Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) recently concluded the first phase of a faculty development programme tailored exclusively for the esteemed Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi.
The inaugural phase of this initiative was a five-day training programme centered around the theme 'Learner Engagement in Higher Education'. The programme provided faculty members from IBA Karachi an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the evolving dynamics of higher education and equip themselves with effective strategies to engage and empower today's diverse learners.
The curriculum of the course was thoughtfully designed to immerse participants in hands-on activities while exploring a wide range of crucial subjects. The topics covered during the programme included: understanding learner profiles, addressing the unique requirements of generation Z students, applying inclusive teaching strategies, optimising lesson planning, enhancing student engagement, delving into 21st-century skills, and conducting self-assessment of teaching practices.
One of the highlights of this capacity development course was the peer-led approach, which provided participants with a unique opportunity to learn from their colleagues in a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment. This approach not only fostered collaboration but also encouraged the exchange of best practices and innovative teaching methods among the educators.
Dr Farid Panjwani, Professor and Dean of AKU-IED, expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, "AKU-IED's commitment to promoting educational excellence and advancing pedagogical practices has never been more evident. The Institute's vision is to continue making valuable contributions to the realm of higher education by empowering educators with the tools and knowledge they need to engage and inspire the next generation of learners."
The distinguished team of instructors who guided the participants through this transformative experience included experts from AKU-IED and AKU’s Network of Quality, Teaching, and Learning, including: Kiran Qasim Ali, Dr Sadia Bhutta, Aly Jafferani, Dr Tasneem Anwar and Aly Ahad Mawji.
As a testament to the success of the first phase, the second phase of the programme is already scheduled to take place in December, with the anticipation of further enriching the faculty's capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence in higher education.
“We are delighted at the completion of the first phase of the faculty capacity building programme in collaboration with AKU. Our faculty has already started using some of the strategies shared by the trainers to make their classes more engaging and inclusive. We look forward to the second phase and to our continued partnership with AKU”, said Dr. Mohammad Kamran Mumtaz, Director, Center for Innovation in Learning & Ed-Transformation, IBA Karachi.
