Report on the Requirements for Professional Qualifications for Higher Educational Institutions in Punjab and Sindh Released
Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently issued a report through Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) on the necessary qualifications for professional development in top educational institutions (HEIs) of Punjab and Sindh. A total of 4,049 respondents from 52 different public sector universities participated in a detailed survey, with 39% being women and 61% men.
The assessment of educational and non-educational staff of HEIs was designed to estimate the need for professional qualifications. Approved training categories included teaching and learning, research skills, financial governance, and academic leadership.
According to a press release issued by HEC on Saturday, the report’s findings highlighted the need for enhanced teaching and learning, research, institutional impact, and governance in multiple disciplines.
Respondents identified key areas such as teaching methods, research methodologies, plagiarism policies, technology integration in teaching and learning, quality assurance, financial management, and organizational leadership.
Significantly, 96% of respondents emphasized the mandatory faculty development training for new faculty members at the lecturer and assistant professor levels, while 70% stressed the necessity for all-around faculty development.
The report also emphasized the urgent need for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs in universities to keep pace with evolving global academic trends. The field of higher education is rapidly advancing, particularly with the advent of new technologies, making professional requirements a crucial consideration.
HEC will assist in designing and implementing future specialized training programs for faculties and administrations of universities, considering their specific needs. Similar assessments have been conducted previously for HEIs in KP and Balochistan.
Executive Director of HEC, Dr. Zia ul-Qayyum, underscored the importance of continuous professional development for faculty and administrative staff in higher educational institutions. He emphasized the need for faculty members to stay informed about industry advancements, new research, and modern technologies to ensure a conducive and comprehensive teaching and research environment.
Since 2009, HEC’s National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) has been conducting mandatory training programs under the Faculty Development Program (FDP) prior to formal entry into new faculty educational employment. Technical assistance from HEDP in 2019 facilitated a review of FDP for international experts to update their training modules/materials.
This recent report from NAHE will guide HEC in providing insights and promoting the design and implementation of continuous professional development programs for future.
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