Exploring the challenges in classroom assessment: A mixed-method study of secondary schools in Pakistan

In the process of classroom assessment, data is collected regarding the skills, understanding and knowledge of students. It has very important role in enhancing academic achievement of students. Present study was designed at exploring the challenges of classroom assessment. The sample of study contained a sample of 360 participants and a concurrent mixed-method design was deployed to conduct the research. Data collection was carried out using researchers’ self-developed questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using statistical software of SPSS version 24.0 for descriptive and inferential stats. For collection and analyses of qualitative data, classroom observation and semi-structured interviews were also conducted. The study explored those major challenges included lack of interest of both, the parents and the students; insufficient guidance on the assessment by school administration; and less or no provision of professional training in assessment to the teachers. It was recommended that the school administration should take appropriate steps for the involvement of all stakeholders. Extensive professional training should be provided to all the teachers on regular basis by the concerned departments

Exploring organizational management of extrovert school leadership

The study aimed at determining the personality traits of extroversion and introversion of school leadership and evaluating their organizational management in Federal Government Educational Institutions (FGEIs). A quantitative research design along with a positivist paradigm was followed. The total population consisted of 68 school principals and 592 teachers of FGEIs in the Gujranwala, Fazaia, and Lahore Regions from which 54 principals and 381 teachers were selected using a random sampling technique. Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was deployed to collect information about personality traits and data regarding organizational management, the researchers used a self-developed questionnaire. Pearson correlation r and t-tests were deployed for inferential stats. The results showed that extrovert school leaders perform their duties well as they hold a clear concept of the vision and mission of the organization, set up an accepted procedure to plan short-term and long-term goals, share responsibilities with all stakeholders following their skills, and ensure the smooth functioning of the school with the help of all stakeholders. In comparison, introverted school principals show less interest in the organizational management of their schools. Moreover, organizational management of school leadership has a positive correlation with the personality trait of extroversion and a significant difference can be seen in organizational management of an extrovert and an introvert school principal. It was recommended that the performance indicators and standards of school principals should be effectively communicated to school leadership. Introvert school leadership should be provided with the necessary psychological training to reduce this shortcoming of personality

THE ROLE OF URDU CURRICULUM IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC VALUES AMONG STUDENTS (WITH THE SPECIAL REFERENCE OF 7TH GRADE URDU TEXTBOOK)

Over the years, in response to the larger changes in society there has been a growing concern regarding creating awareness among students about the civic responsibility they endure in the society. School curriculum and other related educational materials developed with a focus on civic values may be of immense help in developing civic sense among students. This paper is an attempt to examine, what role our school textbooks particularly the language textbook plays in promoting civic sense among students. To get this question answered, the Urdu language textbooks prescribed by the Punjab Government and published in 2016, by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board Lahore was reviewed and analysed extensively. The findings indicate that although the civic values, skills and dispositions can be traced out in the seventh grade Urdu language textbook however, it blends the minimalist representation and interpretation needed for creating civic sense among students. More focus was noted on civic values such as kindness; helpfulness; courtesy; sympathy; cleanliness; respecting others; obeying traffic rules; patriotism; crisis awareness; peace and common good, whereas some other civic traits like, democracy and awareness to social issues were found more or less ignored in the textbook analysed. It is suggested that textbooks should be planned, developed in such a way that may truly help in promoting civic values among students. Further, on implementation front, teachers and the administrators should also bear the responsibility of implementing the textbooks efficaciously so that civic values may be inculcated in students