Physical Chemistry Acs Exam PDF - Gets An Easy Physical Chemistry Acs Exam PDF

Physical Chemistry Acs Exam PDF - Gets An Easy Physical Chemistry Acs Exam PDFPhysical Chemistry Acs exams PDF for students who are studying the subject may be found online. There are several methods available to students who would like to study the subject thoroughly. One of the most popular ways to find out the best method would be through the internet.The students who would like to learn the subject would find the best way is through the internet as there are several resources available. This way, the students can study the subject with ease as they can access the curriculum and study it whenever they have free time.The important thing to remember while going for the Physical Chemistry Acs exam PDF is that there are some questions that are optional and the rest of the exam is all based on the optional questions. Students would need to decide on which part of the exam they would want to focus on. This would be possible only if they can find the exam that fits their personality and preference.Physical Chemistry Acs exam PDF can be obtained from the internet by making a search and find the best resource to suit the preferences of the students. The students can also read the guidelines of the school so that they can know which resource to choose for their study.The guidance of the school can also help the students get the best of the resources that suits their requirements. The students should also make a research about the content of the physical chemistry for students who would like to know about the different laboratories and tools that are used to study the subject. This can help the students in preparing for the exam.There are many websites that provide information about the subjects. These websites are updated by the scientists and experts who go through the exams of different schools to evaluate the students and then distribute the resources in order to help the students study effectively.Exam preparation is one of the most important things that the stude nts have to do in order to prepare for the tests that are required in different schools. The students should learn the best way to study the subject.

Writing About Your Strengths Without Sounding Arrogant

Writing About Your Strengths Without Sounding Arrogant ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog We’re taught to be modest â€" not to brag or talk too much about ourselves. But when you write your college essay, you’re forced to do the exact opposite, and that shift can make students uncomfortable. It’s hard to strike the right tone in writing or speaking about yourself, especially when you’re discussing something at which you excel. Here are some tips on how to write about your accomplishments without bragging (hint: they’reallabout showing rather than telling). Show what you’ve learned Talking about your achievements shouldn’t be a list. It should be a discussion. Focus on just one - or a few - accomplishments instead of listing every single one, and then give more details and context to measure your success. What skills have you developed as a result of excelling at an academic subject, a sport, or hobby? What happened the first time you tried, and how is it different now that you’re more experienced? If you naturally excelled from the start, how have you managed to keep challenging yourself and to hold your interest over time? If you didn’t succeed at first, what kept you from giving up? Show why you succeeded What was it about you in particular that allowed you to succeed? Was it your tenacity? Your mental focus? Your preparation? Consider your strengths and weaknesses and what it was about you that pushed you over the top. Don’t express negative opinions of other people and their lack of motivation or skills. Discuss which positive attributes helped you, and which obstacles to success you were able to overcome (and how). Show cause and effect Simply saying that you’re great at something can come across as arrogant, exaggerated, or unable to be confirmed. If you are going to write about excelling in an activity, sport, or academic subject, tell us exactlyhowyou did so. What was the result of your involvement? Did your campaign for healthier food lead to changes in the school lunch menu? Did your leadership help your team win enough games to get to the playoffs for the first time in school history? Did your writing win an award or get published somewhere? In short, what was theresultof you flourishing at an activity? Did you receive an opportunity to further explore this skill, perhaps in the form of a grant or an internship? Show gratitude Who helped you get to where you are? A teacher or a coach who encouraged your natural ability and pushed you to work harder? Your parents, who supported your interests and drove you to practice early in the morning or late at night? Are you fortunate enough to have the resources and time to devote to practicing your skill? Acknowledging the contributions of others to your success shows maturity and humility. Show growth Even if you’ve been a natural since the first time you picked up a baseball bat (or put on toe shoes, or picked up a paintbrush, etc.), you’ve surely grown as you’ve continued to practice. What have you learned over time? What do you appreciate about this activity? What effect does it have on your temperament or self-esteem? How has your view of this activity changed as you’ve matured? How have you taken the lessons of one activity and applied them to other areas of your life? Considering the answers to these questions will help you share your accomplishments without seeming egotistical. Be proud of what you’ve done and who you are, but be thoughtful about how you express that pride. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, 'a519c073-790d-4c67-b0fd-7095f1869478', {});

Its not too late to take the SAT and ACT this year!

Its not too late to take the SAT and ACT this year! Just as a reminder, the  SAT  and  SAT subject tests  will be offered two more times this year:  November 3  and  December 1.  For those of you with seniors applying to college, the November and December tests  are  accepted for the regular college admission deadline!    You can register for the SAT and the SAT subject tests at  the College Boards website.The  ACT  will be offered two more times in 2012:  October 27  and  December 8.  These scores will also be accepted for regular college admissions.  You can register for the ACT at  the ACTs website.AJ Tutoring is happy to help with test preparation for the SAT, SAT subject tests, and the ACT.  We offer comprehensive 8 or 9-session programs, as well as review programs customized for a shorter timeframe.  For more information about AJ Tutorings SAT and ACT programs, please visit  our website.If your student would like help preparing for his or her tests this fall, please give us a call at (650) 331-3251, or email info@ajtutoring .com.  Our tutors are filling up for the next few months, so sign up early!

Spokane Educational Heart of the Inland Northwest

Spokane Educational Heart of the Inland Northwest Spokane is one of the largest and the most populated cities of the State of Washington. The name of the city to the early Native Americans meant Children of the Sun and it is a very friendly city for its more than 200,000 of inhabitants.Spokane  provides countless facilities and preferences: thriving business community, eclectic cultural activities from Spokane Symphony, art galleries and world-class museums to growing wine industry, well developed transport infrastructure, four medical centers, two childrens hospitals, three Blue Ribbon schools and excellent opportunities for Higher education. Pleasant weather and 4,100 acres of parkland with picturesque Spokane River Centennial Trail are favorable for bicycling, hiking, rafting, swimming and all kinds of sports and outdoor activities which also contributes into general health of citizens.  Combination of all these features makes the charm of the city complete and irresistible. One of the strongest sides of Spokane is its Education resources. Spokane is one of the most education-friendly cities in US. There are five universities, three full-fledged four-year colleges and a number of good technical and community colleges in Spokane or nearby. Higher education institutions in Spokane include two private universities, Gonzaga and Whitworth, Washington State University and Eastern Washington University at the Riverpoint Campus and the public Community Colleges of Spokane system as well as an ITT Tech campus and a University of Phoenix campus. Gonzaga University and Whitworth University are private liberal arts colleges established in the end of 19th century. Gonzaga provides education to more than 7,800 students. It offers 75 fields of study, 25 master’s degrees, a doctorate in leadership studies, and a Juris Doctor degree through our School of Law. Gonzaga is one of three schools that offer a law degree in the state of Washington. Whitworth is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It enrolls about 3,000 students and offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Washington State University Spokane (WSU Spokane) is one of four campuses of Washington State University founded in 1989. WSU Spokane features advanced studies and research in health sciences, design disciplines, social and policy sciences. It offers benefits that accrue from access to the services and programs of a major public land-grant research institution.  WSU Sleep and Performance Research Center is the only center in the world that can do controlled laboratory studies of sleep, wake and the consequences of fatigue. Eastern Washington University (EWU) which shares the Riverpoint Campus with WSU Spokane is a regional comprehensive university founded in 1882. EWU is academically divided into four colleges: Arts and Letters; Business and Public Administration; Science, Healthand Engineering; and Social Behavioral Sciences and Social Work.  Eastern is now the states fastest growing public institution. It enrolls over 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. It is the only regional university in the state to offer a doctorate in physical therapy. The Community Colleges of Spokane operate Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and the Institute for Extended Learning.  Other schools in Spokane include the Spokane Art School and Washington School of World Studies. Students and professionals of Spokane are served by the Spokane Public Library. It circulates over 1.9 million items a year and has 6 branches in every corner of the city. Private education is also flourishing in Spokane. There are many private elementary and secondary schools as well as a great number of private tutors. TutorZ.com offers its services in searching private tutors in Spokane in various subjects: math, algebra, science, chemistry, physics, biology, geography, history, English, reading, foreign languages, politics, accounting, business, marketing, computer, web design, music, and many others. Our customers are always welcome to get necessary support in any education topic at our web-site. Visit www.tutorz.com to find the best tutor for your child or for yourself. Spokane Educational Heart of the Inland Northwest Spokane is one of the largest and the most populated cities of the State of Washington. The name of the city to the early Native Americans meant Children of the Sun and it is a very friendly city for its more than 200,000 of inhabitants.Spokane  provides countless facilities and preferences: thriving business community, eclectic cultural activities from Spokane Symphony, art galleries and world-class museums to growing wine industry, well developed transport infrastructure, four medical centers, two childrens hospitals, three Blue Ribbon schools and excellent opportunities for Higher education. Pleasant weather and 4,100 acres of parkland with picturesque Spokane River Centennial Trail are favorable for bicycling, hiking, rafting, swimming and all kinds of sports and outdoor activities which also contributes into general health of citizens.  Combination of all these features makes the charm of the city complete and irresistible. One of the strongest sides of Spokane is its Education resources. Spokane is one of the most education-friendly cities in US. There are five universities, three full-fledged four-year colleges and a number of good technical and community colleges in Spokane or nearby. Higher education institutions in Spokane include two private universities, Gonzaga and Whitworth, Washington State University and Eastern Washington University at the Riverpoint Campus and the public Community Colleges of Spokane system as well as an ITT Tech campus and a University of Phoenix campus. Gonzaga University and Whitworth University are private liberal arts colleges established in the end of 19th century. Gonzaga provides education to more than 7,800 students. It offers 75 fields of study, 25 master’s degrees, a doctorate in leadership studies, and a Juris Doctor degree through our School of Law. Gonzaga is one of three schools that offer a law degree in the state of Washington. Whitworth is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It enrolls about 3,000 students and offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Washington State University Spokane (WSU Spokane) is one of four campuses of Washington State University founded in 1989. WSU Spokane features advanced studies and research in health sciences, design disciplines, social and policy sciences. It offers benefits that accrue from access to the services and programs of a major public land-grant research institution.  WSU Sleep and Performance Research Center is the only center in the world that can do controlled laboratory studies of sleep, wake and the consequences of fatigue. Eastern Washington University (EWU) which shares the Riverpoint Campus with WSU Spokane is a regional comprehensive university founded in 1882. EWU is academically divided into four colleges: Arts and Letters; Business and Public Administration; Science, Healthand Engineering; and Social Behavioral Sciences and Social Work.  Eastern is now the states fastest growing public institution. It enrolls over 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. It is the only regional university in the state to offer a doctorate in physical therapy. The Community Colleges of Spokane operate Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and the Institute for Extended Learning.  Other schools in Spokane include the Spokane Art School and Washington School of World Studies. Students and professionals of Spokane are served by the Spokane Public Library. It circulates over 1.9 million items a year and has 6 branches in every corner of the city. Private education is also flourishing in Spokane. There are many private elementary and secondary schools as well as a great number of private tutors. TutorZ.com offers its services in searching private tutors in Spokane in various subjects: math, algebra, science, chemistry, physics, biology, geography, history, English, reading, foreign languages, politics, accounting, business, marketing, computer, web design, music, and many others. Our customers are always welcome to get necessary support in any education topic at our web-site. Visit www.tutorz.com to find the best tutor for your child or for yourself.

Four Effects of Collaborative Learning

Four Effects of Collaborative Learning Collaborative learning is a teaching environment in which students are encouraged to work together. Instead of a typical set-up where lessons and discussions are teacher-led, a collaborative classroom has students working in small groups toward a common goal. Many educators believe that this type of group-directed learning is much more beneficial to students than independent work. Here are four commonly cited effects of collaborative learning: 1. Deeper Learning and Understanding In a group learning dynamic, students must rely on one another to contribute and solve problems. Doing this often requires students to consider problems from different perspectives, which they may not do if they were working independently. Working a problem out by considering multiple angles allows students to grasp the material in a more organic way. 2. Proactivity In a lecture setting, students are told what they need to know. In a collaborative environment, students become more self-reliant. As a group, they must figure out ways to reach their established goals. Additionally, in a peer-to-peer situation, trouble spots are easier to locate. Also, students feel more comfortable asking for help from the group if they need it. 3. Critical Thinking Collaborative learning is not passive. There are no blueprints that students can use to refer to and arrive at an answer. Students are forced to manipulate and examine information as a group, which draws upon a higher level of thinking. 4. Oral Communication In a collaborative classroom, it's just not possible to go to the back and avoid others. Even students who don't usually participate must work and contribute in a collaborate classroom. Learning is more social, and students become good listeners and communicators without realizing it. Shy students who are bright and have a lot to contribute can also benefit, as there is no concern over speaking in front of a whole room. A collaborative setting reduces tension via small groups that work together to help each other succeed.

The 30 Best Online Language Courses for Any Budget or Level

The 30 Best Online Language Courses for Any Budget or Level 30 of the Best Online Language Courses If you’re reading this, you’ve probably just recently decided to throw caution to the wind and learn a foreign language, traumatic high school Spanish finals be damned.Or maybe you’re in the midst of learning a new language online, and your mission has been a fruitless journey of online translators and trying to navigate your Facebook timeline in Yiddish. Oy vey.Either way, congratulations! You’ve just stumbled upon the most epic list of online language courses.You no longer need to slam your face QWERTY-style out of frustration, begging the polyglot gods to give you some kind of direction for your linguistic quest. These courses will give you a roadmap to language learning success.If you’re wondering what distinguishes an online course from the plethora of other resources online, it’s that a course contains lessons, modules, or quizzessome kind of structure that newbies (and language learning vets!) need to help them weave other language learning tools  into context.Fort unately, we’ve compiled a list of web-based courses that serve different language-learning needs. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or need a course that satiates your podcast addiction, there’s something that fits your style below. 30 of the Best Online Language Courses1. Babbel ($6.95 - $12.95/month)Babbel is perfect for fans of Duolingo who want to learn Spanish  or Norwegian (Babbel currently has 14 languages as compared to Duolingo’s nine). For $12.95 a month you get a fun, game-like structure that is accessible on your smartphone, and access to a learner’s community that can help make your adventure a little more social.2.  LingQ (Free - $39/month)LingQ is a web-based language-learning system founded by YouTube polyglot sensation, Steve Kaufmann. Like LiveMocha, there is a community aspect to the interface that rewards you for helping your peers. LingQ also has a massive database of lessons which are composed of text documents accompanied by audio.With a Premiu m plan and points on this site, youll have access to their apps, vocabulary features, one-on-one English conversations, group conversations, writing corrections and a huge variety of learning activities and quizzes.3. FluentU ($20 $30 month after free trial)FluentUs unique platform focuses on language immersion, which is something language learners of all levels need. FluentU takes real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks, and turns them into learning lessons.It lets you learn using fun videos and real-world context. Did you ever want to sing along to Let It Go in German, or watch a crash course in world geography in Japanese? FluentU makes this entertaining approach personal by integrating  new words  into its learn mode, which uses interactive games to teach  vocabulary and  track your progress. I bet you never knew learning could be so fun  and yet feel so effective!Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of content available o n FluentU:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.4.  Duolingo (Free)Duolingo is perhaps one of the more  well-known  options on this list. Designed more like a game than a course, Duolingo is a fun way to squeeze in language learning on your lunch breaks or whenever you would otherwise be playing Candy Crush. Duolingo focuses on making language learning intuitive. Did we mention you can connect with friends and family through Facebook? You are forewarnedâ€"things can get strangely competitive with distant cousins and passive-aggressive co-workers.5. ELanguageSchool (Free)Another free resource with lessons in 15 languages, ELanguageSchool is also ideal for learners who like to focus on written instruction. Without a doubt the best features of ELanguageSchool are its long lists of commonly used nouns and verbs, and the sites surprising lack of ads.6. Fluent in 3 Months ($97)This is polyglot super-star Benny Lewis’s brainchild. As someone who has learned seven languages and has been traveling the globe for over a decade, he has tons of tricks and resources to help you hack your way through language learning. A premium subscript ion to his site works best for those who want to learn how to become  lifelong language learners  rather than learn a specific language.7.  Foreign Services Institute (Free)Some awesome individuals have dedicated their time to creating an online collection of public domain language courses that were created by the United States’s Foreign Service Institute. You’ll find that most of these courses are broken up into audio clips that revolve around short conversations, so it’s best for those who are looking for some on-the-go material that challenges their listening skills. Its great for beginners!8. Headstart2 from Defense Language Institute (Free)Designed for military personnel before deployment, Headstart2 is another good resource  for beginners. Every  language has two units made up of ten modules each, which you can access online or on your iPod. Its worth noting that the second unit focuses on mission-specific tasks, which could be great for those who want to watch war films in their target language.9. Hello-Hello World (Free $29.99/year) This is an iPad app for learners on the go. Known for its crowd-sourced information, Hello-Hello World always has a professional on staff to make comments and corrections to  your sentences. Its a great option for those who want to review words and phrases on a tight deadline before a business trip or big test.10. Internet Polyglot (Free)An indispensable resource for language learners, Internet Polyglot also contains a feature that most other online courses don’t: the ability to translate lessons to and from any language they have available. Do you want to learn French through Spanish? No problemo, mon ami.11.  italki (Price varies)Want to mix your target language and social media? italki is the Facebook of language learning. Explained as a language teaching marketplace by co-founder Kevin Chen, this incredible 2.0 website has a massive listing of language tutors from all over the world. There are also plenty of fr ee services, and you can connect with users who may want to engage in a free language exchange via Skype. There is no set pedagogical standard for italki, but you can find the teacher, learning style and lessons that work for you and your wallet.12. Language Pod 101 ($549/2-year subscription)The Pod Series is a network of websites with names like Spanishpod101.com, etc. Youll find programs for the following languages:SpanishFrenchGermanChineseRussianand more!They have free and paid subscription models with tons of material available, ranging from different types of lessons (generally revolving around themes), podcasts, and a fun flashcard feature that uses  vocabulary words from the media present on their sites.13. Language Trainers Online ($28 $38/hour)This is the right option for you if you like having a tutor but also want to be able to review your lesson later, because all courses are recorded. These courses are customized to the student, and their instructors are known to be h ighly qualified professionals.14. LearnaLanguage.com (Free)LearnaLanguage.com is another website filled with free language courses, but with a twist: Some of the lessons are delightfully weird. Learning Spanish? Why not play around with the Burrito Builder, or brush up on your Japanese love phrases?15.  Livemocha (Free $29/month)Livemocha is a massive language learning community that gives you instruction in 38 different languages. Many liken its structure to that of Rosetta Stone, but instead of relying on a program to assess you, be prepared for native speakers and other language enthusiasts to rate your linguistic chops.16.  Living Language ($150/year)Known for its comprehensive fusion of online learning, mobile apps and web conference style e-tutoring sessions, Living Language is well worth its steep access fee. Be prepared for very knowledgeable and professional teachers instructing you in small groups.17. Mango Languages ($20/month for individuals)Mango is known for its game- like design and its ability to have you speaking phrases within a few weeks. It’s much like Babbel and Duolingo, but it also has an added cultural component if you’re interested, and can be used for organizations and classrooms. The monthly subscription includes access to all 63 language courses.18. Memrise (Free)Memrise may not be a course in the traditional sense, but instead is a collection of user-generated courses in dozens of languages (including sign languages). Based on the spaced repetition technique, Memrise functions best as a resource for vocabulary retention. You can even create your own course to help you remember those specific terms that trip you up.19. MIT OpenCourseWare (Free)Would you like an MIT education? Wouldn’t we all? Thanks to MIT OpenCourseWare, you can download the syllabus and course material in the language class of your choice. Interested in a literature or culture class? No prob. Check out this guy’s TedX talk about giving himself an MIT educa tion through this program.20. My Language Exchange (Free)Do you ever get bored or lonely trying to learn a lesson by yourself? My Language Exchange is a great option for you social butterflies out there. On this site you complete lessons with language learning buddies from all over the world. Did we mention there are over a million members who speak upwards of 115 languages?21. MyLanguages.org (Free)MyLanguages.org has lessons in 95 languages and all for free! Here you can learn vocab, grammar and quick phrases, and even quiz yourself on your knowledge. The courses on this site are mostly written (though they do collect some audio and video material), making them perfect for intermediate learners who need to review and refine their grammatical skills.22. Niuolahiki Online Hawaiian Language Courses ($30/module)Did you ever think you could learn a Hawaiian language online? Modules are $30 each, and all you need is Mozilla Firefox, a Flash Player and an interest in Hawaiian languages.  â€˜A‘ole pilikia.23. Omniglot (Price varies)This is another curated list of courses in a number of languages, some free some not. Omniglot also contains mini-lessons on over 600 languages, detailing some of the histories and origins of archaic scripts like Ladino or Old Norse. Omniglot is also useful for lesser known languages like Xhosa, Igbo, and Ojibwe.24. Open Culture (Free)The self-proclaimed source of the best free cultural educational media on the web, Open Culture is another awesome website that collects free courses and resources for its users. Equipped with an engaging blog and links to over 1000 free courses, this resource is perfect for the culture snob in all of us. Its not exclusively dedicated to language courses, yet you can still find resources in over 40 languages.25. Oregon State eCampus ($271/Credit)Looking for college credit? Oregon State has a very well-known and accredited online campus that’s worth looking into. If you want travel around and be a cool e xpat while earning class credit, this is the virtual campus youve been looking for. You can even get a bachelor’s degree in German, completely online! No pants? No problem.26. Rocket Languages ($49.95 $149.85)Rocket Languages has a number of different account types that may appeal to you depending on your budget. Though it’s on the pricier end of the courses on this list, Rocket Languages is known for its incredibly vast amount of downloadable content. It’s also very well-structured, which is great for those of us who have no clue how or where to begin!Youll be able to take courses for the following languages:SpanishFrenchGermanJapaneseChineseand more!27. Rosetta Stone version 4 TOTAL ($249)You may still have Rosetta Stone stuck in your mind as that yellow box in the airport, but it has come a long way in recent years to integrate online language learning. Rosetta Stone includes online classes, games and mobile apps, hopping on board with a lot of recent language-learning tre nds. Recommended for long-term learners rather than quick phrase-building. Its available for many languages, including:SpanishFrenchGermanJapaneseChineseand more!28. Verbalplanet.net ($22/Lesson)Do you need a teacher to help you through your lessons? Verbalplanet.net has a large staff of native tutors to help you through the trials of learning a language online, and their useful analytic tools help you track your progress.29. Word2Word (Free)Word2Word is a massive online database of free courses in 119 languages. Whats unique about this site is that it also points you in the direction of language learning forums and more general polyglot guides and resources. Most importantly, Word2Word contains links to tools and resources from all over the web in less common languages like Frisian and Malay.30. World Wide Learn (Price Varies)World Wide Learn is another comprehensive list of accredited language courses online. There are courses in 18 different languages, as well as in translation, ESL, and TESL.  Theres also a live chat feature if you need help figuring out which course is best for you. World Wide Learn is especially good for those who want to travel as they go to school, or have busy work schedules that dont allow them to attend brick-and-mortar campuses.So there you have it, the online language course list to end all lists.  It may come as no surprise that native material  (video, podcasts, books, etc. in your target language) can far  surpass any course when used effectively.But several  of us benefit more when we balance or supplement those authentic materials with a course, so now you know where to look.  Choose  a course (or several) that appeals to you, and get started today!Carlo  Aaron is a writer, artist and language-learning enthusiast who lives on the internet. Shes been featured on xoJane, Skirt Collective and Feministing. Follow her on Twitter.

7 Great Theories About Language Learning by Brilliant Thinkers

7 Great Theories About Language Learning by Brilliant Thinkers 7 Great Theories About Language Learning by Brilliant Thinkers Language. Its all around us. Its vital for our everyday existence.And yet many of us find it challenging  to pick up a new one.The problem, we tell ourselves, is that were thinking too hard.The solution, we say, is to be more like those kids that we once were when we learned our first language.  Simply absorbing things  the way kids do without really thinking about the language  must surely be our best bet, we convince ourselves.But heres the thing. Were not kids anymore and we never will be again.Were not going to have the same opportunities as we did in our native language where we were in constant contact with mothers, fathers and siblings who corrected our every mistake (though a girlfriend or boyfriend might compensate). Nor do most of us want to spend 18 years of our lives studying a language just to achieve high school level fluency.We dont need to abandon the lessons weve taken from childhood language learning, but we must surely temper them with something else.  And that thi ng is theory.Theory, that most highly condensed form of thought based on principles and evidence, can help us as adults to excel in language learning in ways that would otherwise not be possible.Of course, learning about language learning theory in no way needs to occupy the bulk of your time. By devoting just a fraction of your time to theory right now, youll reap benefits far beyond getting in an extra 10  minutes of studying. So without further ado, lets start at the beginning. 7 Great Theories About Language Learning by Brilliant ThinkersTheories of language learning have been bandied about since about as far back as one would care to look. It may be  surprising to know that the problems that philosophers in Ancient Greece and 16th century France were concerned about are largely still relevant today.To get a quick rundown of early language learning theory, lets take a quick look at the ideas of three brilliant philosophers who youve probably already heard of.1. Platos ProblemT he writings of Plato stretch all the way back to the beginnings of Western philosophical thought, but Plato was already posing problems critical to modern linguistic discourse.In the nature versus nurture debate, Plato tended to side with nature, believing that  knowledge was  innate.This was his answer to what has become known as Platos Problem, or as Bertrand Russell summarizes it: How comes it that human beings, whose contacts with the world are brief and personal and limited, are nevertheless able to know as much as they do know? Being born with this knowledge from the get-go would naturally solve this little quandary and consequently he viewed language as innate.2.  Cartesian Linguistics, by DescartesCenturies later, the French philosopher Descartes took a crack at linguistic philosophy. In his opinion, language acquisition  was  a simple and easy process, barely worthy of his attention. Like Plato he believed in the innateness of language  because he thought it reflected the g eneral rationality of human beings.But rather than Descartes himself, it was the rationalist movement that he symbolized and that was thriving in the time period when he lived that was most important for linguistics. This Cartesian movement, according to Chomsky (who well get to later), noted the creativity involved in everyday language and presented the idea that there were  universal principles behind every language.3. Lockes  Tabula RasaMost people familiar with Lockes philosophy have heard of his concept of tabula rasa, or the blank slate.To state it briefly and in a simplified manner, this is the idea that all knowledge comes from outside ourselves through sensory experience rather than through innate knowledge that we have at birth. This naturally carried over to language theory with Locke rejecting the idea that there was an innate logic behind language.Obviously these theories dont touch too much on the practical, everyday level of language learning. Theyre far less detailed and more philosophical than the modern scientific theories were used to. But they have important implications. If Plato and the Cartesians are right, then the emphasis in language learning must lie on what we already know, using our innate abilities to come to an understanding of the particularities of a specific language. If Locke is right, then we must focus our attention on sensory input, gaining as much external input as possible.In the practical, everyday world, all of this can easily be done with FluentU. FluentU takes real-world videos with familiar formatsâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.4. Skinners Theory of BehaviorismIn the middle of the 20th century, B.F. Skinner took Lockes ideas of sensory input and ran with them.According to behaviorism, a radical variant of which was put forward by Skinner,  all behavior is no more than a response to external stimuli and theres no innate programming wi thin a human being to learn a language at birth.What differentiates Skinner from those who came before him is the level of detail he went into when connecting behaviorism and language learning. In his concept of what he called operant conditioning, language learning grew out of a process of reinforcement and punishment whereby individuals are conditioned into saying the right thing. For instance, if youre hungry and youre able to say Mommy, Im hungry, you may be rewarded with food and your behavior will thereby be reinforced since you got what you wanted.To put it another way, Skinner described a mechanism for language learning that hadnt existed before on the  tabula rasa side of the language acquisition debate. What this means for us as language learners, should his theory be even partially true, is that a process of conditioning must be achieved for us to succeed. When we say the right thing, we must be rewarded. When we say something incorrectly, that too must be made clear. In other words, we need feedback to succeed as language learners.5. Chomskys Universal GrammarAround the same time as Skinner there came  another linguistic powerhouse who would leave a lasting impression on the field of linguistics. Namely, Noam Chomsky.The theory that Chomsky proposed would be called Universal Grammar and it would assert nearly the exact opposite of what Skinner had offered in his theory. Where Skinner saw all learning coming from external stimuli, Chomsky saw an innate device for language acquisition. What Skinner understood to be conditioning according to particular events Chomsky, understood to be the result of the  universal elements that structure all languages.In fact, one of Chomskys major bones to pick with Skinners theory had to do with Platos problem, as described above. After all, if Skinner is right, how is it that children can learn a language so quickly, creating and understanding sentences they have never heard before?Universal Grammar has been around for roughly a half a century by now, so its hardly the last word on the subject. It has also received plenty of criticism. One critique that particularly concerns us is that it may have little to do with learning a second language,  even if its how we learn a first language. There are certainly theories about applying this concept to organize syllabi  for language learning, but this seems unnecessarily  complex for the average, independent learner.In short, while Chomskys theory may be still be important in the linguistics field as part of an ongoing discussion, it offers little help for learning a second language other than to provide you with the confidence that the grammar for all languages is already inside your head. You just need to fill in the particulars.Over the past half century or so, a slew of other language learning theories have cropped up to try to deal with the perceived flaws in Chomskys theory and to fill in the cracks for more specific areas of language learning ( i.e. areas of particular interest to us).Next up  are two theories that, while not the philosophical bombshells like the ones listed above, arguably  have more of a practical edge.6. Schumanns Acculturation ModelJohn Schumanns Acculturation Model describes the process by which immigrants pick up a new language while being completely immersed in that language.This theory doesnt deal with the process of language learning as we normally think of it (such as how we acquire grammar or listening skills), but rather focuses on social and psychological aspects that influence our success.For instance, an immigrant is more likely to acquire their new target language if their language and the target language are socially equal, if the group of immigrants is small and not cohesive and if there is a higher degree of similarity between the immigrants culture and that of their new area of residence.The obvious takeaway is that language learning is not an abstract subject like physics that can be l earned out of a book regardless of the world around you. There are sociological factors at play, and the more we do to connect with the culture on the other end of our second language, the faster and easier it will be for us to learn that language.7. Krashens Monitor ModelStephen Krashens Monitor Model in fact consists of several distinct hypotheses which make up what is probably the most cited theory  in second language acquisition.  Theres so much to take away from Krashens theory that Ill just let you peruse the link given for details and give a rundown of the highlights here.Language acquisition is subconscious and results from informal, natural communication.Language learning is conscious and driven by error correction (more formal).Grammar structures are acquired in a predictable order.Language acquisition occurs with comprehensible input (i.e. hearing or reading things that are just slightly above our current language level).A monitor is anything that corrects your language p erformance and pressures one to communicate correctly and not just convey meaning (such as a language teacher who corrects you when you make a grammatical mistake).It should be noted that this is just Krashens theory. While this theory is quite popular, there has been criticism and direct contradiction of certain parts of it (particularly his idea about the predictable order of grammar structures). Still, its useful to get ideas for language learning.This theory suggests that we should both strive to increase our second language inputs (like by watching video clips on FluentU and going through books for reading) and make sure we receive proper error correction in one form or another.As this selection of important theories should make clear, the subset of linguistics which deals with language learning is both wide and deep.Some of it is highly theoretical and complex and is most relevant to scholars of the field. Other parts are extremely zoomed in and tell us highly specific details about how to learn a language.Regardless, its all connected.By understanding more bits and pieces of it all, youll gradually begin to understand yourself and your own language learning process better than ever before. And One More ThingHeres another credible theory: Learning languages with fun videos can make the journey to fluency faster and more enjoyable.FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view defi nitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the iTunes store  or Google Play store.