Improvement of the Learning Design and Teaching-Learning Processes

​Duration: September 2023-November 2024 
Target area: Balochistan
Funding organisation: Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the European Union (EU)

The Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) signed an agreement with the Education Department, Government of Balochistan, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to develop the capacity of curriculum, textbook, and teacher training bodies in the province. The project is funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the European Union (EU). 

Under the project, AKU-IED has provided technical assistance and worked​ in close collaboration with the Education Department's technical subsections, including the Bureau of Curriculum, Balochistan Textbook Board, Provincial Institute of Teacher Education, Directorate of Education (Schools), and Balochistan Examination and Assessment Commission.​ Read more​

Overview

The Project aims to improve educational services in Balochistan, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy (Grades 1-5) as well as middle-level education (Grades 6-8). The project addresses critical gaps in school attendance and quality of education, aiming to bring more children into the school system and improve learning outcomes. Balochistan has the highest rate of out-of-school children, with 65% of children aged 5-16 not attending school.

Outcomes​

• ​Curriculum Review & Revision: Our team has conducted a research-based review and revision of the curriculum for foundational literacy and numeracy in Grades 1-5. This work has also been extended to cover middle-level education (Grades 6-8), ensuring comprehensive, standards-aligned curricula.
• Teacher Capacity Building: Through in-service training programmes, the project has developed 189 Master Trainers (MTs) at the primary level. These MTs have subsequently trained over 2,000 primary teachers across various districts in Balochistan. Another cohort of 100 MTs for middle-level grades is anticipated to complete their training soon.
  
• Material Review: Focusing on alignment with national curriculum standards, our team reviewed 15 English, Urdu, and Mathematics textbooks for Grades 1-5, with an eye toward Balochistan's unique educational needs. These materials also support teaching in both mono- and multi-grade settings.

• Supplementary Learning Materials: FGES developed supplementary materials in English and Mathematics for primary and middle-level students, targeting specific learning gaps and promoting foundational skills.

• Snap Assessment: To gauge current levels and identify improvement areas, the team assessed foundational literacy and numeracy skills among students from Grades 1-5, with expanded assessments for Grades 6-8.
  
• Capacity Development for Textbook Review: In September 2024, a workshop trained 45 textbook authors and reviewers, enhancing their skills to produce relevant, high-quality learning materials for primary and middle-level education.