Online Programs For Ethnic Minority Students

Online Programs For Ethnic Minority StudentsA university that offers a program for Ethnic Minority Students (or UMS) must offer the opportunity for Ethnic Community Studies (ECS) to be offered as a separate program in the College of Arts and Sciences. The program was first offered at New York University but was later discontinued. At NYU, students were required to enroll in an ECS course, which students considered 'involuntary,' and required them to pass a test to continue in the program.At some universities, a program for ECS is known as ECS-CU (Ethnic Diversity Program). The program for Ethnic Minority Students was initially referred to as CLS or Ethnic Studies. The program was renamed to ECS in order to distinguish it from other ethnic studies courses on campus.Most colleges that offer programs for UMS are not aware of the fact that the program can be offered online. College leaders in charge of these programs, however, are often unaware of the fact that these programs for UMS are available on the Internet. In the last few years, the number of colleges offering programs for UMS has increased dramatically.The benefits of an online program for ECS are numerous. Students can study and take courses online, at the same time as they can continue their education with the help of tutors. Many of the classes offered online for ECS are larger than those offered in traditional classrooms, and also more in depth.Many colleges are now offering the opportunity for the students to choose whether they want to attend school in a traditional classroom or an online classroom. This is because many colleges want to attract students from outside of the United States who would like to study in a college in the United States. The extra cost of tuition does not keep many students from attending college in another country, especially when they can get the most out of a program for UMSin a different country.Another benefit of an online program for ECS is that the students are able to save money. The costs of providing tutors and uniforms to students are reduced, and so the college can afford to offer a program that is more affordable.There are several differences between an online program for ECS and a program for UMS that students should know. First, because there is no physical classroom environment, a student cannot be physically reminded to sit in the front of the class. Second, since students are not physically together, they cannot interact with each other during class, except through the use of phone or e-mail.

Reviewing Your Childs Standardised Test Scores

Reviewing Your Child’s Standardised Test Scores Standardised testing occurs at predictable intervals during your child's school journey. These tests provide a snapshot of how much knowledge a student has acquired by a certain point and also how this level of skill and knowledge compares to other students of the same age. This comparison is often further broken down into how your child fares in relation to similarly situated students in his or her own school, school district, and throughout the nation. When reviewing this information you may have many questions about what your child's scores mean in practical terms for your response in the short-term and for your planning in the future. Understanding how the test scores relate to the teaching available to your son or daughter and how your child is responding to the learning environment is crucial for you to best support your child. Purpose of the testing Understanding the reasons for the testing can help you assess your student's performance. The test scores within a school can give you valuable information about the challenges schools face locally and how well they are meeting those challenges. Once you have a grasp of the performance of your student's peers at several different levels, then you have a better feel for how your child's scores compare. You can next look more closely at his or her scores for information about competence and growth. Communicate with teacher and school Schedule a time to discuss your child's test performance with someone who can explain both what the test reveals about your child and what other measures are in place to measure his or her growth. Spend some of that time reviewing your child's score and exploring what it means to school officials. Find out how the teacher and school intends to use the score and whether they are concerned about your child's showing. If your child did well, ask for suggestions to challenge your child to continue the growth. If the score is lower, talk about whether the performance was to be expected given what the school knows about your student and what they have planned to accelerate academic growth. Look at the big picture Ask to see other indicators of your child's progress, which may be hard to translate into a test score. Does your child show growth in the arts or social skills that gives you a more complete idea of how learning is progressing? Is there a gap between the knowledge and skills your child can demonstrate in the classroom and the test results? Problem solve with school officials if the test results are lower than what had been expected given classroom performance. Discuss the school's approach for test preparation and ask if there are things you can be doing at home to improve the score during the next round. Use the scores for good Whether your student scored below, at, or above expectations, use the test and result to improve your child's overall learning experience. Once you have a baseline for your student, keep in mind one of the best indicators going forward is how he or she performs in the future compared to that snapshot. If your child needs help on the next test or in general, seek resources from the school or ELSEWHERE. If your child is already soaring far beyond his or her peers, use this knowledge to enrich both home and school life for continued growth and success.

How to Bond with Your Coworkers

How to Bond with Your Coworkers via Pexels.com Do you want your coworkers to  like  you, or do you need your coworkers to  tolerate  you? For some people, work is work. Its kept separate from their personal life. For others, work is work, but crosses-over with their personal life. This can be a tough boundary to set, and a dangerous one if you cross it. For instance, I know several people who enjoy going out with their coworkers on the weekends. However, walking in on Monday morning and facing the people you got crazy with on Friday night can be pretty unsettling. When its your friends, its not so bad. But when its people you have to deal with in your professional life, its much harder to face. Are you wanting your workplace to also serve as your friend base? Its a tough call do you want your coworkers to be your friends, or do you want to keep your personal life distant? Are you wanting to be friends with all of them on Facebook? Are you hoping you only see them Monday Friday during business hours? Deciding whether or not you want your coworkers to be  actual friends  is a tough one. But regardless of where you draw your boundary line, it is likely that you want to be able to work well with your coworkers. Most of the time, we want to bond with our coworkers in a way that will make us the most productive. If youre someone whos looking for ways to get closer to the people you work with, here are some options: via Pexels.com 1. Set up a time to volunteer together. Spending time working for a common cause is sure to bring people closer together. If youre looking for a way to become closer to your coworkers, coordinate a volunteer event. Theres nothing better than giving your time to help others. It will also give you the opportunity to experience each other in a different setting. Instead of being in the workplace, youll be working together to benefit others. 2. Schedule a professional development workshop. When we all get better at what we do, it pushes us toward a common goal. If you want to become closer to your coworkers, give yourself (and them!) the opportunity to get better at your (their) craft. When coworkers invest in the same goals, they are more likely to have more in common and feel more inclined to cheer each other on. 3. Plan an after-hours get together. Play laser tag, meet for dinner and drinks, or embark on a Go-Kart racing adventure. Giving your coworkers the opportunity to have fun together and get to know each other in a different light will surely bring you all closer together. After a few events with each other, youll be surprised how much closer-knit you feel to your coworkers. Be careful. The more you intermingle your personal and professional life, the messier things can get. (Precisely why people say not to dip your pen in the company ink, I suppose.) When you decide to cross this boundary, you decide to mix two separate parts of your life. While this isnt a bad thing, you should be aware that its happening, and you should be ready for what that entails. If theres one piece of advice I can give you for  bonding with your coworkers,  its to make your workplace an environment where people  want  to come every day. If you feel comfortable, take it upon yourself to create ugly sweater days, organize a game of Secret Santa, or randomly leave thank-you notes for your coworkers around the office. When people are unhappy at work, their productivity goes down, and theyre more likely to leave the company/profession. So while your relationships with coworkers are important, you have to make the decision about where you stand on your coworkers being a part of your personal life.

5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season

5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season 5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season Help your child become a confident and prepared test-taker. For most around the country, the month of March kicks-off standardized testing season and that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. Whether you have a grade schooler preparing for the state’s standardized test or a high schooler preparing for the SAT, testing can be stressful for the entire family. We hope this will help you start planning a few months out. There’s no secret formula when it comes to passing a standardized test. It’s important to remember that anxiety may hinder performance for the test taker, so take a deep breath and read through a few practical tips to help your child prepare for standardized assessments. Take practice tests. Many Department of Education state websites offer practice tests, which can help prepare children with understanding the test expectations, including the content and mechanics. SBAC and PARCC give assessments in many states and offer good examples of practice tests. If the test format seems familiar on test day, kids are more likely to feel comfortable and know what to do. Promote a positive attitude. Parents should promote a positive attitude towards learning and testing. Kids need to take tests seriously and be strategic, but also feel confident and mentally prepared. Parents can help children feel prepared for the test by encouraging children to visualize success on test day. In other words, ask children to close their eyes and imagine themselves taking the test and feeling great about it. Discuss what to do if you finish early. Sometimes kids finish the test early. It’s important to discuss that this is a good opportunity to double check and verify their answers for accuracy. Parents can coach them to review certain questions that were hard and use the process of elimination to rule out some of the answer choices. Eat well, exercise and rest. In the weeks leading up to the test, it is important for students to have adequate sleep (eight hours is recommended), eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and get exercise. Foods high in protein, and water help to stimulate the brain. Exercise, such as stretching and walking, helps to supply the brain with oxygen. Eating a healthy breakfast before school, particularly on the day of the test, gives the body the fuel it needs to maintain long periods of concentration. Plan enjoyable and relaxing activities. Trying to squeeze a little more preparation in immediately before the test is not advised because it can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Studying the day before or day of the test leads to increased anxiety and should be avoided. Instead, plan enjoyable activities to feel relaxed and ready. You might also be interested in: How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers? Harvard Bound Kumon Dual Program Completer Gives Advice on College Admissions Process Fun and Easy Tips to Keep Kids Learning during the Holiday Season Fun and Easy Tips to Keep Kids Learning during the Holiday Season 5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season 5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season Help your child become a confident and prepared test-taker. For most around the country, the month of March kicks-off standardized testing season and that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. Whether you have a grade schooler preparing for the state’s standardized test or a high schooler preparing for the SAT, testing can be stressful for the entire family. We hope this will help you start planning a few months out. There’s no secret formula when it comes to passing a standardized test. It’s important to remember that anxiety may hinder performance for the test taker, so take a deep breath and read through a few practical tips to help your child prepare for standardized assessments. Take practice tests. Many Department of Education state websites offer practice tests, which can help prepare children with understanding the test expectations, including the content and mechanics. SBAC and PARCC give assessments in many states and offer good examples of practice tests. If the test format seems familiar on test day, kids are more likely to feel comfortable and know what to do. Promote a positive attitude. Parents should promote a positive attitude towards learning and testing. Kids need to take tests seriously and be strategic, but also feel confident and mentally prepared. Parents can help children feel prepared for the test by encouraging children to visualize success on test day. In other words, ask children to close their eyes and imagine themselves taking the test and feeling great about it. Discuss what to do if you finish early. Sometimes kids finish the test early. It’s important to discuss that this is a good opportunity to double check and verify their answers for accuracy. Parents can coach them to review certain questions that were hard and use the process of elimination to rule out some of the answer choices. Eat well, exercise and rest. In the weeks leading up to the test, it is important for students to have adequate sleep (eight hours is recommended), eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and get exercise. Foods high in protein, and water help to stimulate the brain. Exercise, such as stretching and walking, helps to supply the brain with oxygen. Eating a healthy breakfast before school, particularly on the day of the test, gives the body the fuel it needs to maintain long periods of concentration. Plan enjoyable and relaxing activities. Trying to squeeze a little more preparation in immediately before the test is not advised because it can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Studying the day before or day of the test leads to increased anxiety and should be avoided. Instead, plan enjoyable activities to feel relaxed and ready. You might also be interested in: How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers? Harvard Bound Kumon Dual Program Completer Gives Advice on College Admissions Process Fun and Easy Tips to Keep Kids Learning during the Holiday Season Fun and Easy Tips to Keep Kids Learning during the Holiday Season

Learn the Basics in Planeswalker Tutor

Learn the Basics in Planeswalker TutorPlaneswalker Tutor is a virtual card game that the player can play on his or her computer. The best part about it is that you can play anytime and anywhere, and you can even play from the comfort of your home. However, it is not recommended for kids.Now, if you would like to start learning, you can learn how to play this game at home. If you want to learn the basics, you can first create an account on the website. You will need to provide your full name, email address, as well as any other personal information. This is not necessary, but it is recommended. You also need to provide the security code when you log in.Once you have created an account, you can download the Planeswalker Tutor program. It is a Flash program. Downloading it is quick and easy. Just click on the icon that shows up in your browser and then click on the link that says 'Download', or 'Link Here'.Once you have downloaded the program, you can start playing it. It's as simple as that. But before you start the game, you need to know the basic rules and the fundamental rules.The basic rules are that you use your mouse to move the Planeswalker around the screen. You can click on the next card by using the right mouse button. The right arrow key will go to the next card.The different cards will allow you to make more money or power. The main goal of the game is to learn the basics of the game, and the second goal is to win the game, which is the main purpose of the game.When you have mastered the basics, you need to practice. There are many ways you can do it. Just be sure to read the rulebook and do not forget the basic rules.

Private Tutoring in Los Angeles - This Schooling and Learning Tool is For Everyone

Private Tutoring in Los Angeles - This Schooling and Learning Tool is For EveryonePrivate tutoring in Los Angeles is a great option for children who need a little extra attention or help with their studies. You may be surprised at the amount of kids who qualify for tutoring in Los Angeles and it doesn't cost much either. This article will give you the essentials you need to know about private tutoring in Los Angeles.Tutoring in Los Angeles is fairly new and not that well known. The first private tutoring services began to be offered about five years ago. This was all because of the demand. People are now more focused on getting their child's homework done than on talking to a child. They are desperate for someone to come in and improve their grades and sometimes give them some extra help.If you are a parent and you need some extra help with your child's homework, the first place to turn is in Los Angeles. Tutoring in Los Angeles is available from a variety of teachers, so it will be a bit different depending on what area you live in. You should also find out what will be required of you as a tutor so that you know what you are getting into before you hire a tutor. One other thing you want to look at is if there is a location that they can be found at.Private tutoring in Los Angeles has opened up a lot of opportunities for parents to work in-house and help their child in different ways. The most popular type of private tutoring is called early childhood tutoring and this can include helping your child with their math, reading, and even language lessons. These are great if you have a home schooled child, but if you don't you will be able to get a variety of other tutors. The good news is that most of these tutors have experience and are qualified to work with children that are in the age range your child is.Private tutoring in Los Angeles also includes people who specialize in tutoring elementary school students. The reason for this is that the students are gener ally older and may need additional attention. Private tutoring in Los Angeles has become very popular because of the need for these tutors. Many schools are hiring these tutors because they are so valuable for their children.Tutoring is a great way to show love and care to your child. It will also give your child the extra boost they need to keep going when they are struggling. There are a lot of options and programs that offer private tutoring in Los Angeles. They can take your child who is struggling with their homework or just something they are struggling with and really turn them around.One last thing to know about private tutoring in Los Angeles is that there are different types of tutors. Some tutors are classroom tutors, which are trained teachers who work with children. These teachers are great because they are an experienced expert who can help your child with almost anything.

Learning By Listening Ways to Study As an Auditory Learner

Learning By Listening Ways to Study As an Auditory Learner Suzy S. Do you learn best by listening? Find out about the most effective study strategies for auditory learners in this article by San Diego tutor  Natalie S People generally learn new concepts in a few different ways. Some people are tactile learners; they use a hands-on approach to grasp and understand new material. Others are visual learners; they have to see a concept in order to comprehend it. Lastly, there are auditory learners. The most effective way for auditory learners to understand a new concept is to listen and hear the information. It is more common to be a visual learner than an auditory learner, and because of this, teaching strategies in schools are often geared toward visual learners. This makes comprehension of new ideas and lessons a little more difficult for auditory learners. If you are an auditory learner, check out our tips below to help you study in the most effective and efficient ways for you. 1) Cancel out noisy distractions. As an auditory learner, sound is the most important aspect of your learning environment. Find a silent place to study, so that you are not distracted by ambient noise. If this option fails, invest in some noise-canceling headphones. 2) Hire a tutor. A tutor  can sit with you one-on-one while you re-read information aloud. You can also work with peers in the same way, reviewing and teaching the information to each other. This is a great way for auditory learners to engage in new material. 3) Record your lectures. A class structure that is primarily based on lecturing is great for auditory learners. If your teacher permits it, ask if you can record the lectures, so you can listen to them again at home when you are reviewing the information. These recordings end up being great study tools to use later when preparing for exams. 4) Create a mnemonic device. Experts suggest that this is one of the best learning methods for auditory learners. If you’re struggling to remember a specific concept or piece of information, try creating a mnemonic device for it. Turn the information into a song, a rhyme, or some sort of word association. By creating an interesting association, you’ll be more likely to remember the information. 5) Teach yourself. If you learn best by listening, then try talking to yourself. Read the material aloud while you study, and review the concepts out loud as if you were teaching a class. This combination of reading and speaking the same information aloud will help you comprehend and internalize the information quicker. These easy tips and tricks are designed to help auditory learners study more effectively and efficiently. Good luck! See also: how to study as a visual learner and kinesthetic learner. Natalie S. tutors in English, ESL, History, Phonics, Reading, and Test Prep in San Diego, as well as through online lessons. She received her BA in English Education at the University of Delaware, and her MA in English Literature at San Diego State University. Learn more about Natalie 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 Photo  by  will ockenden

The Mayans

The Mayans Taking a Look at the Long History of the Maya People ChaptersThe Mayan TimelineGeography of the Maya TerritoryMayan PoliticsThe Mayan Social StructureMayan Religious and Spiritual BeliefsAncient Maya AcademicsMayan CalendarsThe Mayan CivilisationDo you remember the Mayan calendar freakout of 2012?December 20th, 2012 was the date that the Mayans presumably predicted the world would end.In stores around the globe, survival supplies were snapped up. Building contractors specialising in underground shelters were triple-booked; they couldn’t work fast enough to meet demand.Everywhere, people alternated between hosting extravagant parties and hunkering down in fear.And then, at the stroke of midnight on that day... the Mayan calendar regenerated and lots of people felt just a little foolish at having stockpiled emergency candles and tinned food.This incident is a testament to the power, impact and genius of the Mayan civilisation, even centuries after its waning.They were a people both religious and superstitious, human characteristics see mingly at odds with their scientific nature.Equally at odds were their artistic abilities and their brutality â€" not just ritual sacrifices but in everyday matters, such as torturing and beheading their losing ball team.Yes, the Mayans loved to play ball, just like we do!Let us now take a trip to Mesoamerica, where the Mayan civilisation flourished for so long. We’ll find out what life was like in those times, what marvels they achieved and what happened to them. MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5.00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistor y Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Mayan Timeline Beware of playing ball with ancient Mayans; you may end up losing your head! Image by ecalbz2005 from PixabayAlthough the region occupied by the Mayans shows evidence of having been inhabited some 8,000 years ago, the time frame of Mayan civilisation is contested to this day.Nevertheless, the eras of a few major events are generally agreed upon.Most archaeologists put the start of Mayan civilization around 1,800BC, when actual settlements arose and the people started cultivating maize, beans, squash and chilli peppers â€" ingredients that remain staples of their diet still today.One of the most impactful events in the Mayan timeline happened in the 9th Century AD: a political collapse led to a migration away from the southern lowlands, leaving their cities and fields behind.Nobody is sure what brought on that migration or the sudden change in political winds.A combination of factors such as drought and overpopulation â€" which led to environmental degradation, coupled with civil war is universally accepted as likely factors.By the start of the 16th Century, there were hardly any Mayan warriors left to fight against the Spanish; in 1697, Spanish conquistadors attacked and took the last independent Mayan city.The longevity of the Mayan civilisation â€" in spite of her collapse in the 2nd Century she kept on going, has caused scholars to categorise date progression into 5 discrete eras:Archaic: from 8,000 to 2,000 BCPreclassic: from 2,000 BC to 250 ADClassic: 250 to 950 ADPostclassic: 950 to 1539 ADContact Period, the times of Spanish activity: 1511 to 1697Within those divisions, there are further distinctions: early, late and terminal. We also note that the date ranges may fluctuate by up to a century as there is no definite way of assigning dates to specific events.Discover amazing facts of the aboriginal Australian timeline.Geography of the Maya TerritoryThe Mayan civilization developed within the Mesoamerican culture area which extended from the northern end o f today’s Mexico into Central America.In their heyday, the Mayans occupied the entire Yucatan Peninsula as well as southeastern Mexico and northern South America â€" the region we know today as Belize and Guatemala, as well as western Honduras and El Salvador.The Mayans enjoyed a generous coastline. Inland, their terrain was generally flat with few hills, except for what was known as the Mayan Highlands, the mountain range that extends into Guatemala.In all, they had plenty of arable land and water was not necessarily difficult to come by... at least, if the population had not boomed. The Mayans generally lived on flat terrain with abundant water Image by MarkgCap from PixabayMayan PoliticsAlthough the region was vast and well-populated and all Mayans shared a common worldview and ideology, they were never consolidated into a single empire.Mayans lived in nation-states, each governed by their own political hierarchies. These states were connected by trade relations, diplomatic alliances and tribute obligations.Tribute obligations: more powerful states would exact payment from weaker neighbours, generally as a gesture of submission. Such a tribute could be in the form of currency or goods.Initially, Mayans were governed by tribal chiefs but, by the Classic period, leadership had become more centralised and much more powerful.Leaders justified their position through lineage or by divine right; political connections with other leaders also helped enforce a leader’s tenure.The Mayan culture enforced loyalty and obedience to rulers; they felt it was absolutely necess ary to maintain social harmony.Those who chafed under leadership were harshly punished.  By the Classic Period, human sacrifice had become a well-established tool for social control. Political and religious leaders had no issue with performing ritual sacrifice as a way of demonstrating their power.Are you familiar with the burial customs in ancient Greece?Besides ancestor worship, Mayans had more than 200 gods. The most important ones were of creation, fertility, rain and thunder, and death.As in society, so in the pantheon of gods: there was a hierarchy, with some gods being more powerful and revered than others.Some gods existed to be disliked, mocked and tricked.Throughout the vast Mayan territory, most everyone revered the same gods but some polities had gods specific to their region or concerns.It is difficult to assess exactly how many gods populated their belief system because the same god may have a different name in another region or may have several names within the same r egion.One remarkable facet of Mayan gods is their potential for ruthlessness and cruelty.For instance, Zipacna, a god instrumental in creating the earth, killed 400 boys in a single, cleverly-engineered move. The Tikal pyramids in Guatemala were more ceremonial in nature Image by Albert Dezetter from PixabayAncient Maya AcademicsFor a people obsessed with bloodshed and warfare, ancient Mayans were surprisingly academic, making significant advances in a variety of fields.TechnologyShould you be in doubt about Mayan technological know-how, you only need to look at their leftover structures and city ruins. Their symmetrical layout and precise lines indicate that they knew a bit about land surveying and measurement.What is even more remarkable is that they cut stone and transported it without any metal tools or any wheels.Another amazing advance was their use of glittery paint to adorn their buildings and to create art.  Mixing standards colours with mica, a mineral abundantly available in the area, they decorated everything from their walls to themselves.Do you think of ancient Mayans when you wear your wellies?Researchers have discovered that the Mayans perfected the process of combining ra w rubber with other materials to make it more durable â€" a process called vulcanisation, some 3,000 years ago.Among the products they fashioned out of vulcanised rubber were water-resistant bags and clothing, binding for their books and balls to play pok-a-tok with.Remember, earlier in this article we said that the losing ball team would be beheaded?AstronomyThe Maya civilization was agrarian, meaning it depended on natural elements â€" rainfall and auspicious planting times for the bulk of their food production.Furthermore, they believed in cosmological influence; the pull and power of the heavens on everyday affairs.  To derive the most benefit possible, they set out to understand the power of the stars and planets.Through their study, they gleaned an advanced understanding of astrological cycles and how they could help plan harvesting and planting schedules.Unlike the sun and moon, stars had no special divine meaning; however, they were significant for agricultural planning beca use their changes indicated a change of seasons.Venus was another important celestial body.  Ancient Mayans associated Venus with war so battles were planned and fought according to Venus’ movements.If that planet was not in the right position to guarantee favour from the gods, sacrificing war prisoners would be delayed until such a time that the gods would be likely to smile.Mayan knowledge of astronomy even influenced their architecture; perhaps the most famous example of such is the positioning of the pyramid at Chichen Itza.Upon the spring and autumn equinoxes, the waning sun’s light casts a shadow onto a climbing wall which forms the staircase to the top of the pyramid.Projecting the undulating shape of the edge of the structure, the shadow appears to meld with the carved snake head that adorns the base of the stairs, making it appear as though a giant snake were slithering down the side of the pyramid itself.Such a degree of precision is astounding, especially considering that the ancient Mayan had virtually no tools or instruments with which to measure.Even more jaw-dropping: this entire structure is a calendar!Mayan CalendarsWhereas we have two calendars by which to track our days, Julian and Gregorian â€" and we don’t much use Julian dates anymore, the Mayan had several and used them all.Their shortest cycle calendar was called Tzolkin; a 260-day count. It was used to determine when agricultural activity should take place and to plan religious ceremonies.  It also represents roughly the duration of a human pregnancy.The Haab calendar is 365 days long, like ours, but is broken down into 18 months of 20 days each.If you’ve done the math, you know that 18x20 is only 360. The last 5 days were considered so unlucky, they were given their own name: Wayeb.  During that time, Maya people stayed home and avoided most activities, lest disaster befall them.The long-count calendar was used to count all of the days since the beginning of time. This calenda r is both cyclical and linear, meaning that one can consult it to look forward and back in time, and that it regenerates.At its base is the 360-day Haab year minus the 5-day Wayeb period and, to explain it properly, we have to understand Mayan mathematics.MathematicsUnlike the Mesopotamian civilisation numbering system which was based on a value of 60, Mayan numeracy was base 20 or vigesimal.They devised a counting system using only 3 symbols and, most critically, they implemented the use of zero as a place holder.In Mayan numeracy, a dot represented a single unit, dashes had a value of 5 and, usually, a clamshell depicted zero.In the same way we teach our young students how to add by arranging the values vertically and to first add the ones, then the tens and so on, the Mayans used the same structure â€" except for their groupings were by 20, not 10.Using sticks, pebbles and perhaps a bone fragment to signify zero, everyone could use maths in everyday transactions.Now that we under stand that their counting system was based on 20, we see that their long-count calendar was simply the Haab calendar times 204.360 x 204 = 57,600,000 â€" which is exactly the number of days that elapsed by December 21st, 2012, after which the calendar restarted!Did the Inca also have a sophisticated system for counting? After centuries of exposure to the elements, Mayan glyphs are a little hard to read Image by Albert Dezetter from PixabayWritingThe Mayan writing system includes more than 800 symbols. Some are logosyllabic, meaning that a single drawing represents an entire word â€" a lot like Japanese or Chinese writing.Other Mayan script involves writing words out syllable by syllable. About 300 Mayan glyphs are considered syllabic.This writing system was the most developed in pre-Columbian America but, for as developed as it was, only the nobles were permitted to learn it.That means that the workers who chiselled hieroglyphics onto walls, sculptures and pottery had no idea what they were writing!On the other hand, scribes, religious and military leaders used their writing skills to draft many of their accounts on tree bark, which they then bound in animal hides.These books described life in the Maya culture, military action, politics and social events such as ball games and festivals.When the Spa niards invaded, they interpreted these books as pagan and evil. They burned the heap of them... but, fortunately, four have survived.The Mayan CivilisationIncomprehensibly brutal yet devoutly religious, firmly grounded in science but awash with superstition: the complexity of the Maya culture enthrals still today.Unlike other ancient civilisations, the Maya have left such a long history; a past littered with so much yet to be discovered and understood.Why did Mayan noblewomen file their teeth down to points? Why was being cross-eyed a mark of distinction?Why, when there was so much knowledge to be shared, was a substantial portion of the population denied education?There were no schools, as such, to teach people how to read, write and do maths. Withholding education was a way to maintain the class structure; to ensure the Mayan way would continue forever.Although there are still Mayans inhabiting the Yucatan peninsula and scattered throughout the region, their way of life is, for th e most part, gone for good.Done are the bloody wars and the brutal sacrifices; finished are the egocentric kings and the malicious nobles.Echoes of their gods are still there, though.If you happen to find yourself in the northern part of the Yucatan peninsula, sometime around the 20th of September, you may just catch the shadow of a Mayan feathered snake slithering down from the heavens.Now discover the similarities between Mayan and Aztec cultures...

A Student Perspective on The Ohio State University

A Student Perspective on The Ohio State University Hopeearned her bachelors degree in communication from The Ohio State University. She specializes in English tutoring, algebra tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at The Ohio State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Hope: The campus is large and sprawling. There are free shuttle buses to get you on and off campus, and a free bus pass for all students to get you around town. There are lots of bike racks if you choose to get a bike, and a free tracking system to help if it were to get stolen. I worked pretty late at night, and there were blue emergency call boxes every couple of feet and a free service that would escort you up to two miles off campus via car or on foot. This option always made me feel safe and sound. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Hope: All of my teachers were pretty available. Their office hours and locations were in the syllabus, so if you decided to go to see them, they were always there. They were also usually available via email if you needed to contact them that way. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Hope: I loved living in the dorms; all of my friends were just an elevator ride or underground tunnel trip away. I could go to the closest dining hall in my pajamas for brunch on the weekends, which was super convenient. There were dozens of food options all across campus, and I loved it. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Hope: We had great business, dance, and engineering programs. I studied communication; its what my mom did for work and I really enjoyed thinking critically about my media consumption. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Hope: I was a pretty shy person when I was 18, and I appreciated that my school had opportunities for me to get out and meet people in safe, supported environments. I worked at the front desk of my dorm and made friends that way. Then, I was a resident advisor and got to meet even more people through that position. Greek life is there, but only as big as you want it to be. I knew people who were Greek and non-Greek and we all seemed to get along pretty well. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Hope: There are Career Centers for almost any subset and career. It made it easy to get connected to jobs and careers. There were dozens of job fairs every year that recruited from companies all over the country and internationally. Almost every week there were free resume workshops or reviews to give you the best opportunity to get hired. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Hope: There were about 10 different libraries, one of which was open 24 hours a day. If the main library was crowded, there were other libraries on campus where you could go and study. Wifi was fast, outlets were abundant, and there were many comfortable chairs. Describe the surrounding town. Hope: Its definitely a college town. The main street has tons of food and concert venues, and the majority of them take the college card as currency. On most nights, you can follow the crowds to downtown to find something to do. We have a major hockey team, music, art, museums, and restaurants. Theres always something to do on or off campus. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Hope: When I graduated, I did so with about 12,000 of my classmates. It was a huge graduating class. It made it easy to find someone to hang out with or someone you had something in common with. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Hope: My favorite class was called love and literature. Our professor asked us to do presentations on non-Western romantic tradition. It was so nice to learn about different holidays and cultures. I learned so much! Check out Hopes tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.