【推荐1】“What one fool can understand, another can.”— Richard Feynman

The Feynman Technique, developed by Richard Feynman, is a study method for students to learn through the act of teaching. To use the technique, students choose a topic and then explain it in their own words as if teaching a sixth-grader. Then, they improve their explanations and go through the process again until they have mastered the topic.

Naturally, the average school student in sixth grade is not going to understand complicated terminology (术语), so the person using the Feynman Technique has to emphasize simplicity and conciseness. Effective usage of the method requires the learner to define all unobvious terms, and this means that the Feynman Technique requires considerably more mental energy than other methods, such as rote learning (死记硬背，机械学习). The act of teaching is a cognitively demanding task, but that is also why the technique is so effective.

This study method can be used to memorize, understand difficult topics, and supplement other common study methods like re-reading textbooks or reviewing notes. It’s worth mentioning, though, that re-reading textbooks and notes is considered an ineffective study strategy by most modern learning scientists.

There is a wide range of reasons why the Feynman Technique has remained one of the most etlective study strategies for decades. For one, the Feynman Technique provides an opportunity for continual review and analysis, which can help to ensure understanding at a higher level than just memorizing information. Furthermore, it provides a way for students to engage with information in a meaningful and memorable way by connecting it to personally relevant experiences and simple concepts. Plus, the Feynman Technique is often more effective than traditional study methods because of its emphasis on active engagement. Unlike re-reading textbooks or reviewing notes, which are passive activities, engaging with new material through explaining and continuously simplifying forces the learner to be more actively engaged.

Here are a few more reasons why the Feynman study technique is so effective: It develops knowledge of the topic and also public speaking skills if practiced with another person. Simplifying an explanation can improve the comprehension and memorization of the subject. Using the technique can help students rethink how they approach difficult subjects such as science or mathematics. It works well with already-learned concepts for the purposes of reviewing and reinforcing what’s already learned.

【推荐2】Many candidates pursue an MBA with hopes of altering their career paths. In our current environment with declining economic conditions, this is likely to be an increasingly common strategy.

However, applicants looking to change careers should put in some extra work now to show that your desired career is both authentic and attainable.     1    

Here are some actions you can take while you complete your MBA application essays and interviews.

Do your research. Know the role and industry that you desire to join and understand the skills required for success. Check LinkedIn to see where MBA graduates are going and talk to friends or former classmates who work in the field.    2     The more you know about your future industry, the more authentic your essays will sound as you begin to articulate (清楚说明) your goals.

Look for extracurricular work in your target industry. Volunteering in your future industry or function can be a great way to not only solidify (使……固化) your interest, but also show the reader that you have truly given this future career some serious thought and consideration.     3    

Point out similarities between your current role and future goals. It is important to show admission committee members that you are set up to succeed. Even if you are not able to gain experience in your future industry, there are likely to be past experiences you can draw upon.     4     Besides, point out how you have already developed and shown these skills.

    5     This is particularly important if you are not currently working. It will be crucial to show that you have used time in between jobs effectively. Taking additional coursework can be a great way to improve your competitiveness.

【推荐3】Writing while traveling can be either professional or personal. Some people travel and write as part of their jobs, while others simply want to make the most out of their travel experience.     1     Luckily, here are some tips for you to make writing while traveling a much easier process for yourself.

    2     For example, if you are waiting for a train, sitting on the plane, or waiting to meet people for lunch, work on your writing. You'll find that you'll have a lot of time while you' re traveling that you can take advantage of.     3     In an average day of traveling, you could possibly spend up to 60 minutes waiting for trains, buses, food, and other people.

Journal every night before you go to bed. If you are writing to keep a diary of your destinations, writing things down in a journal every night is a good way to keep track of each individual day.     4     Even if you're exhausted at the end of the day, force yourself to sit down for just 15 minutes and note all the emotions and excitement of the day you just had.

Avoid spending too much time writing. Set a watch or a timer on your phone and do as much work as you can inside 1 to 3 hours. After that, take a break and enjoy your destination. This is especially important if your writing is task- based rather than time- based. Make sure you’ re writing as efficiently as possible.     5    

【推荐3】At present, research shows that when employees reach the age of 50, they keep quiet about their age. They see fewer promotion prospects compared to younger employees. It’s also harder to get a new job after the age of 50.

But that is set to change. There is already skills shortage in the world with not enough younger people coming into the workforce. Employers will have to work harder at hiring seniors with the skills they need.

The Center for Ageing Better notes that we already have an older workforce and the qualities of older people are being more recognized. When teams mix older and younger workers, productivity goes up and complex problems find more novel solutions because the strengths and weaknesses of both groups are balanced. Age-diversity helps solve complex problems by bringing together a mix of ideas, skill strengths, and experiences. Older workers can draw on a lifetime of experience while younger workers may challenge outdated strategies and bring fresh perspective. Also, seniors’ greater life experience makes them better placed to manage themselves and others in the workplace compared with younger employees.

There are five recommendations the Center for Ageing Better makes, including minimizing age bias (偏见) in taking in employees and encouraging career development at all ages. The really big change that needs to come is to stop seeing older people as “other”, as different…

There are many people in their 80s and 90s who have never stopped working. They enjoy what they do and like the social aspect of work. But most, from 55 onwards choose to retire—with 25% regretting it, according to a recent study.

【推荐1】The Best Books to Buy for Teen Boys

Getting teen boys interested in books can be a challenge for parents. Fortunately, many young adult authors are now writing teen books that attract guys.

◆ The Enemy by Charlie Higson

Buckingham Palace becomes a shelter for kids escaping from zombie-infested (僵尸出没的) London. In yet another breathtaking story, readers are caught up in the action and stress of teens trying to survive as a horrible disease spread across England. Author Higson, a well-known British actor and comedian, is also the writer of the highly successful Young Bond series.

Recommended for ages 14-18.

Price: $10

◆ Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Award-winning author Westerfeld creates another reality of World War I in this biology-versus-technology story. The two teens are supposed to be enemies. A girl, pretending to be a British airman, and a prince cross paths and find themselves sailing on the airship Leviathan.

Recommended for ages 12-14.

Price: $12

◆ Gone by Michael Grant

Everyone over fifteen is disappearing in Sam’s town and the ones left behind are seeking help. In this story, teens must get together and find a way to rule themselves while preparing to fight against supernatural elements. Teens will enjoy this story of unwilling heroes, competition, and revenge (复仇).

Recommended for ages 14-18.

Price: $10

◆ The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Readers are following the adventures of 15-year-old Will who fights against huge beasts and evil warlords (军阀) trying to take over the kingdom. Author Flanagan continues to interest his fans with this long-running series of the adventures of a shy teenage boy who becomes a hero.

Recommended for ages 12-14.

Price: $16