Monthly Archives: July 2010

Construction Math Made Easy

30 Percent of Students Report Having Math Anxiety

 30 percent of students report having math anxiety. We believe those statistics may be even higher considering most that struggle with math avoid it like the plaque. Therefore the percentages likely are a much higher percentage rate.

“When you’re building a house, you would never think of trying to put up the second floor before the first floor. Building is a sequential process. The same is true in math, each concept builds on the ones that came before. In history, you can understand the Depression pretty well even if you didn’t study World War I. But in math it’s different, you need to understand factoring very well or you won’t be able to solve equations.

This means that if you’re strapped for time, the one course that’s most dangerous to let slide is your math course. With other courses, if you don’t understand day 11 you can probably follow the lecture on day 12. With math, you have to understand day 11 or you’ll likely be lost in day 12. Construction Math is no different.

The moral is that you need to stay current. If ever you don’t understand something, get help on it right away. Otherwise you’ve just knocked away the first floor of your house, and you know what that will do when you try to put up the second floor. ”  [Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems]

Break the anxiety of Construction Math by:

1.       Being prepared

2.       Seek qualified instruction

3.       Practice Practice Practice

4.       Test your skill-set

5.       Keep a positive frame of mind

 Review the video file and contact us for more tips!

 www.MakeMeAContractor.com

Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today according to the Environmental Protection Agency

Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  “Adverse health effects include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech delays. If not done in a lead-safe manner, renovations and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can expose children, as well as adults, to harmful levels of lead dust.” Simply said, it can cause exposure to lead and result in serious health consequences, especially for young children.

Because of the potential harmful levels of lead dust the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe work practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning in children. The new federal Lead-Based Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements may be applicable to you as a Contractor! Failure to comply with the new requirements is a violation of the law. Further, penalties are significant. Those firms found to be non-compliant may be liable for civil penalties of up to $32,000 per violation.

The bottom line, the EPA Certified Renovator certification is a national requirement as of April 22, 2010 for anyone renovating, repairing and/or painting a pre-1978 home or child-occupied facility. –http://MakeMeAContractor.com

As a result Contractors must obtain the EPA Certified Renovator certification under Section 402 or TSCA. The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification course teaches the participant how to comply with the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Additionally, the certification will teach Contractors how to perform lead-safe work practices safely and effectively. A successful completion of this course designates the participant an EPA Certified Renovator and therefore compliancy with the law.  Only an EPA approved vendor such as Contractors State License Services must provide lead-safe construction education programs.

Who should be concerned– All General Contractors, Renovation Contractors, Property Manager, Painters, Plumbers, Carpenters, and Electricians.

What Does Research Say About Online Learning?

What Does Research Say About Online Learning?According to Online Learning Statistics By Jamie Littlefield, About.com Guide Online learning has made a major impact in the world of education. Recent studies show that online learning is an effective and reputable way to learn. With that in mind MakeMeAContractor.com has created Online Exam Preparation Courses to help our students with an efficient method for preparing for their Contractors License. 

According to a 2009 meta study from the Department of Education: “Students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction.” Students who mix online learning with traditional coursework (i.e. blended learning) do even better.  [Source: Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies, United States Department of Education.]  We have found that students are consistently looking  to study at their own pace. In addition to our in school classroom environment we availed a convenient online course to add an additional format of self study to support the needs of our students.

Trying to determine if which learning format is best for you?

While some people thrive on the independence and freedom offered through online classes, others find themselves regretting their decision and wishing they had enrolled at a traditional classroom instead. Successful and happy distance learners have a few characteristics in common. Compare yourself to the following list to determine whether or not online classes are a good fit for your personality and habits.  (Adapted from Jamie Littlefield, About.com Guide)

1. Successful distance learners do just as well, if not better, without people looking over their shoulders. While some people need teachers to keep them motivated and on-task, distance learners are able to motivate themselves. The most successful students are self-motivated and set their own goals.

2. Successful distance learners never (or at least rarely) procrastinate. You’ll rarely find them putting off assignments. These students enjoy the freedom of working at their own pace and appreciate the ability to complete their work in as much time as it takes them.

3.  Successful distance learners can resist constant distractions. Whether it’s the phone ringing off the hook, the kids screaming in the kitchen, or the allure of the tv, everyone faces distractions. Successful students know how to filter out the constant disturbances that threaten their progress. They feel comfortable turning down an invitation or letting the machine pick up the phone when they know there is work to be done. If that is not the case the classroom learning format is perfect for you.

If you have few of the qualities of these successful students earning your Contractors License employing both self-paced online study and in class study is right for you? Take a look at the opportunities through Contractors State License Services.

Online Exam Preparation Courses
   

Our Convenient Online Courses Can Help! Contractors Online Learning and Training is the perfect, no-excuse learning method.

Contractors Online Learning and Training

This learning format offers comprehensive and cost effective, self-paced courses 24 hours a day. The online courses combine a review of exam topics, a review of exam practice questions and 50-question course finals in an interactive, accessible format. Some courses utilize audio and video podcasts to bring CSLS classroom courses to you.

Individualize Your Online Exam Preparation Program

Pick and choose your specific areas of study or purchase a bundled program that will provide an overview of multiple subjects for your study needs.

Use these programs to supplement your current study program or use as a crash course of study to test your knowledge in specific areas.

Registration and Purchase Information

To purchase a course or view free content, visit the COLT Registration page and following the instructions to view the list of available courses.

Available courses include:

  • California Contractor Law & Business Exam Prep

 

  • General Engineering Contractor (GEN A) Exam Prep

 

  • General Building Contractor (GEN B) Exam Prep

 

  • Specialty Contractor Trade Exam Prep for the most popular trades with additional courses being added weekly

 Contact us at: [email protected] or visit http://www.makemeacontractor.com/colt.cfm

Hello world!

Welcome to the Contractors State License Services official blog!  We are excited to share helpful hints, news, and tips to both our students, alumni, industry professionals and future students. 

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