Metathesis - An Introduction to Metathesis Reaction Chemistry

Metathesis - An Introduction to Metathesis Reaction ChemistryThe concept of metathesis and metalification is very easy to understand. Basically, metathesis occurs when you have substances with very small molecules floating on top of the main molecule.The main molecules are negatively charged, while the smaller ones are positively charged. The presence of the two opposite charges change the chemical properties of the substance. In order to illustrate how this is done, let us take the example of water as an example.Hydrogen and oxygen exist in the liquid as two separate substances. When you mix these two substances together, it results in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. However, when these two substances are combined in the same place, it results in the formation of oxygen gas. This type of reaction is called metathesis.The reason why you need to consider this type of reactions is because the large molecules can be easily broken down by various substances, thus, resulting in the prod uction of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide has the tendency to combine with other substances to form even larger molecules that can be easily broken down, which eventually result in the production of water vapor and eventually carbon dioxide.You will find many products from the use of organic materials when you perform the procedure. The most common is the alcohol. Ethanol is commonly found in the process of making alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. The process that is done to create this type of alcohol is called distillation.The second most common product produced is aldehydes. Aldehydes are produced during the process of metathesis. The products include aldehydes, ketones, acetone, isomers, phenols, and ketenes.When you apply the use of organic material, there are certain types of reactions that occur. For example, when you use animal matter, this is called animal metathesis. The metathesis reaction that happens when you apply animal matter is called phenylketone.In additio n to the process of metathesis reaction, there are many types of reactions that can be formed using organic materials. If you have a chemical or biological problem that needs to be addressed, you should use organic materials to solve this problem. If you know the proper application, you can find ways to create your own solutions.

How to Find the Best Free Tutor For Math

How to Find the Best Free Tutor For MathWhile there are a variety of sites that offer free tutoring services for math students, you might also wonder how to find the best site for your needs. The best place to start when looking for a tutor is online because you will be able to narrow down your choices by searching for their names or search engines. After you narrow down your choices, you can now begin to narrow down your choices even more by looking at what their prices are.Some of the best places to find a tutor for math are at local community colleges of education. You can usually find out what kinds of tutors they have through websites they have listed on their website. To get more information you can contact the college directly and ask about the tutors available.Another place to look for a tutor for math is a local college. These are great because they have plenty of tutors to choose from. Some colleges have more than one set of math tutors who will teach at different times of the day and sometimes even at different times of the week. With all the tutors and all the different classes they have available to offer you should be able to find the tutor that will best fit your needs.If you have any math background you should know that math tutors are not always taught at the same level that other subjects are taught. Math is one of the hardest subjects to learn in school and even though a math tutor might be able to help you improve your skills you might not be the best person to learn the subject. The best way to find a math tutor is to search through some of the free tutoring websites that are available.Not only will you find a bunch of math tutors available for free on these websites, you can also find out how well each tutor is rated by other students. Some of the math tutors that you will find on these sites have been rated by their peers and if they are known for being honest and ethical it will help you get the best math tutor for math that you need. Yo u should also make sure that the math tutor you choose is the right one for you because your tutoring might take place in one room and you might need someone to work with you to complete the entire lesson. Be sure to find a math tutor that you feel comfortable working with and if you don't find one you will be on your own to figure out how to pay for his or her lessons.Once you have chosen a math tutor, you will be asked to fill out a form that asks for some personal information like your name, age, birth date, and your address. If you have any questions after filling out the form then you can email the tutor to ask any questions you might have. It is also important to remember that a math tutor cannot teach you math but they can help you get better at math by helping you practice by using math problems on their own or giving you practice problems.Remember that a math tutor is not just a math teacher. A math tutor is someone who has been trained to help you to learn math and not to teach you math but to help you use math to solve real life problems.

A-Level Chemistry Equilibrium

A-Level Chemistry EquilibriumKhan Academy Chemistry Equilibrium is a study guide for the A-level subjects of Chemistry, Biology and Physics, but it focuses on the Intermediate and High School level, which, is the step between the intermediate level and the third and fourth A levels. I don't think it is all that necessary to teach Chemistry at the high school level, but given that both Chemistry and Physics are considered 'core' subjects in A Level subjects, teaching Chemistry at such a high level seems to me to be appropriate.It certainly is not quite as complicated as Physics, but I have never understood why chemistry has such a bad reputation in the US (where I was brought up) and around the world (where I spend most of my time). Physics is, in some ways, better than chemistry, and, in some ways, chemistry is better than physics, but as far as the basic skills of a science teacher are concerned, Chemistry and Physics seem to me to be one and the same subject. I can actually explain Chemistry better than I can Physics, so that's a plus!In Physics, you don't learn anything at an A-level which isn't also taught in Chemistry. Chemistry seems to be more detailed, and covers all the fundamentals of a science - from basics like the chemical elements, to chemistry and biological terminology, to what the meaning of things like gravitation is, to abstract concepts like theories of the origin of the universe. In some ways, there is less to Chemistry, but to me, it seems that the more precise the subject, the more complicated it must be for a science teacher to explain it to his students.One thing I do feel Chemistry can learn from Physics is the basics of measurement. I remember attending an Introductory Physics class at University in the late 1970s, where we were all measured with calipers, and where we learned about the fundamental quantities of a chemical reaction. Chemistry seems to me to cover much more of the same stuff, but is all the more complicated to describe . If you ask a Physicsteacher what a hydrogen atom is made up of, he will not have the same answer to your question as a Chemistry teacher would have if you asked him what the chemical composition of a Hydrogen atom is.I'm sure the people who have created the Khan Academy guides, know a lot more about Chemistry than I do, but to me it seems that the more they try to 'make up' science by putting real life examples into their guide, the less useful the Science lesson becomes. When I was a kid, I loved the science books that showed a scientist breaking down a chemical compound to its individual parts, and showing how those parts interacted with each other. You can easily imagine a Science teacher trying to explain Chemistry to his students. Unfortunately, for a lot of people who come to learn about Chemistry through a Science curriculum, they really don't like the idea of having to actually break down a chemical molecule to understand it.I sometimes wonder if we need a similar Biology- based chemistry guide for A Levels in UK schools. This could allow Biology teachers to show students the chemistry at an A-level level, so that it makes sense to them rather than just to explain it to them. I don't have any experience of this myself, but if anyone has any experience of this, or an idea of what you think about Chemistry and Biology at an A-level, please let me know! Indeed, I'd love to hear what you think.So, whether you like Chemistry or not, don't worry, you're getting an A level in Science! I just hope your student doesn't end up being a bad chemistry teacher! I'm really hoping for the best for the next generation and hope that the children who come after my own can have a more productive and rewarding education in Chemistry. So, good luck to you, and Happy Maths!

How to Clean Your Guitar 4 Easy Steps

How to Clean Your Guitar 4 Easy Steps Suzy S. Congratulations to the class of 2012 for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Guns N’ Roses, the Beastie Boys, Donovan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Laura Nyro and the Faces! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame selects the lucky few each year to honor their contributions to the rock world, with past winners including Elvis Presley, Ozzy Osbourne and Simon Garfunkel.   This year, there are also several events leading up to the ceremony, including the grand opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s new Library and Archives, a free concert in Cleveland, and a series of educational events to teach students about the history and impact of rock and roll as a genre. Think youve got what it takes to be part of the Hall of Fame?   Artists are qualified for induction 25 years after the release of their first album so youve got some time to practice before your own induction ceremony.   Yes, you heard us now get to practicing! But once youre done jamming, its important to take a few moments for simple guitar maintenance. Hey, we know your busy but its the most basic step to ensuring that baby gives you years of jamming to come.   Check out these tips courtesy of http://learnguitar2.com: Right after you’ve finished playing is the best moment for some quick cleaning. You need to focus on the elements of your guitar that you’ve been using (touching) the most. 1. Wipe the strings with a soft cloth. Start cleaning your guitar by taking a cloth, grabbing a string near the bridge and moving the cloth all the way up to the nut. Also, take a look at the nut and the bridge of your guitar. If they need some cleaning, wipe them as well. 2. Take the cloth and wipe the body of your guitar, the neck and the fretboard. You can use a small amount of guitar polishing agent (be careful with standard polishing agents, using them might not be the best idea).   Don’t let the polishing agent get on your strings! And every once in a while (say, about once a month), check these off your to-do list as well: 1. Clean the frets. This is usually done every time when you change the strings. First you can take a cloth and wipe the frets. To get rid of some more resistant dust you can use some wire wool (the softest available). But you need to be careful not to destroy the frets, so be gentle.   Take a look at each fret and try to notice any recess and irregularities. You can correct this with wire wool or soft sandpaper. 2. Next, focus on the potentiometers, sockets and switches.   Remove the knobs from the potentiometers.     Then apply a small amount of potentiometer cleaner to the insides of the potentiometers, and turn the potentiometer up and down several times.   Getting to the sockets and switches can be tricky. You might have to remove the pickguard or some other elements, depending on your guitar’s construction. Once you’re there, use the same potentiometer cleaner and apply it to the sockets and switches. So take care of that guitar now, and who knows 25 years from now you might be attending the Induction Ceremony yourself!     Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. You might also like Give Your Guitar Strings Some Love Today Watch Now: How to Tune a Guitar 10 Quick Guitar Exercises for the Busy Musician Image Courtesy of http://www.last.fm/music/Beastie+Boys

Why Take Dance Classes

Why Take Dance Classes Why Learn to Dance? ChaptersTone Your Body by DancingMeet New People by DancingLearn to Dance for a Career in the ArtsLearn about New Cultures through DancingLearn to Dance and Improve Your Well-BeingLearn About the Different Disciplines Related to Dance“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” - VoltaireWould you like to take up a sport but you’re not sure which one?Why not get dance tutorials and learn about dance from the comfort of your own home?Thanks to dance being both an art form and a sporting activity, there are a lot of people interested in learning to dance. Everyone, at some point in their lives, has probably done a few impromptu dance moves.Did you know that dance lessons can change our daily habits and how we live our lives?Even absolute beginners can learn to do some new dance steps and start improving their lives. Find out about all the great reasons to get in touch with a dance teacher who teaches the style you want to learn and st art getting dance classes today!nobody likes a dancer who’s just going through the motions.How many couples do you know who met each other on a night out?Finally, some styles of dance (like pole dancing or disco dancing) can be useful for meeting people on a night out at either a nightclub or at dance parties. Your dancing could impress everyone in the club and you won’t feel embarrassed about everyone watching you do it.If you've already met someone, don't forget that you can get wedding dance lessons for your first dance. In addition to pulling out some choreographed dance moves when all eyes are on you (which they will be all day), this is also just a great thing to do with your partner before the big day. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearn to Dance for a Career in the ArtsWhy not make your passion your job?More and more people are getting interested in learning how to dance either for fun or professionally. Whether you want to teach ballroom dance lessons, Latin dancing, or Cuban salsa, dance tutors can earn a living doing what they love.The best private tutors can earn a lot of money. (Source: pixabay.com)While you can teach people how to dance without any qualifications thanks to private dance tutorials, it’s recommended that you go down the professional route by studying at a dance academy or a conservatoire.Here are the qualifications you should be looking at getting:A level 3 qualificationA d egreeA postgraduate degreeA PhDWhile some dancers prefer to focus on technique, others prefer to study the theory of the art form at school. There are some great jobs available in the arts.  Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the different jobs you could do with a degree in the performing arts:Arts researcherChoreographerCostume designerCriticDance lecturer at a conservatoire or university.Dance teacher in a schoolFitness instructorGraphic designerManaging a dance troupePersonal coachTalent scoutYoga or pilates instructorWhen you make your passion your job, you’ll never technically work a single day in your life!Dance lessons don't have to cost the Earth! Click here to read about learning to dance for free.Learn about New Cultures through DancingEvery continent on the planet has its own unique styles of dancing and specialised dancing lessons.Enjoy shared experiences and discover new styles of dance. (Source: pixabay.com)In a lot of countries, dancing is an important part of the cu lture.  In some countries, traditional dance instruction is even part of the national curriculum. When you meet new people in dance schools and dance academies, you should ask them about the different styles of dancing.Of course, you don’t necessarily have to learn a style from your own country.Here are some of the different styles you could look into studying:Argentine tangoBachataBalletBallroom dancingBelly dancingCha chaContemporary dance or modern danceCuban salsa or Puerto Rican salsaDance fitnessFlamencoHip Hop danceJazzLatin danceMerengueOriental danceRagga DancehallRumbaSambaSwing danceTapThe foxtrotWaltzWest coast swingLearning a traditional style of dance could also help you get into foreign schools and academies. For example, if you master an American style of dance like rock ‘n’ roll, the Lindy Hop, or the Twist, it could help you get into a prestigious American dance school like Julliard, for example.Learn to Dance and Improve Your Well-BeingIf you learn to dance, it can make you happier!According to a Polish study in 2014, dancing affects your happiness. After an hour of dancing, beginners felt less stressed, had more energy, and were more creative. A Greek study from 2011 also showed that female breast cancer sufferers felt happier after an hour of dancing.It’s also been proven that those with Parkinson’s disease are less agitated, more relaxed, and less tired after having danced.Dancing is a great way to unwind and awaken your artistic side. Families can get dance classes or attend workshops and improve their well-being together.The psychoanalyst France Schott-Billman had this to say in 2012:“Dancing tango or salsa is more than just having fun. It’s a way of expressing yourself. [...] They gain a new way of communicating with their body.”After their first lesson, a beginner will have a vastly different understanding of themselves. Dance lessons can help you improve your movements, get to know your muscles better, and empty your mind. Unwind after a tough week with a weekly dance class.Additionally, dancing will improve your confidence and as you learn new moves and techniques and add them to your routine, you'll be desperate to get on the dance floor and show off your footwork.Unlike when you learn how to dance at a university or conservatoire, you'll not have to worry about the class schedule with private tutoring and you can enjoy the flexibility of getting dance lessons when and where you want.Learn About the Different Disciplines Related to DanceLike all art forms, dancing has different disciplines and styles.Regardless of your level, you can start learning how to dance with private lessons from an experienced and gifted dancer. Studying at universities or conservatoires is arguably the best way to learn how to dance.Listening to music is great, knowing how to create your own can help you dance better. (Source: pixabay.com)Once you start studying how to dance, you’ll get both technical lessons as wel l as lessons on the theory and history of dancing. These are good for helping you gain a deeper understanding of the art form and the origins of dancing.Here are some of the subjects you could study alongside learning how to dance:AestheticsAnalysing body movementsChoreographyChoreography and musical compositionDidactic methods for dancingHistory of artsMusicPerformance techniquesPhilosophyThe history of dancing and dance cultureIn addition to helping you become a better dancer, mastering other subjects can also help you when studying a dance or performing arts degree. A good knowledge of dance theory could help you become a dance historian or a lecturer in a number of subjects relating to dancing.Why not become an advanced private dance tutor with all this knowledge?Learn more about the cost of dance tuition.

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play the Drums

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play the Drums How Much Time Does it Take to Learn the Drums? ChaptersWibbly-Wobbly TimeThe Ten Thousand Hour RuleWhat is Your Intent?Laying Down the Drum BeatsIf I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do... - Jim Croce, Time in a BottleDon’t we all wish we could save time for the things we want to do, to prolong the moments spent with those we love, and merely gloss over school, work, doctor’s appointments and traffic jams?A sort of fast-forward over the mundane parts of life so that we can savour the delicious aspects of our existence?Unfortunately, time, like money, has its own priorities, spending itself relentlessly and inexorably, in measured increments, with no regard at all for our desires.Such as the desire to make music by learning how to play the drums!Knowing that time is limited, pressing and in ever-diminishing quantity â€" in more ways than one, it is quite natural to wonder how long it would take to learn any skill.Let us now look at other facets that govern the time needed to learn the drums throu gh and through.Time spent on unpleasant tasks seems to drag on forever! Source: Pixabay Credit: Xavi Andrewdrum lessons for kids are enthusiastically partaken of!Conversely, if all you want to do is bang on the drum all day, as Todd Rundgren does, everyday concerns like meetings and sales calls might feel like aeons passing before you can once again pick up your drumsticks.It is a very human trait to quantify everything through measurement.That, in turn, ties in neatly with trait theory, which postulates that, if we are likely to do something, it is most probably because we are predisposed to doing so.And here were are again, back at cause and effect!So: do you like to play the drums because an affinity for music is an innate quality you possess?Or do you measure each drum beat against the clock instead of your metronome or the pages of your drum books, because you would rather be anywhere, even the dentist’s chair, than behind a drum set?And what does all of this have to do with the time it takes to learn the drums?Why, everything! Read on...How you hold your drumsticks can have an effect on how long it takes to learn how to play drums Source: Pixabay Credit: TookapicThe Ten Thousand Hour RuleIn the book Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, we are confronted with the postulate that, in order to master any task, one must devote 10,000 hours to practising the correct way.Readers and reviewers of that tome especially appreciated the perspective presented in that study: that individual potential is often overlooked in the quest for competence.In plain speak: the basic theory is that, if you apply yourself to any task, hobby or occupation for that specific amount of time... you will not necessarily master it.What it really comes down to is whether you have an aptitude for the learning you’ve set yourself to.Find out what the best age is for learning the drums!Let us say you do have an aptitude for drumming and want to learn how to do it well: most likely, you will s ucceed in your goal, provided you work at it correctly â€" more on that in a moment.Still: doesn’t the idea of devoting ten thousand hours to the pursuit of excellence in drum playing seem a bit daunting?Especially if you have other commitments, such as work, school, family and friends, and other hobbies?And what does that phrase ‘practice correctly’ mean?There are a few ways to practice the drums incorrectly:playing without warming up: you should exercise your hands, wrists and grip before you hit the first drum strokenot using a metronome: without a timekeeping device, you may drop the tempo once you get tired â€" a critical error!not using a practice pad: you should spend the same amount of time with the drum pad as you do on the drum kitnot sticking to a regular practice schedule â€" remember: you are not just learning to paradiddle, you are also conditioning your arms and hands!holding the sticks improperly: this can make playing sixteenth notes more difficult, and possib ly cause injury!keeping poor posturefavouring your weak hand by using mostly your dominant handsetting your sights too high; ignoring fundamentalsAny of these variables can render any time you spend to learn to play the drums ineffective, which will prolong the time it will take you to master drum patterns and drum notation.First, because you will have to unlearn all of those bad habits, and then learn effective drumming skills.Another pertinent factor of the time it takes to learn drums is who you learn from.Discover resources for learning how to play the drums!There are plenty of online materials for you to learn the drums, and you could also invest in books to learn how to play the drums, but learning in a vacuum is seldom a good idea.At the very least, you should sign up for beginner drum lessons, if only to get a grasp on the fundamentals of drumming and someone to show you the more intricate drum grooves.Forget googling drum lessons Edinburgh; Superprof has the right drum teac her for you!What is Your Intent?Do you plan on building your life around drumming? Do you see yourself playing in a rock band, touring the world?Are you hoping to compete internationally by displaying your skill within a corps and win prizes?Would you like to audition for the Highland Drum Corps?Each of these requires different skills and aptitudes. For the rock or jazz drummer, a solid technique on a full drum set is required.As a member of a marching band, you only have to beat a bass drum or a snare drum, but must be able to walk in complicated patterns while keeping the beat.Whether you intend to play drums as an avocation or if playing drums is your life: your intent weighs significantly on the time it will take you to learn how to play drums.Playing the drum in a corps requires an entirely different skills set than playing the drums in a band Source: Pixabay Credit: SkeezeLaying Down the Drum BeatsAnyone’s ability to learn to play drums comes down to three factors, of which time is the least significant.Of primary importance is your dedication to learning drums.If you do not have the coordination, heart, patience, and desire to learn syncopation or how to read drum sheet music, it will take you an eternity to master percussion instruments, even with drumming lessons twice a week.The next vital factor is how you learn.Will you seek out a drum teacher? Or will you opt for online drum lessons; ones where you take instruction but don’t get instant feedback or correction?You can count on plenty of feedback if you were taking drum lessons Manchester or in Birmingham with a Superprof tutor!At least at the outset of your learning the drums, you should have a music teacher who will instruct you on all of the safety facets of drumming as well as teach you how to set up your kit and maintain it properly.Metallica’s Lars Ulrich has been labelled a bad drummer because he does not practice and seems generally negligent about his kit.In fact, he does not like pra ctising drum fills and beats alone. He reasons that his instrument supports the band, therefore should not be played without the band. Logical!Whether you are a fan of his or not, please do not emulate that attitude.For every hour spent in drum lessons, you should spend two practising on your drum pad.With dedication, aptitude and work, you will be able to learn the drums fairly quickly â€" say, 10 to 12 months to become proficient, and about 18 months to 2 years to get really good.And you won’t need to save time in any bottle!How ironic that the song opening this article features no drums at all...Read more FAQs about learning how to play the drums...

Fundamental Sewing Techniques

Fundamental Sewing Techniques Discover All the Stitches You Need to Know for Sewing ChaptersEverything You Need to Know About the Closed SeamHow to Do a Felled SeamOverlock StitchesHow Do You Do a Zig-Zag Stitch?“I think art is the only political power, the only revolutionary power, the only evolutionary power, the only power to free humankind form all repression.” - Joseph BeuysEmbroidery, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, etc., arts and crafts are becoming more popular with the younger generation. It’s the end of tired clichés. Year on year, the number of amateur sewers continues to increase.Is it just a fad or a genuine shift in the popularity of sewing?One thing’s for sure, there are a lot of advantages to sewing! Sewing clothes, making a homemade present, touching up your curtains, redecorating your house all require creativity and imagination.So how do you get started?Get your sewing equipment together and learn about the different stitches a beginner should know when they first start sewing! In this article, we'll be looking at the different seams com monly used like the open and closed seams, felled seams, overlock stitches, and zig-zag stitches. not too tight nor too loose.  Thread, elastic, needles, pins, scissors, bobbins, sergers, etc., you need to get all your gear ready for sewing and becoming a great seamstress. The rest is up to you!If you need more help with sewing, get in touch with one of many talented tutors on Superprof. You can get either face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, or group tutorials. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and it'll depend really on your learning objectives and your budget.Face-to-face tutorials are costly but cost-effective. Online tutorials are cheaper but lack intimacy. Group tutorials tend to be the cheapest per person per hour but your tutor won't be at your beck and call since they'll have a number of other students to worry about.Ready to start sewing?

Portuguese Lessons Belfast

Portuguese Lessons Belfast Ever Wanted To Learn Portuguese In Belfast? ChaptersStudy Portuguese At UniversityTry Out Portuguese Lessons At A Language SchoolLearn Portuguese OnlineOther Ways To Learn PortuguesePortuguese is a brilliant language to learn. As one of the most spoken languages in the world, with around 200 million native speakers, there are plenty of people you can speak Portuguese with!Regardless of why you might be interested in learning Portuguese, it can be difficult to find a place where you can learn the language, especially if you’re an absolute beginner or an intermediate speaker.This is because Portuguese isn’t typically taught as a modern foreign language at schools, whether that’s at primary school or secondary school. This is because other languages, from French to Spanish and German, are generally preferred.So, if you want to improve your Portuguese skills, you need to look outside the box for a language tutor. This article outlines some of the ways you can learn Portuguese in Belfast.Phonetics;Transport; andThe weather, a mong others.Of course, if you are an advanced Portuguese speaker, or would really like to learn about the language in great depth, then there is the option to apply for a place at university to study Portuguese at degree-level.Queen’s University Belfast can also help in this regard and offers a number of degree programmes that include Portuguese, such as International Business with Portuguese, Spanish and Portuguese, French and Portuguese, and Archaeology and Portuguese.Language schools can help teach you basic greetings in Portuguese (Image Source: Pixabay)Try Out Portuguese Lessons At A Language SchoolIf studying a language at university doesn’t appeal, then you could also try your hand at improving your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Portuguese at a language school.There are a few language schools in Belfast, such as Language Trainers, which offers Portuguese lessons in a number of formats, including:One to one general Portuguese lessons;One to one busine ss Portuguese lessons;Two to one and small group Portuguese lessons.So, whether you’d like to learn Portuguese for work-related reasons, or you want to learn the language for personal reasons (maybe to travel to Portugal or Brazil) you should be able to find a course.To give you a guideline of how much time you would need to commit to learning Portuguese, Language Trainers gives an estimate of the number of hours needed to reach a certain level:An elementary level would take around 30 hours;An intermediate level would take around 150 hours; andAn advanced level would take around 400 hours.Another language school you might like to research in Belfast is Listen Learn, which offers language lessons across the UK and Ireland.Like Language Trainers, Listen Learn offers a range of Portuguese courses depending on why you’d like to learn Portuguese.You can find face to face, one to one lessons for both general Portuguese and business Portuguese, as well as group lessons. Portuguese le ssons can also be held via Skype.Flexibility is emphasised with Listen Learn, as their website states:“You and your group can be trained by our native speaker qualified Portuguese teachers and can meet at your place of work or home at a time convenient to you. Tutorials can take place any day of the week, including weekends, and can be scheduled for the morning, afternoon or evening. If your home or office is not suitable for you, you can attend the lesson at the teacher's offices. You will be provided with all relevant lesson materials.”You might find that having Portuguese lessons in a group setting works better for you (Image Source: Pixabay)Learn Portuguese OnlineIf you’re looking for a more flexible way to learn a language, then you could also consider learning Portuguese, or another foreign language, online.There are plenty of resources available on the internet at price points to suit all budgets.The BBC, for example, offers some language learning resources for Portugu ese, such as “Talk Portuguese” â€" an online language course for beginners. The course covers a range of topics, including, but not limited to:Introductions;Ordering a meal or booking a table when eating out;Shopping for food;Transport and directions; andGreetings.Aside from the BBC, there are other ways to learn languages online or through your phone, with some popular examples highlighted below.BabbelBabbel is one of the most well-known language learning apps available. A paid-for service, Babbel offers:“Lessons crafted by language experts, and voiced by native speakers, [that] will get you ready for real-life  situations.”“Interactive dialogues [that] will give you the confidence to speak, and our speech recognition technology will help you get it  right.”“Curated review sessions [that] will reinforce what you’ve learned by bringing it back in new contexts, committing it to memory so you’ll never struggle for the right  words.”Babbel also offers short, easy to digest lessons, which tend to last 10 to 15 minutes, which is great if you’re time-poor but still want to get better at speaking Portuguese or learning the language more generally.Babbel also offers many different languages, such as Italian, German, Spanish, French, and Russian. So, if you’d like to learn another foreign language alongside Portuguese, Babbel can certainly help.DuolingoAnother popular language-learning resource is Duolingo.Like Babbel, lessons tend to be bite-size, making it easy to learn on the go, whether you’d like to learn about Portuguese grammar, the alphabet, or would like to expand your vocabulary in general.Other languages are also offered aside from Portuguese, such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese.You can access a free version of Duolingo or choose a paid-for version that removes adverts and offers offline courses, among other things.MosaLinguaIf you’re after something a little bit different when learning Portuguese, you could try MosaLingua.The Portuguese course offers features such as:Over 3,600 vocabulary flashcards;A personalised learning programme;Learning tips; andVocabulary adapted to your level, whether you’re an absolute beginner or an advanced speaker.Apps that offer Portuguese lessons can be a great way to learn more about the Portuguese language (Image Source: Pixabay)Other Ways To Learn PortugueseLanguage apps and online language courses, such as those run by the BBC, can be really helpful if you’re new to a language or want to learn in a flexible way that suits a busy lifestyle.Additionally, while there are certain things you can learn relatively easily through an app, such as learning common greetings and sayings in Portuguese and learning basic vocabulary and grammar, there are some drawbacks.This is because, while an online course can help you improve your reading and writing skills in Portuguese, you might find it harder to develop your speaking and listening skills to the same level, unless the course incorporates exercises that practice these areas.Ideally, when learning Portuguese, you should have regular exposure to the language as it’s spoken, and you should also have the opportunity to speak in Portuguese as well. This is why having a Portuguese tutor that you can converse with while speaking Portuguese can be so beneficial, as a tutor:Can let you know if your pronunciation needs work;Can give you the opportunity to talk about new topics in Portuguese;Can improve your listening skills when you hear them speak to you in Portuguese; andCan make you feel more comfortable overall when listening to and speaking Portuguese.If you’re looking for a new Portuguese tutor to help you take the next step in your language learning journey, then you could consider tutoring websites such as Superprof. Superprof has tutors in Belfast that teach a wide array of subjects and languages, including Portuguese.If you have a particular preference as to whether you lear n Brazilian Portuguese or the Portuguese spoken in Portugal, let your tutor know as well and they’ll do what they can to help you.The benefits of having a Superprof tutor teach you Portuguese is increased flexibility, as you can have more choice when it comes to when to have your lessons, and you also have a greater voice when deciding what you’re taught.So if you’re looking to improve your business Portuguese, want to learn common greetings or basic sayings, want to revise the Portuguese alphabet and basic grammar, or would like someone to practice your speaking skills with, a Superprof tutor could help you.

How to Ask for More Flexibility at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Ask for More Flexibility at Work - Introvert Whisperer How to Ask for More Flexibility at Work Guest Author June 10, 2016 Career Development, Office Politics, Problem-Solving One response Technology has made job flexibility a lot easier. Staying connected to the workplace isn’t a challenge when employees have access to smart phones, tablets and laptops. That’s one reason more and more people are seeking alternatives to the traditional nine-to-five schedule. Employers are seeing that options not only make workers happier â€" but also make them more productive. Some organizations have fully adopted flexible scheduling. Maybe your company’s not quite on the cutting edge yet, but don’t give up. If you’ve been toying with the idea of a flexible schedule, you can lead the charge. Be prepared with a serious and detailed plan, and you’ll be more likely to get a thumbs up, or at least not a definitive thumbs down. Sometimes change takes time. The Background In the gym, the definition of “flexibility” is straightforward: Your muscles aren’t short and tight. At work, “flexibility” has multiple meanings. That’s great, because you have more possibilities. Before proposing a schedule change, you need to be clear about what you want. Consider these questions: Would you like to telecommute, working from home one or more days a week? Do you want to come in earlier so you can leave sooner? Does the opposite appeal to you? Do you want a compressed work week, where your forty hours are spread over four days instead of five? Would you rather switch to part-time? Perhaps even share a position with someone else? Determine your preference, but also consider which option adapts best to your work responsibilities. The Motivation Give the upper echelon a reason to say “yes.” Develop skills that increase your value to the team and make you stand out from the crowd. Emerge as a go-to expert in a certain area. Be sure these competencies fit into your overall scheduling plan. There’s no point in becoming the best at troubling-shooting an important software program if you ultimately want to telecommute. They’ll never let you to leave the office! The Ad Lib As you’re developing your plan, take advantage of any sudden situations that let you demonstrate your effectiveness under your desired circumstances. For instance, if you want to telecommute, work when you’re home sick or trapped by a weather emergency. Or come in early to meet a looming deadline. When you eventually talk to your boss about flexible scheduling, mention these real-life illustrations of success. The Prep No action is without consequence. Changing your schedule affects coworkers. Think this through, and be prepared to counter any concerns. For example, how will you keep in touch with your team if you telecommute? How can they reach you in an emergency? What kind of equipment and devices will you need at home? Your employer may not be interested in paying for these. Will you? This might involve a significant financial outlay. The Pitch You’ve done the groundwork. Now make your case. Ask your supervisor for a meeting. Don’t throw the idea out in passing. If you don’t present it seriously, you won’t be taken seriously. Make your proposal, but don’t dwell on how it’ll benefit you. Focus on advantages to your employer. For example, telecommuting might let you get more work done, because you’ll have fewer distractions. Having someone in the office early in the morning might make the business more accessible to clients. Having the option will also improve recruitment and retention, since 74 percent consider flexible work schedules a priority when choosing a job. Describe your proposal in detail. Emphasize that you’ve already considered and addressed potential challenges and concerns. Point out that flexible scheduling is becoming more common. Since 2005, telecommuting has more than doubled. Over three quarters of workers believe they’re more productive away from the office. Don’t forget that personal anecdote about working from home when you were sick (or whatever event demonstrated your ability to flex). An instant, enthusiastic “yes” isn’t realistic, especially if flexible scheduling is new to your office. Suggest a trial run that lasts from one to three months. At the end of the period, everyone â€" your boss, co-workers, other stakeholders and yourself â€" assesses the program’s success. Then the proposal can be fully accepted, modified or, if unsuccessful, scrapped. The Negotiation You have a particular schedule in mind, but be open to alternatives. Maybe management is willing to try less radical modifications. Listen to counterproposals. Perhaps you’ll be offered flexibility within certain parameters, such as: Instead of working from nine until five, put in your hours anytime between eight a.m. and six p.m. Adjust your schedule whenever you have appointments or other personal business. Work from home when there’s a specific need, such as injury or illness. Change your schedule just one day a week. The Long Game Even if your proposal is met with a flat “no,” the idea might not be permanently off the table. Note the objections to your plan. Over time, address any concerns about your work habits. Are you slack with deadlines? If that’s the perception, improve! Also, see if problematic conditions change during the year. For instance, starting to telecommute during your busiest season probably won’t fly. Later in the year, the request might receive more support. Professionals who want job flexibility are looking for a work-life balance, not a way to get out of work. Having a well-prepared plan signals that you’re not trying to put your work on the back burner. You just want to try a new way of cooking. Author Bio: Sarah Landrum is a business and career writer with a background in Marketing and Economics. Her blog,  Punched Clocks, helps professionals find happiness and success in life and at work. Be sure to subscribe to her newsletter and follow her on social media for more great tips! Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE NOW! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.