A paradigm shift towards student-centred higher education

A university's primary function is to provide quality education and nurture well rounded graduates who contribute to societal progress. Yet, in an era marked by rising tuition fees, governance challenges and a growing emphasis on research over teaching, it is evident that this core mission is being compromised. It is time to shift the focus back to where it truly belongs - on the students and on attaining their full potential.

In Pakistan, a shift towards student-centred education is inevitable. This approach will not only improve education quality but also ensure universities stay relevant; boost student satisfaction and retention; and produce confident, capable graduates. It means creating an environment where teachers become facilitators of learning rather than mere dispensers of information. The approach also empowers students to take ownership of their learning; enhances their communication and leadership skills; and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. By shifting the focus from the instructor to the learner, universities can create an inclusive environment where students feel valued, supported and engaged.

A key aspect of this approach is changing the culture of student-teacher relationship in our universities. Currently, classrooms often have an atmosphere where students remain silent out of fear that asking questions may be seen as challenging the teacher's authority. To truly support students' success, faculty must foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment both in the classroom and on campus. Effective communication, mentorship and personalised guidance should be central to this relationship.

A student-centred approach requires understanding students' needs, expectations and aspirations. This involves active student engagement, including regular feedback and extracurricular activities, to shape curriculum, teaching methods and support services. At Government College University (GCU), Lahore, we introduced a feedback system where students share their course expectations at the start of the semester; evaluate teaching mid-semester; and reflect on assessments and their overall experience at the end. However, a cultural shift is needed to ensure students provide honest feedback and university leadership act on it.

A student-centred approach also prioritises students' well-being. Recognising that education goes beyond academics, universities must offer a supportive ecosystem that cares for students' physical, emotional and mental health. Access to counseling, wellness programmes and career guidance is crucial. GCU provided weekly one-on-one counseling sessions for students and faculty, addressing challenges like study management, relationship issues, emotional concerns like anxiety and sadness, and career advice.

GCU's campus life is vibrant and student-focused, driven by over 90 active student-run societies, clubs and publications, under the advice of their advisers. From 2021 to 2023, GCU's Career Guidance and Placement Centre organised several job fairs and on-campus recruitment drives, while partnerships with NGOs SHAOOR and Amal Academy provided training in civic education, communication and entrepreneurship. The establishment of the Women Development Centre (WDC) in 2021 and the Youth Development Centre (YDC) in 2023 further promoted student engagement and welfare. The WDC, for instance, introduced a Period ASANI Machine to support female students' well-being. Additionally, cultural days were celebrated representing diversity and inclusion at GCU, besides fostering cultural understanding and tolerance among students.

In 2023, GCU launched the pilot project 'Free Education for All', allowing individuals to attend classes purely for the sake of learning, without pursuing a degree, taking exams or paying tuition fees. This initiative opens the classroom to people from diverse backgrounds, creating an intellectually stimulating environment that encourages mature discussions and promotes a well-rounded educational experience.

To successfully implement a student-focused approach, universities must also promote innovation and experimentation. Faculty development should focus on equipping educators to create engaging, interactive learning experiences of personalised learning. Collaboration across academic departments, student services and administration is essential for consistent student support. GCU's new Directorate of Academics has introduced the Advanced Teaching and Learning Programme 2023, targeting Lecturers, Assistant and Associate Professors to enhance skills in student engagement and boost academic excellence.

Technology is key to creating a student-centred environment through online learning platforms, digital resources and personalised tools that enhance the learning experience. However, balancing technology with human interaction is essential. While technology aids learning, it should complement, not replace, face-to-face interaction and mentorship. A blended learning approach, combining in-person instruction with online elements, offers the best of both worlds.

GCU has strengthened its Learning Management System (LMS) and begun developing a Campus Management System (CMS) to further improve students' learning experiences. In partnership with ULEARN, a leading provider of educational technologies in Pakistan, GCU developed innovative hybrid strategies to support the implementation of the HEC's new undergraduate education policy. This partnership allowed us the capability of hybrid teaching through recorded lectures of General Education core courses across all our departments and affiliated colleges, ensuring consistent learning opportunities for all students.

In a student-centred approach, assessment methods need to be reconsidered. Traditional exams and assignments remain valuable but they should be complemented by alternative assessments that measure critical thinking and real-world skills. Portfolios, projects and presentations provide a more comprehensive view of student progress. At GCU, we revised our assessment policies to incorporate project-based work, essays and open-book exams alongside traditional semester work. Additionally, we introduced hands-on learning opportunities, including off-campus classes, to give students practical experience and exposure.

Transitioning to a student-centred model may be challenging, but the benefits are significant. Implementing this approach requires commitment across the entire institution, involving a cultural shift that affects everyone, from university leadership to teaching and support staff. By aligning resources, policies and practices with student needs, universities can create a truly transformative learning experience. As the world evolves, institutions that prioritise student success will be best equipped to thrive. Bold leadership is essential to drive this decisive shift toward a student-centred paradigm, ensuring that every decision is guided by the principle of putting students first.