Obstacles in the Enhancement of Technical Education in Pakistan: Views and Reviews

Overview & Synopsis

Most of the policy makers of developed and developing countries declare Technical Education, a master key for the swift economic growth of a nation. Regrettably, the evidences show that Technical Education could not play the expected role in the industrial and economic growth of Pakistan. The study aimed to diagnose the causes of not achieving set targets of Technical education in Pakistan and to suggest the solutions to these problems. The qualitative data were collected through thirty (30) semi-structured interviews of experts, comprising alumni of Diploma of Associate Engineers (DAE), faculty members, policy makers and other experts of Technical Education in Pakistan by using purposive sampling technique. The data analysis reflects that, the dire need to improve funding for Technical Education is quite indispensible, the curricula is outdated and need to be revised periodically, the improved coordination between different stakeholders of Technical Education can uplift the teaching-learning environment. The study further indicates that, the industry-institute linkage is weak in the country, it is suggested that an effective industry-institute linkage is necessary to improve quality of Technical Education in the country, participation of private sector in Technical Education needs to be improved and system should be developed for periodic revision of curricula and organized professional/industrial training of students and faculty members. An independent University of Technical Education should be established to enhance the opportunities of higher Technical Education in the country.