Objectives of Primary Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Perceptions of Teachers and Head Teachers

Abstract

Universal primary education continues to be a major issue in developing countries, including Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions of teachers and headteachers about the context of primary education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The objectives of this study were: (a) to analyze the perceptions of teachers and headteachers about the objectives of primary education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; (b) to examine the perceptions of teachers and headteachers about the context of primary education in terms of the quality improvement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; (c) to study the perceptions of teachers and headteachers about the context of primary education in terms of character building and skill development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Five hundred and six (506) respondents i.e. teachers and headteachers were selected from five districts (out of a total of 26 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The statistics used for the analysis of collected data included frequency, mean, percentage, and chi-square. The results indicate that learners are mostly made to memorize and learn through rote instead of developing them as independent learners. In addition, the curriculum is not updated, and teachers are not properly qualified to teach according to the needs of students for conceptual learning.