Stressed out?

Many students are experiencing stress these days. Perhaps the stress of not having a job is weighing on them, or the stress of reduced hours makes it difficult to put food on the table. Add to that the stress of not having a GED or HSED. They might be constantly wondering if THEY will be the next to be laid off. The cost of food, medical expenses and housing can also be a stress.

Stress is not "checked at the door". Students, whether they realize it or not, bring their problems into the classroom or lab. Teachers, tutors, and mentors need to recognize this and be sensitive to it.

Make your classroom lab environment as stress-free as possible. Greet them as soon as they arrive and be sure to say "good-by" when they leave. Have a basket filled with candy or fruit. Some students may arrive without having anything to eat. As we all know, we can function better with food in our stomachs. Finally, talk to them about their goals and get them to think about life "beyond the GED". What are their dream? What will they be doing in 1, 2, or 5 years? How will they accomplish their goals and make their dreams come true?

GED Learning Centers

Perhaps the last place you (as a GED candidate) or you (as a GED teacher/tutor) want to be this summer is in a GED Learning Center.

As a teacher, you probably need/want a much deserved break. Although with the economy the way it is.... I am sure you will take any work you can! And certainly, there is a continued need for those types of services. As an instructor who works in an Adult Learning Center, I get new students every day! Students who are needing their GED, students who need to brush up on their basic skill to get into a program, and students who need to brush up on their skills to either get or keep their job. The need is there and it takes each of us to put in the extra effort! Thank you to each of you who are there in the front line helping those students! You make an effort EACH time you step into the classroom.

If you are a student, you also may be feeling the need to take a break. But now is NOT the time to take break. Now is the time to forge forward! They say the economy is slowly turning around.. but not fast enough! Take the time to faithfully work with a teacher/tutor. If you are able to get to a Learning Center, go and work with your instructors. I realize that it is not always easy or even possible at times. You have family responsibilities and hopefully... you also are also one of the lucky ones who has a job responsibility. Don't let anyone or anything slow you down as you continue to forge on and work at your goal!

Preparing for the GED and Getting GED Help

What is the best way to prepare for the GED and getting GED help? Three ways include finding a tutor, finding a GED Learning Center, and studying on your own.

What's the best way? I do not think there is a "one size fits all". You need to find out what is best for YOU!

Take a look at your situation and ask yourself some questions. Do you know someone who could tutor you? Do you live within a reasonable distance to a GED Learning Center and does your schedule permit you to attend? Do you have the self-discipline to study on your own?

If you answer yes.... to any of these questions, then perhaps you have some direction. Find the best way for YOU and then go with it!

Good luck!

GED Age Requirement

If you are thinking of taking the GED tests, be sure that you know your state's age requirements and GED requirements. Contact your state or local "Official GED Testing Center".

If you are 16 or 17 you will most likely need to be in a program through a High School or Technical College. Although not always. If you have a Community Based Organization (CBO) that offers GED prep, you may be able to study there as well. There may also be an age requirement for testing.

If you are 18.5 you will be able to attend an Adult Learning Center and begin testing after completing a GED orientation. Again, you need to check with your state requirements.

Another great resource is the American Council on Education website.

How many times can I take the GED tests?

Check with your local GED Testing Center regarding the number of times you can take a GED test within a year. Some testing centers will allow you to take each test up to three times within a calendar year.

You don't want to be caught off guard if you fail a test..... and then find out you need to wait awhile before you can retest.

Check first to see what the guidelines are for your area.

Stop in at your GED Tutoring Center or give someone a call.

Battery of 5 GED Tests

For anyone who is new or is thinking of taking the GED tests, it is important to know a little about them.

There are 5 GED tests: GED Math, GED Writing, GED Science, GED Social Studies, and GED Reading (or Language Arts).

Check with your local GED testing center to determine if you have to take all 5 at once, or if you can take one test at a time. It would be my recommendation that, if possible, take one at a time.

You will need to average 450 per test so that you acquire at least 2250 points. But, again, check with your testing agency to determine how many points are required in your state.

GED Math

What do you do when you are working with a student in GED math and you know that they need to start with the basics..... but they want to jump to algebra and geometry? Do you insist that they begin at the beginning of the book or do you teach as needed. In other words, take each GED math problem at a time and address the "how to" as needed?

I struggle with this ALL the time. As probably the most difficult of the GED tests, math seems to intimidate a lot of students. They want to finish and finish fast!

My advice is to determine what is best for you (if you are a student) or for your student (if you are a tutor or teacher). Think about it, talk about it with others, but in the end.... go with what you think is best.

Good luck!

GED Study Buddy

If you are new to the GED, or you have been studying for awhile, you may want to consider finding a study buddy. Someone you can get together with and study for the GED test. It does not have to be someone who is studying in the same GED areas as you, nor does it have to be someone studying for the GED.

If you are studying GED Math, find someone who is good at math or has previously taken the GED Math test. If you are preparing for the GED Writing test, find someone who is good at writing or has taken the GED Writing test.

You may want to get together once or twice a week. Perhaps you communicate via email.

Whatever works best for you..... in your busy schedule.

Good luck!