How Choosing Between Higher Education and Vocational Training?

In the current gloomy economic climate, opportunities for employment are severely limited, especially for young people. Thus the issue of what to do when you leave school becomes all the more pressing for today's youngsters - do you go to university to study for a degree, get a job right away, or do some vocational training to prepare them for a specific role?

University used to be automatically considered the best option for ambitious youngsters who wanted the rewards of a secure and well-paid job, but this attitude has started to change in recent years. Each year there are far more new graduates than new graduate roles, so a degree is no longer a guarantee of employment and success.

This increasing scarcity of graduate positions has coincided with major increases in the cost of tuition fees, meaning that even those that do find jobs after graduating are saddled with enormous debts that take years to pay off. These changes have led many young people to reconsider whether university is really the best option for them when they finish their A levels. Many are now looking at the other possibilities out there, hoping to find a more direct (and cheaper) route into the job market.

Employers too have in many cases begun to look beyond university degrees when recruiting new people, placing more emphasis on workplace experience and training rather than academic qualifications.

A recent 2012 survey found that one in five employers prefer school leavers to graduates. Several of the employers who took part said that they felt graduates often left university with unrealistic expectations, and found it difficult to adjust to the world of work. School leavers, on the other hand, tended to be more grounded and more capable of settling into a working role.

So putting aside university, what other options are there for young people who want to increase their employability after leaving school?

One of the most popular options is to do some kind of vocational training. It has the advantage of preparing you for work in a specific role, but this can also be a disadvantage if you train for a field in which there are few job opportunities and your skills are not greatly in demand.

It is therefore vital that anyone contemplating doing a vocational course first does some research into whether or not there will be a genuine chance of good employment at the end of their training, in order that they don't just waste time and money acquiring unwanted skills.

Among the most popular vocational courses currently is locksmith training. The attraction of locksmith courses is that they are relatively cheap (especially when compared with the cost of university fees) and they offer a strong chance of employment afterwards. Locksmithing is one of the few UK industries which has remained strong in spite of the recession, with plenty of jobs to go around for those who are prepared to work hard for them.

How Finding A Doctorate Program That Will Complement Your Lifestyle?

You've completed your Bachelor's and Master's degree, and now you want to earn your Doctorate. But with so many program options available, how can you be sure to choose the best one? By taking a serious look at what you want to accomplish and how you want to do so, you will be able to find the best Doctorate program for your wants and needs.

Before you begin your search of Doctorate programs, you will want to sit down and hash out what your goals are in earning your Doctoral degree. By figuring out the concrete reasons why you want to enter into a program, you will be ready to find programs that fit into your needs. This can include deciding what subject area you want to pursue and why you want to do so.

One thing to keep in mind is the time-frame in which you want to accomplish your degree. Some Doctorate programs can take up to 10 years to complete, while others can only take two or three years. Depending on what it is you want to study, will be a factor in determining how long your program will be. This is important to consider because if you only want to spend a few years on your program, you need to find an option that will allow you to do so.

Today, there are many online options that students can choose to enroll into. This can be a valid option and may fit better into your schedule. If you are a self-motivated individual and are willing and able to keep track of assignments on your own, this can be a great choice. However, not all subject areas are best suited to online programs; some are better achieved through in-person classes.

Traditional on-campus programs can be beneficial for certain types of subject areas. They can also be a great option if you have particular ties to certain universities that only offer on-campus options. Doctorate classes completed in this fashion are offered at various times in order to fit in with individuals' schedules.

Another important factor to keep in mind when choosing a Doctorate program, is how you will fit it into your current schedule. You want to make sure that you will still be able to live the lifestyle that you want while you complete your degree. This is especially important to keep in mind if you have to care for children or have other important responsibilities that are going to need your attention.

Graduate Study Options To Serve A Multitude of Fields

Students who are looking for a great Master's program can find it at St. Joseph's College in New York. The college has two campuses, one in Brooklyn and one in Long Island, giving students the option of the location that works better for them. They offer great graduate programs that will fit into what you are looking for.

One of the programs that St. Joseph's College offers is a Master's in Business Administration. Students who enroll in this program can expect to learn the foundations of business and will aid them in the progression to developing managerial skills. You are also able to build your analytical skills in order to help understand how to solve everyday business problems. This is the perfect choice if your goals including pursuing an executive level position.

There is also an option to earn your Master's of Art in Literacy and Cognition. This is a part of the education program and gives teachers the ability to become literacy teachers, literacy specialists, and literacy coaches. During this degree program, students are able to learn the tools that will allow them to work with students who are having problems with reading. In the program, students will complete a thesis as well as a 50-hour practicum.

You can also choose to earn your Master's of Arts in Mathematics Education. This is a 30-credit hour program that students can complete in as little as two years' time. The purpose of this program is to allow you the ability to do your teaching during the day and attend your classes in the evening. This program has been made in order to allow students the ability to become accomplished math teachers by employing various teaching methods and techniques.

Students also have the option to enroll into an Accounting program. This graduate program is taught by certified professional accountants who provide valuable information as well as a network of contacts. In this program, you will learn the latest and most current practices, which will allow you the ability to earn a position within various accounting institutions. The program is made up of 36-credit hours and provides you with the ability to partake in various graduate level business courses throughout the program.

There is also an MBA option in Health Care Management. This is a perfect program option for those who are working professionals and want to advance into a senior managerial position in the health care industry. During this program, students are able to gain perspective and clarity on the current issues that are a part of the health care industry today, while also gaining a valuable background in business.

How To Help With Math Homework?

Your kids come home with homework every day. Make sure that you are prepared for helping children to read and support them with their school work. It may be overwhelming to try to explain these math concepts to your child, so set yourself up for success and equip yourself with some tools that will help you explain math to your child.

Set up a homework help space and a storage system for the tools that will assist you in helping with math homework.

• Make sure that scrap paper is always available. It will come in handy when you want to write out a solution and some important tips for your child to remember. It will also come in handy as a good Math Tutor Online if you want your child to work out a calculation too.

• Alternately, you may prefer using a whiteboard to scrap paper. Additionally, your child may prefer the larger visual aid.

• Make some manipulatives available. A jar of beads or buttons and some small cups can come in handy if you want to demonstrate skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The hands-on experience will help your child grasp these concepts.

• Have a multiplication fact chart available for quick reference. Allow your child to use it to verify their calculations, not as a source for answers.

• A calculator is another helpful resource that should only be used to verify calculations. Discourage your child from relying on the calculator instead of exercising mental math skills.

Furthermore, some computer software may act as a useful resource for helping children to read. You can use the computer to support your child's math homework and further explain key concepts. Each of the following resources is worth exploring.

• SMART Notebook provides animations that you can use to demonstrate different concepts. Explore the gallery's interactive multimedia files for help, like an interactive protractor and animated flash cards.

• Kidsperation is another interactive software that will help you as a Math Tutor Online. This resource is particularly helpful when explaining place value. You may like the representations of place value blocks available.

How Becoming an Occupational Therapist?

If you are looking for a career that will provide you stability and instant gratification, then you should be an occupational therapist. According to the Labor Statistics Bureau, there will be an increased demand and continuous need for occupational therapists in the coming years. This is indeed a good reason to become an OT.

What is an Occupational Therapist?

It is important to be knowledgeable about the duties of an occupational therapist before considering becoming one. OTs or occupational therapists are professionals with skills on helping people regain their strength and physical abilities. An OT is usually required by people who had suffered from accidents, any mental illness or brain injury.

Requirements

It is a requirement for an individual to complete a college education in social work, psychology or occupational therapy in order to become an occupational therapist. Technical colleges, normal colleges and universities offer these programs. Generally, you will need two formal years of schooling plus work experience. Degree programs for occupational therapists in universities may last up to four years, and there are extra courses that may be offered that may serve as program extension of up to six years.

Prerequisites to being an Occupational Therapist

Licensing requirements may vary in different states for occupational therapy practice. It is mandatory that the individual passes a licensure exam in the state to become a registered OT. Therefore, it is highly important that the individual is well aware of the state requirements on occupational therapy licensure, as well as have the proper education and experience necessary before applying.

It is also important to have the right emotional quotient to fulfill the role of an OT properly. Compassion and patience must be innate in the individual to be able to relate to the patients. The therapist may need to be educated and mentored on how to deal with patients professionally and personally.

Keeping Updated as an OT

Once you decide to start your degree as an OT, you have to be updated with the technologies and new theories regarding the job for you to become efficient and effective. It is highly recommended that you participate in seminars, lectures and part time courses so that you can keep yourself abreast on any developments in the industry.

If you are a nurse or a personal support worker, you can make the transition into being an OT. You can request for academic credits from colleges or universities for previous education and work experience you have. By doing this, you will have the opportunity to have less subject units required in order to complete your occupational therapist educational program. This may entail an easier program which can help you complete the course earlier than usual.

Educational Requirements

The rigorous education is meant to prepare you as an OT to help many different kinds of patients with all sorts of disabilities. According to statistics, 18% of the American population, or about 52 million people, have one form of disability or another. 32 million of these people have severe disabilities. This statistics may be unsettling, but it is a fact. This is the reason why occupational therapists are increasingly becoming in demand, primarily because they can make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

With the professional assistance of an OT, disabled people can be helped to live and work in spite of their situation. With rehabilitative programs, the patients can be helped to restore their homemaking, vocational and daily skills to gain more independence from their disabilities.

Salary

Aside from the chance to directly help people with disabilities, one of the biggest factors why many people pursue a career as an occupational therapist is the salary. There are many job opportunities for licensed and registered occupational therapists.

There is a huge demand for OTs in acute hospitals, rehabilitation centers and orthopedic institution because of the increasing numbers of geriatric population in these settings.

Graduate Schools In The Garden State

Graduate Schools in New Jersey

If you've completed your Bachelor's degree and are considering graduate school, finding the right program in a convenient location is important. Choosing a college in New Jersey to pursue your advanced studies is a great idea for someone who wants access to the resources of the city and also the relaxing atmosphere provided by rural areas. The Garden State offers beautiful wildlife, access to the ocean, and also has public transportation and major roadways that will have you in the city within an hour or two.

Princeton University

Princeton is right between two great cities, Philadelphia and New York. On the campus, you will have access to an eclectic range of cultural and historical influences that will enhance your educational experience. This campus has housing options available for graduate students, including those with family members.

There are a wide range of programs available for students seeking to earn doctoral degrees or Master's degrees. Whether you are pursuing neuroscience or want to study the ancient world, your needs will be met by the qualified staff that will encourage you to fulfill your potential.

Saint Peter's College

This college is located close to public transportation and is founded on guiding students towards cultivating their faith. With spiritual retreats and trips geared towards helping communities in need, earning a graduate degree here will allow you to root yourself in your spirituality while accomplishing your academic goals.

Taking up about 30 acres of land, this campus offers several graduate programs that will prepare you for a rewarding career. If you want to master in education, there are a variety of different programs that will prepare you to counsel, teach, work with special needs students, and take on a variety of other leadership positions. Doctoral degrees are also available in education. Courses are provided all year round, making education here accessible no matter what your schedule is like.

Richard Stockton College

In southern New Jersey, this college is located on a beautiful campus surrounded by wilderness, and it's only an hour from Philadelphia and two from New York. A 10 minute drive will have you at the boardwalk, where you can enjoy the ocean. Active student clubs will offer you the chance to enjoy group meditation or join in on a wide array of clubs that reflect the diverse community of students' interests.

The School Psychology Doctorate In Education

Temple University in Philadelphia has a number of Doctorate programs available to prospective doctoral candidates. One of their doctoral programs is School Psychology Doctorate in Education. This program is great for individuals who want to further their education in the field of educational psychology.

Temple's School Psychology Doctorate in Education uses what is called a scientist-practitioner model. This model is meant to create emphasis on the idea that the skills of school psychologists are taken from an understanding of the science of psychology. Temple's ideology behind using this model is that individuals will be better prepared to tackle the changing world of psychology and adapt to its changes. Temple also wants their students to aid in shaping the future of psychology and they feel this method best prepares students to do this.

This doctoral program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association as well as the National Association of School Psychologists. Temple University is part of the few higher education institutions that has programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association. It was of the earliest university's to receive such accreditation.

The School Psychology Doctorate in Education is made up of a system of four major goals. Those goals are to prepare students to use evidence based practice in assessment, consultation, and intervention, as well as to prepare students to function at the highest level of professionalism; to perform in conjunction with ethical and legal standards. The philosophy behind these goals is to prepare students to become high-level scientist-practitioners who are also child advocates.

This doctorate program has a number of courses that need to be completed in order to successfully finish the program. Students can expect to take courses in human behavior based on biology, social sciences, and cognitive-affective domains. Students will also take classes in individual differences, and research methodology. At the end of the program each student should be able to resolve general problems of the children they work with as well as work on solving educational and psychological problems that are presented in the community.