Children’s Opinions! Media Survey Report (September 2008)

In February 2008, we carried out this in-house survey, simply because we were interested in finding out a little more about the role of media in children’s lives and what young people have to say about it. We asked children from TRC’s member schools, what they like to do in their free time, what they like to buy, what media they use at home and how often as well as what television programmes and video/computer games they like/dislike and why. To find out what they said, download the survey findings.

Media Literacy Report (986.4 KB)

Assessment (August 2008)

Assessment methods set out to test students’ knowledge and understanding, but what do they really end up testing? This survey of students’ views on assessment was an eye opener for us at TRC. The large focus group quickly turned into a pot bubbling over with vehement views and heated debates. From favourtism to exam anxiety to underhanded ways to ace the test, the students laid it bare at the forum. Don’t miss the list of students’ suggestions at the end on how they think assessments should be conducted.

Assessment Survey (1.4 MB)

For articles and views on Assessment, published in Ilm o Amal in August 2008, go to:
http://trconline.org/cat=11

Character Counts (September 2005)

Thirty-four schools provided the large sample that participated in TRC’s Character Counts survey. A must-read for anyone who has given up hope in the future and in the youth, this survey presented students with various moral dilemmas and recorded their answers. Gauging students’ positions on moral issues such as stealing, plagiarism, lying, cheating, littering, punctuality and respect, this wide-ranging survey was designed to pinpoint exactly where respondents’ stood on the issues. Many may think that the results are surprising, but everyone will agree that they are extremely insightful.

Character Counts Survey (2.4 MB)

For articles and views on Character Counts, published in Ilm o Amal in September 2005, go to:
http://trconline.org/cat=11

Survey Report: Impact of ECEP (March 2005)

In 2002, TRC collaborated with the Curriculum Wing of the Ministry of Education (MoE-CW) to develop Pakistan’s first National ECE Curriculum (NCECE). On request from the MoE, we developed a 45-hour training package to walk teachers through the curriculum. Between April 2003 and December 2004, we trained 1002 public-sector teachers in Karachi and rural Sindh and Balochistan. Eager to learn about how this new model (minus the classroom support) works, our staff documented the views of a random selection of teachers trained in Karachi. In order to take the implementation of ECE to scale, it was important for us to know whether the teachers could implement the curriculum on the basis of the 45 hour training alone. In the past, we have always provided intensive classroom support to help teachers make their learning a reality in the classroom. This report documents the effectiveness of the ECE training a year down the road.

Download the Survey (988 KB)

Homework (May 2004)

An oft debated aspect of school education, homework is the focus of several definite and strong opinions held by all stakeholders: parents, teachers and students. This survey was conducted with two target populations: the parents and the students at two schools; it explored their views on homework. So are our children burdened by homework? Who do children turn to for help with homework? And what kind of homework do they enjoy? These are just some of the questions this survey answers.

Homework Survey (178.2 KB)

For articles and views on Homework, published in Ilm o Amal in Jan. 2005, go to:
http://trconline.org/cat=11

National Survey on PTB (June 2002)

This survey collates the feedback of Government Primary school teachers on using the Pehla Taleemi Basta. The PTB is an educational kit that was developed by TRC; it contains learning materials and teaching aids that enable early years’ teachers to create an instant active leaning environment. This report is based on feedback from 585 teachers from all over Pakistan.

Download the Survey (1.1 MB)

Innovation in the Kachi (December 2006)

Innovation in the Kachi is one of the first long-term studies of the benefits of Early Childhood Education in the Pakistani context. There is no shortage of studies on ECE in Western or developed nations, but demonstrating the effects of quality ECE to policy makers has always been a challenge in Pakistan. Innovation in the Kachi describes the entirety of TRC’s six-year (1998- 2004) Early Childhood Education Project (ECEP), in which we worked directly with government schools. Over the course of the project, we were able to follow-up with children as they progressed through subsequent grades. Our research has undergone a comprehensive process of data-analysis, performed with the assistance of our linkage-partners at Ryerson University in Toronto, and examines pupil’s progress in academic areas, retention rates, social skills and the transition to primary school. The results are encouraging, and show that the ECEP made a real impact on the language and cognitive development of children. The teaching and professional attitude of the teachers improved, and the support for child-centred, active learning greatly increased. Above all, the confidence, spontaneity and enthusiasm displayed by the children were a testament to the success of the programme. Hopefully, Innovation in the Kachi will prove invaluable to our future efforts in policy dialogue.

Download Study (PDF, 7.47 MB)

From Practice to Policy: Making a Difference (December 2005)

This extensive research report chronicles TRC’s journey of policy dialogue with the Government of Pakistan, particularly in the area of Early Childhood Education. TRC’s success in these areas has been the product of a combination of hard work, and persistence over the last decade and a half. The study examines TRC’s work in public sector schools over the years, and how that experience led to the policy dialogue which finally culminated in the first privately developed and tested curriculum to be accepted and adopted by the federal government. This comprehensive study should be useful for other NGOs as it documents how an organisation can be effective in influencing educational policy, as well as to anyone who is interested in the history and development of TRC as an organisation.

Download Study (PDF, 2.20 MB)

A Story of School Improvement (December 2004)

In 1998, TRC embarked on its Primary Education Project (PEP) to build the confidence, morale, knowledge and skills of primary education teachers and managers in the public sector. For two years, TRC worked closely with the selected schools to provide intensive support where needed, with the goal of self-reliant and sustainable schools. That process was documented and published in a study titled, A Story of School Improvement. This publication focusses on the two schools and details the process of development, the obstacles and challenges overcome, as well as the results and successes of the PEP. It is TRC’s hope that these successes in government schools will inspire others to join the quest for public school reform. Do read it!

Download Study (PDF, 7.09 MB)

Childrearing Practices in Karachi (August 2004)

With the aim of identifying actionable interventions for the care of children aged 0-5, TRC published a study on childrearing practices. The Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study covered 500 primary caregivers of children living in the low-income areas of Lyari and Jamshed Town – two urban slums of Karachi. The caregivers were interviewed to learn about their perceptions and practices regarding childrearing. Taking a holistic approach to child development, the study covered nutrition, health, language, cognitive development as well as emotional and social development.

Download Study (PDF, 19.1 MB)