How to Market a Tutoring Business - Tools For Your Business

How to Market a Tutoring Business - Tools For Your BusinessIf you are thinking about starting your own tutoring business, there are a number of important questions that you will need to ask yourself before you start. One of the first questions that you will want to answer is 'how much time can I spend working online?' This question is not a good one to answer until you have looked at how much you can afford to invest in training staff.Another thing to consider is whether you will be training people at home or going to classes in person with your students. Obviously you will need to take into account what time of day your classes are and what time of day you need to be online. Many people find that when they teach online that their students pay on a regular basis. The one downside to this is that when you are not there they will have to schedule their classes on their own and they may not be able to do it with enough flexibility to fit it into their schedule.As a new entrepreneur, it is important to take your time. When you have already invested in the initial costs of your business, then you can begin to make decisions based on whether or not you should look for your first clients. However, if you don't have the capital for advertising, you will need to market your business. This means that you will need to find out how to market a tutoring business effectively. And it involves finding the right tools.A few weeks ago I asked some friends and family members about their business marketing skills, and they told me about how they had found the best way to market a tutoring business, and also what tools they used. One friend mentioned social media marketing. It is a relatively new tool to find business marketers using social media, but it can help you to get the word out about your business and to build relationships with people who may be looking for your services.Facebook and Twitter can be used to help your business get a boost, but it takes different things to g et them to work. Twitter can be used to connect with people, but because there are so many people who like to talk about themselves in 140 characters, it can create a culture where nothing of value is said. It is better to create a community that will want to stay connected and read your information. You can use Facebook to connect with your local community and allow them to become fans, but not let them get too involved.What is the point of connecting with people in a community if they don't want to know anything more about your business? We want to be engaging in conversations, but avoid things that will get people upset. Avoid mentions of getting money, and avoid rumors. You don't want to create a culture that has become dependent on your business. But, you will want to connect with your local community.If you have your own neighborhood, you can use your own neighborhood bulletin board to connect with the community. You will want to meet the people who live there and meet them in your local social scene. This is a great way to use your community to build up your business, but it takes time.But, if you use this approach, your local community will get the message that you are creating a home based business that is geared toward them. When they see this on a regular basis, they will start to trust you and your business, and they will be looking for the service that you offer.

Peer Tutoring Definition

Peer Tutoring DefinitionWhat is a peer tutoring definition? Well, it is a general overview of the different types of tutoring programs that exist today. The definitions you will find here include a description of the type of activities that are included in a typical program and also how they are used.The basic peer tutoring definition looks at a person's skills, abilities, and knowledge as a means of helping them achieve their goals and objectives. An individual in need of tutoring services can do so through the Internet or other mediums. These tutors are often not qualified. They may be students or high school graduates that have limited teaching experience. They might also be former school teachers who are now helping children or people with learning disabilities.Peer tutoring has become more common in the educational system in recent years. In addition to helping individuals in need of academic help, tutors also help out with things like social skills, career guidance, and even pa renting.A typical tutoring service works with the individual needing help. They may be a teacher, tutor, or counselor.Activities include tutoring in study skills, assessments, assignments, projects, and teaching strategies. There is always an element of interaction between tutor and student. The tutor can be someone that are well-qualified, but there are also some tutors who are students themselves. These tutors are usually self-trained. They learn tutoring skills by watching and participating in tutoring programs.The Internet peer tutoring service can be operated by a non-teaching person. This individual can work independently or as part of a team. They will be in charge of scheduling and planning of tutoring events. In addition to this, they are expected to bring in new students and help out with all aspects of the tutoring process.Other types of tutoring include the hiring of workers for professional services such as working with people with disabilities in the educational system s of many countries. These workers can be tutors as well. Some countries have designated areas of need for tutors and these individuals can assist the educational system there.

Official SAT Changes for 2016 Announced

Official SAT Changes for 2016 Announced On March 5, 2014, The College Board officially announced the multiple changes it will make to its well-known college entrance exam, the SAT. First discussed in 2013 (and the first large-scale revision since 2005), these changes will modernize the SAT and intend to improve its ability to accurately evaluate students readiness for higher education. The adjustments will affect both content and the required skills to score well, though the tests general format of three sections will remain. (Note, however, that what constitutes each portion will differ.) For a specific treatment of each sections revisions, see below. [RELATED: What is an Average SAT Score?] How will the Reading section change? Reading comprehension questions will challenge students to utilize evidence within passages to support their answers. Though Reading is expected to remain a multiple-choice test, this change still represents a distinct progression from the current format. Selections will also be drawn from different sourcesnamely various academic disciplines, with a focus on important developments in U.S. history and science (for example, excerpts from the Declaration of Independence). Stereotypical SAT vocabulary like sagacious will be eliminated in favor of terminology that is more typical of higher education and the working world. Such words as empirical and synthesis will take sagacious place. Context will also be key, as the SAT will emphasize vocabulary that is influenced by its use within a larger segment of text. How will the Math section change? This portion of the SAT will remain relatively consistent. However, questions will involve a narrower range of content areas, with three overarching topics total: algebra, advanced mathematics, and data analysis and problem-solving. One major change students must take note of is the fact that calculators will no longer be permitted throughout the entire section. Their use will, instead, be limited. [RELATED: What Does SAT Stand For?] How will the Writing section change? The essay component will become optional. In addition, the maximum SAT score will return to 1600, rather than the current 2400, and students who opt to sit for the essay will receive a separate mark for their work. The structure of the essay will undergo significant revision as well. Rather than responding to a prompt with personal beliefs and experiences as proof, test-takers will have to analyze evidence within a provided passage. Scores will be based on both analysis and writing. As is the case with the Reading section, selections will consist of source documents with cultural merit. The revised SAT will be offered in both electronic and print formats beginning in the spring of 2016. And the especially beneficial news for students? Incorrect multiple-choice answers will no longer result in a deduction of their hard-earned points (i.e. there will no longer be a guessing penalty). These are some great free SAT resourcesthat you can use in your SAT prep.Students planning to take the SAT in 2016 should begin implementing these changes in their test prep plan and start practicing immediately. [RELATED: How is the New SAT Scored?]

5 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time for Music Lessons

5 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time for Music Lessons Megan L. Are you ready to have the best summer yet? If youre still making summer plans, you should consider adding some music lessons to your agenda. Summer is the perfect time to expand your horizons and learn something new. In just a few months, you can pick up a new skill, passion, or hobby to enjoy your vacation and impress your friends by the time its over! 5 Reasons Summer is the Best Time to Learn an Instrument 1. Summer Sun Boosts your Energy   Longer days mean more sunshine, which has actually been found to  boost your mood and give you more energy. What better way to use that extra summertime energy than by learning to play a new instrument, or brushing up on your music theory skills? 2. Keep the Kids Entertained  Once school is out, most children find themselves with a lot of free time and not many valuable ways to fill it. Learning an instrument is a great way to keep the kids entertained while keeping their minds active.  Much better than sitting in front of the TV at home, music lessons will help your child improve his or her math and reading skills! 3. New Friendships  Being a musician opens the door to many opportunities to make new friends  who share common interests. Jam sessions at local studios and music camps for kids  are just two of the many ways you can meet new people this summer. 4. Music Makes you Smarter  While theres nothing wrong with spending some leisure time watching a movie or two, research has found that reducing screen time can have very positive effects on your brain. Learning an instrument is an excellent alternative that gets you to focus on something other than your phone or laptop, and there are many  benefits to learning music for your brain. 5. Broaden your Horizons  With all the relaxation and free time on your hands, summer is the ideal time to broaden your horizons. Try things that may be outside your comfort zone, like performing at an open mic or jamming with new friends. Not everyone can travel to distant lands this summer, but anyone can embark on the journey of learning music. Are you planning to take music lessons this summer? Share your goals in the comments below! And dont forget to check out TakeLessons Live, where you can join fun and interactive, group classes in a variety of instruments. Plus your first month is completely free!

So You Want to Be a Drum Major Tips Advice for Students

So You Want to Be a Drum Major Tips Advice for Students Megan L. Playing in your high school band is a commitment that will give you many fond memories to look back on for the rest of your life. High school is a time to socialize and discover yourself, so if music is something you are passionate about, what better way to express that than by joining the band? Nothing is more rewarding than working hard with your fellow friends and bandmates to perfect your performance and finally getting a chance to perform it at a competition, football game, or other band-related event. However, no group effort can reach its full potential without some kind of leadership, and marching band is no exception. This is where the role of the drum major comes into play; the drum major is, among many other things, responsible for leading the band, whether it be during practice or a performance. Being drum major is a huge honor, but it does not come without hard work, dedication, and practice. If you are considering becoming a drum major in your high school band, below are some drum major tips that will help you reach your goal. What Does it Take to Be a Drum Major? Above all else, being musically proficient is the best of all drum major tips. This does not simply mean knowing how to read music and being able to play your instrument; it means understanding how music is created and structured (music theory), being skilled enough at your instrument that playing it becomes second nature, and also knowing how to march with precise timing and accuracy. While some people may feel like they dont have what it takes to become skilled in these areas, you can certainly improve with practice. Some people may be born with natural musical talent, but anyone with the right mindset can learn any skill they set their mind to! Working with a private instructor will also help immensely. Leadership skills are also essential to become a drum major. Good leadership can mean different things to different people, but a few universal traits of an exceptional leader include being firm in your decisions, knowing how to gain and hold the attention of a group, and having good problem-solving skills. If youre uncomfortable holding a leadership position and do not like having responsibility, then maybe being a drum major isnt for you; this does not mean, however, that a quiet or shy person cannot be a drum major. Leadership is all about figuring out the best way to lead a group toward a goal, which can be done by anyone with ambition. Another drum major tip to master the ability to conduct. Without anyone conducting the band, the music can get sloppy. Conducting is a skill that takes time and patience to master, so consider learning from a qualified teacher to receive the best learning experience. How Do I Become a Drum Major? Tips for Students While the requirements and processes involved in becoming drum major can vary from school to school, there are typically five general areas that candidates will be tested on to prove their worth as a drum major. Keep in mind that these divisions are not set in stone, but the skills involved in each are helpful to master: Parade: The purpose of this section is primarily to test the candidates physical proficiency. Typically, all candidates are given a recording of a march prior to the trial, and your job is to create a routine to accompany it. You are judged on the ability to march in a concise manner and on your creativity and originality as a drum major and musician. Field: This section is meant to test your conducting ability. You may be placed in a situation similar to a field performance, and asked to conduct the band in a mock performance. Clarity, precision, and confidence are important for this section, because its meant to test your ability to lead and conduct the band in a performance setting. Teaching: This is another section of your audition that requires superb leadership skills. You might be given a small group of band members to teach a simple routine or command to, and youll then be judged on how well you can communicate with the group and how quickly you can teach them. Interview: The purpose of this section should be fairly clear. Youll likely be interviewed by your superiors, which may include your band director and possibly a drum major selection committee. Each candidate will usually be asked the same questions, all meant to measure your particular skillset: leadership, musical proficiency, ability to conduct, and anything else relevant to the position. Vote: In some schools, the rest of the band might vote for who they think is the best choice for drum major. The purpose of the vote is to allow everyone in the band to give their input, because since the drum major will lead the band, it is only fitting that their opinion on who the leader should be is considered. There are plenty of other drum major tips you can utilize if you wish to become a drum major, but this should provide a good starting point for you. Being the drum major for a band can be a demanding and sometimes difficult task, but its a rewarding experience, and something that will look great on your resume! If you are serious about it, taking  private music lessons  and practicing regularly is the best way to improve yourself and become the leader that drum majors need to be. Good luck in your musical endeavors, and even if the position of drum major doesnt seem right for you, remember that there are plenty of other opportunities for musical expression; anyone with passion for music belongs in the band, so find the right position for you and excel at it! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Renee Silverman

Classes Vs. Lessons What is the Best Way to Learn French

Classes Vs. Lessons What is the Best Way to Learn French Sign up successful Personal Attention However, commensurate with a higher cost for private lessons comes a higher focus on your learning. Just as cost of a teacher is spread over all the students in a class, so too the teachers time is divided between them: any personal attention or accommodation for your individual needs and preferences has to compete with others. If your learning patterns fit well with the teachers educational methods, this may not be much of a concern, but finding a match like that is essentially a matter of luck. Convenience Another primary benefit you purchase with the extra cost of a private lesson is convenience. Classes must take place at a set time, and students are expected to arrange their own schedules accordingly. If you miss a lesson, its incumbent on you to catch up on your own or risk falling behind permanently. Commutes can also be onerous. Again, its certainly possible that you will find a class that fits well with your schedule and doesnt require much travel to reach, but you cant count on it. A private tutor, on the other hand, only needs to work to your schedule (and their own), and can be available at a time thats convenient for you. There are limits, of course, but when its often a matter of as little as a half an hour either way to avoid conflict, the ability to control your scheduling can make all the difference. There again, tutors generally meet at your home, or in some public place convenient for you. If this means a long commute for them, you may be required to pay a little extra to cover transportation costs and time, but the  time  commitment of the commute has been shifted away from you. Private tutors are also available online. You can take lessons via Skype or Google Hangouts and receive all the same benefits of private lessons, typically at a lower cost than traditional in-person lessons, with the added convenience of being able to take your lessons anywhere you have an Internet connection. However you choose to proceed, best of luck and welcome to the study of French! Dont wait too long to get started.  Search for a French tutor near you or online today! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Morgan

A Day in the Life at Michigan State University

A Day in the Life at Michigan State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Ross is a Detroit tutor who earned his Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University in 2010. He specializes in calculus tutoring, algebra tutoring, and several other areas of math. See what he had to say about his timeat Michigan State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options at Michigan State University. Ross: The campus is safely closed in with all the dorm rooms and classes in a 20-minute-maximum walking distance from each other. On the outskirts of the campus is where you will find the campus apartments and restaurants. There are four transportation options on campus: driving, buses, biking, and walking. The buses take you all around campus but you have to know the schedule. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Ross: My professors were always available when I emailed or contacted them beforehand but they could also be reached by walk-in appointments. The Teaching Assistants always held review sessions which were very helpful to me during the tougher classes. I was a student athlete so my Academic Advisor was in the Smith Center, which is a student-athlete academic building for campus athletes. He was always available for me, probably due to the fact that he only dealt with athletes. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Ross: Dorm life at MSU was very pleasant because of my roommate. A huge part of the dorm life experience is your roommate. This can make or break your experience, regardless of the facilities and location. The dining rooms in the dorms were great even though some included better meal options than others. One of the best things about the dorms were the events that were held on the weekends which allowed students to get know their Resident Advisors and other students in the dorms. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Michigan State University? Ross: My major was Mechanical Engineering because I was a math guy. I love the design part of the engineering program. As far as support, the Engineering Department gave 100 percent support to the students and supplied us with a vast amount of resources for classes. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Ross: As previously stated, I played football during my tenure at MSU, so I socialized with mostly athletes my freshman year due to the fact that we were always around each other. Though I had a demanding football schedule, it wasnt difficult to meet new people because of campus activities. How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Ross: The Student Support services did an excellent job helping students get comfortable with writing resumes, looking for jobs, choosing careers after college, and speaking with companies. Companies often visited our campus at job fairs, as well as academic events held by departments. How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Ross: Our study areas were available and spacious when there were not final exams being taken. Each floor in the dorms had small conference rooms that could be used for studying. Also, the dorms had computer labs available for those who needed access to the web. The library and the student union were always available to meet up with friends to review for tests or to simply work on homework projects. Describe the surrounding town. Ross: Downtown East Lansing was a great place to enjoy your social life. The restaurants were very delicious and clean for friends and families, as well as local bars that showed sports events on the weekends. There was a mall not too far from campus that contained everything I needed. Multiple grocery stores were located no more than 15-20 minutes from the dorms. How big or small is the student body at Michigan State University? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Ross: Michigan States student body size is about 38,000. The class sizes were perfect for me. Some courses were taught in smaller high school-like classrooms while the larger classes that were taught in auditoriums. I enjoyed both settings because each gave students the opportunities to interact with the professor and other students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Ross: One memorable experience at MSU took place my sophomore year on the way to take a final. My roommate and I went to the wrong building for our final which made us late to the actual exam. When we arrived to the exam, after walking around campus for 15 minutes, it was jam-packed. The only available seats were two seats right next to each other and we ended up being the first two done, which was weird. We both ended up with a 3.0 in the course. Check out Ross tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.