8 Gifts That Will Inspire Students This Holiday Season

8 Gifts That Will Inspire Students This Holiday Season The holidays can be a stressful time, and choosing the right gift for the student in your life is not an action that is exempt from this stress. With all of the various toys and gadgets on the market today, the abundance of options can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, the holiday season is the perfect time to combine learning and fun when choosing gifts. Educational gifts that will inspire students this holiday season can include STEM and STEAM gifts. Curious what to get the student on your list? Check out these eight gifts that will inspire students this holiday season: STEM gifts for students Bloxels Bloxels is an engaging gift for the student in your life who loves both video games and the act of creating objects. This gift allows your student to build video games with the assistance of a gameboard and colored blocks. Each block signifies a different aspect of the gamefor example, blue blocks are water, purple blocks are enemies, and orange blocks are exploding terrain. Students place blocks into the gameboards grid to create different elements of the game, such as climbing a mountain to cross a rope bridge over water. Students then use the Bloxels Builder app to bring their creations to life. Students simply take a picture of the gameboard and import it into the app. Inside the app, students can animate characters and further build various elements. Once they are satisfied with their creations, students can begin to play their very own video games, and they can share them with others! For students who are interested in coding and video games, or students who simply enjoy tinker ing, Bloxels may be the perfect holiday gift. This gift is ideal for students 8 and up, and retails for $49.99. [RELATED: 4 Benefits of STEM Studies] Prime Climb Prime Climb is an award-winning math board game that students can enjoy with their families. This game is designed for two to four players. As you move your way to the middle of the board, you will be prompted to add, subtract, multiply, and divide while gathering prime cards and knocking other players back to start. If your student could benefit from a fun way to study math, this board game might be the answer. The game is best suited to students 10 and up, and retails for $29.95. [RELATED: How to Help Math-Phobic Students This School Year] Robot Engineer Robot Engineer includes a kit and storybook that encourages young students to construct robots. The story follows two children as they build robots during their trip to an automated candy factory. The kit allows students to learn about: Gears Wheels Problem-solving. Students are able to view the model robots in the storybook and create them from the provided building materials. This gift is a great fit for the curious student in your life. Robot Engineer is geared toward students 3 and up, and retails for $34.99. LEGO Chain Reactions LEGO Chain Reactions allows students to build their own contraptions out of LEGOs. Using the included booklet and a bit of imagination, students can create 10 machines that induce different chain reactions. Students can also combine the included bricks with their own LEGO pieces to create truly unique machines. For students who love building and creating, LEGO Chain Reactions could be a hit. Best for students 8 and up, LEGO Chain Reactions retails for $21.99. STEAM gifts for students 3Doodler Create 3D Pen The 3Doodler Create 3D Pen is perfect for the creative student in your life. This pen allows students to draw 3D objects, as opposed to simply doodling on paper. How? This pen draws heated plastic. This enables students to create both vertically and horizontally. For example, does your student love fairs? With this tool, he or she can draw a 3D ferris wheel to display on a desk or bookshelf. For imaginative students, the possibilities are endless. This gadget is best for students 14 and up, and retails for $99.99. [RELATED: What is the STEAM Movement?] Art Dice Art Dice provides artistically inclined students with an endless source of inspiration. Co-created by an art teacher to provide drawing prompts in the classroom, this gift includes six dice with 36 different images. Students can roll the dice and become inspired for their next art project! You might encourage your student, for instance, to roll four dice and write a story based off the images rolled. This gift is perfect for any age, and retails for $12.00. Build Your Own Pinball Game Build Your Own Pinball Game is a STEAM gift that allows students to build a functional pinball machine powered by rubber bands. Students can add in customizations, such as ramps and obstacles, to make for an entertaining and technology-free mode of entertainment. Not only will your student get to enjoy a fun game, he or she will get to play it on a platform he or she designed. For students 13 and up, Build Your Own Pinball Game retails for $49.95. Stop Motion Animation Kit This Stop Motion Animation Kit provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the art of stop motion animation. Stop motion animation incorporates a series of still photographs that are sped up to create a video where the objects appear to be moving. The kit includes a construction and production kit, meaning students can build the figures for their animations. Students have the freedom to create whatever type of storyline they choose, and they can then learn how to produce the final product. This product is for students 6 and up, and retails for $60.00. 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.

How to Pass Chinese Exams

How to Pass Chinese Exams Getting Ready for Chinese Exams ChaptersHow to Get Ready for the Chinese HSK 1 ExamHow to Learn Chinese with MOOCsHow to Prepare for the Chinese A LevelWhich Are the Best Chinese Dictionaries?“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” - Nelson MandelaThere are over 800 million native speakers of Chinese. Learning to speak Chinese is, therefore, an excellent way to learn more about the world, new cultures, and improve your job prospects. Of course, there isn't a single Chinese language but rather a multitude of them that are spoken inside China.For the purpose of simplicity, in this article, when we talk about Chinese culture, the Chinese language, and learn Mandarin London, we are referring to learning Mandarin Chinese, the most commonly spoken language in the People's Republic of China.So do you still need to pass exams in Chinese?Here’s what you’ll need to know about preparing for Chinese exams when you learn Mand arin 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 tutors 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 tutorsHow to Get Ready for the Chinese HSK 1 ExamLearning a foreign language can help boost your career as well as open your mind to new experiences, new cultures, and a new way of thinking. Be it Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian, or Japanese, all languages are useful.The HSK 1 exam will be a little more difficult than this. (Source: PublicDomainPictures)To gauge your level in a foreign language, there are exams you can take to prove your linguistic abilities. Those learning English tend to do the TOEIC or TOEFL exams whereas if you’re learning Chinese, you have to do the HSK. The HSK is divided into six levels and can show future employers just how good you are at Chinese.The HSK 1 is the lowest level of this test.  To pass the exam, you’ll need to know 150 Chinese characters. You’ll need to recognise them and translate them. Pinyin is also used in the first two levels of the test.The reading and listening parts of the HSK 1 last 35 minutes in total. This gives you just enough time but not much more. You either know the answer or you don’t. This means that you don’t have time to waste and are going to make sure you revise.What are the best ways to pass the HSK 1?Firstly, you need to familiarise yourself with Chinese vocabulary. You can easily find the vocabulary lists you need to know online. There are websites available with practice exercises for translating the characters for the exam.Make t he most of all these free online resources. You can access them whenever you want and without spending a penny. This is a good option for those who don’t have a lot of free time or don’t have enough time to attend lessons.However, Chinese lessons can be really useful when preparing these types of tests. The HSK lines up with the levels of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) with A1, A2, B1, etc. This means it’s much easier to find which lessons are appropriate for the exam you’re studying for.You can also learn Mandarin with private tutorials. Students and tutors can agree on what the student wants to learn Chinese for and the tutor will put together a programme that works for the student. You can also ask for advice and feedback from your private tutor.You can learn how to relax, focus, and take the appropriate steps to pass your Chinese test.How to Learn Chinese with MOOCsMOOCs have been around for a few years now.There are plenty of resources o nline to help you study Chinese. (Source: Free-Photos)What’s the point of them?To make learning accessible to as many people as possible. With free classes available to everyone, MOOCs are a veritable goldmine of learning resources.Every subject is taught. With maths, physics, chemistry, business, economics, and sociology courses, etc., you can find whatever you’re looking for. You just need to sign up and follow the lessons week after week. Most courses last around six and seven weeks. There are teachers available to answer your questions and correct your work.So how can you take Chinese classes online with a MOOC?Chinese MOOCs follow a similar format to the other MOOCs. The most popular MOOCs include Coursera, edX, Udacity, and FutureLearn. The lessons allow students to learn the basics of Chinese at their own pace.Thanks to video lectures from Chinese speaking professors and interactive exercises, it’s easier to learn while enjoying yourself with distance learning.  Since y ou learn at your own pace, it’s easier to stay motivated as you learn. In fact, many courses are still available to you after the course is finished. You can, therefore, download them and continue to benefit from the learning materials in them.Furthermore, there are teachers available to answer your questions about Chinese pronunciation, grammar, and characters during the courses.To get the most out of these courses, make sure you have enough time available to focus on your course. Don’t hesitate to use the forums to discuss the course with other students on it. This will also help you feel less alone in your learning.You could also ask your friends if they want to do the course with you. This is a great way to stay motivated because if anyone starts to feel demotivated, you can help pick each other up.Now it’s up to you to become a master of Chinese characters, Chinese calligraphy, and Pinyin!How to Prepare for the Chinese A LevelBefore you bury your head in the books and sta rt revising for your Chinese A Level, you’ll need to know what it entails.If you dream of going to China to live or work, you should consider taking A Level Chinese. (Source: tookapic)While not essential, an A Level in Chinese is very useful for those wanting to study Chinese at a university. More and more students in the UK are opting to study Chinese at A Level instead of the more commonly studied languages like French, German, Spanish, and Italian.In terms of level, the AS Level and A Level follow on from the GCSE. When you finish your A Level in Chinese, you’ll have the equivalent of a B2 level according to the CEFR. Students should be able to understand complex texts with abstract topics, interact with a degree of fluency, and produce clear and detailed text on a range of subjects.The reading and writing component lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and includes two passages in Mandarin Chinese. Students have to answer comprehension questions on the texts.  The whole test is in Chinese and the texts will be from the last 20 years.As with all reading exams, make sure you carefully read the texts and the questions before you start answering anything.The essay component last 1 hour 30 minutes and students have to choose one question and write between 250 and 400 for their answer.In the texts component, students have to answer three questions in Mandarin Chinese on three different texts. There are two sections of questions and at least one text from each section must be chosen.Always make sure that you are adequately prepared before sitting any Chinese exam. As they say, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Make sure you regularly study the topics on the exams and regularly practise Chinese.Don’t forget that there are private tutors who can help you with your studies, too.Which Are the Best Chinese Dictionaries?There are many different ways to start learning how to read, write, and speak Chinese. Whether you opt for private Chinese tutorials, group classes, or teachin g yourself, a dictionary is always a useful investment for language learning.Make sure that you regularly practise reading and writing. (Source: vinsky2002)They’re a useful way to look up new words during your lessons. You can also put together lists of words that you’d like to use or Chinese words that you don’t understand and look them up.  Once you’ve found the equivalent, you can study the words and start using them.So which is the best dictionary to help you? Which are the best Chinese dictionaries available?There are plenty of effective English-Chinese dictionaries available. You just have to keep a dictionary by your side. However, you can’t take a massive dictionary with you as you travel.  While there are smaller dictionaries available, you can also get dictionaries on your smartphone. Dictionary apps allow you to look up Chinese words on the go and find their Pinyin transcription if you need.These apps are very useful as you’ll always have a dictionary on you a nd you can use it to help you when you’re reading, writing, or speaking Chinese.To keep learning Chinese, you can also use online Chinese dictionaries. You can use them to translate words and sentences in order to better understand them.Each student needs to choose the dictionary that works for them in terms of their own personal needs. You don't want a massive dictionary to travel to Beijing, but it might be useful if you're reading complex texts on the language and culture of China.

Giving Purpose to Your Music 2 Tips to Avoid Burnout

Giving Purpose to Your Music 2 Tips to Avoid Burnout Suzy S. Feeling burned out? It’s a common feeling for beginners musicians, especially if you’re stuck on tough techniques or specific songs. So how do you get over the frustration? Take a look at this great advice from Long Beach, CA teacher Glenn S Hello, all. My name is Glenn, and I teach guitar, ukulele and banjo lessons in Long Beach, California. Playing an instrument is a skill that can give you a lifetime of pleasure, by expressing yourself musically, writing your own pieces, or playing with other people. Frequently, students suffer burnout from a routine. To combat this, I feel it is important to set musical goals to give importance to your music. Id like to address a couple of ways to get out of ruts, and move forward with your music. 1) Participate in recitals Recitals offer you a chance to work up some of your pieces to the best of your ability, from start to finish, and share your music with an audience, while seeing others perform as well. Nervousness is a common hurdle to overcome: I suggest choosing pieces that are easy for you, as this can help in getting used to being in front of people. Mentally, it helps me escape into a person, place, or experience that I describe musically. This helps relax myself, and really get into the music itself. Also, by learning to play an entire song as well as you can, new standards are reached, and can be applied to the rest of your repertoire. 2) Jam with others Playing with other people is also rewarding, and teaches you the skill of playing your part, and hearing how it blends with other instruments. I host performance workshops in my Long Beach studio a few times a year- 5 rehearsals followed by a small concert at a local venue.  Everyone has a good time and becomes a stronger, well-rounded musician. If you don’t have access to these kinds of workshops near you, try putting together your own performing groups. Ask your teacher to introduce you to other students who share your musical tastes, and select a time to meet up. Be organized: choose a few songs to learn beforehand, and decide who will play what parts, vocal chores, and so on. Songwriting is fun, too bring ideas and an open mind! I believe that music is a social skill by playing with other people, performing at recitals, backing singers at church, or playing gigs at farmers markets and such, musical goals are established, and will give direction to your musical experience, and make your relationship with your instrument more meaningful. Hope these ideas helped out, and by all means, keep growing through music! Glenn S. teaches guitar, ukulele, and banjo lessons in the Long Beach, CA area. Glenn has been teaching students for 20 years, playing all styles and levels of music, from day-one beginners to seasoned pros seeking to sharpen their playing skills. He joined TakeLessons in December 2012. Learn more about Glenn, or search for a teacher near you. Photo by  nathanrussell Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today!

Ask an Admissions Expert Rachel Korn

Ask an Admissions Expert Rachel Korn Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Rachel Korn has evaluated over 10,000 applications in her 7 years of experience on admissions staffs. She has worked at the University of Pennsylvania, Brandeis University, and Wellesley College. Rachel is also the author of two admissions books and has been a guest on The Today Show as well. She now runs her own admissions consulting firm and has helped hundreds of applicants make it to schools all over the U.S. and Europe. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Rachel: To survive the college admissions process, manage your work as it will manage your stress. New applications are available in the summer before the deadlines, so get a jump start before senior year begins. Take advantage of the quieter time without classes and activities competing for your attention. Even before then, start finalizing your college list so you can dive in right away when the applications go live. Buy a calendar to put on a kitchen wall and mark out weekly deadlines for yourself the peer pressure will help you stick to what you write. Make yourself constantly responsible for a part of your applications even if it is just fill our activities section on the Common Application one week. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Rachel: The best essays (of 10,000+ I have evaluated as an admissions officer) were essays where I felt the applicant. You need not try to come up with the most imaginative theme in the world. In fact, you will succeed if you just find that subject that will share how you think and what you value with the admissions committee. Your will connect to the reader if you talk from the heart. Therefore, brainstorm about what the reader cannot see from the data in the application. Show what defines you: pick a topic that will allow you to share a brief significant story and then an analysis of it showing why that is important to know about you. Something you can analyze is key. A cool story on its own is not impressive. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Rachel: Frankly, there is very little that an admissions officer has not seen before, so you can take the pressure to be extremely original off of yourself. Good news, huh? Great essays often still come from common themes - navigating through a struggle, something that has shaped your goals and values, personal identity, and family, for example. It is how you write and show the depth of your thinking that will impress. As for no nos, be very careful not to cross the bounds of taste (in terms of strong or inappropriate language or in terms of a sensitive subject you know if something is questionable); dont just praise something or someone else (readers will not learn anything about you); and dont use the essay as a place to vent about unresolved personal problems (it can be scary to see readers will worry about your being OK and will not want you on their campuses). VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Rachel: Sending an application that you think the admissions committee wants to see. This can fail in two important ways: 1. You may choose an essay topic that is not actually important to you and/or you may write in a style than not your genuine voice admissions officers see right through these things and are turned off; 2. You may fill the why study here supplemental essays with things you imagine will flatter a school rather than why you actually love the school you will sound generic and not thoughtful if you quote things that do not apply to your situation. Overall, this mistake does not let the committee see you, and therefore it cannot admit you because it does not know and like you. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Rachel: You would be amazed at the time and attention admissions officers can spend on applications. In fact, an application may have multiple readers, and each read can take half an hour or more. Admissions officers fill out forms summarizing the data and capturing their opinion, noting your achievements, both academic and extracurricular, in the context of your background and high school. You would also be amazed at how well admissions officers know your exact high school it is part of their job to understand your opportunities, or lack of them, to make the right decisions about who you are and if you would thrive on their campuses. Some colleges even run committees, in which all applications are presented for discussion, but at every college, truly, admissions officers are very careful to understand exactly who you are. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Rachel: It may sound simple, but just present yourself. Your honest, thoughtful essay showing how you think or what you have done; your genuine, well-researched comments about why you are applying to a school; your carefully filled out application these show readers what you are all about and your seriousness as a candidate. You impress by showing what no one else should ever be able to show your unique story and your passion for a school through crossing all is and dotting all ts. The responsibility you take for a thorough, personal presentation gives you your best chance at admission and makes a great impression no matter what the admission committee ultimately decides. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Rachel: I love this question. This is the heart of an intelligent, successful admissions process. Ideally, you should tour schools to see how you feel, as there is truly no better research than the gut feeling of wow, this is a fit, or whoa, what was I thinking this is not me you learn from both reactions. Also, to determine which colleges fit your personality and goals, especially if you cannot get onto campuses, read colleges webpages and other websites talking about colleges and reach out online. Colleges have armies of student volunteers ready to answer your questions and make a connection with you. Activate those possibilities. Ask your guidance counselor about colleges and check where people you know have attended. This can show you who is attracted to what kind of school. Always try to attend college fairs and presentations in your town and in your high school, too. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Rachel: See if you can answer yes to the following questions by November of your senior year: Will you have you found that one and only school for yourself? Will you have received satisfactory results from your standardized testing? Will you be prepared to accept a financial aid package according to what a school calculates for families in your situation? If you can answer yes to all these questions, a binding early plan can be for you. You would be ready to commit to a school. More broadly, any early plan can be for you you are set for early notification. If you are not clear about one favorite school, need to compare financial aid offers, and/or may compete for some scholarships, wait until regular decision. Early plans are for students who can present their best applications by the fall. You maximize your chances of admission when you apply at your strongest, so make sure you submit your application when you are truly ready. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Rachel: OK, we have to be honest: this is #1 in terms of importance. After all, you are applying for entrance to educational institutions. The schools need to ensure your survivability, and for those competitive schools with too many qualified students lined up for only a few places, the academic piece makes even more of a difference. Do know, though, that many times, rejection does not mean that you did not do enough. You may be a star. It simply means others had to come first. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Rachel: You are asking teachers for a favor requiring hours of their time, so be careful to respect this significant request. Ideally, approach teachers for recommendations close to the beginning of the school year - and certainly well in advance of the deadlines. Give teachers an information sheet to prepare them with data about what you have done well, both in their classes and outside of them, so they will not have to wrack their brains to come up with material. Make the recommendation writing easier for them. Do follow up with the teachers, too, before the deadline to see if you can provide any extra information to help and to make sure that they are on track to submit on time. FYI: students are not penalized for late-arriving recommendations, but it does hold up the evaluation process and your application will be read only when it becomes complete. Visit Rachels website for further information about her background and consulting services.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Best Books for Learning German Language

The Best Books for Learning German Language Which Books Should You Buy to Help You Learn German in German Lessons? ChaptersLearning German Made EasyGerman Lessons for BeginnersLearning German VocabularyGerman Lessons for Visual LearnersLearning German with PicturesVisual Cues for Learning German VocabularyImmersive German Language Courses: Reading in GermanBeginner-LevelIntermediate to Advance:Colloquial GermanYou are taking German lessons online, you have downloaded a vocabulary app, but you would still like a good, old fashioned book to help you learn German Grammar - something you can keep open on your desk at the page you need, or load onto your e-book reader to look things up quickly.Gives the German equivalents to English expressions and proverbs. ISBN-10: 151871580X ISBN-13: 978-1518715808Dirty German: Everday Slang from “Waht’s up?” to “F*%# off!” by Daniel ChaffeyFor the really down-to-earth German expressions. ISBN-10: 1569756732 ISBN-13: 978-1569756737Please note that while many of these books are available in an e-book edition, not all of them are.Search for German lessons i n the major UK cities:German lessons LondonGerman lessons GlasgowGerman lessons LiverpoolGerman lessons Bristol

Differences Between Management Accounting and Financial Accounting

Differences Between Management Accounting and Financial Accounting What Are the Differences Between Management Accounting and Financial Accounting? ChaptersWho They Report ToThe Roles They PlayThe Rules They FollowIf you are studying accounting principles, perhaps as an undergraduate or retraining for a new career in an accounting program, you are probably already well aware what terms such as cost accounting, statement analysis and valuation mean.And of course, everyone knows what income taxes and payroll deductions are!What is perhaps less clear is that accounting is so much more than adding and subtracting; credits and debits.There is a whole school of thought on accounting, called accounting theory, that shapes the daily efforts of every type of accountant, from the CPA working independently to the chartered accountant in an office.As you may have guessed, there is more than one type of accountant and, even though they may all employ the same accounting systems, each realm has its trademark and distinct focus.Besides the certified public accountants and chartered accountants just mentioned:forensic accountants analyse financ ial data to investigate fraud or other white collar crimetax accountants specialise in preparing taxes and forestalling auditsauditors conduct that activity that sends shivers down the spines of the ones audited.Financial advisors and consultants are those brought in for a single project, be it a business overhaul or eliminating financial waste.However, most companies already have such an accountant on hand. In fact, due to the sensitive nature of corporate finance, most companies keep accountants on the payroll.Financial accountants and management accounting vary from the more familiar types of accounting in that they are dedicated to a single company’s financial health and growth.Although they may function in tandem, they each have a distinct role to play in the corporate financial structure.Your Superprof takes you beyond tax time, to the daily grind and surprisingly controlled chaos that sometimes besets a business’ accounting department.Specifically, we highlight the differ ences between financial and managerial accounting.Are you studying for your CPA exam with an eye to becoming such an accountant?If so, the following information might help you decide how much accounting education you still need.managerial accountant’s job to bring that accounting information to those in power.That job description makes bookkeeping sound rather sexy, doesn’t it?Do financial accountants have similar glitter in their accounting basics?They too function as an internal control, but in a different way than cost accountants (another name for managerial accountants).They are not so much concerned with the company budget as it applies to day to day operations; their focus is more on the trial balance: do the credits total more than the debits on any given day?If the inverse is consistently true, the senior accountant would most likely have a conversation with the executive branch of the company...And, that being the case, you may say that financial accountants are risk-a verse.Now go in-depth into financial accountants' responsibilities...You have to know the rules of accounting in order to be successful! Source: Pixabay Credit: GeraltThe Rules They FollowHere, there is much more similarity between the financial and managerial accountant.For one, both types of accountants use accounting information systems, albeit for different purposes.Another way that they compare is that they both follow the generally accepted accounting principles (practice, in our country) or GAAP (UK GAAP, for us).At this point, they diverge a bit.Whereas the financial accountant might report under the International Financial Reporting Standards if the company s/he’s employed with is a global enterprise, as yet the managerial accountant is not compelled to that standard.However, more and more companies, whether international or not, are moving toward those accounting practices simply to streamline accounting concepts.If you are taking accounting courses, you might want to di rect a bit of your focus on IFRS, if only to broaden your knowledge base and make you a more competitive hire.Another fundamental difference between the two types of accountants is the accounting procedures used.As already explained, managerial accountants use the accounting process to plan strategic moves the company could make or optimise financial performance.Laying off workers is a result of such accounting work, for example.Financial accountants are more concerned with the accounting cycle; the recording of complete accounting events.Please note we did say that these accountants are more invested in the trial balance than in the overall financial report; in fact, the general ledger is their playground.They practice what is called accrual accounting, a method of accounting that calls for recording transactions perhaps even before money changes hands.Let’s say a government contractor orders a million each of part number XYZ. Of course, they are not going to pay for their order all at once; such a large invoice would be payable in instalments.Nevertheless, the financial accountant would treat the order as though it had been paid in full even though no payment has yet been made.In today’s global markets, it is imperative that this accounting method is practised; otherwise, any company’s financial statement would reflect poorly indeed!In fact, the GAAP requires large companies to use the accrual method in preparing their financial statements.Although any company may choose to employ managerial accountants, every company is required by law to have financial accountants on staff.The role of financial accountants, while seemingly mundane, touches every aspect of a company:internal auditing and the possibility of an external auditrecording revenue and calculating profitrecording debits and creditstracking assets liabilitiesmaintaining records for the purpose of taxationWhile it is true that they are not actively engaged in the decision-making process like ma nagerial accountants are, they are the ones that set internal controls for those cost accountants to work with.So, as you near completion of your degree in accounting, maybe you could overlook that seemingly high-profile forensic accounting career and consider financial statement analysis and advanced accounting for a company, instead.Working as a professional accountant in such a business environment may not bring the thrill that being an auditor might bring, but there is a measure of safety â€" as opposed to going into business for yourself.Here, you only need basic accounting skills to see the difference!As an accountant for a large firm, perhaps doing international accounting, you would have set work hours and benefits.However, plying the principles of accounting as an independent public accountant means you set your hours to your clients’ needs, possibly working until late at night.You have all of your office overhead to consider, and must track expenses yourself!So, if you†™ve not yet finished your accounting course and are wondering which direction to take your knowledge and skills, the answer is clear: financial accounting will give you the greatest opportunity to apply accounting standards.But managerial accounting will give you a broader spectrum to apply them in!Did you want a closer analysis of management versus financial accounting?

Pilates Vs Yoga The Differences

Pilates Vs Yoga The Differences Which Is Better For You? Yoga Or Pilates ChaptersHistory Of PilatesHistory Of YogaWhat Are The Principles Of Yoga And Pilates?What To Do Before A Class: Yoga Vs PilatesWhat Are The Main Styles Of Yoga Vs PilatesThe Benefits Of Pilates Vs YogaThe Difference Between Pilates And YogaPilates vs Yoga, people often ask me which is better for the body, for me there is not really an answer to this question. It would be like asking me if I would prefer to eat strawberry cheesecake or mandarin cheesecake. I like cheesecake so to be I honest I would probably want to eat both. Yes, I do believe that you can have your cake and eat it. Like Cheesecake, Pilates and Yoga share a very similar base, but they do have different toppings. Which one is best for you really just depends on what you like best and what results you are looking for.Today, however, I am going to serve you a slice of both Pilates and yoga so that you can decide which you prefer for yourself.Pilates is a kind of resistance training method that unifies body and mind. Phot o Source: UnsplashBhakti yoga is the action of devotion to god and should be practised in the form of prayer or chantingRaja Yoga or Royal yoga is the action of asanas, pranayama and meditationJnana Yoga is the yoga of knowledge and can be practised through study.What Are The Principles Of Yoga And Pilates?Yogic Principles To LifeIn line with Patanjali 8 limbs of yoga, there are 10 yogic principles, 5 internal principles (Niyamas) and 5 external Principles (Yamas).Niyama in Sanskrit can be translated as Observance. The five internal practices of Niyama support the observance of self-discipline, inner-strength and deal with our inner consciousness.The Five Internal Practices Are Known As;Saucha (Purity) â€" is the cleanliness of thought, mind and body. It is believed that through the purity of body and mind, the mind will automatically begin the move away from the physical world and draw closer to the enlightenment.Santosha (Contentment) â€" is the opportunity to seek joy and serenit y in life while uplifting others. Living in constant gratitude for your health, your friends and your belongings will bring you closer to enlightenment.Tapas (Training the senses / Strength of Character) â€" is the practice of giving something up such as fasting, or cherished possessions or time for example. It is thought that this will create a transformation within the mind.Svadhyaya (Self-Study) â€" is the practice of study the sutras or texts to widen your knowledge. This will enlighten the mind.Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to God) - is the practice of devotion through daily worship and meditation. It is thought that this can clear the channels to god.Yamas in Sanskrit can be translated as a moral discipline. The five practices of the Yamas are based on morality, proper conduct and self-restraint.The 5 restraints listed within Yamas are as follows:Ahimsa is the restraint of non-injury or violence; this involves not injuring another by action, word, thought or deed.Satya is the r estraint of truthfulness; this involves being truthful in your words and actions and not misleading someone including keeping promises.Brahmacharya is the restraint of sexual purity; this involves controlling the lust, celibacy and divine conduct.Asteya is the restraint of non-theft; this involves not stealing, getting into dent of lusting things which are not yoursAparigraha is the restraint of greedlessness; involves the limit of accumulating possessions, greed, the acceptance of gifts and bribes etc.Check here for exceptional yoga classes near me.The Essential Pilates PrinciplesJoseph Pilates invented Pilates to follow a set of principles, these principles are the foundation of Pilates, and when used together in your practise they support you to achieve all of the benefits that Pilates has to offer.Control: This is the primary theory for Pilates; the premise is that is you can control the movements of your muscles and your body as a whole it will lead to a better quality of worko ut. This controlled approach requires you to use your inner energy wisely and ensure that any energy that you use is delivering the maximum benefits.Breath: In Pilates, your breath is the rhythm of your practise. It is the pulse of all movement that you make when in a Pilates training session. Filling the body with oxygen while preparing to make each movement fills each pose with energy. It enriches your limbs and gives you the opportunity to extend your range of motion to your maximum potential.Concentration: Pilates demands all of your attention, it should not practised mindlessly while focusing on other things. If you do that, then this is not Pilates at all, to practise correctly you must give yourself your full attention. This is a form of mindfulness and is another key to support the connection between your body and mind.Flow: All movements in Pilates are graceful, you glide from one pose to the other giving your body a kind of unity of movement. The poses are seamless, and al l movement within the session is a part of the practise which allows you to conserve energy and make every movement count.Centering: The energy for Pilates comes from the centre of the body, the core. In Pilates, this is often called the powerhouse and is the area between your navel and spine and pubic bone. Pilates makes this area the central focus and the point from which all movement flows.Precision: Precisely aligned movement is significant in Pilates. Each posture must be precise to gain the maximum benefit from your practise. Placing your muscles in the right place is not enough you must also be aware of where your limbs are in relation to each other. Precision help with muscle memory and helps to prevent injury.Pilates and Yoga share a very similar base. Photo Source: UnsplashPractice on an empty stomachA non-slip Pilates mat or yoga mat should be used to practiseStudents should not compete and listen to their own bodies throughout the practiseThe student must be mindfulThe s tudent must inform the teacher of any pre-existing medical conditions and perhaps seek medical advice before attending.Pain is not a part of practise so postures should not be strainedWhat Are The Main Styles Of Yoga Vs PilatesThe Main Styles Of YogaThere are numerous forms of yoga, but the most well known is Hatha yoga which originated from the path of Raja yoga and is the primary school of yoga practiced in the west. In Sanskrit Hatha is broken into 2 words; ‘Ha’ which means Sun and ‘that’ which means moon, the yoga of the sun and moon. Many other styles of yoga have been formed from hatha yoga.The Main Styles Of PilatesPilates also has many forms and styles which have developed since its creation. It has 2 main forms Mat Pilates and Equipment-based Pilates. It also has 2 main styles Classical Pilates and contemporary Pilates. Within both methods, there are many forms of Pilates such as Stott Pilates, Polestar Pilates, Clinical Pilates, Reformer Pilates etc.The Benefits Of Pilates Vs YogaThe benefits of Pilates and yoga asanas are quite similar, they both work with the breath, increase flexibility, increase strength and body awareness. The costs of Pilates classes and Yoga classes start at a fairly low rate.Some Of The Benefits Of PilatesThe benefits of practising Pilates are that you will be able to improve your core strength which will encourage great posture, better spinal alignment, strength within your joints and balanced wellness overall. It is a total body workout meaning that all of your body develops and improves together.   It supports lean muscles, weight loss, improved energy and increased strength.Some Of The Benefits Of Yoga Postures (Asanas)The benefits of asana practise are that all of the systems of the body (internal and external) can be moved towards well-being. This happens through stimulation, massage, flexibility, awareness and increased circulation. The systems of the body Improved with yoga asana include the muscles, joints, i nternal organs, skin, brain, nervous system, blood, heart and lungs. In addition to this, the asanas can remove fat, tension and stress from the body which protects from the onset of disease. The asanas promote a healthy well-functioning body and mind.Pilates adds a form of mindfulness to the posture and is another key to support the connection between your body and mind. Photo Source: UnsplashThe Difference Between Pilates And YogaPersonally, I think that the main difference between Yoga and Pilates is that yoga is a lifestyle system and Pilates is an exercise system. Pilates was inspired in part by yoga so naturally there will be some similarities.Pilates focuses on the relaxing and strengthening the muscular body and gives you the benefit of a toned and lean form with strong muscles. It can often use some different kinds of equipment also. Great for people who want to tone their body, especially the abs.Yoga heavily focuses on the mind, body and spirit and uses much more stretchi ng to improve the flexibility of joints. The main aim of yoga is uniting the body and mind to find peace and harmony. You need no equipment to practise yoga only a yoga mat.   You can also lose weight with yoga, but it is not generally the primary focus. Great for people who are looking for more flexibility, spirituality and stress reduction.While Pilates is excellent for toning, it also aids flexibility, and while yoga is excellent for the flexibility, it also tones your body. They really are very interchangeable, and many of the benefits of yoga and Pilates are shared. It just comes down to a personal choice about what you prefer. Why bother to choose? Just practise both and enjoy the fantastic benefits that they will both deliver.Now check out yoga classes near me so you can sample both Pilates and Yoga!

Three Tips to Performing Well on Standardized Tests

Three Tips to Performing Well on Standardized Tests Improving Academic Performance What priorities should students set, and how should parents help them get there with their integrity intact? MyGuru has three simple rules for navigating the college admissions process and the SAT/ACT â€" and this applies to the GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and GRE as well. Our rules are designed to take the stress out of the college admissions process, and make it possible for anyone to achieve a higher score on the SAT/ACT. Think Long Term Begin your formal test prep activities one year before the exam date. Every good test prep process begins with learning the ins and outs of the SAT or ACT. This requires a thorough review of each of the question types, the scoring method, and the format of the exam BEFORE ever doing a practice question. This is a relatively low pressure, low stakes way to prep and feel comfortable with the exam. Maximize Repetitions Do as many test prep questions as you can in order to get familiar with the patterns and habits of the question writers. This doesn’t require you to buy a ton of books or download massive databases of questions. As long as you get coverage across all the common question types, doing the same questions over will build the confidence and pattern recognition necessary to succeed. Tailor Your Learning You should avoid the cookie cutter approach at all costs. If you are testing at a high level on the math, but struggle with the verbal â€" attack the low hanging fruit! For you, an hour’s worth of verbal prep will yield more of a score improvement than an hour of math prep â€" so focus on the right things. Don’t waste your time (and money!) learning skills that will not help you improve your score. Do spend time practicing question types where you don’t feel as comfortable, and always look for new ways to relate to the material.Obviously, as providers of 1-1 tutoring and test prep, we at MyGuru believe that private, targeted 1-1 tutoring is a great way to accomplish tailored learning. However, there are other interesting and helpful tools to accomplish this. For example, MyGuru partners withBenchPrep to deliver customized, online test prep solutionsthat allow students to focus on specific areas, obtain feedback, and interact with peers and experts on their test prep journey.App lying these rules can help to lower the emotional and monetary cost of getting into college. If you need help with tutoring, MyGuru is proud to offer the best value in private SAT/ACT tutoring in Chicago. Feel free to call us to discuss our approach, or sign up for a tutoring session today. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '6baac2ae-05a3-4610-9d1f-265c8cbd809f', {});