The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) has introduced a new academic program called the Bachelor of Education (BEd) program, which spans one and a half years. The launch of this program coincided with the celebrations for this year’s International Day of Education.
In the complex educational landscape of Pakistan, marked by differences in educational standards, gender disparities in access to education, insufficient school facilities, and a shortage of qualified teachers, the BEd program aims to tackle these issues. It intends to do so by providing skill development for aspiring teachers and those in the early stages of their teaching careers.
Professor Farid Panjwani, the Dean of AKU-IED, outlined the objectives of the program, emphasizing its goal to have a significant impact on education by improving the status of teachers, enhancing employability in both public and private sectors, offering international opportunities, and raising the overall quality of teaching and learning. He highlighted that the program is not just an individual academic pursuit but is envisioned to set a standard of excellence in teacher development, contributing not only to the progress of education in Pakistan but also globally.
A notable feature of the BEd program is its flexibility, allowing individuals working full-time or part-time to pursue the degree. The inclusion of practicums, where student teachers are placed in different schools, is a crucial aspect of the learning process.
Aligned with AKU’s commitment to providing access to quality education, the BEd program is designed to empower teachers to address challenges in their classrooms independently and to become critical and reflective practitioners.
Associate Professor Kim Insley from the Institute of Education at University College London, UK, commended AKU-IED for developing a program that empowers teachers to address challenges in their classrooms independently and become critical and reflective practitioners.
Given the renewed commitment to teacher quality demonstrated by government initiatives, such as Sindh’s teaching license policy in 2023, AKU-IED’s BEd program is positioned to confront these challenges directly.