Tag: Mathematics

Why Are Gen Eds Required for My Degree and How Can I Save Time and Money Completing Them?

If you’ve never been to college, you may ask yourself that question. Most people would much rather focus on courses that relate specifically to their chosen field of study and their career choice. The reality is that colleges and universities require from 30% to 50% of coursework to be general electives (gen eds). I know when I was younger and began my degree in engineering, I was anxious to start my core classes, but I soon learned that those courses would begin in the fourth or fifth semester. Many students may question whether gen eds are a waste of time, but is that true? First of all, all university programs require gen ed courses, so you are working your way toward your final goal. Secondly, you will learn new subjects, and you may develop a new passion. Elective courses also allow you to explore topics that interest you.

Colleges and universities want “well-rounded” graduates, and gen eds provide a comprehensive education. They promote critical thinking across multiple subjects. General education is more than what it is often perceived to be. Fundamentally, the purpose of education is not to train a student for a specific job but equips them with the skills they need to live life (Walters & Bockorn, 2018).

Once I started my gen ed curriculum, it began to make sense. I was experiencing high-level learning and then saw the value of these courses. For those of you who may not have any experience with post-secondary education, and those with limited knowledge of this subject, here are some examples of general education courses by category:

English Language and Literature:

College Composition, Oral Communication

Arts and Humanities:                                   

Arts, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Ethics, History

Social Sciences:                                    

Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics

Natural Science:                                            

Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology

Mathematics:                                                

Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics

So, we understand that gen eds are required and why, but how can we expedite the completion of these courses and save money? I’ve found that most colleges and universities nationwide provide access to and accept virtually the same courses to satisfy this requirement. One very good and very affordable option for completing these courses in the shortest time possible and for the lowest cost is through Distance Learning Systems.

Here are some of the benefits of utilizing Distance Learning Systems to satisfy this requirement.

  1. Distance Learning Systems provide a wide assortment of general education courses that satisfy most, if not all, general education requirements.
  2. All courses provided by Distance Learning Systems are ACE (American Council on Education) recommended.
  3. Distance Learning Systems has partnership agreements with over 30 of the nation’s finest universities. This guarantees the transferability of all courses completed with Distance Learning Systems into the degree-granting institution.
  4. All courses are delivered 100% online 24/7.
  5. Distance Learning Systems provide an accelerated path to over 450 online degree programs.
  6. The cost of these courses is about 56% less expensive than the average cost of university tuition.
  7. You have options when beginning a new program or returning to complete your degree. I absolutely see and appreciate the value of these general education courses, but my position has always been and will always be to maximize value and minimize time. Good luck!

 

Written By: Dave Christy

What I Wish I Would Have Known Before College

There is no step by step guide to survive school while pursuing a higher education degree. Many people describe college as some of the best years of their lives. However, higher education is a dramatic lifestyle change that can be hard to adapt to for many students. As a recent graduate reflecting on my college years, there are a few things I wish I had realized before I entered college. Here are a few things I wish I would’ve known, including stress, studying and money management.

In high school I was a three sport athlete, a member of the National Honor Society, the secretary for the student council and part of many other committees. I balanced these activities very well and loved every minute of it. However, the set schedule I was used to changed when I came to college. You are in charge of managing your schedule. No one is there to guide you along. This can be a major change of pace for many people. So my tip to you is to set a schedule. Sit down and plan out your week. Designate times to do assignments, tests and to study. Stick to your routine. Your grades will thank you.

If you had poor study habits in high school, it’s time to make a change. Students are often shocked by how much effort they must put into their classes. Even though students are often told how much time and effort they will have to put into their classes, they are typically stunned when they are actually expected to do it. If you’re really struggling, reach out to your advisor for helpful tips on how to manage your course work. They may also have resources available to you to make studying easier or more enjoyable! Don’t take on more than you can handle. Some students can handle four courses at a time while others may only be able to focus on one. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, that’s okay! Progress isn’t linear. Lastly, ask friends and loved ones what worked for them or look up studying tips online. If one method fails, don’t give up! Everyone is different, you just need to find your niche.

In all honesty, college was the most stressful time of my life. When my routine was no longer existent, I found that I had to discover new ways to manage stress and anxiety. It wasn’t until my junior year that I was able to find ways to manage that stress that worked for me. I found that what worked for me didn’t necessarily work for my friends. I had always been an extremely active person, so I naturally gravitated towards fitness to take my mind off of whatever I was stressed about. Going to the gym at the end of the day helped me relax and refocus. Other stress relievers can be painting, reading a book or even just watching a movie or tv for a little while. Find a healthy coping mechanism and make sure to incorporate it into your new routine.

Last but not least, money. Money can be a huge concern while earning your degree, and managing it can be difficult. My advice would be to set a budget or allowance for yourself. You can make it weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. Factor in the cost of your loans, along with other expenses such as books and materials. When I made my budget, I also included money for food, extracurriculars along with how much money I would put into savings. I really stress putting money aside for savings. When my senior year rolled around, I was able to pay off my whole first semester with what money I had put aside which saved me the stress of paying more interest on my loan. Every bit counts, save what you can, when you can.

For many students, college is a whole new world and what comes along with it can be stressful and overwhelming. Finding what works for you during this time is extremely important. Sometimes, though, a little guidance can be helpful — take it from people who learned the hard way.

Tips In Studying Mathematics

Mathematics is taught in every stage in education whether in preparatory, middle school and college. Many of the students are having a hard time mastering mathematics because of its systematic process and its different practices and procedures.

These techniques will surely help students who want to sharpen their mathematical skills:

  • Always attend classes in a regular basis and give your full attention to the material. Math is normally more visual than other subjects because of its equations and problem solving. List down practice problems from class. When you scan your notes after the class, it will help your knowledge regain the specific lessons that were taught rather than relying on your textbook.
  • Always read Math problems completely before starting the computations. If you will just glance too quickly at the problem, you may misunderstand what really needs to be done to solve the problem.
  • If possible, draw a diagram and make it your guide. A hand drawn diagram will allow you to label the picture, to add lines and to visualize the situation from a different perspective.
  • Ask your professor any question that you might have because sometimes, the teacher may not tell you specifically what may happen in examination day, but he/she will definitely give you guidance if you don’t understand.
  • Do your homework. Most classes have assigned or suggested problems that the teacher wants you to answer. Keep your homework papers and collect the checked papers and home work sheets in a plastic binder so you can use those works as your study guide. Do as many problems as you can so that you can practice and be familiar with the process of solving.
  • Start to study 2 months before the exam and do not wait for the last minute to come. Study as much as possible the day before the test, but allow yourself to try other activities to maintain balance.
  • Try to research same problems that are similar to your assigned work in school. Download workbooks that may give you more knowledge and techniques in doing the problem.
  • The more, the merrier. Join group studies so that you can collect different ideas and ways in solving and a partner can also help you understand lessons in a certain topic.
  • Bear in mind that math is very systematic. Scan your notes in a daily basis so that you won’t forget even a small detail.

Effective Strategies For Passing A Credit By Exam Test

A credit by exam test awards a student transferable college units which are useful in shortening the time consumed in earning a college degree. Many students take credit by exam tests to help them reduce the cost in their college education. However, a student must successfully pass the exam to gain the needed college credits. These type of test are usually difficult to pass. It’s ideal that a student implement strategies to ensure a passing grade in these type of exams.

Here’s a list of effective strategies that a student can adapt to help them prepare for the exam and acquire a passing grade in the test:

Exposure In Subjects, Principles, And Facts
Acquired knowledge in specific subjects that are included in credit by exam tests is not simple. Some of the subjects and lesson included are not tackled in high school classes. However it doesn’t mean a student wont be able to acquire those lesson somewhere else. Students can acquire related knowledge thru their work. Exposure in subjects included in credit by exam tests are often acquired in the work force. Applying as an on the job trainee in a particular industry will grant students advanced knowledge in related subjects. These can be a good preparation for a credit by exam test.

The Power of Review Centers
Enrolling in review classes that aim to prepare students for a credit by exam test is very effective. There are institutions that offer these kinds of review classes for students. Review centers have the right resources that can help students acquire a passing score in the test. Most of the time, review centers have pre-test and review materials that are very useful in preparing the capability of students to pass the credit by test. Review classes are powerful tools that students should take before taking a credit by exam test.

Psychology: An Important Subject In Nursing Courses

Psychology is the study of human brain processes and behavior. As a college subject, psychology is very interesting. Students learn lessons and principles that help them with the psychological characteristics of a human being. Psychology is an important subject in nursing courses. Many principles in psychology are useful in a nursing career. In fact, psychology is integrated in nursing major subjects like Psychiatric nursing. This particular major nursing subject develops the knowledge and skills needed by nurses in clinical psychology setting.

Nurses Need To Know About The Human Brain
The brain is a very important human organ. It’s responsible for many human function that keeps a person alive. The field of medicine covers all human organs. This includes the brain. The human brain is a complex organ to study. Psychology helps explains to nurses how the brain functions. The characteristics and processes of the brain are learned in psychology subjects.

Understanding Brain Processes Help Nurses Be Efficient In Their Profession
Nurses deal with people. Providing medical service to patients with different kinds of personality can be very challenging. Psychology allows nurses to understand the different kinds of personality people have. This grants nurses skills and capability to provide efficient medical servicing to various types of patients. Understanding a person’s behavior and personality is important especially to a career that involves interaction with other people.

Clinical Psychologist Need Nurses
The field of medicine has a branch dedicated to psychological and mental illnesses. Many psychiatric facilities employ medical professionals like nurses. Nurses play an important role in providing medical treatments to patients with psychological and mental disorders. Mental hospitals need nurses to help them manage patients with abnormal mental conditions. Psychiatrists rely on nurses to provide the basic medical needs of psychiatric patients. Basic medical needs like vital signs monitoring and medicine administration.

Eight Important Things To Know About Distance Education

An alternative means for acquiring academic qualification is thru Distance Education. This method of education is different from the traditional classroom base education. A distance education program grants student’s opportunity to be educated without being physically present in regular classrooms. A lot of Universities and Colleges offer this kind of program to meet the needs of students who cannot attend regular campus classes. This kind of program allows students to be educated in a particular institution even if they are living miles away. Students in a distance education program don’t have to travel in a different location to acquire the education that they need.

A Distance education program is very beneficial to students who are currently employed in the workforce. This kind of program is also advantageous to hands-on parents who are busy attending to their kids. Although, the popularity of distance education rose in the recent years, many people are still unaware that such an educational program exists. The distance education program is an ideal option to consider during a student’s decision. The public should know about the existence of distance education program. Not only does it give educational opportunity to more people, but it also brings high quality education to households all over the  world. Distance education programs give chance to students who don’t have the time and resources to get a formal education in traditional campus setting.

Below are eight facts about distance education programs:

  1. Distance Education Has Been Existing For Quite A long Time.
  2. The Internet Allowed Distance Education To Be More Efficient.
  3. It Is Cheaper Compared To Traditional Method Of Education.
  4. It Provides The Best Opportunity For Students With Busy Schedules.
  5. Anyone Can Enroll In A Distance Education.
  6. Location Is Not Important.
  7. The Quality OF Education Is Equal To Regular Or Traditional Method Of Education.
  8. The Degree Earned Is Valid And Accepted.

Five Things You Should Know About College Level Examination Program

Students who want to earn college credits have the option to take the College Level Examination Program. This is a type of exam wherein the student’s knowledge are assessed. Students who pass the college examination program test is awarded college credits which is transferable and accepted to a lot of colleges and universities.

How Many Subjects are Covered in a College Level Examination Program Test?
This type of assessment test covers thirty three exams in five subject areas which can be credited in a college general education course. A student who is able to pass all 36 subjects will be granted college credits that are useful to many college degree courses.

What’s the Passing Score for This Kind of Exam?
The minimum qualifying score for a student to earn a passing grade is typically 75%. The minimum qualifying score accepted by a particular college or university depends on the institution’s own standards.

How Long Does It Take To Finish The Exam?
Normally it would take 90 minutes to finish each test in a College Level Examination Program. The time consumed in taking the test will depend on the number of subjects you want to take.

How Much Is The Cost For Taking The Exam?
A standard payment of $80 per exam is required. The total cost for the entire exam will depend on the number of tests the student will be taking. The more exams a student will be taking, the more cost he or she needs to pay.

Why Should A Student Take A College Level Examination Program Test?
Passing the College Level Examination Program grants a student college credit in a fraction of the cost and time. A student can save time and money for earning required college credits. Earning credits in this type of exam is practical and cost efficient.

Three Important Nursing Subjects Students Should Know

Nursing subjects play important roles in molding students to become highly skilled nursing professionals in the future. These subjects are the foundation of important nursing principles required in the medical workforce. There are more than a dozen of nursing subjects in a nursing course. Each subject focuses on a specific set of principles in the field of nursing.  The principles and information acquired in nursing subjects are useful in the everyday work of a professional nurse.

Here Are Three Important Nursing Subjects that a nursing student should earn in school.

Fundamentals of Nursing
This subject introduces a student nurse to the basic principles in nursing. The fundamentals of nursing is the first major subject that freshmen students need to take up. The topics in this subject include : The Profession of nursing (8 lessons), Asepsis & Infection Control (4 lessons) ,Understanding the Body’s Defenses in Nursing ( 3 lessons), Understanding Rest And Sleep for Nurses ( 4 lessons), Understanding Pain & Pain Management for Nurses ( 5 lessons)  and Understanding Nutrition for Nurses (2 lessons).

Fundamental Nursing Skills
This particular major subject develops the nursing skills expected from a nursing professional. Fundamental Nursing Skills I is usually offered to 1st year students during 2nd semester. While Fundamental nursing skills II and III are offered during the 1st semester of the second year. Lessons learned in these subjects include breathing, Mobilization, Personal cleansing and dressing, Maintaining a safe environment and many other lessons focusing on nursing procedures and techniques.

Nursing Management
Nursing Management is offered for 3rd year students during the 1st semester.  And Nursing Management I and II are both offered during the first semester of the last year. The lessons tackled in these subjects develop a nurse’s ability for decision-making and leadership within the nursing employed organization. Nurses’ management skills like organizing, planning, staffing, controlling and directing are harnessed thru these subjects.

Three Effective Strategies to Pass CLEP Exams

CLEP Exams grant a student transferable college credits. Taking a CLEP Exam is an ideal way to earn advance units in college. CLEP exams are advantageous to students. It’s quite easy to apply and take the exam. But, for some, passing the CLEP exam is a little bit difficult. Not all CLEP exam takers will successfully earn the much needed college credits.

The CLEP exam assess a student’s knowledge in thirty six subject areas. It is equivalent to the final exam given in a regular college class. Normally, a student should acquire a score of 50 to 60 out of 80 items. Attaining this score is difficult especially for students with low to average knowledge and capability. It’s best that a student adapts effective techniques that will ensure a passing score in the exam.

Below are three Useful and effective strategies to help students pass the CLEP Test:

Self-Review
A student can prepare for a CLEP exam by undergoing in self-review and studying. Students can acquire useful reading materials about the subject. Students should be able to familiarize terms and principles related to the subject. It’s advisable that a student create a schedule and a lot a time for studying and reviewing.

Tutoring
Another effective strategy to ensure a passing score in the CLEP exam is thru participating in tutorial classes. There are several institutions that offer this kind service to students. Some institutions also offer online tutorial classes for CLEP exams.

Review Materials
Students can also acquire CLEP review materials that are available in bookstores.  CLEP reviewers are similar to the actual test materials in a CLEP exam. Reviewers often help students prepare for the test. It can also increase the chances of students to earn high scores in the actual test result.

Simple Facts You Want to Know About Distance Learning

Distance education or distance learning is a means of acquiring formal education and learning without physically attending regular classes in school campuses. This type of learning is not really new. In fact, the first distance education course started in 1840 by Sir Isaac Pitman.  It eventually evolved as new forms of communications developed. The internet allowed a more efficient means to deliver instruction materials to students taking a distance education program.

The advancement of the internet made distance education more popular. More and more students acquire a formal education thru this type of learning. Here are some facts that you want to about distance education programs.

It’s a practical and convenient mode of education
Students enrolling in distance education programs often choose this type learning because it’s practical. It’s also the most convenient way of acquiring a formal education. Students can save time, money, and energy from acquiring formal education, if they attend online classes right in their homes. A student taking the traditional method of education must take daily trips to a school campus to attend scheduled classes. And if the student must miss class for some reason, there is no alternative to reschedule the lecture, unlike online classes where the lectures are often recorded and made available for later viewing.

Credits earned are valid and transferable
Many hesitant students do have this thinking that the credits or the degree earned in online school is not recognized by an education board. However, legitimate online schools do grant a student transferable credits which are transferable in many colleges and universities. A degree earned with an online school is also recognized and accepted by many employers and companies.

Provide an educational opportunity to people who can’t attend traditional classes
Students who are not capable of physically attending regular classes in school campuses will still have an opportunity to finish an educational course.  This is very useful to students who are busy working in the workforce and full time parents.