Friday, April 3, 2020

Chemistry Equations - How to Do Chemistry Equations For Fun

Chemistry Equations - How to Do Chemistry Equations For FunThere are a lot of things that you will have to learn when it comes to knowing how to do chemistry equations. This is because there are a lot of complicated and confusing calculations involved in the chemistry equation process. Fortunately, if you already know a little bit about the subject, you will be able to do this in a much shorter amount of time.The first thing that you will have to learn is how to use chemistry equations in your equations. This means that you will have to memorize the formulas and then learn how to put them into equations. It might sound daunting, but if you can do this, you will save yourself some time. You just have to remember that chemistry equations can be easily solved using elementary algebra, and that they actually involve putting a formula in front of an equation. If you can solve a couple of equations, you can easily be doing more complicated problems that are solved using more complicated fo rmulas.Another thing that you will have to learn when it comes to how to do chemistry equations is the term, 'equation of state.' This is used to describe how the elements react when you change the temperature or pressure at which they are being studied. Basically, the more you change the temperature or pressure, the more certain or precise your calculation will be.Of course, you will have to learn how to find and change the values for all the variables in your chemistry equations. This means that you will have to memorize the formula or equation for each variable and then change the values on your own.Some people prefer to use simple chemistry equations, but they cannot completely understand all of the subtleties of how to do chemistry equations. The problem is that by making simple chemistry equations, you will not fully understand how to do chemistry equations. Many people prefer to use complex chemistry equations because they have more flexibility and you are less likely to make mistakes with a complex formula.You will have to buy a good chemistry textbook that has examples of how to do chemistry equations. Many of the books that you will find will show you several examples of how to do chemistry equations.In order to get the most out of chemistry, you have to understand how to do chemistry equations. These are also called chemistry formulas. Once you get the hang of doing chemistry equations, you will find that you will be able to solve a lot of problems using these formulas, and you will find that you have a great deal of power to help you with the equation solving process.

Friday, March 6, 2020

5 Simple Things to Add to Your Next Vocal Warm-Up

5 Simple Things to Add to Your Next Vocal Warm-Up Suzy S. Singers, you probably already know the importance of a proper vocal warm-up, whether youre practicing or performing. But heres something smart to keep in mind warming up goes far beyond breathing exercises and scales! Even if youre technically just standing still, in reality your whole body is working when youre singing.   Your muscles are active from your head to toes as you stand straight and tall.   Your blood is pumping and your abdominal muscles are definitely engaged as you inhale and exhale.   Basically, your entire body is your instrument! Pretty cool to think about. We love these recommendations from the Finding My Singing Voice blog consider adding these unconventional warm-ups to your routine: 1. Drink water Most singers already know how essential proper hydration is, but just the act of swallowing is beneficial, too. 2. Drink hot tea For singers with allergies, tea can help to wash down phlegm and clear the nasal passages. Other hot drinks will also work, but watch out for too much caffeine it can dry the vocal cords. Tea has additional health benefits (it’s loaded with antioxidants) and half the caffeine (or less) of coffee. 3. Yawn Yawning is the ultimate throat and palate stretch! 4. Stretch Singing involves the whole body, and unnecessary tension anywhere can have a negative effect on the voice. A good side stretch can help open up the ribcage and free up your breath. (See also: Can Yoga Help You Sing Better?) 5. Meditate Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing the mind, usually by observing the breath and disengaging from thoughts. It’s a great way to calm anxious nerves and tame self-criticism. Now its your turn what other activities or routines do you practice to get ready for a performance?   Head on over to our Facebook page and share them! You might also like Find Your Voice as a Singer: 4 Tips That Work Singers: Do You Make These 4 Common Errors? Using Scales to Improve Your Vocal Range and More Photo by Synergy by Jasmine.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for Students

The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for Students Differentiated Instruction: Does it Matter to Students? ChaptersAs Things Stand NowConcern for Special Needs StudentsTechnology in the Classroom: Helpful or Not?Teaching and Learning with Differentiating InstructionPeople often reflect on their Glory Days â€" the Bruce Springsteen definition, not the Little Mix album.The term glory days can mean any time in their past that the speaker believes is better than now.Per the chart-smashing Springsteen song, most feel their glory days were during secondary school, usually playing some sport or generally being very popular.For this writer, the time spent in secondary school was anything but glorious.Trapped in a teaching model that did nothing for my optimal learning style â€" kinesthetic learning, mediocrity set the tone for every class’ mark and borderline failure was where my exam scores hovered.To make matters worse, for a lack of explanation of why I consistently performed so poorly, I was mostly thought of as a bad student.It was only later, in vocational training, when we got hands-on w ith the equipment and tools, that I discovered I learn best by doing rather than listening or seeing.In spite of hefty criticism levelled at the concept of individual learning styles, there is substantial evidence that students have a preference for how they receive information, giving overall validity to the concept.Among all of the educational initiatives being bandied about and all of the struggles the Department for Education is undergoing, trying to improve teaching methods and students’ scores...Could taking into consideration how a student learns be all it takes to optimise public education? Or is there more to this story?Come with Superprof now. Let’s explore some of the greatest concerns of crowded classrooms and how teachers can make the best use of time and resources to maximise their teaching strategy.teaching strategies to employ and no learning strategies to devise.Concern for Special Needs StudentsAmong all of the advances made in educational philosophy, the ackno wledgement of learning disabilities ranks as one of the most accepting, and one of the most divisive.Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disability in which students with an otherwise normal capacity and desire to learn are hindered by their brain’s inability to process language.Causes of dyslexia are thought to be both genetic and environmental. However, students all over the globe struggle to learn because of dyslexia; it affect between 3% and 7% of learners worldwide.A similar condition, dyscalculia, renders even simple maths learning a cause for frustration and anxiety.Although dyslexia was identified as a neurological impairment in 1881, through the subsequent century, failures of dyslexic students to master learning concepts was often  equally  attributed to poor educational practices and poor student motivation.Historically, students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were labelled naughty children when, in fact, their inability to sit still and pay attention was due to a developmental neurological disorder.This condition too is prevalent worldwide; between 5 and 7% of the global student population is thus afflicted.Here again, although awareness of ADHD as a medical condition dates back to 1902, it only became widely acknowledged and managed in mainstream education in 1981.Identifying special needs students and assessing what their needs actually are went a long way towards levelling the academic playing field.Unfortunately, special education initiatives did nothing for students without special needs who nevertheless struggle to learn.Some teachers assign homework online; otherwise, technology hasn't made much impact on learning Source: Pixabay Credit: FirmBeeTechnology in the Classroom: Helpful or Not?Visuals are a powerful teaching tool.In the early days of formal education, classroom visuals consisted of a blackboard and possibly a world map. Perhaps a frieze demonstrating the proper way to write letters in cursive script adorned th e space above the chalkboard.As technology advanced, so too did classrooms: overhead projectors (1930), video (1951) and... who could forget the Banda worksheets (1923), with their purple ink and smelling of alcohol?That mimeograph machine gave the teacher more latitude in curriculum development. No longer limited to textbook content, teachers were free to devise more varied content and even include diagrammes and charts.For learners who are more inclined to visual learning, all of these advances were giant leaps towards their learning preference.The wireless radio made its way into classroom in the 1920s. Shortly thereafter, stations started broadcasting on-air classes â€" the precursor to today’s online and distance learning.Astoundingly, for all of the technological advances in the last 100 years, using technology in the classroom pretty much stalled after the PC (personal computer) went mainstream.To be sure, curricular requirements have expanded to include coding and keyboard ing classes, but they still follow the traditional teaching model: the educator speaks and the learner does.So, while technological advances have helped students learn, essentially they are confronted with the same teaching methodology that has dominated educational philosophy for centuries.Find out what the best tutors know about differentiation in the classroom...Merely repairing a dam leak overlooks the possibility of its imminent failure GeorgeB2Teaching and Learning with Differentiating InstructionIn a sense, you might say that all of the instructional strategies devised to date are akin to plugging a cracking dam with bubble gum: they address the current emergency but do nothing to remedy the bigger problem.Improving the learning experience of those with special needs and outfitting the school classroom with a variety of learning implements are valiant efforts â€" nobody could fault the education professionals for that.However, they fail to take into consideration a few basic facts:1. Grouping students by age rather than by intellect or different learning styles inevitably leaves portions of the student body with their educational needs poorly met.2. The traditional teaching model feeds students information but does not teach them how to use that information, or even how to learn.3. Multiple intelligences are not considered in the traditional learning plan.4. Summative assessments â€" periodic exams do nothing to evaluate a student’s potential for learning, only for how well s/he retained recently taught material.Again: no one is faulting hard-working teachers or parents who do their best to support their children’s education program.Our thesis embraces student-centered learning â€" the very foundation of differentiated learning.Differentiation calls for students to work in small groups, arranged by aptitude and intellectual ability.Furthermore, the students’ learning preferences are taken into consideration:Primarily visual learners would be given lots of different material to look at and draw conclusions fromPrimarily auditory learners would benefit from listening to recordings of learning materialsPrimarily kinesthetic learners would be tasked to build or otherwise create materials that would support conclusions they’ve drawn from their studies.No matter which learning style any student prefers, assignments would be tailored to their interests.Teachers, no longer at the front of the class (and hoping that students are paying attention), circulate around the room, providing individualized guidance and contributing to group work, all while conducting a formative assessment on each pupil as the work progresses.For teachers, this might sound like a nightmare of classroom management. But for students...When teachers differentiate instruction, student learning soars!Through targeted learning activities, students discover their strengths and are afforded the learning process that suits them the best.In a learning environment th at fosters inclusion of gifted students as well as those with special learning needs, student achievement is all but assured.Finally...Contrary to the nightmare scenario envisioned above, when educators eschew direct instruction in favour of differentiation strategies, they find their rooms filled with responsive students ready to hone their thinking skills and comprehension of whatever topic Teacher would embrace that day.Briefly stated, differentiation of instruction is understanding by design â€" a concept every student could benefit from.Isn’t it about time to take the pressure off of the teachers? To let students set their learning goals and be permitted the necessary avenues and tools to reach them?That would be effective teaching indeed!Now read our full guide to differentiating learning!

Learn Afresh For Exams With Online Tutors After A Great Spell Of Holidays

Learn Afresh For Exams With Online Tutors After A Great Spell Of Holidays 0SHARESShare Holidaying is part of student life and great holidays are sure to boost one’s spirits. Getting back to studies after a spell of marvelous holidays and facing the ensuing exams is crucial for students. Online tutors rush to your help on such occasions and guide you through your crucial hours of exam prep with easy methods and fruitful suggestions. What do online tutors do for your exam prep? Understanding your capabilities: Even you could not have gauged your plus and minus in learning a subject with such a precision as online tutors do. They help you in the eleventh hour with strategies that show you the gateway to pick up scores in a subject Easy tips for writing strategies and problem solving: Even a genius needs ways and means to express his knowledge or else his attempts in writing an exam go waste. Tutors online explain how to prep for an exam, how to manage your time and what to prep. They give you the prep material as well to make your job easy Reviews and practice sessions: Reviews, feed backs and practice sessions provided by Best online tutoring service providers place you in the track and help you understand the level of your progress .Many of them provide coaching courses in short durations to help you score with ease and redouble your skills in the subject Boosting the confidence: It is but natural to feel hazy and unclear about subject preps after lots of fun and festivity. Tutors online understand your hang overs and refresh your mind with techniques that enhance your confidence in the subject and reassure your learning scales for getting into track without delay It is not just tutoring, online tutoring companies like Tutor Pace undertake. It is rather sharing your educational burden to minimize it and bring forth good benefits like great scores in the oncoming exams. Avail the college online tutoring services to enjoy the benefits. [starbox id=admin]

The Real Secret to Improving Your Bands Sound

The Real Secret to Improving Your Bands Sound Suzy S. Do you want your band to sound even better? (Who doesnt?!) Here, San Diego, CA teacher  Maegan W. shares her secret for improving the groups sound as well as your individual musical skills Do you think a metronome is just a personal preference for some musicians? Are you one of those musicians who KNOWS your time is perfect and unmatched? Well Ive got news for you it probably isnt as spot-on as you think. Most fights in bands are due to someone being off-time, and unable to accept that it is them. The truth is that most people honestly believe they are on time. As a drummer, I learned a long time ago the only way to know for sure how good your timing really is, is to use a metronome. Im not suggesting that you always play, practice, and perform with your metronome not all music calls for that. What I am suggesting is that you take your musicianship to a whole other level, and take your power back! There is no greater feeling than knowing 100% where each note, beat, lick, and fill fits in the time and space of the song. Singer-songwriters and guitar players Im calling you out. I challenge you to use a metronome when practicing and learning songs. I have played with so many amazingly talented musicians, guitar-playing singer-songwriters who performed and sounded fantastic alone, but when it came to a band setting, they were like complete beginners. Dont let this be you. Here are some ideas on how to get comfortable with the metronome as youre singing or playing guitar with your band: 1) Listen to your songs against the click. This will help you to see where everything really lines up, and how much time you actually have to do whatever you want to do or play. 2) Devote at least 10% of your practice routine to practicing with the metronome. I recommend more like 50-90% but baby steps are fine for people not used to practicing with the metronome. 3) If youre in a band, have The Talk. This will hold everyone equally accountable for doing what they can to improve their personal timing, which will improve the bands time as a whole. Also having a group practice where the drummer listens to a click is helpful too. It instantly builds trust and competence. (If there is a problem member that cant admit or see their faults, it may be helpful to have some practices where everyone can hear the click through the speakers, to shine light on what needs extra attention.) 4) Be humble. Learning that your timing sucks can be a hard realization, especially for sensitive musicians. This can bruise the ego and come out as anger. Remember the point is not to be right or make someone feel defeated. The point is to improve your bands sound, as well as individual sound. The metronome is the Truth, and sometimes the Truth hurts. 5) Slow down! The best way to really lock down any song, riff, groove, fill, or solo is to slow way down. Take the tempo down to half or 3/4s of the original tempo and practice in slow motion, to let your brain and muscles learn exactly where everything fits.  Do this until your muscle memory learns the movement of the piece. Then when you speed back up, do it gradually in increments of 5 or 10 bpms until you arrive back at the original tempo. Then push past 10 or 20 bpms so you truly have it mastered. You never know when you will need to play it faster or slower, but with this practice, you will be prepared no matter what the speed. These are just a few ways to incorporate the metronome as youre playing guitar, singing, or whatever part you play in your band. I hope this is helpful and remember, its about taking baby steps. This is not something you just want to brush off. Being a master at time will make you a more valuable musician, and more confident in your skills too. It may be tough at first, but anything worth learning is. Go easy on yourself and/or your band. It is challenging, but I know you can do it! Maegan W. teaches drums, songwriting, and more in San Diego, CA. She earned a degree in Percussion from the Musicians Institute, and has been teaching private lessons since 2004.    Learn more about Maegan here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Jessie Hodge

Excellent Schools for the Very Good Student

Excellent Schools for the Very Good Student ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog This is a guest post byStuart Nachbar, the President of EducatedQuest.com, a leading college admissions blog and guide to the best values in higher education. For more advice and information contact him at stuart@educatedquest.com. I’m often asked: What is a “good” or “excellent” school? It’s not always the one that is the most selective or has students who scored exceptionally high on the SAT or the ACT. Terms such as “quality” and “reputation” are bandied about within higher education, but they have no real meaning. The best way to learn if a school is good or excellent is to do research. You must find the answers to these questions: Does the school engage students early and help them towards an academic direction? Does it effectively guide students to graduation? Does it help students complete their degree with as little debt as possible? And does it provide them with a network that will help them for life? Fortunately, there are numbers that can help you answer these questions. They can be found within resources, including the school itself, that are available for free. These numbers include: The freshman retention rate. Anything over 85 percent is excellent for a liberal arts college. Over 90 percent is excellent for a larger university. That may sound strange at first, subjecting the small school to a lower retention rate, but 15 percent of a smaller number of people is a small number of people. An excellent freshman retention rate is a positive reflection on the admissions office. They admitted a class that was likely to succeed. It is also a positive reflection on academics and student services. The students stay because they’re engaged and happy. Every admissions officer should know their school’s freshman retention rate. If not, ask her for a copy of the school’s most recent Common Data Set. The four-year graduation rate. Only five state-supported colleges and universities have four-year graduation rates in excess of 70 percent: The University of Virginia, The College of William and Mary (VA), The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, The University of Michigan and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. If you are seriously interested in a private college or university, it should be one that graduates students at a rate as good or better than an excellent state school. Again, every admissions officer should know their school’s four-year graduation rate. You can also find it on the school’s Common Data Set. Student indebtedness. The most a student can borrow in Federal Stafford loans, expecting to graduate in four years, is $27,000. One word to people considering a much higher level of debt to attend a “dream” school: don’t. The Project on Student Debt has average student borrower indebtedness for nearly every school. Go to their site, click on the map of the United States in the right hand corner, choose your state and zero in on your school. Alumni base. You want to know how many living alumni a school has, where they live, and where recent graduates prefer to live and work. You want to go to a school where there are alumni who live and work in the same place you want to live and work. Some schools are truly global; others are mainly local. Now suppose you do not have the 4.5 GPA and the 30+ ACT or 1350+ SAT to help you get into an “elite” school or possibly receive a free ride from your home state university. Are there excellent schools for you? Yes--and I’ve made a list to start you off. These private schools retain more than 85 percent of their freshmen, graduate 70 percent or more of their students within four years, and left the average student borrower with less than--or just a insignificant tad over--$27,000 in student loan debt in 2011, the last year data is available. Centre College (KY) Clark University (MA) College of Wooster (OH) DePauw University (IN) Elon University (NC) Furman University (SC) Hillsdale College (MI) Muhlenberg College (PA) Rhodes College (TN) Sewanee, The University of the South (TN) Skidmore College (NY) St. Lawrence University (NY) Taylor University (IN) University of Richmond (VA) Ursinus College (PA) Wheaton College (IL) Williamette University (OR) Wofford College (SC) But numbers tell only part of the story. Every campus community has its own look and vibe. The final decision is hard when you need to consider what a school can do for you and how being there can make you feel. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'e604e3c2-45d4-49ab-84f7-15fb598ef95f', {});

English Verbs with Infinitives of Purpose (Video and Exercise)

English Verbs with Infinitives of Purpose (Video and Exercise) You may not know if you have a problem using infinitives of purpose with English verbs. Its not the kind of thing we usually talk about, or think about, on a normal day. But English students frequently have problems with this construction, so weve got a video and exercise to help you.What is it?Here are some examples of infinitives of purpose: to get, to buyHere is an example sentences using them:I went to the kitchen to get  salt.I walked to the store to buy groceries.The infinitives of purpose answer the question why? Watch the video to learn more.  Complete the exercises below using an infinitive or purpose. If you write your answers in comments, we will correct them.I moved to the city __________.We went to the beach __________.I walked to the park ________.They drove to the gas station _______.She opened the window ________.He rode his bike ________.I went to the gym _______.I drank all the beer _______.I am learning English _______.If youre a Spanish speaker, youll enjoy this article on verbos en inglés. LOIEnglish Silvia..Thank you for answering the questions.Just a quick note: Question Number 3: to sit is correct. Sit is the verb and Seat is the noun. Often times we use the phrasal verb sit down. For example: Please, sit down. You look exhausted. Seat-is the general word for a piece of furniture. There is an open seat toward the front of the theater. Thanks!

Determination And The Will To Never Give Up Has Helped This Guitar Player Achieve Greatness

Determination And The Will To Never Give Up Has Helped This Guitar Player Achieve Greatness Determination And The Will To Never Give Up Has Helped This Guitar Player Achieve Greatness Joshua, 13-years-old, Math Level M The late rock and roll legend Jimi Hendrix forever changed the music industry with his unique sound on the guitar. It may be a surprise to hear, but playing the guitar didn’t always come easy to Hendrix. , With practice and dedication, he made a name for himself. Hendrix once said, “Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you’ll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you’re going to be rewarded.” Like Jimi Hendrix, Joshua has been dedicated to learning the guitar and continually perfecting his technique. As a young musician, he has seen the value of practice, and the discipline it takes to learn challenging pieces. Joshua relates his experience with learning guitar to Kumon, and how he never gives up and remains committed to reaching new goals. Joshua began his journey with Kumon when he enrolled in the Kumon Math Program at the age of seven. Fast forward to almost seven years later and now he’s studying trigonometric functions and addition theorems â€" which is quite impressive for a middle school student. Joshua’s discipline strengthened as he was reaching new goals in Kumon, which then transcended beyond his academics. “Outside of the classroom, Kumon has taught me to be more patient and to never give up on anything I’m doing whether it’s guitar or my school work,” said Joshua. “Kumon created a daily routine for completing my work, which has helped me to become disciplined and determined to reach a goal. If something becomes difficult in my guitar lessons, I know when to take a step back and come back to it and master it.” Whether he’s mastering the technical aspect of the guitar with chords, arpeggios, and scales or nailing an awesome solo piece â€" he is focused to work through it. Joshua’s determination and practice has paid off in his development as a musician. He’s proud to say that he was the first student in his guitar class of 100 plus students to be awarded a high level of achievement. Not only is Joshua musically inclined, he has also found a passion for sports. Joshua takes his athletic ability to the court, serving as a valuable player for his school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Also dedicated to becoming a stronger swimmer, he is currently training to become a certified lifeguard one day. In 2015, Joshua passed the Toronto District School Board’s Gifted Program exam. Since then, he has been in the gifted program and attends a gifted school once a week that offers students a highly specialized and competitive curriculum. Joshua’s academic ability and unwavering determination will aide him in his future aspiration of becoming a neurosurgeon. Joshua’s hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as he was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Joshua about his Kumon journey. How has Kumon helped you academically? Kumon has helped me academically because the math lessons in school have become increasingly easier for me as I continue to advance in the Kumon Math Program. I have been able to effectively manage my time because of the Kumon Method, which helps me become responsible to finish my work on time and accurately. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Beneficial. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? What I enjoy most about Kumon is that I can understand and answer math problems that at first look impossible to solve. My Kumon Instructor is so friendly and is always willing to help everyone at the center. What keeps you motivated in Kumon? My parents shared with me that I have inspired a lot of my friends and their parents, which resulted in a lot of them enrolling in Kumon. My hard work and achievements made them believe in what Kumon is all about. My parents are proud of me for being an inspiration to others, and that alone keeps me motivated. What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference? Attending the Student Conference meant a great deal to me because not only did my hard work pay off, but my will to never give up got me there. It was a great experience that has truly inspired me. What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? My advice to other Kumon Students just starting out would be to never give up just as I did. Whether you made a few mistakes, didn’t pass a test, or are struggling with a challenging problem â€" keep going. Stay determined and know that you’re going to reach you goals, and it will be worth all the hard work. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Aspiring Architect Reminds Himself To Never Give Up Self-learning and Determination Has Helped This Boy Scout Overcome Challenges Perseverance Helps This Young Tennis Player Win On And Off The Court Focus And Confidence Help This Young Musician Achieve His Goals Determination And The Will To Never Give Up Has Helped This Guitar Player Achieve Greatness Determination And The Will To Never Give Up Has Helped This Guitar Player Achieve Greatness Joshua, 13-years-old, Math Level M The late rock and roll legend Jimi Hendrix forever changed the music industry with his unique sound on the guitar. It may be a surprise to hear, but playing the guitar didn’t always come easy to Hendrix. , With practice and dedication, he made a name for himself. Hendrix once said, “Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you’ll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you’re going to be rewarded.” Like Jimi Hendrix, Joshua has been dedicated to learning the guitar and continually perfecting his technique. As a young musician, he has seen the value of practice, and the discipline it takes to learn challenging pieces. Joshua relates his experience with learning guitar to Kumon, and how he never gives up and remains committed to reaching new goals. Joshua began his journey with Kumon when he enrolled in the Kumon Math Program at the age of seven. Fast forward to almost seven years later and now he’s studying trigonometric functions and addition theorems â€" which is quite impressive for a middle school student. Joshua’s discipline strengthened as he was reaching new goals in Kumon, which then transcended beyond his academics. “Outside of the classroom, Kumon has taught me to be more patient and to never give up on anything I’m doing whether it’s guitar or my school work,” said Joshua. “Kumon created a daily routine for completing my work, which has helped me to become disciplined and determined to reach a goal. If something becomes difficult in my guitar lessons, I know when to take a step back and come back to it and master it.” Whether he’s mastering the technical aspect of the guitar with chords, arpeggios, and scales or nailing an awesome solo piece â€" he is focused to work through it. Joshua’s determination and practice has paid off in his development as a musician. He’s proud to say that he was the first student in his guitar class of 100 plus students to be awarded a high level of achievement. Not only is Joshua musically inclined, he has also found a passion for sports. Joshua takes his athletic ability to the court, serving as a valuable player for his school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Also dedicated to becoming a stronger swimmer, he is currently training to become a certified lifeguard one day. In 2015, Joshua passed the Toronto District School Board’s Gifted Program exam. Since then, he has been in the gifted program and attends a gifted school once a week that offers students a highly specialized and competitive curriculum. Joshua’s academic ability and unwavering determination will aide him in his future aspiration of becoming a neurosurgeon. Joshua’s hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as he was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Joshua about his Kumon journey. How has Kumon helped you academically? Kumon has helped me academically because the math lessons in school have become increasingly easier for me as I continue to advance in the Kumon Math Program. I have been able to effectively manage my time because of the Kumon Method, which helps me become responsible to finish my work on time and accurately. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Beneficial. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? What I enjoy most about Kumon is that I can understand and answer math problems that at first look impossible to solve. My Kumon Instructor is so friendly and is always willing to help everyone at the center. What keeps you motivated in Kumon? My parents shared with me that I have inspired a lot of my friends and their parents, which resulted in a lot of them enrolling in Kumon. My hard work and achievements made them believe in what Kumon is all about. My parents are proud of me for being an inspiration to others, and that alone keeps me motivated. What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference? Attending the Student Conference meant a great deal to me because not only did my hard work pay off, but my will to never give up got me there. It was a great experience that has truly inspired me. What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? My advice to other Kumon Students just starting out would be to never give up just as I did. Whether you made a few mistakes, didn’t pass a test, or are struggling with a challenging problem â€" keep going. Stay determined and know that you’re going to reach you goals, and it will be worth all the hard work. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Aspiring Architect Reminds Himself To Never Give Up Self-learning and Determination Has Helped This Boy Scout Overcome Challenges Perseverance Helps This Young Tennis Player Win On And Off The Court Focus And Confidence Help This Young Musician Achieve His Goals