Why Study Economics

Why Study Economics Reasons to Select Economics as Your Field of Study ChaptersUnderstanding EconomicsEconomics and Unintended ConsequencesA Career in EconomicsWhy Study Economics?American president Donald Trump has gone into tariff-slapping mode: against his country's allies as well as presumed arch-enemies such as China â€" his latest target in the alleged trade imbalance row.He is slapping tariffs on just about everything, causing ire amongst friend and foe alike. Why is he doing that?If you knew anything about economics, you might divine that answer.Especially in today's world, where grains of potential profit promptly scatter on the increasingly desolate beaches of Gross Domestic Product, to be pulverised by wave after wave of corporate inversion...As a student of Economics, you would understand the dire forecasts engendered by rising nationalist sentiment, restricted trade initiatives and even the America pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord.Yes, economists are modelling those hypotheses even as we speak!As you can see by the 3 instances of cur rent and ongoing events just mentioned, economics covers far more than just the laws of supply and demand and how people spend their money.Mainstream society perceives economics as one of the dullest, least engaging subjects to major in, let alone carve one's life work out of.Economics is neither sexy nor high-profile, yet it is a science vital to the progression of humankind.Wouldn't you like to be on the forefront of a paradigm shift where the study and application of economic theory are concerned?First, you have to know why it is crucial that economics study be well-regarded, more widely accepted and better understood.Thus, the farmer whose existence depends on environmental economics â€" the study of land and local resources, would be subject to less disruption than the affluent Londoner, whose economic status depends almost wholly on societal perception and values.You may fear the ponderous math involved in economics study and practice.Indeed: you will see extensive calculus an d other higher math in your curriculum, especially if you are an undergraduate, working on your Bachelor of Science degree.A Bachelor of Arts in economics is less demanding of mathematical skills, but you must still master a sizable quantity of maths, as well as statistical analysis.However, your degree programme's  elective courses will delve into the fascinating realm of the human psyche to help you understand why people at all levels of society make the choices they do.On the way, you will understand yourself, and the world around you, better.In addition to understanding the choices you make, you will gain insight into how best to manage financial affairs.By studying economic indicators you could make sound decisions on investments and mortgages. By tracking interest rates, you will better be able to weather winds of change in global markets.In short: you will have the edge over that impulsive Knightsbridge dweller who felt compelled to display his status, rather than secure it.U nintended consequences of financial decisions are far greater than those of a coffee spill! Source: Pixabay Credit: Steve PbEconomics and Unintended ConsequencesRecently in the news: the government of Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington, proposed levying a jobs tax on major corporations to alleviate homelessness.Global companies headquartered there, such as Amazon and Starbucks, were incensed!This tax initiative caused those billion-dollar enterprises to rethink hiring expansions, and even to talk about moving out of that region altogether.Their abandoning that city would cause economic chaos: job loss â€" or, at least a cap on hiring should they decide to stay, as well as loss of revenue to the city’s coffers and loss of income for individual consumers.Those are what is known as unintended consequences.In principle, the idea of housing every homeless person desiring a home is laudable.However, the unintended consequence of targeting the city’s largest employers for funding signals a potential reversal of economic growth for the city as a whole.Likewise, economic issues post-Brexit are direly forecast: the uncertainty surrounding current negotiations might result in the UK not having a free-trade agreement by the date England’s departure from the conglomerate.Wouldn’t you, as an economics major, jump at the chance of formulating an economic analysis of such a scenario, including economic problems our country would face if Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain as members of the European Union?You might say that broader job requirement of the economist is to build models that uncover unforeseen consequences of political and financial decisions and help to find ways around them.If your graduate study takes you into that wide range of economic research, you would have job security for life!A Career in EconomicsFar from the stereotype of tweed-wearing academics sporting eyeglasses, the economics degree holder may branch out into any of several career fields:finance and bankingpolitics and public policysales and marketingcivil serviceinsurance and actuaryIf office work does not appeal to you, you might continue your studies, completing your postgraduate work in political science, business economics or specialising in market research.All of those adverts that pop up on your phone or tablet are a direct result of such research!You may work abroad, using your knowledge of development economics, to compile statistics for firms wishing to invest in those countries’ growth.Or, you might want to stay close to home and focus on labour economics â€" a hot topic just now.Why is there such a pay gap between genders? Why do workers stay for years in unsatisfying jobs instead of seeking out what they would really like to do â€" like you’re doing?And what economic factors go into making such choices?Or you may select econometrics as your career vehicle of choice. Wouldn’t you like to sift through mountains of data to define simple relationships?Then, being well-versed in economic principles and using applied economics, you could try to predict the outcome of real-life situations, such as the looming trade war and its true global economic impact.You can fins a reliable economist GMAT tutor here.Studying economics gives ample food for thought as well as introspection Source: Pixabay Credit: Dana TentisWhy Study Economics?Confession time: prior to researching and writing this series of articles, I too was a true believer in economics being the academic world’s most boring field of study.I not-so-seriously wondered: who could make a profession out of studying principles of economics and applying them to, say, the job market?Now, having weathered a recession or two â€" not ageing myself here!, having travelled the world and seen abject poverty firsthand, and being of an analytical mindset anyway, I most certainly can see the value in studying economics.Not that I would give up being a writer, but I would go so far as to say that, had I known then what I know now, I might have pursued economics courses.For undergraduates wondering what school of study to apply to: please learn from my experience.Shunning the study of economics because of a stereotype means denying yourself a wide variety of potential career fields, a deeper understanding of how the world works and the ability to discern fundamental machinations of society as a whole.Many, if not most of the world’s most significant problems have an economic dimension â€" quoted from the Washington University Department of Economics home page.From income disparity in developing nations to gender disparity in the field of economics itself: so few women choose this major! the sheer variety of study topics is astounding.Indeed, this is a field of study wherein, once you scratch the surface, you will want to delve deeper into it, possibly hopping from one subspecialty to the next to find the one that you will wholeheartedly sink your teeth in to.Are you now eager to prepare in joining the wave of economists who themselves are creating waves: in public policy, in finance and in business; in global initiatives and in everyone’s quality of life?Or do you just really want to understand why Mr. Trump seems to be provoking both enemies and allies?Either way, majoring in economics would prod you to... maybe not the answers you seek, but an understanding of the underlying motivations that cause such disruptive situations and social ills in general.See a guide to A Level economics here.Understand the A Level syllabus here.Look at the best revision materials for economics here.Access past papers for economics exams here.

Becoming a Great Guitarist

Becoming a Great Guitarist How Can You Become a Master of the Guitar? ChaptersFirstly, What Do You Need To Play Guitar?How To Choose Your GuitarTune Your GuitarThe Basics of a Guitar NeckWhat Are the Inlays on the Neck of a Guitar For?How Can You Find the Notes on a Guitar's Neck?Other Techniques for Familiarising Yourself with the Neck of a GuitarLearn The Basics Of GuitarWhat Will I Learn In Guitar Lessons?“Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” - Alphonse de LamartineMore and more Brits are taking to the stage.  But before they do, they have the long and arduous task of learning how to play guitar.  They need to learn the notes, the chords, rhythm, and even harmony.Your first guitar may as well be from an alien planet if you've never owned a stringed instrument before. Each guitar player will have to get used to playing guitar, learn how to strum a chord, finger frets in a certain way, and tune a guitar with or without a tuner.To help those who just started learning how to play the guitar and are still finding the ir way around the neck, we've got some tips and advice for you. It's a good idea for any musician to familiarise themselves with their instrument over a few guitar lessons before they start strumming some power chords on their new Stratocaster or Les Paul copy.Plenty of Superprof guitar tutors offer lessons one-on-one or in small groups and have no trouble coming to your home for lessons. And, perhaps best of all, most Superprof tutors offer their first hour of lessons at no charge, just to see if you get along well enough to learn from them! That's right, they all offer free lessons!Superprof is an excellent way to cut out all of the running around you would otherwise have to do to find the ideal guitar teacher for you! And, many of our tutors offer video guitar lessons and guitar lessons online.What Will I Learn In Guitar Lessons?As a guideline of what you could expect to learn when you start out playing the guitar, here's a rough timeline:to start out, you will learn about the ch ords, strumming patterns, and tabs. Your teacher will start to teach you different techniques like licks, barre, and fingerpicking. Then, you will most likely learn simple songs to practise again and again.once you are well-rehearsed in the practical aspects of the guitar, your teacher will guide you towards learning about musical theory and more technical aspects.further down the line, you will learn more complicated sequences, possibly even be encouraged to play in a band alongside other instruments or asked to sing whilst you play the guitar.Classes will help give you both a good theoretical base and practical experience of playing the guitar.During the more practical lessons, in-depth focus will be given to the basic parts of the guitar, including the guitar neck and how to place your fingers, the fretboard, and learning to tune your instrument. Therefore, after several lessons, you will be well on your way to playing (almost) like a pro!Good luck!

Singing Lessons Before and After [Best Transformation Videos]

Singing Lessons Before and After [Best Transformation Videos] Jessica Dais The transformation in vocal students before and after singing lessons is truly inspiring.  As a singing teacher, it really is amazing to watch students learn to do everything from match pitches to mix belt like a Broadway star. Have you ever wondered what you would sound like if you took voice lessons? Although every singer’s results will be different, YouTube has a variety of before and after singing lessons videos, so you can hear the typical results of vocal study. These three transformation videos leave no doubt: voice lessons definitely work! Singing Lessons: Before and After Troy Donavan’s Singing Transformation In Troy’s older videos, one thing stands out immediately: his significant jaw tension. It almost looks like he is holding something in his mouth, and he is afraid that if he opens his mouth too wide, something will fall out. Try to notice his masseter muscles clenching as he sings. In addition to the jaw tension, his muffled, uncomfortable tone suggests tongue and throat tension. Now check out this second video. Even by watching Troy’s “after singing lessons” videos without sound, it’s obvious that he’s starting to relax his jaw and open his mouth more while singing. His face looks much more comfortable, and forming words looks much easier. His tone is also clearer and has lost that muffled quality, suggesting that the tongue and throat tension he struggled with has largely dissolved. Congratulations, Troy! This is truly an inspiring singing transformation. Polina Lesik’s Singing Transformation Polina Lesik is a professional singer from Russia. Although her video does include some footage of live performances, most of the older clips are audio only. Even so, the difference in technique is abundantly apparent. In the older singing clips, Polina’s singing shows significant pitch problems. While she was always in the ballpark of the correct pitches, she was off just enough to give the singing an amateur quality. She also exhibited no vibrato in the early years. However, she was studying classical voice during that time, and by 2007 (as exhibited at 3:11 in the video), her head voice technique had markedly improved. She was also showing better pitch accuracy and vibrato. Even still, Polina was not working on her chest voice technique yet, and that showed in her singing. While her head voice was improving, her chest voice technique from the same period sounds forced and thick. This sounds like a result of tension in the throat and tongue. It wasn’t until 2010, when Polina again started studying with a voice teacher (this time for jazz voice), that her rock and pop sound improved. The forced sound disappeared, and she was left with greater pitch accuracy, steady vibrato, and a clearer timbre in both her chest and head registers. Her later videos also exhibit an ability to mix her chest and head voice (called modal voice) in order to hit belted high notes without any strain. Great job, Polina! Rached Hayek’s Singing Transformation Rached Hayek is a singer and songwriter from Sydney, Australia. This video’s “before” example is a cell phone recording that doesn’t include video. But just like with Polina, the noticeable difference is enormous. The song in both the “before” and “after” recordings is “Walking Away” by Craig David, sung a cappella. In the “before” recording, Rached’s tone is pleasant, and it’s clear that he has talent. However, he was not able to successfully navigate the runs and register changes in the song. When he tried to change notes rapidly, he went out of tune, and because he was singing a cappella, this threw the whole song off balance. In addition, his runs slid together, at times resembling a vocal slide rather than individual notes. The “after” recording tells a different story. The runs are now clean and distinct, each note precise. As a result, even without a back track, Rached is able to stay in tune. Wonderful work, Rached! Transform Your Voice If you’re serious about making vocal progress, find a singing teacher near you or start taking online singing classes  today. With the proper guidance, you’ll learn how to sing comfortably in whatever style you choose. And soon, you’ll be able to make your very own “Singing Lessons Before and After” video! Post Author: Elaina R. Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as through online lessons. She received her Master of Music from the University of Michigan, and has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina 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

Features of Educational Technologies facilitating Distance Learning Education

Features of Educational Technologies facilitating Distance Learning Education 0SHARESShare Online tutoring is currently on high demand with advanced educational technologies and feature that it offers to give enhanced meaning to tutoring. While providing online instructions to the students, it is important for online tutoring service provider to consider the level of concreteness of distance learning and choosing an appropriate technology to deliver effective tutoring. The blog is meant for students to check the concreteness of various educational technologies before choosing the right tutoring services. When study materials like hard copy, notes, worksheets, practice sheets, test papers is asynchronous form of imparting learning. Often tutor mail study materials to the student or allow them to download the recorded audio or video tutoring sessions. In this case also, student does not interact with tutors in real-time as it follows asynchronous form of tutoring. Tutor passes single-sided real-time audio tutoring session which is similar to radio broadcast or Pod cast. This is synchronous tutoring where tutor delivers lecture and student is silent listener.   Use of more advanced techniques like online tutor takes tutoring sessions with two-way real-time audio/video communication.   It is synchronous learning made possible using Skype. Often, private online tutors teach lessons playing recorded video sessions to their students where both student and tutor communicate by live text or audio messaging. Two way real-time video communications is also offered by several tutoring websites where both student and tutor communicate by real time audio message like MSN. Use of multimedia PowerPoint files to assist two-way audio-video communication is also synchronous tutoring. This is all about features of educational technologies that facilitate distance learning; however, it is student and parent responsibility to check the concreteness of each of these methods and find out one which is suitable for them. Ultimately, the new paradigm of educational technology     should help building teacher-student relationship, good learning atmosphere and learning effectiveness. [starbox id=admin]

Critical Reasoning Question 3-Balaland Republic - Private Tutoring

Critical Reasoning Question 3-Balaland Republic BobbiM Jan 27, 2014 Critical Reasoning Question 3 An investigation must be launched into the operations of the private group that is training recruits to fight against the Balaland Republic. The U.S. Neutrality Act plainly forbids U.S. citizens from engaging in military campaigns against any nation with which we are not at war. Since no war has been declared between the United States and the Balaland Republic, we should bring charges against these fanatics, who are in open defiance of the law. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument above? A. The Balaland Republic is currently engaged in a bloody and escalating civil war. B. Diplomatic relations between the United States and the Balaland Republic were severed last year. C. The recruits are being trained to fight only in the event the United States goes to war against the Balaland Republic. D. The training of recruits is funded not by E.S. citizens, but rather by a consortium of individuals from abroad. E. Charges cannot be brought against the private group that is training the recruits unless an investigation is first launched. Correct answer: C U.S. law forbids U.S. citizens from engaging in military campaigns against countries unless the United States is at war with those countries. Since no war has been declared between the United States and the Balaland Republic, the author concludes that the recruits being trained to fight against the Balaland Republic are defying U.S. law. But if, as (C) asserts, the recruits are being trained to fight only if a way is declared, then theyre not in defiance of U.S. law. Being prepared for battle is different from actually engaging in it. (A)s no weakener; we cant assume that the countrys escalating civil war justifies military action against it. In (B), severing diplomatic ties doesnt go far enough to show that training recruits is justifiable under U.S. law. As for (D), who funds the rebels was never mentioned by the author and is irrelevant. And as for (E), the author starts off calling for an investigation, so he doesnt assert that charges should be brought without launching an investigation first.

As a British Teacher, what qualifications do I need to teach abroad

As a British Teacher, what qualifications do I need to teach abroad Often times, we get questions from British teachers asking about their qualifications and whether they can transfer to teach abroad, since the certification process in the United Kingdom is a bit different from North America. Depending on what experience you have, you could potentially teach anywhere in the world. I have a Bachelor’s Degree: With a Bachelor’s Degree, you could potentially qualify to teach ESL abroad in certain countries, such as China, Thailand, or Vietnam. Some positions may require an ESL certificate, such as TEFL Certification. However, if you are you looking to expand your options to places such as the Middle East, you will need to obtain more qualifications. View and apply for ESL teaching positions I have a Qualified Teacher Status: If you have obtained your QTS through either PGCE or Graduate Teacher Programme, you would be considered a “new teacher graduate”. With this credential, you could qualify to teach not only as an ESL Instructor, but with select programmes as well. Countries such as Qatar and Kuwait do welcome newly licensed teachers with the QTS under their belts. View and apply for Qatar teaching positions View and apply for Kuwait teaching positions I am a Newly Qualified Teacher + have some teaching experience: This qualification will give you the most options and enable you to teach virtually anywhere! Some countries will require a minimum of two to three years of teaching experience, and your one year induction should count towards this. This means you will need one to two more years of teaching experience for select programmes. View and apply for licensed teaching positions Looking for leadership positions? Make sure you have your National Professional Qualification for Headteachers and be sure to double check the job requirements to see how many years of experience are required. View and apply for leadership positions

Maintaining Momentum this Summer to Keep from Falling Behind

Maintaining Momentum this Summer to Keep from Falling Behind Maintaining Momentum this Summer to Keep from Falling Behind Playgrounds may not be the only place your children experience a slide this summer. Whether you call it the summer slide or brain drain, children often fall behind without any academic learning during the summer months. While a break from the mental taxation of school is needed, studies show that children can lose up to two months of their knowledge and skills between school grades. A childs learning not only stagnates during this time, but a significant amount of the knowledge gained from the previous school year could also dissipate. To make matters worse, children who languish in the summer will almost always have trouble getting started when the new school year begins. Its important to remember, the brain is like any other muscle and needs a regular dose of exercise to stay strong. Consider how motivated and great we feel when we work out regularly. After taking a few months off of exercising, however, its easy to lose our motivation and our confidence may slip. Then, when we get over that hump and start exercising again, we often lose endurance and speed. The same thing happens to children after a long break from exercising the mind. They may lose confidence, motivation, and skills. What seems like simply taking two months off can easily slide into four months of progress lost and difficulty getting back into the routine. School is becoming increasingly more challenging each year. Since students have more free time in the summer, its a great opportunity to get ahead. Children that continue learning throughout the summer have an academic advantage that can catapult them into the new school year! The good news is theres plenty of time for both fun and learning in the summer. Check out this blog post for super simple tips! You might also be interested in: Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup What Could Your Kids Gain (or Lose) This Summer? Four Easy Ways to Make Summer Break Fun and Educational 6 Practical Tips for Summer Parenting Maintaining Momentum this Summer to Keep from Falling Behind Maintaining Momentum this Summer to Keep from Falling Behind Playgrounds may not be the only place your children experience a slide this summer. Whether you call it the summer slide or brain drain, children often fall behind without any academic learning during the summer months. While a break from the mental taxation of school is needed, studies show that children can lose up to two months of their knowledge and skills between school grades. A childs learning not only stagnates during this time, but a significant amount of the knowledge gained from the previous school year could also dissipate. To make matters worse, children who languish in the summer will almost always have trouble getting started when the new school year begins. Its important to remember, the brain is like any other muscle and needs a regular dose of exercise to stay strong. Consider how motivated and great we feel when we work out regularly. After taking a few months off of exercising, however, its easy to lose our motivation and our confidence may slip. Then, when we get over that hump and start exercising again, we often lose endurance and speed. The same thing happens to children after a long break from exercising the mind. They may lose confidence, motivation, and skills. What seems like simply taking two months off can easily slide into four months of progress lost and difficulty getting back into the routine. School is becoming increasingly more challenging each year. Since students have more free time in the summer, its a great opportunity to get ahead. Children that continue learning throughout the summer have an academic advantage that can catapult them into the new school year! The good news is theres plenty of time for both fun and learning in the summer. Check out this blog post for super simple tips! You might also be interested in: Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup What Could Your Kids Gain (or Lose) This Summer? Four Easy Ways to Make Summer Break Fun and Educational 6 Practical Tips for Summer Parenting