Creating Access for Effective Learning- A Case of Pakistan

• In Event: Comparing Equity and Access

Proposal

Objective
The availability and access to teaching and learning materials in public schools of Sindh, Pakistan falls short of expectations and the lack of learning materials in Sindhi and Urdu languages for children is disadvantaging children speaking these languages. The objective of this study is the development of tailor-made teaching and learning materials (TLMs) according to learning needs of the students.

Study Framework and Methods
In 2015, SRP undertook a ‘Gap Analysis’ study, which revealed ‘large gaps in the literature available for children in Sindhi and Urdu languages’. Based on key findings, SRP initiated an in-house production of levelled text books by building capacities of local human resources in creating missing text for grade 1 and 2 students. This process was done in coordination with various Education Department stakeholders, international technical assistance, and contractor support from Chemonics International.

Results
Through a rigorous process and based on piloting results, 400 lesson plans and 56 titles of leveled text of both grades were created. All items of this round of TLMs were further validated through Provincial Government engagement. It was found that the TLMs would ‘develop the reading abilities and polish skills of learners and it would stand as tool of change for academic standards ’.

Significance
There is need of a systematic study which captures efficacy of these TLMs for informed improvements. The purpose of this panel will explore the engagement of all stakeholders to build a consensus around approach, development, validation, distribution and evaluation of these learning materials. The panel will also discuss lessons learned and expectations of government to build institutional capacity to evaluate, refine and scale up these materials to be used in all early grade classrooms throughout the province.

Authors

• Christopher Ashford, Chemonics International

• Zulfiqar Bachani, Chemonics International

• Laura Harrington, Chemonics International