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March 14, 2024

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LCWU Seminar Explores Herbal Therapy
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LCWU Seminar Explores Herbal Therapy and Micronutrient

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The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Department of Health and Physical Education, in collaboration with the Botany Department, hosted a one-day seminar titled “Herbal Therapy and Micronutrients Impact on Cardiovascular Endurance” at the Student Service Center. The event aimed to cater to the specific needs of athletes engaged in high-intensity sports activities by delving into the potential benefits of herbs and adopting healthy eating habits to bolster cardiovascular endurance.

Syeda Zaira Batool took charge as the organizing secretary, orchestrating a seamless event, while Syeda Maryam Zahra expertly moderated the panel discussions. The seminar featured a standout presentation by Dr. Arusa Aftab, whose insights into the potential impact of herbal therapy and micronutrients on cardiovascular endurance proved invaluable to the attending students.

Ms. Zubaida Yousaf, the esteemed Head of the Botany Department, and Ms. Sumera Sattar, both distinguished experts in their field, contributed significantly as panelists, offering their expertise and engaging in thought-provoking discussions.

The seminar concluded on a high note with the distribution of certificates of participation by Dr. Zubaida Yousaf, recognizing the commitment and engagement of both students and staff in exploring avenues to enhance cardiovascular endurance through herbal therapy and healthy dietary practices.

The event served as a platform for fostering awareness and understanding of the vital role that herbal therapy and proper nutrition play in optimizing athletic performance and overall well-being. It underscored the department’s commitment to providing holistic support to athletes and promoting a culture of wellness within the sporting community.

Related: Financial Corruption Unveiled at LCWU

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over-reliance on PowerPoint
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Why universities must stop over-reliance on PowerPoint

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The dismal state of higher education in Pakistan and the near absence of a research culture in all but few of the country’s elite universities has garnered much criticism in recent years. Prospective employers repeatedly point out that the average Pakistani university graduate is woefully ill-equipped to handle cut-throat competition and constant need for innovation which are hallmarks of the corporate world. Other critics highlight that Pakistan’s total expenditure on higher education remains very low – especially when compared to the country’s bloated defense and military budget. While such criticism is indeed warranted – less attention has been paid to what actually goes on in the university classroom.

A typical lecture in most universities consists almost entirely of the course instructor reading aloud ‘slides’, which have been prepared prior to class-time using the popular ‘Microsoft PowerPoint’ computer program. With his/her attention wavering between students and ‘bullet-points’ on the projector screen – the instructor goes through a single topic in each session and leaves the last few minutes for a ‘question-answer’ exercise. The PowerPoint format – compared to traditional lectures – is also preferred by students, as concluded by Levasseur and Sawyer in their extensive study of classrooms.

However, the reliance on PowerPoint comes with its own set of problems. First released in May 1990, PowerPoint was designed specifically to be used by business organizations for purposes of group presentations. Since then, the software has been employed across various sectors, most notably education.

As PowerPoint was initially intended to be used by the corporate sector, it suffers from inherent limitations which limit its effectiveness as a learning tool. In his book ‘The Congitive Style of PowerPoint’, Edward Tufte argues that the prevalence of the ‘bullet-point’ format in the software prevents the audience from establishing connections from the information processed, also known as ‘schema’. Another notable flaw is that the audience can finish reading the slide prior to the speaker. This makes the audience less interested in detailed discussion of a specific aspect as it is assumed that the ‘slide’ already contained the most important bits of information.

By far the most controversial apsect of PowerPoint is the software’s facilitation of the ‘bullet-point’ format. In a university classroom – where the exchange of conflicting ideas and lively debate should be encouraged – the ‘bullet-point’ format oversimplifies complicated concepts and lacks relational impact. In the developed West, the introduction of PowerPoint in higher education and the availability of complete presentations as preparatory material has coincided with declining student attendance in university lectures.

Most private sector universities in Pakistan have implemented compulsory attendace rules but students still sit passively through the lecture as they expect to eventually get complete presentations. Another related concern is that PowerPoint presentations in classrooms actively discourage students from development of ‘note-taking’ skills, which has significant cognitive impact. According to the ‘generation-effect’, students process information much better if they actively engage with it, such as writing it down. A tradtional lecture – which utlizes writing on the whiteboard – encourages note-taking as it slows the instructor down, which in turn gives students more time to write and process the information given.

There exists a middle ground between the traditional lecture and PowerPoint methodology, known as the ‘multimedia learning’ approach. The theory of multimedia learning – formulated by Richard Mayer, blends positive aspects of both the traditional lecture and PowerPoint approaches. Mayer stresses that textual content such as ‘bullet points’ should be kept at a minimum and that multimedia such as relevant pictures should be used in the classroom to assist learning. The lecture delivery style of the instructor – according to this theory – should be conversational and multimedia should be used simultaneously, rather than consecutively, with the text.

The correct utilization of software such as PowerPoint can be a powerful educational tool, if used in accordance with pedagogy (study of teaching) principles. Unfortunately, most academics in Pakistan have not had exposure to literature published in the discipline of pedagogy or educational science. One obvious solution to this problem is that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) can implement the study of pedagogy as a compulsory requirement in post-graduate courses all over Pakistan. On the other hand, private universities should actively discourage faculty from passive lecture delivery methods such as the PowerPoint bullet-text format and complete presentations should not be made available to students to encourage their participation during class sessions.

The writer, Ammad Malik, teaches Politics in Lahore and is a regular commentator on socio- cultural affairs. He can be contacted at ammadmalik@protonmail.com

Other than Why universities must stop over-reliance on PowerPoint, you can also read The Looming Financial Crisis in Public Sector Universities

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DAAD EPOS scholarship to study in Germany for free
Scholarships

DAAD EPOS scholarship to study in Germany for free

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Wondering about the DAAD EPOS scholarship to study in Germany? Well, don’t worry because we are here to help you out. In today’s interconnected world, pursuing higher education abroad has become increasingly attractive for students seeking to broaden their horizons, gain invaluable experiences, and access top-notch academic resources.

Among the pyramid of options available, Germany stands out as a top-tier destination for international students, renowned for its world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and vibrant cultural landscape. However, the financial burden associated with studying abroad can often pose a significant barrier for many aspiring scholars. Fortunately, initiatives like the DAAD EPOS- Development-Related Postgraduate Courses, Scholarship offer a beacon of hope, providing talented individuals from developing countries with the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions in Germany, fully funded. In this article, we have discussed all the details about the DAAD EPOS scholarship in Germany.

What is the DAAD EPOS

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) EPOS Scholarship is a prestigious funding program designed to support outstanding graduates from developing countries in pursuing postgraduate studies in Germany. Established to foster academic cooperation and promote sustainable development, this scholarship scheme provides recipients with comprehensive financial assistance, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and more.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship to Study in Germany

To be eligible for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Citizenship

Candidates must hold citizenship from a developing country listed by the DAAD.

  1. Academic Background

Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study, with excellent academic credentials.

  1. Professional Experience

Some programs may require applicants to have relevant professional experience in their respective fields.

  1. Language Proficiency

Proficiency in German and/or English may be required, depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program.

  1. Motivation and Purpose

Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries upon completion of their studies in Germany.

What is the Application Process for the DAAD?

The application process for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship in Germany typically involves the following steps:

  1. Research

Thoroughly research the available postgraduate courses (EPOS programs) offered by participating German universities in your field of interest.

  1. Eligibility Check

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria specified for the selected program(s).

  1. Online Application

Complete the online application form available on the DAAD portal, providing all required documents and information.

  1. Submission Deadline

Submit your application before the specified deadline, as late submissions are not considered.

  1. Selection Process

Applications undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including academic merit, professional experience, motivation statement, and potential for sustainable development impact.

  1. Interview- if applicable

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.

  1. Notification of Results

Successful applicants will be notified of their selection for the scholarship.

What Are the Benefits of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship in Germany?

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers a range of benefits to recipients, including:

  1. Full Financial Support

The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel allowances, health insurance, and other related expenses.

  1. High-Quality Education

Recipients have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at prestigious German universities renowned for their academic excellence and research facilities.

  1. Networking Opportunities

Scholars benefit from networking with fellow students, faculty members, and professionals in their field, fostering valuable connections and collaborations.

  1. Cultural Immersion

Living and studying in Germany provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing students to broaden their perspectives and gain intercultural competence.

  1. Career Advancement

Graduates of EPOS programs are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills that enhance their career prospects and enable them to make meaningful contributions to development initiatives in their home countries.

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship in Germany catalyzes academic and professional advancement, empowering talented individuals from developing countries to pursue their educational aspirations in Germany without financial constraints. By investing in the education and training of future leaders, innovators, and change-makers, this scholarship program plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development and fostering global cooperation. Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship in Germany today and unlock a world of possibilities for a brighter future.

Well, we hope this article helped you learn and understand about the DAAD EPOS scholarship to study in Germany for free. Would you be interested in availing the opportunity of the DAAD? What are your thoughts and views about the DAAD EPOS scholarships? Share your thoughts and views with us about the DAAD EPOS scholarship in the comments section below!

Other than DAAD EPOS scholarship to study in Germany for free, you can also read Fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students in Switzerland

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