Why Study Data Science

Why Study Data Science The Why, How, and Where of Studying Data Science ChaptersThe Advantages of Learning Data ScienceThe Ways You Use Data Science EverydayAre Data Science and Data Analysis That Different?Studying Data Science OnlineStudying Data Science in the UK and Around the WorldLet’s face it: while learning data science sounds like an exciting proposition for data nerds the world over, the field still remains as alienating as it was at its inception. The word data science itself calls forth images of computing and solving complex algorithms or mind-numbing lectures. Quite frankly, we are living an interesting paradox, where data science is at once considered an exciting but unapproachable subject, due to its association with mathematics and computer science. AisvaryaData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdeyemiData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdenikeData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThanushanData Analysis Teacher 5.0 0 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GokhanData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OlawaleData Analysis Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AisvaranData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Muhammad umairData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (2) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Advantages of Learning Data ScienceAt the heart of the matter, however, is the simple fact that data science now permeates every facet of our daily lives. The information gained form either learning more about the subject, or deciding to take up a career in it, can improve your grasp on what’s new in current affairs, technology, medicine, et cetera.At the base of data science, however, is a discipline that we’ve all become experts in â€" statistics. Analytical and critical thinking are skills that are required of us throughout our lives, and while statistics might be something that initially s ounds complicated, it’s actually quite simple. Statistics is the recording of information today to make decisions tomorrow â€" and this act is something we repeat everyday, multiple times a day.Some of the benefits of learning or mastering data science include:Job securityImproving your businessInnovative collaborationUnderstanding fiscal policiesWhile this list is definitely not exhaustive, it serves to underscore the importance of data science both as a profession and the role it plays in our daily lives.Data science can help you discover skills you didn't know you hadThe Ways You Use Data Science EverydayLearning more about the way statistics has evolved as a discipline and how its used today can greatly improve your life. While this can sound dubious at first, it’s an easier fact to accept once you interpret some facts for yourself.Statistics is a profession that effects our daily lives, from providing us with digestible financial data to helping get new medical drugs on the market. Statistics can also help you improve yourself on an individual level, providing the foundation for many health, fitness and financial apps.Today, statistics is used to collect passenger information in metros and train services to help improve your daily commutes, in universities to identify weak points in their scholarship systems, and grocery stores to ensure your favourite cereal is always in stock. The list can go on, but these main examples serve to highlight our dependency on the collection, storage and analysis of what is, in its core, information about ourselves.Some of the skills you can gain from learning about or perfecting the art of statistical analysis are:Improving business practicesMaking sounder financial decisionsForecasting trends in your economyManaging your own businessCommunication and analytical skills AisvaryaData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdeyemiData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Disco ver all our tutors AdenikeData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThanushanData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GokhanData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OlawaleData Analysis Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AisvaranData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (4) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Muhammad umairData Analysis Teacher 5.00 (2) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAre Data Science and Data Analysis That Different?Now that we’ve covered why taking a data science course and statistics course is important to all of us, we have no excuse to go ahead and do so! Getting started can be frustrating â€" the amount of search results when typing in data science can be enough to intimidate even the most seasoned data scientist. However, the first part is understanding that data science and statistics are, while linked, separate discip lines.Computer science and statistical analysis are inextricably linked in the modern ageWhile this distinction might just seem like another attempt to deter you from entering the world of data, it can actually bring you more insight. To understand the difference between what data scientists and statisticians is a good way to start preparing you for your journey into data.Statistics is the mother of all subjects that are making headlines today: AI, data mining, machine learning, data engineering, and, of course, data science. Mentioned already is what statistics is, what that leaves room for is how it penetrates today’s schools and job markets. There are three main titles one can take on with a degree in statistics or a statistics-adjacent subject:Mathematical statisticianStatisticianData analystWhereas mathematical statisticians tend to stick to jobs in academia â€" namely, teaching or researching â€" statisticians and data analysts dominate professions in banks, government, and businesses. In other words, we’re everywhere!Data science, on the other hand, is the offspring of both statistics and computer science. That is to say, data science is like a statistician that is also deeply interested and a master in computer programming and engineering. Depending on what your title is as a data scientist, the degree to which you are a skilled statistician or not will vary. A general rule that seems to hold is that the more involved a data scientist is with the production of statistical software, the more they have to know about both statistics and computer science. Someone heading an IT department will, on the other hand, need to know less about statistics. The main titles data scientists take on are:Data engineerData scientistComputer scientist and engineerStudying Data Science OnlineClassroom settings aren’t for everyone, and this applies whether you’re exploring extra help on data science or looking to pursue a degree in data science. Thankfully, the web provides a number of interactive resources, from global institutes to online-only webinars, that help you in data science, applied statistics, and other interdisciplinary branches of data science.From data processing to predictive modelling, data analysis can be tricky. If you’re looking for a regular lecture setting, the best option for you is to find an a university that hosts lectures online on a large scale. While there is a vast array of universities that do this, if you’re looking to get a degree in data science and not just extra help, look for an accredited university that will engage your interests. Studying data online can have a competitive advantage, as many people who do this choose to also become part of the workforce at the same time, gaining skill in the field while studying it.Applying to these types of lectures should normally involve both paying a tuition and also the ability to receive a graduate certificate at the completion of your online program. Another a dvantage of studying under this framework means you will also get access to a vast network of alumni that can either help you find a job after graduating, or offer you advice about the job market. If you prefer to be taught at your own pace, and would like to tailor your program to you, taking a data science course online is something to research further.Statistical methods and processes have impacted humans throughout our existenceIf you’re not looking to receive a bachelors or masters in data science and simply want some extra help, webinars are an excellent example of how to use online courses to your advantage. Admission into these webinars depends only on whether they are free or require payment. Webinars span everything from exploratory analysis, statistical methods, analyzing data, r programming and data science strategies. The diversity in the subjects taught online can mean that you have access to advising in an area by qualified instructors or people who are also student s.If you would like to attend a webinar, the first things to evaluate are whether or not you are able to pay, what type of help you need, and what kind of qualifications you would like your instructor to have. If you simply need some online resources that provide raw data, explanations on data analysis tools and analytics tools like SPSS, R and Hadoop â€" stick to data science blogs and websites.Studying Data Science in the UK and Around the WorldIf you’re just starting to apply to data science and engineering programs, or yearning to spend a semester abroad, the good news is that data science programs can be found anywhere in the world. Deciding where to study can be difficult, as programs differ in global recognition, types of bachelors and masters they provide, and courses offered.If you’re looking for a four-year program in the UK, Europe, or everywhere in the world, your options are unlimited depending on what you would like to obtain as a specialization. Different institut ions offer different degrees of expertise in data science, AI, computer science and engineering, and business intelligence. The first problem you would need to solve on your applications and admissions journey is to decide what types of data you would like to be working with, and what kinds of quantitative analysis you would like to perform. This will help you decide best what type of program in data science you would like to be part of.The second step is to decide where you would like to study. If you’re a student who needs a scholarship in order to start studying, this can be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a program. If you would like to become a researcher or attain a PhD, many schools will offer fellowship programs at the graduate level that provide you with both a scholarship and a monthly or yearly stipend for your studies. If that doesn’t sound like the right path for you, it is important to create an outline of the types of scholarships the programs you’ re looking at are offering, what type of limitations they have, and of course the deadlines.Studying data science can be complex, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Many universities offer opportunities to complete an internship through a partnership with established businesses, insight into how to get hired in the industry, or even opportunities to study abroad!

How to Have Fun While Learning Chinese

How to Have Fun While Learning Chinese Learn Mandarin Chinese While Having Fun Chapters Find the Time to Learn Chinese Every Day in a Fun Way Three Ways to Enjoy Learning Chinese Learn a Language with Computer GamesThere are plenty of good reasons to learn Chinese. For one, 1.35 billion people in the world speak a form of Chinese with most of them residing in mainland China and Taiwan.  In fact, it’s the most popular language on the planet.Do you want to become a member of the world’s biggest linguistic group? If you want to learn to speak Chinese, there are plenty of language courses available. Have you considered taking night classes or going to a language school?Maybe you’re thinking about learning Chinese on your own or by using smartphone apps and digital or online Chinese resources.Have you made sure that you’re going to enjoy learning the language? Does the idea of learning Mandarin Chinese sound fun or does it feel more like a chore? Are you starting to get sick of looking at that Chinese grammar textbook?These are the questions you’ll need to answer if you want to ensure that you’ll stay motivated while you learn Chinese. As you’re probably aware, you can’t learn Chinese just by clicking your fingers and it's very unlikely you'll gain fluency with boring Chinese courses.Find Mandarin courses London with a private tutor.Laughter is a great way to learn. (Source: pixabay.com)So why not have fun while you learn your new language? By combining work and play, you can make the most of every minute you’re studying without even realising.  Don’t believe me?  Let’s have a look at some ways you can enjoy learning Chinese...Discover also the basics of learning Chinese... NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tu tors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Find the Time to Learn Chinese Every Day in a Fun WayThe biggest hurdle when it comes to learning things is not enjoying it. If your Chinese classes are dull, you probably won't learn very much. Unfortunately, not everyone has the option to go to Beijing or Taiwan and use immersion to learn. Learning a new language can be frustrating at the beginning when you don’t understand anything and some students start looking for excuses not to study or try to procrastinate.Find out where to learn Chinese London.If you really want to learn Chinese, you'll find the time. (Source: pixabay.com)With a bit of creativity, you’ll find the time to study Chinese without having to completely change your schedule.1 - Learn as You DriveWhether you’re learning German, French, Spanish, or Chinese, yo ur daily commute is a great time to be studying a language and learning some new Chinese phrases especially given how boring driving to work in the morning can be!  Throw in a few traffic jams and your daily journey to work can become unbearable.Improve your Chinese while you drive. (Source: jeshoots.com)Let’s look at things a little differently. What if your daily commute became an opportunity to study Chinese?We recommend listening to podcasts and learning the basics of Chinese while practising your pronunciation and listening out for the four “tones”.Who would have thought that you could learn a language in traffic?Discover also the quickest ways to learn Chinese...  2 - Learn Chinese on Public TransportIf you use public transport every day to go to university or work, make the most of the time you’re usually doing nothing to learn some Chinese with fun apps on your smartphone or tablet.  We’ll mention a few good apps later on in this article. Improving your Mandarin Ch inese is a great way to make the most of time that would otherwise be wasted.3 - Learn Mandarin Chinese while Doing SportAre you the kind of person who likes going out for runs or for a walk in the woods? Or do you like to work out in a gym or sports centre?  It doesn’t really matter what exercise you’re doing. The important thing is that you can use this time to improve your Chinese.  Put your headphones in and start listening to Chinese music or the radio in Chinese.Who said you can't learn and have fun at the same time? (Source: Kat Jayne)There are a number of different ways to enjoy exercising and learning a language at the same time. All you have to do is choose the method that works best for you!Follow these tips for teaching yourself Chinese...   Three Ways to Enjoy Learning ChineseThere are several different ways to learn Chinese. However, some of them can be really boring.  Let’s see some of the ways you can learn Chinese while having fun!Having fun is one of the best ways to learn a language, after all. Here are three ways to make sure you’re enjoying learning Chinese as much as you can:1 - Get a Tutor Whose Company You EnjoyTo get the most out of learning Chinese, there’s nothing better than a Chinese teacher that can make you laugh. Imagine learning Chinese with somebody that cracks you up.Humour is one of the best ways to teach something and if you enjoy your Chinese lessons, you'll find speaking Chinese much easier. However, having a funny teacher doesn’t mean that you can avoid studying at home, though. Of course, you have to put in the effort if you want to learn how to speak Chinese.Even if you’re really motivated, you can’t learn a foreign language just by studying for 30 to 45 minutes a day with the help of a private tutor. Learning to speak Chinese, French, German, or Italian fluently requires a lot of patience, work, and discipline on a daily basis.However, by working hard with a quality private Chinese tutor, you’ve alre ady done half the work.2 - Watch Films to Immerse Yourself in Chinese CultureIf you want to learn Chinese, you should be interested in both the Chinese language and culture. Fortunately, this is something you can teach yourself.We’ve chosen two films that we think are enjoyable and will help you better understand the four “tones” and the spoken language as well as improve your Chinese pronunciation.Lost In ThailandThis 2012 film tells the story of 3 Chinese people who find themselves in competition in Thailand. It's a wacky film and is full of action and comedy. You can improve your comprehension skills while laughing at the same time.The Sorcerer and the White SnakeIf you enjoy love stories against all odds and aren’t to bothered about Hollywood endings, this might be the film for you. Without saying too much, the film is about a demon who falls in love with a peasant. The problem is that the character played by Jet Li, a warrior monk, does not really believe this type of r elationship is allowed. If you love action, special effects, and Chinese cinematography, this is the film for you.There are also plenty of films you can find online. You can also find many of them subtitled in English.3 - Learn Chinese by Listening to SongsThanks to the internet, there are plenty of ways to find different types of Chinese music online.  In addition to listening to your favourite styles of music, you can also learn new vocabulary, listen out for the different “tones” of Chinese, and improve your listening comprehension.  Look for websites with karaoke versions of Chinese songs if you feel like singing them yourself. While listening to Chinese speaking artists won't make you fluent, it can boost your language learning and certainly improve your conversational Chinese.Nobody said you couldn’t learn a language while dancing!Find out more easy ways to learn Chinese...     Learn a Language with Computer GamesThe internet is full of different resources to help you le arn Chinese while having fun.Games are a fantastic way to learn your new language. (Source: stock.tookapic.com)We bet that you’ll really enjoy these ways to learn. For example, what about an app for learning Chinese while playing a computer game?The Ninchanese app is a game that can help you learn Chinese.  It's currently available on Android and can help you learn to read, speak, understand, and write Chinese while you play.  This is a great tool for improving your recognition of Chinese characters and improving your Chinese in general.Since absolute beginners are often scared of the language, they can now play at different levels and learn progressively as they follow a baby dragon.  This app is perfect for helping beginners move towards an intermediate level.  It’s also very useful if you happen to be organising a trip to China in the coming months.If you love learning about new cultures, we recommend going for the Chinese New Year. You’re guaranteed traditional celebration s, a great atmosphere, and a change of scene!There are several ways to have fun while learning a language. However, mastering a new language means having to leave your comfort zone. While you mightn’t be too enthusiastic about speaking at first, you have to force yourself to start speaking the language as soon as you can.Finding a good private Chinese tutor is one of the best ways to guarantee that you get speaking practice, too. If you can get one that tells good jokes and has good anecdotes, all the better.  Do your best, learn each day, and keep smiling until you’ve mastered Chinese. It's important that you have fun while you learn!Every student should also remember to take breaks and not overdo it. There are plenty of funny Chinese videos online you can watch.Have a look around YouTube for ways to learn Chinese online.  They can help you improve your Chinese comprehension and learn about the different tones, the writing system, and even the different Chinese accents.We promi se you’ll find a way to enjoy learning Chinese!Also discover the many ways you could learn Chinese...

The Arabic Language in the Modern Day World

The Arabic Language in the Modern Day World History of the Arabic Language ChaptersThe History and Evolution of the Arabic LanguageHow the Arabic Language SpreadLearn Arabic to Learn About the Spread of the Arab LanguageArabic Influences Around the WorldWhy Learn Arabic: The Language in PracticeArabic is a living language, spoken and written by more than 400 million people, in countries stretching from the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula, to North Africa, and across Asia. What’s more, Arabic is considered a sacred language for more than a billion Muslims, and a language which has contributed massively to our society.Arabic is currently an official language in 22 countries, and has spread both orally and through literature thanks to its long history.Previously used by the pre-Islamic Arabic tribes for their poetry, the development of the Muslim religion saw the Arabic language transformed from one of Arab culture, into the sacred language of Islam as well.But what does Arabic mean?It is difficult to identify the origin of the word Arab, but researchers h ave suggested several hypothesis:In Greek mythology, ‘Arab’ comes from the God Arabos, son of the god Hermes, and born in the country of ArabiaArabic etymology maintains that ‘Arab’ comes from the verb for ‘to explain.’ But the word could equally mean ‘the place where the sun sets.’In either case, there are a few areas where all the scholars agree:Arabic is one of the major languages in the world, and can trace its heritage through some of history's great civilisations.This has allowed Arabic to transfer large volumes of scientific, religious, and literary knowledge throughout history.In order to learn Arabic yourself, you must learn the Arabic alphabet, Arabic grammar, and vocabulary. To master all of that, it’s probably best to sign up for some Arabic courses.In this article we’ll be talking about literary Arabic, a language with a rich history stretching across centuries. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe History and Evolution of the Arabic LanguageArabic belongs to the Afro-Asian language family, which includes more than 300 languages which all have their own writing, vocabulary, and dialects.The first written trace of the Arabic language is an inscription from the 4th century AD which was found in the Syrian desert.Arabic is a poetic language, and includes many different dialects. Its literary style reflects the cultural heritage of the different tribes.Today however, the Arabic language (especially Classical Arabi c) is especially associated with the Muslim religion.The Quran tells us that from 610-632 AD the Prophet Mohammed received messages from God via the archangel Gabriel, in what is now Saudi Arabia.The Quran, which is written in Arabic, was initially passed down orally, memorized by professional ‘callers,’ which are known as hufaz and qura in Arabic.Little by little, Islam’s sacred text has come to be a common ground that brings Muslims together, whether they’re Arabic or not. Most Muslims hold a certain amount of awe for the Quran, (written in Arabic) for its stories and the beauty of its language.It’s this close knit relationship between the Quran and the Arabic language which has now made Arabic such an important language for believers around the world.How the Arabic Language SpreadThe Arabic language is a liturgical (holy) oneArabic is a rich language, with a complex history, vocabulary, and lexicon. Taking Arabic lessons will broaden your horizons to a new way of thinki ng about the world, even if it is only an Arabic for beginners class, such is the diverse and influential history that the language has.It's grammar is complex but precise, and the Arabic alphabet is challenging but truly artistic to write the script. Arabic students quickly find that it is a challenging language and they will have to study hard if they want to speak Arabic fluently one day.Arabs often boast of the following plethora of synonyms:80 Arabic words for honey200 expressions for snakes500 words in Arabic for lionAltogether, Arabic has over 60,000 words in its vocabulary!The nouns, ideas, and concepts described by the Arabic language also give its speakers a bevy of words to choose from, and a corresponding ability to say exactly what they mean.The rich literary framework of the Arabic language is best showcased by Arabic poetry, well known for a certain level of finesse and rich word choice.Pre-Islamic poetry cast a long shadow on the literary history of the Arabic langua ge, and heavily influenced the style of Arabic literature up until the beginning of the 19th century,This heritage is still visible today in the genres, norms and models of the Arabic language, whether ethical, poetical, linguistic, or rhetorical.Even if Arabic literature played a founding role in the development and style of the Arabic language, religion was the most important factor in its wide spread.In most Muslim countries today, Arabic is a liturgical language.  Arabic classes are found in schools and at mosques in countries where Islam is the predominant religion.The Muslim religion has spread far and wide, finding adherents in almost every corner of the planet. It also infiltrated several Empires and countries which had previously been Christian. And so, the Arabic language spread at the same time as Islam.You can also find out how to master Arabic numbers… HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson f ree!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearn Arabic to Learn About the Spread of the Arab LanguageThe Arabic language, as we know it today, is a mix of several different languages.At the beginning of the 8th century, the Islamic empire reached from Persia all the way to Spain, introducing the Arabic language and people to a wide range of other cultures.In Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine where the majority of the population spoke an Aramaic dialect, and the languages of many of the neighboring Arabic tribes were slowly replaced by the language of Ishmael.In Egypt, the growth in the Arabic language was a slow process, as Coptic and Greek were already dominant in the country. In Spain and Persia, Arabic never quite managed to rival the native languages.As Arabic reached each new country, the language was also enriched. In each place, words from the local language were introduced into Arabic, giving it new words and vocabulary for areas like government, administration, and science.In addition to all its inherent diversity and strength, all these external influences helped develop Arabic into an appropriate language with which to govern an empire.Numerous researchers - Arabs and non Arabs, Muslims or not - all collaborated in a rich intellectual culture that used Arabic as a lingua franca.However a period of decline began in the 11th century AD as the Crusades, political rumblings in Spain, Turkish and Mongol invasions in the east, and internal divisions began to weaken the Arabic empire.All these tensions led to a period of stagnation for the Arabic language too, even if its importance to the Muslim religion was never in question.The 19th century saw a bit of an intellectual renaissance, first beginning in Egypt and Syria before spreading throughout the rest of the Arab world, and beginning with the Napoleonic expeditions to Egypt in 1798.The expedition introduced the first Arabic printers to Egypt, and the translation of many pieces of Western literature into Arabic.Throughout the course of history, the spread of Arabic across the world has also helped to spread and protect knowledge.Arabic Influences Around the WorldIn Spain, you can see many examples of Arab architectureThe Arabic language is spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide.Arabic first became an official language in the 8th century AD, during the Omayad Caliphate of Abd Malik Ibn Warwan. Previously, Greek had been used as the administrative language. Abd Malik made the decision that all official texts and documents should be translated into Arabic.Therefore, during this perio d, Arabic was not just a religious language but an administrative one as well.Islam had spread rapidly through Persia, as well as much of orthodox Christianity, where Christians and Jews were given the status of dhimmi (protegés).The new rulers demanded that their subjects contribute intellectually to the budding civilisation they were creating, building on their own intellectual heritages. Syria was the principal center of Greek philosophy.Greek works were translated into Syriac, a newly developed form of Aramaic, and this practice of translating ancient texts was further encouraged by the expanding Muslim empire.Arabic was both a religious language and a language of culture and learning for more than 5 centuries, a role that brought it into contact with many different languages and cultures.Many African and Asian languages, including Turkish, Urdu, Hausa, and Farsi also use many imported Arabic words, especially ones used for culture or related to the Muslim religion.Different en counters between Europeans and Arabs led to the incorporation of Arabic words related to food, clothing, and other aspects of everyday life into the different European languages.For Europe, the work of Arabic scholars was also crucial, and helped them rediscover classic Greek and Latin texts as well as scientific principles after the Dark ages. Even Shakespeare’s language, which had relatively few direct links with Arab countries, managed to borrow several words from Arabic, although generally via Portuguese, Italian, or Spanish.Many linguistic scholars have catalogued the more than 2000 English words with an Arabic origin - some were borrowed directly from Arabic, and others were passed on indirectly via other languages.Why Learn Arabic: The Language in PracticeThe inventor Al-Hassan Ibn Al-Haithamqui invented the first camera obscura, a precursor to the modern camera.The Arabic language has left its mark in many areas, including poetry and the sciences.Arabic Language and the Sc iencesIn scientific history, you’ll often hear about Arabic school of science, the scholars who were concentrated in the Islamic empire during the 8th to 15th centuries.The descriptor ‘Arabic’, because during this period Arabic was the language of choice for scientists, and was used to spread scientific discoveries throughout the Arabic empire and beyond.Do you know who first discovered coffee? According to a recent Huffington Post article we can thank a Muslim scholar for first discovering the power of coffee!Arabic Culture and MathsA series of translation projects helped Arab scholars discover the works of Greek mathematicians like Euclide, Diophante, Menelaüs and Archimedes.Before further expanding on mathematic theory, Arabic scholars eagerly consumed and discussed the works of Greek, Indian, and Mesopotamian mathematicians.These works also helped to support the studies of Arabic scholars in other areas like astronomy, construction, and geometry.The Persian mathematician al-Khwarismi produced two major texts which fundamentally contributed to our understanding of math. One was a description of the Indian decimal system, and the other was a system of algebra, including first and second degree equations.Arabic Contributions to MedicineMuch of the Arabic understanding of medicine in the Middle Ages can be attributed to the work of Avicenna, who wrote the medical encyclopedia Qanûn.Ibn Nafis, was the first to describe circulation of the blood, and the Persian scholar al-Razi, developed the use of alcohol in health care. The two of them can be credited with some of the largest Arab contributions to medicine.Anaesthesia was historically conducted by digesting opium, mandrake, or other drugs which put the consumer to sleep. The technique was perfected by the Arabs, with the use of a sponge soaked in a cocktail of different drugs.This spongia somnifera, as it was known, permitted a surgeon to put a patient to sleep by giving them the sponge before surgery. The sponge would send patients into a state similar to general anesthesia, but which was closer to a painkiller accompanied by a loss of conscience.The Benefits of Learning ArabicAs you can see, the benefits of learning Arabic are vast and numerous. Arabic learning is not an easy process. It is one that is made difficult by the differences between Egyptian Arabic and Iraqi Arabic, Palestinian Arabic and that of Tunisia.But as we have seen in this article, regardless of these different Arabic dialects, taking an Arabic course can allow you to tap into a language that has had a massive hand in shaping the modern world that we live in today.And the Arabic speaking countries continue to shape our world. The shear number of Arabic speakers from the United Arab Emirates to Algeria, via Yemen and all of the countries in between, means that speaking Arabic, even if it is just a sentence, or a few phrases or verbs, can allow you to communicate with nearly 300 million speakers.Any native spea ker will be delighted that you are trying to speak to them in their native language. Whether it is in a business meeting in Beirut or Qatar, or on a Moroccan beach, studying Arabic will widely endear you to the locals and allow you to be understood a lot better.If you want to learn more, you can also learn about Arabic pronunciation and how to write Classical Arabic, or find arabic courses london, elsewhere in the UK, or online.

Learn Biology The Best Biology Courses in Birmingham

Learn Biology The Best Biology Courses in Birmingham Study Biology in Birmingham. ChaptersWhy Study Biology?Where to Study Biology in Birmingham?Attend a Biology Revision Course at MPWFind a Private Biology Tutor at SuperprofBag Yourself a Biology A Level at the South and City College BirminghamOr Find All Sorts of Biology Qualifications at Halesowen CollegeJoin Other Adults Studying Biology at the Birmingham Adult Education ServiceStudy for a Biology Degree at the University of BirminghamEnrol on a Remote Degree in Biology at the Open UniversityTalking honestly, where would we be without our teachers? When they are good, they inspire, entertain, and encourage â€" as well as educating. They can be some of the most memorable people in our lives, helping to form us at our most formative moments and encouraging us to excel.We love teachers of any form â€" in the classroom, the lecture hall, or at your kitchen table. And for this reason, we wanted to connect you to some of the best teachers where you are â€" to people who can share their passion with you and guide you to the next stage in your life. If you are in Birmingham, then you have come to the right place. Here, we have tracked down some of the best biology tutors in the city who can help you at whatever stage you’re at in life. So, whether you are a high school student aiming to get the best marks you can in your GCSEs or A Levels, a prospective undergraduate in the biological sciences, or an adult hoping to add a biological string to your bow, we’ll help you find what you need in Birmingham.(If you are not in Birmingham, don’t fret! We have articles on biology courses in Leeds, biology classes in Manchester, learning biology in London, and studying biology in Glasgow.From the smallest bugs (and smaller) to the world's great ecosystems, biology covers everything. MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Study Biology?When you begin to notice it, you’ll start seeing biology in action all around you. You have a cold? You’ll study this in topics on human disease. You’re eating a cheese sandwich? This food is the direct product of microbial activity. You’re staring absent-mindedly at a bird or a plant whilst reading this? You’ll understand more about them if you study zoology or botany, evolution, ecology, or biodiversity.What you study in biology happens all around you at all times. This discipline clarifies the processes and phenomena that shape what you are seeing and tries to explain the beaut y and diversity of life on Earth. Seen this way, it’s a little more interesting than diagrams of cell structure. It rather seeks to make sense of why the world’s living organisms â€" including us! â€" behave the way they do.And with a biology qualification or two, the world is your oyster. A biology course can set you up as a doctor or physio, a biologist, scientist, or laboratory researcher, or a teacher yourself â€" and a qualification in the subject (one of the harder ones around) proves to the world that you are an able and committed person.Check for A level biology courses for adults here.Where to Study Biology in Birmingham?Luckily for you guys in Birmingham, the city is overwhelmed with learning opportunities for those looking to study the biological science. If you want to study a science degree or attend a revision class to get your head around those biological processes, we’ve got something for you here! We hope it’s helpful. Attend a Biology Revision Course at MPW Mander Portman Woodward is a group of independent schools based in Birmingham, London, and Cambridge. They are a prestigious organisation committed to excellence, with an average of 64% of students achieving A*-B at A Level, and, in Birmingham, they are based close to Five Ways Station.Besides their opportunities for full-time schooling, each of the locations runs Easter revision classes in GCSE and A Level throughout April. These encourage and prepare you to achieve excellent grades â€" and they cover all exam boards. The biology courses will cover everything from cellular and molecular biology to genetics, evolutionary theory, and plant physiology â€" and the course content will be combined with exam technique, practice questions, and general exam advice over the course of the week.And if this goes well for you, you can attend a week-long course in another subject the following week â€" from chemistry to physics, from the humanities to the social sciences.Study biology in one Birm ingham's many schools and universities.Find a Private Biology Tutor at SuperprofIf you would prefer not to attend a class, you may find that a private tutor of biology might be more up your street. These can offer personally tailored tuition in anything from biochemistry to microbiology and genomics, at the pace you need and in the style of teaching you require.The best place to find a private biology teacher is Superprof, an online platform with over five million tutors worldwide. In Birmingham, there are 96 qualified, experienced, and friendly private tutors, offering lessons at an average rate of eighteen pounds an hour.Find private biology tutors now.From a private tutor, you are much more able to get the information and attention that you personally need. So, if you need a little hand grasping the intricacies of evolutionary biology or the ins and outs of immunology â€" or indeed help with any part of the biology curriculum â€" one of Superprof’s biology tutors will give you the time and tips that you require.Check out our piece on biology courses across the UK for more!) MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBag Yourself a Biology A Level at the South and City College BirminghamIf you have not yet enrolled in a biology course but are hoping to study the life science at a higher level, you may want to consider applying for an A Level at Birmingham’s South and City College.This is a further educat ion college that offers courses in a huge variety of subjects, with some up to undergraduate degree level. The College has thousands of students and eight campuses across Birmingham. The A Level in biology is designed to prepare you for admission to an undergrad degree in any subject and, in following the OCR course, it will give you a thorough grounding in all things biology. Learn everything from organismal biology to ecology and evolution, over a period of two years, and then apply to your degree course for undergraduates.Or Find All Sorts of Biology Qualifications at Halesowen CollegeLike all major cities in the UK, Birmingham has more than just the one further education college. For those of you who do not want to study for an A Level, Halesowen College offers a number of different qualifications in science. The College â€" based in the suburban zone to the south-west of the city centre â€" offers Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates in Applied Biology, App lied Chemistry, and Engineering. These qualifications are focused primarily on practical learning (hence the ‘applied’ aspect of the course), yet they are prestigious and widely-recognised higher education qualifications which prepare you for the world of work or for further study.In the Applied Biology HND, for example, you will be studying everything from human biology to molecular and cellular biology, and you will be taking a hands-on approach that will set you up nicely for any of the careers in biology. Join Other Adults Studying Biology at the Birmingham Adult Education ServiceFor those who have taken an unconventional educational pathway and would like to study for a GCSE as an adult, this can be a little tricky. Fortunately, the Birmingham Adult Education Service provides lots of opportunities for people in this position.Alongside other GCSEs in mathematics, IT, and English as a Second Language, the BAES offers a GCSE in biology. In this, over thirty-two weeks, you will learn about the main parts of the human organism, about conservation biology, about behavioural ecology, and much more.It’s worth pointing out that a GCSE usually takes place over two years, so this is a very quick â€" and therefore quite demanding â€" course!Study viruses in a biology course.Study for a Biology Degree at the University of BirminghamFor those of you who are quite serious about biology, you might want to consider studying for a Bachelor of Science degree â€" or an undergraduate course in science.The University of Birmingham offers the full breadth of undergraduate degrees, and for the budding biologist there is the opportunity to study Biological Sciences there. As one of the Russell Group universities, it is a hugely prestigious institution, with famous alumni and some of the best scientists in the world. As part of this degree, you will cover cell and molecular biology, biotechnology, and population genetics, and you will have the opportunity â€" once you have c ompleted it â€" to join graduate courses in more specific subjects.This is an option for those considering research opportunities in the sciences, or those who merely want to study at university!Enrol on a Remote Degree in Biology at the Open UniversityAnd if you do not have the time in amongst jobs or family commitments to study a full-time degree programme, you may consider the possibility of studying with the Open University, the world leader for distance learning. The prospective student will find a range of different biology options here, with courses in Environmental Science, Natural Science, or Health Science â€" the latter of which will prepare you for work in the health professions.The Environmental Science degree, for example, is an interdisciplinary course with aspects of biology and aspects of geography. It focuses on the study of life and its environment.The Open University excels at remote learning opportunities, so if you want to study with a little bit of flexibility , this is the opportunity for you.

SAT subject test tutoring is available for May and June 2013 tests

SAT subject test tutoring is available for May and June 2013 tests Now that spring is in full swing, have you started thinking about SAT subject tests?  SAT subject tests are one-hour exams offered in a variety of academic subjects.  While not required by most colleges, subject tests are a way to demonstrate your students aptitude and depth in a particular subject.  Good subject test scores provide a nice boost to your students college applications!SAT subject tests: FAQSAT subject tests are offered on the same days as the SAT,  May 4  and  June 1.  You should plan your students testing schedule ahead of time so he or she has time for both the SAT and the subject tests.SAT subject tests are offered in math, literature, US and world history, biology, chemistry, physics, and most languages.Students can take up to 3 subject tests on one day.Which SAT subject tests should my student take?Students tend to perform best on subject tests in high-level courses they have recently completed.  For instance, if your student is currently enrolled in AP US Hi story, he or she should take the subject test in US History in May or June.If your student is currently taking or has taken precalculus and/or trig, the Math Level 2 exam is a good choice.  For those who enjoy reading and do well in English, the Literature exam would be a natural fit.When are the SAT subject tests offered, and how can I register for them?The SAT subject tests are offered on  May 4  and  June 1, 2013, concurrently with the SAT (so students cannot take the SAT and the subject tests on the same day).You can register for SAT subject tests on  the College Boards website.AJ Tutorings SAT subject test tutoring programIn order to fully prepare students to take an SAT subject test, we meet with them for three or four 90-minute sessions.  During those sessions, we cover timing, guessing strategy, and question interpretation.  Using results from students practice tests, we also pinpoint content gaps and teach students valuable concepts they may have missed in school.AJ Tuto ring currently offers subject test tutoring in most subjects.  For more information, please consult  our website.If your student is planning to take SAT subject tests in May or June, now is the time to start preparing.  By starting preparation early, we can effectively space out the tutoring sessions and maximize your students content retention.If youd like to sign up for SAT subject test tutoring or speak with a director to develop a testing plan for your student, please give us a call at (650) 331-3251 or email info@ajtutoring.com.  Were looking forward to talking with you!

The Binomial Cat Cube Solution

The Binomial Cat Cube Solution Tutors at the TutorZ research lab have discovered a new formula. This formula solves the problem of what happens if a cat sits in a box together with another cat who itself sits in a second box. The picture below visualizes the problem. The TutorZ tutors are good at math. If you doubt that just check them out here. These tutors used their mathematical creativity to abstract the problem and re-phrase it in the language of math.  Specifically, they noted that the binomial formula can be used to represent the two cats sitting in the box (cube). And what was the binomial formula again? A binomial is simply a mathematical expression consisting of two terms. For example: Because these two cats are sitting in a cube we raise the binomial to the 3rd power, which is simply another way of saying cubed.   This cubed binomial (sum) is equal to the cube of the first, plus three times the square of the first by the second, plus three times the first by the square of the second, plus the cube of the second. For this cubed  binomial there exists a well known solution: Now solving the problem for the cat problem at hand we substitute the term a for a cat and simplifying: Hooray, we got the solution. It is a cubed plus three times a to the power of five plus three times a to the power of seven plus a to the power of 9. For Nobel price consideration you may contact our algebra tutors.

Ask A Nerd! Mastering AP English Language - TutorNerds

Ask A Nerd! Mastering AP English Language - TutorNerds Ask A Nerd! Q: How do I Master AP English Language? Brief: Like any AP class, AP language is a college level class and requires hard work, fantastic time management, and the help from a teacher or a private Irvine AP tutor. Answer Now that you are a couple of months into your AP language class, you have probably noticed that the homework is piling up and you may have realized that the in-class quizzes are only a small look into what awaits you in May. Don’t worry too much, but do spend time working out your time management. Create a timeline of the basic terms and concepts that you should know so that you are not stressing out in the spring. Use a good quality test prep book to help you with your timeline (READ: Last Minute AP Study Guide). Create an electronic sheet with all of your assignments and due dates. Once you have completed each assignment, cross it off. Look at your grade sheet often. Most AP language teachers use Blackboard or School Loop to share grades electronically. Make sure that you are keeping track of your grades at least once a week. Join a study group. Find two or three students in your class who you get along well with and arrange a time to study together each week. Meet at a coffee shop or the library or try using Google Hangouts if you can’t get together in person. Talk to your teacher. The more thoughtful questions that you ask, the more likely the teacher will know who you are and know that you are truly interested in his or her subject. Take the time to get to know your teacher and his or her teaching/grading style (READ: Taking the AP Exam). Once you have your general organization down it’s time to learn about everything English. Learn to love your literary devices. Do you know the difference between anthropomorphism and allegory? If not, it’s time to look them up. There are dozens of literary devices and you should learn them all by heart well before May. Take the time to look them up, learn the definition and know a few good examples. Know your famous authors. To be successful in AP language, you should know about dozens of famous authors. Hemingway, Twain, Faulkner, Wilde, and Fitzgerald are just a few. Make sure that you learn about the author of the books you are reading about in class. The author’s biography and perspective can tell you a lot about the novel that s/he wrote (READ: 5 Tips for your college entrance essays). Think critically. In order to be able to write all of those in class essays as well as score a 3, 4 or 5 on the AP exam in May, you will need to be able to think critically. For example, you should be able to ask and answer questions such as: What exactly did the author mean when s/he was discussing that topic? Why did the author choose specific rhetorical devices? What is the tone of the story and why was this tone used? What does the setting tell you about the author’s state of mind? Who was the author’s original target audience? Have a question for one of our nerds? Tweet it to us @TutorNerds. Give yourself the TutorNerds advantage by checking back often for the latest in our “Ask a Nerd” series. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at info@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about. Do not wait any longer to book your Orange County AP English tutor. Our highly educated tutors will give you the confidence you need to succeed! TutorNerds: Affordable Pricing for Premium Tutoring.

Keep Your Ears Open! The Ultimate Guide to Language Listening

Keep Your Ears Open! The Ultimate Guide to Language Listening Keep Your Ears Open! The Ultimate Guide to Language Listening Shhh.Quiet your mind and listen to your surroundings for a second.What do you hear?Are you on a crowded airplane or in a public place? Have you got any music playing? Is someone talking nearby?Your ears are incredibly sensitive organs that end up telling you a lot more about your environment than you might expect.And when it comes to language, the ears and the brain work together with shocking efficiency to make sense of even the most jumbled words in the worst acoustic environments.Of course, that doesnt always seem to be the case. Most of the time it takes me a few listens before I can get all the words of a song, even in English.And lets not forget the massive vocabulary that exists in every language purely to express miscommunication. Huh? Wie bitte?  Apa?But although these are good words or phrases to know, and although everyone needs them sometimes, wouldnt it be great to only have to pull them out in a foreign language as often as you would need to in your native language?A lo t of people say that listening is the hardest thing in learning a foreign language.But Ive never felt that way.For me, building listening skills  has just taken the right amount of time and practice.In this post, were going to look at why working on your listening skills is crucial, and how you can use certain strategies to get your own listening where you want it. Why Its So Important to Spend Time Building Your Listening SkillsConversational competence is essentialEver gotten lost in a conversation?Its happened to me too many times to count.Its tough to keep up with a conversation that you cant participate much in, but its much worse if you cant even understand whats being said.If youre able to understand the other person but your own vocabulary is failing you, the entire conversation and all those missed opportunities become a huge, flashing neon sign telling you where your speaking problems are.Couldnt say when I went to the store last Tuesday? Work on time expressions.Couldnt come up with the word for ukulele? Check the dictionary.By contrast, its infinitely harder to know what to improve when you cant even understand the other persons speech at all.A lack of listening skills will keep you from understanding how you need to improve.And thats just in the realm of conversation. Imagine youre using your language as a tourist. Most tourists just use a simple stock of phrases.When you ask, Whats in this soup? you just need to remember how to say one sentence. But you have to be prepared to understand the answer, whether its chicken, rice or pig brain.You need to develop the ability to recognize vocabularyWithout a base of vocabulary, you have almost no chance of understanding the content of the message that the other person is trying to get across. Its true, you can pick up a lot from context, and in fact, plenty of people learn best from conversations.But if youre in over your head in a conversation, its stressful to try and juggle all the new words youre h earing in order to be able to respond.And conversely, if you have the vocabulary but you cant parse out the individual words you hear, youll be just as lost.Listening practice  and the skills that are gained from it bring your knowledge together with usage to make understanding language a completely automatic experience.Advanced language learners barely even recognize that theyre hearing another languageâ€"it just sounds like someones talking to them.Building listening skills takes time!It takes a massive amount of time for your brain to acquire strong listening ability.Listening is about decoding the sound patterns of spoken language so that you can match it up with the vocabulary and syntax youre already familiar with.In a regular college-level course, youre only being exposed to the language for a handful of hours every week.The reality is, youre never going to be able to teach your brain to decode fast native speech unless you give it a lot of practiceâ€"and that means a mix of intensive and extensive listening exercises. Below, well explain what this means and make it clear exactly how you can build up this crucial skill.Keep Your Ears Open! The Ultimate Guide to Language ListeningIntensive Listening PracticeWhat is intensive listening, and why do it?Intensive listening means spending the time to really break down some challenging native content.Its a lot of effortâ€"thats why its called intensive, after all.But the rewards are huge because youre spending all your energy on actually experiencing and understanding the language as its spoken.Heres how to do it.1. Choose a short clip and listen to it a couple of times.Take a short section of a podcast or video with somewhat challenging speechâ€"no longer than 20 seconds.It should be the kind of thing thats hard to understand the first time, but becomes clearer as you listen to it more.In other words, it should be fairly easy to understand as long as you have a transcript.But learning to understand without  a transcript is what this exercise is all about.The first few times you sit down to do intensive listening, choose something about a topic youre already familiar with.That way, youll likely already know most of the vocabulary used and just need to get your ear tuned to the way the language sounds.For instance, most language enthusiasts are very used to hearing or reading about how people learn languages.For that reason, listening to someone talk about words, language or linguistics in your target language might be a lot easier for you than listening to someone talk about ancient history or modern dance.Or you might like something relatively predictable, like product unboxing videos, recipes or makeup tutorials. If youve seen these in English, youll know they tend to follow the same simple structure.FluentU is ideal for finding content for intensive listening, as it takes real-world videos in a variety of formatsâ€"like commercials, mini-movies, music videos and moreâ€"and on a variet y of topics, and turns them into personalized language lessons. Every video comes with interactive captions (that you can turn off for the purpose of this exercise).In general, at first, youll want to stay away from content that might include a lot of names and dates.Theres a time and place for learning to quickly understand names, dates and times, but its pretty frustrating to be stuck on a word for hours only to eventually realize that its the name of some obscure comedian or politicianâ€"Ive been there.Once youve chosen a clip, youll first want to listen to it twice in a row simply to see what you can pick up.2. Create a transcript of what you hear.Your goal now is to create a word-for-word transcript of everything you hear.So youll need to listen several more times.The best way to do this is actually to start from the very end and work your way back. Listen to the last two seconds, the last three seconds, the last four seconds and  so on.Write down what you can every time.This r epetition will burn the sound patterns into your brain and youll realize you can actually understand a lot more than you thoughtâ€"before you even look anything up.Its like listening to rap music. You dont always pay attention to all the lyrics until you intentionally start trying to understand them.And, by the way, when youre finished for the day, those repeated sections might still be ringing in your ears.3. Check your guesses.At this point, you should have managed to write down most of the transcript.Youll also probably have figured out some words that you dont even know, just from hearing them over and over. This is tricky, and you should be proud of yourself if you managed it!Go ahead and look up whatever word meanings youre not sure about to see if your guesses were correct.After this, if there are still words you cant figure out, let them be for a while and do some reading or vocabulary practice.If you cant recognize the word on seeing it or hearing it, you wont be able to fi gure it out when you hear it at fast native speed.Intensive listening practice is most effective when you know most of the words used but just need to get used to the way natives pronounce them in natural speech.It sounds simple, but this really is something lots of people have trouble with, especially in languages with a big perceived difference between the written and spoken word.This intensive practice really does pay dividends. Its astounding what a difference it can make in your overall ability.But the reason people dont do it all the time is that it burns you out. Youre running your brain at full power for that exercise, and you need time to recharge.Enter extensive listening.Extensive ListeningIts important to balance your intensive practice with extensive practice to give your brain a chance to get comfortable with what you’re learning.And dont worryâ€"extensive practice is a lot less intense.For a change of pace, youre going to listen without looking anything up, just fol lowing what you can and guessing the context.Dont tune out, and dont try to multitask while youre listening. You want to keep paying attention to the content, but not necessarily forcing yourself to understand every word.This is much less mentally taxing and a crucial part of building your listening skills.Extensive listening is also very important for learning cultural nuances and references in your target language.Because any language has so many obscure words and phrases, you simply need an enormous amount of listening exposure in order to get familiar with them.Generally, a two-hour movie will have about 9,000 words of dialogueâ€"roughly the same as a novella or short story.That means youll need to watch four or five movies, or 10 sitcom episodes before you expose yourself to the amount of language you’d get from reading a novel.1. Choose some short episodes of material to listen to.Again, you should be understanding the majority of what you hear, with only a handful of unknow n words every few minutes.If you still feel that your vocabulary isnt large enough, spend just a few minutes of each listening session writing down new words, or do separate vocabulary work at another time.As you consume more and more target language media, youll naturally pick up new words through repetition.Watching a long-running sitcom or cartoon will usually expose you to the same type of language over and over. Boring for ordinary viewers, perfect for the language learner!Of course, if youre not interested in TV, you can substitute podcasts or radio shows.However, be aware that audio-only resources require even more attention because you dont get any of the body language, lip movements or environmental cues that video provides.Just be prepared to compensate for that difficulty by choosing slightly easier material or listening more times to pick up what you need.To start, you could try watching some short comedy sketches, sitcoms or cartoons with familiar plots.An animated show like Doraemon, Peppa Pig or SpongeBob is perfect because the cast of characters is relatively small and the situations are often very familiar.If you miss what happens in one scene, chances are that same scene is going to play out again with only a slight variation later on.You can also look for dubbed versions of movies or shows that you know well from your native language.Even smaller countries usually produce dubbed versions of kids movies to show on TV.And languages like French, German and Japanese are treasure troves of dubbed media from all over the world.At the early stages of extensive listening, you should try to avoid lengthy, involved material like speeches or news broadcasts.Also, I recommend you try not to jump between genres or topicsâ€"get used to a handful of speakers and situations first.2. Listen during a few spaced-out sessions.Once youve familiarized yourself with a TV episode or video, listen to just the audio.Dont pause or take down notes for now. Listen to it a few times spaced out throughout a day or week.Remember or imagine what the characters are doing and how theyre feeling, even if you cant understand every word.This gets your mind more attuned to the emotional context and delivery of the words and phrases you hear.When you see the episode again with the video attached, youll be able to understand much more clearly whats going onâ€"and it wont even feel like you did any studying at all!3. Rack up those listening hours.It takes a lot of time to perfect your listening skills, but did you know that the average American watches over five hours of television every day?If you can turn that television watching time into target-language watching time, youll rack up listening hours incredibly quickly.Plus, theres another secret weapon you can usually count on: dead time.4. Integrate extensive listening into dead time.Five hours of television every day is a nice statistic, but it doesnt help if you personally have a busy, unpredictable life. I know I cant fit that in.If thats the case for you, see what you can do about fitting listening practice into dead time.That means when youre on the go, waiting for a bus, waiting in line, waiting for files to upload, waiting for your dinner to cook… daily life has a lot of waiting!All that time can add up to an hour or more of potential listening time during your day if you just remember to bring your headphones.And what about times when youre doing something else?Its true that true passive listeningâ€"just having your language on in the backgroundâ€"doesnt go very far in improving your listening ability.What it does give you is immediacy.If you can, try simply leaving radio, music, videos or podcasts on in the background as you do other tasks. Its only natural that youll tune out to focus on whatever else youre doing.But when you tune back in, the language is already going and you have the opportunity to immediately catch a few words or phrases.And when that opportunity is han ded to you, its perfectly natural to listen. Compare that with making the mental effort to pull out your phone, put in your earbuds, find the right podcast… what a pain!Basically, by having your target language surrounding you whenever possible, you make it easier to practice listening than to do anything else.After just a few days of really focusing on listening, chances are youll start to see a big leap in your comprehension.As I said above, though, it takes a lot of time for those leaps to add up to the point where you can easily understand pretty much everything you hear.For all my talk about finding short videos with predictable plots and the other advice above, the most important thing is to be interested in what youre watching or listening to.Once youre able to dive into the material you see without having to think about how much you understandâ€"thats when youre on the path to listening success.