Information for Students and Teachers | Helpful Professor

Welcome to the Helpful Professor Blog!

This blog was started to help my own university students get ahead in my courses. Now, It’s for everyone!

The mission is simple: to make difficult university-level concepts … simple!

Take a look around.

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What I Do

STUDY GUIDES

My study guides explain common university topics in easy-to-understand language.

STUDENT SUCCESS eBOOK

Exclusive access to step-by-step blueprints on what you need to do to get better grades at university.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Get to know me better! Watch my YouTube videos that give actionable tips on how to grow your grades.

Study Guides by Topic

WRITING SKILLS

Practical tips on how to write at university. If you’re struggling with your essay grades, you’re at the right place!

STUDY SKILLS

Step-by-step guides on how to study effectively. Stop wasting time and focus on the strategies that get success!

REFERENCING

Research and referencing are some of the hardest skills to master. Get a no nonsense blueprint to success here!

EDUCATION STUDIES

Guides to education topics. Get simple explanations of education theories, teaching strategies and more!

COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Simple, easy-to-read outlines of all major communication theories and approaches. Find what you need now!

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Tips on going to college, struggling through the tough times, and getting the most out of it while you’re there!

RESEARCH METHODS

Writing a dissertation is tough. I’ll guide you through how to conduct research at university right here.

TEACHERS CORNER

Tips, tricks and strategies for current teachers. Get insights into how to solve common teaching problems!

OTHER

Sometimes I write on random topics that are seemingly unrelated to my other content. Here are all my other thoughts!

Thanks for Visiting!

5 Best Fans for College Dorms (2020)

7 Best Whiteboards for Teachers (2020)

5 Best Wood Building Block Sets for Toddlers & Kids (2020)

7 Best Microwaves for College Student Dorms (2020)

5 Best AP US History Review Books (2020)

7 Best Mini Fridges for College Dorms (2020)

10 Online Drinking Games for College Students (2020)

5 Best Scientific Calculators for Students (2020)

The Te Whàriki Curriculum in New Zealand, Explained (2020)

5 Best Label Makers for Teachers (2020)

7 Best Microscopes for Kids (2020)

7 Best Headphones for Studying at College (2020)

11 Great Educational Benefits of Flying Kites (2020)

31 Examples of Differentiation in the Classroom (2020)

Differentiated Instruction – Strategies, Pros & Cons (2020)

5 Best Stethoscopes for Medical & Nursing Students (2020)

7 Best Dress Up Clothes for Kids – Pretend Play Costumes!

7 Best Kites for Kids (2020) – A Teacher’s Review

9 Best Science Kits for Kids (2020) – A Teacher’s Review

7 Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills Development (2020)

7 Best Desk Lamps for College Students (2020)

C-Pen Reader Review (2020) – Pros & Cons for Dyslexia

5 Best Voice Recorders for College Lectures (2020)

The Symbolism of Rain (2020) – Examples in Movies & Books

11 Best Sensory Toys for Babies & Toddlers 0 – 5 years (2020)

What is Holistic Education? (2020) – Benefits & Limitations

7 Best Baby Walking Toys & Push Walkers (2020)

What is Lifelong Learning? (2020) – Importance & Benefits

7 Best Number and Counting Toys for Kids (Ages 2 – 5)

Active Learning – Pros & Cons (2020)

7 Best Gifts for Dental Students (2020)

7 Best Toys for Learning Spelling & Writing (2020)

5 Simple Ways to Prove Research Impact

5 Best Easels for Kids (2020) – A Teacher’s Recommendations

9 Best Art & Craft Kits for Kids – Teacher Reviews (2020)

17 Examples of Active Learning Strategies (2020)

Collaborative Learning (Co-Learning) – Examples, Pros & Cons

Collaborative vs Cooperative Learning – Similarities & Differences

5 Best Financial Calculators for College & CFA Exams

Place Based Education – Definition & Examples (2020)

The Social Graces – Explanation, Pros & Cons (Burnham)

25 Sociology Dissertation Ideas Ripe for the Taking

9 Best College Care Packages for Guys & Girls (2020)

All 8 Models of Communication, Explained! (2020)

The 4 Types of Phonics, Explained! (2020)

What is Embedded Phonics? – A Simple Explanation (2020)

7 Best Phonics Toys | Pre-K, Kinder & Grade 1 (2020)

What is Analytic Phonics? – A Simple Explanation (2020)

What is Synthetic Phonics? – A Simple Explanation (2020)

What is Symbolic Play? | Guide for Teachers & Parents (2020)

7 Best Gifts for PhD Students (2020)

5 Best Laptop Lap Desks for Students (2020)

15 Best STEM Toys for Kids (2020) – A Professor’s Review

5 Best Safes for College Dorms – Laptop Sized! (2020)

21 Best Toys for Learning to Read (Pre-K to Grade 2)

7 Best Shower Caddies for College Student Dorms (2020)

25 Best Board & Card Games for College Students (2020)

61 Indoor Recess Game & Activity Ideas (2020)

41 Best Whole Class Reward Ideas for Teachers (2020)

Imaginative Play – Benefits and Age Milestones (2020)

Flipped Classroom Learning, Explained! (Pros & Cons)

What is Constructivism in Education? Piaget’s Pros & Cons

What is a Teachable Moment? – 31 Examples (2020)

47 Best Teacher Vision Statement Examples (2020)

What are Pedagogical Skills? – 15 Examples (2020)

223 Best Report Card Comments (2020) – Samples for All Ages

Is Grammarly Cheating? – Helpful Professor Explains (2020)

17 Best Computer Lab Rules (2020)

What is Inquiry Based Learning? (2020)

15 Jobs you can get with a Teaching Degree (2020)

25 Best Gifts for College Freshmen (2020) – Affordable!

27 Best Toys and Gifts for Children with Autism (2020)

7 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Autism (2020)

17 Best Gifts for Medical Students (2020) – Prof’s Review

5 Best Microscopes for Students (2020) – School & College

9 Best Tote & Messenger Bags for College Students (2020)

7 Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism, Reviewed! (2020)

5 Best Vacuums for Dorm Rooms & College Students (2020)

5 Best Graphing Calculators for Engineering Students (2020)

31 Best thank you Gifts for Professors (2020)

5 Best Bikes for College Students (2020) – Affordable!

5 Best Messenger & Tote Bags for Teachers, Reviewed! (2020)

57 Teaching Philosophy Statement Examples (2020)

5 Best Rolling Carts for Teachers (2020) – I Love These!

31 Netiquette Rules for Students & Online Discussion Boards

5 Best Backpacks for Teachers (2020) – See my Choice!

5 Best Backpacks for College & University Students (2020)

13 Effective Classroom Management Theories in 2020

23 Great School Anti-Bullying Policy Examples (2020)

163 Anti-Bullying Slogans & Quotes that Pop! (New in 2020)

5 Best Laminators for Teachers, Reviewed! (2020)

47 Best Classroom Rules for Middle & High School (2020)

Montessori’s 4 Planes of Development, Explained! (2020)

Cooperative Play – Benefits and Challenges (2020)

Parten’s 6 Stages of Play in Childhood, Explained! (2020)

10 Best Alternatives to Buying College Textbooks in 2020

Play Based Learning – Benefits and Challenges (2020)

17 Types of Play Based Learning in Early Childhood (2020)

Parallel Play in Early Childhood | Pros & Cons (2020)

The 4 Productive Pedagogies, Explained! (2020)

13 Examples of Metacognitive Strategies (2020)

Metacognitive Theory | Definition, Pros and Cons (2020)

5 Best Plagiarism Checkers for Students, Reviewed! (2020)

What is Domain-Specific Vocabulary? | 121 Examples (2020)

EHCP Plans | Pros, Cons & Criticisms (Student Guide 2020)

Peer to Peer Learning – Examples, Pros & Cons (2020)

4 Reciprocal Teaching Strategies (2020) | Summarize, Question, Clarify, Predict

Knowledge Gap Theory | The 5 Key Elements (2020)

The 4 Learning Modalities | Modality in Education (2020)

Westley and Maclean Model of Communication (9 Key Elements)

5 Stages of Learning (Levels of Learning Ladder) | 2020

Bloom’s 6 Levels of Knowledge, Explained! (Updated 2020)

What is Process Thinking? (Updated 2020)

11 Key Features of Assertive Discipline Theory (2020)

14 Types of Knowledge (Updated 2020)

Expressive vs Receptive Language (2020) | Language Disorders

SOLO Taxonomy | 5 Levels of Learning Complexity (2020)

7 Key Features of 21st Century Learning (2020)

The “Banking” Model of Education – Pros & Cons (2020)

Problem Posing Education | 6 Key Characteristics (2020)

13 Examples of Communication Technology in the 21st Century

Situated Learning Theory (Lave & Wegner) – Pros & Cons (2020)

Learning with and through Phenomena

Tannenbaum and Schmidt Leadership Continuum – Pros & Cons

Bruner’s Spiral Curriculum | The 3 Key Principles (2020)

11 Effective Thinking Strategies for Any Situation! (2020)

The 5 Key Features of Child Initiated Play (2020)

What are the 5 British Values? (2020) Explanation & Critique

31 Major Learning Theories in Education, Explained! (2020)

The 4 Types of Thinking Skills, Explained! (2020)

5 Features of Dance’s Helical Model of Communication (2020)

What is Media Richness Theory? | Examples, Pros & Cons

11 Examples of Passive Learning (that Still Work in 2020)

Remedial Education – Examples, Pros & Cons (2020)

9 Top Tips for Going to College in your 30s (2020)

How to Prepare for a Parent-Teacher Conference (2020)

What are Cognitive Skills? | A List of 29 Examples (2020)

A List of 107 Effective Classroom Teaching Strategies (2020)

5 Principles of ‘Thick Description’ in Research (2020)

Media Analysis | An Explanation for Undergrads (2020)

Muted Group Theory – Definition + 6 Examples (2020)

What is Liminal Space? | 4 Key Features of Liminality (2020)

79 Examples of School Vision and Mission Statements (2020)

12 Metaphors about Students that Pop! (2020)

23 Metaphors about School and Education that Pop! (2020)

29 Inspiring Metaphors about Learning that Pop! (2020)

19 Metaphors about Teachers and Teaching that Pop! (2020)

Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication | 7 Key Concepts (2020)

Relational Dialectics Theory – Examples, Pros & Cons (2020)

The Importance of Managers in the 21st Century (2020)

Lasswell’s Model of Communication | 5 Key Features (2020)

Osgood-Schramm Model of Communication | Pros & Cons (2020)

Montessori vs Reggio Emilia vs Steiner-Waldorf vs Froebel

67 Children’s Day Quotes and Slogans that Pop! (2020)

51 Short Thank You Messages for Teachers (2020)

What is a Dissertation? Undergrad, Masters & PhD (2020)

47 Examples of Feedback for Teachers from Parents (2020)

The 4 Principles of Pragmatism in Education (2020)

21 Top Renaissance Man Characteristics (2020)

127 Story Starters & Writing Prompts for Kids (Ages 10 – 14)

About The Helpful Professor

Lack of Education: 11 Lifelong Effects (2020)

23 Major Barriers to Education in 2020

Existentialism in Education – 7 Key Features (2020)

The 8 Elements of a Story, Explained! (2020)

45 Facts on The Importance of Reading Books (2020)

261+ Education Slogans, Mottos and Taglines that Pop! (2020)

27 Facts on the Importance of Education (Essay or Speech)

What are the Benefits of Forest Schools? (2020)

Appadurai’s 5 Scapes of Globalization Explained (2020)

Poststructuralism in Education | Theory & Examples (2020)

Children’s Citizenship Education: 11 Teaching Ideas (2020)

13 Ways to Set High Expectations in the Classroom in 2020

Education for Sustainable Development, Explained! (2020)

What is Hidden Curriculum? – Examples, Pros & Cons (2020)

5 Ideas for Minecraft and Sandbox Games in Education (2020)

Risky Play & Risk Taking in Childhood – 9 Benefits (2020)

13 Qualities of a Good College Student (2020)

What is the Humanistic Theory in Education? (2020)

Wearable Technologies for Education | 5 Examples (2020)

What is the Importance of Emotions in Education & Learning?

Intrinsic & Extrinsic Motivation – 18 Classroom Examples

Grammarly vs Prowritingaid for Students (2020 Review)

Guided Practice (I do We do You do): Examples & Definition

Cognitive Tools for Education | 5 Examples (2020)

Sociocultural Theory of Learning in the Classroom

23+ Qualities of a Good Teacher (Updated 2020)

Digital Game-Based Learning: 13 Pros and Cons

12 Classroom Layout Ideas & Seating Arrangements for 2020

10+ Pros and Cons of Teaching Online (for University Teachers)

17+ Things to Do if you’re Failing College

53 Best Education Dissertation Topic Ideas (2020)

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic – 9 Steps (2020)

7+ Ways you can do too Much Studying

29+ Differences between High School and College

Professor Reveals: 21+ Excuses for Skipping Class in College

How to Email a Professor about not Attending Class (13 Tips + Sample)

How to Write a Reference Letter for a Student

How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation (2020)

17+ Great Ideas for an Essay About Yourself

21 Best ways to make an Essay Longer (2020)

17+ Tips on How to Make Studying Fun

13+ Examples of the word “Academic” in a Sentence

45+ Things to do in a Boring Lecture

21+ Fun Things to do when Bored in Class (2020)

141+ Illustration Essay Topics (Plus a Great Template!)

Illustration Essays: Definitions, Templates and Examples

Social Constructions of Childhood | 14 Examples (2020)

The 7 Types of Humanities Classes Explained

How to Motivate Yourself to Study: 25+ Effective Strategies

27+ ways I Focus when I don’t want to Study

37+ Frustrating Things I do Instead of Studying

163+ Quality Evaluation Essay Topics (with Template)

7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)

17+ Alternatives when College isn’t for You

17+ Differences between Seminar vs Lecture

Behaviorism – Skinner’s Education Learning Theory (2020)

21+ Best Study Places Near You

Unstructured Play: 13 Pros & Cons for Learning (2020)

Writing a Character Analysis Essay | Step-by-Step Guide

19 Top Ideas for a “Why I want to be a Teacher” Essay (2020)

How to write an Essay about a Quote (2020)

How to write a Reflection on Group Work Essay (2020)

13 Best ways to Study when Tired (2020)

11 Best Tips on How to use Google Scholar (2020)

How to Reference in an Essay (9 Strategies of Top Students)

5 best ways to Impress your Professor

7 Motivational ways to Study a Boring Subject (2020)

Difference between Expository & Argumentative Essays (2020)

5 Best ways to Make an Essay Shorter (2020)

7 Steps for Writing an Essay Plan (2020)

How to write Essay Conclusions | The 5 C’s Method (2020)

33+ Pros & Cons of Online School (in 2020)

How to Write an Essay Quickly: 7 Speedy Steps to Success

Should you use Dictionary Definitions in Essays? (Answered)

Rhetorical Questions in Essays: 5 Things you should Know

How to write an Essay Introduction (5-Step Formula)

13 ways to Use Assignment Feedback (2020)

11 Best ways to Stop Procrastinating and Start Studying

15+ Tips on How to take Lecture Notes

31 Best Assignment Extension Excuses (2020)

How to Ask for an Extension on a Paper (15 Strategies!)

7 Day Challenge for Your first week at University

5+ Critical Thinking Strategies for your Essay

33 Words not to use in your Essay

7 ways to Edit your Essay for 13% higher grades (2020)

11 Simple Rules for How to Use Apostrophes (2020)

7 Simple Tips on How to Start an Essay (2020)

How to Paraphrase like a Straight A Student | 5 Simple Steps

How to Read a Journal Article in 7 Steps (2020)

What is a Scholarly Source? Here are 7 Examples (2020)

7 Non-Scholarly Sources you should Never Reference (2020)

8 Ways to find Scholarly Articles for Free (2020)

How to use Quotes in an Essay in 7 Simple Steps (2020)

11 Rules for Essay Paragraph Structure with Examples (2020)