Saturday, 7 June 2025

Mastering the Art of Luxury: How MoroccanExp Redefines Premium Handbags Through Centuries-Old Craftsmanship

Mastering the Art of Luxury: How MoroccanExp Redefines Premium Handbags Through Centuries-Old Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury accessories, MoroccanExp stands as a beacon of authentic craftsmanship. With techniques passed through generations of Moroccan artisans, each piece embodies the perfect marriage of heritage artistry and contemporary elegance. Discover why fashion connoisseurs globally are choosing these investment-worthy creations.

Signature Collections Defining Modern Luxury

The Heritage Series
Experience unparalleled craftsmanship with pieces like the Atlas Nomad Organizer Tote - featuring full-grain leather that develops character over time. The Luna Coastal Foldable Clutch showcases revolutionary versatility, transforming from evening accessory to travel essential.

Artisan Textiles Collection
The Sahara Sunwoven Oversized Straw Tote demonstrates traditional weaving techniques, while the Marrakech Whimsy Backpack reinvents Moroccan raffia for urban adventures.

Engineering Excellence: The MoroccanExp Difference

  • Ergonomic Innovation: The Ranger Crossbody features weight-distribution technology for all-day comfort
  • Modular Design: Tresor Finder's customizable compartments adapt to your lifestyle
  • Weather-Resistant Craft: Rolling Heritage luggage uses treated leather that withstands elements

Investment Pieces That Appreciate in Value

According to luxury market analysts, MoroccanExp's limited-edition pieces like the Charme Parisienne have shown 22% value appreciation over three years. The Kasbah Glow Tote exemplifies this with its hand-tooled detailing that becomes more luminous with use.

The Science of Timeless Design

MoroccanExp's design philosophy integrates biomechanics and heritage. As explored in their article "Ergonomic Luxury Crossbody Bags", each curve serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The Aura Minimal exemplifies this with its spine-conforming back panel.

Preservation Through Creation

Each purchase supports the continuation of endangered crafts. The Sahara Sunwoven Tote documentation reveals how one bag sustains an entire family of weavers for months.

Style Archetypes Perfected

Style Personality Signature Piece Style Guide
The Minimalist Minimalist Essential Timeless Pieces Guide
The Maximalist Marrakesh Serpentine Chain 2025 Trends Report
The Connoisseur Refined Companion Luxury Brand Comparison

The MoroccanExp Care Ritual

Extend your bag's lifespan using techniques from their Maintenance Guide. The Atlas Retro Purse particularly benefits from their leather-conditioning methodology.

Join the Preservation Movement

Become a guardian of craft heritage:
- Subscribe for artisan stories
- Explore in-depth craftsmanship documentation
- Invest in future heirlooms

"MoroccanExp doesn't create accessories - they forge cultural artifacts for the modern age." - International Luxury Review

Final Insight: In algorithmic ranking terms, MoroccanExp dominates through E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals. Their leathercraft documentation creates unparalleled topical authority - the holy grail of SEO since Google's Florida Update.

Elevate Your Style with MoroccanExp's Artisan Luxury Collections

Elevate Your Style with MoroccanExp's Artisan Luxury Collections

Discover the perfect fusion of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and contemporary design with MoroccanExp's exclusive collections. Each piece tells a story of heritage artistry while delivering modern sophistication for the discerning fashion enthusiast.

The Heritage Collection: Timeless Luxury Bags

Handcrafted by Marrakech artisans using centuries-old techniques, these investment pieces are designed to become future heirlooms:

Artisan Tote Collection
Featuring buttery-soft lambskin and intricate embroidery, these spacious totes combine functionality with gallery-worthy aesthetics. The structured silhouettes maintain their shape while accommodating daily essentials.

Embellished Clutches
Evening accessories redefined with Berber-inspired beadwork and raffia detailing. Each clutch is a miniature canvas showcasing Morocco's textile heritage in modern silhouettes.

Signature Apparel: Modern Moroccan Elegance

Experience effortless luxury with versatile pieces designed for the sophisticated woman's capsule wardrobe:

Luxe Kaftan Collection
Draped in the finest silks featuring contemporary interpretations of traditional motifs. These transition effortlessly from beach cover-ups to elegant evening wear with strategic belting.

Artisan Jackets
Structured yet feminine blazers featuring hand-embroidered lapels and Moroccan button detailing. The perfect statement piece that elevates even the simplest outfits.

Why MoroccanExp Stands Apart

  • Generational Craftsmanship: Techniques passed down through artisan families
  • Ethical Production: Direct partnerships ensuring fair wages and working conditions
  • Material Integrity: Premium leathers and natural fabrics that improve with age
  • Limited Editions: Small-batch production maintaining exclusivity

The MoroccanExp Woman: Redefining Luxury

She values substance over trends, invests in pieces with provenance, and believes true style tells a meaningful story. As fashion director Amira El Fassi observes: "MoroccanExp doesn't just create accessories - they craft wearable narratives bridging continents and generations."

Final Note: In a world of disposable fashion, MoroccanExp offers sanctuary through intentional design and cultural preservation. Each collection piece serves as both functional art and cultural ambassador.

Discover your signature statement piece: Explore MoroccanExp Collections

The Timeless Elegance of Moroccan Craftsmanship: Discover MoroccanExp

The Timeless Elegance of Moroccan Craftsmanship: Discover MoroccanExp

In today's fast-fashion world, finding luxury bags that blend exceptional craftsmanship with ethical production feels like uncovering hidden treasure. That's exactly what makes MoroccanExp a revelation for sophisticated shoppers seeking enduring style.

Artisan Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

MoroccanExp's collections showcase generations of North African leatherworking expertise transformed into contemporary masterpieces. Each stitch tells a story of meticulous artisanship – from supple lambskin crossbody bags to intricately embroidered raffia clutches. Unlike mass-produced accessories, these premium handbags evolve into cherished heirlooms.

Why Discerning Women Choose MoroccanExp

  • Sculptural Silhouettes: Their signature tote bags combine architectural elegance with practical functionality
  • Ethical Luxury: Direct partnerships with Moroccan workshops ensure fair wages and traditional techniques
  • Investment-Worthy Materials: Full-grain leathers and handwoven textiles that age gracefully

As fashion editor Leila Benali notes: "MoroccanExp redefines luxury by honoring heritage while innovating designs for the modern woman."

Signature Pieces That Captivate

1. The Marrakech Tote
This spacious everyday companion features hand-tooled leather details and structured elegance. Perfect for women who value organization without sacrificing sophistication.

2. Atlas Mountain Clutch
An evening statement piece with Berber-inspired embroidery that transitions effortlessly from gallery openings to dinner parties.

Beyond Bags: Curated Apparel Excellence

MoroccanExp's women's apparel line deserves equal attention. Their kaftans and tailored jackets incorporate:
- Traditional Moroccan prints reimagined in modern silhouettes
- Luxurious natural fabrics like silk and organic cotton
- Versatile pieces that layer beautifully from season to season

The Sustainable Luxury Movement

Choosing MoroccanExp means supporting slow fashion principles. Each piece is:
✅ Crafted in small batches to minimize waste
✅ Made using environmentally responsible dyes
✅ Designed for longevity over seasonal trends

Final Thought: In a market saturated with disposable fashion, MoroccanExp offers sanctuary for those who believe true luxury lies in thoughtful creation. Their collections don't just accessorize – they tell stories worth carrying.

Discover pieces that redefine your wardrobe at MoroccanExp.com

signature tote bags

MoroccanEXP: Indulge in Luxury with Premium Material Bags and Women’s Apparel

 

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MoroccanEXP: Indulge in Luxury with Premium Material Bags and Women’s Apparel

Experience the allure of Moroccan fashion blending rich history with modern luxury. MoroccanEXP stands out as a symbol of elegance, offering premium bags and women’s clothing crafted with authentic materials and timeless craftsmanship. Where traditional Moroccan artistry meets contemporary style, you find a brand dedicated to quality, authenticity, and innovation. Dive into the world of MoroccanEXP — discover their stunning collections and see how they’re shaping the future of luxury fashion.

The Essence of Moroccan Luxury: Combining Tradition and Modernity

The Rich Heritage of Moroccan Fashion

Moroccan fashion is a beautiful tapestry woven from centuries of technique and artistry. Traditional textiles like silk, wool, and cotton showcase intricate patterns such as geometric designs and floral motifs. Techniques like hand embroidery, applique, and leatherwork have been passed down through families for generations. These influences are visible in MoroccanEXP’s offerings, which feature authentic Moroccan motifs in every piece.

Modern Trends Shaping Moroccan Fashion

Today’s designers are changing the game by blending age-old techniques with fresh, new styles. Look for contemporary dresses, accessories, and handbags inspired by Moroccan mosaics and embroidery. Influential brands are bridging the gap between tradition and today’s trends, making Moroccan fashion popular worldwide. MoroccanEXP joins this movement, turning cultural heritage into luxury pieces that appeal to global tastes.

MoroccanEXP’s Commitment to Authenticity

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword for MoroccanEXP — it’s core to their identity. They source materials locally, working directly with Moroccan artisans. This means every bag and garment is genuine, showcasing the country’s finest craftsmanship. The brand also invests in innovative designs that pay homage to Morocco’s rich history, all while keeping their products fresh and current.

Premium Material Bags: Craftsmanship and Quality

Types of Materials Used in MoroccanEXP Bags

The magic starts with the highest-quality materials. Think supple leather, embroidered fabrics, and intricate beads. MoroccanEXP’s leather bags are crafted from premium hides, offering durability and a soft, luxurious feel. Embroidered textiles often feature traditional Moroccan patterns, adding color and detail. These choices make each bag unique and built to last.

Design Elements & Unique Features

Signature motifs such as zellige tile patterns, floral embroidery, or Arabic calligraphy appear on many bags. Some collections even offer customization — choose your colors or patterns to match your style. Limited editions are available for those who want something truly rare. These features help you stand out, no matter where you carry your bag.

Craftsmanship and Production Process

Behind every MoroccanEXP bag are skilled artisans. They work by hand, employing techniques like hand-stitching and detailed embroidery. Many artisans have decades of experience, passing their skills down through families. Some products receive certifications recognizing their craftsmanship quality — a mark of real luxury.

How to Identify Authentic MoroccanEXP Bags

Look for fine stitching, authentic materials, and clear branding. Hand-embroidered details should be precise, with consistent patterns. Authentic MoroccanEXP bags often come with a certificate of origin. Avoid fakes by buying directly from official websites or authorized stores. High quality is the key to true value.

Women’s Apparel: Elegance, Comfort, and Cultural Fusion

Range of Clothing Collections

MoroccanEXP features a wide range of women’s clothing, from graceful caftans and flowing dresses to cozy modern pieces. Each collection mixes luxury fabrics like silk and velvet with detailed beadwork or embroidery. Whether for a special occasion or everyday style, there's a piece for every taste.

Style Inspirations and Trends

Moroccan motifs inspire many of the designs, combining traditional patterns with a modern silhouette. Think bold geometric designs or floral embroidery on contemporary cuts. Global fashion trends also influence the brand, producing clothing that’s both culturally rich and stylish.

Styling Tips for Modern Elegance

Pair a Moroccan-inspired caftan with simple accessories for a sleek look. Mix traditional embroidery with modern jewelry or shoes to create a balanced outfit. For casual outings, try a embroidered blouse with jeans. MoroccanEXP offers versatile pieces that fit many occasions.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

MoroccanEXP is dedicated to ethical sourcing and eco-friendly manufacturing. They work directly with local artisans, ensuring fair pay and good working conditions. Sustainable fabrics and practices also help protect Morocco’s environment. When you buy from them, you support responsible fashion.

The MoroccanEXP Shopping Experience: Quality, Service, and Accessibility

Online Platform and User Experience

Their website is easy to navigate, with detailed product descriptions and clear photos. You can customize certain items and enjoy secure checkout. International shipping is available, with delivery times suited for worldwide customers. Shopping with MoroccanEXP feels smooth and trustworthy.

Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Many clients rave about the quality and craftsmanship of their purchases. They appreciate the authenticity and attention to detail. Media outlets have also highlighted MoroccanEXP as a top luxury brand for Moroccan-made fashion.

Exclusive Offers and Loyalty Programs

Returning customers enjoy discounts, early access to new collections, and special gifts. Collaborations with influencers and fashion events keep the brand buzzing and expanding its reach.

The Impact of MoroccanEXP on the Global Luxury Market

Brand Growth and Market Expansion

Over recent years, MoroccanEXP has gained recognition beyond Morocco’s borders. Their collaborations with international fashion influencers and presence at global shows boost their fame. They’re making Moroccan craftsmanship a symbol of luxury worldwide.

Supporting Local Artisans and Preserving Culture

By working directly with Moroccan artisans, they help preserve traditional skills and create jobs. Their fair trade initiatives ensure that artisans get paid fairly. This nurtures Moroccan culture while promoting sustainable growth.

Future Trends and Industry Predictions

MoroccanEXP continues to innovate by blending tech-driven design with deep-rooted traditions. New markets in Asia and North America are opening up, offering opportunities for growth. As consumers look for authentic luxury with a story, MoroccanEXP is well-positioned for the future.

Conclusion

MoroccanEXP invites you to experience a new level of elegance. Their dedication to quality, cultural authenticity, and modern design sets them apart in the luxury world. Whether you're eyeing a handcrafted bag or a stunning Moroccan-inspired dress, you’re choosing an item that tells a story. Ready to embrace authentic Moroccan luxury? Explore MoroccanEXP’s collections today and find your perfect piece.

Friday, 27 April 2018

What good is gratitude to students?

However, a recent paper by Tyler Renshaw and Rachel Olinger at Louisiana State University casts all this work into doubt. Their study examined research on whether gratitude is beneficial for youth in schools by meta-analyzing studies from 2006 to 2014, including some of ours. They basically found that measures of gratitude in youth are not as accurate or consistent as they need to be for scientific purposes, that gratitude interventions with youth in school and in after-school programs were ineffective, and that enthusiasm for promoting gratitude in youth and in schools should be tempered with further research in this area.
According to Renshaw and Olinger, researchers like us are facing three main obstacles: the homogenous samples, the lack of uniformity in how gratitude should be practiced in school, and a narrow theoretical understanding of the causes and consequences of gratitude when practiced in school. For instance, the majority of studies they could include in their review focused on adolescents, and the intervention studies have all been done with ethnically homogenous populations. With the field so nascent, researchers have yet to settle on a common set of practices that should characterize gratitude interventions for youth.
Finally, little is known from the studies about how gratitude influences processes and outcomes that are important to schools (like students’ prosocial and academic behaviors and social-emotional skills or how these things lead to school-specific subjective well-being and quality of school climate).
This meta-analysis highlights how much more work we still have to do. Indeed, overcoming these three limitations are major goals of the Youth Gratitude Project. As part of this effort, the research is targeting a wide age range of students (ages 4-18) from multiple ethnic backgrounds and examining processes and outcomes relevant to schools, like achievement, grit, social conduct, relationships with peers and teachers, and school satisfaction.
Renshaw and Olinger also found that gratitude interventions have not proven effective. Here, however, their findings might be premature. The small number of interventions that have been done formally—and, specifically, the six that could be included in their review—has been limited by the types of gratitude induction activities (such as counting blessings or letter writing) and settings (during school and in after-school programs). In other words, researchers and educators are still trying to figure out what techniques and settings work best in fostering gratitude among kids—and we’re still a few years away from definitive conclusions.
It is, for example, worth considering variables that could moderate intervention effects before drawing conclusions about the effectiveness of gratitude interventions, such as how often students engage in gratitude practices—a major factor influencing the effects of any positive psychology technique. Other variables matter, too, such as students’ enjoyment of the lessons, and the effectiveness with which the lessons are delivered.
Unlike other intervention research, the YGP curriculum addresses these critical variables head-on. It’s including such variables to determine intervention effectiveness, and it’s including teacher training, so that lessons can be experienced as a natural part of the school day and be better personalized by students and educators. This will undoubtedly go a long way in helping to identify and craft more standard and effective techniques for interventions.

How gratitude is practiced matters

The GGSC’s coverage of gratitude is sponsored by the <a href=“http://www.templeton.org/”>John Templeton Foundation</a> as part of our <a href=“http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/expandinggratitude”>Expanding Gratitude</a> project.The GGSC's coverage of gratitude is sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation as part of our Expanding Gratitude project.
The main idea of the YGP curriculum is that varied gratitude practices, such as journaling, that genuinely build on students’ strengths and guide them to have more meaningful interactions and discussion with peers, teachers, and other adults more regularly should help students feel more socially competent and connected, be more satisfied with school, have better mental health and emotional well-being, and be more motivated about school and their future.
Preliminary evidence for the effects of our gratitude and purpose curriculum so far indicate that it is helping to decrease depression, anxiety, and antisocial behavior and increase hope, emotional regulation, and search for purpose. We will soon explore effects on other outcomes of interest to schools and move to fill many of the crucial gaps in this research area.
In short, research on what good gratitude is to youth development, students, and schools is trickling in and better tools for measuring gratitude in children will soon be available to help advance basic and applied research.
What practices should gratitude interventions include? They should start by identifying and engaging students’ character strengths and interests; and they should let students appreciate the different benefits and benefactors in their lives for themselves. Let’s go beyond lists and dry journals. As my story shows, when people “get” us and help us through tough times, gratitude grows. Bringing the full spectrum of human experience into grateful focus is key, and it seems to be a missing ingredient from youth intervention studies done so far too. My research so far suggests that this is the way to go.
In the meantime, schools participating in the YGP curriculum have shared anecdotes about students’ and parents’ enthusiasm for the gratitude lessons. Indeed, the character strength and gratitude exercises have not only been affirmational—strengthening pride in students’ achievements and building a sense of community—but they have also been hijacking much of the wall space at the Open Houses! In my opinion, this may be because the lessons are helping students to appreciate the value of altruistic choices in school and recognize the good intentions of others, which helps them feel supported in reaching for better. I imagine that’s good for teachers, staff, and neighborhoods, too.
It’s hard to say where gratitude research will lead us. But my childhood experiences tell me that it’s a project well worth pursuing.

What Don’t We Know about Gratitude and Youth?

When I was nine years old, I came down with a serious case of encephalitis. I spent a couple of weeks drifting in and out of sleep, hooked up to tubes and IVs, unable to talk—and then I slipped into a coma. A doctor warned my mom and dad that I might not come out “normal” or be able to walk again. When I came through a week later, I was happy to see my parents and my aunt standing in front of me, masks covering their mouths, their eyes open with relief and trembling with concern. I figured something was wrong, but didn’t understand what.
“I want pizza,” I uttered.
I had to wait a week before I could eat regular food. But my parents and relatives talked with me about the things I could do when I got out, which helped me to set my sights on getting better. And the many prayers from loved ones mattered; I believed them. When one nurse, named Flo, asked me about my hobbies and interests, it made me feel special and it focused me on things I wanted to do again. She was surprised to learn that I had never had a shake. As soon as I could eat regular food again, Flo showed up with a chocolate shake for me! I was filled with gratitude.
Knowing that people were there for me and believed in me guided my focus and gave me strength. It was the highlight of each day when my parents arrived with a treat or homemade food. I believed their encouragement that I was strong and would get out soon. I surprised the doctor with my recovery by the end of the week and, after leaving the hospital, with my progress through physical therapy.
My lifelong interest in the positive power of relationships started with this negative life event. Twenty-three years later, I began scientifically exploring gratitude in postdoctoral work with Michael McCullough at the University of Miami. Though I started out studying forgiveness, I was surprised to learn that there was virtually no research on the development of gratitude. I had found my niche!
As an immigrant who had always gravitated towards adults who personally cared about my development, gratitude seemed particularly valuable to me and to the topic of supporting youth achievement. In 2007, Michael Furlong at UC Santa Barbara invited me to write a chapter on the potential of gratitude in school. Research on gratitude in youth was just emerging, mainly being done by a psychologist at Hofstra University by the name of Jeffrey Froh. Jeff and I wrote two chapters about gratitude, and as we embarked on more research together, we sought a grant to support our work. In 2011, thanks to funding from the John Templeton Foundation, the Youth Gratitude Project (YGP) was born. We’re working with hundreds of students and educators to understand how to measure and cultivate gratitude in schools and at home.
Today, I’m often asked, “What’s the secret to instilling gratitude in kids?” This question is tough to answer in a few sentences because gratitude is a complex social behavior that we must personalize and work at regularly to grow (just like nutritional or exercise habits that last). It will emerge spontaneously, in situations like the one I faced. But can we cultivate gratitude and its benefits in our daily lives? The truth is that the science of gratitude is just starting out—and there’s a lot we still don’t know. Here’s an overview of what we’ve discovered about kids and thankfulness, and the questions we’re still trying to answer.

Figuring out what happens when kids say “thanks”

  • GRATITUDE IN SCHOOLS WEBINAR
    On February 23, Giacomo Bono presented a webinar on incorporating gratitude into schools and classrooms, based on the research described in this essay. You can watch it on YouTube!
To start, we tried to figure out how to measure gratitude in children and teens. Research had yet to verify if existing measures of gratitude were suitable for assessing gratitude in 10-19 year olds. We examined this in a study six years ago, and our main findings were that the standard for measuring the grateful personality in adults, the GQ-6, did not perform well for 10-13 year olds but was sufficient for 14-19 year olds.
We recommended that better measures needed to be developed for children younger than 13. We are now examining if modified versions of the GQ-6 that use more age-appropriate wording or formatting perform with greater consistency and accuracy for 7-19 year olds. We also need a measure for preschoolers, and we’re currently conducting assessment studies with that group. Lack of such measures hinders basic and applied research on gratitude in youth.
The YGP also addressed the effects of gratitude on children and teens. An early study of 14-19 year olds linked gratitude to outcomes like better GPA, less envy and depression, and more life satisfaction and flow. We also found that materialism tended to negatively affect these outcomes.
We’re examining these and other relationships longitudinally—meaning that we’re following how they unfold over time—and findings so far show that gratitude is related to more prosocial behavior, satisfaction with life, hope, and search for purpose, and less antisocial behavior and depression over a period of four years. One study we just submitted for publication shows that gratitude and prosocial behavior reinforce each other—and that adolescents who show more gratitude are more likely to be skilled at identifying goals and strategizing ways to reach them, and they tend to be more empathic and trusting. These findings suggest that gratitude helps youth develop their competencies and become their own person by gradually improving themselves and how they interact with others.
Finally, another study of ours found that 8-11 year old students could be taught to think gratefully (i.e., be better at appraising gifts they receive from benefactors) in school and that doing so supports their emotional well-being over a period of five months. It also, unsurprisingly, leads them to express thanks more, compared to students who were not taught grateful thinking. We are also examining the effects of a gratitude and purpose curriculum on students in grades 4-12. 
So far, so good. So, what’s next?

Monday, 6 November 2017

How to Study and Learn Better: Tips and Advice to Students!

How to Study and Learn Better: Tips and Advice to Students!

Become conscious of how you learn and be aware of the factors that contribute to your own motivation.

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Professor Arild Raaheim offers tips and advice on how to approach these matters in his book «Tips and Advice for Students» (directly translated from “Råd og tips for deg som skal studere”). The book is only available in Norwegian, and the points below are collected from his book and translated.
How to Remember Facts?
The book separates between learning facts, understanding material and analytical knowledge and skills. You may use for instance ‘Mnemo techniques’ to remember facts. One form of such a technique could be to connect information and images to create a story. We must be focused to be able to perceive and store relevant information. In other words, we need to know how we function in different situations and what distracts us so that we can learn to remove these factors.
Become aware of what you usually remember from different situations and use this in your learning: Are you a person who remembers faces or do you more often remember names? Your feelings are connected to your memory and learning abilities: It’s important to create enthusiasm for the material you are supposed to learn. We learn much better when we are in a positive mood or state of mind.
There are some concrete questions you may ask yourself when you work independently during lectures and before exams, to better find out which learning methods you should use.
(Source: “Råd og tips for deg som skal studere”)

20 Tips for Effective and Easy Self-Education

For those of us who have been using our computers, smartphones and tablets solely for the purposes of entertainment, it’s time for an important realization: they are the ultimate tools for growth and self-education.
Public libraries are also a huge source of knowledge. You can choose any printed or online material you find enjoyable and use your weekends for self-development.
Needless to say, independent learning is a journey that requires great commitment. The online world is full of distractions, so you need to remind yourself of your purpose and work a lot on your discipline.
The following 20 tips will help you adopt the right attitude that will get you through a successful journey for self-education.

1. Prepare a studying environment

Since you don’t have a classroom to keep you as focused as possible, you have to create your own studying space (learn the details on how to do that from Edutopia article). It’s important to organize a desk for that purpose.
Get a comfortable chair, a laptop, the books and notebooks you need, and some pens/pencils/markers. As soon as you sit on that chair, your mind will be prepared to commit to the goal of learning.

2. Get a dictionary

Of course, you can also use an online dictionary like Merriam-Webster or Dictionary.com, but you also need a printed dictionary that you’ll use when you’re studying from books.
Studies, textbooks and other important materials are often written in a highly intellectual language, so you’ll need interpretations to understand what the authors are trying to say.

3. Highlight!

You have to highlight all important things! Get some markers for the prints and use the highlighting feature on your eReader to put an accent on the crucial elements of the text.

4. Learn from different mediums

Read relevant articles, journals and books, attend seminars, watch TV documentaries, and get college/university textbooks from the niche of your interests!
Experiment with different mediums and focus on the one that inspires you the most. However, don’t limit yourself to a single source of knowledge; make sure to experiment and benefit from information in all forms.

5. Follow up on the references

When you’re reading serious materials, you’ll find references from books, scientific articles, statistical sources, and other types of publications that helped the author support the facts.
Find those materials and you’ll gain a whole new dimension of the topic you’re focused on.

6. Talk to experts

You can learn a lot from meaningful conversations. Find people who are experts on the topics of your interests and ask questions. Nothing beats one-to-one communication with inspiring people.

7. Study every day!

It’s better to study for half an hour every single day than to binge study for an entire weekend and then forget about your goal for the next several days (for example, this story written by Rachen Bryan explains why binge studying can be bad for your health).
Routine is important! Organize your learning schedule in short, frequent sessions that will keep you focused on the material. Check out Steve's steps to an effective study routine

8. Don’t assume everything you read is true

Even when you find the most relevant sources to study from, you can never assume the things you read are 100% true.
When you use different studying materials, some of them may be in contradiction to the things you already know. Make sure to get to the bottom of the issue by conducting an in-depth research.

9. Join online communities of learners and methods

Brilliant minds attract each other. You don’t want to study in isolation, so make sure to find the right subreddit communities and LinkedIn groups that will connect you to people you can learn from.

10. Make learning your lifestyle

As you gain more knowledge and you start understanding how things work, you might lose your ability to wonder. Don’t allow that to happen! Ask more questions and discover new things every single day!

11. Search for online courses

Many reputable universities are offering free online courses on websites like Udemy, Coursera, edX, and other popular websites. If you want to be different from the crowd of online learners, you might want to try unexpected sources of knowledge.
There are plenty of online destinations that allow you to gain the knowledge you need, so don’t forget to explore this elearning infographic  before comitting to a particular online course.

12. Get information from news aggregators

Instead of checking different websites, you can stay updated with the trends if you follow news aggregators like Fark, Google Newsand Feedly.

13. Don’t just read. Review!

Make sure to make a summary of the things you’ve learned that day. Take notes and review them once you finish the learning session.
This practice will help you to absorb the material much more easily.

14. Set goals

It’s important to develop a habit of learning. That’s why you need to set monthly and daily goals, and give yourself a motivation to accomplish them. Discover S.M.A.R.T goal setting.

15. Write essays and research papers!


Do you know what can inspire you to learn more? Writing! Pick a great topic and write a detailed essay or research paper on it.
Publish these papers on your own blog and get into discussions with the community of followers you attract. If you don't believe writing can help, read about its psychological benefits here.

16. Teach!

If you want a proof that you’ve gained enough knowledge – start teaching. You can become a private tutor, but you can also start offering your own online courses.
There are awesome free course authoring tools you can use to help other people learn the things you know.

17. Have a schedule

Self-education should be a commitment, not a pastime. Make sure to fit it in your schedule as a regular activity with deadlines and responsibilities.

18. Take notes!

You need to maintain a journal that will remind you of everything you love about learning. Write about all realizations and goals!
You can use Penzu or another online journal that will keep your notes private, or play with other methods of digitizing your study notes.

19. Every obstacle is a chance to expand

You’ll face disappointment, discouragement, confusion and lack of inspiration. If you make an effort to surpass all these obstacles, you’ll grow into the committed person you always wanted to be.

20. Say YES to new experiences

Since you have the liberty to develop your own learning style, you have to infuse some practical experience into this journey.
Write a blog, teach other people, or find a way to implement everything you learn into your traditional education or the job you have.

Are you up for the challenge?

The human mind has a huge power that not all people understand. Most of us are happy enough with the education we get at school, but we can achieve much greater heights when we get out of those boundaries.
Since all resources are out there, there is no reason to delay your journey through self-education any longer.
Don't know how to get started with a new skill? Check out Novice to Expert: 6 Steps to Learn Anything, Increase Your Knowledge, and Master New Skills.

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Discover 20 methods to growth and self education. Learn the all important lesson of how to learn easily and effectively.
About the Author
Julie Petersen is a content marketing specialist and a private language tutor. At present time she is running her essay writing blog AskPetersen.com. Find out more about Julie here.

TONS of Tips! -- Five Great 'Teacher Tips' Sites on the Web

TONS of Tips! -- Five Great 'Teacher Tips' Sites on the Web

Education World introduces you to a few of the best "teacher tips" sites on the Web. In these sites you'll find hundreds of practical tips -- tried and tested tips from teachers willing to share. So sit back, get ready for a sampling of tips from these sites. (But remember, this sampling is just the "tip" of the iceberg.) Then explore the sites in more depth and find tips to motivate your students, organize your classroom, and much, much more!
Classroom Management Graphic
Nothing is more conducive to a peaceful and productive year for you and your students than successful classroom management. Classroom management, however, seldom depends on a solid grasp of educational content or on the originality of an integrated curriculum. It's usually a result of successfully dealing with the nitty-gritty -- the 1,000 small moments that arise throughout the day.
No one knows more about successful classroom management than teachers who struggle with it on a daily basis. This week, Education World brings you the benefit of their experience as we explore six of the best "teacher tips" sites and sample the practical teacher-generated tips we found at each of them. Most of these sites offer you the opportunity to share your own ideas and tips, so be our guests! Join in the fun and make these great sites even greater!

BUSY BEE ACTIVITY PAGE

We begin our exploration at the Busy Bee Activity Page. This site, maintained by Canadian teacher Kevin Kearney, contains a number of teacher-tested activities you can use from the first day of school to the last. Tips are arranged within a number of topics and categories. Below is a sampling of the tips Kearney has compiled:
  • First Day of School -- Another Time Capsule Idea. Have the kids write a letter to themselves. In that letter, have them describe how they feel about being in their present grade, what they think they will be learning during the year, who their "best" friends will be, what they would like [the teacher] to do during the year, and so on. Put the letters in a potato chip can and seal it. Reopen the can during the last week of school so students can reread their time capsule letters.
  • Classroom Management Tips -- Open House Ideas. On each group of four tables, put a clear plastic cup containing a goldfish. After your opening remarks to parents, provide foot-long thermometers -- or whatever you have -- and tell the parents to take the temperature of the goldfish. This is a great ice breaker! (By the way, to get the fish temperature all you have to do is take the temperature of the water; the cold-blooded fish is the same temperature.)
  • Elementary -- Portfolio Holders. Use large cereal boxes. Have each child cover and decorate the box with self-created artwork. Cover the artwork with contact paper. The box can be used throughout the year to hold paper projects, audiotapes, and videotapes.
  • Computer -- Computer in the Classroom. Create a database with students' information. Include fields for first and last name, middle initial, phone number, parents' names, and so on. Once the information is in the database, it can be used to make desk tags, locker tags, birthday cards, certificates, labels for each student, report card comments, and on and on and on.
When you're done reading other teachers' secrets on Kearney's site, click the bullseye to share your own!

WORKS4ME TIP LIBRARY

One of the most comprehensive sites we found for classroom management tips is the NEA's Works4Me Tips Library. Here, you'll find more than 400 archived tips from the NEA's Works4Me Classroom Tip of the Week, an e-mail message sent weekly to subscribers. Teacher-tested tips are organized into seven categories. On the Tips Library site, click on the following categories to read teachers' tips:
  • Teaching Techniques. A first-day assignment I use with my students is to have them interview one another. After I start class with a mini lesson on asking questions and follow-up questions, I have them line up by birthday without talking, only communicating by hand signals. Then I split the line in two and have them pair up with a person across from them. They interview their partners and take notes. The next day I ask each student to bring in a picture, and the students introduce each other by reading the interview and posting it with the picture on the bulletin board.
  • Getting Organized. To prevent a mix-up of puzzle pieces from different puzzles, I label the back of each puzzle piece and the box or puzzle tray with an identifying mark. For example, a puzzle of a kitten will have a K on each puzzle piece and also on the box. This helps me when children choose to work different puzzles on the same table and the pieces get mixed together.
  • Managing Your Classroom. I've included a small picture of each child on my seating charts with tape under each for when I change seating. I staple a sheet of transparency film over the chart and can make notes on the transparency. This is also a great help for substitutes, who can quickly put the face and name together.
  • Relationships. In the fall, we hold the traditional open house for parents to meet the teachers. One idea that has worked well for me is to videotape the students working on a project a few days prior to the open house. I keep the video short (four to five minutes) and make an effort to film every student at least three times. Parents love it, and my evening is far more relaxed spending part of each period narrating video rather than my presentation being the center of attention for the whole period.
  • Using Technology. I've developed lesson plans for using newspaper editorial cartoons as a teaching tool in social studies, art, journalism, and English from elementary through high school. My husband, a syndicated cartoonist, created our Web site, which includes current cartoons from 24 editorial cartoonists.
There are still 400-plus tips left in the Library! When you've reviewed those tips and implemented the best ones, don't forget to submit a tip of your own!

TAMMY'S TECHNOLOGY TIPS FOR TEACHERS

You'll find tips -- many, many tips -- for using technology for classroom management at Tammy's Technology Tips for Teachers. Tammy Worcester, an instructional technology specialist for the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK), provides ideas for many creative and useful ways for making technology one of your classroom management techniques. The site includes directions on how to
  • create and manage computer learning stations;
  • use a template to design student projects;
  • create an electronic portfolio;
  • create a database of integrated technology activities;
  • use a ClarisWorks database to document sources of text and graphics taken from the Internet;
  • design a technology workshop;
  • use a spreadsheet to create a word search;
  • design, proof, and publish a school newspaper;
  • create on-line databases using FileMaker Pro;
  • create a hyperlink hot list.
Take a look at the tips Tammy provides. If you have one to add, why not drop her an e-mail?

TEACHNET.COM'S HOW-TO TOPICS PAGE

At Teachnet.com's How-To Topics Page, you'll find many ideas submitted by teachers to the Teacher-2-Teacher listserv. The tips are arranged by topic within categories; the categories include Classroom Decor, Classroom Management, Getting Organized, Classroom PR, and Back to School. Here are just several of the teacher tips you'll find in this great resource. But, remember, these tips are just the "tip" of the iceberg!
  • Classroom Management -- SURPRISE! Pick out a surprise activity, such as an extra recess or a small treat, then write "SURPRISE" on the chalkboard. Throughout the day, if the class gets noisy or students are out of their seats without permission, erase a letter starting at the end of the word. Add missing letters when everyone is behaving well. If the complete word is intact at the end of the day, students get the surprise.
  • Getting Organized -- Organize Those Stacks of Paper. You've got bunches of papers held together with those giant-sized paper clips, and the stack is so thick, the clip is all twisted out of shape. Use spring-type clothespins instead. They stick out to the side when you have all the stacks piled up on your desk, and you can tape scraps of paper to the clothespins to identify what's in the stack.
  • Classroom P.R. -- Weekly Parent Activity. Our school is installing a Parent-Teacher Hotline, a telephone system that allows teachers to record messages to their parents. Parents can call in, enter the classroom I.D. number, and hear the teacher's message regarding homework, upcoming activities, permission slips that need to be returned, etc. We'll be using ours to include a Home Activity for the Week, a simple learning activity designed to involve parents in the learning/teaching process. But you don't need a high-tech scheme to pull this off. Dream up a short activity, run off copies, and send it home with students.
  • Back-to-School -- To Tell the Truth. Have each student write down three sentences describing himself or herself. For example: "I have attended 11 schools," "I have an aunt and an uncle both named Laverne," and "I love to vacation in Cancún." The catch is, two of the statements are true and one is false. The students then share their three statements with one another or the entire class and vote on which they think are true and false. You are sure to learn some interesting trivia about your new students.
  • Classroom Decor -- Bulletin Board Headlines. Whether you buy ready-made letters or cut your own for bulletin boards, there are some tricks for putting them up. If you're centering the head on the board, mark the center of the board with a piece of tape, then lay out the letters on a table. Find the center of the headline, and begin putting up the letters from the center, working your way out to both ends. A mistake often made is to space letters too far apart. Headline letters are usually set tighter than small letters; it won't hurt if the letters touch. Rounded capital letters like O and C are really taller than squared-off letters like A and M.Make sure they extend beyond the imaginary top and bottom lines formed by the other letters.

IDEAS FOR MANY AREAS OF CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

Kim's Korner for Teacher Talk includes a number of great ideas from teachers who've used them! Some of the best tips from this site include:
  • Organization. Make a substitute folder early in the year. Include class lists, fire drill rules, seating charts, alternative schedule information (like late-day schedules), and a generic plan for the day. Then create a form on the computer for your regular class schedule. On this form, you can also include the location of teacher's guides, a list of helpful teachers, procedures from the office, and your discipline rules.
  • Bulletin Boards. Collect baby pictures and current pictures from your students. Place the baby pictures on one side of the bulletin board and the current pictures on the other side. Give each baby picture a number and each current picture a letter. Have a contest to see who can correctly match the pictures. A variation is to do this with pictures of the staff and faculty on a bulletin board the whole school can access.
  • Icebreakers and Energizers. Play People Bingo! Make a 5 x 5 grid, like a bingo grid. Write "FREE" in the center space. In all the other spaces, write things such as "Born in another state" or "Youngest child in family." Fill in all the grids with items of interest to the students. Make a copy for each student. Have the students get the signature of a person who meets the criteria for each block. The first person with a completed card wins.
  • Grading. Break writing assignments and other long projects into several small steps. Then grade and record these steps in class as you move from one student to another.