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Tips for Taking the ACT

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 04:58:05 +0000

The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science with an optional writing exam.

The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours and 30 minutes to complete with breaks (or just over four hours if taking the Writing Test). Actual testing time is two hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes for the Writing Test).

ACT results are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. The basic registration fee includes score reports for up to four college choices for which a valid code is listed at time of registration.

The ACT can be an important factor in college education. Not only is it an important criteria for admission to most universities but some degree programs also use scores to determine admission. For these reasons it is important to prepare carefully before taking the exam.

The best preparation for the ACT is taking a solid high school program that includes courses in English, math, science, and social studies and taking your school work seriously.

But it’s also true that attitude, emotion, and physical state may influence performance. So start preparing early and know what to expect on the test day. Read all the information in the registration packet and take the complete practice test included.

On test day itself make sure to:

~ Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.

~ Read the directions for each section carefully.

~ Read each question carefully.

~ Pace yourself—don’t spend too much time on a single passage or question.

~ Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good eraser; do not use a mechanical pencil, ink pen or correction fluid.

~ Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones.

~ On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.

~ Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.

~ Review your work. If you finish a test before time is up, go back and check your work.

~ Mark your answers neatly. If you erase, erase completely and cleanly without smudging.

~ Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing on the writing Test after time has been called or you will be disqualified from the exam.

~ You’ll have 30 minutes to read and think about the issue in the writing prompt, and to plan and write your essay. Do some planning before writing the essay. Carefully consider the prompt and make sure you understand it. Think of how best to organize the ideas in your essay. Use specific examples.

Preparing for the ACT is important for your college education and your future.

By: Deanna Mascle

The Truth About Our Physical Education History

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:51:41 +0000

Remember high school gym class? You played volleyball, ran a mile on the track, and ducked before being hit in the face during a vigorous game of dodge ball? Physical education has been part of the educational scene for nearly 200 years. It is vital that students participate in physical education to keep their mind and body in peak learning condition. Currently, the childhood obesity rate is dangerously climbing to epidemic levels. Therefore, the focus on physical education is more important then ever before.

The question is how should physical education be conducted? First, take a look at physical education history. Physical education has evolved over the years. Physical education is defined as “instruction in the development and care of the body ranging from simple calisthenics exercises to a course of study providing training in hygiene, gymnastics, and the performance and management of athletic games (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).” This definition is broad because you can learn several topics ranging from the rules of basketball to sex education. It depends on the school policies of your state educational system.

Physical education was officially recognized in the United States in the early 1800’s. Colleges and Universities began to offer physical education programs throughout the 1800’s. Finally, in 1866 California was the first to mandate physical education. Many states followed this mandate within the next 30 years. The importance of training the body as well as the mind became prevalent in the educational system.

The 20th century brought varying levels of physical education to each state. Presidents such as Eisenhower and Kennedy promoted physical education and fitness. Children took the Presidential Fitness test each year to assess their physical fitness level. This arose from the need for U.S. students to be as physical fit as their European counterparts.

Controversial issues have played an integral role in physical education history. For example, in 1972 Title IX banned sexual discrimination in schools regarding sports and academics. This allowed female athletes to actively participate in team sports other than cheerleading with the financial and emotional support of the school system.

Another controversial issue is sexual education. It has been the subject of intense debate for many decades. Each state has specific guidelines about what will be taught and whether students can opt out of the sexual education program. Some states allow students to watch a video of a child being born while other states only discuss abstinence.

The official employment of physical education programs has a 200 year history which has become home to controversial issues, social reform, and overall child well being. Physical education will continue to evolve as the needs of the student population changes, societal attitudes fluctuate, and the flow of educational funds towards physical education is maintained.

By: Steve Bishop

Pros & Cons of Online Education

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:11:30 +0000

There were times when students had to travel to far ends of the world to seek knowledge. They had to travel for months or even years to reach that desired country or city. Time passed and distances became shorter with the invention of modern ways of traveling such as planes and railways. But the tradition of traveling to the cities or countries for better studies remained intact. Than a technological revolution came with the invention of ‘Computers’. In its early stages the computer had limited use but with the passage of time its usage became more consistent and later it became a very useful machine for every field of life. But still, the computer was not complete, till the time that ‘the internet’ made it a perfect machine.

Over the years people have argued about the use of internet. Many have claimed that it is a waste of time and a source of spoiling our new generation. This a conservative thought. The other faction, a more moderate one has claimed that it is a portal of knowledge. But our topic is not directly related to this argument although it has an indirect relation. With the passage of time, education over the internet has also gained much fame. There are two views on online education; one view is old school, which believes that education must be taken where it is suppose to be taken, that is at traditional colleges and universities, while the other view is new school and according to this view, students have the choice of doing whatever they desire and if they do not have the time or financial perks available to them, then they can easily acquire education through eLearning from any of the accredited online colleges and universities.

Our views can not be endorsed on anyone as both of them have some weak and some strong points. The old school theory claims that it is impossible for any teacher to transfer education and the whole of his or her years of experience on the internet. They further believe that at times it is not possible for teachers to provide individualized feedback considering that active learning is not possible through eLearning. This view claims that the equipment required to correspond with each other is not available to all the students or teachers which makes the acquisition of online education on all degree levels a bit more difficult. One strong argument put forward is that of the academic honesty of the online students. They have the tendency to go easy because they know that no one is going to question them. It is a part of human nature that unless we meet someone face to face, that person remains a stranger to us and same is the case with those who opt for online degree programs. There is no face to face interaction between the tutor and the student. An online student does not know the aspects of a true campus or a traditional classroom, which makes it difficult for them to learn the values of life and friendship. The old school theory claims that the internet offers other things, which are totally not suitable for the students and can spoil them and deter their concentration while studying.

The new school theory, which supports online education, claims that many of the pupils are not wealthy enough to go to conventional colleges or universities, for which they require an alternate style of study. They clam that studying through distance education courses saves time and cost. Another aspect is that numerous students live hand to mouth and if they go to an institute to study how would they work? This problem can easily be solved by studying online and working at the same time. Supporters of online education claim that if they study online, the students can learn whenever and whatever they need and they are not dependent on anyone. Many students cannot keep up the pace of combined study, but if they have the option of studying online they can study at their own pace and thus learning and the acquisition of an online degree can be adjusted in their busy schedules.

Both the sides have their views clear, and it is really hard to pick up a winner, but we do not have to pick up a winner, because the world is full of people with different kinds of needs and we do not have the right to force our views on them. The best way to co-exist is to respect other people’s views. So those who wish to study through a traditional institution can do so, while those who face some issues can always turn to accredited online colleges and universities to acquire their degrees through eLearning.

By: Tammy Greene

Online Education: GED vs. Fake High School Diploma

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:31:36 +0000

For today’s student, distance learning is a worthwhile and affordable way to work toward a GED, usually the most official way for an adult to demonstrate the skills of a high school graduate. But there are a growing number of companies and schools who aren’t really in the business of education. Instead, they’re in the education business — their main business is selling quick and easy programs or simple online tests, complete with worthless transcripts and fake diplomas.

There are exceptions. But as a rule most transcripts and diplomas ordered or obtained from online high schools are useless. Unfortunately, students and adult learners are often and easily misled by diploma factories or diploma mills. Many of these companies and ’schools’ appear to be professional businesses or accredited educational institutions. So, when selecting online education, it’s smart to be cautious. Make sure the online learning solution is a real solution, and will help you achieve your goals.

First, it pays to understand how diploma factories work. Many adult learners fall victim to diploma scams, usually paying $200 to $800 in tuition, testing, transcript or diploma fees. But because the school or program isn’t accredited, the diploma has no value. When it comes to employers, job training programs, tech schools, community colleges and universities, bogus diplomas are useless. And often, new ‘graduates’ don’t learn that a diploma has no value until they’re told by an employer or a college admissions department.

In most cases, the GED — the term for General Education Development credential — is the official ‘diploma’ that’s meaningful for adults who never completed their high school education. For today’s 34 to 38 million adults in the US who never graduated from high school, passing the GED test is a pass key to both career and educational opportunities. That’s because approximately 95 percent of employers and even more US colleges and universities accept the GED.

When choosing an education program, a student’s best bet is a GED solution, whether enrolling in a local GED class or using a self-guided online GED program. If online learning or distance learning is the solution you need, look for a program that includes all the components necessary to prepare for the GED test.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a quality learning solutions provider and avoiding bogus schools or fake diploma scams:
GED guidelines are established by the American Council on Education. Under the agency’s rules, the test covers science, social studies, language arts reading and writing, and math — including algebra, geometry and data analysis. Find a program that includes all testing areas; avoid any solution or school that doesn’t include all test areas or information about test areas and the ACE’s requirements. GED practice tests are available online. These tests are a good way for a student to determine skill strengths and weaknesses and to understand how the test works. But the actual GED test cannot be taken online! The test is only given at official test sites. So avoid any company that claims to offer the official GED test or a quick version online. Read the fine print, before you pay — make sure you understand what the company or school is offering and determine if it’s worth the price. Is it a worthwhile learning process or just a fake diploma? Will it help you progress in your career or education? Ask for advice if you’re not sure. Look for outside information about companies or schools. Discover what other teachers, students and adult learners have experienced. Contact a department of education. Explore GED and education message boards, online forums or learning communities. Are there complaints, or reports of success? Be very cautious in dealing with any company or online high school that offers a diploma or transcript after passing a quick online test. The GED test is hard! The exam is a timed 7.5-hour test.

Consider education as an important investment — an investment you make in yourself and your future. Make sure your investment is a good one, and gives you a return that’s worthwhile. The GED credential might be harder to get than a $250 diploma, but you can sure count on it to take you to where you want to go.

For more information about the GED online, visit http://www.passGED.com. While products are offered, the website provides plenty of free study, test tips and testing resources, with links to other quality resource and information providers.

By: Leonard Williams