Pakistani Education Research Articles

Guns better than education: political economy of defence, radical education policies, textbooks, and teachers’ outlook in Pakistan

ABSTRACT The proliferation of religious radicalism within Pakistani education has sparked increasing concern, with significant implications both locally and globally. Current scholarship has primarily focused on education policies and textbooks, often overlooking the complex entanglement between the political economy of defence, the influence of military and economic elites, and the particularisation of radical national and religious narratives. This article uses qualitative methods and purposive sampling to explore how these intertwined forces have radicalised education policies and school textbooks. The research reveals a deep historical nexus between the military apparatus, religious groups, and the state’s educational agenda, fuelling radical ideologies among public schools and madrassah (religious school) teachers. The article elucidates how these power structures have shaped educational discourse in Pakistan by examining this entanglement through the lens of Foucauldian governmentality. The findings underscore the critical societal implications of understanding these dynamics, particularly given teachers’ significant role in shaping students’ worldviews. This study offers valuable insights for international policy analysts, educators, and scholars concerned with the intersection of defence, politics, and education.

Determinants Of English Language Anxiety With Respect To Educational Background Among Undergraduate University Students: A Comparative Study

A large group of English language students especially students belonging to all educational levels are anxious in language education progression. Several studies have deduced that anxiety can be an obstacle to success in second or foreign language learning. The purpose of this study was to compare language anxiety of different educational[1] background in Pakistani education system. The research undermines a quantitative research methodology follows a deductive approach. For this research, the target population was undergraduate students of different educational backgrounds of private University. The sampling technique for this research was Purposive Sampling. The sample size for this study was 349 whereas; the data was collected through primary sources. The collected data was then analyzed through Pearson Correlation tests, T tests. The reliability of the data was analyzed through Cronbach Alpha. Since this study was a comparative study, in this regard the research paper attempted to compare the test anxiety of students of Matric system with the Cambridge System. Essentially, there is a very slight difference in the levels of language anxiety between matric and Cambridge students of Private Universities of Karachi. Like previous conducted research this study also revealed that nonnative language especially in higher level i.e. in university level is the most anxiety exasperating second language skill.

21st Century Skills Through STEAM Education: Analysis of School Leaders’ Perspectives

STEAM is an educational approach that strive for developing students’ STEAM skills to meet the demands of the global workforce. This research examined the role of STEAM education in developing 21st century skills, and the factors influencing the integration of STEAM education in the Pakistani education system. It was a descriptive research. A sample of 100 school leaders, 52 male and 48 female, using a simple random method was selected. Researchers made questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection after confirming its validity and reliability. The instrument's reliability (α =.87) was calculated. The collected data were analyzed it using SPSS (version 26). This study revealed that the majority of the school leaders agreed about developing 21st century skills through STEAM education such as technology and information literacies, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, social and civic literacy and responsibility. Most of the leaders also agreed regarding the factors influencing the integration of STEAM education in the Pakistani education system, such as lack of resources and infrastructure, ineffective teacher training, traditional teaching methods, cultural barriers, lack of awareness, lack of budget, traditional testing system, limited collaboration with industry, language barriers, and lack of clear guidance in policy and curriculum. Both Male and female leaders were agreed equally regarding 21st century skills and factors influencing integration of STEAM education. This study recommends that Ministry of Education should minimize the aforementioned factors in order to ensure the effective integration of STEAM education in Pakistani education system and in order to develop 21st century skills among students.

Employee Green Behaviour in Pakistani Education Sector: Does Green Perceived Organisational Support Mediate the Relation between Green Human Resource Management and Employee Green Behaviours?

Human inappropriate behaviour is being criticised for changing the climate because it wastes resources, pollutes water and contaminates the air, thereby demeaning the environment. To contribute to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals for 2019, companies have begun to focus on green human resource initiatives to promote green perspectives in their employees. In this regard, green human resource management may assist companies in motivating their employees towards environmentally friendly practices, but green perceived organisational support remains unexplored in this context. To address this gap, based on the theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to investigate the effect of green human resource management on employee green behaviour through the mediation effect of green perceived organisational support in the higher education sector of Pakistan. The questionnaire survey was used to collect data from the employees of the higher education sector. Findings show that green human resource management is a strong predictor of employee green behaviour, while green perceived organisational support is a significant mediator between green human resource management and employee green behaviour. Theoretical implications and practical significance have been addressed in this study.

Constructing the 'New Worker-Self': Discursive Strategies in 'English Works!' Program brochures within the Pakistani Education System

In the context of globalization, the emergence of the "new worker-self" archetype has gained attention, with English proficiency playing a crucial role in Pakistan's socio-economic landscape. This study examines the 'English Works!' program brochures using Foucauldian theory to understand the construction of the "new worker-self" narrative and its alignment with global discourses. Through discursive strategies like student testimonials and skills emphasis, the brochures promote individual agency and market-oriented skills. However, this focus on skills may overlook structural inequalities and broader educational goals, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to education. The study contributes to understanding the interplay of neoliberal ideologies, skills acquisition, and subjectivities in the global labor market.

Revival of Islamic Values in Pakistani Education: Challenges and Potential Solutions

Quality Education plays an important role in the progress and development of every country. Without Education nation and society can achieve its goals. Educated people can set an exemplary society because education used as strong weapon in awareness of mental capabilities and progress. If the education system be effective and free of errors, the education will be more standardized. We are living in an Islamic country so educational and other policies and systems should be on Islamic values. Importance of Education is realized by this Hadith" Get Education, Even If you have to travel to china" We analyze the success of implementation of Islamic Values should by contracting them in four terms e. g educational, political, social and economical. This is the true reality that every nation and country can achieve its targets in the light of his "settled values and goals”. In this article We analyze, how we can implement Islamic values in education system and the solution of problems and hurdles achieving the goals of Islamic values.If the education be in accordance of Islam and Islamic values. We can prosper in such a good way that no one compete us, and challenge us. We can change the world as no other religion and nation can be equal to Islam

Institutionalizing Civic Engagement through Skilled Civic Education: A Critical Analysis of Youth Development and Education Policies in Punjab Pakistan

ABSTRACT: This study critically examines the intricate relationship between youth development and educational policies within the evolving societal landscape of Punjab, Pakistan. Positioned at a pivotal juncture of societal transformation, the study rigorously examines the institutional frameworks in education that influence civic engagement among the youth, thoroughly inspecting the existing policies in place. The primary objective is to discern the key drivers and obstacles impeding the institutionalization of civic engagement within the Pakistani education system. Special attention is given to the impact of both curricular and extracurricular initiatives on youth development, highlighting their potential to instill civic responsibility.
 Purpose: This article engages with theoretical frameworks that underpin skilled civic education, delving into the broader implications of cultivating an informed and responsible citizenry.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a descriptive approach and qualitative methodology, the investigation aims to comprehensively analyze the policy landscape.
 Findings: The verdicts of this research make an extensive input to the ongoing discourse on skilled civic education and youth development in Punjab.
 Implications/Originality/Value: This article concludes with challenges and actionable commendations tailored for policy makers, educators and stakeholders offering insights to enhance the institutionalization of civic engagement through skilled civic education in the region

Public and Private Schooling and Religious Socialization in Secondary School Students

Religion is the main component of the Pakistani Education system. It is important to understand the role of schooling in religious socialization of the students. The study aimed to compare the role of public and private schooling in religious socialization of secondary school students. Quantitative research design was followed to achieve the objectives. Researchers developed a 36 items questionnaire to collect data from secondary school students enrolled in public and private secondary schools. The questionnaire consisted of 6 factors including curriculum, teacher, co-curricular activities, school management, class fellows and parents-teacher interaction. The share of the participants was equal for male, female and rural, urban students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed that public and private secondary schools played an important role in promoting religious socialization among students. However, there was a significant difference in the perceptions of male and female secondary school students about their religious socialization at schools.

An Exploratory Study of Inter/Multicultural Education System in Higher Education Institutions of Sindh: Education Leaders’ Perceptions vs. Realities

An exploratory study was conducted to gauge leaders’ perceptions against realities in higher education institutions thatobserve inter/multicultural education system in Sindh, Pakistan. Since the study was purely qualitative, the data obtainedthrough the semi-structured interview was coded first, and then further themes emerged under different codes. The codesthat appear from the data included Leaders’ perception and interpretations, the effect of leadership approaches towardsintercultural harmony and optimization of intercultural education at HEIs, and Practices and challenges in promotingintercultural education at HEIs. Findings of the study revealed that the education leaders try their level best to facilitateand empower inter/multicultural education system, yet they fail because of the Quota system and other socio-politicalfactors that rule Pakistani education systems. The study also established that educational leadership has a differentperspective on leadership styles that should be adopted by leaders in promoting inter/multicultural education system fromwhat literature in the field in asserting on. Most importantly, education leaders have conjectured upon the role mindsetplays in promoting the inter/multicultural education systems in HEIs; undergraduates should be taught about openness,celebrating diversity, and Education leaders are the direct beneficiaries of the study. However, this study will also besignificant for students and teachers alike. As promoting an open culture that fosters peace and harmony among students,teachers and administrators, both nationally and internationally would open doors of opportunities for everyone. Pakistaniuniversities and its employees would get a chance of studying in semester exchange programs, teacher trainings, andleadership in education programs will be promoted and facilitated in Pakistan and Pakistani teachers and leaders wouldalso get a chance to study or get trainings abroad.

Investigating Factors Causing English Writing Anxiety among Undergraduate Students of Balochistan, Pakistan

One of the primary skills of language is writing which has a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, particularly in Pakistani education system. Students experience various levels and types of anxiety while writing an academic English essay, which could affect their performance negatively. In order to determine the reasons of writing anxiety of SBKWU’s BS students, the current research study focuses on examining the types and levels of writing anxiety among Baluchistan undergraduate students. This quantitative study’s theoretical foundation was the Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope (1986) hypothesis of language anxiety. The participants of the study included 100 SBK Women University Quetta undergraduate students. Two groups—50 students randomly chosen from BS first semester and 50 students from BS eighth semester at University in Balochistan, Pakistan. The questionnaire used was modified from (Cheng, 2004) and the data was evaluated through SPSS. The study’s findings demonstrated that first-semester students experience greater anxiety, heart palpitations, mental blankness, and shivering when they start writing. There was a fear of receiving bad grade, panic attacks, avoidance of situations, and their thoughts became confused when they wrote in English.

Assessment Rubrics as Effective Feedback: Prospective Teachers' Perceptions and Practices

This paper examines the receptiveness among prospective teachers for rubrics as effective feedback for learning and assessment. It also investigates the dispositions among prospective teachers toward the practice of rubrics in their future classrooms. It uses a qualitative research approach and collects data from 15 participants who were selected through a purposive sampling method from four universities. The data is analyzed using NVivo 12 Pro, and themes are derived and calculated based on the frequency of responses. The paper finds that using rubrics for grading has various benefits for both prospective teachers and their learners, such as improvement in grades, motivation, awareness, feedback, support, skillfulness, quality, time management, critical thinking, etc. The paper also finds that there are some challenges and gaps in the implementation and practice of rubrics in the Pakistani education system.

THE STUDY TO EXAMINE THE DIFFICULTIES’ OF STUDENTS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOLS DISTRICT JAFFARABAD, SOHBATPUR AND NASEERABAD

Urdu is national language of Pakistan but English enjoys the status of second language. English is mandatory subject which is being taught from primary to university level in Pakistan. In Pakistani education system, after clearing secondary education, the whole subjects are being taught in English language at higher secondary, bachelor, graduation, master’s and doctorate level in all public and private educational institutions. The medium of instructions and medium of communication at higher education is in English language. The study focused on students in government high schools district Jaffarabad, Sohbatpur and Naseerabad Baluchistan faced by more difficulties in English language because school is existing in a rural area of Baluchistan. This research was examined the difficulties in learning English language in Baluchistan and researcher made proper suggestions that help students to make their learning easy in view point of Pakistani context of learning. Quantitative data was collected from survey questionnaire and qualitative data conducted through semistructure interview. Data was analyzed through SPSS, excel and thematic analysis The sample of investigation were collected from 240 students in government high schools. The students are facing different difficulties in different learning areas which need highly consideration to solved.

Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Teacher's Performance in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

This study examines how emotional intelligence affects higher education teachers in Pakistan. Emotional intelligence shapes teacher-student relationships and classroom dynamics. The quantitative descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The respondents were 350 teachers from higher education institutions. The data were collected through a questionnaire to determine how emotional intelligence affects classroom management, communication, and teacher-student relationships. The data were analyzed by applying Pearson correlation and Regression Analysis. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between emotional intelligence and classroom management practices (r = 0.62) and effective communication skills (r = 0.68). Additionally, there is a moderate to strong positive correlation (r = 0.68) between emotional intelligence and teacher-student relationships. The regression analysis confirms emotional intelligence significantly predicts the quality of teacher-student relationships (β = 0.50, p < 0.001). The findings emphasize the relevance of emotional intelligence in higher education teachers to increase performance and provide a more supportive learning environment. Emotional intelligence training in teacher education and professional development can improve Pakistani education.

ADDRESSING GENDER DISPARITIES IN EDUCATION: EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

This abstract aims to address gender disparities in education and explore the role of empowering girls through education in Pakistan. The study focuses on examining the impact of educational interventions on girls' empowerment and the potential for reducing gender inequalities in the Pakistani education system. The quantitative research methodology involved analysis techniques. A sample of 200 school teachers, 200 students, and 50 parents were selected from different regions of Pakistan to ensure representation. The surveys assess the perceptions, attitudes, and challenges related to girls' education, The collected data were analyzed using statistical methods, and content analysis. This research methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of the issues and potential solutions, contributing to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions to promote gender equality in education. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess the girls' educational experiences, aspirations, and perceptions of gender equality. The findings reveal the existence of significant gender disparities in education within the selected schools. Factors such as limited access to educational resources, societal norms, and discriminatory practices were identified as barriers hindering girls' educational advancement. However, the research highlights the transformative power of education in empowering girls and promoting gender equality. It was observed that educational interventions contributed to increased self-confidence, improved academic performance, and enhanced decision-making skills among the girls.
 The study concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy measures to address gender disparities in education. It recommends implementing targeted interventions, including providing safe and inclusive learning environments, teacher training on gender-sensitive pedagogy, and community engagement programs. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of sensitizing parents, communities, and policymakers about the value of girls' education and the positive social impact it can have.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCALE (SEDS) TO MEASURE SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF 5th GRADE STUDENTS

ocio-emotional development is a very important aspect of students’ personality. In Pakistani education the system the priority of teachers and parents’ is to develop cognitive abilities. Teachers and school administration often found difficulty to assess their students’ socio-emotional development. Socio-emotional development is ignored domain in many schools of Pakistan. This research focused to develop a self-report scale for students’ socio-emotional development. 74 items were prepared against 8 domain elements of socio-emotional development after going through validity and reliability process 30 items were finalized against 6 domain elements of socio-emotional development. The findings indicated Keywords: Socio-emotional development, domain elements

Religion, politics and science education in Pakistan: Analysis of Islamisation of science textbooks in tribal districts

Historically, education has largely been used for political gains and to strengthen positions of power. Similarly, ruling elites in Pakistan achieve their political interests by using education as a tool. This study problematised the religious content in the secondary school science textbooks of the national curriculum. This was illustrated in the context of the post-conflict scenario of 11 September 2001 (9/11) in the newly merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A thematic analysis of the content of the science textbooks (physics and biology) was used to develop the findings of this study. This was supported by field data gathered from students’ experiences and interactions with the sample textbooks. By incorporating Foucault’s concept of the ‘regime of truth’ and Talbani’s conceptualisation of Islamisation, the study found the use of the Qur’anic verses in the sampled textbooks to be influential ‘technologies of power and self’ to Islamise science and scientify Islam to prove it as a scientific religion. In addition, it makes education increasingly irrelevant to changing socio-economic realities and aspirations among students.Contribution: The study can contribute both to theory and practice. By Islamising science education and instilling obscurantism in textbooks for schools, there is a substantial sociopolitical impact, as well as a negative impact on students’ critical thinking skills. The policymakers and actors in the Pakistani education system should therefore pay close attention to this issue. Unless the current educational system is changed, a number of generations will experience stunted growth that will be nearly impossible to reverse in the future.

Language Medium Dynamics in Pakistani Education: A Historical Analysis

Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Siraiki, and Baluchi are Pakistan's main languages. Although Urdu is the national language, English is still spoken in significant areas like higher bureaucracy and the armed forces officer corps, a remnant of British colonialism. This manuscript examines Pakistan's language medium dispute regarding English-only schooling for the privileged before partition. An English-educated Anglicized elite was expected to maintain British rule in their own interests, strengthening the empire. Thus, most provinces taught the masses in Urdu, save Sind, where Sindhi was used. This method produced a cost-effective subordinate workforce. In modern Pakistan, the elite attend exclusive English-medium schools, whereas most other schools, especially in metropolitan Sind, have a large Urdu population and teach in Urdu. The indigenously educated proto-elite, mostly Urdu-trained, opposes this duality and wants Urdu as the medium of education. Their argument is that such a transition will help them rise in power, countering the current preference for English education.

The Role of NGOs in Pakistani Education

This paper provides a thorough review of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to enhancing education in Pakistan, exploring the current educational landscape in the country. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the findings highlight that the educational conditions for the less privileged have not seen substantial improvements nationwide, with a specific emphasis on Pakistan. This study holds significance given the ongoing debates among various stakeholders, including the government, regarding the efficacy of NGOs in the education sector. Despite NGOs proclaiming success, particularly in Pakistan, this research prompts further inquiry to scrutinize and substantiate the assertions made by these organizations, suggesting a need for additional research to assess the actual impact of NGO efforts in the realm of education within the country.

Pakistani Teachers' Perceptions of Moral Education through Teaching of Islamic Studies: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative research explored the perspectives of Islamiat (religious education) teachers regarding moral values, teaching practices, and the challenges faced in moral education in the three main Pakistani education sectors, namely Madaris (religious seminaries), Public and Private schools. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with six secondary-level Islamiat teachers, two from each education sector. Findings revealed that all teachers believed Quran and Hadith to be the main sources of morality. They focused on imbibing moral development only through lectures, sparse questions-answer sessions, the narration of stories and examinations. Moreover, they did not advocate the Islamic virtues of peace, tolerance, and human rights. Also, they expressed negative views of other religions and Western social practices. Among the challenges, participants considered an unsupportive social environment and unsupervised internet access as challenges to moral development. Hence, the study recommends that Islamiat teachers should broaden their perspectives and use interactive and cooperative teaching strategies. Moreover, teachers should be provided professional training for the effective moral development of students through Islamic studies.

How appreciative leadership affects employees' helping behaviors? The mediating role of emotions and the moderating role of organizational trust

PurposeThis study, based on social exchange theory, aims to explore the association between appreciative leadership and employees' helping behaviors by investigating the mediation role of emotional reactions (pride, anxiety), and choosing organizational trust as a boundary condition between appreciative leadership and helping behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA total sample of 285 reliable questionnaires were collected in three time lags from employees working in the Pakistani education and banking sectors. PROCESS macro using SPSS and AMOS are employed for data analyses of the proposed model.FindingsThe findings reveal that appreciative leadership has positive impacts on employees' helping behaviors and emotional reactions (pride, anxiety) mediate the relationship of appreciative leadership and employees' helping behaviors. In addition, the results show that high organizational trust strengthens the positive relationship between appreciative leadership and employees' helping behaviors.Practical implicationsThis research has provided empirical proof between the relationship of appreciative leadership and helping behaviors and the findings are of great significance for managers, employees, and organizations. The study proposes that leaders should have appreciative behavior while treating their subordinates. Moreover, it is revealed that the role of organizational trust should be given more attention and importance because it is a factor moderating the employees' helping behaviors.Originality/valueThe present study, among the first empirical efforts investigating the relationship between appreciative leadership and helping behaviors, organizational trust as a moderator, enriches the existing academic literature of and provides worthy insight into the research on appreciative leadership and helping behaviors.