Comparative Analysis of Skill-Based Education Curriculum in Pakistan and India: A Contemporary Review
Abstract
This study aims to carry out an in-depth comparative examination of the existing and previous skill-based education curricula in India and Pakistan. This study aims to identify differences in educational approaches through qualitative content analysis of current scholarly publications and participation in focus group discussions. Pakistan places stress on teaching life skills, whereas; India tends to see skill development as a career. The research explores the problems that arise when skill-based education is in practice at secondary schools. In addition, the study offers policy suggestions that support the creation of a curriculum that is more unified and aligns with secondary school expectations. The development of teachers and a sizable investment in the infrastructure of schools were highlighted as top goals. The study was delimited to focus group discussion viewpoints to support skill development activities in both countries. The research identified viability of the skill-based education in Pakistan and India. Both are striving hard to implement skill-based education in their curriculum, but problems encountered in its implementation seemed magnanimous in its implementation. The research's conclusions may act as a guide for decision-makers who want to give pupils the skills they require to succeed in their future careers.
Keywords
Viability, Magnanimous, Implementation, Technical, Vocational
Author Biography
Dr Muhammad Asif Nadeem
Associate Professor
Department of Education IUB
References
- Aggarwal, A., & Gasskov, V. (2013). Comparative Analysis of National Skills Development Policies: A guide for policy makers. International Labour Office.
- Ali, A., Ahmad, I., & Shah, M. (2017). Exploring factors influencing employability of vocational training graduates in Pakistan: a factor analysis. Global Regional Review, II(I), 389-404. https://doi.org/10.31703/grr.2017(ii-i).28
- Al-Yagon, M., Cavendish, W., Cornoldi, C., Fawcett, A., Grünke, M., Hung, L., … & Vio, C. (2012). The proposed changes for DSM-5 for sld and ADHD. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46(1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219412464353
- Asal, I., Yousuf, D. M. I., & DR Muhammad Imran. (2024). Parents and Teachers Attitudes toward Life Skills-based Education at Elementary Level. International "Journal of Academic Research for Humanities", 4(1), 64–76. Retrieved from https://jar.bwo-researches.com/index.php/jarh/article/view/210
- Aziz, M., Bloom, D., Humair, S., Jimenez, E., Rosenberg, L., & Sathar, Z. (2014). Education System Reform in Pakistan: Why, When, and How?
- Bano, N., Yang, S., & Alam, E. (2022). Emerging challenges in technical vocational education and training of Pakistan in the context of CPEC. Economies, 10(7), 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies10070153
- Barton, A., Ziegler, L., Mahsa Ershadi, & Winthrop, R. (2021, September 30). Collaborating to transform and improve education systems: A playbook for family-school engagement. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Brookings website: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/collaborating-to-transform-and-improve-education-systems-a-playbook-for-family-school-engagement/
- Batool, S. and Liu, Z. (2021). Exploring the relationships between socio-economic indicators and student enrollment in higher education institutions of Pakistan. Plos One, 16(12), e0261577. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261577
- Batra, S. (2009). Strengthening human capital for the knowledge economy needs an Indian perspective. Journal of Knowledge Management, 13(5), 345-358. https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270910988150
- Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices.
- Bordoloi, R., Das, P., & Das, K. (2021). Perception towards online/blended learning at the time of COVID-19 pandemic: academic analytics in the Indian context. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 16(1), 41-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/aaouj-09-2020-0079
- Bridge, C., Horey, D., Loch, B., Julien, B., & Thompson, B. (2023). The impact of an innovators group on the development of a culture of innovation in the use of educational technologies. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 39(6), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.8575
- Campanella, S. (2023). skill-based learning. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from HR Software website: https://www.techtarget.com/searchhrsoftware/definition/skill-based-learning
- Canagarajah, S. and Ashraf, H. (2013). Multilingualism and education in South Asia: resolving policy/practice dilemmas. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 33, 258-285. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0267190513000068
- Curricula of different countries. (2023, August 7). ESCAPE Projects. https://escapeprojects.ca/curricula-of-different-countries/
- Education - Post-independence India | Britannica. (2023). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/education/The-postindependence-period-in-India
- Education reform in Pakistan. (2016, September 15). Crisis Group. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/pakistan/education-reform-pakistan
- Encoura, H. L. E. P. a. A., & Encoura, H. L. E. P. a. A. (2021). Two Skills-Based Learning Initiatives worth watching. Welcome to Encoura. https://encoura.org/two-skills-based-learning-initiatives-worth-watching/
- Feroz, S. and Yasmin, B. (2021). Terrorism and brain drain in Pakistan: is there a connection? South Asia Economic Journal, 22(1), 73-87. https://doi.org/10.1177/1391561421997216
- Goodrick, D. (2014). Comparative Case Studies.
- Hussain, D. M. S., Rubab, D. I., & Ms Sheeza Tufail. (2023). Use of Social Networking Applications in English Language Teaching (ELT): Adult Learners’ Perceptions In Pakistani ESL Context. International "Journal of Academic Research for Humanities", 3(4), 13–24. Retrieved from https://jar.bwo-researches.com/index.php/jarh/article/view/336
- Home. (2017). https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/c4cff4cd-en/index.html?itemId=%2Fcontent%2Fcomponent%2Fc4cff4cd-en
- Hyett, N., Kenny, A., & Dickson-Swift, V. (2014). Methodology or method? A critical review of qualitative case study reports. International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 9, 23606. https://doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v9.23606
- India Today. (2019, August 9). 7 immediate changes needed in the Indian education system. https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/7-immediate-changes-needed-in-the-indian-education-system-1579167-2019-08-09
- ITA. (2019). Mapping of Life Skills Based Education in Punjab’s Curriculum and Textbooks.
- ILO. (2004). FORMULATING A NATIONAL POLICY ON SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.
- Javed, M., Eng, L., Mohamed, A., Mushtaq, I., & Hashim, N. (2012). The role of the Punjab Education Foundation Pakistan in teachers’ training in private sector schools under public-private partnership. International Journal of Learning and Development, 2(3), 199. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v2i3.1709
- Joar Svanemyr, Baig, Q., & Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli. (2015, May 4). Scaling up of Life Skills Based Education in Pakistan: a case study. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Research Gate website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276211566_Scaling_up_of_Life_Skills_Based_Education_in_Pakistan_a_case_study
- Khan, M. (2018). The status of early childhood education in Pakistan: inside stories. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 19(3), 310-317. https://doi.org/10.1177/1463949118757049
- Khilji, S. and Keilson, B. (2014). In search of global talent: is South Asia ready? South Asian Journal of Global Business Research, 3(2), 114-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/sajgbr-05-2014-0033
- Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 16(Number 2), 125-154. https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli2019.16.2.5
- Memon, I. (2009). Anatomy education faces challenges in Pakistan. Anatomical Sciences Education, 2(4), 193-194. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.77
- Munsi, K., Kalyani, W., Bengal, I., Dr, D., & Guha. (2014). Status of Life Skill Education in Teacher Education Curriculum of SAARC Countries: A Comparative Evaluation. Journal of Education & Social Policy, 1(1).
- Pakistan’s Education System: A Comparative Analysis with Other Countries. (2023). Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Linkedin.com website: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pakistans-education-system-comparative-analysis-other-afaq-ali
- Pakistan - History Background. (2023). Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Stateuniversity.com website: https://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1141/Pakistan-HISTORY-BACKGROUND.html
- Prasad, G. and Bhar, C. (2010). Accreditation system for technical education programs in India: a critical review. European Journal of Engineering Education, 35(2), 187-213. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043790903497294
- Qayoom, N., Saleem, M., & Mansoor, M. (2021). Objectives of teaching English skills and their assessment in Indian schools: a study on the divergence. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(2), 755-766. https://doi.org/10.52462/jlls.53
- Rizvi, M. and Nagy, P. (2015). The effects of cluster-based mentoring program on classroom teaching practices: lessons from Pakistan. Research Papers in Education, 31(2), 159-182. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2015.1029962
- RRP. (2022). SECTOR ASSESSMENT (SUMMARY): EDUCATION (TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING).
- School, 21K. (2022, October 3). Why Skill-Based Education is Important? Retrieved October 2, 2023, from 21K School website: https://www.21kschool.com/blog/why-skill-based-education-is-important/
- Skills Development. (2023). Retrieved October 2, 2023, from World Bank website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/skillsdevelopment
- Skills-based learning is the key to improving ROI in education. (2022, September 6). Higher Ed Dive. https://www.highereddive.com/news/skills-based-learning-is-the-key-to-improving-roi-in-education/630896/
- Skills-Based Learning - When, Where, How and Why - Credentialate Guide. (2021, March 23). Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Edalex website: https://www.edalex.com/guides/skills-based-learning-when-where-how-why
- Staff, D. (2022, November 14). A new federal skills-based learning initiative - Community College Daily. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Community College Daily - American Association of Community Colleges website: https://www.ccdaily.com/2022/11/a-new-federal-skills-based-learning-initiative/
- Singh, H., Singh, P., & Sharma, D. (2023). Faculty acceptance of virtual teaching platforms for online teaching: Moderating role of resistance to change. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 39(6), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.7529
- Tahira Asgher, Muhammad Saleem, & Dr. Asma Kashif Shahzad. (2023). Eco Linguistics-Infused Procedural Text Learning for ESL Students’ Success. International "Journal of Academic Research for Humanities", 3(4), 01–12. Retrieved from https://jar.bwo-researches.com/index.php/jarh/article/view/337
- The Importance of Skills-Based Education. (2023). Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Linkedin.com website: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-skills-based-education-culturelancer
- UNICEF. (2018). IMPROVING EDUCATION QUALITY IN SOUTH ASIA (I): A REVIEW OF UNICEF’S EFFORTS.
- U.S. Department of Education Launches New Initiative to Support Career-Connected Learning and Increase Job Pathways for Young Americans | U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-launches-new-initiative-support-career-connected-learning-and-increase-job-pathways-young-americans
- WEF. (2022). Catalyzing Education 4.0 Investing in the Future of Learning for a Human-Centric Recovery MAY 2 0 2 2.
- What Is a 21st-Century Skills-Based Education? - The Hun School of Princeton. (2019). https://www.hunschool.org/resources/21-century-classroom
- Wikipedia Contributors. (2023, October 2). Education in Pakistan. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Wikipedia website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Pakistan
- Willard, J. (2023, March). How skills-based training can build the workforce of the future. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from Big Think website: https://bigthink.com/plus/skills-based-training/