The stagnant state of teaching methods in Pakistan continues to hinder student growth even years after the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift toward digital education. Dr. Yasmeen Rashidi, a prominent education expert, has warned that the country's academic institutions have largely reverted to traditional, pre-pandemic models without integrating the necessary pedagogical reforms required for the modern era.
Why teaching methods in Pakistan must change
While the pandemic forced schools and universities to adopt online platforms, this transition was largely superficial. Dr. Rashidi notes that the focus remained on simply moving lectures to a screen rather than transforming how students learn. The current system still prioritizes rote memorization over critical thinking, failing to prepare students for a world where information is instantly accessible but often unreliable.
Technological tools are being misused, according to Dr. Rashidi, leading to two major problems:
- Fragmented attention spans: The constant, unmonitored use of digital devices in classrooms is distracting students rather than engaging them.
- Reliance on unverified data: Without proper guidance on digital literacy, students are increasingly depending on unverified, low-quality sources found online to complete assignments and prepare for exams.
The need for institutional training
Dr. Rashidi emphasizes that the burden of this failure does not lie with the students, but with the institutions themselves. Teachers have not been provided with the training required to curate digital content or to manage a hybrid classroom effectively. Simply providing a tablet or a laptop to a student is not enough; educators need training on how to integrate these tools into a structured curriculum.
Without comprehensive professional development programs, the gap between the classroom and the demands of the 21st-century workforce will only widen. Educational bodies, including the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and provincial education departments, are being urged to pivot from infrastructure-only spending to pedagogical training.
What you should do
If you are a student or a parent, you must take proactive steps to ensure your learning isn't compromised by these systemic gaps. Start by verifying every piece of information you encounter through credible, peer-reviewed databases rather than relying solely on AI chatbots or social media. If you are an educator, prioritize 'active learning' techniques—such as collaborative problem-solving—that force students to move beyond passive consumption of content.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on upcoming policy announcements from provincial education ministries. Many districts are reportedly drafting new guidelines for digital literacy and classroom technology usage. Whether these guidelines translate into actual teacher training or remain just another paperwork exercise will determine the future quality of education in the country.