#Learner progress tracking

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

5 Benefits of Implementing MaxLearn in Your Training Programs

In today’s competitive business environment, continuous learning and development are crucial for both organizational growth and employee satisfaction. Implementing advanced training solutions like MaxLearn can significantly enhance your training programs. MaxLearn, a cutting-edge learning management system (LMS), offers a range of features designed to improve the efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness of training. Here are five key benefits of integrating MaxLearn into your training programs.

1. Personalized Learning Experiences

One of the standout features of MaxLearn is its ability to provide personalized learning experiences. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all training programs, MaxLearn uses data analytics and adaptive learning algorithms to tailor content to each learner’s needs and preferences.

Adaptive Learning Pathways: MaxLearn dynamically adjusts learning pathways based on individual performance and progress. If a learner excels in a particular area, the system can introduce more advanced topics to keep them challenged and engaged. Conversely, if a learner struggles with certain content, MaxLearn offers additional resources and practice opportunities to help them master the material.

Learning Preferences: By analyzing data on how users interact with the content, MaxLearn identifies preferred learning styles and formats, whether it’s videos, interactive simulations, or reading materials. This customization ensures that learners receive content in the format that suits them best, enhancing engagement and retention.

Benefits: Personalized learning not only boosts individual performance but also increases overall satisfaction with the training program. Employees feel valued when their unique needs are addressed, leading to higher motivation and better outcomes.

2. Enhanced Engagement and Interactivity

Engagement is a critical factor in the success of any training program. MaxLearn incorporates various features to make learning more interactive and engaging.

Gamification: MaxLearn leverages gamification techniques to make learning fun and competitive. Features such as points, badges, leaderboards, and rewards motivate learners to complete modules and participate actively. Gamification taps into the natural human drive for competition and achievement, making learning a more enjoyable experience.

Interactive Content: The platform supports a wide range of interactive content, including quizzes, simulations, and scenario-based learning. Interactive content not only breaks the monotony of passive learning but also helps learners apply their knowledge in practical situations.

Social Learning: MaxLearn facilitates social learning by incorporating discussion forums, chat features, and collaborative projects. Learners can interact with peers, share knowledge, and discuss concepts, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Benefits: Enhanced engagement leads to better knowledge retention and application. Learners are more likely to complete the training and apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios, ultimately improving job performance and productivity.

3. Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting

MaxLearn’s robust analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of training programs and individual learner progress.

Detailed Performance Metrics: The platform tracks a wide range of metrics, including completion rates, quiz scores, time spent on each module, and user engagement levels. This data helps trainers identify which areas of the training are most effective and which may need improvement.

Learner Progress Tracking: Trainers can monitor individual learner progress in real-time, allowing for timely interventions when necessary. If a learner is falling behind or struggling with certain concepts, trainers can provide additional support or resources.

Customizable Reports: MaxLearn offers customizable reporting options, enabling trainers to generate reports tailored to specific needs. Whether it’s tracking the progress of a particular department or analyzing the overall impact of the training program, these reports provide actionable insights.

Benefits: Comprehensive analytics and reporting allow for data-driven decision-making. Trainers can continually refine and improve the training program, ensuring it meets organizational goals and delivers measurable results.

4. Flexibility and Accessibility

MaxLearn’s flexibility and accessibility make it an ideal solution for modern training needs, accommodating diverse schedules and learning environments.

Anytime, Anywhere Learning: MaxLearn is a cloud-based platform, accessible from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility allows learners to access training materials at their convenience, whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the go.

Self-Paced Learning: The platform supports self-paced learning, enabling learners to progress through the material at their own speed. This approach is particularly beneficial for adult learners who may need to balance training with work and personal commitments.

Mobile Compatibility: MaxLearn’s mobile-friendly design ensures that all content is easily accessible on smartphones and tablets. Mobile compatibility is crucial for today’s workforce, many of whom prefer to learn on the go.

Benefits: Flexibility and accessibility ensure that training is inclusive and convenient, catering to the diverse needs of the workforce. This inclusivity leads to higher participation rates and ensures that all employees have the opportunity to benefit from the training.

5. Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

Implementing MaxLearn can lead to significant cost savings and scalability advantages for organizations.

Reduced Training Costs: Traditional training methods often involve substantial costs related to travel, accommodation, printed materials, and instructor fees. MaxLearn reduces these expenses by delivering training digitally. Once the content is developed, it can be reused and updated as needed, further lowering costs.

Scalability: MaxLearn is designed to scale with your organization. Whether you’re training a small team or an entire global workforce, the platform can accommodate your needs. New users can be added easily, and content can be adapted to different languages and regions.

Automated Administrative Tasks: MaxLearn automates many administrative tasks associated with training programs, such as enrollment, tracking progress, and generating certificates. This automation reduces the administrative burden on trainers and HR staff, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Benefits: The cost-effectiveness and scalability of MaxLearn make it a sustainable solution for organizations of all sizes. By reducing costs and administrative workload, organizations can allocate resources more efficiently and expand their training programs as needed.

Conclusion

Implementing MaxLearn in your training programs offers numerous benefits that can transform how your organization approaches learning and development. From personalized learning experiences and enhanced engagement to comprehensive analytics, flexibility, and cost savings, MaxLearn provides a comprehensive solution that meets the diverse needs of modern learners. By leveraging these advantages, organizations can create more effective, efficient, and enjoyable training programs that drive both individual and organizational growth.

[vandal-flower]

Silent Care

Ror men with reader who is deaf, or hard of hearing.

Requested Characters: Shiva, Buddha, Adam and a Bonus Character.

Notes: I'm sorry for not saying nish for like an entire month or more. And if this is ooc. 😔

Shiva

At first, he doesn't understand what you're doing when you communicate with him using sign language.

He's aware that some people are deaf or hard of hearing, but hasn't met someone who is.

One of the first things he asks you is if you can teach him. (My heart, my soul)

He's quite slow at first but gets good at it after a while.

He always remember to talk slowly, just so you could read his lips.

He introduces sign language to his family and pantheon. You told him he didn't have to, but he insisted.

He gets angry at those who act rude to you because of your condition.

But overall, he enjoys learning from you.

"So this hand sign means 'hello' right? Good, just want to make sure that I'm on the right track."

Buddha

This man...My heart can't.

He learnt sign language before he met you, but still decides to learn from you instead.

According to him, it's better to learn from you than anyone else.

You can't convince even if you try. (Just don't.)

Whenever the two of you are watching something, he always puts subtitles just for you.

He abuses the ability to use sign language against people, by saying the most horrendous things to people when using sign.

You often scold him, but there's no use since he always does it again.

Nonetheless, he is always there for you.

"What do mean what I did was absolutely vulgar, they deserved it."

Adam

I won't apologize for having bias for him.

Just like Buddha, he learns sign before he gets to know you, but is happy to learn from you.

He also gently corrects you, if you're wrong.

He knows how ignorant people are, *the gods*, about those who are hard of hearing or deaf.

So, he always defends should anyone acts rude to you.

He's ready to throw hands.

He is very proud of the fact that you prefer to use sign than using your phone to talk him or anyone.

Like Shiva, he teaches his family as well.

He tells his sons to personally take care of anyone who us rude to you.

"Just remember, I love you for who you are, okay?"

~•Bonus Character•~

Jataka

Oh, oh, oh. The most underrated man in this entire series.

At first, he's very concerned about your condition. When he learns that you do sign to communicate with others.

HE WANTS TO LEARN IT.

Not only is it a chance to get to know you better, but also a chance to learn a new skill.

A very fast learner. (I headcanon he taught Buddha sign language.)

When talking to you, he always uses sign. He thinks using phones stops one's progression in life. (Good advice right there 👏)

He's just so sweet, I CAN'T!

"Thank you for taking your time with me. I greatly appreciate it."

Take this as an apology letter from me. 😔😔

[maziijapanese]

Complete guide to self-studying Japanese

Learning Japanese on your own can be a rewarding experience with the right resources. Here's a comprehensive guide to various methods and materials that can help you effectively self-study Japanese.

Self-study Japanese through textbooks and guides Textbooks and guides are the backbone of structured language learning. They provide comprehensive coverage of grammar, vocabulary, and kanji, ensuring a solid foundation. The "Genki" series is highly regarded for beginners, offering thorough explanations, engaging exercises, and accompanying audio CDs to practice listening and pronunciation. Another excellent resource is "Japanese for Busy People," perfect for those with limited time, focusing on practical conversation skills and essential vocabulary. Additionally, "Minna no Nihongo" offers an immersive experience by using only Japanese, pushing learners to think in the language from the start.

Self-study Japanese through videos Videos are an invaluable resource for enhancing listening skills and understanding pronunciation nuances. YouTube channels such as "JapanesePod101" and "Learn Japanese from Zero" provide free lessons ranging from beginner to advanced levels, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights. Additionally, watching anime like "My Neighbor Totoro" or dramas such as "Terrace House" with subtitles helps learners get accustomed to natural speech patterns and everyday expressions. For music lovers, listening to Japanese songs like those by J-pop artists such as Hikaru Utada or Arashi can also improve language skills and pronunciation.

Self-study Japanese online The digital age has revolutionized language learning, and Japanese is no exception. A plethora of online resources are readily available to cater to diverse learning styles. Interactive platforms and engaging apps offer personalized experiences, allowing learners to focus on specific language skills and track their progress efficiently. From mastering grammar to honing pronunciation and expanding vocabulary, these digital tools provide flexibility and convenience for self-paced study.

Self-study Japanese through exam preparation For those aiming to certify their proficiency, preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is crucial. Resources like the "Nihongo So-matome" and "Shin Kanzen Master" series offer focused practice across all JLPT levels, including grammar, reading, and listening exercises. Additionally, websites like "JLPT Sensei" provide practice tests and tips to help learners gauge their readiness and identify areas for improvement. Self-studying Japanese can be a fulfilling journey with the right resources. By utilizing textbooks, video lessons, online tools, and exam prep materials, you can develop a well-rounded understanding of the language. Remember, consistency and practice are key to mastering Japanese, so make use of these resources to enhance your learning experience.

[cocoatonedcurls]

become an academic weapon 📚🔫✨

hi all !!

with my GCSEs this year, and only a few weeks before back to school, I decided to really lock in yesterday 🫣

so I thought I'd take all the info I've come across while scrolling through studytok and put it into a little post for everyone looking to improve in their studies (& for my benefit as well 🙈)

motivation

this is probably the biggest factor when it comes to locking into your studies, motivation can quite literally make or break your academic achievements (😦)

so, its very important you motivate yourself, and moreover, stay motivated 😭

i've made it sound daunting but motivating yourself is lowkey easier than you think, here's a few ways to do it:

picturing yourself in 10 years, where all your studying and hard work has paid off - you can't be that person without doing the work that they did 😬

you can also do the opposite of the above - imagine how disappointed you'll be if you didn't work as hard as you could have and failed

"revenge studying" - the most toxic yet probably the most widely effective technique - working hard so you can beat than the people who are better than you

make studying aesthetic - create pinterest boards, look at quotes and tiktoks, make success your greatest desire

make it an addiction - if you're bored? study. had a bad day? nothing like setting yourself up for the best future. having a great day? go make it better by making yourself smarter.

get a motivational study app - i LOVE 'Study Bunny' I've been using it for two days now and it genuinely motivates me to be more productive to keep my bunny happy 🙃

resources

obviously, you need some help where you can get it despite all the controversies surrounding studying and the use of the internet, there are some amazing online resources you can use that will actively help you 📚

Quizlet/Anki - both of these flashcard platforms are incredibly useful - Quizlet is a fun platform and you can search for flashcards made by other people - Anki, in my opinion, is better than Quizlet for memorising, and you can import flashcards from Quizlet.

Mindnote - A mindmap making software online, a user-friendly interface + is quick and easy to make them - Great for visual learners

YouTube - the teachers on YouTube are incredibly helpful and can explain any topics you're confused about very quickly and very thoroughly

Spark Notes - great for English literature, with in-depth analysis of your texts and modern translations

Physics & Maths Tutor - free past papers and topic questions for core subjects and a few others, great for active recall

Study Bunny/Flora - helps keep track of your progress and keeps you motivated, I recommend Study Bunny because I can see how much work I've done of each subject and tick off things on my checklist

these are just a few out of many other resources so go do some of your own research, especially if there are websites that help with a specific subject

techniques

different study techniques work best for different people, no technique is a one-size-fits-all, some people are visual learners, others perform best by memorising & etc.

active recall - the only one-size-fits-all method - is a cognitive function that you carry out to remember things in tests, so practising this is a must -> the best way to do this is by completing topic questions and past papers using minimal amounts of notes. basically just testing yourself before the actual test

Spaced-out revision - one of the best ways to make sure things stick in your mind, revise a topic/subject and revisit it every few days, eg. 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 30; and by the 30-day mark it should be stuck in your mind because your brain believes its something that you need to know in the long run and stores it in your long term memory

Flashcards - great to memorise content for the test, especially subjects that are tested with orals

Scribble method - scribbling on a piece of paper while revising the content in any form, reading, listening, etc. helps your brain store the information you're consuming more effectively

Feynman method - basically just explaining the topic you're revising to someone, this helps you develop your understanding and catches out any areas you're unsure about to revise later

making mindmaps - this is great for visual learners, especially if you use different colours for each section of the map so that you can associate each concept with each colour and recall them easily

again, those are just a few that come to mind. do your own research and find out what works best for you 😇

while studying

knowing how to study effectively is also a crucial aspect of success (obviously) 🤭

here are a few tips:

don't listen to music with lyrics, instead you can listen to lofi tracks, cafe/library asmr, brown noise, jazz music (my favourite)

set yourself a study slot, like 2 hours every day at a specific time & set a focus filter on your phone for the duration of your study time

make an aesthetic/cute study space so you can enjoy your time in that space and it doesn't feel like a chore

get a whiteboard to make learning more interactive & fun

light a specific candle whenever you're studying so your brain knows to associate the scent with working

have regular breaks eg. every half hour for 5-10 mins

reward yourself afterwards, so you associate studying with a good experience

consistency is key, the more you study the easier & more fun it becomes 🙃 the more you study the more you are likely to succeed and fulfil your dreams ✨

remember though, academics is not everyone's thing:

"you cannot judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree"

everyone is good at something, and it doesn't make anyone lesser or greater 🫶

if you try your best, that is all that matters 🫠

- li 🌘

[askagamedev]

I plan on teaching myself how to program and learn game development through online tutorials and courses during my spare time. Since I'm not going through a school-like curriculum, do you have any advice to self-learners like myself on how to setup a learning structure (what to learn, practice exercises, doing projects, etc) and how to track progress to see how much improvement is being made?

It really depends on what your goal is. "Learning to program" is extremely broad, ranging from "barely enough to be a hobby" to "this is a useful tool in my toolbox" to "this is my decades-long career". If I were going to teach someone programming, I would start with the basics and then branch depending on what the student's goal is.

The basics - learn the building blocks of programming as a means of solving problems and how to translate the desired answer to a problem into a way that the computer can understand. This means understanding what a loop is, how conditions work, and how the computer understands instructions. One can learn this from most online tutorials or classes, and should be able to break down a human answer into a set of computer-understandable commands. The student should be able to have a functional (if basic) vocabulary of programming terms and should be able to form coherent and correct solutions to do the processing they wish the program to do for them.

After that, it depends on what the student wants to learn. If the student wants to make her own game, we can focus on lighter weight gameplay and the tools needed to build the game out. If she wants to focus on a specific field (e.g. gameplay, networking, tools, graphics, etc.) then we'd focus on that specific field. If the student wants to get a job in the field, then we'd focus on data structures, performance, and common test/interview questions.

[Join us on Discord] and/or [Support us on Patreon]

Got a burning question you want answered?

Short questions: Ask a Game Dev on Twitter

Long questions: Ask a Game Dev on Tumblr

Frequent Questions: The FAQ

[dargacode]

"TUTORIAL HELL" is Both Harmful and Imaginary

Day 2862

Every time I go on a programming subreddit or other public forum, I see so many distraught learners in anguish that they can't start "A Real Project", and are "stuck" on tutorials, as state which has now come to be referred to as "Tutorial Hell."

It honestly makes me extremely mad that people have made Tutorial Hell into such a meme that new programmers are now scared of it. It's unnecessary gate-keeping around what counts as A Real Project, and it's harming programming students who could otherwise be happily progressing on their way to mastery if they hadn't been poisoned by this idea.

There are zero useful aspects to the concept, and it only prevents students from learning rather than helping them learn. Every programmer in the world, from you to the creators of Google, has to get their ideas based on SOMETHING:

A problem they want to solve for themselves (or a friend, or a customer).

Some knowledge they already had, applied in a new way

A new skill they've just picked up from another project or lesson

A new feature that was just introduced into some technology they use

There's literally no way to get an idea except to have had some experience that leads you to it.

So starting from a completely empty file, and divining a new project based purely on inspiration is of course a very intimidating task, but luckily we don't ever actually have to do that.

The process of developing projects is actually very natural (even inevitable???) if you transfer your code more gradually from "100% Tutorial" to "100% Project":

Start off by doing the tutorials as written. Make sure that you're actually coding along and checking in your code to a github repo.

Every time you finish a tutorial, think of some tiny change you can make to the code to "make it your own." This can start out as small as just changing some text on the screen, or the colors it's using.

Over time you'll naturally get some more ambitious ideas for how to make the project into something even cooler, and you'll start adding larger things like a new feature with its own functions.

Eventually you'll get enough practice expanding projects and applying ideas that the project is mostly your "custom" code instead of code the tutorial told you to write.

Now maybe you have an idea to make a clone of this project but make it even better.

Now you're making A Real Project, From Scratch, but it doesn't rely on you having some eureeka moment of inspiration.

Here's what those steps could look like in a more specific example, from a common tutorial:

Complete a tutorial on how to fetch data from a weather API.

Think, "how could I do some additional fetching to practice more?"

Decide to fetch some data from a movie API instead.

Think, again, "how could I do some additional fetching to practice more?"

Realize that you could use the skills you've learned to fetch two different movies, and iterate through the casts to see which actors they have in common.

Think, again, "how could I do some additional fetching to practice more?

Realize that you could do something similar by fetching two actors, and see what movies they have in common.

Remember that the meme "6 degrees of Kevin Bacon" is related to actors being in the same movies together.

Realize that you could make an app that tracks Kevin Bacon degrees by putting together your movie overlap code and your actor overlap code.

Take the code you've written to modify the tutorial and paste it into a new project, where start turning it into its own app.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/six-degrees-movie-trivia/id328926385 (not my app)

Coding learners, you're going to be ok - you can take it gradually! Try to just focus on programming a lot, and what kinds of things you program will evolve naturally over time. If you want to consciously lead things in the direction of building your own projects from scratch that's great!

But trying so hard to make this transition that it discourages you from coding is hurting you for no good reason. If you stay curious enough and excited enough about programming, over enough time you'll reach this goal without even trying to.

[elshells]

Ella's WIP Poll Part 1

So I'm hoping to get back into the swing of writing soon! I probably won't have anything ready to post yet, and it likely won't be consistent, but in a couple of weeks I'm going to have a lot more time on my hands, at least for a while, and I wanna get back into doing writeblr stuff. That means catching up on old tag games, asks, and of course, updating WIPs!

Now, I have some big plans coming up for Encore. That story is getting a fresh outline, some new chapters, edits to existing chapters, the whole works. Hoping to make some progress and start posting some chapter updates during the upcoming spooky season. However, a part of my brain is always thinking about Agent Ace!

I took a step back from AA (only kind of intentionally) but it's been a year since I've posted a new chapter and I think that needs to change! However, I've got a lot of behind the scenes things I need to do, like polishing the current chapters and getting to know the world better. As a visual/textual learner, I've been making a lot of extra documents to help me keep everything in check, and I realized that maybe y'all would be interested in seeing this, too!

This could include the following:

Character files! We already have art for the primary characters, so we could take it even further by adding more info for each character that appears (cuz there's gonna be a lot of them!) such as notable features, societal status, family history, superpowers, etc.

Guardian archetypes and the order of command within the Watch. A way to keep track of agents and vigilantes as they're introduced and understand where they belong in the hierarchy.

A city map of Harmont and/or a list of the districts and neighborhood that appear in Agent Ace

Anything else that I think of in the future!

FOR CLARIFICATION: I do plan on including all of this info within the story itself, but this is for people like me that would prefer to have a streamlined compilation of info to easily refer back to!

So... here's a poll!

Please elaborate on your thoughts in the tags, if you have any! I'm genuinely curious.

AGENT ACE TAG LIST: @writernopal, @mysticstarlightduck, @livums, @wotchergiorgia

Ask to be added or removed!!

[max1461]

I want to learn to play an instrument but I don't actually have a good grasp on what the learning curve is like, especially for someone with no musical experience starting as an adult. People will say "don't worry about it and just have fun", but that's not really... possible for me, I have to be able to set realistic goals and then track my progress. I have a lot of experience with language learning, which is another thing that takes slow methodical effort and which kids are better at than adults. The thing is, with language learning, I've read a lot of actual research, and I have a sense of... exactly how hard it is, roughly what results I can expect in what time with what sorts of practice, as an adult learner, and so on. With musical instruments I just can't seem to find that kind of information?

Like, concretely: if I wanted to learn piano, how handicapped am I as someone starting in my mid twenties? What can I expect the progression curve to look like? Is it different for other instruments, like the guitar? If I were to invest the kind of time necessary for these things, I'd have to be good enough to eventually be "presentable", that is to say... there's no world where I'm trying to become a professional musician, but if I can't realistically reach whatever the musical equivalent is of what L2 acquisition researchers call "near-native competence", I kind of don't see the point. Well idk. There's gotta be studies on this.

[beanvalbean]

Bonjour!

My name Beanie and I am new here on langblr. This is a space for me to learn as well as track my French learning progress. I hope to share daily French journals as well as connect with other French learners!

And yes my name is a play on Jean Valjean from Les mis :)

[microstmnt]

Some more turtles, at this point I might as well make designs for every stage of their lives (dont tempt me into making a month by month progress of the Battle Nexus arc cause I will...)

Anyways, turtle tots time! Yes I mainly took inspiration from Rise, can you blame me? Their turtle tots are the best, unmatched character design

I’m not entirely sure I’m happy with those heights, and I cant believe I found myself googling “what’s the normal height for a toddler”, but here we are. As always, more tidbits under here:

A lot of non judgemental people helped Splinter during these times were he was new at being a dad and not having a proper home for the kids, providing them with important items such as food, clothes, blankets and even working equipment, most of the people helping them were people in similar situations to his

Leo: Probably because he’s the one that stayed as a turtle the most out of his bros he has more turtle qualities, such as suffering the cold or biting dad cause he doesn’t like being picked up, being the least fuzzy at bath time, putting bugs in his mouth... wait that’s just a standard toddler thing. He always seemed to be the responsible older bro, taking care of his brothers whenever Spinter had to go out on the surface in search of food, Leo was always reasuring his brothers everything would be okay. Part of Splinter panicked (probably the Yoshi part) about him taking so long to talk, but his rat nature knew that even if he didnt speak there were other ways to communicate with his son, Leo eventually did speak but it seemed that he had less trouble speaking with his brothers than to his dad, perhaps because he was not a turtle?

Raph: Oh boy, the twins were inseparable from a verly early age, Splinter’s guess is that it’s because they might be from the same clutch, or perhaps simply cause they look alike, whatever the case they like to switch places, to the point Splinter decided to keep track on them by color coding them, letting the boys pick their colors (not that it worked, they simply switched bandanas and clothing and Splinter still had a hard time telling them apart). He always had a bit of a temper, whenever he played with his brothers he found that he lost patience and control more easily than his bros, wich often resulted in him either pushing his brothers, hitting them (like kids do), or crying, sometimes all of them (especially if Leo was involved, cause if he got pushed he BIT back lmao), single dad desperatly looking for anger issues books on garbage bins. Doesnt remember the time he got lost at all, maybe it left some trauma, but if it did he buried it deeep, Splinter never forgets (or forgives himself) for this

Donnie: One neat little trick Splinter found to pick them apart was to take a look at their bandaids, Raph likes to draw on his, while Donnie keeps them plain (wich by the way he doesnt need the bandaids, he just puts them on so its easier for them to switch and harder for Splinter to realize, little shits, how do you explain to toddllers that bandaids are not that easy to find? lmao), from very early on it was clear that Donnie was not neurotypical, everything in the sewers was too much, the smell, the noises and vibrations from everything above them, constant humidity and weird icky textures, Donnie was constantly overstimulated (god even thinking about it, it would be a nightmare to me), and his only known coping mechanism was crying, Splinter could only calm him by hugging him to his chest, or burying him in blankets, it wouldnt be until much later after meeting April that Donnie would learn about autism. He fixed (and broke...) everything electrical in the lair, he learned basically through trial and error but thank god he’ a fast learner. When he was like 7 he got in a bit of an accident (jackass moment probably...) that broke part of his front plastron, and even tho it was a rather traumatic experience Donnie remembers it fondly, since Raph in his panic of not looking exactly like his twin brother proceeded to do the exact thing that Donnie did and also broke his plastron in (a miracle) exactly the same shape Donnie did.... Dad understandably distraught

Mikey: BABY! Loves being picked up (to this day, but he’s grown a lot so not a lot of people can), being the youngest he always followed his brothers on all adventures, and being the youngest he got excluded from said adventures like 80% of the time (cheers to being the little sibling), initially Splinter was just going to have the twins color coded, but when Mikey saw color he instantly wanted to participate, so his dad decided to have all his sons be color coded. Social butterfly, often talked to the other rats in the sewers, believing them to be like uncles and aunties, was the one more influenced by what he saw on tv and the one that made the most questions about their situation (Spinter sweating bullets), he might have got them in trouble with a sewer crocodile due to his social nature when they were like 9... but Splinter would never hold him accountable for that, maybe just a little talk about stranger danger... Used to wear mostly dresses as a kid (actually, skirts with holes for arms, everything else was too big, I imagine not a lot of people dump toddler clothes but I might be wrong)

[hebrewbyinbal]

Drop the word SPEAK to see how.

You’re eager to speak and understand Hebrew. You download Duolingo (or any other app) and start with enthusiasm, playing with words, advancing through levels.

The app encourages you daily with tough love, making you think, "Wow, they're really invested in my success!"

Yet, weeks turn into months, and you find yourself stuck in the same spot, not truly advancing in conversational Hebrew or understanding how the language works.

Does this sound familiar?

If the answer is a sad "Yes," it's not your fault!

The truth is, these apps are designed to keep you engaged with the platform rather than ensuring your actual success in learning. They excel at bringing you back for more, but what exactly is this "more"?

Do you even know who built the Hebrew program you’re following?

Can you ask a real Hebrew teacher a question?

Does anyone care if you progress in Hebrew or not?

As a native Hebrew speaker, best-selling author, and dedicated educator, I've spent months designing unique teaching methods that address the pitfalls of popular apps and programs.

Your success is my top priority, which is why my approach is tailored to ensure real, fast-track results.

You won't just memorize isolated words unrelated to the Hebrew you want to express, nor will you chase empty gamified achievements.

Instead, you'll engage with practical, real-life Hebrew, immerse yourself in Israeli Hebrew, and develop deep understanding of the language.

I’ve taken all the feedback from learners who've shared what doesn’t work with apps, Ulpan, and most programs out there, and I've developed methods that actually lead to success.

I've already helped thousands of students speak and understand Hebrew quicker and easier than they thought possible.

If you're serious about speaking Hebrew and tired of feeling stuck, it's time to adopt a proven formula, learn from a teacher who truly cares and will always be there for you.

Let's get you speaking Hebrew, without the false starts and frustrations.

Drop the word SPEAK, and we'll get you started.

[eliteprepsat]

Preparing for the first year of high school can feel overwhelming, but starting in the summer can help ease the transition. Here are some practical steps to get rising ninth graders ready for this exciting new chapter.

1. Strengthen Academic Skills

High school will build on what you’ve learned in middle school, so it’s crucial to have a strong foundation. In ninth grade, students typically take biology, world history, and algebra or geometry. Use the summer to brush up on subjects where you feel less confident or preview subjects that are new to you. There are plenty of online resources, such as Khan Academy, that offer free courses in various subjects. If working with a live instructor or tutor is better for you, then enroll in a preview class at Elite Prep.

2. Read Regularly

Reading is one of the best ways to improve your comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, reading skills are important to many high school subjects, including history, science, and (of course) English language arts. Choose a mix of fiction and non-fiction books to expand your horizons – doing so will not only prepare you academically but also make you a more engaged learner. Check our Recommended Summer Reading List for Ninth Graders.

3. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Explore extracurricular activities that interest you. High schools offer a variety of clubs, sports, and organizations. Summer is a great time to try new things and discover what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s joining a sports team, learning a musical instrument, or volunteering in your community, these activities will help you develop new skills and make new friends.

Furthermore, if you plan to participate in particular extracurricular activities in high school, consider using your summer time to prepare and hone your abilities (e.g., work on past exams for Science Olympiad and math competitions, practice your skills for a sport like basketball and track and field, and learn to code for robotics or website design).

4. Learn Time Management

High school will demand better time management skills than middle school. Start practicing now by setting a schedule for your summer activities. Include time for study, hobbies, and relaxation. Learning to balance these activities will prepare you for the busy high school schedule. Try techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.

5. Understand High School Expectations

Familiarize yourself with what will be expected of you in high school. Attend any orientation sessions offered by your high school and read through the student handbook. Knowing the school’s rules, dress code, and academic policies will help you adjust more quickly. Talk to older students or siblings about their experiences to get a sense of what to expect.

6. Set Goals

Setting goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose. Think about what you want to achieve in your first year of high school. These could be academic goals, such as maintaining a certain GPA, or personal goals, like joining a club or making new friends. Write down your goals and revisit them regularly to track your progress.

7. Get Organized

High school comes with more responsibilities and a heavier workload. Start by organizing your study space and materials. Create a filing system for your schoolwork and important documents. Invest in a planner or use a digital calendar to keep track of assignments, extracurricular activities, and important dates. Being organized from the start will help you manage your time effectively.

8. Develop Good Study Habits

High school courses will be more challenging, so developing good study habits now will pay off later. Find out what study methods work best for you. Some students prefer studying alone in a quiet environment, while others do better in study groups. Try different techniques like summarizing information, using flashcards, or teaching what you’ve learned to someone else.

Starting high school is a significant milestone, and preparing over the summer can make a big difference. By strengthening your academic skills, reading regularly, getting involved in extracurricular activities, managing your time, understanding high school expectations, setting goals, getting organized, and developing good study habits, you’ll be well-prepared to start high school with confidence and enthusiasm. Enjoy your summer and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead!

[maziijapanese]

Tips to maintain motivation to learn Japanese everyday

Many learners, including yourself, start with ambitious goals and a strong desire to conquer Japanese. But after just a short time studying, motivation can vanish. This is because motivation requires understanding how to create and maintain it.

The first step is to eliminate negative beliefs about Japanese and believe in yourself. Don't get discouraged by misconceptions like needing talent or perfect pronunciation. Perseverance is key, and native speakers have dialects too! More importantly, you don't need to know every word. To understand most conversations, aim for 1,200-2,000 vocabulary words, focusing on commonly used ones first.

Setting specific, achievable goals is crucial. Why are you learning Japanese? Travel, work, or studying abroad? Take online level tests to gauge your current ability. With a clear understanding of your goals and current level, set achievable targets.

Daily progress tracking is a powerful tool. List daily tasks, break them down, and define what "complete" looks like for each step. Track your progress and avoid comparing yourself to others. Focus on being better than you were yesterday – that's success!

Minimize distractions while studying. Games, movies, and anything else that pulls your focus needs to wait. Here's a focus technique to maximize effectiveness: choose a task, set a timer for 30 minutes, and concentrate intensely. After the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle until the task is finished.

Remember, learning goes hand-in-hand with practice. The more you practice, the better you'll become. This fuels motivation by showing your progress. When learning vocabulary, don't just memorize – say the word aloud, build sentences with it, and try using it in daily conversations. Practice turns theory into real knowledge.

This website can also be a great tool to help you learn Japanese, check it out: https://bom.so/wlAF7y

[corvid-language-library]

2024 Goal Check-in (January)

I'm hoping by doing a monthly check-in I'll keep myself on track, but we'll see what happens!

Japanese

Reach ~N3 level - I'm currently reviewing N4 grammar and vocabulary. I think I'm getting more of it in my head, but I definitely have a long way to go before I reach this goal. It's difficult at this stage to say if I'm on track or not. I'm also learning N3 kanji.

Learn 10 songs by heart to a level where I could sing them at karaoke - I've been learning 少女S by SCANDAL this month. It's going well, but I think I'll need to keep practising often if I want to remember it!

Finish reading another book of short stories - Started Japanese Short Stories For Language Learners - Bilingual Stories in Japanese and English by Anne McNulty & Eriko Sato, but I've not made much progress.

Finish both Minna No Nihongo books - I've completed another unit and a half so I've now completed 6/25 units from book 1 and I'm halfway through unit 7.

Norwegian

Read at least 2 books in Norwegian - I brought 2 books in Norwegian with me from the UK, but I've not looked at them yet

Maintain an overall B2/C1 level - I feel like I'm definitely slipping back towards B2 level. I need to work harder to maintain my level

Finish Enjoy Norwegian textbook - I decided to start from the beginning again and finished unit 1/10 last week.

Life in Japan

I haven't really had the energy or felt confident enough to attempt most of the goals on this list, so rather than listing all 11 with some variant of "I haven't done this yet," I'll draw your attention to the final goal on the list, which is...

Be able to point to every prefecture on a map and name their capital cities - I've been doing this quiz and this quiz pretty frequently and I'm now able to do this! Sometimes I mix them up but I've got most of them down. Gonna keep practising regularly though to keep that knowledge there.

Non-language

Read 36 books - I've read 5/36 books, which is 2 books ahead of schedule.

Complete a first draft of a novel manuscript - I wrote like 450 words last night? So not really much progress

Comfortable two-block oversplit with back bend - I've barely stretched this month, but I did do a little. My splits are suuuuper stiff and my back feels cranky af.

Consistently hold a handstand for 5 seconds - Still dealing with an icky shoulder so I'm avoiding handstands, but it's gettings loads better and I'm easing back into yoga.

Noticeably improve my demi pointe - I've not done much in the way of exercises, but when I have time before classes at work I do a few elevés and relevés. My calves still cramp SO BAD :(

Diet-related goals

Tackle my diet soda and sugar addictions - I've been doing okay at the latter, practising more restraint, eating fruit instead of processed snacks. I'm trying to get more used to green tea to substitute my diet soda addiction but it's slow going.

Slim down enough that none of my clothes are tight anymore - It's been a bit up and down. I ended up gaining 0.2kg, but I've since lost it and I've now lost a total of around 2kg. Some of my clothes have now gone from "too tight" to "snug but okay fit" but many are still a bit too tight for comfort.

[asianlanguageschool]

Conquer Hangul: Explore the Best Ways to Learn Korean Online

The Korean wave, with its captivating K-dramas, vibrant music scene, and unique culture, has swept the globe. If you've been inspired to learn the language itself, you're in luck! The internet offers a wealth of resources for learn korean online, making it easier than ever to embark on your Korean language journey.

Why Learn Korean Online?

Convenience and Flexibility: Online learning fits into your busy schedule. Learn at your own pace, from anywhere with an internet connection.

Variety of Resources: Explore a vast array of online courses, tutorials, and interactive platforms tailored to different learning styles.

Cost-Effectiveness: Online learning options can be more affordable than traditional classroom settings.

Global Community: Connect with fellow Korean language learners worldwide for motivation and support.

Popular Platforms and Resources for Learning Korean Online

Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Lingodeer offer bite-sized lessons, gamified learning experiences, and vocabulary building exercises, making learning Korean fun and engaging.

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer comprehensive Korean language courses, often developed by universities and language experts. These courses may include video lectures, interactive exercises, and assessments.

YouTube Channels: Numerous YouTube channels cater to Korean language learners at all levels. Channels like Go Billy Korean, Learn Korean with KoreanClass101, and Talk To Me In Korean provide beginner-friendly lessons, grammar explanations, and cultural insights.

Korean Learning Websites: Websites like HowtoStudyKorean.com and Korean Wiki offer free lessons, grammar guides, vocabulary lists, and downloadable resources.

Language Exchange Programs: Platforms like HelloTalk and Tandem connect you with native Korean speakers for language exchange. This allows you to practice conversation skills, gain cultural understanding, and build friendships.

Tips for Success in Your Online Korean Learning Journey

Set SMART Goals: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals to stay motivated and track your progress.

Find a Learning Method that Suits You: Experiment with different platforms and resources to discover what works best for your learning style and preferences.

Incorporate Fun and Engaging Activities: Learning Korean shouldn't feel like a chore. Listen to Korean music, watch Korean shows with subtitles, or try reading Korean webtoons to keep things interesting.

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key! Allocate dedicated time each day or week for active Korean language learning activities.

Connect with the Korean Learning Community: Join online forums, participate in language exchange programs, or connect with other Korean language learners on social media for motivation and support.

Embrace the Challenge!

Learning Korean online opens doors to a vibrant culture and new opportunities. With dedication, the right resources, and a dash of fun, you'll be well on your way to mastering the beautiful and dynamic Korean language!

[nordic-language-love]

Language Learning Log 2023 Week 39 (01/10~07/10)

Yeah it's been a while. I've been keeping track of everything the past few weeks, but I've been mostly too stressed out/depressed/busy to post much. Also, I guess I've not noticed too much progress lately.

Japanese

I'm getting better at reading! I can sometimes read things on NHK Easy News and I'll only have to look up a few words here and there! And as I've mentioned in separate posts, I'm sometimes able to work out the meaning of certain words just by knowing the kanji and having the context to work with.

All my other skills still suck and I'm not noticing huge improvements. But I've not been studying much lately. I've been kinda lazy honestly. But my friend introduced me to a new anime (Jujutsu Kaisen), so I've got that to binge-watch over the next couple of weeks, and I'm sure I'll see some improvement from that. Honestly I feel like binge-watching TV is the best way to improve any language (it's that sweet, sweet immersion, baby).

Norwegian

My speaking and active vocabulary are getting worse for sure, although I think part of that is because my tutor also speaks Japanese and so I don't have to make the effort to speak only in Norwegian and my brain sometimes drifts into mixing the two. But I started watching DS9 with Norwegian subtitles and it's been a pretty interesting experience. I'm keeping notes of how certain phrases are translated and actually learning a surprising amount of new words and phrases. I'll have to compile a list at some point. I also binge-watched Hybris this week, which actually turned out to be pretty good (and very intermediate-friendly and available worldwide, for any learners looking for something to watch). Additionally, my friend wrote a book, so I'm reading that atm too. It's good to have something active to work on rather than just picking random articles that are vaguely interesting to read just to keep my skills up.