The three-day English Faculty Development Programme, organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), came to a successful conclusion on Saturday. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) in partnership with the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the US Embassy in Islamabad, brought together educators from across the country to explore contemporary challenges and opportunities in English language teaching.
The programme was facilitated by renowned international education expert Dr. Patricia Pashby, whose sessions delved into three pivotal themes: Teaching Language through Literature, Exploring Culture in the Language Classroom, and Redesigning Assignments in the Age of AI. Each session provided participants with innovative tools and methodologies aimed at modernizing English language instruction and addressing the integration of technology and global perspectives in the classroom.
The event’s hands-on workshops encouraged educators to reimagine their approach to teaching. For instance, the theme of Teaching Language through Literature explored the use of literary texts as a means to engage students in critical thinking and language proficiency. The session on Exploring Culture in the Language Classroom emphasized fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity, while Redesigning Assignments in the Age of AI provided strategies to incorporate AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance learning outcomes while mitigating academic dishonesty.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony, HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the importance of capacity-building initiatives in improving the quality of higher education. “Empowering our English faculty with advanced teaching strategies is critical in keeping pace with the demands of a rapidly changing world. Such programmes are pivotal in ensuring our educators are prepared to inspire and lead the next generation,” he noted.
Dr. Ahmed also commended National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) and Regional English Language Office (RELO) for their collaborative efforts, stating that such partnerships enrich academic development and pave the way for a more innovative and inclusive higher education system.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the programme, describing it as an enriching experience that not only provided practical teaching tools but also fostered a sense of community among educators. Many called for more such initiatives to be organized regularly to ensure continued professional growth.
This programme reflects HEC’s commitment to advancing the professional development of educators, ensuring they are equipped to meet global standards and drive academic excellence in Pakistan.
