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The rapid growth of the Latino American community is being heralded by academics and politicians as being crucial to the economic future of the United States. Globalization and free trade have changed the way countries manage their economic growth, and in this regard both developed and developing nations are racing against each other in terms of fostering professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Various Asian nations have managed to take an early lead in the STEM race by fostering the proper academic environment. In countries like China, India and Malaysia, strong government support for STEM education has been a valuable catalyst for success in this area. The economies of those countries have experienced meteoric growth since the late 20th century, and they have hundreds of thousands of Asian STEM graduates to thank for their contributions.
The U.S. has recognized the need for advancement in the STEM fields, and to that end has sought to attract graduates from other countries under the H1-B visa program, taking advantage of the phenomenon known as “brain drain.” This situation occurs when talented and skilled STEM graduates search for better opportunities abroad, thereby minimizing the STEM talent pool in their own countries.
The Brain Drain Reversal
In an effort to keep STEM graduates from leaving their countries for greener pastures, many developing nations are protecting their intellectual capital by offering handsome incentives that effectively reverse the brain drain. Faced with a shortage of STEM professionals, the U.S. is looking at increasing the number of H1-B visas, but even this effort may not be enough to remain globally competitive. As a result, the U.S. is looking at Latino Americans as a great hope for success in the STEM fields.
According to the Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California, Latino American students have not been traditionally drawn to the STEM fields. This unfortunate situation emerged from a lack of access to higher education, as well as the traditional role of Latinos as breadwinners in their families. Latin American students are very likely to join the workforce after high school or enroll in technical colleges where they are an ethnic majority.
The STEM Hope
Researchers and legislators believe that the hard-working and family-oriented ethoses of Latin Americans are values that provide them with opportunities to succeed when pursuing studies in STEM education. A graduate degree in a STEM field requires hard work and dedication, two factors that are ingrained in Latino culture. The U.S. is expected to increase funding of scholarships and other initiatives that will hopefully drive more Latin Americans into the STEM fields.
As a result of the belief that Latin Americans will increase their presence in STEM fields in the United States, academic competition is expected to increase accordingly. Most STEM university students will require support and tutoring at some point before graduation, to succeed in these challenging fields. STEM careers are rewarding and generally lucrative, yet only those graduates who have attained an academic edge will be selected to fulfill these opportunities. Student to student tutoring | Work for students | Getting a tutor
Over the past decade, new advances in technology have revolutionized how students learn. While classroom learning still plays an important role in a student’s education, new communication mediums give young adults more options for taking control of their future.
For Hispanic students, learning in a traditional U.S.-based school can be a challenge. Native-born Hispanic students are usually fluent in the English language. However, many foreign-born Hispanic students enter the U.S. with only a basic understanding of English. While many elementary schools and high schools provide ESL courses for students, the majority of a student’s classes will be taught in English. Because of this, Hispanic students learning English as a second language may fall several grades behind their peers.
Tutoring is essential for students learning English as a second language. When selecting a tutor, it’s a good idea to make sure that he or she is bilingual. While an English-speaking tutor can help improve one’s command of the English language, it can be difficult to learn some subjects with limited fluency.
Finding a local bilingual tutor can be difficult for many Hispanics. However, new communication technologies like video chat make it easy to connect with different tutors across the U.S. If a Hispanic student is having difficulty learning a complex subject in English, it may be beneficial to look for an online tutor to provide support in his or her native language. By using video chat services like Google Hangouts or Skype, students can connect with tutors across the country. In addition to giving students a more extensive selection of tutors, online tutoring services are cost effective for students and parents. Many tutors also provide in person tutoring for students in their local geographical areas.
Before selecting a tutor, it’s a good idea to make sure that he or she has a positive reputation on the Internet. In many cases, a quick search on a website like Google or Bing can bring up positive or negative information about a potential tutor. This can include information on social media account, forum accounts, gaming profiles, personal blogs, reviews and much more. If a search brings up negative or misleading information about a tutor, it’s a good idea to continue one’s search elsewhere.
Student tutoring can be a valuable asset for Hispanic students
After choosing a potential tutor, it’s important to make sure that he or she has the right educational credentials. For a high-school tutor, it’s a good idea to make sure that he or she is at least two grades ahead, and has had experience in the subject material requested. This will ensure that the tutor can provide a comprehensive review of a subject. For college students, it’s a good idea to select a tutor that has already taken relevant classes.
Online and in-person tutoring can be valuable assets for Hispanic students. Whether one is learning English as a second language or simply looking for help with a complex subject, tutors can help students improve their GPAs, admissions scores and more.
Technology developers love to see the various uses people give to their innovations. Young Hispanic Americans, for example, have adapted smartphones and tablet computers to help them in one of the most important aspects of their lives. According to a 2012 research study published by the Verizon Foundation, a third of middle school students in the United States are using mobile devices to help them with homework, and young Latinos are 42 percent more likely to do so.
Smartphone and tablet developers are surely happier to know that mobile technologies are being adapted in greater numbers by an ethnic group that Nielsen Research expects to see grow by 167 percent in the next three decades. Hispanic Americans are still a minority in the U.S.; they are still catching up to other ethnic groups in terms of academic achievement, and mobile technology is helping them in this regard.
Online Learning is Being Transformed by Mobile Devices
At the University of Leicester in England, researchers are pleased to see how professionals in the academic field are adapting mobile devices for the purpose of curriculum instruction. Future criminology students at Leicester will be given iPads specially configured for their courses after they register. The storage and processing capabilities of these devices are ideal for the classroom and the right combination of mobile apps for learning and cloud computing make it easy to load a complete curriculum into an iPad.
According to the middle school study commissioned by the Verizon Foundation, the adaptability and affordability of mobile devices is increasing the interest of Hispanic American students in the competitive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The growth trend of mobile device utilization is expected to continue, with huge potential benefits for students.
Improving Socioeconomic Standing Through Tutoring
Economists have been paying attention to the growing academic achievement gap between the U.S. and Asian nations where tutoring and peer-to-peer learning have continued to increase over the last few years. Latino parents in the United States are concerned about the future of their children, and their country, as globalization continues to transform the socioeconomic fabric of societies around the world. Intense competition in all fields including the STEM fields is expected to continue and Hispanic American students will need to meet these competitive challenges. Leveraging technology can provide Latino students with distinct advantages to meet these challenges:
Mobile devices make access to online learning and tutoring easier for parents and students.
Online tutoring is a social activity that Hispanic Americans can positively embrace.
The number of student tutors who can provide tutoring services will continue to grow as students earn money and gain work experience as they work to help students succeed. Student tutoring provides a cost effective solution to students and their families who otherwise could not afford tutoring services, and the utilization of mobile technologies will continue to accelerate capabilities for growth.
Education is the cornerstone of a healthy, productive life. Without a strong elementary and high school education, it can be difficult to excel in college, graduate school and pursue a future career. Unfortunately, the recession in the United States has led to many educational cutbacks in public schools and other organizations.
The average public school classroom in the U.S. has one teacher per 23 students. While larger classroom sizes are inevitable once one reaches college, larger class sizes in high school and elementary school have been shown to directly impact GPA and college acceptance rates. On average, students in larger classrooms will have lower grades, lower college acceptance rates and reduced career prospects compared to their peers in private schools.
Tutoring for standardized tests
Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT play a critical role in college admissions tests. If students aren’t adequately prepared for these tests, it can be difficult to do well. While the SATs and ACTs are designed to test students on information that should be learned during normal school classes, many teachers fail to provide students with adequate guidance for these tests. As a result, many students suffer from ACT and SAT scores that are lower than their private school peers. Students can improve both their GPA and standardized test scores by working directly with tutors, and can receive one-on-one assistance from professional agencies specializing in ACT/ SAT testing. It is important to make sure that students choose quality tutors who offer knowledge and can successfully share it.
While professional tutoring services can be a good choice for some students, it can be very expensive to hire adult tutors. In most cases, professional adult tutors have college or graduate school degrees. In some cases, professional tutors are teachers who also work within the classroom setting. While these tutors can provide an excellent learning environment for students, it can be very expensive to hire them for an extended amount of time. Since most students benefit from daily or weekly tutoring, the monthly cost of professional tutoring services can be hundreds or thousands of dollars every month.
Student tutoring can be a great cost-effective educational experience
There is an affordable, high-quality alternative to professional tutoring services. By hiring student tutors, students can learn from their peers. In many cases, student tutors are a few years older than the students who are requesting tutoring services, and have experience in the areas that students need. Student tutors can provide relevant learning techniques that can help students of all ages achieve success. For example, the best way to study for the SAT is by learning from someone who has taken the test and can share successful strategies. Student tutors can provide a cost effective solution to students and their families who otherwise could not afford tutoring services, as they engage with students in rewarding and positive learning experiences.
Latinos in the United States are the fastest-rising ethnic group in the nation, and they are also leading the way in embracing mobile broadband technology. According to reports presented by the Pew Research Center in 2011, Hispanic Americans access the Internet, check e-mail and engage in online social networking more than any other ethnic group. Further research by the Hispanic Institute indicates that Latinos are more reliant on Internet connected mobile devices than on wired broadband connections at home.
The statistics above are promising for young Hispanic students, particularly those who are seeking tutoring services offered by their peers. Online tutoring is not a new concept; in fact, some of the earliest uses of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) dating back to the late 1980s were for personal, off-campus academic coaching. What makes online tutoring more attractive to Hispanic students and parents is that it is now easier to find peer instructors available to teach synchronous tutoring sessions.
Modern Online Tutoring Platforms
In the past, the hardware requirements for online tutoring sessions were not as accessible for many Hispanic households in the U.S. Now that 40 percent of Hispanics are using smartphones and tablets to go online, virtual tutoring is possible thanks to the advanced multimedia features of today’s mobile devices. With tablet computers like the Apple iPad and several Android-powered devices, online tutoring sessions complete with video, audio, file sharing, and virtual whiteboards can be conducted on the go.
It’s not just the advanced features of modern mobile devices that are enabling content-rich virtual tutoring sessions. The cloud computing paradigm facilitates online instruction by providing Web-based platforms that do not require downloading special software. In most cases, students and tutors can participate in online tutoring by means of an Internet-connected device equipped with a reasonably modern Web browser. Many smartphones and tablets on the market meet these requirements, making online tutoring a possibility for more and more students.
Student and Tutor Diversity
Hispanic students seeking online tutoring have an additional advantage that consists of greater diversity among instructors. An ESL student who needs additional instruction, for example, will be able to choose bilingual tutors who have been ESL students themselves. Another example would be that of a Hispanic student working on a paper about Latin America; he or she would be able to search for tutors who have a background from the countries related to the assignment.
Mobile broadband technology is empowering Hispanic-Americans and using these platforms to reach more students and help them achieve their academic goals is perhaps the most important aspect of these technological advances. By being able to access tutoring sessions on the go, Hispanic students have a great opportunity to advance their learning.
Demographics in the United States have evolved in several ways over the past few decades. In 2000, the Hispanic population in the United States was just over 30 million. By 2010, this number had grown to over 50 million. Coming in at 16.3 percent of the total population, Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, and this number is expected to grow significantly in the future. Several research studies have estimated that the Latino and Hispanic population in the United States may grow to 132.8 million people by 2050; this represents 30.2 percent of the United States’ projected population.
It is important to understand how the Hispanic career outlook has changed during the past few decades. In the past, many first-generation Hispanic immigrants were limited to jobs in agriculture, manual labor and working in the service industry. However, new educational opportunities have opened up many new job and career opportunities for second and third generation Hispanics.
Differences in educational attainment
While job opportunities for Hispanic Millennials (Hispanics ages 18-29 who were born in the U.S.) have improved in recent years, there is a growing educational and socioeconomic gap between male and female Hispanics. In many cases, female Hispanics are earning degrees at a faster rate than males. While male Hispanics still command a higher salary than their female counterparts, several projections show that females may overtake males in earning potential during the next few decades. This trend can also be seen in Caucasian Americans; while salaries for Caucasian females lag behind males, they are earning degrees at a higher rate than males.
For Hispanics, differences in educational attainment may be related to origin. For the 18 to 29 age demographic, 59 percent of Hispanic females were born in the United States, while only 55 percent of Hispanic males were born in the U.S. In many cases, it can be difficult for immigrants to find the same educational opportunities as native-born citizens. Research shows that female Hispanics are more likely to pursue networking opportunities that can lead to high-paying jobs and other career opportunities. According to Simmons data, almost 33 percent of female Hispanics in the United States use a social media network on a regular basis. For males, this number drops down to 25 percent. However, female Hispanics ages 18 to 29 are less likely than males to have full-time jobs. This is partially due to increased full time enrollment at colleges.
Looking ahead
Over the past decade, educational opportunities for female Caucasians and Hispanic Americans have improved significantly. While both of these groups are less likely to be employed than males in full-time jobs, they are often more likely to attain a degree from college or another accredited institution. In the future, differences in educational attainment may lead to higher salaries for Hispanic and Latino females in the United States.
With the current economic recession, millions of young adults are going back to school. While higher education can be a great path to a better life, many students and parents are questioning the value of a college degree.
In 2008, four out of five adults believed that a four-year degree was worth the time and cost. However, only three out of five adults still believe that in 2012. With high unemployment rates among college grads, many adults are prioritizing retirement savings over higher education.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently released a report showing that total student debt in the United States exceeded one trillion dollars. As of 2012, the average college graduate with a four-year degree will have $25,000 in debt after school. In many cases, college graduates resort to deferring loan payments due to their low incomes coming out of school. Additionally, many parents are prioritizing their own retirement planning over college planning for their children. Since the recession has devastated many investments, adults are often forced to concentrate on their own financial well-being instead of their children.
A college degree still plays an important role in finding a job
Many college graduates are working in job positions that don’t require a degree. This includes retail positions, call centers, manual labor, food preparation and other jobs that only require a high school education. However, a college degree still plays an important role in finding a job. In many cases, adults with only a high school education are finding it extremely difficult to get a job. College graduates have displaced jobs that were traditionally held by high school graduates.
It is important to understand that not all degree programs are the same. In the past, many educators shared the belief that all degrees had equal value. While a degree in English, history or philosophy may be a good choice for a career in academics, it usually won’t lead to a high income in the private sector. Many students who are having problems finding a job majored in a four-year degree with limited career value.
A college degree is more closely linked to a comfortable life than ever before
Fortunately, many degree programs lead to financially-rewarding careers that can cover student debt. In many cases, a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) can lead to a job with a starting salary above $50,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently completed a study of the most valuable college majors. A degree in biomedical engineering will provide a college graduate with starting salary of $53,000. In addition, some degrees have very high mid-level salaries. A petroleum engineer’s average mid-career salary is $155,000.
While college costs have increased for many students, there are still many degrees that can lead to a financially-rewarding career. While getting a degree based on one’s personal interests can be enjoyable, it’s important to make sure that one’s degree can be valuable when looking for a job.
The change from elementary school to middle school or junior high school is almost always a dramatic one for students. Not only is the structure of the school day completely changed, but the academic workload becomes heavier and more challenging at the same time. Students must also find a way to adapt to new social situations. Middle school is where students can learn the skills they need to be able to grasp the more difficult subject matter they will encounter in high school. Fifth and sixth grade students may be more adaptable than eighth grade students, but the transition from elementary school can still be difficult. There are many ways that parents can help make these transitions easier for their children.
One of the biggest changes that middle school students encounter is moving from one classroom and area to another for different academic subjects and sports activities. This helps them learn to follow a scheduled routine, and also requires students to become more organized with their textbooks and materials. Attending middle school can help students stay organized as they have the use of lockers to help them store their textbooks and materials. Parents can help students stay organized by reviewing their schedules and the materials they will need, and reminding them what to bring to school every morning.
Transitioning Your Way to Success
If possible, parents may want to get a copy of their student’s schedule before the school year begins so that they can talk with them about the school day and week. Many middle schools offer an orientation to help students understand what to expect, and allow parents and students to take a tour of the school before the academic year begins.
When talking together about the logistics of attending school, parents can help their children adapt to middle school by discussing note taking, and by working with them to develop critical thinking skills and social skills. Asking a student to take notes during a TV program and discussing it later, can help a child understand how effective note taking can be in preparing for tests. Having students read and analyze a newspaper editorial can sharpen critical thinking skills that will help them in all subject areas. When students participate in clubs and sports activities, it can greatly help advance their social skill sets. In addition to parental support, mentors and tutors can also help students adapt to the changes middle school brings, and can help them develop critical thinking and strong academic skills by offering a unique perspective as coaches and role models.
A solid education is the foundation of success and maturity. Although it does not define a person as a whole, a strong educational background can help a person develop the characteristics needed for success and prosperity throughout his or her lifetime. America is known as the land of opportunity to many; however, many undocumented immigrants are facing a number of challenges concerning career and educational opportunities. New changes to the immigration law proposed by President Obama and his administration may provide some assurance and encourage optimism among the younger generation of undocumented immigrants.
College and career opportunities will open up for the Hispanic Youths
Advocates for the DREAM Act argue that the proposal may be beneficial for the social and economic status of the United States. Opponents of the bill believe that it is an “amnesty program” that will create more illegal immigration and protect the rights of all immigrants including criminals. A major aspect of the bill was to propose a pathway to citizenship for young immigrants who were brought here as children against which the Senate Republicans voted in 2010. Although that portion of the bill was blocked, the Obama administration is stopping the progress of deportation for immigrants who are 30 years of age or younger and have been brought here by their parents before the age of 16, have proof of residing in the U.S. for the last five years, are currently in high school or have graduated from high school, have no past criminal convictions or have served in the U.S. military and have been honorably discharged.
Although only parts of the Act are to be implemented and not the entire proposal, there are still opponents and critics in certain states that may try to make it even more difficult for undocumented immigrants to enroll in schools at all levels. Alabama and Arizona have been trying to implement harsher laws on illegal immigrants in hopes of reducing the amount of illegal immigration and discourage any more immigrants from entering the U.S. illegally. Young immigrants who have been brought here as children are often unlikely to seek help and support from schools in states such as these in fear of unsupportive reactions from others.
There are many groups and organizations offering support and guidance to undocumented students from all over the country. While school officials may not have the ability or expertise to assist students with the process of moving forward with their immigration status, they can offer assistance and guidance with career planning and other activities that may help promote future success. Tutors, teachers, counselors and other school officials will be available for all students to receive the support they need while preparing for the brightest future possible.
A major key to success is education. A college education is an essential step to a successful future. First-generation, college-bound students are a big deal in any family. However, some students are doomed to fail even before they begin. Why is this?
Failing to Prepare? Prepare to Fail?
Depending on what your future career goals may be, choosing the right classes in high school is imperative for success in your college future. Unfortunately, many students do not realize this until they are seniors in high school, or by the time they are already struggling in college. College work is difficult, but it can be even harder when you have not taken the right courses in preparation.
Advanced placement classes, dual credit courses and college preparatory courses are designed to give students a preview of college coursework. Selecting classes designed to prepare you for college in core subjects such as math, science, and English begin as soon as your 9th grade year.
Many people would agree that the chances of playing on a professional team without preparation and training are zero. This same idea translates into education as well. Preparation for college begins during a student’s first year in high school, and continues through their senior year.
Course-taking patterns for Hispanic students may limit their access to post-secondary education
Many first-year Hispanic college students find that merely coasting through high school coursework leaves them unprepared for college. Rigorous coursework helps students develop the strong study skills they need for college. These skills do not develop overnight however, especially for Hispanic students who, besides coping with the rigorous courses, find themselves in the process of assimilating into the U.S. education system.
Even if Hispanic students struggle in rigorous courses, they are particularly beneficial for college preparation, and are looked upon favorably by college admissions offices. Colleges want to make sure that students will be able to meet the challenges of their curriculum. They not only want to admit students, they want them to graduate within a reasonable amount of time. Studies and research have shown that students have greater success in college when they have taken college preparatory courses throughout high school.
Given the choice between student A with excellent grades taking regular high school classes, and student B with average grades in more rigorous college preparatory coursework, student B will have a greater chance for admission. Students should check with their school counselor and review their transcripts to monitor their college preparatory coursework on a regular basis.
Getting Help: Student to Student Learning
Student tutors are a great way to help Hispanic students stay on the right track. Student to student learning benefits everyone involved. Students who need help benefit because they receive the help they need from people who have gone through the same experiences. Student tutors benefit because they have the opportunity to share what they know and improve their own skills as they provide their tutoring services.
It’s a win-win combination! For those Hispanic students who may have veered off course, they can still get the support they need to get back on track and succeed. For those students you would like to use their skills to help others and help themselves in the process, signing up as a tutor is a great option.
