Importance of quality education highlighted

LAHORE
TNS-Beaconhouse organised a panel discussion “Finding the best educational fit for your child” at its Defence campus here on Saturday.
The event was attended by a large number of people particularly from academia and parents of the students.
Noted journalist Fahd Hussain moderated the discussion while the panelists included Dr Lawrence Burke, Beaconhouse Director of Education, Dr Ali Khan from LUMS, Dr C.J. Dubash from FC College and Taymur Mirza, the founding head of The International School. The New School (TNS) Deputy Head of School Ayesha Kasuri and CEO Beaconhouse Kasim Kasuri were also present on the occasion.
The debate mainly focused the new International Baccalaureate (IB) system of education and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) with Dr Lawrence Burke speaking in support of the two systems. Drawing an analogy he termed good quality education as a good engine of a vehicle with different bodies on it.
Dr Burke observed that knowledge of IB and CIE was the same, however, teaching and learning approaches were the intrinsic differences between the two systems of education.
Late during the Q&A session while replying to a question Dr Burke said, “Tuition culture is shameful in Pakistan.” It attracted criticism from some participants primarily tutors. However, Dr Burke clarified that he didn’t mean it was because of those tutoring but he meant the growing tuition culture in Pakistan.
The moderator Fahd Hussain raised concern over high fee structure for the new IB program which, however, was dispelled by Taymur Mirza.
Dr Ali Khan and Dr C.J. Dubash mainly talked about the role of education and teachers in producing well-rounded individuals. They also underscored the importance of developing the ability of questioning among the students. Dr Ali Khan also talked about lack of creativity and critical thinking among students.
During the question-answer session the participants put pertinent questions and many even argued that they were still confused as to which system of education was better for their kids.
The participants were also informed that the new IB system had its formal equivalence from Pakistan’s Inter Boards Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) and hence there was no point of worrying about admissions for higher studies in local universities with IB’s Diploma Program (equivalent to A-levels) while the program was already enjoying global recognition.