Dr. Nelofer Halai and her younger sister Dr. Anjum
Halai have recently completed their doctoral studies
from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education,
University of Toronto, and the Department of Educational
Studies, Oxford University, respectively.
Dr.
Nelofer Halai as a faculty member and Dr. Anjum Halai
(M.Ed. '96) as a graduate of AKU-IED, received full
sponsorships from the Institute for their doctoral programmes.
They hope that their insight into educational issues
and a broader vision of teaching will provide a superior
learning experience for their students at AKU-IED.
Dr.
Nelofer joined AKU in 1983 as a part-time instructor
to teach science and mathematics courses in the Faculty
of Health Sciences, becoming a full-time faculty member
six years later. On completion of her Masters in Science
Education from the USA, she went to AKU-IED "on
loan" to help teach the Science Education component
to the first M. Ed. cohort, which also included her
sister Anjum. In 1996, she opted to transfer to AKU-IED
to work in the field of Teacher Education, and later
proceeded to Canada for her doctorate in Science Education.
Her doctoral dissertation was a single case study titled,
"Munazza's story: Understanding Science Teaching
and Conceptions of the Nature of Science in Pakistan
Through a Life History Study." At AKU-IED, Dr.
Nelofer enjoys teaching both at graduate and undergraduate
levels.
Dr.
Anjum on completing her Masters in Teacher Education
in 1996, worked part time at AKU-IED as a professional
development teacher. Her role involved teaching at certificate
and advanced diploma levels. Two years later, she joined
AKU-IED as a full-time faculty member and taught at
graduate and undergraduate levels. Anjum completed her
doctorate in Mathematics Education from the University
of Oxford, UK. Her thesis "Role of Social Interactions
in Students' learning of Mathematics" has significant
and powerful implications for teacher education practice.
She believes that her doctoral research into students'
learning has prepared her for making significant contributions
in the field of mathematics education in particular
and teacher education in general.
Dr. Nelofer and Dr. Anjum cherish their long association
with AKU, which, they say, has been mutually productive.
Dr. Nelofer adds: "I have returned to Pakistan
strongly committed to making a difference, particularly
in how science is taught at various levels. Unlike in
the West, Pakistani students are generally keen to study
science. Skilful teaching, using methods that allow
students to question and engage actively with the science
concepts being taught can improve the quality of student
thinking. This in turn can boost our economy by allowing
a more skilled and thoughtful workforce to emerge."
