Most students do not even bother reading books after completing their
degrees Commander Najeeb Anjum,
the principal of Sir Adam G Institute’s intermediate college. PHOTO: FILE
The principals of intermediate and degree colleges urged the government to focus on teachers’ training and transparent recruitment. They were speaking at a seminar on ‘How to get the children back to classrooms’ organised by Commecs at its PECHS campus on Saturday.
The seminar was chaired by Anwar Ahmed Zai, the chairman of the Board of Intermediate Education, Karachi. The college principals added that there is also a need to improve the reading and writing skills of students so that students can prove their potential in the job market once they obtain their degrees.
Highlighting the intellectual aspect of the issue, Commander Najeeb Anjum, the principal of Sir Adam G Institute’s intermediate college, said that a majority of college teachers were untrained. “A majority of the students are not even skilled in primary and secondary level subjects,” he said, adding that most students do not even bother reading books after completing their degrees “We have to address our literacy deficiencies.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Waseem Adil, who used to be the principal of Government National College, highlighted issues in public colleges, saying that there is no accountability and the appointments of teachers are not carried out in a transparent manner. “Teachers are promoted without exams and no proper training is given even when they reach senior posts,” he added.
Prof. Adil felt that teachers’ unions are counterproductive and do not work in favour of the progress of the education system. He pointed out that cheating during exams was also another huge problem in public colleges.
After the speakers’ comments, Zai agreed that there is a need for teachers and principals to brainstorm ideas for improvements. He formed a committee and asked them to bring recommendations. “I am ready to discuss issues and will try to implement all relevant suggestions,” he offered.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2013.
COMMENTS (3)
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From what I understand the system ( which so many people lash out at ) is perfect and in place. The people who run this machinery are no good . They should be trained and given good salaries to entice them to run this system. The education system in Ind and Pak are over 100 years old . They are not run properly.
If you really want good teachers than you need to promote teachers who are using innovative methods and technology to educate people.
www.fahadsacademy.com
Sadly the whole educational system in IR of PK is rotten to the core! Students do not have the basics thinking skills needed to learn from teachers where as all the failures of our society become teachers. Till such time salaries are not subtantially increased for qualified teachers you will continue to get sub-standard teachers. Simply said "If you give bananas, you only get monkeys". Make the students "Think" & they would learn! We have killed the thinking process!