Reducing the Administrative Burden for Further Education Colleges
February 28, 2010
The introduction of the Government’s Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in September 2004 meant that more young people from poorer backgrounds could afford to stay on in further education instead of being forced to find work.
But the scheme brought with it an extra administrative burden for further education (FE) colleges. They now have to manage enrolment in the scheme, monitor attendance and notify the Assessment and Payment Body of their decisions to pay EMA students, or not pay, where applicable.
It is estimated that about half of all 16-year-olds studying in England qualify for the EMA. To receive the allowance, students must attend at least 12 hours of supervised further education courses each week. Payments are £10, £20 or £30 each week, depending on the income of the household. Students may also receive bonuses depending on the progress they make.
Attendance Management
Because attendance is a key factor in making payment decisions, FE college administrators need an accurate and efficient means of monitoring and recording this activity.
A system is therefore needed that gives FE college administrative staff the flexibility to choose the data capture methods that best suit their specific requirements. The software applied to control this document management needed to adapt to paper registers, direct data entry and remote entry using Web registers.
College Residence Life Staff: Speak to Gain Respect
February 15, 2010
When you speak, do residents listen or ignore you? If you’re having trouble commanding respect, it could be the way you’re saying it. Here is a list of words that can sabotage your effectiveness as a communicator. See if you recognize any of these red flags in your speech:
Should, Have to: These come across as condescending. Instead of telling people what they should do, offer suggestions. Then let them decide.
Always, Never, Everyone, Nobody: These words rarely paint an accurate picture and come across as over-dramatizing. You’ll lose credibility. Instead, use words such as "sometimes," "occasionally," or "some people."
But: This negates everything that comes before it and can make you sound like you’re talking out of both sides of your mouth. Replace it with "and."
Try: This is one big escape clause and makes others question your commitment. Don’t try, just do it.
You: Starting sentences like this comes across as attacking and blaming. Instead, be accountable by starting with "I."
Okay: Tagging this word onto the end of sentences makes it sound like you’re asking permission: "I’m upset right now, okay?" Lose it, or people won’t take you seriously.
College Study Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder
February 2, 2010
Here are some benefits to studying for your college classes the right way: more leisure time, less stress, less pressure from your parents, less debt, better grades, and better career opportunities. Sound worthwhile? That doesn’t mean there isn’t work involved, but it’s how you accomplish the work that matters. You can either work smarter, or keep spinning your wheels while barely hanging on to passing grades. Follow these tips to make the most of your time and mental resources:
Establish Successful Habits. Here’s a simple formula: Successful habits lead to success and unsuccessful habits lead to failure. Commit to studying by establishing a set time and place. Eliminate distractions, turn off your cell phone and for that time period dedicate 100 percent of your energy to learning.
Get Roommate Cooperation: Discuss with your roommate the best times for you to study. Make that time off-limits to guests and loud distractions.
Prepare. Read the topic chapters before the lecture. (If you haven’t purchased the book yet, now is the time to do it!) This will get you familiar with the material and give you an indication of what the professor thinks is most important by what is stressed in the lecture.
College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness
January 19, 2010
Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown ? it’s natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, it can make you feel a deep desire to return to the people and situations you know best.
The good news is that homesickness goes away eventually. As you gradually get used to your new surroundings, you’ll grow more comfortable. You’ll also gain a sense of confidence and independence by knowing that you can learn to adjust. Here are some tips to help ease your transition.
Accept that things will be different, but different isn’t bad or wrong. Part of maturing is learning to be flexible in different situations, so this is all part of the process of preparing you for a fantastic future.
Bring a piece of home. Pack special items that remind you of home and give you comfort like your pillow, stuffed animals, pictures, posters, music, and specialty food items.
Chiropractic Colleges
January 5, 2010
Before CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGES & SCHOOLS accept one into their educational systems, it is recommended that students have earned a degree in the arts or sciences from an accredited college or university. Chiropractic colleges and schools also require applicants to have at least 90 semester hours in English, social sciences or humanities, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology as well.
Chiropractic colleges and schools offer education and training in chiropractic health treatments. Teaching a broad spectrum of topics of diagnostics and treatment for persons suffering from muscular, nervous and skeletal system problems; chiropractic colleges and schools stand strong on the firm belief that interference within these systems can disrupt normal functioning and lowers resistance to disease. Chiropractic colleges and schools are holistic educational systems that place emphasis on the patient’s overall well-being. By evaluating numerous factors such as one’s exercise, diet, rest, environment and heredity; chiropractic colleges and schools teach prospective physicians to use natural, drug-free, non-surgical health treatments that rely on the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
After completion of the chiropractic college or school of choice, a four-part exam is administered byt he National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. However, state examinations may supplement the National Board testing — dependent upon individual state requirements.
Self-Injury on College Campuses
December 24, 2009
Self injury is intentionally causing self-inflicted physical pain in order to cope with overwhelming feelings, traumatic events, or severe emotional pain. The person is not "crazy," but rather just never learned appropriate ways to express intense feelings. Some of the most common ways to self-injure include cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, and pulling hair. A person who self-injures usually does so in private. She does not typically flaunt or brag about injuries. Although some men self-injure, the behavior is more prevalent amongst women. The reasons vary. Some who self-mutilate say it helps to release pain, while others say it offers distraction from traumatic memories. For some, self-injury gives a sense of control. Others are numb to emotion, and self-injury gives them a way to feel something.
The biggest misconception is that self-injury is an attempt to commit suicide. The person in question may feel so bad that he has had suicidal thoughts, but generally the two are unrelated. In most cases, the act of self-injury is an attempt to cope with those intense feelings, not die.
Here are the warning signs of self-injury:
Compulsive need to injure oneself by cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or pulling hair
Naturopathic Schools
December 11, 2009
NATUROPATHIC SCHOOLS instruct in Naturopathic medicine which is an holistic approach that relies on natural remedies altogether. Sunlight, air, and water are thought of as natural healers; this, along with nutritional supplements and massage therapies are all part of naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic Schools are usually comprised of a four-year degree program with prerequisites closely resembling those of conventional medical schools. Earning your degree in Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine is the ultimate goal through naturopathic school training.
Naturopathic Schools require four years of study in medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology, neurology, radiology, minor suregery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, clinical and physical diagnostics and other clinical sciences as well.
Additionally, naturopathic schools offer training in naturopathic therapeutics, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and naturopathic manipulative therapy.
Naturopathic schools do provide programs for financial aid, including state and federal loans, scholarship programs, and other financial assistance as well. (As each school varies in financial programs, please check with financial officers prior to enrollment.)
If you are interested in attending naturopathic schools or would like to find a naturopathic school near your area, feel free to check Holistic Junction’s Healing Arts’ Schools’ directory for a naturopathic school today.
Hidden College Costs: Roommate Conflict
November 27, 2009
Parents, if you’re already reeling from the costs of today’s college education, take a deep breath. According to one expert, if your kids lack conflict resolution skills, it could end up costing you even more.
"Students who can’t handle conflict run into trouble with roommates almost immediately," said Susan Fee who is the author of My Roommate is Driving Me Crazy! Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate From Hell (Adams Media, 2005). "They avoid the issue rather than deal it, causing increased stress, lower grades, and additional moving and housing expenses," said Fee, who is a licensed professional counselor. She said students who focus only on academic success do so at the expense of other life skills.
"Some students have spent so much time studying and fitting in extracurricular activities that they never develop necessary social skills. Well-intentioned parents have become overly-involved in their kids’ lives, planning their time, and solving their dilemmas. By the time these kids enter college, they have no confidence in speaking up for themselves," said Fee.
Another factor leading to trouble adjusting is a sense of entitlement. "It’s not uncommon for students to come from homes where they had their own bedroom, bathroom, and TV," said Fee. "They have unreasonable expectations about having things their way."
College Roommates: Threes A Crowd
November 14, 2009
It’s hard enough sharing a dorm room the size of a postage stamp with one person, but what happens when your roommate consistently invites friends and dates to hang out too? Even if you all get along, it can get old fast. Sometimes you just want a little privacy. At the very least, you don’t want to feel like an outsider in your own room.
Whether you’re dealing with your roommate’s ever present love interest, or his obnoxious friends who "borrow" your stuff, you need to speak up. Roommate issues like this don’t go away by ignoring them, so it’s best to be upfront and work together to reach an understanding. Here are some tips that will help:
? Keep an open mind. It’s possible that your roommate has no idea there’s a problem, so don’t assume he’s trying to annoy you on purpose.
? Pick the right time to talk. Choose a time to speak to your roommate when the two of you can be alone. Explain that you have nothing against the other people involved, but you feel uncomfortable having them around all the time.
Do Best Friends Make the Best College Roommates?
October 31, 2009
Do best friends make the best college roommates? Not always! It’s amazing how the quirky things you used to like about your best friend can begin to drive you crazy when you’re around it 24/7. Just because you’ve been friends since grade school doesn’t mean you should live together.
In fact, rooming together can ruin a friendship if the two of you don’t discuss a few things ahead of time. Living together is way different than hanging out a lot. It’s a mistake to assume that everything will be fine just because you have a history. Here are some things you and your best friend should talk about before you commit to being roomies.
Expect things to change. College is about growing and making new friends. Only hanging out with your best friend can hold both of you back. All it takes is one, "You didn’t used to be that way," to feel trapped. Are you okay with your best friend spending less time with you and more time with new friends? Talk about how you’d deal with this and if you expect to be included or not.
