Comment from ~ 100 Best Websites for Free Adult Education

http://onlinedegreeworld.com/blog/2009/100-best-websites-for-free-adult-education/

Whether you want to go back to get your GED or simply want to gain additional skills to use on the job, it's never too late to pursue the great variety of adult educational resources out there. Here are 100 great adult education websites and resources we've pulled together to help you get the information you need for personal or professional development.

ADULT EDUCATION

TIE Newsletter ~ Issue 4 ~ Spring 2009
Written By: Kathy Russell

Educating adults differs from educating children in several ways. One difference is adults have accumulated knowledge and experience that can add to or hinder the learning experience. Another difference is with most adults, education is voluntary; as a result students can be more motivated.

WHY GO BACK TO SCHOOL?

· Your diploma will help you get a better job or promotion.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?

· Choose the right option, your journey will be more efficient and economical. Know what’s involved in getting what you want.

IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME OF YOUR LIFE? DO YOU HAVE TIME TO GO TO CLASS, READ, AND STUDY?

· Manage your stressors to have time to do your work, enjoy your family, and live life.

IS THE SCHOOL WITHIN REACH?

· Is the school available to you? Consider what you want to achieve, then find out the process.

DO YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT YOU NEED?

· Remember adults learn differently, you need people in your life who will be your cheerleaders or help with child care.

Finishing school will be up to you! You don’t have to do it alone!

Comments from ~ Kathy Topper

Here is some additional information on Test Taking Strategies. It comes from Glendale Community College's web site.

www.glendale.edu/new/services/counseling/tests.html

STRATEGIES FOR TEST TAKING

Different kinds of tests require different kinds of test-taking strategies. This study guide will provide you with some helpful approaches for objective questions, essay questions, and test problems.

Objective Questions

True-false or multiple choice questions appear on objective tests. Since both types of question involve understanding a statement and making a choice in response to it, strategies for answering well are very similar.

• Look for the central idea of each question. What is the main point?
• Look for helpful key words like always, never, none, except, most, least.
• Underline key words if you are allowed to write on the test paper.
• Try to supply your own answer to a multiple choice question before you look at the alternative closest to your own answer.
• Mark an answer for every question. You may lose credit by guessing incorrectly, but an unanswered question will cost you credit automatically.

• If all else fails and you have to guess an answer, then and only then consider this advice:

1. The length of the choices is sometimes a clue. When guessing, pick the long answer - it is easier for instructors to write short wrong answers than long ones.
2. If two choices are very similar, choose neither.
3. If two choices are opposite, choose one of them.
4. The most general alternative is frequently the right answer.

• Don't change your original answer unless you're completely sure it's wrong.

Essay Questions

When you answer an essay question, you're showing how well you can explain and support an idea, not just what you know. Keep the following ideas in mind.

• Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, describe or discuss. Jot down ideas on scratch paper, and then start with the easiest questions first.

• Think before you write, and try to outline your response. Remember, a good answer:

1. Often starts with a direct response to the question.
2. Mentions the topics or areas which the essay question describes.
3. Provides specific as well as general information.
4. Uses the technical vocabulary of the course.

• Write legibly. Graders sometimes presume your ignorance if they can't read your writing.
• Always write something and leave a space at the end so that you can add to your answer.
• Proofread your essay answers. The few minutes you spend correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling can improve your grade.

Solving Problems

When you work a problem, ask yourself three questions:

1. What are you being asked to find?
2. What do you need to know in order to find this?
3. What are you already given on the problem to help you with your search?

After working through the problem, look back at what it asked you to find. Does your answer cover it? If not, go through the three questions again.

• Good problem solvers have these characteristics:

1. Positive attitude. They believe that problems can be solved by careful, persistent (though sometimes lengthy) analysis, not by fast answers based on previous knowledge.
2. Concern for accuracy. They read a problem several times trying to understand it. They review their judgments and conclusions, avoid guessing, and check their work.
3. Methodical planning. They break work into parts and then solve it step by step, starting with the simplest step.
4. Concentration. They use their energy to solve problems by talking to themselves about what they are doing, creating mental pictures, relating the problem to familiar experiences, counting, or drawing pictures.

Tips for Success

Successful students do well on exams because they know what to do before, during, and after the test.

Before the test

1. Attend all classes.
2. Complete all required reading.
3. Organize study time by planning daily, weekly, and major review sessions.
4. Form a study group by looking for five or six other conscientious students. Activities for a study group include making up practice tests, comparing notes, etc.
5. Create study tools such as content maps, flash cards, annotated texts, etc. Predict test questions and test yourself. Recite information aloud. Ask your professor for specific information about the test.
6. Reduce test anxiety by maintaining a balanced schedule including exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest. Learn relaxation techniques.
7. Be prepared! Remember, preparing for an objective test is different than preparing for an essay test.

During the test

1. Use time wisely.
2. Read directions and questions carefully.
3. Know the rules. For example, are there time limits, penalties for guessing, etc.? Make an attempt to answer all questions unless there are penalties for guessing.
4. Look for clues. Sometimes answers are hinted at on other test questions.
5. Use different strategies for different types of tests, like essay or objective tests.

After the test

1. Evaluate your own performance by answering the following questions:
2. Which part of the exam was the easiest? Why?
3. Which part of the exam was the hardest? Why?
4. List activities you completed prior to the exam? (i.e., review lecture notes, self-testing, study groups, etc.)
5. Which of the above activities did you find the most helpful in preparing for the exam?
6. How much time (in hours) did you spend preparing for the exam?
7. Did you feel prepared when you walked into this exam? Why or why not?
8. How might you study differently for the next exam in this course?

________________________________________
Austin Community College Learning Resource Services

TACKLE TESTS WITH CONFIDENCE

TIE Newsletter ~ Issue 1 ~ December 2007
Submitted By: Beverly Walters, Debra Sonner , And Lynn Roberts.

Here are some hints about how to approach different types of test questions. Get ready for good grades!

TRUE/FALSE
True/False questions require that you recognize a fact or idea, but they often check whether you understand it in exact detail. If any detail is false, the whole answer is false. TIP: Watch for words that suggest that anything happens in only one way: always and never. Questions that contain these words are usually false. Also pay attention to qualifying words such as all, most, usually, or rarely.

MULTIPLE CHOICE
To avoid confusing yourself, try to answer the question first without looking at the options. Then read each option carefully. If you don’t recognize the correct choice right way, see whether you can eliminate at least one or two obviously incorrect choices. Then choose the best of the remaining of the two.

Comment from ~ "The Black Pants Project"

The Black Pants Project said...

Schooner center provides work attire to women, girls

By Stacy Wolford, VALLEY INDEPENDENT
Monday, April 28, 2008

A job interview can be stressful, especially for someone who is not dressed for success.

As a professional speaker and full-time working woman, Jennifer Melnick Carota knows the importance of looking and feeling good, not only at an interview but after landing a new job.

That's why Melnick Carota established "The Black Pants Project" at The Schooner Youth Center in Monessen.

The goal is to provide free wardrobe essentials to low-income girls and women attempting to join the corporate workforce.

Melnick Carota, who serves as executive director and secretary for The Schooner Youth Center, said she was inspired to launch the project after receiving a large donation. Rondell Curcio offered the garments after she closed her Belle Vernon consignment shop.

"While sorting through the donations, I noticed one big shortage - black pants," Melnick Carota said.

As a bargain-shopper, Carota said the staple of any working woman's wardrobe can be centered on a few pairs of basic black pants.

"A fabulous wardrobe can be created from a single pair of black pants," she said.

She is hoping the center will be able to obtain donated new and good-quality used clothing to help low-income women enter the workforce.

With the help of a small ladies auxiliary, the center officials are sorting through the inventory in an effort to open a "working women's closet" in the late summer or early fall.

Melnick Carota said the center will offer interview and wardrobe tips to women.

"We don't want them to feel intimidated or embarrassed," Melnick Carota said. "Part of the mission of the youth center is ministry and we are here for the Mon Valley."

Melnick Carota said donated clothing should be cleaned and pressed, new or gently used, and in style or a classic cut.

The center is seeking blouses, pants, skirts, raincoats and business like attire. Ladies and teen formal wear also will be accepted.

Melnick Carota said the center is seeking volunteers to help with "The Black Pants Project."

To donate clothing or volunteer, call Carota at (412) 559-1754.
June 26, 2009 2:04 PM