Latest news with #LBD
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
UP's ‘Learning by Doing' is gaining ground: 5 lessons it can learn from Germany
In Uttar Pradesh's government schools, a quiet reform is taking shape—one where students trade textbooks for tools, and science periods end not with recitations but with solar lamps, pulleys, and planted seed trays. This is Learning by Doing (LBD), a vocational experiment embedded within the school curriculum. It doesn't carry the glamour of coding bootcamps or the heft of engineering diplomas. But its aim is foundational: To introduce skills to students not as an alternative, but as a part of learning. LBD, introduced through government schools, is an early-stage yet structured attempt to make classrooms more skill-oriented. While the model is entirely local and meant for students of Class 6 to 8, it shares certain thematic resonances with Germany's dual education system, globally recognised for seamlessly blending classroom theory with hands-on training in actual workplaces. There is no official blueprint linking the two. Yet, in spirit, the comparison is instructive. Germany spent decades refining a vocational pathway that connects school with employment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo UP is laying that foundation within classrooms—using tools, teachers, and time. Learning by Doing in UP: How it was born The Learning by Doing (LBD) programme was born out of a simple but powerful idea that students retain more when they experience learning, not just listen to it. It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020's call for integrating vocational exposure into regular schooling. The materials are replenished through School Management Committees, and the programme is fully state-funded under Samagra Shiksha. Since its launch, LBD has been rolled out in phases. The pilot, introduced in 2023–24, covered 60 government schools across 15 districts and reached close to 6,000 students. Encouraged by increased attendance and visible classroom engagement, the state expanded it in 2024–25 to 2,274 schools—one for each block and urban area across all 75 districts. A further 3,288 schools will be covered under Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes in 2025–26, taking the total number of schools under LBD to over 5,500 within three academic years. What are UP students learning? At the core of the programme is a modular skill curriculum embedded in the daily timetable. Students in Classes 6 to 8 (ages 11 to 14) learn how to wire a basic circuit, operate hand tools, grow micro-gardens, cook simple nutritious meals, and even build rudimentary machines. Each school receives a toolkit with 205 items to facilitate 60 hands-on activities across five themes: Woodwork and metalwork, agriculture and horticulture, energy and environment, health and nutrition, and simple engineering models. No fancy robotics, no imported kits—just saws, screwdrivers, soil trays, and an invitation to tinker. The manual guiding these activities has been developed in partnership with UNICEF and Vigyan Ashram, and approved by SCERT. It consists of sixty structured modules that teachers can plug into their weekly schedules without disrupting the core curriculum. These tasks are not meant to train children for a job market—they are designed to familiarise them with the logic of doing. Each activity builds a concept, and each concept builds confidence. How it's taught: Teachers as facilitators, not lecturers In the Learning by Doing model, the teacher no longer stands at the centre of the room with a chalk and a blackboard. Instead, they move between workstations, watching, guiding, stepping in only when needed. Before the programme begins, science and math teachers undergo a four-day training module. It's not about delivering lectures. It's about managing tools, ensuring safety, facilitating group work, and letting students learn through trial. The classroom is organised into small groups. Each group gets a set of tools, raw materials, and a task to complete—whether it's wiring a simple circuit or planting a row of seeds. The instructions are clear, but the outcomes aren't always predictable. That's the point. Students are encouraged to explore what happens when things don't go as planned. The infrastructure is modest but managed. Kits are funded by the state. Materials and consumables are replenished through School Management Committees. Germany's Dual System: Bridging education and employment The dual education system in Germany is not just a feature of its schooling structure—it's a national employment strategy. Formalised through the Vocational Training Act of 1969, and rooted in craft guild traditions that date back to the Middle Ages, the system integrates on-the-job training in companies with classroom instruction in vocational schools (Berufsschulen). Typically, students enter the dual system after completing their general education around age 16. They sign a formal apprenticeship contract with an employer, train three to four days a week in the workplace, and spend the remaining one to two days in vocational schools. These programmes span two to three and a half years, depending on the trade. The scope is vast: Germany recognises over 325 licensed occupations, from mechatronics and nursing to logistics, hospitality, and information technology. Apprentices receive a monthly stipend, increasing each year, and enjoy full social benefits—health insurance, accident coverage, and unemployment protection. On completion, students sit for a final exam administered by regional Chambers of Commerce (IHK) or Chambers of Crafts (HWK). The certification is not symbolic—it's legally recognised, respected by employers, and portable across the European Union. Teachers in Berufsschulen hold specific pedagogical qualifications and subject-matter expertise. In workplaces, trainers (Ausbilder) are themselves certified and licensed to supervise apprentices, ensuring instructional consistency across both sites. Today, over 500,000 apprentices train annually in the system, supported by more than 430,000 companies—from small bakeries to multinational engineering firms. Around 60% of apprentices are retained by their employers after graduation. The result: one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe, and a deeply skilled mid-level workforce that anchors Germany's manufacturing and service industries. A lesson or two for UP's Learning by doing To be clear, LBD is not Germany. It does not aspire to mirror the dual model in scale or structure. But in spirit, it shares the idea that skills are not separate from education—they are central to it. And in that spirit, LBD can borrow a few threads: 1. Exposure to workplaces Even brief visits to farms, workshops, or small industries can bridge the gap between classroom activity and real-world applications. Students could document what they see, build mini-models, or write reports—linking observation to action. 2. Recognition and micro-certification While Germany offers full qualifications, UP could begin by issuing certificates of competence for each skill area by the end of Class 8. This would create a simple portfolio for students moving into secondary school or ITI tracks. 3. Train-the-trainer ecosystem Germany's system invests in both teachers and workplace trainers. UP could develop master trainers from its most experienced LBD teachers to mentor newer schools and update modules regularly. 4. Industry involvement Germany's employers co-design curricula and host apprentices. While LBD is school-based, UP could invite local ITIs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or artisans to review student projects, offer demonstrations, or co-create localised toolkits. 5. Vertical linkages The success of LBD should not stop at Class 8. By linking it to existing vocational programmes in secondary schools or ITIs, UP could offer a seamless school-to-skill continuum, with LBD as the starting point. A model worth building on UP's Learning by Doing doesn't need to replicate the German blueprint. But it already represents a significant pedagogical shift—from memorisation to participation, from theory to touch. Its success lies not in grand policy statements but in simple outcomes: a student building her first solar lamp, a classroom debating how to recycle plastic waste, a teacher asking not 'what is the formula' but 'how do you test it?' Germany's system took decades to perfect. UP has just started. But it's a start worth investing in. Not just for jobs, but for joy in learning. Not just for skills, but for confidence in making. And that is a lesson any system—German or Indian—would do well to remember. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Business Wire
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Amprion Announces Strategic Growth Initiatives, Expanding Access to Breakthrough SAAmplify Test
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amprion, a global leader advancing diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders through seed amplification testing, has announced several strategic growth initiatives to broaden access to its SAAmplify-ɑSYN test. These initiatives include a comprehensive website refresh, expanded test availability via Mayo Clinic's network of hospitals and clinical sites, and ongoing preparations for international expansion. As part of its continuing growth and commitment to advancing early and accurate diagnosis, Amprion will showcase its latest developments and momentum at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), July 27-31, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. Attendees can connect with the Amprion team at booth #616. Following its recent collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Amprion launched a newly redesigned website to meet the growing demand for its SAAmplify-ɑSYN test, which aids in the diagnosis of synucleinopathies. The breakthrough test can detect the presence of aggregates of alpha-synuclein protein, the underlying pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Alzheimer's disease with Lewy bodies (AD + DLB), in cerebrospinal fluid. Launched earlier this month, the updated website is designed to provide patients, clinicians, and industry leaders with streamlined access to Amprion's latest research, information, and more. 'As awareness and demand for our SAAmplify-ɑSYN test grow, we're working to ensure clinicians, researchers, and patients have better access to the tools and information they need,' said Dr. Russ Lebovitz, CEO and co-founder of Amprion. 'Our refreshed website and expanding partnerships are steps toward that goal, and we look forward to connecting with the global neuroscience community at AAIC.' Due to this surge in awareness, Amprion is actively exploring international expansion opportunities, with plans to bring its test to European and global markets. Initial announcements regarding country-specific launch strategies are expected in Q4 2025. For more information or to schedule a meeting with Amprion at AAIC 2025, please visit About SAAmplify-ɑSYN (formerly SYNTap®) Amprion's SAAmplify-ɑSYN test is a first-in-class-qualitative Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and the only seed amplification assay available to aid the diagnosis of synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD/DLB), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) with Lewy body co-pathology. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Amprion a Breakthrough Device Designation in 2019 for use of the test as an aid in the diagnosis of PD. The test became commercially available in the US in 2021. About Amprion Amprion is the global leader advancing diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders through seed amplification testing. Amprion's intellectual property surrounding SAA methodology extends to research, drug development, and commercialization. SAAmplify-ɑSYN (formerly SYNTap®) is the only seed amplification assay available to aid the diagnosis of synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease with Lewy body co-pathology. Amprion is also accelerating precision medicine for neurodegenerative disorders by helping biopharma partners identify new drug candidates and underlying pathologies. Learn more at or find us on LinkedIn.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Beyond memory loss: The lesser-known dementias that deserve attention
When people hear the word dementia, they are very likely to immediately think of Alzheimer's disease. And while Alzheimer's is the most common form, accounting for 60 to 80 % of cases worldwide, it is far from the only type of dementia. A range of other, lesser-known dementias can be equally devastating, and recognising them early can lead to better care and improved quality of life. So, what are these lesser-known types of dementia? Vascular Dementia Vascular dementia is the second-most common type of dementia, and is estimated to be about 40 % of all dementia cases in India. It is triggered by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or due to chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Its sudden onset, rapid decline or step-by-step decline after 'mini strokes', and link to future strokes, makes this type very dangerous. However, unlike Alzheimer's, it's often preventable. Early diagnosis, blood pressure and sugar control, and a healthy lifestyle can delay its progression. Frontotemporal Dementia Sometimes misdiagnosed as a psychiatric illness, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These sites are associated with personality, behaviour and language, and thus some people undergo personality changes or become more impulsive or emotionally indifferent when suffering from this condition. About 60 % of people diagnosed with FTD fall within the age bracket of 45 to 64. Currently, there is no cure for FTD. In addition to this, because it affects a younger age group than Alzheimer's usually does, it becomes extremely distressing for families and often leads to early dependency and care needs. Lewy Body Dementia Lewy body dementia (LBD) is marked by abnormal protein deposits in the brain that disrupt both cognitive functions and physical abilities. It causes problems with coordination and balance, vivid visual hallucinations, muscle stiffness, difficulties with concentration, memory issues and severe sensitivity to certain medications. Due to the symptoms intersecting with other kinds of dementia, it is tricky for doctors to lock down on the diagnosis. Multiple tests are required to diagnose LBD. While there is no cure for this kind of dementia, medical and non-medical treatments such as physical and occupational therapies are recommended to keep symptoms in control as much as possible. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare but devastating brain disorder caused when a type of protein, prions, undergo a change. While the symptoms of CJD are very similar to those of Alzheimer's, this disease usually gets worse faster and leads to death. Though only one or two cases of CJD are diagnosed per million people around the world, its aggressive progression and lack of a cure make it especially alarming. Mixed dementia Mixed dementia is a blend, most often Alzheimer's disease combined with vascular dementia, and sometimes Lewy body dementia and other types of dementia. This mix leads to overlapping symptoms, and hence, no definitive symptoms are associated with it. A report states that at least one in 10 people with dementia is diagnosed as having mixed dementia. This diagnosis is confirmed only when the doctor finds clear signs of at least two different types of dementia. Why awareness matters Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease each have unique causes, symptoms, progression, and treatment responses. Identifying the correct type helps doctors tailor care to individual cases, whether it is medication, lifestyle changes, or managing stroke risk. It also helps families understand what to expect – memory loss vs. personality changes, gradual vs. sudden decline. Without an accurate diagnosis, people may miss out on treatments that could ease symptoms or slow progression. Awareness is the first step towards better outcomes and quality of life. Memory loss is just one piece of the dementia puzzle. If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained behavioural changes, sleep disturbances, or movement issues, talk to a healthcare provider. Dementia isn't one-size-fits-all, and knowing the differences could change the course of care. (Dr. Usha Humbi is a consultant neurologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The best dresses to conceal your tummy and how to feel confident in them, according to an expert
While we're all about embracing our bodies and wearing whatever makes us happy, we understand that choosing outfits that flatter or even conceal certain areas can make all the difference in how you feel. For many women over 40, that's the tummy. 'After 40, many women struggle with their midsection or the 'mummy tummy,' and with that change, our confidence can take a hit. But that shouldn't stop you from looking and feeling your absolute best during the summer season,' says Tonya Jarad, Certified Image Consultant & Founder of Renaissance Woman of Style. Fortunately, when it comes to dresses to conceal your tummy, there are plenty of options that are far from frumpy. Keep scrolling to shop the best dresses to flatter your tummy, whether a bloated belly, a mummy tummy or menopause-y midsection. Plus, see Jarad's favourite dress silhouettes and read her expert tips to boost your confidence so you feel as fabulous as you look. Tonya's best dress style recommendations for disguising a tummy 1. The Fit-and-Flare Dress The fit and flare dress silhouette is a style that features a fitted bodice and flares below a cinched waist. It's a summer staple that comes in different fabrics and price points and can be dressed up or down. And when it comes to concealing a tummy, this style does it with, well, style. 'This style of dress is perfect for camouflaging your midsection while also giving the appearance of a defined waist. Key to this look are impeccable princess seams or soft vertical darting that draw the eye upward, keeping the focus on you. A classic Marilyn Monroe silhouette,' says Jarad. Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress This budget-friendly bestseller is made from a cool linen blend and features flattering darting and a smocked elastic back panel, wide, bra-friendly straps and pockets! Everybody loves a pocket! It's available in a wide range of colours, patterns, fits and sizes. $30 $50 at Old Navy Floral V-Neck Dress This button-front beauty comes in big and bold, as well as small and sweet floral prints, and features adjustable spaghetti straps, a V-neck, smocked elastic back and a hidden side zipper. It's available in regular, large and petite fits, with sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. $102 $128 at Gap 2. The Classic Wrap Dress The wrap dress has long been considered a go-to for its ability to flatter almost any body type — and it's one of Tonya's top recommendations when it comes to concealing a stubborn midsection. 'For this style of dress, I'd opt for softer, light-flowing fabric that gently glides across your midsection,' she says, pointing out that fabrics like silk, linen and cotton work best, and are also 'perfect for the summer season.' Long Sleeve Classic Wrap Dress If you're only going to own one LBD, then this is hands-down the one to buy. It's super affordable and oh-so-flattering thanks to the pleat detail at the waist that creates the most beautiful tummy-disguising drape. And there's no need to worry about any impromptu unwrapping: this dress features an adjustable wrap closure with a hidden button, ensuring it stays in place. $46 at Amazon Wrap Dress with Notch Collar This printed mid-length wrap dress is cut to fit and flatter a plus-size figure. The comfortable woven fabric and fun neutral print make it perfect for dressing up with heels for work or dressing down with sandals or sneakers for downtime. It comes in sizes X to 4X (or 12 to 28). $110 at Penningtons 3. The Draped Sheath Dress The sheath dress is another classic that's versatile enough for work or an event, and certain details make it particularly flattering for those looking to minimize the appearance of their tummy. 'A classic sheath dress with soft draping or ruching details is a game-changer for women who are sensitive about their midsection," Jarad tells Yahoo Canada. "This style provides elegant structure while giving the illusion of a smoother silhouette. Draped sheath dresses look fabulous in solid colours, offering a polished, refined look." Karl Lagerfeld Paris Puff Sleeve Sheath Dress Beautifully designed as you'd expect from the Karl Lagerfeld brand, this fully-lined sheath dress conceals and flatters the midsection with beautiful side ruching and balances your frame with pretty puff sleeves. It comes in solids and florals and is available in sizes 0 to 16. From $153 at Amazon DKNY Open Sleeve Ruched Sheath Dress If you thought the perfect work dress didn't exist, think again! This DKNY sheath dress has a ruched midsection and subtle puff sleeves with double button detail, and hits just below the knee. From $127 at Amazon 4. The Elevated A-Line Dress Some retailers seem to use the terms 'A-line' and 'fit-and-flare' interchangeably, but they're not the same. Unlike a fit-and-flare style, which has a fitted bodice and waist and flares out at the bottom, an A-line dress has a more gradual widening as it moves down over the belly and hips. 'A-line dresses are a perfect option because this is another style that flatters every body type,' says Jarad, who recommends opting for crisp fabrics like cotton poplin, crepe, or Tencel blends. 'A well-constructed A-line dress will provide a seamless silhouette that neatly conceals your midsection. For added elevation, experiment with a V-neck or defined, structured shoulders, which create the illusion of an elongated physique.' Contrasting Piping Scoop-Neck Maxi Dress The beautifully textured, ultra-stretch, heavyweight fabric glides over the midsection while the double-layered bust and contrasting seams help smooth and elongate your shape. Bonus: The straps are wide enough to cover bra straps. $139 at Simons H&M A-Line Dress This sleeveless A-line dress from H&M is so affordable at under $40, but looks anything but, thanks to its delicately textured and heavyweight fabric, overlapped keyhole opening with button detail and gorgeous cut. It comes in 5 colours and in sizes XXS to 4XL. $35 at H&M Other styles to conceal a tummy 5. Printed dresses Prints, like florals and other patterns, are a great way to disguise a tummy, but size matters when it comes to prints, according to Jarad, who recommends keeping them in proportion to your physique. 'For example, large, bold prints on a petite-sized woman will overpower her and draw unnecessary attention to her midsection, which defeats the purpose. So, the balance of print and fabric is key to stylishly camouflaging your midsection.' Cotton Poplin Wrap Maxi Dress A gorgeous print, fit-and-flare shape and a wrap dress to boot – this frock's a triple threat when it comes to concealing a tummy. And yes, it has pockets, too! $260 at Banana Republic H&M Long Cotton Floral Dress A bold print with short balloon sleeves and a tiered bottom makes this one super affordable showstopper. The woven cotton is just lightweight enough to allow the full tiered skirt to flatter without being boxy. $45 at H&M 6. Belted shirtdress Belted shirtdresses are often recommended for those looking to conceal their midsection. Depending on the dress, you also gain the added versatility of being able to wear it with or without the belt and in either a buttoned-up or open style. Just keep in mind that the fabric and belt placement are key to making this style work for a larger tummy without looking boxy. 'Nothing too stiff or boxy looking. You want to ensure you're creating a vertical silhouette, meaning V-neck, button down,' explains Jarad. She also recommends keeping the belt 'slightly above your natural waistline to avoid unsightly bulging or lumps around the midsection.' Eleta Linen Maxi Dress Soft organic linen and sweet gingham make this belted shirtdress a comfy classic you'll want to wear all summer long. The print is delicate enough not to overpower your frame while it camouflages your midsection. It also comes in other solid colours and prints. $168 at Aritzia BTFBM Button Down Ruched Shirtdress An Amazon favourite with over 2,000 reviews singing the praises of this shirt dress's drapey ruching, which flatters and conceals the tummy area. It features a comfortable elastic waist that's cleverly hidden under a wide tie belt and comes in several colours. From $45 at Amazon Jarad's 3 best confidence-boosting tips How we feel in our clothing has a direct impact on our confidence, so we asked Jarad to share her top three tips to help you feel more confident. 1. Prioritize fit over size They say size is just a number, but many of us are guilty of getting hung up on that number when shopping for clothes, even letting it affect our self-esteem. To look and feel good in your clothes, Jarad wants you to make fit, not size, the priority. 'Tailoring is everything. I often advise my clients that a well-fitted dress that sculpts your physique (not squeezes it) always looks more polished and elegant than something frumpy or too tight.' 2. Lean into colour and texture strategically Choosing the right colours can make all the difference in creating a look that you'll love, from head to toe. 'One of my specialties is providing clients with colour analysis. Knowing your signature colour palette makes a huge difference in how you feel in the clothing, makeup and accessories you choose,' says Jarad. 3. Know your signature style personality 'Confidence skyrockets when you understand your style vibe,' says Jared. 'Are you a dramatic, romantic, or classic woman of style? When you dress in alignment with your true essence, you never second-guess how you show up.'
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tesco shoppers 'love' £22.50 summer dress that's 'very flattering'
Tesco F&F Clothing is selling a new dress that fans are keen to get their hands on - and they say it looks 'beautiful' and 'amazing' Tesco shoppers are heaping compliments on a "beautiful" dress recently spotted on social media, with many declaring it "looks great" on. The supermarket's own F&F Clothing line has introduced a new black midi dress, priced at £22.50. The dress is causing quite the stir among shoppers. It was shared by TikToker Julia (@the_julia_edit). Her caption read: "If you like a bit of monochrome you'll like this reel. "@fandfclothing I'm wearing a size 10 in all the dresses and a medium in the cover up." The post racked up 84.9k views, more than 900 likes and many comments from excited fans. Among them, one person said: "I went and got the black one shoulder dress - hoping it looks ok." A second wrote: "Everything looks so good on you." A third impressed shopper said: "Absolutely love Tesco clothing," while a fourth wrote: "Gorgeous girl, dresses look fab." A fifth added: "All beautiful but I really loved the black off the shoulder and white polka dot." A different shopper said: "The one-shoulder dress is fabulous, it moves beautifully. Love the beach dress too." Another added: "You look great in all of them, good choice." The praise continued, with one shopper writing: "Love the black (one shoulder one) you look lovely," and a second saying: "You look beautiful in them all." A third comment read: "They all look great on you." A fourth added: "I have the one shoulder one it's a great dress." Another wrote: "So lovely, can't go wrong with a LBD." Tesco has recently relaunched online shopping for its F&F clothing line, making it possible for customers to shop for the latest fashion online for the first time in years. The range, including women's, men's, and children's items, can be purchased through Tesco's website and app, with over 1,400 items currently available, from tops and dresses to pyjamas, shoes, and activewear.
