A Method For Learning Balancing Chemistry Equations

A Method For Learning Balancing Chemistry EquationsHere is a method for learning to balance chemistry equations that you can do at home, without a teacher's help. What is a balance, and how do you use it? Let's find out.The word 'balance' may sound scientific or complicated, but it is actually just another way of saying chemical concentration. As far as chemistry is concerned, a chemical is at equilibrium with all the other chemicals in the same category. For example, ammonia is at equilibrium with water. When a chemical is in equilibrium with its other molecules, it behaves like a single entity, rather than several molecules.Different combinations of atoms and molecular structures create many different compounds, and each compound has several properties. Chemists study molecules to discover new compounds with better properties. When researchers figure out how to make a compound with some of its properties better, they write it down as a formula. These formulas are called equations a nd every fourteenth day, the period when the science of chemistry is complete, they are published in a journal of chemistry.The next time you are in a chemistry class, see if you can figure out an equation to solve for one or more chemicals. As you solve one equation, you will be able to solve for the other equations, and vice versa. There is no limit to the number of times you can do this, unless you have a teacher's help. But we can also show you how to do it yourself using the equation worksheet.In order to understand how to balance chemistry equations you must have a working knowledge of the laws of nature. To do this, you can download some free science books on nature's laws and a thermometer.For each of the factors you will need, you will need a series of chemical reactions. With one equation, you will have to calculate how fast the chemical reactions occur, and at what temperature the reactions take place. You will also need a thermometer and a lot of paper. Make sure you kee p the thermometer and paper with you so you can do the calculations.For a Chemistry Equation worksheet, you will need to follow the instructions from your book on the number of columns and rows, and make sure you have everything in the right order. Remember that every fourteenth day, a journal of chemistry publishes the equations.

4 Common Midterm Study Mistakes

4 Common Midterm Study Mistakes After youve settled into the semester and found your bearings, midterm season may seem to suddenly sneak up on you. Halfway through the semester, youre likely to have your routines in place, and midterms require their own arrangement of time and energy. While these exams can feel like an upheaval, there are common midterm study mistakes you can work to avoidincluding prioritizing the wrong concepts, not getting sufficient rest, and not considering the test formats while studying. Hoping to successfully tackle your midterms this semester? Keep reading to learn four common midterm study mistakes. Common midterm study mistake #1: failing to get sufficient rest All-nighters are tempting, but with a solid study plan in place, they can be avoided. While it may feel like the material is fresher in your mind after cramming, all-nighters often inhibit performance on tests because of disrupted sleep and concentration. They can also limit deep understanding of material, especially because its likely that you havent been studying ahead of time. To improve study habits, your understanding of material, and your performance on midterms, create a schedule for yourself that acknowledges all areas of your lifeother classes and major due dates, extracurricular activities, work, social life, and self-care. You might need to cut back on time for yourself, but do so only temporarily and try planning something to look forward to after exams to keep yourself motivated. You shouldnt have to totally ignore your social life and self-care in order to do well, and keeping a study schedule can help you do that. [RELATED: The Top Study Tips for Midterms] Common midterm study mistake #2: not taking strategic breaks Not strategizing your breaks is another mistake students often make during study sessions. Students often fall into oneor bothof two categories while studying: Taking many breaks, too often and at random times, and getting distracted by media, social media, or friends Not giving yourself enough breaks and pushing onwards until you quickly burn out The first method often results in less productivity, and the second can be draining. To make the most of your time and energy, plan your breaks strategically. This could look different for each individual, but consider using a timer for both the lengths of study sessions and your breaks. Use your break times for an activity like taking a walk or stretching, or do something fun that also has a time limit, like watching a short video or playing a brief game. There are also apps and computer programs that can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. [RELATED: 10 Study Habits to Avoid] Common midterm study mistake #3: prioritizing the wrong concepts Prioritizing the wrong material can hinder your midterm studying. For example, you might be tempted to start studying concepts you already feel very comfortable with or material you learned at the beginning of the semester. While these aren't necessarily bad places to start studying, its more useful to prioritize based on the most important to least important concepts to be tested. If youre not sure what these are, consult a study guide or practice test, meet with your professor during office hours, or check in with a classmate or someone whos already taken the class. [RELATED: 5 Reasons Students Should Meet with Professors During Office Hours] Common midterm study mistake #4: not taking test formats into consideration The tricky part about midterms is not only the concepts, but also the way youre testedwhich can range from essay answers to multiple choice questions. When practicing your knowledge of concepts, utilize specific test formats as much as possible. If there are practice tests, take advantage of those. If the test is a timed writing piece, try your hand at your own timed writing exercise. Try to mimic the test situation as much as possible. Regardless of whether your final exam is comprehensive or not, dont get rid of your notes. Take time to go over concepts you struggled with, because theyre likely to be an important foundation for the rest of the semester. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Places to Study in Spain

Places to Study in Spain Which Spanish University Should You Choose? ChaptersWhich Spanish City Should You Study In?What Are the Different Spanish Universities?How Do You Enrol in a Spanish University?“When I get a little money, I buy books. If any is left, I buy food and clothes.” - ErasmusIn 2016, 9 Spanish universities were among the top 20 most requested for Erasmus students.Spain is also the most popular country for Erasmus. With a lower cost of living than the UK, a Mediterranean climate, and a festive atmosphere, it’s easy to understand why Spain is so popular.There are also plenty of towns and universities in Spain.So which one should you choose?If you're interested in learning about Spanish language and culture, there are plenty of cities in Spain with private and public universities ready to accept international students studying economics, social science, languages, science, or the arts onto courses.Whether you're planning on becoming an international student for an academic year, doing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the h umanities, arts, or sciences in Spain, or a doctoral candidate trying to get into a prestigious Spanish university, here's our quick guide to higher education and studying in Spain. TadeoSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterSpanish Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MartaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SharonSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TanyaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jose manuelSpanish Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhich Spanish City Should You Study In?The choice of city is crucial for every prospective student. There are plenty of advantages to living in a Spanish city: sun, culture, student lifestyle, etc.There are some very prestigious universities in Spain. (Source: alisonhouse780)So which one should you choose? Why study abroad?While the choice of what to study and the quality of tuition provided probably is the most important decision, the second most important is where you’ll study as the environment is going to be a lot different to your life in the UK.Furthermore, most towns will have similar opportunities in terms of courses. Thus, we recommend that you carefully choose where you’re going to live before choosing the university.You’re going to spend three months either on internships, a semester at university, or up to 12 months in the same place, so you better make sure that it’s somewhere you like.  It’s much better to live somewhere you enjoy with good career prospects.There are plenty of different Spanish cities to choose from, each with their own faculties, campuses, and different ways of teaching.If you have the chance, we recommend that you spend some time in the city you wa nt to live in so you can see whether or not you like it. It’ll help you make the decision.Criteria for StudentsA lot of studies have been conducted to find out what Erasmus students consider important when choosing where they study:How easy it is to find accommodation (flatmates, university accommodation, private rents, etc.) and the cost of accommodation.The quality of life in the town.Cultural dynamism (nightlife, cultural events, university life). You'll be spoilt for choice in terms of cultural activities in Spain.The cost of livingThe quality of university infrastructureFor most students, the quality of life means it’s quite easy to settle in Spanish towns.  If you need help with enrollment, contact the university itself or check for services advising international students on the steps to take. Pay particular attention to the deadline, too!Your university in the UK may offer education abroad, an internship, international experience. Check the study abroad office and see if there's an advisor you can speak to!The Most Popular Spanish CitiesAccording to Uniplaces, the most popular cities for students in Spain are:Madrid: The capital city is obviously very popular. This is a dynamic city with plenty of cultural events and an international scene. There’s also a good transport infrastructure and plenty of great places to eat. As the capital city, Madrid is also very multicultural.Seville: The capital of Andalusia (known natively as Sevilla) is also very popular among students for the quality of life (the sunshine), popular events (Feria de Abril), and being a great student town. Also, if you like flamenco, there are few better places to study in Spain.Barcelona: The capital of Catalonia has a rich cultural landscape and a high quality of life. The cost of living is generally lower than in the UK and you also have the opportunity to learn Catalan! Don't worry, though. There are plenty of language courses to improve your language skills in both languages. Granada: This is another big city in Andalusia with a similar quality of life as Seville with the addition of being right next to the Sierra Nevada. Did you know you could go skiing in Spain? Additionally,, you can enjoy all the Moorish architecture and cultural influence.Valencia: This port city is popular for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. This is perfect for those who love science. There are also beaches right on the city’s doorstep.Cadiz: This is a picturesque town by the sea.Salamanca: If you love architecture, Salamanca will melt your heart. The University of Salamanca was founded in the 12th century and the city was a capital of learning in the 15th and 16th centuries and is very popular among students.Seville and Salamanca are among the best cities for students. This is down to the lifestyle in Seville or the architecture in Salamanca.What are you thinking?Mathilde chose Cadiz and hasn’t looked back: “Life is cheap, the climate is pleasant (even though the w ind can be unbearable), the locals are friendly.”If you're looking for Spanish courses in Spain, you can always check out the university rankings, ask a former exchange student, or get in touch with undergraduates currently on the course. Studying abroad has never been easier.What Are the Different Spanish Universities?To choose the right university or school, you should know what’s on offer.Seville is a magnificent city in the sun! (Source: USA-Reiseblogger)The Most Popular Spanish UniversitiesOf the top 20 universities for Erasmus students, 9 of them are Spanish. Here they are:The University of Granada.Universidad Complutense de Madrid.Universitat de València.The Polytechnic University of Valencia.The University of Seville.The University of Barcelona.The University of Salamanca.The Autonomous University of Barcelona.The Autonomous University of Madrid.While these universities welcome a lot of foreign students, they’re also famous for the quality of the teaching. We couldn†™t just recommend one of them.  Of course, with popularity comes competition.You’ll need good grades and a good level of Spanish if you want to get into one of these schools.The Other Universities in SpainThere are also less popular universities. This doesn’t necessarily mean the teaching is of a lower quality.There's a lot of universities in Spain. (Source: Pexels)A lot of students go to Granada because of the lifestyle. However, it’s not the only one.Goldman, for example, chose to study in Toledo for Erasmus, “Toledo suits my personality: it’s intimate, historic, beautiful, and just an hour away from Madrid on the bus. There are plenty of lovely places.”Other universities in Spain include:University of AlmeríaUniversity of AlicanteCatholic University of ÁvilaInternational University of Andalucía (Seville, Malaga, Huelva, Baeza)International University of Catalonia (UIC)University Pompeu Fabra BarcelonaRamon Llull UniversityOpen University of CataloniaUniversity of B urgosUniversity of the Balearic IslandsUniversity of CadizUniversity of CordobaThe University of the Basque CountryUniversity of La CoruñaUniversity of LleidaUniversity of MurciaUniversity of NavarreUniversity of OviedoUniversity of SantiagoUniversity of ValladolidZaragoza UniversityAnd many more!It’s not just universities who welcome Erasmus students. You can also do internships or work experience abroad, attend engineering or business schools, etc.How Do You Enrol in a Spanish University?To study abroad in Spain, you’ll have to get in touch with the relevant authorities including the Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia (UNED).Before you start living in a Spanish town, you need to prepare. (Source: kirkandmimi)You’ll need to get your results officially translated into Spanish through them.  Once you’ve got all your paperwork officially translated, you can start applying to Spanish universities.It won’t hurt to have a good level of Spanish if you want to spend a year in a Spanish university, either.Of course, you can also go to a Spanish university through Erasmus (with the help of the Erasmus grant). There are also other types of financial aid available to international students.Thus, it’s recommended that you plan for your year abroad at least a year in advance and make sure you have the necessary funds to pay for it all.There are plenty of establishments in Spain that welcome Erasmus students. You need to work out that suits your needs. Remember that the route is as important as the destination and you can get intensive Spanish language courses for those studying abroad outside of your university, too.With scholarships, exchange programs, study abroad programs, international academic programs, it's never been easier to start living in Spain and attend a private or public university. If you can't go abroad for a whole academic year or do a gap year, you can always just spend a summer abroad on an international study summer programme.So which Spanish universities do you like the sound of?

Changing Your Beliefs About Learning - Private Tutoring

Changing Your Beliefs About Learning BobbiM Apr 3, 2014 Youve learned about the components that make your learning beliefs, now see what you can do to change them. -Be aware of you beliefs. If you have beliefs that are getting in the way of your learning, consider changing them. However, before you can change a belief, you must first be unsatisfied with your current beliefs about learning. When you find yourself giving up on a task too quickly or trying to merely memorize when you need to understand and apply difficult concepts, you can reflect on your beliefs, rethink your approach, and take time to really learn the information. -Look for the big picture. Instead of memorizing a lot of separate facts, make a conscious effort to relate ideas to what you already know and to other ideas discussed in class. -Learn to live with uncertainty. It is sometimes difficult to accept that there are no right answers to some questions. -Dont compare your ability with others. Worrying that you are not as good as your roommate in math will not get you anywhere. Focus instead on how to improve your ability to learn in the subjects that you find difficult. You can find a tutor or work with or form a study group to help you learn. It may take you longer to get there, but remember that college learning is more like an endurance sport than a spring. -Realize that learning takes time. If you begin your assignments with the expectation that they will take time to fully understand and complete, you are likely to experience less frustration and more understanding. Dont expect to learn complex concepts the first time that you encounter them. Instead, plan to spread out your study time so you can review difficult material several times. Excerpt from  College Success Strategies  by Sherrie L. Nist and Jodi Patrick Holschuh.

How to Use the Future Perfect in English (video and exercise)

How to Use the Future Perfect in English (video and exercise) This is the first of two videos/exercises on advanced future forms in English. The future perfect appears complicated when someone gives you the definition of it: The future perfect is used to express an idea that something will be completed or finished before a specific time in the future.In the video below, Teauna draws a timeline, and uses it to illustrate future perfect in a few sentences.Watch the video, and then try the exercises.Create sentences in the future perfect using the prompts below. Write your answers in comments and we will correct them.Example: By tomorrow morning.  -  I will have slept for a few hours by tomorrow morning.1. By tomorrow morning.2. In 5 years.3. In 10 years.4. In 100 years5. In 1000 years.6. In 25 minutes.Thanks! susana gonzalez I will have finished all my work by tomorrow morning Maybe I will have got married in 5 yearShe will have finished her neurology residency in 1o years The world will have ended in 1000 years After this big meal, I will hav e gone to the bathroom in 25 minutes

The Most Distant Galaxy Has Been Discovered

The Most Distant Galaxy Has Been Discovered Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have made another amazing discovery: a galaxy 13.4 billion light years away from us. The galaxy, named GN-z11 is the most distant Galaxy ever found. The age of the Galaxy is estimated to be just 400 million years. It is located in the direction of the constellation Ursa Major. This discovery could lead scientists to question their understanding of the way that the universe developed. As a galaxy of such a size shouldn’t have been able to exist when the universe was so young. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. But there are still many questions remaining about how our universe works and whether we are alone in it. I think it reminds us all why we love astronomy and why it is a fascinating subject to study. If youre interested in studying Astronomy you can contact a  great  Astronomy tutor near your home. Discovering new information about our universe is always an incredible experience. In addition, Astronomy is an excellent way of exposing your  mind to the thrill of scientific discovery.  Learn about our universe  from  Big Bang to  the present time at TutorZ.

12 Language Learning Websites in a Special 3-course Menu

12 Language Learning Websites in a Special 3-course Menu 12 Language Learning Websites in a Special 3-course Menu Wouldnt it be nice if you could just order a language?If you could be served up Russian fluency within minutes of deciding, Hey, I think Id like to speak Russian?If you could say, Hmm, Spanish sounds good, then have it brought to you on a silver platter?Sadly, it doesnt work like that.Instead, you google the fastest way  to learn ___. You settle on something that seems worth it. You sign up. Then you have to sit down and do the work.Learning a language can be like a full-time job, and youll probably need as much help as you can get.But remember what Jimmy told Dottie in A League of Their Own:The hard is what makes it great.Its a counterintuitive truth: If it doesnt take work, it probably aint worth it.And that said, learning a language can still be a good time. Plus, you can get lots of assistance without even leaving the room.Theres probably never been a better time in history for language learning. There are resources everywhere, especially online.The internet provides access to a smorgasbord of courses, groups, apps, articles, blogs, dictionaries, translators and pretty much anything you need when you want to get started learning a language.Its now easier than ever to connect with people who share your interests, and to truly enjoy the learning process.All this connectivity can be overwhelming, however, and not all language learning websites are made equal. So were here to help. Once you get serious, it doesnt have to be a solo struggle.The worlds literally at your fingertips, and were going to help you navigate it.While learning a language may not be as easy as ordering off the menu at your favorite restaurant, it can still be a satisfying, guided experience.So heres your online menu to language learning success. 12 Language Learning Websites in a Special 3-course MenuCourse 1: Start with the Nitty Gritty and Practice, Practice, PracticeIt all boils down to the basics. In order to master a new language you need a foundation, and to build on that foundatio n, you need practice. You may think this sounds tedious, but it can lots of be fun, especially with the availability of apps and websites that turn language learning into a game. When youve decided that youre ready to get going, you can start guided practice on any of these sites within minutes, maybe even seconds.BabbelBabbel is considered the worlds first language learning app. It offers 14 languages, ranging from Spanish to Indonesian. Babbels goal is to get you speaking, reading and listening right away. Some users claim to be able to have small conversations in their target language within hours of starting their program.Babbel uses real voice recordings, so youll hear how to properly pronounce and understand words. Its tailored to your native language and starts you with vocabulary thatll be easy to recognize. It also allows you to choose topics that are relevant to you, so that it sticks.Its a great resource for starting strong in your language learning journey. Its also avai lable for both desktop and mobile devices, so you can learn anywhere.DuolingoAh, the ever-popular Duolingo. Youd be hard-pressed to find any list of language learning sites without Duolingo. Its currently the reigning champion of apps in the language learning community, due to its accessibility and simplicity. Available on both your computer and your phone, its 100% free and ready to help you kickstart your language learning immediately. Currently, its host to many language courses, with others in beta or still hatching.The way it works: You set up your account, choose your target language(s), set your daily goal and off you go. Youll be taken through a cluster of modules that are designed to get you acclimated from the ground up. You start with the most basic of words and phrases, and they become increasingly more challenging as you complete each module.There are a host of features to keep you motivated, such as clubs, lingots (Duolingos currency), a weekly leaderboard (to see how much practice youve had compared to your friends) and badges. Theres also a discussion board if youre still unclear on something.Duolingo really is a great tool for someone who wants an intro into a new language. Itll give you a solid base and get you speaking and reading at a basic conversational level. However, if youre aiming for fluency, youll still need to supplement with reading, speaking and listening with outside sources.Duolingo is available on the web as well as on iOS and Android devices.FluentUFluentU is a fast-growing website for language learners that takes a different approach from most of whats out there. Simply put, if youre into interactive lessons, videos, TV, YouTube or all of the above, then this is the place you need to be. Even if you dont think youre into any of those things, you may be surprised how fun learning a language this way can be. With a free trial, you can check out full access to tons of content, including movie trailers and music videos, all spok en in your target language.Whats great about this is that youll hear actual, real speakers.  Many websites teach with computerized audio, which doesnt lend itself to being very helpful for when you finally listen to native speakers. In fact, many people feel a bit discouraged when they encounter native speakers of their target language after hours of computerized audio, because it turns out they havent really learned anything applicable to the real world.FluentU gets you started with real speakers, and matches you with videos based on your experience level. After the video, youll go through a set of lessons based on what you just watched so that you get repeated exposure to these sometimes difficult-to-grasp words and phrases. Its really worth the time and money to get your fluency to the next level. Also, FluentU caters to all levels from newbie through native and personalizes your learning, so you can use it all through your journey to fluency.FluentU is available on the website o r in app form for iOS  and Android.CourseraCoursera is much like an online classroom. Classes here are taught by professors from some of the top institutions around the world through pre-recorded videos. Classmates can communicate with each other in the class forum.Coursera covers the most widely spoken languages, such as Spanish, Mandarin and more. Whether you opt for  Chinese for Beginners or  Spanish Vocabulary, you can use Coursera to begin with the basics and get the foundation you need.If you happen to be a little further along in your studies, you might want to check out one of the classes that are actually taught  in a foreign language. For most courses, youll have free access to the course material for seven days, and if you like what youre seeing you can pay for full enrollment and receive a certificate once youve passed the class.People who love Coursera are people who love classroom settings. Youll have a clear lesson plan from start to finish. You get quizzed at the end of lessons. You get a real teacher whos able to clarify some of the nuances in language that sometimes confuse us. You wont be able to raise your hand and ask a question, but you can always pose questions on the forum so that your teacher or other students can respond.Whereas with some of the automated language apps, youre learning on your own, with Coursera youve got a network of others who are doing the exact same thing as you, so its a little less lonely and can be quite collaborative depending on how social you are.LingQLingQ is one of the most robust online language learning systems out there and comes with lots of perks: It includes a foreign language library with audio and transcripts, special vocabulary tools, a great global online community and more.Its easy to get started, and with their method, youll begin learning a language quickly through loads of input, including authentic web content, as well as practice with native speakers, all while tracking the vocabulary youve learned.The unique standout aspects of LingQ are its community, organization and flexibilityâ€"as with Coursera, the ability to communicate with other learners is a big plus, only that communication isnt confined by a specific period of time and can be ongoing. Also, you dont only have access to other learners but also native speakers of your target language. You can use the forum to ask any questions you have about your target language and get responses from native speakers. You can also customize your approach while still keeping a firm handle on your progress.LingQ is available on the web and also for iOS and Android.Course 2: Get Motivated and Enjoy YourselfWhen were learning something, a little moral support can go a long way. Luckily, the language learning community reaches far and wide. There are a number of internet gurus who know exactly what youre feeling and are happy to share their experiences and offer up practical advice as well as more concrete resources. With the web sites in this list, youll not only find further resources and communities you can directly apply to your learning, but youll learn how to organize your own learning and eventually move into the advanced levels. This list is by no means exhaustive, but below are the essential fan favorites.Fluent in 3 MonthsIf you havent already heard of Benny the Irish Polyglot then youre welcome. Bennys website is built on a concept that would excite any language learner: speaking from Day 1.The idea behind Bennys philosophy is that if you truly want to learn a language, you cant hide behind books and apps. You have to get out there and just do it. That doesnt mean do away with books and apps. You definitely need them. However, many of us decide that we should wait until were at an acceptable level of fluency to begin speaking. With Benny, that just doesnt fly.If youve been struggling with learning a language, or if youre just starting, then this is a great place for insight. Benny had similar stru ggles. He spent years trying to learn Spanish to no avail. Now, he speaks seven languages fluently.There are tons of resources on Fluent in 3 Months, from success stories to books, courses and advice. When you enter the website, you can sign up for Bennys free Speak in a Week email course. Youll receive tips and advice to start speaking any language right away. You can also head over to the blog section where youll find articles such as  16 Must-know Words and Phrases for Any Language  that will let you prepare yourself to have an easier time getting comfortable with your target language.You should also read about how one contributor chronicled his mission to speak only German in the course of 30 days. Its quite inspiring and offers a lot of advice on how to get through such a nerve-wracking challenge. You can find the posts here:  New Mission: One Month Without English,  Nerves, Tears and a Breakthrough: 2 Weeks Without Speaking English [Mission Update]  and The Amazing Moment Spea king German Finally Clicked [Mission Completed].Language SurferLanguage Surfer is another great site for language learners that has a slightly different approach. According to Ron, the site creator, no one can ever truly master a new language. Thats not to say you should throw in the towel and take up knitting instead. However, the idea is that one must get comfortable with the idea of imperfection.Languages are something to enjoy, like a surfer riding waves in the ocean. With many things in life, we dont strive to be the absolute bestâ€"like with cooking or riding a bike. Some of us do, but most of us just get good enough for survival, and if were a little more ambitious we strive to impress.Rons advice focuses on getting language learners to a level where they feel comfortable and confident. He offers articles on why making mistakes is good, and advice on how listening can help move you along to reach your goals faster. If youre new to language learning, go straight to the  New? S tart Here!  section of the website. From there, you can get started with a  language learning roadmap,  or if youve had some experience already you can check out  what the next steps are after Duolingo.Rons laissez-faire approach to language learning can be a great relief to those of us who put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. Check out his complete philosophy here. Its quite good.Itchy FeetSometimes we need a giggle. Cue Itchy Feet. If you havent started already, youll soon find out that sometimes learning a new language will make you want to bang your head against the wall and beg the language gods for mercy. FYI, they never listen.Itchy Feet pokes fun at the peaks and pitfalls of both learning a language and travel abroad. Also, the comics arent just offered in English, but also in Spanish, Russian, Greek, French and more. All you have to do is scroll down to the bottom and select one of the 18 languages available. This will lead you to a Facebook page and youll have access to all of the comics in that language.So even while youre acknowledging the woes of language learning, youre still able to get some reading practice in. A good way to know if youre making progress is if you read a foreign language comic in your target language and actually start laughing.Course 3: Find and Master Speaking PracticeSpeaking is key to comfort in language learning. That is to say, you probably wont be comfortable at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets and the closer youll be to fluency.But Im learning Romanian, and there arent any Romanian speakers where I live. How can I practice speaking?The internet has heard your call and has answered in overabundance. There are several language exchange sites and practice groups that will have you speaking from the word hello. Here are some of the very best.italkiThe popular site italki offers live, face-to-face conversations with a certified instructor. Its a great way to start speaking right away with native speakers. Even when youre using apps, books or whatever your preferred learning resource, you need to add speaking to your schedule. Italki will get you speaking with the benefit of formal instruction. Speaking is a great way to gauge your progress. With each session, youll see that it becomes a little bit easier. Also, if you dont have access to native speakers of your target language in your current location, then italki is gold.Users are able to navigate through the list of instructors and choose based on personality, country, fluency, price and even schedule. If you want to give a teacher a test run, most offer trial lessons for much cheaper than their typical price. The website also has instructors that offer instant tutoring if you want to dive into lessons right away.If you cant afford the certified instructors, italki offers a community of tutors whose prices are substantially lower than the instructors. You typically wont get formal instruction with a tutor, but most of th em are native speakers of the language they advertise, so their lessons can be just as effective as those of the certified instructors.If youre really unable to spend money, then you can opt for a language exchange with other members. Youll have to split the time so you both get practice in your target language, but if youre comfortable with this, then go for it!SpeakyIf the name of the site isnt clue enough, this is another speaking website. Its completely free and simple to use. Once you register you fill out a profile detailing the basics: name, age, geography. Then, youre prompted to identify your native language(s), the language(s) you would like to learn and your current level of fluency.From there, users have access to a large network of language learners who are all there for the same reason (mostly), which is to take part in a language exchange. The coolest things about Speaky are the video chat and text features. The video chat is offered in-house and includes note-taking, it suggests topics of conversation and even has a timer if youre strict about keeping the language exchange fair.You can always go to Skype if youd like, but why would you when Speakys video chat is made specifically to enhance your learning experience?The chat systemâ€"another cool featureâ€"is like any other, except as a language learner youll find the correction feature quite handy. Users have the ability to go directly into the chat bubble to correct each other so that you can learn from your mistakes on the spot.Speaky can be really fun, because there are so many users and people always jump at the chance to start an exchange. It can be a little overwhelming, but its a better problem to have than not having anyone at all. Its not uncommon to go through a number of conversations before you find someone you truly click with. However, once you connect with the right person, you could possibly be on your way to a lasting relationship that will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine!VerblingVerbling is a streamlined, all-in-one option for those specifically looking for online teachers. You can sort through hundreds of teachers, searching by factors like price, availability, skills, where theyre from and more. You can see how many lessons a teacher has taught, how theyve been rated by other students and check out all kinds of other detailed information on their page, including their education, experience and qualifications.If having a sense of structure makes you feel more secure, you can take pre-arranged one-on-one courses on specific topics, like Italian pronunciation, Chinese characters or Spanish conversationâ€"all for a set price.Once you find a teacher you like, you can book lessons with them right there. Like with talking to an exchange partner on Speaky, you dont need an extra video chat program hereâ€"its all in-house. The site itself has a smooth, intuitive designâ€"perfect for those looking for a comfortable online space to jump into remote learning.MeetupWhile this isnt a site that youll primarily benefit from online, its the next step. If the other sites above provide live-action conversation, then Meetup is your 3D, HD, IMAX.If youre looking for in-person conversation this is the place to go. On Meetup, linguaphiles gather to share their passion at local venues in small intimate groups to large, party-sized group. Groups offer a wide range of activities, from conversing in coffee shops to museum trips and more.If youre a social butterfly who enjoys meeting new people while actively pursuing your goals, then Meetup is probably right for you. All you have to do is sign up, search for your target language, and browse. Since there are so many groups out there, youre sure to come across something suitable for you. Also, the gatherings are generally free, so if youre on a budget this is a great learning option.The internet is vast and theres an endless supply of websites thatll help you get started learning a language.Tak e the time to find the ones that work for you. Itll be one of the greatest steps youve taken to reach your goals!