Topics:

Factors affecting quality of schooling

Issues faced by schools
Roles of a teacher

Factors Affecting Schooling

Education is not an isolated activity; it is highly influenced by many factors that may be internal
or external. These factors collectively form the education system and affect all stakeholders in
different ways.

(a) Teachers’ factors:

Teachers are one of the core foundations of the schooling system. Well-trained and competent
teachers can change the face of the learning process. Reducing teachers’ professional and
personal issues can also improve their productivity and effectiveness.

(b) Students’ characteristics:

Students’ well-being, background, prior knowledge, learning abilities, and mental health play a
crucial role in schooling and academic achievement.

(c) Parental involvement:

Positive parental involvement, where parents guide their children, support them academically
and emotionally, and maintain realistic expectations, greatly enhances the teaching–learning
process.
Example :The Single National Curriculum (SNC) aims to reduce inequality between public and private
schools across Pakistan.

(d) Policies:
Educational policies at national, provincial, and institutional levels are key determinants of the
education system. Systematic and well-structured frameworks enable the schooling system to
function smoothly.

(e) Curriculum:
Curriculum is the backbone of the education system. It should be aligned with students’ needs
and requirements, be progressive, and follow a student-centered approach to achieve optimum
outcomes.
Example: Revised curriculum by PTCB emphasizes conceptual learning.

(f) Social factors:

Society plays a significant role in schooling. Social and cultural norms influence teaching
methods, subject content, and classroom practices.
(g) Political involvement:
Political agendas and stability influence the teaching and learning process. Individuals from
influential and affluent backgrounds may affect policy-making and induction processes.

(h) Administration:
The management and administration of an institution are major elements that drive the education
system. Administrative decisions and policies shape the structure and effectiveness of schooling.

(i) Changing global trends:

Education systems are increasingly influenced by global trends. Modern education emphasizes
student-centered learning, 21st-century skills, inclusive education, and activity-based learning.
Example: Inclusion of STEM education in Pakistan.

(j) Resource availability:

Schools are significantly affected by the availability of resources. A lack of teachers, learning
materials, technology, or teaching aids can negatively impact the learning process.

(k) Budget:
Budget allocation and funding provision are primary factors influencing the education system.
Teachers should receive competitive salaries on time, and adequate funds must be allocated for
infrastructure and learning resources by the government or administration.
Example: The budget for education in 2025-26 budgets is 14 billion only whereas Rs.716 billion
for a welfare program reveals the priority of the government.

Issues Faced by Schools

There are numerous issues and challenges faced by schools that disrupt the education process
and reduce its effectiveness.

(a) Malpractices:
Corruption in different sectors of the education system is one of the most highlighted issues.
From the induction of teachers to the announcement of results, merit is often ignored and
affiliations are prioritized, leading to an unfair education system.
Example: Bribery is a major cause of malpractices.

(b) Lack of basic facilities:

Many public schools in Pakistan lack basic infrastructure such as washrooms, classrooms, and
furniture. Even in the private sector, many schools operate in small houses without proper
facilities, making them unsuitable for a standard educational institution.

(c) Public–private sector disparity:

There is a huge difference in curriculum, school infrastructure, and teaching methods between
the public and private sectors.
Example: Private schools often provide access to global education boards such as IGCSE or
CIAE.
(d) Low salaries of teachers:
Teaching is one of the most underpaid professions. This negatively affects teachers’ motivation,
work quality, and overall productivity.

(e) Highly exam-based learning:

Most education systems follow traditional examination patterns that emphasize memorization
and rote learning. Syllabi are completed mechanically, with little importance given to conceptual
understanding.

(f) Overburdened teachers:

Teachers nowadays are burdened with excessive administrative and non-teaching tasks rather
than focusing on instruction. Moreover, they are often not provided with adequate teaching
resources, which make their work difficult.
Example: Lack of digital resources in modern classrooms.

(g) Discipline issues and management:

School management often ignores serious behavioral issues instead of addressing them
effectively, leading to repeated misconduct due to the absence of consequences.

(h) Schooling turned into a business:

Many schools are run by business-oriented owners who treat education merely as a profit-and-
loss venture, undermining its noble purpose.

(i) Lack of trained teachers:

Teachers are often appointed based only on subject knowledge and lack professional teaching
skills.
Example: A teaching license is mandatory in many countries, but not in Pakistan, allowing
untrained individuals to enter the profession.

(j) Not child-centered:

Many schools still follow traditional teaching methods where the teacher is authoritarian and
dominates the learning process.
Example: The lecture method remains the most prevalent approach in Pakistani classrooms.

(k) Outdated curriculum:

The curriculum often fails to keep pace with changing times. Students are encouraged to
memorize content with little real-life application.
Example: Computer textbooks of the Sindh Textbook Board still include obsolete technologies
such as floppy disks and CDs.

(l) No merit checks:

There is weak regulatory oversight to monitor schools’ policies and practices.
Example: Teachers are frequently hired through personal connections rather than qualifications.

(m) Parental pressure:

Parents often interfere in the teaching–learning process due to unrealistic expectations, which
disrupts school functioning.
Example: Parents sometimes demand promotion despite their child’s poor academic
performance.

(n) Lack of skills development:

The education system focuses mainly on cognitive development and neglects the holistic growth
of students, including life skills and practical abilities.

The Role of a teacher

The role of a teacher is multifaceted and extends beyond mere transmission of
knowledge. A teacher contributes to students’ academic, social, emotional, and moral
development.

(a) Facilitator of learning and pedagogy expert:

A teacher creates a supportive learning environment and applies appropriate teaching strategies
according to students’ needs and learning styles.
Example: Using lectures, visuals, and activities to explain concepts effectively.

(b) Classroom and behavior manager:

A teacher manages classroom resources, time, and students’ behavior to ensure a disciplined and
productive learning environment.
Example: Organizing classroom activities and using reinforcement techniques to promote
positive behavior.

(c) Recognizer of abilities and skill developer:

A teacher identifies students’ hidden talents and helps them develop academic, social, and life
skills required for daily life.
Example: Encouraging participation in debates, projects, or co-curricular activities.

(d) Non-discriminatory and supportive guide:

A teacher treats all students equally and provides a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning
environment without bias or humiliation.
Example: Giving constructive feedback to all students regardless of background or ability.

(e) Expert in subject matter and effective communicator:

A teacher possesses strong subject knowledge and communicates ideas clearly, serving as a role
model for effective communication.
Example: Explaining complex concepts in simple language and encouraging student interaction.

(f) Knowledgeable about human growth and development:

A teacher understands students’ physical, cognitive, and emotional development and plans
instruction accordingly.
(g) Assessor of learning and quality evaluator:
A teacher regularly assesses students’ progress, provides feedback, and supports continuous
improvement.
Example: Using formative assessments to guide learning.

(h) Lifelong learner:

A teacher continuously updates professional knowledge and teaching skills to meet changing
educational demands.