If you want children back in classrooms, get them better teachers

College principals, students sit with BIEK chairperson to figure out how to improve the system.

KARACHI: If children are to be encouraged to take an interest in their studies, then there is a need to train teachers.

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 19^th, 2013.