Call for balanced approach to early childhood education

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Vice Chancellor Dr Nasir Mahmood, has underscored the importance of a balanced approach to early childhood education, highlighting that learning should not be confined to academic assessments alone.

He made these remarks during the closing session of a seminar titled "Foundational Learning Assessment in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities" held at AIOU on Thursday. The seminar was jointly organised by Allama Iqbal Open University and the Pakistan Institute of Education. The event aimed to evaluate the current landscape of foundational learning in Pakistan, identify key challenges, and explore avenues for improvement.

He stressed that equal attention must be paid to children's social, emotional, and psychological development to build a solid foundation for their future. Dr. Mahmood advocated for the creation of an "enabling environment" in schools, stating that educational reforms must go beyond academics to help nurture well-rounded, responsible citizens. "Today's children are tomorrow's architects," he said, "and their holistic development is essential for a brighter national future."

During the opening session, Director General of the Pakistan Institute of Education, Dr Muhammad Shahid Surayya, presented the National Education Assessment Report. He expressed optimism that the introduction of a new assessment policy would significantly enhance the overall quality of education in the country.