Teacher Education in Pakistan: Analysis of Planning Issues in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This article focuses on the status of teacher education and early childhood education in Pakistan. The paper analyzes planning issues in early childhood teacher education by examining education policies and existing practices in early childhood teacher education in Pakistan. Initiatives taken at public and private levels in Pakistan are also discussed. The paper suggests ways in which teachers can be supported. Furthermore, this paper reflects on how to ensure that teachers in early childhood education are equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will help them to be good teachers and learners.

Notes

¹Allama Iqbal Open University is a semigovernmental organization which offers different courses (secular, professional, and technical). The university also offers teachers' training courses and degrees through distant learning. Web site: http://www.aiou.edu.pk/

²Teachers Resource Centre (TRC) is a nongovernmental organization which worked extensively in implementing ECE programs for in-service teachers in private and public sector schools in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Web site: http://www.trconline.org/trcweb/index.asp

³RCC program is funded by USAID and coordinated by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). This program is being implemented by AKF and six partner organizations in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan. The six partners are: Aga Khan University-Human Development Programme (AKU-HDP); Society for Community Support for Primary Education in Baluchistan (SCSPEB); Sindh Education Foundation (SEF); Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS); Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan; and Teachers' Resource Center (TRC).

⁴Children Resource International (CRI) offers early childhood program strategies and practical information for supporting quality and child-centered services for children ages 3–5 years in schools. Website: http://www.cripk.org/prg_execution.html

⁵Aga Khan University-Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) offers certificate course in Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) each year to facilitate practicing teachers in understanding ECED, and becoming more effective practitioners in their early years classroom. AKU-IED also plans to offer an advanced diploma in ECED in the near future which will help further develop the effective practitioners' skills and help AKU-IED to create a critical mass in this significant area. Web site: http://www.aku.edu/IED/

⁶Aga Khan University-Human Development Programme (AKU-HDP) offers certificate and diploma courses in early childhood to help caregivers, community workers, and management level people to understand the dynamics of ECE, and to become more effective practitioners in their early childhood settings. AKU-HDP also plans to offer a master“s degree in the near future. Web site: http://www.aku.edu/university/adp/Academic_Depts_HR_Abtus.shtml