Assignment No.1 (8626)
Assignment No.1 (8626)
Q.1:
Describe the concept of teachers training. Highlight its need
and scope for Education system.
Answer:
Concept of Teacher Training:
Teachers are a significant part of everyone’s life as they have the power to mould young minds,
inspire lifelong learning, and empower students to reach their full potential. However, the
effectiveness of educators in the classrooms does not only depend on their innate abilities – they
are improved and refined through an all-inclusive process called the teacher training program.
The concept of teacher training in the education system is critical, encompassing extensive
strategies, methodologies, and professional development opportunities. The program equips
teachers with the essential skills, knowledge, and pedagogical approaches to cultivate optimal
learning experiences for their students. The concept of teacher training programs does not only
impart subject competencies, but also delves into classroom management, instructional techniques,
assessment methodologies, and the incorporation of advanced technologies.
Any support and capacity building which enables teachers and other education personnel to
effectively instruct and assess learners on the curricula. Teacher development programs are based
on actual and evolving needs of both teachers and learners. There should be a clear link between
the curriculum, learning rights, needs of students and their families, and teacher training and
continued teacher support. Teachers and other education personnel should receive periodic,
relevant, and structured training according to needs and circumstances. Pre-service training refers
to the training teachers receive before entering a classroom and beginning to teach. In-service
training refers to the continued training opportunities given to teachers after they have begun
teaching in classrooms. The benefits of teacher training program are as follows:
• Gaining lots of practical classroom experience as you learn, so you’re ready for classroom
teaching as soon as you qualify.
• Benefitting from the training curriculum of an Ofsted rated Outstanding provider.
• Building your practice over time using techniques backed by the latest research and
evidence in effective teacher development.
• Having access to experienced and expert mentors and support throughout your journey to
teaching.
• Join the 40,000 teachers and school leaders that are already developing through Ambition,
who are all pushing towards the same outcome, and driving the sector forwards.
• In short, it means a teacher training programme that will best support you to become an
excellent teacher who can make a difference from your first day in the classroom.
Components of Teacher Training Programs Empowering Educators and
Enriching Minds:
Teacher training programs incorporate several key components to offer exhaustive development
for educators. By incorporating these vital components, the government aims to empower teachers
with the skills, knowledge, and resources required to forge meaningful and impactful learning
experiences for their learners. Some of the key components found in the teacher training programs
are as follows:
i. Pedagogical Knowledge:
Teacher training programs emphasise equipping teachers with an in-depth understanding of
pedagogical theories and practices, including curriculum development, knowledge of instructional
strategies, lesson planning, and constructive teaching methods.
v. Professional Development:
Teacher training programs provide opportunities for teachers to engage in ongoing professional
development and conferences, attend workshops, collaborate with colleagues, and stay up-to-date
on the latest and best practices in education.
In this article
The new approach to education increases the need to professionalize the act of teaching. The
reform of the education system introduces several elements that will affect the role of teachers and
the nature and significance of the competencies required to teach. Briefly, these elements are:
increased autonomy for schools, an approach to learning that places the student at the heart of the
learning process, a competency-based approach to the design of teacher training programs, multi-
year cycles in schools, and the policy of adapting schools to the needs of all students.
Teacher effectiveness is the result of effective teaching. Aspects of effective teaching include:
• Having a positive attitude.
• The development of a pleasant social / psychological climate in the classroom.
• Having high expectations of what pupils can achieve.
• Lesson clarity.
• Effective time management.
• Strong lesson structuring.
• The use of a variety of teaching methods.
• Using and incorporating pupil ideas.
• Using appropriate and varied questioning.
As Manger:
• To plan and deliver activities that meet students requirements and interest.
• To develop skills of time management, classroom management, and material management.
Teachers play a crucial role as managers in the classroom setting. They are responsible for creating
a positive and productive learning environment, managing resources effectively, and ensuring
smooth operations within the classroom. As managers, teachers establish clear expectations and
guidelines for behavior and academic performance. They set goals and objectives for their students
and create lesson plans to guide instruction. By effectively managing their time and resources,
teachers ensure that they cover the necessary curriculum and provide ample opportunities for
student engagement and learning.
Teachers also manage classroom dynamics and promote a sense of community and inclusivity.
They foster positive relationships with their students, encourage collaboration, and address any
conflicts or challenges that may arise. By creating a supportive and respectful classroom
environment, teachers facilitate effective communication and enhance the overall learning
experience for their students. Additionally, teachers manage the assessment and evaluation
process. They design and administer tests and assignments to measure student progress and
provide feedback on their performance. By analyzing this data, teachers can identify areas of
strength and areas that need improvement, enabling them to tailor their instruction to meet the
individual needs of their students.
In summary, teachers play a multifaceted role as managers in the classroom. They create a
conducive learning environment, manage resources effectively, foster positive relationships, and
assess student progress. Through their management skills, teachers ensure that students have the
best possible learning experience and maximize their academic potential.
Facilitator:
• To facilitates learning by being creative and organized in planning daily classes.
• To plan appropriate programme for exceptional students those who need extra help.
As a facilitator, a teacher guides and supports students in their learning journey. Rather than being
the sole source of information, the teacher creates opportunities for students to explore, discover,
and construct knowledge themselves. Teachers as facilitators encourage active participation and
engagement from students. They design activities and lessons that promote critical thinking,
problem-solving, and collaboration. By fostering a student-centered approach, teachers empower
students to take ownership of their learning and become independent thinkers.
In this role, teachers also provide guidance and support to students. They ask thought-provoking
questions, offer resources, and facilitate discussions to deepen understanding and encourage
reflection. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, teachers ensure that all students feel
comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Furthermore, teachers as facilitators adapt their
teaching methods to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of their students. They differentiate
instruction, provide individualized support, and offer opportunities for students to explore topics
of interest. By recognizing and valuing each student’s unique strengths and abilities, teachers
create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
In summary, as facilitators, teachers empower students to become active participants in their own
learning. They create engaging and interactive experiences, provide guidance and support, and
adapt their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students. By embracing this role,
teachers foster a love for learning and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in an
ever-changing world.
AS Evaluator:
• To continue to set and correct homework.
• To evaluate students’ progress and discuss results with students, parents and other teacher.
• To participate in staff meeting, workshops for continuing professional development.
As an evaluator, teachers assess student learning and provide feedback to guide their progress.
They use various assessment methods to measure student achievement, such as tests, quizzes,
projects, and observations. Teachers analyze student performance to identify areas of strength and
areas that need improvement. They evaluate students’ understanding of concepts, application of
knowledge, and mastery of skills. By assessing student work, teachers can determine if the
instructional strategies and materials are effective and make adjustments as needed.
In addition to evaluating student performance, teachers provide constructive feedback to help
students grow and develop. They offer specific and actionable suggestions for improvement,
highlighting areas where students excel and offering guidance on how to enhance their
understanding or skills. Teachers also use assessment data to inform their instructional decisions.
By analyzing student performance, they can identify areas where additional support or enrichment
is needed. This allows them to tailor their teaching to meet the individual needs of their students
and provide targeted interventions or extensions.
Overall, the role of a teacher as an evaluator is to assess student learning, provide feedback for
improvement, and use assessment data to inform instructional decisions. By evaluating student
performance and offering constructive feedback, teachers help students progress and achieve their
full potential.
Self-awareness:
• Socially warm and friendly.
• Intellectually love for teaching.
• Confident.
• Accept challenges.
Teachers play a crucial role in fostering self-awareness in students. By creating a supportive and
inclusive learning environment, teachers help students develop a deeper understanding of
themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. Teachers encourage self-reflection by
providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, values, and goals. They may engage
students in activities that promote self-discovery, such as journaling, self-assessments, or group
discussions. Through these activities, students can gain insights into their own abilities,
preferences, and areas for growth.
Teachers also help students recognize and manage their emotions. They create a safe space where
students feel comfortable expressing their feelings and thoughts. By teaching emotional
intelligence skills, such as self-regulation and empathy, teachers support students in understanding
and managing their emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. Furthermore, teachers promote
self-confidence and self-esteem by recognizing and celebrating students’ achievements and efforts.
They provide constructive feedback that helps students recognize their strengths and areas for
improvement. By fostering a growth mind-set, teachers encourage students to embrace challenges
and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
In summary, teachers play a vital role in promoting self-awareness in students. They create a
supportive environment that encourages self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and self-
confidence. By helping students understand themselves better, teachers empower them to make
informed decisions, set meaningful goals, and navigate their personal and academic journey with
greater self-awareness.
Professionalism:
• To be specialist in subject.
• Having in-depth and update knowledge.
• Having appropriate teaching skills.
• Using innovative methods of teaching.
• Diagnostic skills.
• Communication skills.
• Understand the need and Characteristics of students.
• Planning.
In the role of professionalism, teachers demonstrate a high level of competence, integrity, and
dedication in their work. They uphold ethical standards and maintain a positive and respectful
attitude towards students, colleagues, and the profession as a whole. Teachers exhibit
professionalism by being punctual and prepared for their lessons, ensuring that they have a well-
structured and engaging learning environment for their students. They communicate effectively
and professionally with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering open lines of communication
and collaboration.
Teachers also prioritize professional development, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance
their knowledge and skills. They stay updated with the latest research and best practices in
education, incorporating innovative strategies and technologies into their teaching.
Professionalism in teaching also entails maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of
students and their families. Teachers handle sensitive information with care and adhere to legal
and ethical guidelines regarding student records and data. Furthermore, teachers demonstrate
professionalism by being fair and impartial in their assessments and evaluations. They provide
timely and constructive feedback to students, ensuring that their assessments are based on clear
criteria and standards.
Lastly, teachers are role models for their students. They exhibit professionalism by modeling
positive behaviors, such as honesty, responsibility, and respect. They promote a culture of
inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance in the classroom, treating all students with fairness and
dignity. Overall, professionalism in teaching encompasses competence, integrity, dedication,
continuous improvement, effective communication, confidentiality, fairness, and being a positive
role model. By embodying these qualities, teachers create a professional and supportive learning
environment that fosters student growth and success.
Social:
• To develop interpersonal and interactive skills.
• To have leadership quality.
• Inspired people.
• Love and kindness for other.
Teachers and education are closely related to each other. But, what does teacher education stand
for? What is the definition of teacher education? This blog will throw light on the concept of
teacher education and the importance of teacher education. The major aim of teacher education is
focused on imparting training to the teachers, with the main purpose of achieving effective
academic outcomes. As we all know, teachers play an important role in the effective growth and
development of the students. Therefore, to ensure that teachers are doing their duties up to the
required standard, it is important for them to enhance their skills and qualities. A holistic
advancement is necessary and as we have mentioned time and again, teaching and learning go
hand in hand. Both are counterparts. One cannot exist without the other. The major role of teachers
is not just to achieve the desired goals and objectives of the educational institutions but also to
promote the welfare of society. They play a key role in shaping the future generation and that is
why teacher education is necessary.
Q.2:
Examine the role of teacher in the light of Quran and Hadith.
Answer:
Allah and His Prophets teach us to be obedient and listen to our teachers in order to be successful
in life. Teachers are those people who are not kings themselves but who make others kings. Islam
lays great emphasis on knowledge. Our teachers, our educators, and our masters make us what we
dream about. Islam has paid considerable attention to teachers and has granted them one of the
highest ranks in society. Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah orders you to render the trusts to their owners, and when you
judge between the people to judge with justice. Indeed, Allah excellently
advises you with it. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:58)
All the Prophets played the role of a teacher by teaching and guiding their nations towards the
religion of Allah and righteousness. This automatically raises the status of teachers to greatness,
since it was the profession of the Holy Prophets. The Prophet cared for teachers and showed their
elevated standings. Teaching is one of the most respectful and valuable professions in the world.
In religion Islam, this profession has more importance as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
introduced himself as a teacher. Allah says:
“We sent among you a Messenger from you (who) recites to you Our verses
and purifies you and teaches you the Book and the wisdom and teaches
you what not you were knowing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 151)
Teaching is one of the most respected and valued professions in the world. A teacher is always
considered a highly honoured person in every religion. No matter from which religion or society
you belong, you always show respect and honour to people who teach you things. Especially in
Islam, a teacher has the highest rank among all professions. It is like Sadqa Jariyah because when
you teach something to someone, that knowledge goes to longer terms. Allah says:
“And obey God and His Messenger, that you may receive mercy.”
(Surah Al Imran 3:132)
Islam has given a lot of importance to a teacher. There is a famous saying of Hazrat Ali (RA) in
which he said that if a person teaches me one single word, he has made me his servant for a lifetime.
A teacher is the person who shapes the personality, opens one’s mind and guides him or her towards
the right path; in short, a teacher helps in moulding a person’s personality as well as character. The
role of a teacher is really significant in Islam:
• A teacher is responsible for forming the student’s personality.
• A teacher emphasizes their rights on various occasions.
• A teacher is happy when their student succeed in life.
• A teacher has great importance in building a nation.
• A teacher helps learners to fulfil their potential.
• A teacher has a positive impact on their pupils.
• A teacher helps the child to resolve problems.
• A teacher has a significant role in Islam.
• A teacher helps us remember Allah.
• A teacher acts as a mentor.
• A teacher acts as a role model.
• A teacher has great value in Islam.
• A teacher is often likened to the parent.
• A teacher loves teaching their students.
• A teacher has a high rank in the society.
• A teacher is a good influence on children.
• A teacher builds a friendly class environment.
• A teacher grooms a child and makes his personality.
• A teacher should not discriminate or give preference.
• A teacher is the most influential person in the society.
• A teacher ensure fairness in his dealings with the students.
A teacher is the person who not only shapes you but also grooms you, looks after you, teaches
you everything you need to know and loves you like your own parents. Not only the society but
also our religion, Islam, emphasizes the importance of teachers. Teachers play the most
significant role in a student’s life. Starting from a really young age, a teacher grasps the student’s
finger and takes him or her to the point where he or she is successful. Allah says:
“May our Lord send them a messenger from among them who recites
Your revelations, teaching them the Book and wisdom, and purify
them. You are the Almighty, the Wise.”
(Surat Al-Baqarah 2:129 )
A teacher himself is only a teacher but has the capacity to teach us everything. The importance of
teachers cannot be mentioned in a word, a paragraph or even an essay. According to Islamic
teaching, anyone who conveys a single good message becomes a teacher to the other person. This
is why it is necessary to spread good and help people remember Allah.
• A teacher teaches the person so he has some rights some of them are mentioned below:
• Teachers should have freedom of expression, obstacles and intervention should be cleared
• Teachers should acquire and utilize learning facilities and infrastructure
• Teachers should get good treatment to make their job easier
• Teachers should have freedom in giving judgment
• Teachers should get physical and spiritual needs
• Teachers should get respect from other people
• A teacher is the spiritual father of the student
• Teachers should have freedom in giving judgment
• Teachers should get physical and spiritual needs
• Teachers should get good treatment to make their job easier
• Teachers should acquire and utilize learning facilities and infrastructure
• The teacher is the one who provides spiritual nourishment and improves the behaviour of
learners
• Teacher lead his pupil means it’s the duty of the teacher to make his student smarter and
have a good Akhlaq
• We need to respect the teacher who is willing to give us the knowledge
• We should appreciate teachers for their great work. We get rewards and appreciation
Teaching is a profession that is respected by all religions and all societies of the world and a teacher
enjoys a status higher than many individuals of the community. Islam teaches us to respect our
teachers, listen to them and be dutiful. Islam tells us how our teachers consume themselves to pave
the way for their students. A good teacher is one who will put in an effort no matter what the
situation is and light the way for his students in every situation and circumstance. Allah Almighty
says in the Holy Book Quran:
“I do believe in your Lord, so listen to me.” (Quran,36:25)
“He (Allah) taught man what he did not know.” (Quran,96:5)
“We will make you recite, and you will not forget,” (Quran,87:6)
“Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from God.” (Quran,3:5 ).
“Such people are guided by their Lord and are successful.” (Quran,2:5)
“Allah elevates to high positions those from amongst you who are
faithful and those who have acquired knowledge.” (Quran, 58:11)
Islam focuses and emphasizes the respect of teachers so much. A teacher is the person who shapes
the personality, opens one’s mind and guides him or her towards the right path, in short, a teacher
helps in moulding the person’s personality as well as the character. Teachers play the most
significant role in a student’s life. Allah says:
“God makes it all good news for you so that your hearts will be at peace
in Him. Victory is only from God, the Almighty, the Wise.”
(Surah Al Imran 3:126)
Allah gives teachers the second-highest rank after our parents because they are the reason we learn
and be what we want to be. Allah assists him in achieving his or her goals. Our teachers, our
educators, and our masters make us what we dream about. They tell us the difference between right
and wrong. So, it is our duty to respect them and do as they say. Allah says:
“We have not taught him poetry, nor is it fitting for him. This ˹Book˺
is only a Reminder and a clear Quran.”
(Surat Ya-Sin 36:69)
Seeking knowledge is a duty that is imposed upon every male and female Muslim. It is most surely
that Allah loves seekers of knowledge. Islam focuses and emphasises the respect of teachers so
much. And it is our duty as Muslims to respect, value and obey our teachers to earn Heaven
(Jannah) ultimately. Islam teaches us to respect our teachers, listen to them and be dutiful. Teaching
is one of the most respectful and valuable professions in the world. In Islam the profession of
teacher has more importance as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) introduced himself as a
teacher. Teachers are one of the most influential people in society and have great importance in
modern society. Teachers bear the responsibility of molding student’s personalities and educating
them. Teachers are considered the most honoured person in every religion. Due to the important
role of teachers, Islam has granted high status and rights to teachers. Islam has paid great attention
to teachers for their being the first brick in the structure of social development and perfection and
the cause of guiding and developing behaviours and mentalities of individuals and communities.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said that, “Sleep of a Scholar is superior to one thousand Rakat’s
of prayers offered by a devout person.” To understand the rank of teachers from the Quote of
Hazrat Ali (RA) in which He (RA) stated that: “If a person teaches me one single word, he has
made me his servant for a lifetime.” The teacher is considered the profound father in Islam. All
Prophets were the teacher that sent before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and obviously, Prophet
(SAW) was also the great teacher for all mankind. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) teaches us how to
worship Allah, how to implement teachings of the Quran in our daily lives and many other things.
Islam lays great emphasis on knowledge. At numerous times and instances, Almighty Allah
ordered the Muslims to acquire knowledge and learn. Islam lays so much stress on seeking
knowledge and also on giving the respect to the ones who imparted knowledge. That’s why
teachers have the highest status in Islam. In Holy Quran Almighty Allah says:
“Allah elevates to high positions those from amongst you who are faithful
and those who have acquired knowledge”
(Quran, 58:11).
There is a difference in acquiring knowledge, understanding knowledge, and education targeting
literacy. Personal guidance can mean a lot to a student if they have confidence in the material and
teaching methods of their teacher. In short, we should know respect and become closer to the
teacher who is willing to give us education and knowledge. To increase the rate of literacy among
Muslims, the Prophet (SAW) utilized the services of even the non-believers of Mecca, i.e. prisoners
of Badr. Knowledge must be of truth and reality or of what the Qur’an calls Haqq (Truth).
Unfortunately, the Muslim World has confused knowledge with literacy. The dilemma is that we
are utilizing our resources to increase the rate of literacy rather than acquiring knowledge, even
then we fail in it. A teacher must possess the abilities of motivation, dedication, encouragement
and a caring nature. He should be fair and respect his students to establish a strong interaction. He
must be enthusiastic and enhance the confidence of students to work unsupervised. He should
enhance their ability to conceptualize and utilize their skills, professionally as well as in daily life.
Personal guidance can mean a lot to a student if they have confidence in the material and teaching
methods of their teacher. In short, we should know respect and become closer to the teacher who
is willing to give us education and knowledge.
“Teach others; make things easy, not difficult. When any of you is in a state
of anger, let him keep silent.”
(Al-Bukhari) .
Every religion guides about the importance of education and teacher. Religious teaching is
important in education because children gain many things from these teachings they come to know.
Education is an attempt to develop the potential given by God to humans, such as developing the
mind, structuring behavior, regulating human relations with the human God and humans.
Respecting your teachers just like you respect your parents is what Islam has taught us. The status
and respect of teachers are so high in our religion Islam that our teachers are given the status same
as our parents. Teaching is one of the noble jobs of society. A person who teaches us deserves all
the respect and admiration. Any person who even teaches us a single word becomes our teacher.
There is a quote by Hazrat Ali (R.A) which helps us in understanding the status of a teacher: “If a
person teaches me one single word, he has made me his servant for a lifetime.” This shows the
level of respect for teachers in Islam. Teachers are the ones who help in shaping the personality of
individuals; they teach us about good and bad things in life and play a vital role in making this
society a better place. Many a time The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has told us about the high status of
teachers in Islam. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) once said:
“The best of you are the students of the Qur’an and the teachers of it”.
[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Virtues of the Quran, Hadith: 5027]
Islam being the religion of love, harmony, peace, and justice has given rights to every person in
society including teachers as well. This rights are as follows:
i. Appreciation:
Teachers are hard-working people in society. They invest their time and energy in making the
personality of others. They do efforts in making us a better person. They tell us about practical life
and how it should be led. They deal patiently with all the students and help them solve their issues
therefore every teacher in society must be appreciated and get recognition for their uncountable
efforts.
ii. Respect:
Religion Islam is the religion that teaches us about giving love, affection, and respect to each other.
Teachers in society are on higher ranks and deserve all our respect. Those who honours and respect
their teachers advance in life. Imam Jaffar Sadiq highlighted the subject of respect for teachers by
saying:
“On the day of judgment Allah will be pleased with a person who honours
and respects a Muslim scholar, and he will be annoyed with one who
insults a Muslim scholar.”
This shows that even ALLAH (SWT) likes those who respect their teachers and dislike those who
don’t show any respect or admiration for their teachers.
iii. Equality:
Every teacher should be considered the same and must be treated with equality. Every person who
is teaching us the right things and helping us to do the right deeds must be treated equally regardless
of age, race, caste, or gender. A person who has taught you all the books doesn’t need to be your
only teacher a person who has even helped you in learning a single good deed or instilled a single
habit in your personality is also your teacher and he or she must also be treated just the way you
treat your other experienced and qualified teachers.
v. Right to Lead:
Teachers have the responsibility of spreading knowledge to the people. Our religion has given
them the right to lead. A teacher has all the right to lead his students because this way he can make
them better persons by telling them about the reality of life and how to deal with the situations of
life. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was also sent to this world as a teacher. He taught us about the
reality of life and even taught us the meaning of our existence in this world. The Holy Prophet
(PBUH) is our first teacher who with his action and words taught us about the teachings of Islam
and how ALLAH (SWT) wants us to lead our lives.
It is our responsibility to treat the teachers with respect, politeness, and affection and we should
try our best to fulfill the rights of our teachers because just like another thing we will be answerable
to ALLAH (SWT) for our behavior and attitude towards teachers also. Islam is a complete code of
life, which is covering almost all areas of daily life and providing guide lines to the followers what
to do? And how to do? In a particular situation. It provides complete solution how to handle the
problem. Islam is religion, which has awarded the status Of prophet to the teachers and has given
number of commands about the rights of the teachers. It is written in the Holy Quran, Surah An-
Noor aayah 63:
“Do not make the calling of the teacher among you as you
are calling one of another.”
The verse confirms the status of a teacher in society, means Islam has given respectable place to a
teacher in society and the followers are advised that they should call their teachers respectfully
they should not call their teachers in a way as they are calling each others. In Islamic world, the
prophets of Allah were all instructors and teachers for mankind. The Holy Quran considers one of
their responsibilities to do instruction and teaching. As it is written in the Holy Quran that prophets
of Allah were the teachers, this statement indicates that the teachers are having equal status to the
status of the prophets. As prophets were being respected by their followers the teachers should also
be paid the equal amount of respect. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Seek knowledge and train to be dignified and calm while seeking knowledge,
and humble yourselves with those whom you learn from” .
(Tabaraani).
This statement is having a kind of advice for the students that they need to be respectful and polite
with their teachers. They need to control their volume while speaking before their teachers; they
have to keep their eyes down when they are talking with their teachers. The Holy Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“O Allah! Do not let me reach a time during which scholars are not followed,
and honourable people are not respected”
(Ahmed).
This saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) shows that he (PBUH) disliked the negative attitude of
someone towards teachers, he (PBUH) wished not to see that time when people will not have
respect for the teachers or scholars. Hazrat Ali (May Allah be Pleased with Him) gave a
comprehensive and complete advice concerning the rights of the teachers or scholars upon students
said in his second Khutbah,
“One of the right of the scholar is that you greet people generally and then
greet him with a special greeting; sit in front of him; do not point with your
hand in their presence, nor wink with your eye; do not quote someone else
who said opposite of what he said; do not backbite anyone in his presence;
do not grasp him by garment; do not insist for answers when he becomes
tired; do not ever feel you have accomplished him enough, because he is like
a palm tree from which people wait for fruits to drop from”.
The above statement of Hazrat Ali (May Allah be pleased with Him), we find number of instruction
about teachers, how do we need to talk with them, where do we need to sit while talking with them,
how do we need to behave before them? Moreover it is said that we should not inform the teachers
about those negative statements or comments which could be used by other for them. A teacher is
compared with the palm tree, as he/she is giving dates/fruits to those who come to them, therefore
it is said we should not disturb them when they are tired and it also commanded in the statement
we should not touch their garments. This is the sign of high status of a teacher in society. Further
Hazrat Ali (R.A.) said:
“One who taught me a single word, made me his slave.”
The quote of Hazrat Ali (R.A) teaches students that how much respect they need to pay to their
teachers. He (R.A) says that we need to consider our teacher our master and need to behave just
like a slave before their teachers, as a slave do not speak before the master and remain quite, in the
same way the students need to be quite before their teachers and pay respect to them.
Imam Zain-ul-‘Abidin says,
“The right of your instructor is dignifying him and committing to solemnity
in their classes and good listening and attending. You should provide for your
instructor with mental presence and conceptual attendance and heart retaining
and sight propinquity. The way of all these is laxness of desires and confine of
lusts. You must understand that you are the emissary of what you have been
received to the ignorant you may meet. Then, you should convey properly and
never breach the mission if you should perform.”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said,
“He is not of us who does not respect our elderly, is merciful to our youth,
and knows the rights of those who teach us”.
(Al-Albani Declared it Hasan).
This statement the Prophet (PBUH) means that a person or student, who is disrespectful to the
teacher, cannot be called Muslim. It means that if someone wishes to be called a Muslims or
claiming to be a Muslim then that person needs to be respectful to the elders or teachers, on the
other hand who is not respectful will not call him a Muslim. Our righteous predecessors greatly
emphasized on respect and kindness to their shuyookh (plural of sheikh/teacher). A famous saying
from many of the righteous predecessors is:
“I am a slave to him who taught me a letter.”
This is the statement which says that we need to act before teachers just the slaves’ act or remain
silent before their owners. The slaves say nothing in response to the order given by their owners.
Sometimes it was observed in past the if the masters were little harsh with their workers (slaves)
then still they were found obedient or respectful before their masters and this is the attitude being
expected from the Muslim students.
Responsibilities of Teachers:
Although teachers are given high status in the society but at the same time some responsibilities
are also assigned to the teachers, which they are supposed to consider by performing their duties.
The Holy Quran and the Hadiths give number of instructions to the teachers.
“As part of the mercy of God, you deal with them gently; if you
were severed and hard-hearted, they would have broken away
from you.”
(Al-Imran, 3:159)
This verse of the Holy Quran is having guideline or a piece of advice for the teachers and teachers
are asked to deal students gently, they are asked to have kindness for them because if you will be
harsh with them then they will not come to school and will be fed up. If we see the modern era
theories about attitude of teachers for students, it is recommended that the teachers need to “deal
the students with love not punishment”, this theory is introduced by the West just fifty years back
but this was shared in the Holy Quran centuries back but this the bad luck of our nation that the
teachers in Pakistan are not following the instructions given in the Holy Quran that is why
Pakistani children have interest in studies, they do not want to go to schools just because of the
attitude of the teachers. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said;
“Teach without chiding. Teachers are preferable to the scolders.”
He also said, “Use leniency to those whom you teach and those
who learn you.”
The above comments of our Prophet (PBUH) are providing guideline to teachers that how do they
need to treat their students, it is clear from the statement that teachers should not blame their
students and teachers and are asked to be lenient with their students, means if your students do
mistake then you need not to be harsh with them. He the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to say;
“Teachers who have three students- of different social classes- and do not
treat them equally, will be in the line of the traitors on the Resurrection Day.”
It is been observed that sometimes teachers become little unfair with their students, they give
favours to those students who are close to them or who give extra benefit or who are taking tuition
from them or who belongs to same religion. But it quite clear from the above statement that
teachers should not do any kind of discrimination in any of the cases discussed above. But teacher
in Pakistan are indulged in such types of discriminations that is the reasons that our students are
not interested to come to school or having no interest in the studies because of the prevailed
favouritism of the teachers and it has destroyed the whole education system of Pakistan. Ibn
Maskub said;
“Pupils should be praised and rewarded for any good manner and favourable
act they show.”
This is another problem present in our educational system that it has been quoted by number of
writers or complained by the students that the teachers are too much scared in given marks to the
students or giving them appreciation when they display good behavior and when they show well
mannered attitude in the class. If the teachers will start appreciating students in such case then
surely students will attend the school or the class and will take interest. The teachers’ response to
the well mannered students will provide motivation to the other students present in the class and
they will change themselves with the passage of time. The teacher is given more important than
the books. Imam al-Shafi’i, the famous jurist, said:
“Whoever learns from books will miss the required achievement” (lbn Jumah, p.87).
Imam Al-Ghazzali, one of the most outstanding Muslim scholars and teachers of all time, regards
the first duty of a teacher to accept the child unconditionally as his own. He quotes the saying of
our Nabi Muhammad (SAWS):
“I am to you like a father who desires to save his child from the fires of hell,
which is more important than any of the efforts of parents to save their
children from the fires of earth.”
If we read the statement of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the statement of Imam Al-Ghazaali, we
learn that a teacher needs to consider a student his/her son/daughter. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
has given his own example that as I am saving you from the hardships or fires of Hell as I am your
teacher therefore in the same way you (teachers) need to save your students from the hardships of
the world by providing them knowledge to tackle the problems. But it has been quoted and
observed by number of writers that teachers in Pakistan are not equipping the students with such
armours, which could help them to deal with the hardships in lives. Teachers at Muslim schools
must struggle to cultivate God-consciousness in their students as well as knowledge, understanding
and appreciation of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“And speak nicely to people.” (Qur’an, 2:83)
The quote teaches us that teachers need to be careful while speaking with their students, they need
to choose proper, suitable and respectable words for their students, and they should not use such
words which heart them or which could become the reason of depression or bring lack of
confidence in the students. But this the bad luck of our nation that some teachers also use very
rough language with their students which is ultimately effecting on the learning or confidence of
the students, that could be one of the reason that we are unable to see any kind change in behavior
of our students. It is written in the Holy Quran that;
“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolishness.”
(Qur’an, 7:199)
It is an advice for the Muslims or the believers that they need to forgive others. But has been
observed that some teachers become too much harsh with their students when they do any kind of
mistake, moreover they do not forget any wrong action taken by the students and continue to treat
them for their wrong action. It should be their utmost duty to forgive their students if they do any
kind of mistake. At another place in the Holy Quran it is said:
“And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives that would truly be
from the things recommended by Allah” (Qur’an, 42:43)
It means that if we show patience and forgive others that could do the right action being expected
by Almighty Allah. This means teachers need to show patience and they need to forgive their
students in case if they do any kind of mistake they should not give corporal punishment to their
students if their behavior is not up to the mark.
“Blessed is He in whose hands are the Kingdom – who is powerful over
everything – who has created death and life, so that He might test you
as to which among you is good in conduct.”
(Al-Mulk 67: 1-2)
The above verse of the Holy Quran teaches us that our conduct should be very good, if we want to
get Almighty Allah’s favors or blessings. This verse teaches to the teachers that they have to show
good conduct in the institute premises, because teachers are model for the students. Students try
to copy their teachers. If teachers of any nation will not show good conduct then surely we cannot
expect that nation will develop or get progress in the world.
“The true servants of the Most Merciful are those who behave gently and
with humility on earth, and whenever the foolish quarrel with them, that
reply with (words of) peace.”
(Al-Furqan)
The above verse of the Holy Quran gives us the message of mercifulness and advises us that we
should not treat foolish in the same way as they treat you. This means that your students sometimes
behave in such a way which is not required then teachers need to teach them in humble manner.
Because it has been found by the research scholars that if, we treat students humbly, and then our
response will bring change in their behavior.
“My Lord has commanded justice….” (Surat al-A ‘raf, 29)
This verse of the Holy Quran teaches us that there should justice in the society; we should not keep
any kind of the discrimination in the society. This verse gives message to the teachers that they
should have same measure for all of their students; they should not use different measures for
different students, which indicate their discrimination in the class. That could be one of the reasons
for the students’ lack of interest in their schools. Students will not like to go to that school or class
where they find injustice.
“…and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Al-Anfal 8:46)
In this verse of the Holy Quran the Muslims are asked to remain patient because Allah will help
those who will show patience through thick and thin of their life. The teachers of present era need
to inculcate this attitude in their behavior, when they go to take their class. They need to keep in
their mind that students are children and as children are not grown up people any mistake could
expected from them therefore they need to be patient and sympathetic with their students in case
if they do any mistake.
“And seek assistance through patience and prayer…” (Al-Baqarah 2:45)
This verse of the Holy Quran again teaches us patience and the believers are advised to seek
assistance through patience and prayers. It means that teachers need to pray if they find any kind
of difficulty in the practical life. They should pray for those students who are not behaving as per
the requirement in their classes; they should not take the law in their hand.
“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and
done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other
to patience.”
(Al-Asr 103:1-3)
The above verse of the Holy Quran has two messages for us, which are patience and truth. It means
that we need to be truthful in our lives, we should not tell a lie as it is not right in the eyes of
Almighty Allah. The above verse teaches us that those who do wrong in the lives they will be in
loss, means almighty Allah will treat them as per their deeds.
“Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without
reckoning (39:10)
This verse of the Holy Quran gives us message of reward which will be awarded to those who will
remain patient in their lives. This means that while teaching in the classes if students responses are
not as per the requirement then teachers needs to remain polite with the students and should show
patience and should let Almighty to do justice, then surely they will get reward as per promise of
Allah with the mankind that reward will be unlimited.
“And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while
you know.” (Al-baqarah 2:43)
This verse of the Holy Quran gives us message that we need to speak truth in all circumstances,
we should not try to mix any other thing with the truth, which could change it meaning. We need
to give true and complete message to the new generation who come to take education or knowledge
from you. But those teachers who do not fulfill their duties in delivering their full and complete
knowledge to the students they will be held responsible on the Day of Judgment.
“O you, who has believed, fears Allah and speaks words of appropriate
justice.” (Al-ahzab 33: 80)
This verse of the Holy Quran gives message to the believers that they need to keep fear of Almighty
in all walks of their lives. They should keep justice in their lives, should not let injustice to prevail
in the society. If we treat other with justice then our action will show that we have fear of Allah.
Those who have fear of Allah are wise people. It means teachers need to be careful when they take
any action during the duty time, if they do not keep justice in their class then their action will show
that they do not have fear of Almighty Allah.
“O you, who has believed, fears Allah and be with those who are true.”
(Al-Taubah 9:119)
This verse of the Holy Quran is having something more for the believers and it advised that they
need to give support to those who are true. This means that we need to be on the side of righteous
person, we should favours those who are doing wrong then surely we will get blessings of Allah.
Q.3:
Describe the content of curriculum for teacher education.
Discuss the aims and Objectives for teacher education
curriculum.
Answer:
Content comes in all forms, whether it’s to inspire, entertain, ask questions, state an opinion or tell
a story. There’s more to educational content strategy than handouts, books and presentations — all
in all, content can be a powerful educational tool. There is a large online market catered toward
English learners, and you can benefit from providing customizable, student-friendly materials that
engage and help develop important skills. Education-focused content is content that is created by
educators to engage, inspire and inform their students. Gone are the days when students learned
from only a textbook and a lecture. Educational content is something that can be creative and
personalized to each learner’s needs.
As a whole, educational content is versatile, accessible, informational, and should be created in a
manner that helps you achieve your student’s learning goals. For example, educational content can
be helpful for teaching students of all ages the same topic and story. Say a mother and a son are
learning English for the first time, and you want to teach them about English sentence structure
and grammar phrases. You can easily modify your lesson plan for the young son to learn your
lesson by creating an interactive game. And to keep the messaging consistent, the same lesson can
be applied to the adult by showing them examples of social media posts, text messages and even
news articles.
The type of content you choose to introduce while educating students is incredibly important; it
can be the catalyst for growth in a student’s journey. Content in education adds more context to
lesson plans while showcasing various viewpoints and ideas. Only the best structured content and
information will turn the novice learner into an expert, and the pressure relies on the teachers to
put their best foot forward when it comes to developing the best lessons. There are many ways in
which content provides meaningful learning experiences. Great content promotes passion and
motivation throughout the learning process.
Language Learning:
Picking up another language can be tricky, content like videos and pictures allows students to
bridge gaps in understanding and boost confidence.
Problem Solving:
Developing critical thinking skills takes time. Introducing visual graphs and podcasts can help
students develop quicker.
Current Events:
Introducing current events and news articles not only helps students learn but also makes them
well-rounded informed individuals on a global level.
History:
Allow students to reflect and provide commentary on the events that shaped the world around us.
There is a reason why history continues to be part of the educational curriculum.
3. Teaching Methods:
These courses cover various teaching strategies, techniques, and methods for different subjects
and age groups. Teaching methods are the broader techniques used to help students achieve
learning outcomes, while activities are the different ways of implementing these methods.
Experiential learning is a great teaching method because it encourages creativity, helps students
learn from mistakes, fosters reflective thinking, and prepares students for future experiences. It
can be effective for several subjects, especially during science experiments, sports coaching, and
group projects. Effective teaching helps students to achieve their goals – both personal and
academic. We know that effective teachers can be hugely influential figures to many young
people, providing them with both certainty and assurance when they need it the most. A teacher
should have many methods of teaching because everyone learns differently, and the teacher is
probably trying to make sure each student understands the lessons, regardless of their learning
style.
5. Classroom Management:
This course focuses on strategies for creating a positive classroom environment, managing
student behavior, and promoting student engagement. Classroom management is important
because it directly effects your students ability to learn and your ability to teach. It impacts a
teacher’s ability to be effective and actually enjoy teaching. Most importantly, a well managed
classroom highly impacts students’ academic success.
The best classroom management is proactive. Effective classroom managers set up a productive
environment with minimal disruptions. Instead of spending time trying to intervene and stop
disruptive behavior, teachers should spend time and energy setting up and maintaining an
environment where disruptions are less likely to occur.
6. Educational Technology:
This course covers the use of technology in education, including how to integrate technology into
the classroom and how to use technology to support student learning. When scientific, technical,
and psychological principles and methods are properly used to make the teaching/learning
process easy, simple, efficient, and effective, it comes under the umbrella of educational
technology. As new discoveries are made, there is also a change in its meaning, definition, and
form. Today, scientific and technological inventions have affected every aspect of human life.
Education, teaching, and learning have also been greatly affected by them. In the field of
education, as a result of the latest research, discoveries, and investigations, such techniques (i.e.,
skills) have been developed, which are helping in achieving all the objectives of education. These
competencies and skills, which are especially based on science, are given the name of educational
technology. The need for educational technology in education is due to the following reasons:
• It gives positive emphasis to the development of the latest methods for effective
education.
• Educational technology makes the teaching process scientific, objective, clear, simple,
easy, interesting, and effective.
• Educational technology gives proper guidance to solve teaching problems.
• It provides proper guidance to make the teaching/learning process effective, such as
setting teaching goals, examining the initial behavior of students, selecting and organizing
appropriate curricula, appropriate teaching methods and strategies, and supporting
materials.
• It offers effective means of communication between teachers and learners to engage in
the exchange of ideas.
• It includes the use of all types of arts, methods, materials, skills, principles, and
instruments of science, psychology, and technology.
• It can be used to arrange and control the learning conditions required to achieve
educational technical objectives.
• Just as science and technology help us to do more work with less energy and effort in our
daily life, in the same way educational technology controls the waste of energy and time
in the teaching process.
• It also lays emphasis on the development of appropriate evaluation methods for measuring
behavior change and for checking the results of the teaching process.
• After the evaluation process, by examining the final behavior of the students, emphasis is
also given to providing the expected reinforcement and support required.
7. Special Education:
This course covers the needs of students with disabilities and strategies for including them in the
classroom. A master’s in special education not only increases your earning potential, but it also
puts you at the top of the candidate pool for teaching jobs. It provides you with tools for providing
person-centered education and better adapting lessons based on different learning types and
levels. Wherever your career leads, an M.A. in special education opens up opportunities for both
personal and professional growth.
Special education teachers often teach fewer students than do their general education
counterparts. In addition, special education teachers often work with the same group of students
over the course of several years. The small class size and increased time working with students
will allow you to build strong relationships with your students and their families. Teachers are
provided with the opportunity to be lifelong learners. As a special education teacher, you will be
encouraged to continue learning through attending professional developments and networking
with other teachers. In addition, you will learn daily life lessons from your students.
The aim and objectives of a teacher education curriculum are to prepare aspiring teachers to
become effective educators who can meet the needs of diverse learners, promote student learning,
and contribute to the improvement of education.
Conclusion:
Overall, the content of a curriculum for teacher education is designed to provide aspiring teachers
with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to be effective educators. The aim and
objectives of a teacher education curriculum are to prepare aspiring teachers to become effective
educators who can meet the needs of diverse learners, promote student learning, and contribute to
the improvement of education.
Q.4:
Discuss the issue of in-service and pre-service teacher education
programs.
Answer:
In-service And Pre-service Teacher Education Program:
Pre-service education of teacher means, education of teachers before they enter into service as
teacher. During this period of teacher education programmes, teaching practice goes side by side,
while they are getting knowledge about theory papers.
A good deal of improvement in the teacher education programme is needed. Pre-service education
is carried on for preparing different types of teachers. Pre-service teacher preparation is a collection
of unrelated courses and field experience. Research based curriculum development of pre-service
teacher education is yet to take roots. These programmes are intended to support and enhance
teacher learning instil in them a greater degree of self confidence. The beginning teachers in this
case learn from their practice and from the culture and norms of the unique school settings where
in they have been placed and interact with these cultures. It is important for teacher educators to
learn the methodology of how to get in touch with the core qualities of a good teacher and how
they can stimulate these qualities in student teachers. This will lead to a deeper involvement in the
learning process of teacher educators as well as student teachers. The inclusion of appropriate
content knowledge about essential qualities of a good teacher in relevant theory papers and practice
of effective domain related traits in school situation for a longer duration could help promote these
traits in student teachers. The teacher education programme needs to allow the space where in a
teacher’s personality could be developed as someone who is reflective, introspective and capable
of analyzing his or her own life and the process of education at school so that after becoming a
teacher, he becomes an agent of change.
The moment a teacher has completed his training in a college of education, it does not mean that
he is now trained for all times to come. A teaching degree, like B.Ed makes him enter into service
as a teacher. Thereafter his job continues well only if he continues his studies everyday in the
classroom situations and outside the classroom, he comes across problems and side by side he is a
expected to sort them out. There is need of more and more knowledge, more and more education
for making him a better teacher.
There are formal an informal programmes of in-service education organized from time to time.
The higher authorities concerned with education want to ensure that the standards of education are
properly maintained. That is possible only if the teachers refresh their knowledge and keep it up
to the mark. The different agencies, therefore keep on organizing teacher education programmes
for enriching the knowledge of teachers and also for over all proficiency and betterment.
According to Lawrence, “In-service education is the education a teacher receives after he has
entered to teaching profession and after he has had his education in a teacher’s college. It includes
all the programmes – educational, social and others in which the teacher takes a virtual part, all
the extra education which he receives at different institutions by way of refresher and other
professional courses and travels and visits which he undertakes.
In-service education and training of teachers has its own historical roots. Its journey from pre-
independence to post independence period is characterized by numerous policy statements
recommendations of different commissions regarding its content and strategies for implementation
it has grown from a concept to a process and gained its importance for preparing teachers towards
professional growth and development. The root of in-service education can be traced back to pre-
independent period of 1904 in Lord Curzon’s resolution of educational policy which stated,
“The trained students whom the college was sent out should be occasionally
brought together again in seeing that the influence of the college makes
itself felt in the school.”
Hartorg committee and sergeant committee referred to in-service education as refresher courses
and recommended for their organization on a continuing basis. The secondary education
commission was more specific in recommending the programme of extension services for
secondary teacher. In our country, the trend is that once a teacher has joined service as a teacher,
he continues to be so, through he may or may not study. It is not like that in countries like U.S.A.
There the teacher has to face the screening committee to his re-appointment as a teacher after two
or three years. In-service education is badly needed for all types of teacher in Pakistan. The
following points indicate its need and importance.
2. Professional Growth:
Every teacher is a expected to be professionally bound, for the professional growth, he always
needs the guidance and help of others. The efficiency of the teachers must be covered up. So the
teacher need be up to the mark in every way.
3. Education is Dynamic:
Education is very dynamic. It depends upon the society which is fast changing. Due to the
advancement in the field of science and technology, there is explosion of knowledge. Accordingly
the curriculum and syllabus are also being changed with a good speed. Continuous in-service
education of the teacher can save the teacher from facing dire consequences.
4. Make Democratic:
In-service education helps the teacher in becoming fully democratic. By in-service education
programmes, the teacher is able to meet people of all types and he is also able to share his
experience with others.
v. Political Interference:
In Pakistan from the initial stages, we face the problems like political parties’ influence, mafia,
nepotism, and pressure of authoritative groups. It is also influenced by education sectors like
other institutions of the country that is the reason why teacher selection is not based on merits.
When unskilled teachers train the student-teacher of course the result will be zero.
x. Corruption:
Due to the low salary, political parties influence and nepotism environment become worst day by
day and it gives birth to another challenge that is corruption in education and among teachers.
Lacking check and balance and proper monitoring raised this problem. In Pakistan, the councils
like The National Council for teacher- education (NCTE), only focus on documentation and fill
the papers rather than see the original problems and issues in teacher education.
The curriculum is not providing the learning opportunity regard scientific study and technology
due to the traditional teaching method. Both student teachers and teachers are not aware of the
new technologies and not interested in spending time on research, projects creative assignments,
and learning new technologies.
Conclusion:
“Good education requires good teachers” that it becomes essential that the most capable and
appropriate be recruited into the teaching profession, provided with high quality pre-service
programme of teacher education, and them offered opportunities to upgrade their knowledge and
skills over the full length of their career. It is, therefore, essential that there is major reorientation
of teacher education to ensure that teachers are furnished with the necessary knowledge and skills
to cope with the new demands placed on them. It is strange to note that too often teachers are
helpless in front of machines which refuse to work. How undignified it is for the teacher to be
thwarted by machines.
With the increased capacity of communication technology, language will become a very powerful
instrument. The teacher-education programme should be strengthened to develop language
competency among our teacher-taught. The modern time demands multi lingual competence
including the new computer languages that are bound to emerge with expansion of computer-
technology. Continuing teachers and other educators which commences after initial professional
education is over and which leads to the improvement of professional competence of educators all
throughout their careers.
Q.5:
Elaborate the current teacher education system of Pakistan.
Highlight some Flaws and give possible solutions to overcome
these flaws.
Answer:
Teacher Education System of Pakistan:
Teacher education is an essential and critical part of every educational system and therefore plays
a key and fundamental role in improving quality and enhancing the educational system. The goal
of the study was to present an overall picture of teacher education in Pakistan in the context of
education policies, quantitative expansion, provision of education for pre- and in-service teachers,
particularly by the public sector, initiatives undertaken by the public sector to improve the quality
of teacher education and to highlight the issues and problems of teacher training. Since, 1947
Pakistan has grown tremendously in the number of teacher training institutions. Teacher education
is an important area of concern in the education system in Pakistan, so every educational policy
paper has discussed teacher education and suggested various measures to improve teacher
education. These measures, however, were implemented in parts and pieces, hence, could not bring
the desired results. The quality of public-sector education declined over a given period of time thus
provided the space for private sector which emerged as a strong competitor in the education sector
by enrolling one-third of students at all educational levels.
Teacher education is crucial component of education system and it plays a pivotal role in the
quality improvement and strengthening of education system. Ahmad (2012) stated that teacher
education refers to a process of education and development prospective teachers go through as
they prepare to enter the classroom for the first time in their role as teachers. She argued that
teacher training satisfies both the theoretical and practical needs of teaching environment. Ali
(2011) contended that teacher‘s quality is determined by the level of professional competencies
which is inclusive of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes he or she brings to the
teaching profession. Teachers’ lacking required level of professional competence is usually
attributed to the dysfunctional teacher education system. The role of teachers for formulating of
an innovative society is very critical because teachers’ knowledge and skills not only enhance the
quality and efficiency of education but also facilities to create an environment conducive for
research and innovation. Khan (2011) found that the teacher occupies the most crucial position in
the entire spectrum of educational activities; he/she influences personal, social and economic lives
of people, and he / she needs to be educated with great care and expertise.
Pakistan became an independent state in 1947 and its entire educational system was geared to
produce a class of people who were supposed to serve the bureaucracy to perpetuate the old socio-
economic order in the country. The socio-economic structure was created by the colonial powers
to exploit the masses of the sub-continent. All curricula, textbooks and teaching and learning
materials were, therefore, devised to serve the cause of the vested interests and not for creation of
a dynamic and progressive society Farooq (1993). Historically teacher training in Pakistan can be
traced back to 1804 when two teacher-training institutions were established at Lahore and Karachi
and these institutions provided non-formal teacher training programs.
In 1854 the institution at Karachi was made a normal school and it began to offer J.V. (Junior
Vernacular) certificate. The institution at Lahore was made normal school and offered J.V,
certificate in 1856 (Shah et al., 2011). At the time of independence in 1947, there were 22 teacher
training institutions in Pakistan. For admission in these institutions, the pre scribed qualifications
were Elementary and High school. After the completion of training, the trainees were awarded
certificates as Junior Vernacular (JV) and Senior Vernacular (SV). Those having J.V certificates
were eligible for appointment as a teacher in primary schools called JV teacher and those having
S.V. were eligible for appointment as a teacher of elementary education level Siddiqui (2004).
2. Social constraints:
It is important to realize that the problems which hinder the provision of education are not just due
to issues of management by government but some of them are deeply rooted in the social and
cultural orientation of the people. Overcoming the latter is difficult and would require a change in
attitude of the people, until then universal primary education is difficult to achieve.
3. Gender gap:
Major factors that hinder enrolment rates of girls include poverty, cultural constraints, illiteracy of
parents and parental concerns about safety and mobility of their daughters. Society’s emphasis on
girl’s modesty, protection and early marriages may limit family’s willingness to send them to
school. Enrolment of rural girls is 45% lower than that of urban girls; while for boys the difference
is 10% only, showing that gender gap is an important factor. The gender gap can have a significant
impact on the teacher education system in Pakistan. Here are a few ways it can affect the system:
• Limited representation: The gender gap may result in a lack of representation of certain
genders in the teaching profession. This can lead to a skewed gender balance among
teachers, which may not reflect the diversity of the student population.
• Stereotyping and bias: Gender disparities can perpetuate stereotypes and biases within
the education system. This can affect the recruitment, training, and professional
development opportunities available to teachers of different genders.
• Role modeling and mentorship: The gender gap can impact the availability of role
models and mentors for students. Having a diverse range of teachers can provide positive
role models and mentorship opportunities for students, especially those who may lack
representation in their communities.
• Addressing gender-related issues: Gender-sensitive topics, such as reproductive health
education or addressing gender-based violence, may require teachers with specific training
and understanding. The gender gap can influence the availability of teachers who are
equipped to address these issues effectively.
To address the gender gap in the teacher education system, it is essential to promote equal
opportunities for individuals of all genders to pursue teaching as a profession. This can be done
through measures such as encouraging more individuals from underrepresented genders to enter
the field, providing scholarships or incentives for teacher training, and implementing policies that
promote gender equality in education. By ensuring a diverse and inclusive teaching workforce, the
education system can better cater to the needs of all students and promote a more equitable learning
environment.
4. Cost of education:
The economic cost is higher in private schools, but these are located in richer settlements only.
The paradox is that private schools are better but not everywhere and government schools ensure
equitable access but do not provide quality education. The cost of education can have a significant
impact on the teacher education system in Pakistan. Here’s how it can affect the system:
• Affordability of teacher education programs: High costs associated with teacher
education programs can make them inaccessible for many aspiring teachers. This can limit
the number of individuals who can pursue a career in teaching, resulting in a shortage of
qualified educators.
• Quality of education: Insufficient funding for teacher education programs can lead to a
lack of resources and outdated teaching methodologies. This can impact the quality of
education and training provided to teachers, which in turn affects their effectiveness in the
classroom.
• Recruitment and retention of teachers: If the cost of education is high, it may deter
individuals from pursuing a career in teaching or cause them to leave the profession due to
financial constraints. This can contribute to a shortage of qualified teachers and negatively
impact the overall teacher education system.
• Socioeconomic disparities: Higher education costs can widen the socioeconomic gap in
the teaching profession. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may find it difficult
to afford teacher education programs, limiting their opportunities for professional growth
and advancement.
To address the impact of the cost of education on the teacher education system, it is important to
explore avenues for financial assistance and scholarships for aspiring teachers. Additionally,
increased investment in education and targeted funding for teacher education programs can help
reduce the financial burden on individuals pursuing a career in teaching. By making teacher
education more affordable and accessible, Pakistan can ensure a robust and inclusive teacher
education system.
5. War on Terror:
Pakistan’s engagement in war against terrorism also affected the promotion of literacy campaign.
The militants targeted schools and students; several educational institutions were blown up,
teachers and students were killed in Balochistan, KPK and FATA. This may have to contribute not
as much as other factors, but this remains an important factor. The War on Terror has had a
significant impact on the teacher education system in Pakistan. Here are a few ways it has affected
the system:
• Disruption of education: The conflict and insecurity resulting from the War on Terror
have disrupted the education system, including teacher education. Schools and training
institutions have been targeted, leading to the closure of educational facilities and hindering
the training and professional development of teachers.
• Safety concerns: The security situation in certain areas affected by the War on Terror has
created safety concerns for teachers and students. This can lead to a reluctance to pursue
teaching as a profession or attend teacher training programs, impacting the availability of
qualified educators in these regions.
• Limited resources: The allocation of resources towards security measures and counter-
terrorism efforts can divert funds and attention away from the education sector. This can
result in a lack of investment in teacher education programs, infrastructure, and resources,
affecting the quality of training provided to teachers.
• Brain drain: The War on Terror has also contributed to a brain drain in Pakistan, with
skilled teachers and educators seeking opportunities abroad due to the challenging security
situation. This can further exacerbate the shortage of qualified teachers and impact the
overall teacher education system.
To mitigate the impact of the War on Terror on the teacher education system, it is crucial to
prioritize the safety and security of educational institutions. This can be done through increased
security measures, providing support and incentives for teachers in affected areas, and allocating
adequate resources for teacher training and development. Additionally, efforts should be made to
address the underlying causes of the conflict and promote peace and stability, which are essential
for a thriving education system.
7. Technical Education:
Sufficient attention has not been paid to the technical and vocational education in Pakistan. The
number of technical and vocational training institutes is not sufficient and many are deprived of
infrastructure, teachers and tools for training. The population of a state is one of the main elements
of its national power. It can become an asset once it is skilled. Unskilled population means more
jobless people in the country, which affects the national development negatively. Therefore,
technical education needs priority handling by the government.
Poverty, law and order situation, natural disasters, budgetary constraints, lack of access, poor
quality, equity, and governance have also contributed in less enrolments. An analysis of the issues
and problems suggest that:
• The official data shows the allocation of funds for educational projects but there is no
mechanism which ensures the proper expenditure of those funds on education.
• The existing infrastructure is not being properly utilized in several parts of the country.
• There are various challenges that include expertise, institutional and capacity issues,
forging national cohesion, uniform standards for textbook development, and quality
assurance.
• The faculty hiring process is historically known to be politicized. It is because of this that
the quality of teaching suffers and even more so when low investments are made in
teachers’ training. As a result teachers are not regular and their time at school is not as
productive as it would be with a well-trained teacher.
• Inside schools there are challenges which include shortage of teachers, teacher
absenteeism, missing basic facilities and lack of friendly environment.
• Out of school challenges include shortage of schools, distance – especially for females,
insecurity, poverty, cultural norms, parents are reluctant or parents lack awareness.
Solutions
There is a need for implementation of national education policy and vision 2030 education goals.
An analysis of education policy suggests that at the policy level there are several admirable ideas,
but practically there are some shortcomings also. It may not be possible for the government at the
moment to implement uniform education system in the country, but a uniform curriculum can be
introduced in educational institutes of the country. This will provide equal opportunity to the
students of rural areas to compete with students of urban areas in the job market.
Since majority of Pakistani population resides in rural areas and the access to education is a major
problem for them, it seems feasible that a balanced approach for formal and informal education be
adopted. Government as well as non-government sector should work together to promote
education in rural areas. The government should take measures to get school buildings vacated
which are occupied by feudal lords of Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab. Efforts should be made to
ensure that proper education is provided in those schools.
The federal government is paying attention to the vocational and technical training, but it is
important to make the already existing vocational and technical training centres more efficient so
that skilled youth could be produced. Since education is a provincial subject, the provincial
education secretariats need to be strengthened. Special policy planning units should be established
in provinces’ education departments for implementation of educational policies and formulation
of new policies whenever needed. The provincial education departments need to work out financial
resources required for realising the compliance of Article 25-A.
Federal Government should play a supportive role vis-à-vis the provinces for the early compliance
of the constitutional obligation laid down in Article 25-A. Special grants can be provided to the
provinces where the literacy rate is low. Pakistan is not the only country which is facing challenges
regarding promotion of literacy and meeting EFA and MDGs commitments. Education remains a
subject which is paid least attention in the whole South Asian region. UNDP report 2014 suggests
that there has been an improvement in other elements of human development such as life
expectancy, per capita income and human development index value (in past 3 years); but there has
been no progress in the number of schooling years. The expected average for years of schooling
in 2010 was 10.6 years but the actual average of schooling remained 4.7 for all South Asian
countries. In the year 2013 the expected average of number of years increased to 11.2 but the actual
average of years of schooling of South Asian countries remained 4.7. Regional cooperation
mechanism can also be developed to promote literacy in South Asian region. Sharing success
stories, making country-specific modifications and their implementation can generate positive
results. Here i suggest some solutions for above mentioned problems:
i. Revised Curriculum:
The curriculum should be revised based on new trends and technologies and the teachers and
supervisors also train for the implementation of the new teacher education curriculum.
v. Trained supervisors:
Provide in-services supervisor training program for improvement and enhancement of quality of
supervisors. It will improve the teaching and feedback qualities which are a requirement of the
program.
x. Enhancement of professionalism:
It is important for every teacher who is related to the teacher education program to demonstrate
their professional skills to the student-teacher. It will help student teachers to decimate the actual
context and meaning of professionalism.
It is the responsibility of every institution to provide discourse time to their teacher and students
so they will discuss current problems related to teacher education and training. Also, find out the
solution based on mutual understanding. It will provide the platform for developing leadership
among the teacher and students also it motivates to do something in different ways.
Recommendations:
The recommendation to solve all the problems are as follows:
• Technical education should be made a part of secondary education. Classes for carpentry,
electrical, and other technical education must be included in the curriculum.
• Providing economic incentives to the students may encourage the parents to send their
children to school and may help in reducing the dropout ratio.
• Local government system is helpful in promoting education and literacy in the country. In
local government system the funds for education would be spent on a need basis by the
locality.
• Corruption in education departments is one of the factors for the poor literacy in the
country. An effective monitoring system is needed in education departments.
• For any system to work it is imperative that relevant structures are developed. Legislation
and structure should be framed to plan for the promotion of education in the country. After
the 18th amendment the education has become a provincial subject, therefore, the provinces
should form legislations and design educational policies which ensure quality education.
• Unemployment of educated men and women is a major concern for Pakistan. There should
be career counselling of the pupils in schools so that they have an understanding of job
market and they can develop their skills accordingly.
• Counselling of parents is required, so that they can choose a career for their child which is
market friendly.
There are two approaches to acquiring education: First, which is being followed by many in
Pakistan is to get education to earn bread and butter. The second approach is to get education for
the sake of personal development and learning. This approach is followed by affluent and
economically stable people who send their children to private schools and abroad for education.
The problem arises when non-affluent families send their children to private schools, and
universities. This aspiration for sending children for higher education is wrong, because the
country does not need managers and officers only. There are several other jobs where people are
needed. Hence the mind-set of sending one’s children to university only for becoming officers and
managers needs to be changed.
Conclusion:
Pakistan has made tremendous expansion in number of teacher training institutions since its
inception as independent sovereign state. Each education policy document has deliberated on
teacher education and recognized the pivotal role of teachers in quality improvement. These policy
documents presented various measures to improve teacher education; however, these measures
were half-heartedly implemented, consequently the desired results could not be achieved. It is
encouraging to note that some initiatives have been introduced, these initiatives may have a
positive impact on the quality of teacher education. However, the existing literature on teacher
education in Pakistan has deliberated extensively and identified the most common issues. Hence
the quality of education in Pakistan is substantially dependent up on the quality of teaching force,
therefore, the challenges being faced by the teacher education needs very serious considerations.
The reforms required in the education system of Pakistan cannot be done by the government alone,
public-private participation and a mix of formal as well as non-formal education can pull out
majority of country’s population from illiteracy. Similarly, to make the youth of the country an
asset, attention should also be paid to vocational and technical training.
The field of teacher education is quite evident from the above discussion that it is facing
challenges. Governments trying hard to cope with the problems and do efforts for the development
of teachers but still, we don’t achieve that success in the field of quality education. The major
problem is lacking implementation and acceptance of the new technology and strategies. The rigid
behavior of teachers towards traditional teaching is the barrier. The need to create critical behavior
and thinking of teachers, schools’ authorities, and policies makers. Also, there is a requirement to
change the attitudes of students’ teachers towards the teaching profession. It is not a part-time job;
it is the responsibility to change the Nation. The degrees are just a piece of paper without potential,
knowledge, and skills and it is an urgent need to focus on skills, critical thinking, and lifelong
learning.