Oxford University trains Pakistani teachers

Oxford University teachers have imparted training to 105 Pakistani teachers in latest English language methodologies in nine sessions here.
Elna Coetzer and Patrick Manuel Shortt from the University of Oxford, Department of Continuous Education are currently on their first ever, 6-day visit to Pakistan, says a press release here Friday. They have transmitted knowledge and skills to teachers of PakTurk International Schools and Colleges at Islamabad before proceeding to Lahore and Karachi.
After training sessions, the trainers informed that Oxford University, one of the top ten universities in the world, has decided to send trainers to different countries for professional development of teaching staff. After being apprised of the latest methods, the teachers would submit reports to Oxford University where decision regarding certification would be taken after thorough evaluation.
At the occasion, Mr Kamil Ture, Director Education, PakTurk emphasized on importance of using advanced teaching techniques. He underlined the greater role of love and care in teaching profession. Motivation and enthusiasm are prerequisites to become an effective teacher, said Ture adding that teachers who have learned techniques to make their teaching interesting and effective should utilise their skills in best possible way.
He said that Turkey believes that education is one of the best investments in the future of any country. Turkey will continue to support Pakistan to become a developed nation.
FDE to conduct admission tests on 10th: The admission tests for session 2012-13 at all the Islamabad Model Colleges and Schools will be conducted on April 10 and the merit list will be placed after one week.
The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) announced the admission schedule for Class I in mid March and the last date for submission of forms was April 4.
After conducting tests, the merit list will be placed on April 18 while the classes would start from April 23. The admission tests for class I will be commenced in Islamabad Model Colleges for Boys in the sectors including F-8/4, F-7/3, G-10/4, F-10/3, I-10/1, I-8/3, F-11/3, F-11/1, G-11/1 and Islamabad College for Boys in G-6/3 and Islamabad Model Colleges for Girls in the sectors including F-6/2, G-7/4, F-10/2, F-8/1, G-10/2, I-8/4, I-10/4, Korang Town and Islamabad College for Girls (ICG) F-6/2. Evening shift is available in all model colleges except IMCB, F-11/3 and IMCB, G-11/1. However, the directorate will issue the registration forms for Class Prep from April 11-20 and receive from April 12-23 while the written tests will be conducted on April 26. The merit lists will be placed on May 2 and the classes would start from May 7. About the eligibility, the directorate said the parents of children must be the residents of Islamabad while those living in Rawalpindi but serving in government/semi-government organizations in the capital are also eligible to apply for the admission.
According to FDE, the age limit must be at least four years but not more than five years as on March 31 according to `B’ form issued by NADRA and the admission forms must have attested copies of relevant certificates or documents.
The admission forms can be obtained from Islamabad Model Colleges for Boys (IMCB) in the sectors G-6/3, F-8/4, G-10/4, F-10/3, F-11/3, G-11/1 and Islamabad Model Colleges for Girls in the sectors including F-6/2, F-7/2, F-10/2, F-8/1, G-10/2, I-8/4 and also from Islamabad College for Girls (ICG) F-6/2.
Evening shift is not available in all the model colleges except ICB G-6/3 and IMCB F-8/4. Principal Islamabad College for Boys G-6/3, Professor Anwar Ali Khan is the convener of admissions.
Building muscle reduces diabetes risk: Increasing muscle mass and working out can help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes and other blood related deceases.
Researchers from Colombia University, USA analyzed data from 13,644 adults who took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, BBC reported. They found that for each 10 per cent increase in the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) the ratio of muscle mass to total body weight, there was an 11 per cent reduction in insulin resistance a precursor to diabetes.
There was also a 12 per cent reduction in pre-diabetes, a condition characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. The findings suggest that beyond focusing on losing weight to improve metabolic health, there may be a role for maintaining fitness and building muscle mass.