Should I Take a Gap Year

Should I Take a Gap Year Its common for students to jump into four years of college immediately following their high school graduation. In contrast, however, a growing number of recent high school grads are choosing to take a gap year, otherwise known as a year off from their formal education before college. After being accepted into college, students might ask themselves, Should I take a gap year? Scenarios where a student perhaps should take a gap year include wanting time off to get volunteering experience, search for a job or an internship, or travel to see the world. It is important to make sure if you do take a gap year for one of these reasons, your experiences will bring you something specific and beneficial to bring to your college experience, otherwise college admissions staff may not see the value in your gap year decision. Should you take a gap year? Yes, if Youre unsure of a college major and future career Some students who take a gap year are unsure of which academic paths theyd like to take in college. A gap year might give you the time you need to get a better direction of where you see yourself in the future. Going into college after a gap year with a focused academic plan can help you achieve more academic success than going straight into college without direction. You know youd benefit from a break from formal academics Spending consecutive years in classrooms, libraries, and study halls can get tedious. If youre feeling a little burnt out by academics following your high school graduation, it may be beneficial to take a little time off. But note that a gap year isnt a break from learning. Instead, it gives you an opportunity for self-discovery and skill development, which can be beneficial in college. If you choose to take a gap year, make sure its productive: fill it with work, pursue an internship, travel, or do other activities that help you develop your skills. Should you take a gap year? No, if You have a hard time acclimating after academic breaks If in high school, youve had a tough time getting back into the swing of school after your winter and summer breaks, you might want to avoid taking a gap year. Some students perform best academically when their education is continuous. Its important to recognize that while time off can be helpful to some students, it can be a distraction to others. Money is a concern Scholarship packages can greatly benefit students who need financial assistance attending college. These packages can cover a variety of things, including: tuition housing meal plans There are many questions to ask your college about financial aid, and some you may consider asking prior to a gap year decision. If money is tight for you, taking a gap yearwhere you have to support yourself for an extra year before collegemight be a financial setback. Take note about gap year policies Not all colleges permit accepted students to take gap years. Taking one at a college that doesnt approve it, for instance, may result in your acceptance being revoked. That means if you want to attend that college after your gap year, youll have to reapply and be readmitted. [RELATED: What to Do After Youve Submitted Your College Applications] At colleges that do permit students to take gap years, students are usually required to outline what they plan to do in their year (or sometimes two years) off before enrolling. Harvard University is one school that allows students to take gap yearsin fact it encourages students to consider it! If a college approves a students gap year plan, the student will likely be required to submit updates on their activities to the college to show that they have a continued interest in attending. If you think a gap year might be for you, make sure the college you really want to attend wont revoke your admission if you decide to take a gap year. You should make sure you can commit to your colleges gap year requirements. 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.

Ingredients for Weight Loss

Ingredients for Weight Loss What Food Should You Eat to Lose Weight? ChaptersEat Fruits and VegetablesConsume ProteinFood You Should Consume in ModerationFoods Famous for Helping with Weight Loss“Pasta doesn't make you fat. How much pasta you eat makes you fat.” - Giada De LaurentiisDon’t run before you can walk. The same applies when it comes to weight loss. Regularly trying different diets won’t help you in the longterm. Many of us have already tried one of these diets, too.The problem with diets is that once you’ve finished your diet, you’ll put the weight back on. You’ve got to change the way you eat. It’s better to lose weight slowly and keep it off than quickly.Let’s have a look at the food you should be eating. RebeccaNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FernNutrition Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JehanNutrition Teacher £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FazNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AsherNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!D iscover all our tutors DelNutrition Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YusefNutrition Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEat Fruits and VegetablesIf you want to grow up big and strong, you have to eat your greens. At least that’s what our parents told us. Rich in vitamins, vegetables don’t tend to be very calorific so they’re perfect if you want to lose weight. Fruits and vegetables are generally quite good for you. (Source: ejaugsburg)Green vegetables are good for detoxing, too. They stop fat from building up, anti-oxidant, and diuretic and are part of any healthy diet. Make sure you cook spinach, green beans, lettuce, broccoli, fennel, courgette, cabbage, celery, and asparagus.  It should be noted that cauliflower and Brussels sprouts need to be cooked. If not, they’ll slow your digestion and lead to bloating.However, most vegetables are great for diets because they contain a lot of water and fibre. You should have them with every meal. Eat them when they’re in season as they’ll be more nutritious and cheaper.You can also buy frozen vegetables as long as sugars haven’t been added to them. Tomatoes (which is actually a fruit), cucumbers, aubergines, and mushrooms are all good for you, too.  In fact, the aubergine is great because it absorbs the fat in your body and can leave you feeling full for longer.As for fruits, apples are gre at for losing weight. They’re a great healthy snack. You should go for fruit that’s low in sugar but high in water like melons, pineapples, and berries.  Grapefruit is great for getting rid of toxins and strengthening your immune system in the winter.Dried fruits like dates, figs, apricots, and raisins aren’t recommended as they tend to be very sugary. The sugariest fruits include grapes, dates, cherries, banana, prunes, and pears.  Avoid fruit juices and jams which tend to include a lot of sugar and very few vitamins.Don’t forget to drink lots of water! Of course, water doesn’t lead to weight loss but it can fill your stomach ensuring that you don’t feel as hungry. Don’t drink too much during your meals as it can mess with your digestion.Find out more about losing weight.Consume ProteinIf you want to lose weight, you’ll also need to regularly exercise. Exercise can turn fat into muscle. While muscle weighs more than fat, you’ll be in better shape. Protein is good for building muscle. (Source: monicore)For fat to turn into muscle, you’ll need protein.  You’ll want meat that’s high in protein but low in fat like chicken, rabbit, turkey, etc.Eggs, despite their reputation, are actually really good for managing your hunger and are a great source of protein and vitamin B12.Dairy products aren’t off the table but you shouldn’t overdo it. You’ll want to avoid products with too much sugar in them. Dairy products contain a lot of calories but can leave you feeling full for longer. Even cheese can stave off hunger. Ideally, you’ll want a low-fat cheese as most cheeses are really calorific.If you’re vegetarian or vegan, soy is the option. You can find it in all shapes and sizes: steaks, salads, yoghurt, milk. It’s a good source of vitamins and protein.Check out some great meals for losing weight.Food You Should Consume in ModerationThere’s no such thing as bad food when it comes to losing weight. It’s not about what we eat but rather how much of it we eat, how it’s cooked, how it’s seasoned, and how often we have it. Like with everything in life, moderation is key. (Source: silviarita)Carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet and can help provide us with energy throughout the day. Foods with a low glycemic index are good for keeping us from snacking throughout the day.You just need to pay attention to the food you eat throughout the day. Avoid white bread. It can lead to bloating and is less filling than brown bread. You’ll want to consume around 40g of wholegrain around breakfast and 100g at lunch.  Don’t go mad with fatty products like butter, oil, or cream when cooking, either.In terms of proteins, you can eat walnuts and almonds if you’re hungry as they’re high in fibre and will provide you with energy. However, only eat them in moderation as they’re quite high in calories.Pulses can lead to bloating. Consume beans and peas in moderation. Lentils are good at regulating your blood sugar level and stop you from feeling peckish.Avocados are rich in Omega 3 but are also quite calo rific and to be consumed in smaller quantities.Find out more about diets for sustained weight loss.Foods Famous for Helping with Weight LossAs you’ll have understood, there are no magic foods that guarantee weight loss. It’s all about how much you have of each thing. That said, there are some foods that can help:Cider vinegar: this helps digestion and burns fat.Chia seeds: these can manage hunger and absorb sugars.Strawberries: as long as you don’t have them with cream!Cinnamon: an excellent substitute for sugar. Try it!Spice: the capsaicin can increase your metabolism. However, it’s not recommended for those with sensitive digestive systems.Garlic: except for your breath. Garlic won’t help you on a date but it can help you to lose weight.Tuna: not tuna mayo! In small quantities, you can also enjoy salmon. These fish are full of anti-oxidants. That said, they’re not the most ecological of foods...Oat bran: this will help you control your appetite and it’s rich in fibre . It’s also good for intestinal discomfort.Lemon: this is good for cleaning you out. Drink lemon juice in the morning to wake up your body and encourage it to produce stomach acid. Furthermore, it boosts the immune system.Coffee: black, of course. Caffeine can help you to break down fat. Don’t overdo it, though. More than 3 cups a day is bad for your heart.Green tea: if you don’t like coffee, you can always go for green tea. It’s great for detoxing. Coffee can help with weight loss as long as you don't add milk and sugar. (Source: fancycrave1)And there you go! By adding these foods to your diet, you’ll be able to start losing weight.Just be patient!Find out how to lose weight healthily.If you'd like to learn more about healthy eating, nutrition, and cooking, consider getting help from one of the many talented and experienced private tutors on Superprof. There are several different types of tutorials available but they all fall into one of three main categories: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Each type of tutorial has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, learning styles, and effectiveness so make sure you think carefully about which will work best for you before you start looking for tutors.Face-to-face tutorials take place between just the tutor and one student. This means that all the tutor's attention is on you. While this is great for ensuring that you learn quickly, it also come s at a cost. Outside of your tutorials, the tutor will be preparing and planning your lessons and will factor this extra time into their hourly rates. Face-to-face tutorials are usually the most costly type of tutorial but they're also usually the most effective.Online tutorials are similar to face-to-face tutorials as they have the same tutor-student ratio. However, your tutor won't be in the same place as you. Instead, they'll teach you remotely using a computer, webcam, and video conferencing software like Skype. Since the tutor doesn't have to travel to their students and can schedule more tutorials each week, they tend to charge less than their face-to-face counterparts.Finally, group tutorials are between one tutor and several students. With each student paying for the tutor's time, these tend to work out as the cheapest per student per hour. Unfortunately, the tutor won't be able to tailor the tutorials or the course to each student.Remember that many of the tutors on Superpr of offer the first hour of tuition for free so you can try a few of them out and make a decision after you've met them and discussed what you want to learn and what you need out of them.

Is ADHD Real

Is ADHD Real More than any other disorder, the legitimacy of ADHD as a mental health diagnosis is questioned by armchair experts everywhere. Anyone who has ADHD themselves or has a child with ADHD has encountered family members and friends who are more than happy to share their belief that ADHD doesnt actually exist - I was hyper when I was a kid too, but I didnt have ADHD. Its just kids being kids. Kids are too coddled these days, so they dont respect their teachers. If parents would just discipline their kids, then they wouldnt behave this way. If kids didnt spend so much time watching TV and playing videogames, then they wouldnt have ADHD. Hearing these messages is especially difficult for parents of kids with ADHD. Parents face the challenge of not only having to cope with their childs ADHD, but also having to defend their parenting choices and the very existence of the ADHD symptoms. For many parents, dismissive comments from friends and family also plant seeds of doubt, leading them to quietly wonder whether their parenting is in fact the problem, or if they did actually cause their childs ADHD by allowing them to play too many videogames. In addition, these comments perpetuate the stigma that too often surrounds ADHD, and ultimately discourages people from seeking help for themselves or their child. While public opinion about ADHD varies widely, the science behind ADHD is actually quite specific: ADHD is a real, brain-based disorder that manifests as difficulty with concentration, organization, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Through brain imaging studies scientists are now able to identify parts of the brain that develop and function differently in individuals with ADHD (see my previous post on brain differences in with ADHD). What causes ADHD? Researchers are continually developing a more sophisticated understanding of why some people develop ADHD and others do not. The science shows us that the number one factor contributing to the development of ADHD is not watching too much TV or playing too many videogames, or parenting style or the food someone eats. Its genetics. A persons genes make up about 80% of their risk for developing ADHD. The other 20% likely comes from other environmental or health-related factors, like exposure to nicotine in utero, being born prematurely, being exposed to lead, etc. While factors like screen time, parenting style, teaching style, and diet dont cause ADHD, research show that they can affect the severity of ADHD symptoms. So, growing up in a structured home environment, attending high quality schools, spending limited amounts of time playing videogames and watching TV, and eating a healthy diet can all help with the management of ADHD symptoms. These protective factors may even change the w ay the brain develops over time, leading to a less severe course of ADHD overall. With so much evidence showing that ADHD is real, why do people question the diagnosis? For starters, ADHD symptoms exist on a spectrum, and everyone as moments or days when they are less focused than theyd like to be or find themselves struggling to sit still. So, on an individual level, people without ADHD dont fully understand that their periodic symptoms are far less severe than the chronic symptoms experienced by those with ADHD. As a result, they struggle to comprehend why it is that a person with ADHD cant simply make themselves focus or stop fidgeting. On a societal level, we believe that parents and teachers should be able to control a childs behavior. And, we fundamentally believe that all children and adults can be focused and organized when they choose to apply themselves. Individual weaknesses in these areas are rarely discussed or accepted as valid challenges faced by people with ADHD. There may be times when it seems like everyone has a different opinion about whether or not ADHD really exists but the scientific evidence doesnt waiver. ADHD is a brain-based disorder that has a very real impact on the lives of children and adults, as well as their families. Parenting and teaching styles, screen time, and diet dont cause ADHD to develop, but intervening in these areas can have a positive impact on symptoms and the trajectory of ADHD over time. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Travel English New York City

Travel English New York City Preparing for a trip to New York City? Here are some some travel trips for people who speak English as a Second Language.First off, let me admit that Ive only been to New York City once in my whole life. I spent 5 days there in May of 2008 for my sisters graduation from Columbia. It was an amazing time, and New York left an impression on me. Its a big and busy city, but also surprisingly clean and friendly.Maybe suggest radio programs?* the city = [Manhattan] * Alphabet City = part of the East Village, specifically avenues A,B,C, and D. * BQE = [Brooklyn] / [Queens] Expressway * Hero = type of bread * DUMBO = an artsy neighborhood in [Brooklyn] (the acronym stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) * Ground Zero = a rather unfortunate name for the World Trade Center mostly used by tourists in questions like Excuse me, how do I get to Ground Zero?. Avoid. * GU (pronounced goo) geographically undesirable: chickspeak for guys who live way outside of Manhattan and are, presumably , not the right material to be dating (or even talking to). If youre a girl of the Sex The City circuit, you might find this term useful. * Pie = whole pizza * BT or BT people = bridge tunnel [people]: those living in the outer boroughs and New Jersey. Can be used as an insult. Not to be confused with BLT (bacon, lettuce tomato). * To stand/be ON line = to stand IN line (the process known to Britons as queuing). Alphabet City A Manhattan neighborhood from East 3rd Street to East 14th Street between Avenues A thru D.Avenue of the Americas Another name for 6th Avenue in Manhattan.B.Q.E. An acronym for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, (I-278) Interstate 278.Downtown Anything south of Canal Street in Manhattan is considered to be downtown.DUMBO An upscale Brooklyn neighborhood. DUMBO is actually an acronym that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.The G.W.B Acronym for the George Washington Bridge.Houston Street A street in Manhattan that runs east and west. It i s not pronounced like Houston Texas. Phonetically its pronounced how ston.Hells Kitchen A Manhattan neighborhood that is from 40th to 59th Streets between the Hudson River and Eight Avenue.Johnny Pump Fire Hydrant.The L.I.E. An acronym for the Long Island Expressway (I-495), Interstate 495.The Meat Packing District A Manhattan neighborhood that was the central point where all the meat that was shipped to NYC was butchered and packaged for market. Many wholesale meat distributors are still in existence in the Meat Packing District, however the neighborhood has become trendy, with upscale lofts and boutiques popping up all over the area. Its border are Gansevoort Street to the South and West 15 Street to the north, between 9th and 11th Avenues.NoHo is an acronym for North of Houston. Its a Manhattan neighborhood thats boundaries are Houston Street to the south, 8th Avenue to the north, the Bowery and Third Avenue on the east, and Broadway on the west.Nolita A trendy Manhattan n eighborhood that is north of Little Italy. Its boundaries are Little Italy (Broom Street) to the south, Houston Street to the north, Bowery on the east, and Lafayette Street on the west side.SoHo is an acronym for South of Houston. Its a Manhattan neighborhood where you can find some of the best shopping in the city. If youre a shopaholic, you cant visit New York City without visiting Soho.TriBeCa An acronym for Triangle Below Canal. An upscale Manhattan neighborhood thats home to many celebrates and the Tribeca Film Festival.The Village nickname for Greenwich Village, a neighborhood in Manhattan. Its boundaries are Houston Street to the south, 14th Street to the north, Broadway on the east and the Hudson River on the west.The Willie B nickname for the Williamsburg Bridge.

New School Adjusting to Advances in Technology

New School Adjusting to Advances in Technology Adjusting to Advances in Technology There are fabulous and innovative new technologies available for teachers to use in the classroom. However, the classroom environment is rarely ideal for teachers because they have to deal with district wide budgets, large classroom sizes, and limited prep hours on the clock. Newer teachers, who may have used the original versions of new technology while they were in high school or college, may have already trained themselves to use current technological advances. On the other hand, teachers who have 15+ years experience were trained in more traditional ways of teaching. Sometimes the traditional version is the best while other times the latest and greatest is the way to go (READ: Grades: The Holiday Season Slump). Good teachers will adjust to what their students need and each students is different, however it is difficult to find the delicate balance between old school and new school technology. Teachers are generally left to train themselves but can make it easier by taking the following steps. 1. Keep it simple Educational technology is offered in many forms, ranging from the incredibly straightforward and user-friendly version to the highly complicated and confusing. Because classroom hours are precious and students’ minds wander quickly, its best to keep technology simple at first. Teachers and students alike will become easily frustrated with technology that has several glitches or that simply doesnt work. Students can use basic calculator apps or the simple yet highly useful applications on IDroo to start; once they adjust they can move on to more complicated tasks. 2. Work within the budget All teachers, whether they work at a public or private school, are required to stay within a budget. Depending on the district, some schools will have adequate means while others will struggle to meet the basic department needs. Teachers should not feel pressured to try and work outside their budget or spend money. Much of the newer educational technology is free or very low cost and, as a result, can serve teachers working with any budget. 3. Limit new technology to benefit the typical student While adjusting to ever updating technology, its a good idea to stick with the materials that students can use the most. Some new technology is exciting and intricate but may only meet the needs of some students. Sticking to advances that can serve the universal student population can keep the classroom environment simple and orderly. Of course, students who fall out of the “average” range should not be forgotten but finding out what serves each student as an individual takes time (READ: What Kind of Technology Should I Use to Help Me Study?). 4. Let the consumer serve as beta testers College students and young professionals are reported to be interested in technology more than any other group. Let the consumer try out new technologies as they are released. For the most part, any particular technology is made better in the second or third generation of the product or service. Although it is tempting to rush out and get the latest and greatest, the teacher’s time and budget is valuable and educators may be better served by waiting for the second version of any particular program or product. 5. Adjust slowly Attempting to learn five new products over one summer can be overwhelming. Its a good idea for teachers to adjust to new technology slowly. This way, teachers can integrate the technology in a way that will not overwhelm themselves or their students. Many students in high school will not have been exposed to our current technologies when they were in the lower grades (READ: Superfoods and Testing). On the other hand, elementary students are probably more used to reading an e-book then an actual book. Regardless of the student age group, its important that the student and teacher have time to adjust to new technologies so that they dont become an undue stress factor. The technological tools that are currently available are exciting and make life easier. Regardless of their benefits, a mild adjustment is required for a collaborative classroom environment to accept them openly. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@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.

The Best Way to Learn a Language Playing Games!

The Best Way to Learn a Language Playing Games! Does learning a language always have to be so tedious and boring?The answer is a resounding No!.Mastering a new language should be challenging, but nobody ever said it has to be dull.Learning a new language can be really enjoyable when your approach to learning is geared towards having fun! Nowadays, we can learn languages through social media, movies  or even by playing games!Any form of education can be quite dull when you approach learning through repetitive rote learning methods. This creates a poor (and lackluster) learning pattern, which will usually lead to smaller amounts of progress.So throw out your old boring learning techniques and lend me your ears (or eyes in this case), as we explore how to learn a language by playing games and having fun! Such games can be played through apps on your smartphone, games on the internet, a handheld game console, computer gamesâ€"basically whatever you have and enjoy! Learning While Having Fun: The Ultimate CombinationThere is a common misconception that proper learning should be serious and solemn in nature, and if one is having fun then theyre not truly learning. Games provide an alternative route to learning a language while providing a pleasurable method to do so.The idea of learning no longer means rote memorizationâ€"it instead means acquiring the skills necessary to be able to respond appropriately in another language, when under pressure in various circumstances. Games can help deliver these benefits in the most entertaining way. Therefore as you delight in playing a game, you can enjoy yourself while unconsciously acquiring an array of language skills!The use of games can be a fantastic learning tool to advance in any language. In this approach, youre winning in the game by learning more of your target language.How Games Can Really Help Learn a LanguageThere is an old Chinese proverb that describes the beauty of learning languages through games: Tell me, and Ill forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involv e me, and Ill understand.  The best language games are designed to involve you  in different ways of using the language.These games offer a dynamic learning atmosphere, so it really comes down to youâ€"the game playerâ€"to benefit from playing the game. You can choose to play when the time works best for you and enjoy the time you spend learning your target language. The best part is that while youre absorbed in the game, youre actually learning. So rather than pay attention to standard learning, you simply focus on doing well in the game (which also requires strategic thinking, by the way, which can further improve your proficiency).Games also provide a great personal way to learn the language without any fear of making mistakes with the language in public. You can refine your skills with pronunciation, spelling, grammar and syntax all at your leisure. In the game-orientated context, you engage with the language in several ways by writing, listening, speaking and understandingâ€"wh ich all help generate speech fluency.Furthermore, learning through games actually motivates you to learn more of the language! When you love playing the game in your free time, that element of enjoyable competitiveness works as a catalyst to get you practicing the language more frequently. To progress in the game involves learning more of the language, so as you reach higher levels in the game, you also reach higher skill levels in your target language.The Benefits of Learning a Language Through GamesResearch was conducted in 2003 by the language acquisition experts, Asian EFL Journal. The research considered the effectiveness of game-based education methods on students when learning a new language. The students commented that they enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere the games provided, as well as the competitiveness and motivation that games brought to the learning environment.It was further observed by the teachers that the students actually seemed to learn at an increased pace and ret ain the information gained through playing games compared to learning through rote methods. The research confirmed that games are a highly effective tool to language acquisition.Thus far, weve already  seen numerous benefits of playing language games, so heres a brief summary:Time effectiveA welcome break from the usual method of educationFun and enjoyableProvides meaningful context for language useIncreases learning motivationPromotes communicative competenceReduces anxiety of making errorsIntegrates numerous linguistic skills: reading, listening, speaking and writingEncourages players to use the languageCreates positive attitudes towards learningThe results of education through gamification speak for themselves. Games are used extensively in the United States for education and training purposes.  In 2008, nearly 170 million Americans played computer games to achieve multiple learning goals, spending almost $12 billion.Just by playing a game, your brain becomes heavily stimulated w hile learning, and you simultaneously improve on other useful cognitive skills such as problem solving, memory, focus, mental agility andâ€"of courseâ€"language.So which language games should you play?Which Language Games Are Best to Play?All games are not created equally. There are definitely some games that are fantastic fun, while others will provide a more enjoyable way to learnâ€"but wont be as entertaining.A good language game should push you to enhance your speaking, listening, writing, reading, vocabulary and understanding of the target language. It should have longevity so you cannot become bored with the game in a short period of time. A lot of language games are designed to fit the criteria above and achieve more as well.You should definitely look for games created specifically for your target language, but here well share some of the top games currently out there that have versions for various languages.Duolingo  (Internet App)Native English speakers currently have 16 l anguages they can learn through Duolingo, but still not Japanese or Chinese. Native speakers of many Asian languages can still use the app to learn English, however, as the site can be used in 23 different languages. Duolingo has a fascinating game design, and you level up and unlock new categories the more you play. Its focus is on using speech, translations, spelling, visual queues and multiple choice to learn languages through an array of different games.Duolingo also allows you to play with other friends and keep in touch with them while they learn a language of their choice as well. What most users may not realize is that Duolingo was created as a language-learning platform that simultaneously helps translate the internet!FluentU  (Internet App)FluentU has a unique approach to language learning.  With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them.FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials, vlogs and web series, as yo u can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs Learn Mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the iTunes or Google Play store. FluentU is currently available for English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, I talian, Portuguese and Russian.Babbel (Internet App)Babbel currently teaches 14 languages, which includes Indonesian, Danish and Russianâ€"but not Japanese or Chinese. The app focuses on learning grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills (Yes, it has speech recognition!).Babbel stands out because of its more direct approach, and features a variety of mediums. If you would prefer to focus on more practice and less of a game feel, this could be the game for you.Bravolol  (App)Bravolol currently has learning apps for 17 languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic and Thai. Languages are taught through themes such as greetings, romance and weather. You learn through spelling, pronunciation, visual recognition and problem solving activities.One interesting aspect about this game is that it allows you to hear your own voice when pronouncing, and then compare it to a native speaker. On top of the Learn language apps, Bravolol also provides dictionary apps and two Chinese-spe cific apps: Business Chinese and Financial Chinese.Mindsnacks (App)This company has won the best education app of the year award for their game design. The game itself is comprised of several smaller mini-games that revolve around different ways to learn a language. Mindsnacks has seven languages available now: Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Chinese and Japanese.The mini-games involve recognizing correct definitions, correct spelling and common errors through all facets of cognition: visual, audio and kinesthetic. There are a lot of different lessons available to learn, from the basics of numbers and colors to being able to hold a conversation in your target language.If youd like to find more apps right away for your specific language, weve got you covered:Best  English  AppsBest  French  AppsBest  German  AppsBest  Japanese  AppsBest  Spanish  AppsWhatever game you choose to playâ€"and whichever device you choose to play it onâ€"is entirely up to you. Each person enj oys a different stimulus when it comes to games, which is why the game manufacturing industry is so large.So go ahead and enjoy yourself; experiment with a few different language games.You wont believe how entertaining it can be to pick up a second language. Game on!

Andy from italki takes the October Challenge!

Andy from italki takes the October Challenge! So at italki, we dont just talk the talk but we walk the walk. Meet Andy from Italy, hes only been at italki for about 2 weeks as our new UX Designer (User Experience for those of you who arent in tech industry). When he found out that we were having the October Language Challenge, he found this was the perfect opportunity to improve his Chinese as hes been living in Shanghai for almost 3 years and his Chinese is well you should just watch the below Public Video Pledge for yourself. Remember, theres still time to sign up for the October Language Challenge! And if youve already signed up make a true commitment (like Andy) by submitting a Public Video Pledge. Andy from italki takes the October Challenge! So at italki, we dont just talk the talk but we walk the walk. Meet Andy from Italy, hes only been at italki for about 2 weeks as our new UX Designer (User Experience for those of you who arent in tech industry). When he found out that we were having the October Language Challenge, he found this was the perfect opportunity to improve his Chinese as hes been living in Shanghai for almost 3 years and his Chinese is well you should just watch the below Public Video Pledge for yourself. Remember, theres still time to sign up for the October Language Challenge! And if youve already signed up make a true commitment (like Andy) by submitting a Public Video Pledge.