AKU Examination Board
Holds Annual Head Teachers’ Consultative Conference

The second Annual Head Teachers’ Consultative Conference was organised by Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) in three sessions in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Dr Thomas Christie awards a certificate to a participant at the first board meeting.

The major objectives of this conference were to improve communication with the affiliated schools, to share latest initiatives of AKU-EB and to review the progress and problems faced by schools and school administrations while preparing for the implementation of the Board’s examination system. Pursuing the communication strategy of direct interaction with schools and school administrations, the conference was aimed at creating a better understanding and providing answers to stakeholders’ concerns.

The AKU-EB affiliated schools were divided into three clusters for their participation in the conference. Heads of affiliated schools and academic coordinators, nominated by the heads of institutions, attended the conference.

During his opening address, Dr Thomas Christie, Director AKU-EB, gave an insight into the exam development for 2007, which replaces the part-wise examinations with the composite one. The audience was briefed about the preparatory exam in 2006, which would serve as a complete preparation for the 2007 exam. Dr Christie shared significant information on the elements of e-marking and how technology can be used to eliminate malpractices in grading exams. Participants were also informed of the decisions taken by AKU-EB after various suggestions given during the first Annual Head Teachers’ Conference held in 2004.

Mr Dawar Shah, Manager Curriculum and Exam Development, AKU-EB, elaborated on various aspects of developing questions which test understanding instead of rote learning. Mr Afzaal Rana, Assistant Manager Training Programmes, AKU-EB, updated participants about the training programmes conducted by the Board. These programmes include material development training, orientation workshops, and a need-based training programme. His presentation helped answer the participants’ queries about the distribution of the Assessment Units (teaching-learning support material) in different subjects, which are in a piloting phase at the moment.

A question-and-answer session followed these presentations. The discussion session was interactive as suggestions and concerns were discussed in detail. Participants appreciated AKU- EB’s effort for a better examination system and the cooperation extended to its affiliated schools.

All three sessions ended with the distribution of affiliation certificates to the schools and a closing note of thanks by Dr Thomas Christie.