Raising the quality of teaching in public schools of Pakistan: A three dimensional analysis for capacity development of in-service teachers in instructional planning and strategies

Abstract

In order to prepare the upcoming generation to handle the sophisticated skills required to contribute to a knowledge-based society, the teachers need to be more successful with the learners having varied needs and learning styles. Development of teachers on the basis of professional standards is part of a broader movement for the assurance of quality in various fields of human life. The standard and quality of education is directly related with the quality and standard of teachers. The standard of effective and efficient teaching comprises of three dimensions which are further divided into multiple indicators of knowledge and understanding of the content, disposition of the teachers and the skill they portray in teaching. The important question here is that: ‘What are the needs of in-service teachers in planning out the instructions and selecting appropriate strategies?’ A definite and workable approach to answer the question has been done through three dimensional gap analyses while assigning arbitrary scores and five levels to each indicator of all three dimensions. The mixed method and methodological triangulation approach was used for the collection of data. Three dimensional indicator wise analyses revealed the difference between existing levels and desired levels of many indicators of instructional planning and strategies. On the basis of the findings remedial areas have been identified for necessary actions. This definitely will raise the quality of learning as well.

Key words:  In-service Teacher Education, National Professional Standards, three dimensional Gap analyses