GMAT

GMAT (The Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer adaptive examination administered year-round at test centres throughout the world. Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and New Delhi are also the usual test centres.

The test measures verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills for judging the suitability of candidates for advanced study in business and management. GMAT scores are used by more than 4000 graduate management programs at nearly 1800 schools distributed in various countries.

GMAT examination is sponsored, owned, and directed by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), a global non-profit organisation composed of graduate business schools located in the United States and around the world. There may be slight changes in the content and style or terms and conditions of GMAT as we pass from year to year. However, the basic structure and application format remain more or less the same...

Excerpt from "What is the GMAT?" by B.S.Warrier (Guidance Plus), 'Education Plus", Supplement to The Hindu, February 9, 2009.

Grateful thanks to Mr.B.S.Warrier and The Hindu.

How To-104: "How to Speak Extemporaneously"

How to Speak Extemporaneously

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Extemporaneous speaking, also known as "Extemp" or "impromptu speeches", is usually found in high school and university settings and is a way of testing one's "on-your-fee" thinking and delivery skills. Students must speak about a current topic that has been chosen half an hour before appearing before the audience to discuss the topic. Usually articles will be left in the preparation room to enable the speaker to draw additional information in putting the speech together.

Steps

1. Go into the draw room. When your name is called, take three topics, but only choose 1 to speak on. Choose the one you know the most about.
   
2. Use your 30 minutes. Find any articles in the files to help you, but don't spend too much time reading. Be sure to use the speech structure and state the topic (intro, point preview, point 1, point 2, point 3, point review, conclusion, plus transitions).
   
3. Take at least 10 minutes to practice, especially if you're going to try it without a notecard (although 1 notecard is allowed).
   
4. Give your speech. You will usually have five to seven minutes to speak. Be confident, gesture, cite some sources (who, where, when), and act like you know what you're talking about because you should.

Tips

• Look sharp. Wear a suit or other nice outfit.
  
• Own the room.
  
• Watch your time. You only have 30 minutes of prep time and 7 minutes for a speech.
  
• Smile.
  
• Prior the the event, research current events in the world so you get background information
  
• Use other examples in your speech to demonstrate your knowledge.
  
• Use credible sources.
  
• Have a good posture, gesture, and enunciate.
  
• A great way to practice is to draw topics out of a bin and have someone watch and time you.
  
• There are varying levels of Extemp from beginner to advanced.

Warnings

• Watch out for bad judges.

Things You'll Need

• suit
  
• Files
  
• Notecard (optional)
  
• Topic
  
• Judge
  
• Draw room (where you draw the question)

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Speak Extemporaneously. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To-103: "How to Overcome Stage Fright"

How to Overcome Stage Fright

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

When you have always wanted to perform on stage, especially in school plays, it seems you usually get stage fright. Once you get onto the stage, it seems your brain stops working. You stutter, forget your lines, or sometimes, just start laughing. There is a way to overcome these reactions.

Steps

1. Practice your part. Do this until you know it by heart. Remember the words of the person who speaks before you, so you recognize the cue for you to speak. Practice in front of family, friends, AND STUFFED ANIMALS (surprise?)and even in front of empty chairs. so that you are used to performing in front of people.
   
2. Gain confidence in yourself by reciting your lines in front of a mirror. Watch your mannerisms, look at how you move your hands as you speak. Try different ways of saying the same words or sentences. Wear the same outfit while watching yourself.
   
3. Keep a water bottle with you while you wait. Sipping on water helps to lubricate the throat and helps your voice to avoid developing a frog in your throat that will prevent you from projecting.
   
4. Take deep, long breaths while you wait. Breathe in very slowly, hold your breath for a couple of seconds and then let the breath out very slowly. Keep your voice warm by humming softly whenever you can.
   
5. Concentrate on what you are about to do. Forget about the audience. Make believe that you are in front of the mirror or your family. Go over your act prior to leaving the house. Be confident in the knowledge that what you are about to perform on stage has been learned well, whether you are going to dance, sing, or perform in a play with others. Take a deep breath and go!
   
6. While you are singing, in the parts where you have to sing a solo, you think how great you are. Have confidence.

Tips

• If you forget a word, do not stop, just continue. Try to use other words that were not in the script. If your scene partner makes a mistake, do not react to it. Simply ignore the mistake, or, if it was too large to let pass, improvise around the error. Ability to improvise is the mark of a true actor.
  
• If you mess up a step when dancing, no one will ever know, unless you stop. Continue and they will think it is part of the dance.
  
• Some of our greatest performers get stage fright. Do not think you are alone. Just get on with it, and soon you will be so engrossed that you will forget you are on stage.
  
• You’ll feel nervous when you first start out, but it will get easier as you get used to performing in front of crowds. An added plus is you’ll feel better after you’ve done your performance. All of your work and nerves will pay off.
  
• Tell yourself, "If I am afraid of looking stupid, I will never have fun."
  
• Usually, when you are performing, there are big spotlights, so the light blinds you and you can't notice the audience much. Try focusing on the lights(without blinding yourself) if you are too scared. But don't stare out into space and stare at them the whole time. Plus, if it's at a venue, they will usually dim the crowd lights so there is a massive blank spot where the crowd is.
  
• If your first performance goes smoothly, you will probably have much less (if any) stage fright for following performances.
  
• Turn the tables in your own mind: tell yourself that the people watching you should be nervous in your presence, not the other way around -- this "ego trip" really works!
  
• Sometimes it's ok to be a little nervous. If you are so paranoid you are going to make a mistake, then you will be more careful. It's the overly confident people that make the most mistakes.
  
• Remember: EVERYONE makes mistakes. Anyone who will laugh for a mistake you made is just self-concious(sp?). If you do make a mistake out of nervousnes, who cares? Forget about it. You shouldn't be nervous from then on, anyway, because it can't get too much worse! Almost like reverse psychology.
  
• It really doesn't matter if you make a mistake, your IQ drops about 50 points when you do stuff in front of many people. Just relax...you'll be fine.

Warnings

• Make sure you go to the bathroom before getting up on stage!
  
• Don't eat too much before going on stage or you might feel really nauseated.
  
• Make sure to wear an outfit that you feel comfortable and relaxed in. You don't want to be self conscious of your appearance when you are on stage. Also, be sure to wear something that isn't too revealing, and goes along with your performance. You don't want to be caught up in a wardrobe malfunction while performing! Wear something that you feel you look good in and that you're proud to wear. It will make you more confident about your appearance.
  
• Be as prepared as you possibly can. Practice is the key, and the more you practice the more confident you will feel. Not to mention the quality of your routine will also improve.

Related wikiHows

• How to Become a Stage Director
  
• How to Have a Good Stage Presence
  
• How to Prepare for a Stage Performance
  
• How to Improve Stage Presence As a Lead Singer
  
• How to Create Your Acting Resume
  
• How to Become Famous in Acting
  
• How to Act Like Elvis
  
• How to Get a Part in a Play
  
• How to Avoid Danger During Civil Unrest
  
• How to Act While Singing

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Overcome Stage Fright. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To-102: "How to Become Really Good at Articulating Your Thoughts"

How to Become Really Good at Articulating Your Thoughts

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Being able to clearly articulate one's thoughts is essential in everyday life. This skill helps others understand your thought processes and eliminates misunderstandings that could have occurred otherwise. For those without the innate ability to articulate thoughts clearly, trying to explain one's self is a truly frustrating experience. However, with some practice, anyone can make themselves understood.

Steps

1. Think before speaking. Before blurting out an incoherent smattering of words, take a moment before you speak to think about what it is you are trying to say. This step will make your thoughts more concise and well organized, leading to greater understanding. If you can, go through the basics of what you want to say in your head a few minutes before approaching your intended audience.
   
2. Know your audience. Speak to your audience in a way which with they are familiar. Articulating thoughts is a two-way street. If your audience is comfortable with your vocabulary and style of speaking, then they will be more able to comprehend the meaning behind the words.
   
3. Speak slowly. By speaking slowly, not only will your audience be more able to understand the words coming out of your mouth, but you will have time to think about what you are saying. Give your audience time to digest what you said before moving on to a new point.

Related wikiHows

• How to Think Before Speaking
  
• How to Talk Faster
  
• How to Stop Being Sarcastic
  
• How to Defuse an Argument

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become Really Good at Articulating Your Thoughts. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To-101: "How to Argue Using the Socratic Method"

How to Argue Using the Socratic Method

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

The Socratic method can be used to show someone that they are wrong, or at least imprecise, by getting them to agree with statements that contradict their original assertion. Since Socrates believed that the first step to knowledge was recognition of one's ignorance, it's not surprising that his method focuses not so much on proving your point but on disproving the other person's point with a series of questions (elenchus), resulting in their aporia (puzzlement). This method is used in law school to teach students critical thinking skills, and it is also used in psychotherapy, management training, and classrooms.

Steps

1. Locate the statement that sums up their argument. Socrates would often elicit such a statement by asking the person to define something, like "What is justice?" or "What is truth?" You can employ the Socratic method using any declarative statement which a person sounds certain of, like "This table is blue."
   
2. Examine the implications of the statement. Assume that their statement is false and find an example where the statement is false. Can you provide a scenario, real or imaginary, that is inconsistent with their statement? Wrap this scenario in a question:
   
• "To a blind person, is this table still blue?"
  
• If the person says no, proceed to the next step.
  
• If the person says yes, ask: "What makes it blue to a blind person, and not green, or pink, or purple?" In other words, if someone can't see, what makes the table blue? This question will leave most people stumped. Proceed to the next step.
  
3. Change the initial statement to take the exception into account. "So the table is blue only to those who can see."
   
4. Challenge the new statement with another question. E.g. "If the table is in the middle of an empty room, where no one can see it, is it still blue?" Eventually, you should come to a statement that the person has agreed to but that contradicts their original statement. In this example, you might end up pointing out the subjectivity of the perception of color and argue (using questions, not statements) that color only exists in a person's mind as a result of their perception; it isn't actually a property of the table. In other words, the table is not blue. Your opponent's perception of it is blue.

Tips

• Remember that the goal with the Socratic method is to examine possibilities, and that is done by asking questions, not by giving answers. Socrates was known (and criticized) for asking questions to which he didn't have answers.[1]
  
• The key to using the Socratic method is to be humble. Don't assume that you or anyone knows anything for sure. Question every premise.
  
• The Socratic Method is not about proving people wrong, but challenging assumptions. If your goal is to argue effectively, Socrates may offer some advice, but this method is best used for challenging even your own beliefs.

Warnings

• Socrates, the inventor of this method, was forced to take hemlock because he annoyed too many people. While it's unlikely that excessive use of the Socratic method will lead you to the same fate, it's quite possible that no one will want to speak to you if you make a habit of tearing apart any declarative statement that falls on your ears. Debate in a friendly fashion and try not to embarrass or annoy your opponent.

Related wikiHows

• How to Stop Arguing With Your Brother or Sister
  
• How to Stop Arguing With Someone
  
• How to Avoid Arguments in IRC
  
• How to Argue That Baseball Is Better Than Football
  
• How to Cool Down After an Argument

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://www.buzzle.com/articles/socrates-philosophy-and-socratic-method.html

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Argue Using the Socratic Method. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Newsletters of Interest-1: "A Word A Day"

"A Word A Day" or simply "AWAD" is a free newsletter from http://www.wordsmith.org/, the brain-child of Anu Garg, an Indian-American. His efforts has resulted in an online community of word-lovers estimated to be 600,00 spread over 200 countries. He is an author of three bestsellers. He is also a speaker, columnist and software engineer. He also writes about language-related issues for magazines and newspapers.

If you love the Magic of Words, then you will love AWAD. It will enrich your vocabulary. That is not all. As a subscriber you will get this newsletter in your mailbox containing a new word with its meaning, etymology and usage. To make it lively, he also gives you a thought for the day.

It is a great newsletter for those who would like to improve their English, especially students.

Just click the link below to go to his site and subscribe to AWAD:
http://wordsmith.org/anu/

Education News-5: "Notice from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University"

Gandhiana-1: "Gandhiji on Kinder Garten Schools"

"Are all the Bal Mandirs (Kinder Garten Schools) which are coming up these days worthy of the name? This is a question to be considered by all who are interested in children's education. The country needs good facilities for children's education as much as it needs food, cloth and houses to meet its physical needs, for its future depends on the children."

M.K.Gandhi

July 7, 1947

Courtesy: The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol.1.

Grateful thanks to GandhiServe.org.

Gandhiji on Kinder Garten Schools

Are all the Bal Mandirs (Kinder Garten Schools) which are coming up these days worthy of the name? This is a question to be considered by all who are interested in children's education. The country needs good facilities for children's education as much as it needs food, cloth and houses to meet its physical needs, for its future depends on the children.

M.K.Gandhi
July 7, 1947

From the Complete Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol.1.

Websites to Watch-1: "eLearningArtDesign.org"

www.elearningartdesign.org

Interactivity in Teaching and Learning of Multimedia

The objectives of this site are:

1. Identify the main charactaeristic of Interactive Multimedia(IMM) as empowering the user.
2. Distinguish between levels of interactivity and their applications.
3. Recognise the educational benefits of IMM.
4. Outline good teaching practices in the delivery of multimedia courses.

This site may be of interest to:

1. Students of multimedia, vocational and undergraduate levels.
2. Multimedia designers and content developers
3. Educators designing interactive courseware.
4. Instructional Designers working with multimedia technology.
5. Multimedia educators.

You can try this site and let me know your views.