Pakistan’s universities need to adopt a more practical approach

The overwhelming majority of universities in Pakistan focus more on a curriculum based academic approach as opposed to a more practical, hands on experience.

Often students studying in universities here in Pakistan will be told that the real world is tougher, crueller and less forgiving than what life is during higher studies. They will need to adapt and the books they are using to prepare themselves for that
world will not help them.

So why then, I ask, is there a lack of attention or work done during these years to address this issue? Why are students taught on the basis of notes, lectures, projects, presentations and reports alone?

There are universities in the United Kingdom and in other western states where students are giving simulations to prep them for the real world. Mock interview sessions are held to help mould the student and prepare him for what he can expect when he goes
out in the job market.

Also, for those interested in becoming a broker, they are given a certain amount of virtual money to wheel and deal in a simulation based stock market. At the end of the year they are given a report on how much money they managed to make or lose and what
opportunities they missed or took advantage of, as well as all of the relevant data.

While the Lahore School of Economics does conduct mock interviews it is lacking in other institutions in Pakistan. Some require a final project to be submitted, while others will not hand over the degree unless the student has completed a certain amount
of time as an intern and submitted a report.

The latter is something more in line with the practical approach a student needs to be exposed to, as the best way to learn is to do.

This is not a rant about how Pakistan’s universities are lagging behind but rather just a brief overview of a few simple changes that could make the next generation of employees and/or business leaders that much more prepared to take on the challenges the
real world poses.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=6563

Posted by Musa Afridi on Dec 19 2011. Filed under Education, Opinion, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry