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Human existence has been characterized by uncertainty from its inception. Paradoxically, suspicions and doubts have proven to be a blessing in disguise, driving humans to explore diverse problem-solving approaches. Research is a systematic methodology employed by humans to address their problems. The modern world utilizes research to enhance quality of life, develop materials, and generate new knowledge across various disciplines.
Regrettably,
research remains underappreciated in government institutions in Pakistan.
Despite occasional acknowledgments of research's significance by authorities,
evaluation and research efforts in these institutions remain dormant. School
Education Department (SED) Balochistan bears responsibility for provision of
educational services in the province. So, as part of its standard practices,
the SED initiates and implements programs to meet departmental requirements.
However, once implemented, these programs are rarely evaluated to assess their
functionality or impact.
The SED
Balochistan introduced English language textbooks at the primary level,
aligning with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2009. The
rationale behind introducing English from class one onwards was to enable
government school students to read English from early classes, thereby bridging
the gap with private school students. However, when introducing this program,
the SED had not conducted any prior research or needs analysis in schools.
Furthermore, most primary-level teachers at that time lacked adequate
qualifications, with the majority holding only matriculation certificates,
which hindered their ability to effectively teach English textbooks in their
classrooms. Conversely, the SED failed to evaluate how primary teachers
perceived the change or the challenges they encountered in delivering classroom
instructions. Even if any individual or academic studies have been conducted in
this regard, they may hold little or no importance for the department.
Consequently, many senior teachers continue to struggle with teaching English
books in their classrooms.
Continuous
Professional Development is a new program to be implemented by the SED through
the Provincial Institute for Teacher Education (PITE. With the implementation
of CPD, teachers of various categories will receive professional training and
refresher courses on annual basis. It is expected that the SED will not
consider and carry out CPD as a traditional routine practice. Rather, as CPD is
an ongoing process, it should be accompanied by needs analysis and evaluations
at various phases to meet the professional needs of school teachers in the
province.
Regrettably,
research is undervalued in our institutions, resulting in negligible funding
allocations. Even when budgets are allocated, capacity constraints hinder
utilization. To break this cycle, the SED must prioritize research by allocating
sufficient funds and establishing research units in its sub-departments with
qualified personnel. Investing in research will enable the SED to identify best
practices, address systemic challenges, and inform policy reforms. Alternatively,
the SED can leverage collaboration with the private sector and academia to evaluate
the effectiveness of ongoing or future programmes. This collaborative approach
will promote evidence-based decision-making, ultimately improving educational outcomes
in the province.
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