The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has taken a significant step towards enhancing the quality of undergraduate education programs by finalizing the Undergraduate Education Policy (UEP) 2020. This policy provides a comprehensive framework for the development and implementation of Bachelor of Studies (BS) degrees and Associate Degree (AD) programs in affiliated colleges and universities across the country.
Challenges in Implementing the Revised Degrees
While the revised four-year BS and two-year AD degrees are already prevalent in the private sector and some public universities, implementing them across all public higher education institutions (HEIs) and affiliated colleges is a challenging task. Recognizing the magnitude of this endeavor, the Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project has been launched to support the implementation of the UEP.
The HEDP Project and its Objectives
The HEDP project is a five-year initiative (2019/20 – 2023/24) led by the Post-Secondary Education Reform Unit (PERU) team of HEDP. It focuses on expanding key priorities in higher education, including research excellence, improved teaching and learning, and strengthened governance. The project collaborates closely with the HEC and the Higher Education Departments (HEDs) of provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of the UEP.
Assessing Learning Outcomes
To evaluate the impact of the newly implemented programs under the UEP, it is crucial to conduct an assessment study that measures the improvement in learning outcomes. In line with this objective, PERU has already developed a tool for the assessment study, and it is now being expanded upon. The findings of this study will serve as an important indicator of progress in improving teaching and learning in affiliated colleges.
Engagement of an International Expert
To ensure the credibility and expertise in the assessment study, the project has engaged Mr. Salvador Malo Álvarez, an international expert from Mexico. Mr. Salvador brings extensive experience in higher education policy and reform in Latin America, having served as the Director General (DG) at Mexico’s Ministry of Education, the Mexican Centre for the Assessment of Higher Education, and the Council for the Assessment and Certification of Competencies.
Mr. Salvador’s Role in the Study
As a renowned expert in the field, Mr. Salvador will play a crucial role in supporting the assessment study. His knowledge and experience will contribute to the development of robust methodologies and evaluation criteria to measure the effectiveness of the UEP implementation. Mr. Salvador will work closely with the PERU team, HEC, and the HEDs to ensure the study’s success and provide valuable insights into improving undergraduate education in Pakistan.
Expected Outcomes and Impacts
The assessment study led by Mr. Salvador will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the UEP implementation. It will shed light on the improvements in teaching and learning outcomes resulting from the revised BS and AD programs. The study’s findings will help identify areas that require further attention and refinement, enabling policymakers and educational institutions to make informed decisions to enhance the quality of undergraduate education in Pakistan.
Additionally, the study’s results will contribute to the achievement of a key Project Development Objective (PDO) of the HEDP project. By focusing on research excellence, improved teaching and learning, and strengthened governance, the project aims to elevate the overall quality of higher education in the country. The assessment study will serve as a crucial indicator of progress towards these objectives.
Read more: 6.5 Lac+ Students Apply for PM 1 Lac Laptop Scheme
The HEC’s implementation of the Undergraduate Education Policy (UEP) 2020 marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality of undergraduate education programs in Pakistan. With the support of the HEDP project and the engagement of international expert Mr. Salvador Malo Álvarez, an assessment study is being conducted to evaluate the impact of the UEP on learning outcomes. This study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve teaching and learning in affiliated colleges and pave the way for further advancements in undergraduate education in the country.
