SWAT: Educationists and curriculum experts on Sunday stressed the urgent need to align the country’s syllabus and teaching methods with the demands of modern education, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, computing, and machine learning.

This reform request was made during a one-day workshop on incorporating cutting-edge resources like 3D printing, measurement labs, and coding into school curricula. Syed Munwar Ali Shah led the workshop, which was organised at a local college. Many teachers, both male and female, were drawn to it because they were keen to try out new teaching techniques.

The speakers lamented country’s current educational system’s antiquated nature. They emphasised how Pakistan still used theoretical and rote learning techniques that dated back to the early 20th century, while industrialised nations had made the shift to practical, conceptual, and activity-based learning.

“Our educational system emphasises memorisation over creativity and practical skills,” a participant said. “Students are rewarded for their ability to memorise and repeat content on tests rather than demonstrating that they understand or can apply concepts. This approach leaves university graduates unprepared for problems in the real world.”

The participants agreed that Pakistan’s capacity to compete globally was hampered by this antiquated strategy. They emphasised that in order to reach worldwide standards, the curriculum and the teaching infrastructure needed to be completely revamped. This included incorporating computer programming, coding, AI, robotics, 3D printing, and other modern technologies into the curriculum.

Another expert underlined that “we must equip our students with modern skills in order to join the global race for development and innovation.” “This calls for the provision of contemporary equipment, labs, and teacher training programmes in addition to an updated curriculum.”

The facilitators demonstrated 3D printing technology in real time while describing how it might be used to teach design and problem-solving techniques.

Participants expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities these technologies could bring to Pakistani classrooms. Many noted that hands-on activities would help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills-qualities essential for success in the modern world.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2024