Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Kang | Hamdard University (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Kang

Pakistan Journal of Social Research, 2021

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors and reasons behind the dropout of f... more The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors and reasons behind the dropout of female students at primary and secondary level from public schools in Sindh. Samples of 120 senior teachers, 120 parents of dropped out students and 120students of primary and secondary public schools were selected systematically from schools of different districts of Sindh. Questionnaires were designed and data was collected and analyzed statistically through SPSS. Percentage and means were taken out. The major reasons found were cultural background, poverty, Lack of basic facilities, political and social norms, corporal punishment, socio economic conditions, lack of quality education, untrained teacher, loaded curriculum at different schools, learning environment and behavior of administration and parent’s and unawareness. To reduce the dropout rate of female students at different levels; it is recommended that school administration, communities, local bodies and provincial government s...

Pakistan Journal of Social Research, 2021

ABL or Activity base learning is the key point of student-centered classroom environment. classro... more ABL or Activity base learning is the key point of student-centered classroom environment. classroom’s learning environment can be changed only by well-planned activities in which students must be engaged according to the theory of John Dewey’s theory of learning by doing. The research was made to enhance the importance of ABL in classroom especially for science subjects in Karachi. Since majority of teachers are still using the same old traditional method so it was very necessary to bring a positive change in their teaching style to bring positive impacts over the learning of students. Science is a vast domain, so the research was limited to the teaching of Chemistry at secondary level of Karachi in Privately managed schools. Beside enhancing teachers’ capabilities, the other objectives of the research were to find the impacts of ABL in classroom learning environment and its impacts over the personality of children. It is survey research The researcher selected 15 schools from each ...

This study compares the mathematics curricula of General Certificate of Education (GCE: O-Level) ... more This study compares the mathematics curricula of General Certificate of Education (GCE: O-Level) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC: Matriculation) courses of studies. The purpose of this comparison was to trace out the factors accountable for the shortcomings in instructional objectives, contents, approaches, methods of teaching and patterns of assessment in the local (SSC) system of education. The population of study was all teachers, students and textbooks of SSC and GCE systems in Pakistan. The overall size of the sample was of 300 teachers, 200 students and 20 subject experts. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and document/ record analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed by using t-test. A comparative content analysis was made for the textbooks and question papers of both SSC and GCE examination boards. The study concluded that the implementation of GCE (O-Level) mathematics curriculum is relatively more effective than SSC curriculum although no...

Journal of Education and Educational Development, 2020

The basic aim of any education system is the development of overall personality of a child but ma... more The basic aim of any education system is the development of overall personality of a child but major focus of school education remains on the intellectual development of students. Mathematics is a compulsory subject in the school curriculum and is very effective in cognitive development, but, it does so if taught and assessed properly. SSC exams are very important for students as they are gauged on the basis of their results in these exams. Due to the importance of these exams, the major focus of teaching/learning process in the schools remains on achieving the highest possible grades in the exams. It is therefore, very important to have a deep investigation of the exam papers in order to know weather the items of these papers are measuring essential mathematical skills or not. To achieve the purpose, this study has scrutinized the papers of SSC (Grade-10) for the years 2014/2015, set by Board of Secondary Education Karachi. Items used in these papers were examined and categorized a...

JECCE

Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) is an emergingfield focusing on a child's ho... more Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) is an emergingfield focusing on a child's holistic development and learning. The role ofadults, particularly parents, are very significant in ECED. The main aimof this study was to explore the perception of parents about ECED in termsof how early enrolment in ECED provides benefits to the children. Further,this study also identified the development and learning of children inECED programs, the time and equal opportunity that children get, and thelikeness and happiness of children in ECED setups. This research wasbased on a quantitative study. A survey questionnaire was used to find theperception of randomly selected 100 parents. SPSS was used to analyzethe data by finding Frequencies, Percentages, Mean and Standarddeviation. The results portrayed that most parents have a favorable opinionabout ECED and parents endorsed the benefits that provide ECED to thechildren. Parents also indicated family involvement in the learning ofchildr...

The important aim of school education is the development of cognitive domain of learning and with... more The important aim of school education is the development of cognitive domain of learning and within this domain; development of thinking skills (especially higher order thinking skills) is the most important goal of school education. Mathematics is a subject that can develop these cognitive faculties but the level of attainment depends on the way it is taught. Research in this area has shown that students’ achievement level in mathematics is low as compared to other subjects. They perform better on those items in which memorization of facts are required whereas their performance is poor on the items requiring comprehension and skills of problem solving. It is therefore very important to have an in depth study of the ways mathematics is taught in our schools. The purpose of this study was to identify weaknesses and to find measures for raising the standard of mathematics education in the Pakistani system of studies (SSC). To achieve this purpose SSC system has been compared with its internationally recognized counterpart the GCE (O-Level) system in this study. The design of study is descriptive in nature. The data were collected from a sample of 250 schools through questionnaires for teachers (N=300), students (N=200), semistructured interviews for the subject experts (N=20) and a comparative content analysis of question papers (19942013) of the examination boards of both the systems. The data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using t-test whereas the data collected through interviews and comparison of contents of the exam papers were analyzed qualitatively. Findings of the study revealed a clear difference in the assessment schemes of SSC and GCE systems of studies. GCE system was found assessing understanding of abstract mathematical concepts and their use to solve real-world problems from different perspectives whereas assessment in SSC system was not found going beyond students’ mechanical ability of applying basic formulae and procedures to routine problems. The pattern, nature and purpose of assessment were found entirely different in these systems. The objectives of teaching/learning and approaches taken by teachers and students to achieve these objectives were also found significantly different. The study recommends drastic reforms in the SSC assessment system through the inclusion of constructed-response questions, giving a suitable number of application-based real-world problems to assess deep understanding of the concepts, giving unseen questions only as assessment items, curbing the approaches of selected-content teaching/studying and discouraging the trend of memorization of mathematical contents.

Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 2021

This study investigated the understanding of the students in the concepts of Geometry at secondar... more This study investigated the understanding of the students in the concepts of Geometry at secondary level. Geometry as one of the branches of the mathematics has an important in the study of mathematics. In this study 15 (Girls/Boys) schools were selected. Teachers (Male/Female) were 58 and students (Girls/Boys) were 600. The Following Tools used in research (i). Test of students through text book exercises (ii).Test of students through their conceptual understanding (iii). Check list for assessment the physical and learning environment of classroom and school (iv) questionnaire for teachers. These tools were divided in different parts. Researcher has discovered that the factors that are responsible for students' difficulties in learning geometry include: teachers' methods of instruction, lack of proof by students, lack of background knowledge, poor reasoning skill in geometry. Recommendations are formed on the basis of findings of this research study. School Management should give more time to geometry so concepts of Geometry may easy to understand. Lack of Concept building of geometry in early classes is also a big problem.

English is not spoken by most of the population of Pakistan, however, is officially employed in p... more English is not spoken by most of the population of Pakistan,
however, is officially employed in public and private
organizations; it has acquired the status of the second language
in the country. For that reason, the English language is
obligatory to obtain better education and well-paid jobs. So, the
present study aimed to investigate the National English
Curriculum Booklet of Pakistan (2006) prescribed for Higher
Secondary Certificate level (grade XI and XII). The study also
examined whether the intermediate textbooks (Textbook-I and
Textbook-II) published by the Sindh Textbook Board, Jamshoro
meets the criteria set in the curriculum. The article also tried to
find out whether the course books centered on the curriculum
fulfill the future academic and professional needs of the
Pakistani pupil. The qualitative data of the course books were
assessed using the procedures listed by (Schreier 2012) for
content analysis and (Pauwels 2012)for negative analysis. The
curriculum was evaluated employing the framework of (Dubin
and Olshtain 1986). The findings expose that the curriculum is
limiting and rigid. Similarly, it was found that the course books
are restrictive, less productive, and do not achieve the set
targets listed in the English curriculum for the higher secondary
level. In the main, the results suggested amendments in both
the course books and curriculum.

In this era of technology and industrialization Technical Education acquires great importance, pa... more In this era of technology and industrialization Technical Education acquires great importance, particularly for developing countries like Pakistan. The first Polytechnic in Pakistan was established in Karachi in 1955, and a Diploma of Associate Engineer Programme was introduced. Initially technical education institutes were established in the Public sector, but with time the Private sector also came forward and established well-equipped technical institutes that started to produce skilled workforce. From 2011 onwards, a large number of private technical institutes were established in Sindh. The purpose of this comparative study was to investigate the difference of Public and Private sector institutes of Sindh in certain key areas. Public sector institutes face the problem of shortage of qualified staff, fewer financial resources and a poor infrastructure. Some private institutes have well-qualified staff and a solid infrastructure, including labs and workshops, but most private institutes do not have sufficient faculty or adequate lab, workshop and library resources. The student pass rate is increasing, reaching 88%, which creates doubts about the quality of examination system. It is recommended that the Government should take measures to check the assessment system and acts to stop the growth of mushroom institutes. It should also take steps towards recruitment of qualified staff and provision of financial resources.

Listening Skill of any language is the key to all effective communication. Like any other languag... more Listening Skill of any language is the key to all effective communication. Like any other language, listening skill is essential for English Language. English as a language is given very much importance in Pakistan's educational system so the paper aimed to evaluate the listening habits of Higher secondary school students and the observations of their teachers. For this paper, two questionnaires were used to gather data about the listening habits of higher secondary school students. The sample, comprising of 240 students and 200 subject specialists, was chosen from the various institutes of Karachi, the metropolitan city of Pakistan. The data was analyzed descriptively and the recommendations were made on the basis of findings and conclusions.

The prime purpose of the study is to evaluate the administrative role of head teachers and relate... more The prime purpose of the study is to evaluate the administrative role of head teachers and related personnel in the secondary schools of Quetta, Baluchistan. Undoubtedly, education plays a vital key role in the progress and fortune of the country; however, the non-serious behaviour of teachers has become an unanswered question in Pakistan. The educational institutions in Quetta lack fine establishments and achievements due to the non-serious association of teachers. The values, norms, traditions and culture of the Quetta have adversely affected the effectiveness of educational reforms. The study is much relevant to discuss the broad background of the challenges faced by educational institutions and head teachers. The study also involves the solutions to the problems with understanding the natural world and creating some measures to tackle the issues. A survey was carried out, which highlighted the difficulties in the administration of head teachers and staff. Some were transportation problems, personal problems, environmental problems, lack of school welfare, Laissez-faire leadership style, no check and balance on attendance in Quetta, Baluchistan etc. The findings also indicate that this high number of administrative problems dramatically affects the performance of the students.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors and reasons behind the dropout of f... more The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors and reasons behind the dropout of female students at primary and secondary level from public schools in Sindh. Samples of 120 senior teachers, 120 parents of dropped out students and 120students of primary and secondary public schools were selected systematically from schools of different districts of Sindh. Questionnaires were designed and data was collected and analyzed statistically through SPSS. Percentage and means were taken out. The major reasons found were cultural background, poverty, Lack of basic facilities, political and social norms, corporal punishment, socio economic conditions, lack of quality education, untrained teacher, loaded curriculum at different schools, learning environment and behavior of administration and parent's and unawareness. To reduce the dropout rate of female students at different levels; it is recommended that school administration, communities, local bodies and provincial government should work together to enhance the quality of education and must provide the basic facilities for students specially for female students at primary and secondary level in different public schools of Sindh to control the dropout rate. Until and unless all sections of society would not be ready to work for the betterment collectively, the positive change is impossible to come forth.

Sugar cane is the second biggest cash crop of Pakistan, which contributes 3.4% to national income... more Sugar cane is the second biggest cash crop of Pakistan, which contributes 3.4% to national income and 0.7 percent in gross domestic product as well sugar cane provides ecologically best stimulus for economic development. We cannot refute the importance of sugar cane cultivator's participation in this sector. This research study is organized to identify Determinants of the Performance Microfinance Banks in Cane Enhancing and its Impact on Sugar Industry of Sindh. Data was collected from 250 respondents were interviewed Sugar Cane Growers (SCG) and Agriculture Expert (AE) as wellstructured through purposive sampling technique within asymmetric survey methodology conducted. SCG and AE remains 63% respondents were illiterate and their main occupation crop cultivation of sugar cane crop 76.7% respondents cultivating less than 12.5 acres and 20% respondents cultivating less than 25.0 acres in Sindh which is the largest population around 70% families stays in below the poverty line. This area demand attention. Sugar Cane is an integral part of agriculture and this sector is fulfilling the provincial demand of the country. State should support and privilege the efforts of the SCG and AE for grow up and help them to crop cultivation for extent of the on-farm practices on high input cost and equal income equilibrium as far as cultivation high input costing so they can get guidance of Prudential Regulations and Agriculture Financing for the take care of them, on farm activities and pricing should have to subsidized. Micro finance institutions should play an integral part for sustainable economic agriculture development, going forward research emphasis to empower sugar cane population in which the segment should grow. The government and Microfinance banks should focus on promotion and paid participation in agricultural activities, monetary benefits as well as power of decision making with the recognition of their work.

This study investigated the understanding of the students in the concepts of Geometry at secondar... more This study investigated the understanding of the students in the
concepts of Geometry at secondary level. Geometry as one of the
branches of the mathematics has an important in the study of
mathematics. In this study 15 (Girls/Boys) schools were selected.
Teachers (Male/Female) were 58 and students (Girls/Boys) were
600. The Following Tools used in research (i). Test of students
through text book exercises (ii).Test of students through their
conceptual understanding (iii). Check list for assessment the
physical and learning environment of classroom and school (iv)
questionnaire for teachers. These tools were divided in different
parts. Researcher has discovered that the factors that are
responsible for students' difficulties in learning geometry
include: teachers' methods of instruction, lack of proof by
students, lack of background knowledge, poor reasoning skill in
geometry. Recommendations are formed on the basis of findings
of this research study. School Management should give more
time to geometry so concepts of Geometry may easy to
understand. Lack of Concept

Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) is an emerging field focusing on a child's holis... more Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) is an emerging field focusing on a child's holistic development and learning. The role of adults, particularly parents, are very significant in ECED. The main aim of this study was to explore the perception of parents about ECED in terms of how early enrolment in ECED provides benefits to the children. Further, this study also identified the development and learning of children in ECED programs, the time and equal opportunity that children get, and the likeness and happiness of children in ECED setups. This research was based on a quantitative study. A survey questionnaire was used to find the perception of randomly selected 100 parents. SPSS was used to analyze the data by finding Frequencies, Percentages, Mean and Standard deviation. The results portrayed that most parents have a favorable opinion about ECED and parents endorsed the benefits that provide ECED to the children. Parents also indicated family involvement in the learning of children. Further, ECED helped develop the values and morals of the children. Parents also shared that children got sufficient time and equal opportunity for play and acknowledged children's likeness to attend the ECED.

Listening Skill of any language is the key to all effective communication (Amir & Kang, 2018a; Am... more Listening Skill of any language is the key to all effective communication (Amir & Kang, 2018a; Amir & Kang, 2018b). Listening means the ability to receive and interpret the spoken text accurately and this fact makes it the one communication skill that a language learner should master. Considering the importance of the English language in Pakistan's educational system, and that of Listening comprehension in the communication system, this study critically evaluates listening competency making a comparison between various groups of Higher Secondary School students of the provincial capital Quetta. The purpose of the study is to identify problems and hurdles that students face while listening to the English language and recommend the remedial steps required to be taken by the subject specialists i.e. teachers of English. The study evaluated the performance of Higher Secondary Students in listening comprehension through the conduct of Listening Comprehension Test/Tests in the classrooms while Questionnaires were used to identify problems of listening comprehension, teaching strategies, listening habits, and other variables. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively to determine the significant differences and correlations between various groups and subgroups of students formed on the basis of sectors and gender. The study was expected to help the teachers and students in better academic performance and concluded with findings and subsequent recommendations for teachers and students to improve listening comprehension of English with respect to the Educational system prevailing in the province of Baluchistan.

The role of mathematics in every aspect of life is beyond any doubt. Despite of its positive cont... more The role of mathematics in every aspect of life is beyond any doubt. Despite of its positive contributions there are several challenges which are attributed to it. The present study is an attempt to examine the Mathematics anxiety and its impact on the attitude of avoidance by the MPhil research scholars currently enrolled in public private universities in Karachi Sindh. This study is quantitative in nature as it examines the relationship between variables by using Likert scale survey questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used and in total 400 questionnaires were floated in public and private sector universities in Karachi. The gathered data was analyzed by using correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the study confirm the presence of impact of math anxiety on attitude of avoidance in Pakistani students. This requires concerned corners to examine and manage the situation for effective contribution of MPhil scholars at every level in the country. Results of the study paved need for exploring other dimensions like culture impact on this relationship. Further need for out of the box thinking in teaching students challenged by math anxiety also appeared as fruition of this effort.

Pakistan Journal of Social Research, 2021

Journal of Education and Educational Development, 2020

JECCE

Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 2021

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors and reasons behind the dropout of f... more The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors and reasons behind the dropout of female students at primary and secondary level from public schools in Sindh. Samples of 120 senior teachers, 120 parents of dropped out students and 120students of primary and secondary public schools were selected systematically from schools of different districts of Sindh. Questionnaires were designed and data was collected and analyzed statistically through SPSS. Percentage and means were taken out. The major reasons found were cultural background, poverty, Lack of basic facilities, political and social norms, corporal punishment, socio economic conditions, lack of quality education, untrained teacher, loaded curriculum at different schools, learning environment and behavior of administration and parent's and unawareness. To reduce the dropout rate of female students at different levels; it is recommended that school administration, communities, local bodies and provincial government should work together to enhance the quality of education and must provide the basic facilities for students specially for female students at primary and secondary level in different public schools of Sindh to control the dropout rate. Until and unless all sections of society would not be ready to work for the betterment collectively, the positive change is impossible to come forth.

This study investigated the understanding of the students in the concepts of Geometry at secondar... more This study investigated the understanding of the students in the
concepts of Geometry at secondary level. Geometry as one of the
branches of the mathematics has an important in the study of
mathematics. In this study 15 (Girls/Boys) schools were selected.
Teachers (Male/Female) were 58 and students (Girls/Boys) were
600. The Following Tools used in research (i). Test of students
through text book exercises (ii).Test of students through their
conceptual understanding (iii). Check list for assessment the
physical and learning environment of classroom and school (iv)
questionnaire for teachers. These tools were divided in different
parts. Researcher has discovered that the factors that are
responsible for students' difficulties in learning geometry
include: teachers' methods of instruction, lack of proof by
students, lack of background knowledge, poor reasoning skill in
geometry. Recommendations are formed on the basis of findings
of this research study. School Management should give more
time to geometry so concepts of Geometry may easy to
understand. Lack of Concept