Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad Research Articles

Assessing needs of children for childcare at Allama Iqbal Open University

The present study aimed to assess the children needs for childcare at daycare centre of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad. Childcare is an important area for research as it directly affects the life of working women in an organization. The University has a daycare centre to facilitate those female employees having kids. It is situated in the main campus of the university. The mothers usually place their offspring in the daycare due to the need to work. The mothers visit daycare centre during duty hours and during break. The present study assessed the working conditions of the daycare centre and suggest some possible interventions for quality provisions and facilities at the daycare centre. It was a need assessment survey. The population of the study included mothers, daycare workers, ayas and members of the management committee of the daycare centre of AIOU. Data was collected through interview, checklists and observations of the care workers with children. It was a need assessment study. A checklist was used to record existing facilities at daycare. While, an interview was conducted regarding awareness, opinion and vision of the mothers and caregivers. Results indicated that the day care centre was equipped with necessary facilities. However, some of the facilities need to provided/upgraded. The study recommended active role of the parents in affairs of the daycare centre.

Learner Support Services in ODL: Gaps at Regional Level in Sindh, Pakistan

The current research studied the gaps in student support services at regional level in Pakistan. It was a mixed-methods case study research where explanatory sequential paradigm was used. The study was delimited to regional network of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, in Sindh province. The sample of study comprised of 280 B.Ed. students and a focused group consisting of 14 students. The quantitative data was collected through self-developed five point Likert type questionnaire and qualitative data through semi-structured interview schedule. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used, findings were categorized according to themes, conclusions drawn and recommendations made. The finding of the study includes: poor academic and general facilities at study centers and regional centers. Lack of DE thought at regional centers, poor information system, useless communication through media, traditional and non-professional approach of ROs. The study recommends establishment of model study centers at tehsil level, use of ROs as model study centers and academic hubs, provision of physical facilities at study centers, arrangement of orientation programs, decentralization of books on regional level, attending DLs Add Contributorqueries through media, strong and meaningful two-way communication and appointment of DE qualified staff.

The Effect of Cognitive Acceleration Programme on Critical Thinking of Science Students at Secondary Level

Abstract
 This study was conducted to determine the effect of Cognitive Acceleration Programme on the critical thinking skills of 9th graders. The posttest only non-equivalent control group design was used. Two sections of class 9th were selected conveniently for experimentation. There were 80 participants (girls) in the experiment. There were 30 intervention lessons in the experimental classrooms. The posttest was designed based on Cornell Critical thinking test. Test was validated by experts from the Faculty of Education, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad. The data were analyzed by the SPSS. The independent sample t-statistics were applied for control and experimental groups separately. The t-value for the comparison of performance of experimental and control group in sub-skills of critical thinking i.e., inference, deduction, assumption, interpretation, and argumentation showed significant difference. The results showed that critical thinking skills can be developed significantly through cognitive acceleration programme. So, the thinking science activities were recommended to science educators to incorporate into the classroom to accelerate critical thinking of students.
 Keywords: Cognitive Acceleration, Critical Thinking, Inference, Deduction, Assumption, Interpretation, Argumentation

A Study of Evaluation Methods of Teaching Practice of Distance Teacher Education Institutions

This study was aimed to investigate evaluation methods of teaching practice of distance teacher education institutions in Pakistan. Major objectives of the study were: to examine the evaluation methods of teaching practice used in distance teacher education institutions; to analyze the effectiveness of teaching practice at distance teacher education institutions; and to find out the problems/weaknesses in evaluation of teaching practice in these institutions. The population was consisted of all the supervisors of distance teacher education institution offering teacher education programmes. Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad in Pakistan is example of distance education. Two questionnaires were developed on the basis of related literature for prospective teachers and supervisors to get the responses. The data were collected by administering the validated questionnaires. Randomly 200 respondents were selected. The data were analyzed and interpreted by using percentages and two-way chi-square square techniques. Inferred results were discussed and reported. The major conclusions of the study were that the prospective teachers of distance teacher education institutions are not very satisfied with the duration of teaching practice. Some of the recommendations are that there is a need to put in place a continuous system of monitoring and evaluation of teaching practice including observations of prospective teachers for distance teacher education institutions. The time period of teaching practice may be increased. Self-evaluation of prospective teachers may be included in the evaluation of teaching practice.

System Assessment Mechanism in Open Distance Learning

Present study aims to explore the system assessment mechanism of Open Distance Learning (ODL) system followed by Allama Iqbal Open University. It further purports to find out the perception of teachers and students about the system assessment in instructional design mechanism of ODL. Present study was descriptive in nature and survey design was used. Population of the study comprised students and faculty members of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad. By using convenient sampling technique, data was collected through questionnaire from 100 teachers and 300 students. Three point Likert scale was developed by researchers which consists of five subscales including Course Development, Course Delivery, Admission Procedure, Student Support Service and Assessment and Evaluation. Questionnaire consists of 30 statements and its Cronbach Alpha reliability was .81. Findings of the study revealed that ODL system in AIOU comprised five major dimensions while some of those need improvement. It is recommended that AIOU may develop a framework of assessment based on systematic process of identifying, analyzing and assessing the present needs and issues of students and university by shifting its trend towards online workshops and assignments on Learning Management System (LMS), etc.

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in higher education: a SWOT analysis of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad (Pakistan)

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in higher education regarding distance learning system in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method research design was used in this study. The population of the study was all the previous students of research work and all the teachers of these students working at MPhil and PhD level in AIOU in Pakistan. Stratified random sampling technique was used in this study. This study used the questionnaire and interview technique to collect data. Data of questionnaire was in numbers and data of interview was narrative. So it was the need of the study that a mixed-method approach, i.e. both quantitative and qualitative techniques should be used in this study.FindingsThe findings of the study show that AIOU has also strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in higher education related to distance education like all the formal and distance universities of Pakistan and World. This study reflected that AIOU is a great blessing for those who cannot acquire their education regularly because of financial/family problems or they are job holders. But this study also described that at higher level students are facing a lot of problems especially there is a delay in research process and provision of no scholarships to students. The teachers have a low salary package than the other public universities of Pakistan and a lot of responsibilities to attend meetings, seminars, conferences and workshops. So they have less time for research work. And AIOU provides them fewer opportunities to go abroad for further studies or to attend conferences/seminars. This study recommended that there should be adopted such policies in AIOU that students could get their study materials, assignments duration, workshops schedule and degrees in time, the teachers of the concerned departments should allow to take more in numbers the students under their supervision, the pay package for the teachers working at MPhil and PhD level should be raised and the opportunities for the faculty members to go.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to analyze the higher education system especially the distance learning system in Pakistan.Practical implicationsThis study has indicated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in higher education which the AIOU is facing recently and the policymakers can develop plans/strategies to make better the distance learning system especially at higher level in Pakistan. This study can be helpful for the stakeholders who are interested in distance learning system. This study was conducted at higher level in the distance learning system but it can open the ways for the other researchers to conduct research in other disciplines related to distance education, i.e. at matric level, F.A/F.SC, B.Sc programs, Master level and M.Sc programs at AIOU.Social implicationsThrough this study, it can be acknowledged how the AIOU is providing the opportunity of education to a large number of people in the society who cannot study regularly in the formal institutions especially those who are job holders, some financial problems and women who have some family problems and above one million people are benefitting from AIOU in Pakistan and world.Originality/valueThis study is original in this respect because the data has been collected from the participants, i.e. students and teachers of AIOU. And it has also great value because this is the first SWOT analysis which has been conducted in this university to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing AIOU at present time. This study can also become a base for the stakeholders', i.e. policymakers, administration and higher education depart. of Pakistan in developing strategies to improve and amend the distance learning system of Pakistan especially at higher level in AIOU.

Analysis of Online Workshop as a Medium of Instruction and Communication: A Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

Education is unavoidable for the survival of humans being. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, is one of the institutions which plays an effective role in the cause of education. The objective of the study is to see the perception and level of satisfaction of the students and Resource Persons (RPs) about the online workshop offered by the AIOU for the Spring Semester 2020 (SS-2020). Data was collected through questionnaires. The population consists of B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) students and RPs who have conducted the online workshop. A sample of 300 students, including 200 male, 100 female students and 20 RPs, were chosen for the study. A convenient sampling technique was applied to the study. The study was a descriptive quantitative in nature. The data were analyzed by applying percentages. Results revealed that the majority of the students and RPs were satisfied with the online workshop as it provided an inclusive environment of learning and supported their learning. It shows that online workshop plays a momentous role in the delivery of education. The study in hand was significant for the teachers and students of AIOU.

Analysis of Online Workshop as a Medium of Instruction and Communication: A Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

Education is unavoidable for the survival of humans being. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, is one of the institutions which plays an effective role in the cause of education. The objective of the study is to see the perception and level of satisfaction of the students and Resource Persons (RPs) about the online workshop offered by the AIOU for the Spring Semester 2020 (SS-2020). Data was collected through questionnaires. The population consists of B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) students and RPs who have conducted the online workshop. A sample of 300 students, including 200 male, 100 female students and 20 RPs, were chosen for the study. A convenient sampling technique was applied to the study. The study was a descriptive quantitative in nature. The data were analyzed by applying percentages. Results revealed that the majority of the students and RPs were satisfied with the online workshop as it provided an inclusive environment of learning and supported their learning. It shows that online workshop plays a momentous role in the delivery of education. The study in hand was significant for the teachers and students of AIOU.

Issues in Teachers’ Education through Distance Education: A Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) offers teacher education programs from Primary School Teacher to Doctor of Philosophy in Education. The current study is focused on B. Ed., 2-year M.Ed., and Associate Degree in Education (ADE). AIOU has rendered great services in the field of education and particularly teacher education. Distance education internationally is an established system of education but in the context of Pakistan there are certain issues in distant mode of education which if addressed, may improve quality in teacher education. The current study investigated issues from the perspectives of tutors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected from tutors in 03 districts through interviews. Interview was conducted with total of 20 tutors. The purpose of the study was to get an in-depth understanding of the issues and suggest recommendations for improvement of the teacher education through distance learning from AIOU and the distance education programs offered by other universities.

Issues in Teachers' Education through Distance Education: A Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan

Issues in Teachers' Education through Distance Education: A Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan

A Study to Explore the Coordination Level among Personnel of Servicing Departments at Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) having Mode of Distance Learning Education System is a Mega University of Pakistan due to its huge student’s enrollment i.e. more than 1.2 million in multiple programmes of Secondary level to Ph. D level in each semester. Coordination of personnel working in the different departments of any institution is a compulsory element for the achievement of objectives of the institution. Therefore it is necessary to explore the level of coordination among the employees of AIOU. The data was collected through questionnaire and interview from the Supervisory staff and officers BPS-09-19 working in servicing departments of AIOU. Total size of population was 105. The data obtained were interpreted and analyzed using the percentages and means scores. The study reflects lack of coordination among the officials of servicing departments, due to overload of work, lack of staff, non-availability of adequate space for working environment, non-availabilities of equipment/adequate system and lack of communications skills etc. The study recommends that the size of the regular staff may be increased in the servicing departments of AIOU as well as adequate space, facilities and equipment may be provided to those departments.

Beliefs of Prospective Teachers to Eliminate Social Problems of Pakistani Society

The paper contributes in exploring the beliefs of prospective teachers regarding nature, causes and solution of prevailing social problems of Pakistani society. Qualitative research method was used administering open ended questionnaire to 387 post graduate teacher education learners enrolled in Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan. Respondents were asked to write paragraphs about reasons and solution of different social problems including corruption, unemployment, gender discrimination, domestic and sectarian violence, women harassment, injustice and intolerance. Content analysis of the manuscripts reveals that future teachers are well aware of the existing social problems of the country and have suggestions to eliminate these problems. The student teachers propose expansion in the access of education; legislation and its strict implications to reduce different social crimes; social justice as well as thoughtful understanding of Islamic preaching to eliminate most of the current social problems from Pakistani society

Exploring the Role of Distributed Learning in Distance Education at Allama Iqbal Open University: Academic Challenges at Postgraduate Level

Distributed learning is derived from the concept of distributed resources. Different institutions around the globe connected through network and the learners are diverse, located in the different cultures and communities. Distributed learning provides global standards of quality to all learners through synchronous and asynchronous communications and provides the opportunity of flexible and independent learning with equity, low cost educational services and has become the first choice of the dispersed learners around the globe. The present study was undertaken to investigate the challenges faced by the Faculty Members of Department of Business Administration and Computer Science at Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad Pakistan. 25 Faculty Members were taken as sample of the study from both Departments (100% Sampling). The study was qualitative in nature and interview was the data collection tool. Data was analyzed by thematic analysis technique. The major challenges faced by the Faculty Members were as: bandwidth, synchronous learning activities, irregularity of the learners, feedback on individual work, designing and managing the learning activities, quality issues and training to use the network for teaching learning activities

Effectiveness Of M.A. Epm Program Launched Through Distance Education System Of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

The study focus the effectiveness of the M.A EPM progam launched through distance education system of AIOU. For this purpose the performance of heads of educational institutions with and without M.A EPM degree was analyzed keeping in view different major aspects i.e. planning strategies, managerial approaches, coordination, administration and use of financial resources. The population of the study consisted of heads of educational institutions with and without MA EPM degree in Punjab. It was found that the performance of heads with EPM degree was better while planning strategies, management, coordination, following govt. policies, preparing annual budget and using financial resources as compared to heads without EPM degree. On the basis of the conclusions of the study it was recommended that MA EPM degree may be declared compulsory for heads of educational institutions. All the universities may start MA EPM degree to fulfill the requirements of working and professional educational planners and managers of the country.

Role of Multimedia Tutorials in Distance Education

The researcher conducted the study in Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan to learn the effect of multimedia tutorial on learning in distance education programs. One hundred and twenty graduate students were selected as a sample for the research. The researcher divided the sample into two groups, experimental group and control group. Students of both groups used conventional printed learning material of the university during their study. However the experimental group, along with print material, benefited from multimedia tutorial of educational psychology (edupsych840). Results showed that students in the experimental group performed better than the students in the control group. The researcher found that multimedia tutorial increased learning. The study recommended that multimedia tutorial techniques may be used facetoface tutorial meeting between distance learners and teachers in distance education programs to enhance learning of students.

An Inquiry Into Benefits Of Reflective Practice In Open And Distance Learning

Innovations in learning with conscious thinking result in conceptual and effective learning. New strategies and techniques of learning aim at bringing about change in behavior that might help in solving problems of the individual at local and global level. This paper inquires into benefits of Reflective Practice in Open and Distance Learning in Pakistan. A questionnaire was administered among 40 students doing masters in Education, autumn 2009, at Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad. Collected data were analyzed by calculating percentage and Mean scores of each item. An interview was conducted to validate the quantitative data. Findings showed that Reflective Practice helped learner in solving their learning problems and learners were able to cope with problems with their conscious effort. The respondents were agreed that consultation with friends and discussion with senior colleagues benefited them in solving problems involved in their learning. The respondents acceded that counseling for selection of subjects and institution, their past experiences and selfreports were useful in teaching-learning process and solving their learning problems. The respondents were of the opinion that reflective practice helps in solving learning problems and in bringing improvement in their behavior. The findings also indicated that lack of counseling, time and resources caused problems in becoming reflective and committed person. Keeping the findings in view, it is recommended that reflective practice might be promoted among students with the help of counselors, teachers, senior students, books and journals. Extensive counseling be provided to students at postgraduate level and curricula should be made innovative.