Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context and Problem
In Public Schools in Pakistan, teachers aren’t always trained or have adequate pedagogical skills, particularly in rural areas. Due to this, the quality of education in these schools is compromised, leading to poor student learning outcomes. Thus, under the broader efforts of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), the Continuous Professional Development Program (CPDP) was introduced.
Solution
The CPDP stands out with its unique features. It organizes teachers into clusters for professional development sessions, focusing on improving their teaching skills and expertise on the topics they teach. The program also includes a 40-Point checklist, a comprehensive tool designed to ensure effective organization and implementation of training workshops. This checklist covers key areas such as infrastructure, resource allocation, and the specific training needs of schools. For instance, it ensures the availability of adequate classrooms and desks, proper lighting and ventilation, and safety measures like fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Moreover, the program aims to shift the mentality of teachers from rote memorization to promoting improved student critical thinking skills.
Impact
Between 2005 and 2009, 86,027 teachers were trained, significantly improving their output and teaching quality. Moreover, around 80% of the teachers trained were female, promoting gender equality in educational roles. There were also improved learning outcomes, with students scoring higher grades. Additionally, there was a noticeable shift towards improved school management and administration, especially regarding educational priorities.
Note: To understand the exact impact of this program, further studies and analysis will have to be done.