MIND OVER MATTER: THE REQUIRED PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR COGNITIVE ALERTNESS AMONG PAKISTANI GERIATRIC POPULATION

Background and Objective: Aging is influenced by culture, individual experiences, and socio-demographic characteristics along with societal expectations. Cognitive functioning and activity level in geriatric population may alter their participation in daily life activities thus this study aims to explore the required physical and social activities for cognitive alertness among Pakistani Geriatric population. Methodology: An observation based study of 169 aging individuals who performed on MoCA for cognitive functioning and interviewed on IPAQ for duration of physical activity in everyday life. Results: It is an observational study, conducted among the geriatric population of different areas of Pakistan. A total number of 169 individuals participated out of which 59 % were males and 40 % were females with a majority of the population 74% falling between 65-75 years of age. It was found that 59% of the male and only 19% of the female had 22 score on MoCA for cognitive functioning and these individuals were practicing physical activities such as brisk walk for 3 days a week for more than 40 minutes and are involve at least once a week in social activities. Conclusion: The research finding concluded that physical activities and social gathering both has impact on cognitive function of geriatric population to participate actively in daily activities.

Exploring the Leadership Practices of Effective Teacher Leaders at a Private and a Public Secondary School in Giltgit-Baltistan

This study was conducted in two secondary schools, one belonging to a public and the other belonging to a private school system, in Gilgit-Baltistan. The primary participants of this study were four teacher leaders, two males and two females. I selected them through purposive sampling. Moreover, two groups of students, two community members and two head teachers from both the schools were selected as secondary participants. I used the qualitative case study methodology to explore the practices of participant teachers in the classroom, school and community through in- depth interviews, focus group discussions and classroom observations. These multiple data sources allowed me to explore the practices of participant teachers in the three realms. The key findings of the study suggest that in their classrooms, participant teachers strive to promote in- depth student learning using student-centred teaching as well as innovative methods of teaching and building close relationship with the students. In the school, they develop a cooperative and collegial environment by changing the existing practices and taking new initiatives such as teamwork and support. In the community realm, they try to develop a good relationship among the school, parents and the wider community. They develop linkages between parents, youth, management and school and also participate voluntarily in social services in the community for community development. In sum, implications of these findings for teachers, school or system are presented as recommendations. Teachers should develop a shared learning culture among their colleagues and develop a collaborative culture in the school and the management should provide teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary for continued instructional improvement which ultimately, enhances student learning.