Educational trends, issues & problems

ContemporaryIssues&TrendsinEducation
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Content List
Sr.
No.
Topic Page
No.
Educational Trends, Issues and Problems
1. Educational Trends 2
Definition of Trend 2
Educational Trends in Pakistan 3
1. Career Oriented Approach 3
2. Activity-Based Learning 3
3. Changing Patterns in Student Assessment and
Evaluation
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4. Growing Trend of Online Learning 4
2. Educational Issues 5
Definition of Issue 5
Educational Issues in Pakistan 5
1. MDGs and Pakistan 5
2. Education for All (EFA) Commitment 6
3. Vision 2030 6
3. Educational Problems 7
Definition of Problem 7
Educational Problems in Pakistan 7
1. Lack of Proper Planning 7
2. Social constraints 7
3. Gender gap 7
4. Cost of education 8
5. War on Terror 8
6. Funds for Education 8
7. Technical Education 8
References 9

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Educational Trends
Definition of Trend:
 A general direction in which something is developing or changing: an upward trend in
sales and profit margins
 A general direction of change: a way of behaving, proceeding, etc. that is developing and
becoming more common
 A general development or change in a situation
or in the way that people are behaving
 Something that is currently popular or
fashionable
 A new development in clothing, make-up, etc.
 A trend is what's hip or popular at a certain point
in time. While a trend usually refers to a certain
style in fashion or entertainment, there could be
a trend toward warmer temperatures (if people
are following trends associated with global
warming).
A trend simply reflects what seems to be going around
at any given time. A trend can be in any area and
doesn't only reflect fashion, pop culture and
entertainment. There can also be a trend in the stock market to be bullish or bearish, depending
on economic indicators, or a political trend reflecting a nation’s current mood. Some trends are
fun, some fabulous, some appalling, but however long they last, you can be sure there will
always be a new trend coming along to replace the old.
The following are examples of
current trend:
Clothing: jeans with tears, rips,
or holes; anything vintage
washed; wearing 3 different
style shirts at the same time -
i.e. polo with tee shirt and
button down.
Music: pop on the radio
consisting mostly of the latest
rock band; currently R&B is
quite popular among all.
Vernacular: yo, dude, man,
tight, gank, grip, and ricer
TV Shows: Laguna Beach,
other reality shows,
Educational Trends, Issues and
Problems

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A trend is the latest style of popular culture including but not limited to: clothing, music,
vernacular (common speech), and the latest TV shows. This form of culture is usually expressed
by preps and other kids trying desperately to be accepted by peers despite obvious out casements.
Educational Trends in Pakistan
The field of education has seen a drastic change in the past two decades. The changing scenario
of world economy and advancement in information and communication technology has resulted
in the beginning of many new trends in education. Modern day education is all about innovation,
accessibility, and suitability. From kindergarten to university, students are encouraged to learn
through interactive and practical tools. Higher education is more career-oriented today than ever
before. The barriers of time and age have also been removed, while geographical boundaries
don't matter anymore. These revolutionary trends have benefitted those people who want to get
practical knowledge for their personal and professional growth. We are highlighting some of the
most popular trends in education that can help you to become the innovative leader the world
needs today.
1. Career Oriented Approach:
Educational institutes are more focused now to prepare their students for the job market.
Most of the students prefer schools and universities that are associated with specific
disciplines. There are business schools for people who want to make it big in the corporate
world and fine arts colleges for people who want to explore new dimensions through the
medium of art. A lot of emphasis is placed to prepare the curriculum according to the
demands and practices of the selected field, and students are guided according to a well-
defined career pathway. Apart from this, students are synthesized with the environment of
their chosen field through apprenticeship programs and practical training.
2. Activity-Based Learning:
Students are encouraged to contribute to learning process through participation in different
activities. Be it a second grade classroom where knowledge is discovered through a sport or
fun quiz, or mock trials at Law schools where students can get real life experience of court
proceeding. Role-playing, case studies, projects, presentations and several other tools are

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used to make the education process interactive and productive. In higher level studies, role of
instructor is also changing from that of an authority in knowledge to a facilitator for students
who promotes seminar-like environment in the classroom.
3. Changing Patterns in Student Assessment and Evaluation:
Many new trends are introduced for assessing the performance of students and evaluating
their level of knowledge and skill attainment. From classroom assessment to grading system
for exams, everything has become more transparent and error-free because of the use of
technology. Computer-based assessment is encouraged in most parts of the world, which
saves a lot of time and effort. Students also appreciate new patterns of evaluation, as they
guarantee them fool-proof results.
4. Growing Trend of Online Learning:
While World Wide Web has redefined the practices and procedures in almost every area of
life, it has certainly brought revolutionary changes in the field of education. The success
story of online education is a significant example as it is serving the people from various
different backgrounds. Everyone from mid-career professionals to housewives can earn
degrees and diplomas in their selected fields through online schools and colleges. Online
education is preferred because of its extendibility and expediency. It allows learners to set
their own study time and duration without compromising on their present commitments.
Online learning is cost effective and it carries great worth for jobseekers.
It is noteworthy here that traditional methods of teaching and learning still carry great
importance; it is only their integration with new technology and strategies that have
introduced many new trends in education. We should also consider the fact that current
trends in education are constantly evolving, so more directions will emerge in the future. We
need to embrace the change as it happens, because this is the only way to remain connected
to the world of knowledge.

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Educational Issues
Definition of Issue
 An issue is concerned with one or a few persons of an organization or an institution.
 An issue could be lengthened or made serious.
 An issue can be complicated, but a problem cannot be complicated.
 An issue does not remain the same in the course of time. It can either grow serious or can
get light.
 An issue is organizational in character. Issues can be handled privately.
 An issue can have the potential to cause harm, unlike a problem.
 Issues can be recognizable solved. Issues if not solved can grow in their impact.
Educational Issues in Pakistan
1. MDGs and Pakistan
Due to the problems in education system of Pakistan, the country is lagging behind in achieving
its MDGs of education. The MDGs have laid down two goals for education sector:
Goal 2: The goal 2 of MDGs is to achieve Universal Primary Education (UPE) and by 2015,
children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary
schooling. By the year 2014 the enrolment statistics show an increase in the enrolment of
students of the age of 3-16 year while dropout rate decreased. But the need for increasing
enrolment of students remains high to achieve MDGs target. Punjab is leading province wise in
net primary enrolment rate with 62% enrolment. The enrolment rate in Sindh province is 52%, in
Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) 54% and primary enrolment rate in Balochistan is 45%.
Goal 3: The goal 3 of MDGs is Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. It is
aimed at eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005 and in all
levels of education not later than 2015. There is a stark disparity between male and female
literacy rates. The national literacy rate of male was 71% while that of female was 48% in 2012-
13. Provinces reported the same gender disparity. Punjab literacy rate in male was 71% and for

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females it was 54%. In Sindh literacy rate in male was 72% and female 47%, in KPK male 70%
and females 35%, while in Balochistan male 62% and
female 23%.
2. Education for All (EFA) Commitment
The EFA goals focus on early childhood care and
education including pre-schooling, universal primary
education and secondary education to youth, adult
literacy with gender parity and quality of education as
crosscutting thematic and program priorities.
EFA Review Report October 2014 outlines that
despite repeated policy commitments, primary
education in Pakistan is lagging behind in achieving its
target of universal primary education. Currently the
primary gross enrolment rate stands at 85.9% while
Pakistan requires increasing it up to 100% by 2015-16
to fulfil EFA goals. Of the estimated total primary
school going 21.4 million children of ages 5-9 years,
68.5% are enrolled in schools, of which 8.2 million or
56% are boys and 6.5 million or 44% are girls.
Economic Survey of Pakistan confirms that during the
year 2013-14 literacy remained much higher in urban
areas than in rural areas and higher among males.
3. Vision 2030
Vision 2030 of Planning Commission of Pakistan
looks for an academic environment which promotes
the thinking mind. The goal under Vision 2030 is one
curriculum and one national examination system under
state responsibility. The strategies charted out to
What is the Difference between
Problem and Issue?
Definitions ofProblem and Issue:
Problem: The word ‘problem’ is
used with an intention to solve it.
Issue: An issue is used in the sense
of controversy.
Characteristics of Problem and
Issue:
Controversy:
Problem: There is no element of
controversy in a problem.
Issue: An issue is all about the
controversy.
Scope:
Problem: A problem is concerned
with the organization or the
institution as a whole.
Issue: An issue is concerned with
one or a few persons of an
organization or an institution.
Character:
Problem: Problem is personal in
character.
Issue: An issue is organizational in
character.
Harm:
Problem: A problem does not have
the potential to cause harm.
Issue: An issue can have the
potential to cause harm.

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achieve the goal included:
i. Increasing public expenditure on education and skills generation from 2.7% of GDP to
5% by 2010 and 7% by 2015.
ii. Re-introduce the technical and vocational stream in the last two years of secondary
schools.
iii. Gradually increase vocational and technical education numbers to 25-30% of all
secondary enrolment by 2015 and 50 per cent by 2030.
iv. Enhance the scale and quality of education in general and the scale and quality of
scientific/technical education in Pakistan in particular.
Educational Problems
Definition of Problem
 The word ‘problem’ is used with an intention to solve it. Any problem for that matter will
have a solution. There is no element of controversy in a problem.
 A problem is concerned with the organization or the institution as a whole.
 A problem cannot be lengthened or made serious.
 A problem cannot be complicated. A problem remains the same in the course of time.
 The problem is personal in character. Problems cannot be solved privately. This is
because problems can affect others around you as well. A problem does not have the
potential to cause harm. Problems can be permanent or temporary. Problems, when not
solved, cannot grow in their impact but tend to remain the same.
Educational Problems in Pakistan
The issues lead to the comprehension of the problems which are faced in the development of
education system and promotion of literacy. The study outlines seven major problems such as:
1. Lack of Proper Planning: Pakistan is a signatory to MDGs and EFA goals. However it
seems that it will not be able to achieve these international commitments because of financial
management issues and constraints to achieve the MDGs and EFA goals.

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2. Social constraints: It is important to realize that the problems which hinder the provision of
education are not just due to issues of management by government but some of them are
deeply rooted in the social and cultural orientation of the people. Overcoming the latter is
difficult and would require a change in attitude of the people, until then universal primary
education is difficult to achieve.
3. Gender gap: Major factors that hinder enrolment rates of girls include poverty, cultural
constraints, illiteracy of parents and parental concerns about safety and mobility of their
daughters. Society’s emphasis on girl’s modesty, protection and early marriages may limit
family’s willingness to send them to school. Enrolment of rural girls is 45% lower than that
of urban girls; while for boys the difference is 10% only, showing that gender gap is an
important factor.
4. Cost of education: The economic cost is higher in private schools, but these are located in
richer settlements only. The paradox is that private schools are better but not everywhere and
government schools ensure equitable access but do not provide quality education.
5. War on Terror: Pakistan’s engagement in war against terrorism also affected the promotion
of literacy campaign. The militants targeted schools and students; several educational
institutions were blown up, teachers and students were killed in Balochistan, KPK and
FATA. This may have to contribute not as much as other factors, but this remains an
important factor.
6. Funds for Education: Pakistan spends 2.4% GDP on education. At national level, 89%
education expenditure comprises of current expenses such as teachers’ salaries, while only
11% comprises of development expenditure which is not sufficient to raise quality of
education.
7. Technical Education: Sufficient attention has not been paid to the technical and vocational
education in Pakistan. The number of technical and vocational training institutes is not
sufficient and many are deprived of infrastructure, teachers and tools for training. The
population of a state is one of the main elements of its national power. It can become an asset
once it is skilled. Unskilled population means more jobless people in the country, which
affects the national development negatively. Therefore, technical education needs priority
handling by the government.

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Poverty, law and order situation, natural disasters, budgetary constraints, lack of access,
poor quality, equity, and governance have also contributed in less enrolments.
References:
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/trend
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/trend
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/trend
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trend
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Trend
http://www.excite.com/education/education/trends-in-education
http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-issue-and-problem/
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-problem-and-issue/
http://www.ipripak.org/education-system-of-pakistan-issues-problems-and-
solutions/#sthash.qTA7Ihge.dpbs

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