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Monday, August 17, 2015
OUP launches Oxford Achiever
Oxford University Press (OUP) has launched ‘Oxford Achiever, a comprehensive web-based English language learning and assessment solution for primary and secondary school students in Hyderabad. Oxford Achiever is the first paid digital offering by OUP India, which is fast building a full suite of digital and assessment products and services. There are more digital products and ‘app’ launches on the anvil in this financial year – including the OUP dictionary and atlas ‘app’.
Ranjan Kaul, Managing Director, Oxford University Press India said, “I am indeed proud that we are launching Oxford Achiever, which is testimony to OUP’s continuous commitment to working with schools for improved learning outcomes. Oxford Achiever meets the requirement of schools for continuous assessment of English language skills as also provides the necessary diagnostics for self-paced learning. It is one of OUP India’s key digital innovations to be launched this year, which will use technology and are far more learner-centric.”
“I am delighted to be a part of this event by Oxford University Press, which has been at the forefront of education publishing in India, especially in the context of ELT books. A structured level-based offering, such as Oxford Achiever, should help students make steady progress in language learning.” said Prof. Paul Gunashekar, Professor in the Department of Materials Development, Testing and Evaluation, and Dean, Publications at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad.
Oxford Achiever has been successfully pilot-tested by OUP India in schools from different regions and the feedback from students and teachers has been positive. Oxford Achiever covers six core areas of English – Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar.
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CONFERENCE (MIBSRC) 2015
Dates: 2 – 4 October
Conference Venue: Hotel Bay View on the Park Hotel
52 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Conference Web: www.aabl.com.au/melbourne-conference
Abstract submission deadline: 17 August 2015
CALL FOR PAPERS: Melbourne International Business and Social Science Research Conference (MIBSRC) 2015 aims to provide an opportunity to academics and practitioners around the world to discuss and share the contemporary issues of business and social science research. The proposed conference provides an outlet for high quality research in all areas of accounting, , CSR, finance, economics, econometrics, education, information technology, Islamic finance and Sharia, law, management, marketing, social business and multidisciplinary.
CONFERENCE THEME: The broad theme of the conference is ‘innovation in research and research training’. Australian Academy of Business Leadership (AABL) recognises the importance of ‘innovation in research to promote publication excellence.
BEST PAPERS AWARDS AND BENEFITS: Best Paper Awards (value A$500) and one Best Student Paper Award (value A$300) from several tracks will be conferred at the conference. In order to qualify for an award, the author must submit a full paper to the conference and it must be presented at the conference. The authors of best papers will also get certificates.
- Participants can also enjoy a range of benefits, e.g. getting a fellow membership of AABL, which will allow them to enjoy a 10% discount on any future AABL event.
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS: Conference proceedings based on the accepted abstracts of the registered participants will also be prepared and published online, with ISBN 978-0-9942714-1-9, on Friday the 18 September 2015.
PAPER SUBMISSION: To submit your abstract or full paper please visit conference websitehttp://www.aabl.com.au/melbourne-conference
Alternatively, submissions can be made via e-mail to: conference.melbourne@aabl.com.au
Download Call for Papers in PDF
First steps to your U.S. study
For pursuing higher studies in the U.S., you need to follow a systematic step-by-step process right from the application to scholarship. Renuka Raja Rao, country coordinator, EducationUSA Advising Services, United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), provides suggestions for students aspiring to study in the U.S.
What is the best way to apply for higher studies in the U.S.?
We recommend that students connect with an EducationUSA advising centre. EducationUSA (www.educationusa.state.gov ) is a U.S. Department of State-funded programme hosted by the United States-India Educational Foundation in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad and by two other independent centres in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
We recommend that students connect with an EducationUSA advising centre. EducationUSA (www.educationusa.state.gov ) is a U.S. Department of State-funded programme hosted by the United States-India Educational Foundation in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad and by two other independent centres in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
Our advice to students is to start preparation at least 12 - 18 months prior to the start date of the programme and to follow the timeline suggested in ‘Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study’ (https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study).
How can high school students, who wish to pursue higher studies in the U.S., work towards building a strong application to ensure they get admission into the college and course of their choice as well as a scholarship?Preparing a strong application is a complex process. Students and their parents need to understand the nuances of admission and financial aid at American institutions of higher education.
While a large number of private U.S. colleges and universities are able to provide some scholarships for international undergraduate students, public institutions (government-funded) provide little funding to undergraduate applicants. For detailed information on financial aid, students are advised to visit their nearest EducationUSA centre (http://www.usief.org.in/Study-in-the-US/USIEF-Centers.aspx ) or tune in to the webinars conducted by EducationUSA advising staff and U.S. university admissions officers. Upcoming events and webinars can be found at http://www.usief.org.in/index.aspx.
Students are also encouraged to call the EducationUSA toll-free helpdesk at 1-800-103-1231 (Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.).
Could you highlight the assistance provided by the USIEF to Indian students with their application process?Students wishing to explore U.S. higher education receive accurate, current and comprehensive information on higher education opportunities in the U.S. at all EducationUSA centres throughout India. The libraries are well-stocked with descriptions of programmes and universities, as well as helpful material on standardised testing and how to write compelling statements of purpose. All EducationUSA centers also conduct comprehensive pre-departure orientation sessions. There are also useful posts on the EducationUSA channel on YouTube that students can use to understand the admission process better. (https://www.youtube.com/user/EducationUSAtv)
Can a good extracurricular activities record make up for mediocre academic scores? How is the application assessed?
American universities and colleges take a holistic approach when reviewing student applications. All components of the student’s profile are taken into consideration, including academic merit (grades), statements of purpose, standardised test scores, leadership potential, letters of recommendation, volunteer work/community service and extra-curricular activities. Indian students should understand that U.S. universities and colleges do not establish cut-offs or minimum scores for admission.
American universities and colleges take a holistic approach when reviewing student applications. All components of the student’s profile are taken into consideration, including academic merit (grades), statements of purpose, standardised test scores, leadership potential, letters of recommendation, volunteer work/community service and extra-curricular activities. Indian students should understand that U.S. universities and colleges do not establish cut-offs or minimum scores for admission.
Are there avenues for students who have not received a full scholarship to fund their studies once they begin with the course in the U.S.?
All students are allowed to work part-time on campus while the school is in session (up to 20 hours a week) and full-time during vacation periods (40 hours per week). Additional information can be found at: http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment.
Can students who have finished their graduation (10+2+3) also apply to U.S. universities?
Most graduate programmes in the U.S. require the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree (12+4). However, there are some exceptions. U.S. universities enjoy a great deal of administrative freedom, so the best course of action is to enquire with individual universities and departments about their treatment of three year degrees from India.
Most graduate programmes in the U.S. require the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree (12+4). However, there are some exceptions. U.S. universities enjoy a great deal of administrative freedom, so the best course of action is to enquire with individual universities and departments about their treatment of three year degrees from India.
Is there something you would like to highlight that students applying to U.S. universities should keep in mind?Currently, there are over 1,00,000 students from India studying throughout the U.S. across a wide range of academic disciplines. There are thousands of universities and colleges to choose from and identifying the best fit can be a challenging, yet rewarding, process. Proper planning and following ‘Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study’ is a great way to begin your journey
20-minute walk cuts risk of heart failure
Men who get regular, moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling for 20 minutes daily, may have a lower risk of heart failure.
Men who get regular, moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling for 20 minutes daily, may have a lower risk of heart failure compared to those with the lowest and highest levels of activity, a new study has claimed.
Researchers followed 33,012 men from the Cohort of Swedish Men from 1998 until 2012 — or first event of heart failure — to determine if physical activity was associated with heart failure risk.
Overall, men who had the lowest and highest levels of physical activity had a higher risk of heart failure, 47 per cent and 51 per cent respectively, than men with a median level, the study found.
The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Heart Failure.
Super-30' founder honoured with Maharshi Ved Vyas award
Anand Kumar, founder of Bihar-based 'Super 30' educational programme, was honoured with the 'Maharishi Ved Vyas national award' for his contribution in the field of education in Bhopal.
The award for year 2014-15 was bestowed upon Kumar by Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday evening at a function organised on the occasion of Independence Day.
The award is given annually by state government for outstanding contribution and creativity in the field of education.
It carries a citation and cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. During his address, Chouhan appealed to youths to become entrepreneurs even as he claimed the growth rate of the state is the "highest" in the country.
Kumar said such awards motivated him to do better. "These awards and honours give me motivation to do even better. It shows that society is sensitive to the needs of the poor and anybody making even a small effort for their uplift is recognised. That in itself is a big motivation. I hope I will continue my work with greater passion," he said.
Under the innovative educational programme, launched by Kumar in 2002, 30 meritorious students from the economically-backward sections of the society are selected every year and are trained to crack the country's prestigious IIT exams.
The students are offered free coaching, food and lodging facilities under 'Super 30'
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