to develop a cognitive and emotional understanding of the actor's character. The individual is asked to draw on their own experiences to identify with their role on a personal level, so it is also based loosely on Stanislavski's ideas too.The Meisner TechniqueThe Meisner Technique asks the actor to focus on nothing but the other actor or actors in the scene with them, as if nothing else in the world exists during that moment. The idea is that the intensity of the performance makes the scene feel more authentic and powerful. It has connotations with the Stanislavski method.Practical Aesthetics Last but not least, Practical Aesthetics is a technique that derives from a conception that David Mamet and William H. Macy came up with, based once again on the Stanislavski method, along with the Meisner technique and the philosopher Epictetus. The approach includes script analysis, repetition exercises and explores adaptability.Looking For Acting Classes In Your AreaNo matter where you live, you are sure to find an acting class near you. However, as you will have gathered from the above, there are many different branches of acting that you could choose to focus on.If you aren't fussy and just want to reap some of the rewards that drama classes offer, then you will be able to choose a workshop that is convenient and priced right for you. If, on the other hand, you want to learn a specific skill like improvisation, then you might have to do a bit more research, pay more for an acting coach or travel further afield.Regardless of which class you attend, the main thing is that you fee l comfortable in the environment and that it brings about positive feelings. It is okay to feel a little nervous at the start, and even to dread your first session, just as long as you can see how the class is or is going to benefit you in the long run.So don't hesitate to look up drama classes London and take the plunge into acting.How Much Do Acting Classes Cost?Drama schools will often have predetermined fees listed on their websites, updated annually, to give you an idea of how much tuition like this costs. Likewise, independent classes will advertise their prices on forums, websites and other listings but the challenge is working out what is cheap and what is expensive for adult classes!Some classes may only charge £45 for a single workshop, yet others may offer a block of three for £65. Meanwhile, some courses in central London or at acclaimed academies might charge hundreds of pounds - it really is a minefield!The best tip I can give you is to do your research and to trust your instincts. In most cases, elevated prices are due to the teacher being highly respected for what they do or because you are   likely to gain more skills from attending the workshop than other courses (which both mean better value for money). So if it is within budget and it gets you excited, then go ahead and sign up! CarlActing Teacher 5.00 (5) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaActing Teacher 5.00 (8) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ElifActing Teacher 5.00 (10) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CalumActing Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChristopherActing Teacher 5.00 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriActing Teacher 5.00 (8) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielActing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CiaranActing Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors1. Learning To Act Is A Real Confidence BoosterAnyone w ho has had even a minor, supporting role in a school or village play, or who has attended their first ever acting workshop, will admit that learning to act and to portray a character is a truly liberating experience. Not only is it time spent forgetting about all of your own financial worries, relationship troubles, work stress and other concerns, it is a time for you to soak up all of the energy and gusto of the person you are playing and transmit that to the stage.It is often said that some people 'are meant for the stage'. In fact, many parents and grandparents proudly talk of their younger generations being destined for life as a star, because of their wild imagination and 'don't care' attitude. While I do believe that some people are indeed born to be film stars, I am in no way saying that less self-assured human beings shouldn't even bother competing. Far from it!People often say that their children are destined for the stage, because they extrovert in a number of ways. Photo on VisualHuntI am a firm believer in taking yourself out of your comfort zone to really find a sense of accomplishment. That is why I think that acting classes are the perfect way to bring an introvert's personality and emotions to the surface and help them to realise that it is good to express themselves and to be heard (even if it is through the voice of their character initially!).But acting isn't only an activity that makes you seem more extrovert. Acting brings all of its participants a number of positive long-term effects.Firstly, taking part in acting classes and rehearsals means interacting with other like-minded individuals in the class and results in combating shyness or awkwardness in social situations, thus vastly improving social skills. When you join an acting class, you are more than likely going to develop new bonds and friendships that could wind up being relationships for life!Furthermore, acting classes encourage you to become focused on yourself and explore your own uniqueness and individuality. By learning to understand yourself better than ever before, you can also work on expressing yourself more effectively.Interestingly, performing in front of an audience can teach you more about yourself than you could have discovered on your own!The way that you react and interact with an audience says a lot about the way you engage and connect with those around you. That is why some actors and actresses have stood out in history as being so electric to watch on stage or on screen, with the legendary Audrey Hepburn being a perfect example.Finally, if you are a beginner in the world of acting, then any small accomplishment (like walking through the door on that first day!) can feel like you have overcome a big hurdle. Reaching new goals and challenging yourself culminates in a great sense of achievement and is often the best cure for low self-esteem and conquering your fears.2. Learning To Act Enhances Listening And Negotiating SkillsNo matter your li ne of work, communication skills are absolutely necessary for success. What kind of employee are you if you can't listen to even simple commands and what sort of manager would you be if you didn't listen to the concerns of your faculty?Drama classes are a great way to fine tune your communication skills, and particularly to enhance your ability to listen. This does not mean your ability to simply hear and process an instruction, it means to receive an instruction, truly understand it and respond to it in an appropriate manner.There is nothing more frustrating than having to repeat yourself over and over again before you are finally understood, so don't be that person who doesn't fully engage in conversations or who is easily distracted.Similarly, don't be that individual who is having an intense chat with a friend, nodding along, but in reality is thinking about what they are going to eat for dinner. Listening is just as important in enriching your personal life as well as advancing in your professional one.Many would say that speaking and listening are skills that are dying out thanks to digital communication, but when it comes down to it and technology fails us, our personal interaction is always there and ready for action. And, truthfully, there are few scenarios in life where it is better to put something down in writing to convey a really important message.Listening is a vital skill for any performer, especially those who are often involved in improvisation work and must react quickly and feed off of others' comments. Plus, actually listening to your co-star talking transforms a scene into a more authentic performance, as opposed to just standing and waiting for cue line.As a result, the scene becomes a true conversation instead of a rehearsed set of lines.Moreover, any person who watches a performance on-stage or on-screen benefits from being a good listener because it allows them to really appreciate and get the most from what they are watching.In addit ion, educational establishments are aware of the positives that drama classes bring to their pupils and their ability to communicate and interact in other academic lessons on the curriculum.Learning to listen can bring joy to many parts of your life. Photo on Visual HuntActing classes teach you about physical movement and expression, which includes helping you to show that you are listening as well as helping you to actually listen.During your acting workshop, you will learn about body language and posture (like smiling, making eye contact and nodding your head as nonverbal cues) as well as vocal coaching tips which help you to master the art of timing (i.e. not interrupting, summarising and paraphrasing).3. Drama Skills Can Increase Your Overall CreativityThe arts, with drama included, have a huge effect on mood, and happiness goes hand in hand with creativity. As such, doing something creative like taking on acting roles can make one feel feel happy in that moment. This euphoric f eeling can often last long after the experience and turn into excitement for the next time that they take to the stage.Just like doing creative activities can make someone feel happier, such distractions can also play a part in preventing someone from feeling sad. Research by Boston College has shown that acting classes can help people prone to depression or unhealthy behaviours to adopt healthier attitudes and more positive emotions.How can drama improve your creativity skills?Many youths and adults suffering from anxiety or depression showcase introvert traits and characteristics, almost as if they are being suppressed or inhibited. By learning how to act, these people can turn this around and counter any negative feelings by learning from the characters that they are portraying.It may seem counter-intuitive but by placing a drama student in a role playing a troubled personality can help them to better understand their own reactions and sentiments.Other reports have shown that tee nagers in acting classes not only became more confident, but they also grew in other ways. For example, they became more empathetic and thoughtful, which in turn means that they broadened their creativity and imagination.But will adult acting classes benefit you as much as after school activities help teens? Very much so.Drama skills are a fantastic addition to any person's resume, as they not only show your employer that you have interests outside of the workplace, but they also bring with them a range of additional, versatile (and very useful) skills. We have already mentioned that acting classes can teach individuals about the art of listening, but they also encourage self-expression, confidence and creativity, all of which can really benefit most workplaces.Not only could a sharper and more creative mind come up with better ideas and suggestions for improvement, they can also be far more influential over their peers. This is why so many corporate team building activities involve role-play - this and acting are one and the same!So if you are impressed by the astounding knock-on effects that a bit of drama training can have on all aspects of your life, then why not go to your manager and suggest that the company considers booking acting workshops for staff to improve productivity and creativity, or get yourself down to your nearest drama class to see and experience the full effects for yourself here and now!

Is there Alien Life in the Universe

Is there Alien Life in the Universe Are Aliens Real? Yes â€" Of course there’s Life on Other Planets. ChaptersHave We Ever Seen Alien Life?What Actual Evidence Do We have for Extraterrestrial Life?Where Might Aliens Be Living?Why Can’t We Find Aliens?The question of life existing somewhere beyond our planet Earth is one that has focused minds for centuries. Whilst the idea gained currency after the so-called Copernican revolution â€" back in the sixteenth century â€" there is evidence that even the ancient Greeks were considering the idea of alien life millennia ago.It’s an idea that has fascinated us â€" we humans who have always lived our lives as the strongest creatures on the block. The notion that there are other forms of life with greater intelligence than ours, living somewhere in the more than a hundred billion light years of the universe, fills us as much with horror as it does with excitement.However, the universe, as you’ve just seen, is pretty damn big. We can’t even imagine the distance of a light year, let alone a hundred billion of them. And this, really, this is the main argument in favour of the hypothesis that humans are not the only intelligent life in the universe.Think about it. The chances of there being only one habitable planet in all of this massive space is teeny-tiny. If there can be life here, why can’t there be life on another planet too?Well, indeed. This is why astrophysicists are so excited about the possibilities for life in another part of outer space. And whilst we might not be talking about little green men and Martian UFOs, something that we can say is living is almost certainly somewhere out there.Here, we’re going to have a look at some of the most fascinating aspects of the discussion around alien life. And if you have any more, just ask.Find out everything about astronomy - and the differences between cosmology, astrophysics, and astronomy! PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysi cs Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHave We Ever Seen Alien Life?As a kid, you’d often go around the playground asking each other, ‘do you believe in aliens?’. And certainly, amongst everyone in your school, there’d be one person who would claim to have seen them.Lots and lots of people have made such claims. From those who claim to have been abducted and examined medically by extra-terrestrial life, to those who report seeing ‘flying saucers’ and other types of UFO sightings, there have been thousands of supposed sightings of aliens. However, pretty much all of them remai n unconfirmed â€" or can be explained by other means.This has never stopped anyone believing in these things, however. And there is almost no chance that you will have missed out on the major conspiracy theories relating to aliens. From Area 51, in Nevada, USA, housing the ruins of unidentified flying objects, to governments around the world suppressing information regarding aliens, there are plenty of them.Get a maths physics tutor here. Do aliens live on Mars?Ancient Astronauts.All of this comes from that original fascination with aliens. And modern scientists and writers have sought all over the world for further evidence of human contact with life beyond earth.One of the most enduring controversies around alien life is in the interpretation of ancient texts and artworks. Some people claim that evidence of ancient human contact with aliens is evident from cave paintings in Val Camonica, Italy, from the hieroglyphs on the Egyptian pyramids, and from ancient Japanese figurines.Indeed, some have even suggested that our modern day religions were born through contact with the extraterrestrial â€" with the idea of a god coming from the awesome power of some life beyond our planet.All of this, however, is speculation.Find out about the major milestones in astronomy!What Actual Evidence Do We have for Extraterrestrial Life?The most important question for any astrophysicist interested in the hunt for alien worlds regards th e proof of alien life: what actual scientific evidence do we have that aliens exist?And the answer to it may well be a disappointing one. There isn’t any conclusive evidence that points to the existence of life anywhere in our solar system, the Milky Way, or anywhere else in our universe either.What Maths Suggests about the Chance of Alien Life.The primary evidence for that we are not alone in the universe is a logical one â€" that the chances that there is only life on Earth in the whole of the universe is extremely slim. There are thought to be about forty billion Earth-size planets in the Milky Way galaxy that are in the habitable zone of stars.And whilst this doesn’t mean that any of them have the right conditions for life, there’s quite a high chance that one of them might â€" even if we don’t recognise its life as life (see more on this below). And that forty billion are only those planets that are in our galaxy. There’s a lot of space left beyond the Milky Way.The D rake Equation, proposed by Frank Drake in 1961, comprises the different numbers that are needed to calculate the chance of life in the Milky Way. And whilst these are hugely disputed, it seems more likely than not that there is â€" or there has been â€" life elsewhere.Learn about our solar system! Is this where the government is hiding aliens? - Image from BBC/Getty Images.The Case of Mars.Mars has always been the planet most commonly associated with the search for extraterrestrial life. And that’s simply because it’s the closest to us.Yet, there have been a whole load of recent breakthroughs that suggest that, yes, indeed, Mars may well have had the conditions that make life possible.These include water â€" with the 2013 NASA mission to the Red Planet suggesting that there was once a large freshwater lake there. There is also evidence of river beds, polar ice caps, and minerals that depend on the presence of water.These days, NASA is putting a lot of effort into their missions to Mars, looking for evidence of fossils and organic carbons.Why is Water Important in the Search for Alien Life?The search for water on Mars has taken up a lot of our research into the planet. And you may well wonder why.What we know about life on Earth is that it depends on water. Water makes up w hat we are chemically â€" and the chemical reactions that produce us are heavily dependent upon the relationship between water and solvents.Whilst there is the trouble that life could exist in a gazillion different chemical ways across the stretch of the universe â€" and that the search for water is based only on our experiences of our own life â€" water makes a pretty good starting point for science. Go with what you know, as they say.Where Might Aliens Be Living?Which brings us to our next question. Scientists have to go with what they know when doing their research into the possibility of alien life â€" and into the possible habitability of other planets. This is pretty much the basis of how science has always worked.As such, the search for life has developed from the study of planets that are most like ours. They might be at a similar place as we our to our sun. They might be of a similar size. Earth-like planets might, as we have seen, have water on them.These are the most like ly places that aliens would live in the universe. And this is where scientists look for signs of life. Europa â€" one of the moons of Jupiter â€" is one such place that is thought to be potentially habitable.Find out about the life cycle of a star! Some images of space are just jaw-dropping.Why Can’t We Find Aliens?This is not the fairest of questions, honestly. Because, in the great scheme of things, we haven’t really been looking for aliens for very long at all.A better question might be what might prevent us from finding aliens? Or even, why haven’t we found aliens so far? Both are good questions, but they are the sort of questions that have a million possible answers.The most likely answer is that, given the age of the universe and given its size, there is really very little chance that any aliens we might meet would be on the same historical trajectory as we are.They might still be just little microbes â€" or they may well be hugely technologically developed and are even now flying around the universe in machines we couldn’t possibly understand.Other theories suggest that many potential places for extraterrestrial life are in subterranean lakes, like on Europa. It may well just be pretty hard to physically see thes e things â€" even if they are there.Would We Even Recognise Alien Life if we Saw it?The most important point remains: would we even know an alien if we saw one?As we’ve said above, human science is based upon what we know â€" and a methodology such as this will only produce results that we can recognise.However, the truth is that life may be living all over the place in forms that we just don’t recognise â€" as we believe life to be this thing.In that case, we may never find aliens at all.

Why Hire an MBA Admissions Consultant

Why Hire an MBA Admissions Consultant GMAT MBA Admissions Blog The MBA admissions process can be extremely competitive. For most applicants, it’s at least worth considering whether an admissions consultant is worth the investment. We recommend that most applicants consider an admissions consultant for three reasons: 1) MBA programs can be highly selective 2) there are large differences in the value of an MBA as you target increasingly selective, more highly ranked programs and 3) the admissions decision process is multi-faceted and complex. A simple formula of work experience, GPA, and GMAT score is not how MBA admissions offers are determined. MBA programs can be highly selective. Acceptance rates at the most selective, top-tier MBA programs like Harvard, Stanford, Kellogg, Booth, Wharton or Columbia are low, ranging from 5% (Stanford) to 25% (Booth). Harvard accepts ~10% of applicants. But even if you are targeting a top 50 school, don’t assume getting admitted will be easy. For example, the University of Pittsburgh MBA program is ranked #43 by U.S. news and World report, but the acceptance is still just above 40%. In other words, 6 out of every 10 applicants to the #43 ranked MBA program are not accepted. It’s a competitive process and getting in isn’t easy, so considering investing in support to increase your odds makes sense. The value of an MBA varies widely across MBA programs. Having an MBA is not like having an MD (doctor), JD (lawyer), or RN (nurse). Although the selectivity and quality of medical, law, and nursing programs vary, all paths lead to certification, a minimum level of credibility, and most importantly, the government-regulated ability to practice medicine, law, or nursing. Getting an MBA is not like this. Some private companies may offer slight guaranteed salary bumps to folks with an MBA, but in general, an MBA guarantees nothing. Many companies will promote non-MBAs over MBAs without thinking twice. Although you will learn new things and build a network in an MBA program, a huge portion of the value of getting an MBA comes from the brand you have now associated yourself with and the signal it sends about your work ethic, intelligence, and communication skills. The better the MBA “brand” the more talented you are assumed to be. People don’t really value Harvard MBAs because of what they learned at Harvard; people value Harvard MBAs because Harvard MBAs were interested and talented enough to be accepted to Harvard. Now, there are many respectable MBA programs out there. But this fact is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means that your chances of not being accepted into at least a few well-regarded programs (assuming you apply to several) are low. That’s good. On the other hand, to get maximum value out of your decision to spend time and money on an MBA, you’ll want to consider trying to get into the best possible program from a reputation and rankings perspective. In general, the higher the ranking, the higher the average starting salaries of graduates of the program. For example, MBA graduates of Notre Dame’s - Mendoza business school earn ~$144K per year in total compensation on average. Notre Dame is a highly selective, world renowned university, but although it’s a well-regarded MBA program, it’s generally considered outside the top 25 MBA programs. Acceptance rates at Notre Dame are ~40%. MBA graduates of University of Chicago-Booth earn, on average, $200K in total comp. A $55K difference in compensation every year adds up quickly. Booth’s acceptance rate is 24%, which although high for a top ten MBA program, makes it much more difficult to get into than Notre Dame’s at 40%. Both schools are great “brands” to be associated with, but clearly putting in the extra time and effort in the process of compiling your application to target the more selective Booth over the less selective Mendoza can make much more economic sense. Some MBA admissions consultants work with students who apply to say, 7 schools. And they might charge $7,000 for that many schools. That may seem like a really large investment. But if it helps you get into Booth instead of Mendoza, assuming you earn the average starting salary, you will make that $7,000 investment in MBA admissions consulting back in just the first few months of your first post-MBA job. All this leads me to conclude that it will usually make sense to strive and push to gain acceptance to “stretch” schools that may seem outside your reach. MBA admissions consultants can help you pull together an application that is compelling for your stretch schools. The admissions decision process is multi-faceted and complex. I remember learning in high school that admission to my public flagship large state university, the University of Illinois, was, more or less, formula-based. There was nuance around how many students they would/could accept from different parts of the state, and acceptance rates varied by “school” within the university (e.g., Engineering vs. Business vs. Liberal Arts). But the general formula was 50% high school GPA and 50% ACT score. You could tell whether you’d be accepted by comparing those two numbers. A low GPA and a high ACT score would do it, or vice versa, or you could be above average on both dimensions. The MBA admissions process is not really like this. Undergraduate GPA and GMAT score matter in a significant way, yes. The higher the GPA and/or GMAT score the better the indication that you have the analytical, problem solving, and communication skills to succeed. But beyond those numbers, a long list of additional factors emerge: Quality of undergraduate institution / degree Personal narrative for why you want an MBA in general General intellectual horsepower to complete advanced coursework Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and flexibility Personal narrative for why you want an MBA from x,y,z school Demonstrated interest in “focus” areas for the school: finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, etc. How your personal experiences and outlook will positively influence the school’s culture Depth of professional experiences, including managerial experiences, and how they’ll add to classroom discussions Demonstrated leadership ability Demonstrated interest in community service Interest in developing or previous exposure to international business issues How you fit in the school’s desired class profile (gender, race, background, years of professional experience, average GPA, average GMAT score, etc.) Taken together, the above reflects a complicated mixture of factors that determine who is accepted to any given program which can result in it feeling like a random process. For example, I was a strategy consulting associate with a degree from a less selective undergraduate institution than my manager (Indiana University for me, Northwestern University for him). I also had a lower GMAT score (710 vs. 760) and as my manager, he had more leadership experience. But I was accepted into Kellogg’s full-time program, and he was not. How could this be? The answer is that somehow in my application, for Kellogg in that year, the overall picture I painted as an applicant as more desirable to the school. MBA admissions consultants, if they are good, understand how to help you paint a picture that will appeal to your target schools. Painting this picture well requires understanding what each target MBA program is looking for (there are many similarities, but also many differences), why you want an MBA in general and in particular from each of your target schools, and engineering your resume, essay responses, recommendation letters, and interview responses into a compelling narrative or story that the admission committee can understand. Designing a powerful, consistent, realistic, yet also unique narrative for an MBA admissions committee can be a difficult task that admissions consultants are well suited to support. Summary and recommendations Truth be told, I did not hire an MBA admissions consultant when I applied to Kellogg. But that was because my consulting firm was packed with people who had been through the process. They were incredibly generous with their time and feedback in helping me craft my application. If you don’t have such a network, considering a consultant could be a very good idea. As a provider of GMAT tutoring, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of MBA admissions consultants in the context of helping our students navigate the admissions process once they are done tutoring. I am sure there are excellent consultants available from small, medium, and large admission consulting firms. However, I have found that medium-sized firms that are larger than 1-2 people yet may not be recognizable as a national brand provide a good mix of personalized service and ongoing, fresh insight and expertise on what top MBA programs are looking for. Some of my favorite examples are Aringo, Admissionado, and Fortuna.

Study More Effectively Using Deliberate Practice - PART 2

Study More Effectively Using Deliberate Practice - PART 2 Improving Academic Performance In a previous blog post on deliberate practice, we learned that it takes focus, motivation, feedback, and a desire to uncover the underlying elements of the big concepts. More importantly, we learned that it is the way to build new skills, be they academic, athletic, musical, or anything else. Let's now look at a few different examples of the concept in action, as well as explore what deliberate practice, in an academic context, involves in a bit more detail. Deliberate Practice in a Low Performing Charter School There is a charter school system called Knowledge is Powerthat is located in low-achieving, urban areas Students were tested in math proficiency before the beginning of the KIP program, and only 17% scored proficient. After changing to a curriculum based on the ideals of deliberate practice, 84% achieved proficiency. When a student enters the program, called KIPP, he or she must sign a contract that promises to persevere and follow through when the going gets tough. All students attend school from 7:30am to 5:00pm, and even have to be in attendance on some Saturdays and a few weeks throughout the summer. This is a big commitment. But the leaders of the program say that it is not just about putting in extra time. It is placing motivation, passion, and focus at the forefront of education and making sure that the teachers are instilling these ideals into the students at all points in the educational process. The staff creates a culture of discipline. The students learn, through training, a dedication to hard work and perseverance. And, they learn how to study the right way, with intense focus, effort, and a passion for improvement. So far, this method of teaching by deliberate practice has seen positive results in low achieving schools. These studies (and others) demonstrate to us that focus, determination, and motivation go a very long way in achieving academic success. How Important is Deliberate Practice? The term ‘deliberate practice’ was created by a man named Anders Eriksson, who studied people that had acquired expert performance in a subject and had excelled. He found that the main thing separating these geniuses from ‘normal’ people was the amount of time spent doing deliberate practice. Yes, of course natural ability helps a person excel, but Anderson found thatpracticing more and differently, more deliberately, than others was much more important than natural ability in the development of skill. Geoff Colvin, a past editor for Fortune Magazine, wrote about the properties of deliberate practice. They are as follows: Deliberate Practice is designed to improve performance. This means that the right type of practice is not, for example, just going out on a golf course and hitting as many balls as possible every day for 10 hours a day to become a professional golfer. It involves careful study and review of your shots, tweaking your form, and repeating. The practice needs to be repeated frequently. Your talent, skill, sport, academic subject, etc. needs to be treated as a priority when it comes to daily time management. A feedback loop, some sort of assessment based on whether or not you did things correctly and how you should adjust your technique and practice style based on the results, needs to exist. A popular quote outlines the reason beside the necessity for a feedback loop quite nicely: “The definition of insanity is to repeat the same thing over and over again and expect different results.” Time spent in practice needs to be mentally demanding. The brain should be fully engaged in order for deliberate practice to have its full effect. It should be very difficult to sustain this type of focused practice for more than a few hours. The tasks that are being practiced need to be difficult. If you are not constantly testing yourself and trying harder problems or skills, just coasting through the material, you will not reach your full potential. Finding things that are particularly challenging and working through them gives room for growth and allows progress to be made towards reaching ‘expert’ status. When you start to do things that push you out of your comfort zone, that is when you will truly excel and get better â€" that’s how skill is built in the brain. You might see how these properties of deliberate practice can be applied to improving your ACT or SAT score or getting better grades in school, but it can be helpful to use these rules in any area of life where you’d like to improve your performance and build your skills. As we’ve said a few times in this article, if you’re willing to put in the time, the focus, the motivation, and practice in the right ways, you can be well on your way to becoming an expert. Even if you aren’t looking to be the next Einstein, deliberate practice can get you that A in Calculus, or that higher standardized exam score, or better scores on tests in general. Deliberate practice gives you the tools you need to drastically improve your academic (and other types of) performance.