- City’s teaching system is one of the best in the world with maximum competition and well-reputed schools and teachers
Interview with Mr. Abdullah Shahmeer — an educationist
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please.
Abdullah Shahmeer: I am, by profession, an educationist and media professional. At the moment, I’m running two firms namely Inceptives and Quad Co as a director. Moreover, being an educationist, I teach both media studies and sociology at several A-level colleges, having around 14 years of experience in the field.
PAGE: Could you give your perspective on standards of education globally?
Abdullah Shahmeer: Education systems like CAIE and International Baccalaureate (IB) are recognised worldwide. Distance learning programmes (DLPs) and Edtech are being encouraged on a larger scale in today’s world. Take India’s Edtech-based unicorns for example, the investments made on these unicorns are mind-blowing if we were to compare them with other educational firms; that is mainly the reason why countries like India are able to produce such a qualified workforce. Undoubtedly, education is a vital component of a good lifestyle and it is essential that everyone in the world, no matter their cultural background or socioeconomic conditions, should be able to have access to quality education. Furthermore, a modern day curriculum must include digital literacy and inclusivity. There should be more educational investments made, particularly in areas with low literacy rate, as education is the only way towards success and improvement in lifestyle.
PAGE: What is your standpoint on the quality of O & A Levels education these days?
Abdullah Shahmeer:Â It is a valuable education system which is often presumed to be expensive. This is a myth as the cost of CAIE examinations in Pakistan is relatively the cheapest as compared to other middle eastern countries. We have a lot of options of scholarships available at schools and colleges in Karachi. One thing that I can surely tell you is that the education system in Karachi is one of the best in the world, due to the maximum competition and availability of well-reputed schools and teachers. Moreover, worldwide recognition of O and A level education makes it easier for students to pursue their higher studies abroad.
PAGE: What is your take on the investment in educating professionals?
Abdullah Shahmeer:Â I think it is definitely necessary. Learning never stops, and for such a rapidly evolving society, it is essential that teachers update their knowledge and teaching methods according to the needs of the contemporary society. I think we need to establish links with international firms, exhibitions and conferences. For example, UAE hosts Global Media Congress for media; educating professionals must attend such global conferences and expand their horizon. Such exposure is mandatory for professionals to start thinking on a global level and also to compete at it.
PAGE: What is your take on the professional qualities of young teachers these days?
Abdullah Shahmeer: As I have mentioned before, expansion of a teacher’s horizon is a vital part of today’s education system and therefore, young ones need to come out of their comfort zones and teach international qualifications which are highly competitive. Once you make this shift towards dealing with global organisations, you may already pave your path to excellence. Furthermore, I think that being able to deal with these organisations, also makes you able to groom and develop yourself as a teacher. You need to be able to work with competition. Young teachers are also more likely to develop a student-centred approach, which increases their ability to mould instructions in a way that fulfils individual student needs and interests. It is also important for the young ones to establish collaboration and teamwork with their older colleagues as there are a lot of things that life-long experiences can teach them.