LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Causes of Social Acceptance of "O" and "A" Level Education System in Pakistan

Umbreen Ishfaq, Ph.D., Ghazala Shaheen, Ph.D.
Aijaz Ahmed Gujjar, M.A., Ph.D. Scholar,
M. Naeemullah, Ph.D. and Sajid Rehman, Ph.D.

Abstract

The role of education remains the most important factor in the socio-economic development of a country. The population of the study was all O and A level schools, O and A level students, their parents and teachers in Pakistan. The sample of the study included 45 schools, 230 teachers, 450 O and A level students and their parents. The sample of the study was drawn from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.

For the collection of data, three questionnaires, one each for O and A level students, their parents and the teachers of O and A level were developed. Three structured interviews, i.e., one each for O and A level students, their parents and the teachers were designed.

Data were collected through personal visits. For the analysis of data, percentage and chi square as contingency test were used.

It was concluded through this study that social acceptance of O and A level education system in Pakistan was due to better learning, fair examination system, advanced and better curriculum, easy admission in foreign universities, provision of quality education, better learning environment, knowledge based education system, status symbol for family, flexible scheme of studies, up-to-date, comprehensive and informative courses, international acceptance and recognition, better professional careers and dynamic future for students.

It was also found that O and A level education system was expensive in Pakistan. Majority of the students belong to elite class of society.

Key words: Performance, Curriculum, Career Counseling, Learning, Creative thinking.

Introduction

In Pakistan, the formal system of education comprises elementary, secondary and tertiary levels. At the secondary level, there are two parallel systems of education, i.e., Pakistani education system (Secondary School Certificate - SSC) and English education system (General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level-GCE O level). At higher secondary level, there are also two parallel system of education one is Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) and other is A level.

The major purpose of this study was to investigate the social acceptance of "O" and "A" level education system and its implications in Pakistan. The main objectives of study were; (1) To investigate the causes of social acceptance of O and A levels, (2) To explore the academic value of O and A level, as viewed by students, parents and teachers.

Education is a vital investment for human and economic development and is influenced by environment within which it exists. Changes in technology, labour market patterns and general global environment, all require policy responses. Traditions, culture and faith all reflect upon the education system and at the same time are also affected by then. The element of continuity and change remains prepetualand it is up to the society to determine the face and direction.

Cultural values of the majority of Pakistanis are derived from Islam. Since an education system reflects and strengthens social cultural and moral values, therefore, Pakistanis' educational intervention has to be based on the core values of religion and faith (Govt. of Pakistan, 2009 a.).

Education is extensively regarded as a route to economic prosperity, being the key to scientific and technological advancement. Hence it plays a pivotal role in human capital formation and a necessary tool for socio-economic growth (Govt. of Pakistan 2009 b.).

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