Critical Analysis of Problems of School Teachers in Pakistan: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Abstract

The education system of Pakistan, in terms of quality teaching and learning, stands in the lowest rank in the world. Numerous reasons can be held responsible for this state of affairs. Teacher is one of these factors. Teacher is an important part of the teaching and learning process, who faces various problems due to which they cannot play their roles effectively in the education process. This paper, based on a thorough review of the existing literature, critically analyses the problems faced by school teachers in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that teachers are less motivated towards teaching profession, because  their appointments, transfers, placements and promotions are decided on nepotism, corruption and political affiliations rather than on merit. In many cases teachers are posted in remote areas, faced with accommodation and transportation problems. The study further found that teachers are overburdened with more classes due to shortage of staff in schools, teachers face shortage of teaching and learning resources in schools, there are fewer professional development opportunities for teachers, servant-master environment and a culture of leg-pulling and flattering prevails in schools, and that teachers often rely on other activities such as property business, shop-keeping etc for living. This has gravely affected the process of teaching and learning in schools. This study recommends that the problems of teachers could be solved by creating an environment of trust and strengthening the mechanism of accountability, providing teaching and learning resources to schools, providing ongoing professional development opportunities and incentives to teachers, making appointments and promotions on merit,  providing enough staff to schools and eradicating the evil of political interference.

Keywords: education, problems of teachers, critical analysis, possible solutions, quality of teaching and learning