HowToDoThings.com Recent Adult & Continuing Education Articles

How To Write a How-To Book

fawcett — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:56:20 -0500

I define a "how-to" book as one that is written by an expert or specialist in a specific field that explains to the reader exactly how to successfully perform and/or replicate a particular task, process or activity related to that field. How-to books are always non-fiction. The essence of a how-to book is a set of instructions that one can follow to complete or achieve the task, process, or activity that is being described in the book. Based on e-mails that I receive on a regular basis from aspiring how-to writers, many are intimidated by the actual writing process itself. So, what I have done in my book titled "How To Write A How-To Book (or eBook)" is to share a surefire step-by-step writing process that I have developed and fine-tuned over the last couple of decades. In fact, I started developing an early version of this process more than 20 years ago when I first found myself having to write structured reports on various subjects.

How To Write Your Family History

acappub — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:26:15 -0500

My research and writing began when my mother, at 91, asked me to take on the project of writing her memoirs. I'd heard some of the stories of her younger life, but had forgotten many and never knew about others. I soon learned she had nearly a century of living to relate, and I discovered I was learning the history of a remarkable woman.

When you begin to research your family history, you'll get to know your parents and grandparents in a different way. You'll see them through their recollections and the memories of others, as they were while growing up, struggling to provide a living for a young family and contributing to their community to make a better life for others.

How To Return to School as an Adult

sadaf — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:33:38 -0500

Education today has undergone a radical change, mainly as a result of technological advancement in communication methods over the past two decades. Distance education, e-learning methods, virtual universities, part-time evening study programs, and weekend courses have all allowed professionals, from corporate executives to managerial-level employees, to housewives/single mothers as well as the elderly, to enroll into school as students, at any point in their lives. The courses or modes of education undertaken vary, from short certificate courses lasting over a few weeks or months, to longer, undergraduate- or graduate-degree programs, such as Bachelors, Masters, MPhil or Doctorate (PhD), which require dedicated study spanning a few years.

How To Become Financially Independent

Sarah146 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:01:01 -0500

How To Prepare for Graduate School

Sarah146 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:04:48 -0500

Preparing for graduate school can be an exciting yet stressful time in your life. It can be quite a challenge to juggle jobs, family, or other responsibilities while continuing your education. At times, things can seem a bit overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips to help ease the transition into becoming a graduate student.

How To Shop for a Good Bank

aesta — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:16:21 -0500

How To Learn German Vocabulary With Crossword Puzzles

triple1 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:36:56 -0500

Have you reached an impasse with your German language studies? Have lessons turned into a boring chore? You can spice up the learning process for any foreign language with the use of study aids like crossword puzzles.

Find some online sites that provide free German crossword puzzles.

Here are some to get you started:

How To Start an Investment Portfolio

aesta — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:27:33 -0500

How To Make Your Kids Good Money Managers

aesta — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:54:43 -0500

Often, we hear parents complain how incapable their kids are of handling money, or we see parents endlessly shelling out and teaching their kids that money is an endless resource! We see first semester college kids blowing the month’s allowance on a new shirt and calling home for more. Understanding finance or even basic money management is not on the curriculum in high school. So… it is up to you. If you don’t teach them how to manage money, they will learn… but it will be a nasty experience and make nasty family relationships. Here are some steps to take:

How To Celebrate International Women's Day

aesta — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:21 -0600

March 8 is now designated as the annual celebration of the political, economic and social achievements of women who continue to struggle in so many countries to live on an equal basis with men. The day recognizes women's contributions, especially in the undervalued roles of keeping a home and raising children. Women must play the leadership role in building and sustaining families both in the social and economic chaos of the developed world and in the life-threatening turbulence and poverty in Africa and Asia. Women's Day has now become global and has been designated as a national holiday in countries which recognize that in so many ways, the real heroes of our time are not the newsmakers, but the half of humanity that carries half the weight of our future with so little daily recognition.

How To Eliminate Some Foreign Language Rote Memorization

triple1 — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:09:17 -0600

As children, we did not sit down with textbooks to learn how to express ourselves. Our little brains were very efficient at linking concepts, words, and phrases. By first grade, we had a respectable command of language, and were ready to acquire formal reading skills. Our education covered rules of grammar, conjugation, and spelling.

As adults, our brains may not be as efficient, but we can still learn foreign languages. The trick is to maximize results (while working less) by utilizing the body's inherent resources.

Here are a few simple facts:

Learning in phrases beats memorizing single words.
Using multiple senses is superior to simply reading or hearing.
Making time to create mental pictures saves time in the end.

Are you looking for proof?

How To Determine if Learning a Foreign Language Is Right for You

triple1 — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:50:07 -0600

Many native English speakers do not feel a need to learn a foreign language. After all, most countries have a growing percentage of people who speak or understand English, right?

That view may be a bit narrow-minded. In some ways, the world is moving towards the concept of a global village with one language. However, many cultures and religions embrace their language roots. In our lifetimes, at least, it is unlikely that we will see a global community with a common language.

If you are trying to decide whether a foreign language program is right for you, consider the following incentives:

How To Expand your Foreign Language Vocabulary Quickly and Easily

triple1 — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:06:58 -0600

Do you feel frustrated when trying to communicate with overseas friends, other foreign language students, or your teacher? Is your lack of vocabulary holding you back? The easy steps below will help you to increase the number of words you understand with minimum effort and maximum return.

How To Improve Your Foreign Language Vocabulary by Reading Books

triple1 — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:44:21 -0500

Television and the Internet have coaxed many people away from books. However, you can reawaken your love of literature as you learn a foreign language.

How To Apply to ITT Tech

The2 — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:42:11 -0500

Choosing which college to attend is an important decision--probably one of the most important decisions you'll make. However, before deciding, you'll need to apply. There are some important things to consider before applying to college, and ITT Tech is no exception. Think about:

Finances. Going to college can be expensive, so it's important to review your finances and determine what you can afford. ITT Tech offers both online and on-campus programs and there are over 90 ITT Tech campuses nationwide. What your degree will cost you varies depending upon the location and program you choose. You can get an idea by selecting the campus and program of your choice and requesting more information.

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How To Write a Personal Profile

Marilisa560 — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:13:17 -0500

Personal profiles, especially online profiles, are an excellent way to distill information about you into a digestible and interesting format. A profile is a scrapbook of your life in words. The goal is to create a cross-section of your life and self that will intrigue the reader and make her want to find out more about you. Whether you are creating a profile in order to look for jobs, relationships or as a form of advertisement for your vocation or business, there are some basic writer's guidelines that you will want to practice.

How To Gain a TESOL Certificate

apolman — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:11:37 -0500

There are always dozens of jobs advertised to teach English overseas, especially in Asia. You may have considered it and it can be daunting going to a new and strange place doing something that you’re not necessarily properly trained to do. Gaining a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) certificate before you travel and accept work will not only help you form your expectations, but also open up a wider variety of teaching options. There are many ways you can go about gaining a TESOL certificate. If it’s something that interests you, then I urge you to read on.

How To Earn a Reasonably-Priced College Degree

aljacobs — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:04:57 -0500

The matter seems settled in the minds of the American public: It costs a fortune to obtain a bachelor’s degree at any of the nation’s institutions of higher learning. Annual tuition and fees of $40,000 or more are not unusual at many prestigious universities, and a thriving student-loan industry exists to provide funds for millions of students.

The fact is that many graduates find themselves deeply in debt the moment they first set foot into the working world. It’s not uncommon to find these college loan obligations remaining unpaid a decade or two after graduation, with increasing instances of offspring of these graduates applying for college loans before the parents have paid their own off.

I’d like to offer a different scenario. It’s my belief that a first-rate diploma can be obtained inexpensively. I think of it as college-on-the-cheap. Let me describe how it’s done.

How To Learn Copy Editor Marks

L.500 — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 21:27:00 -0600

Copy editor marks are an absolute must for any prospective copywriter, journalist or freelance copy editor to learn. These are shorthand symbols that indicate what type of changes need to be made, such as punctuation, spelling, and items that should be left out or added. They may also indicate formatting problems with spacing, margins or indentions. Copy editor marks are universal, so once the system of marks is learned, it can be used for countless different types of copy. The marks may be called proofreading marks in some circles, but the marks are the same, no matter the writing style or whether they are called copy editing or proofreading marks.

How To Get an Online Teaching Degree

Susie254 — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 10:25:00 -0600

More universities are now offering distance learning programs. These programs allow students to obtain a variety of degrees, and teaching degrees are some of the most popular online programs. There are several steps that you must take before you can receive a teaching degree from an online university.

How To Get Car Stereo Installation Training

Harry255 — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 07:27:00 -0500

So you want to be a car stereo installer? You watch "Pimp my Ride" and get all jazzed up by the awesome systems they put in the cars and think to yourself, 'That looks like fun.' The problem is, you don't know jack about it. Most stereo installers began their careers as hobbyists -- messing around with their own systems, tinkering and tweaking. They went into the job with real world knowledge simply by doing it themselves. Well, there are places that will help you become a professional car stereo installer without you risking frying your own stereo or one belonging to some unfortunate friend.

How To Recognize an Accredited Graduate School

Beth141 — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 16:55:00 -0500

Despite the escalating costs of higher education, getting a master's degree is becoming more of a necessity in many career fields. Many people try to cut costs by getting their graduate degrees online. In some ways, this is great: convenient and less expensive. In other ways, the Internet graduate school explosion has led to a scam explosion. Don't be caught getting a grad degree from a "diploma mill." Look for an accredited graduate school. Here are some ways to find one.

Ask Uncle Sam. Check out the Federal Trade Commission site. This site gives you the government's hints on looking for accredited schools. It also explains the pitfalls of non-accredited schools including how they con people. These are all good things to know as you look for a real graduate program, and certainly, before you pay anyone anything.

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How To Address the Challenges of Returning to Graduate School

Beth141 — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 18:08:00 -0500

You've been working, raising kids, living your life, doing anything other than going to school. But now, to advance your career or fulfill your personal goals, you've decided to go back to graduate school. What challenges will returning to school bring into your life? How will you able deal with those challenges? A lot of that will depend on you, your situation, and your individual journey, but here are some tips for dealing with some of what this new experience might bring.

How To Find an Online Writing Class

Beth141 — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:42:00 -0500

Many people of different skill levels and experience levels want to flex their writing muscles with an online writing class. If you're one such person, here are a few tips for finding the best possible online writing class, one which will help you pursue whatever type of progress you wish to make as a writer.

Decide what kind of writing you want to do.
Are you now or would you like to become a poet, a playwright, a screenwriter, a journalist? With so many online options ranging from college credit-granted classes to writer's group short courses, you will have to begin the weeding out process by deciding what kind of writing you would like to pursue. Once you've decided on that, you'll be able to narrow down your search process to this particular genre.
Decide what level of writing course is right for you.

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How To Learn a Language

Stephen408 — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 06:30:00 -0500

In the last few decades, the number of language schools and purported language learning methods has proliferated apace with globalization, just as their asking prices have sky-rocketed along with those of such basic needs as general education and health care.

How To Enroll in a Distance Learning Program for an Undergraduate Degree

Beth141 — Fri, 12 May 2006 14:11:00 -0500

Life is busy. Not everyone has time to get their bachelor's degree in a traditional setting--in a college or university classroom. If you want an undergraduate degree but don't have the time or means to go to classes several times a week, distance learning may be the answer for you. Enrolling in a distance learning program need not be a hassle if you take a few precautions, organize yourself, and follow the procedures of your school of interest.

How To Get Information About Graduate School

Beth141 — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 08:36:00 -0500

There are hundreds of graduate programs in the U.S. and elsewhere. How do you get information to help discover what's the right school for you? Here are some ways to get started on the path to finding the best graduate school for you. Information is key!

How To Apply to Graduate Schools

Beth141 — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 08:11:00 -0500

Applying to graduate school does not have to be a difficult process. If you follow the guidelines set out by the school to which you're applying, you can get all the necessary things taken care of easily and then just sit back and wait for that acceptance letter to come in.

Find out what the school asks for. The most important thing to know when applying to graduate school, after figuring out what and where you want to study, is what the school requires of you. Every program will have its own variations on the standard transcript/recommendation letters/test score/essay formula. So, make sure to know exactly what your grad school program needs from you to make your application complete. Send away for the needed forms. Keep track with any checklist they provide. And make sure to keep an eye on deadlines.

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How To Learn Glass Blowing

Carrie122 — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 13:26:00 -0500

Glass blowing as an art form has been around for centuries. While modern conveniences have simplified the procedure somewhat, glass blowing is still done in much the same way now as it was in the first century. Popular blown glass items include beads, platters, bowls, vases, lamp shades, and decorative pieces. Once you've learned the basic technique, you'll enjoy experimenting to create individual, one-of-a-kind pieces.

How To Learn Party Planning

Carrie122 — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 10:51:00 -0500

Whether you want to learn party planning for your own personal use or to make it a career, there are several ways to go about it. Every party is different, and there are lots of factors to consider to make it a success. Once you learn the basics and add a lot of creativity and energy, you'll be able to throw the perfect party, from a child's birthday celebration to a formal wedding reception! Add in a little business sense and you'll be on your way to a really fun and satisfying career.

Before you buy your first party decoration, you'll need to do a lot of planning on paper. Lists will become your best friend! Here are some guidelines to start the planning on the right foot.

How To Get an Online Education

Heather166 — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 08:31:00 -0500

Online distance education programs are a great way for a busy individual to get a degree or work training. There are a few steps necessary to get an online education.

How To Enroll in Online Classes

Beth141 — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 15:48:00 -0500

Many people these days are opting to take a class online either as part of a degree or just for fun and enrichment. Whether you're trying to apply to an accredited online program attached to a known college or just looking into a class at a fun enrichment site, here are some tips for enrolling in an online program.

How To Determine the Best Graduate Schools

Sheryl209 — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 10:00:00 -0500

You thought deciding to go to graduate school was hard? Wait until you start to narrow down the schools to which you want to apply. With the proliferation in programs across the United States, the increased competitiveness of the job market, and the downturn in the economy, applications to graduate schools are skyrocketing. Therefore, it's crucial to pick the right schools for you and for your goals, and to manage the application process masterfully in order to maximize your chances for success. Here's how to start the ball rolling by creating a list of the top schools, according to your needs and goals:

Clarify your goals. Why are you going to graduate school? What do you hope to accomplish with your master's degree? It's crucial to know this with certainty in order to ascertain whether a given program can help you get there.

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How To Write a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Applicants

Sheryl209 — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 05:20:00 -0500

If you've been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a graduate school applicant, the prospect of getting started might first appear somewhat daunting. Striking a balance between "honest" and "helpful," while wondering about things like how much detail to put in about how you know the person, or how to focus on those strengths without seeming overly ebullient, can be a difficult task.

Here are some tips for writing those letters of recommendation:

How To Take Online Training Courses

Laura98 — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 09:47:00 -0500

So you are interested in taking an online learning course, yet you don't know where to begin or what is required. These steps will give you a basic understanding of how online education works and what you can do to get the best training experience.

Understanding Online Learning

Online learning. This is also known as distance learning or eLearning. Today's technology allows for self-motivated individuals to choose online learning over the traditional classroom setting. Convenience is one of its advantages; you can take the course when you are ready and the time you save allows you to focus on life's other obligations. You must have a good sense of time-management in order to succeed as you will make your own schedule and are in control of your learning.

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How To Find Scholarships

Simone194 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 20:21:00 -0500

As college costs rise, scholarships become more and more important. Scholarships are great, because unlike a lot of other aid, you don't have to pay them back. Some people think that scholarships are reserved for people with very high GPAs, but this is not the case. There are scholarships for almost every interest, talent, religious and ethnic background. The trick is to look and apply for many. Don't be discouraged if you find scholarships for low amounts of money. Every dollar counts! They are also usually easier to get, and will actually benefit you in getting larger scholarships in the future. Now that you are excited to start looking, how do you do it?

How To Surmount the Challenges of Returning to Graduate School

Sheryl209 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:23:00 -0500

As an adult who's made the decision to return to college in pursuit of graduate studies, you can be assured of one thing: your life will certainly change. For adults who have begun a career, married or settled down in a steady relationship, or maybe even had children (or grandchildren) since college graduation, returning to academia can be daunting. Doubts may seem overwhelming at times - will you be able to keep up with the work? How will you handle work and school, if you've decided to attend part-time? How will you manage financially if you go full-time?

Fully exploring each of these issues could fill an entire book (or three!) but there are some simple steps you can take now to address your concerns and help you succeed in graduate school.