LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Role of Science Education Projects
for the Qualitative Improvement of Science Teachers
at the Secondary Level in Pakistan

Ghazala Shaheen, Ph.D., Sajid Rehman, Ph.D., Aijaz Ahmed Gujjar,
Naeemullah Bajwa, Ph.D. and Muhamamd Ramzan, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study was aimed at describing the role of science education projects for the qualitative improvement of science teachers at the secondary level in Pakistan. All the heads of institutions and science teachers of secondary schools in Pakistan constituted the population of the study. Hundred heads of institutions and 100 science teachers from one hundred institutions were selected as a sample of the study from all over the Pakistan. Two questionnaires (one each for heads of institutions and other for science teachers) were developed and validated through pilot testing and administered to the sample for collection of data. Researcher personally visited respondents and thus 100% data were collected. Collected data were tabulated and analyzed by using chi square.

Introduction

Teacher plays an important role for the delivery of education. The quality of education is deteriorating in Pakistan. Two science education projects have been launched to improve the science education in Pakistan. The major objective of the present study was to investigate the role of science education projects for the qualitative improvement of science teachers at secondary level in Pakistan.

Since 1947, two Science Education Projects have been launched. In its "Action Plan for Educational Development for the Period 1983-1988", the Government proposed to upgrade science education by developing an institutional base; improving the quality and relevance of science education by revising science curricula; and providing in-service training to science teachers, and science laboratories to 3,000 middle schools and 500 high schools and science equipment to selected schools in the country. The project was designed to assist the Government in implementing the Action Plan by undertaking a part of the plan (Asian Development Bank, 1995).

In specific objectives, two objectives are closely related to the quality of science teachers. These are

To develop manpower in science education through
a) Higher studies leading to MS/Ph.D. in science education.
b) Short visits by attachment or study of program in neighboring countries similar to the project;
c) In-service training of 9885 middle and 7415 high schools science teachers.

The government is aware of the fact that an increased and adequate availability of qualified Scientific and Technological manpower is important to the social and economic development of the country. The government, therefore, intends to strengthen Science Education and increase its quality and relevance at all levels. The staff development program of SEP-II is geared to assist the government to improve Science Education at secondary level by contributing to the development of skilled man power at higher levels by producing students with a better knowledge of basic sciences.

About 3 million science students of Standards V-X are being benefited due to the fact that 32,000 science and math teachers, Principals/head masters of elementary and secondary level have been provided in-service training on various aspects of science, math and computer education.

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