Exploring the Challenges and Effectiveness of Teacher Education Programs in Pakistan for Promoting 21st Century Skills Acquisition

Abstract

This research delves into the obstacles and efficacy of
Pakistani teacher education initiatives in fostering 21st-century
competencies, which are crucial given the swift advancements in
technology and the economy. The results of qualitative research
using teacher interviews from Pakistani colleges and schools show
barriers to the advancement of 21st-century abilities. Obstacles
encompass inadequate resources, inadequate training for
educators, a curriculum that does not prioritize 21st-century
competencies, and dependence on conventional memorization
techniques. The study also identifies effective methods for
improving instructors' and students' acquisition of these abilities.
These include emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving,
encouraging cooperation and teamwork, providing practical
learning opportunities, and incorporating technology into the
classroom. As a result, this study highlights the difficulties and
successful strategies found in Pakistani teacher preparation
programs for teaching 21st-century competencies. In order to
ensure that students learn these crucial competencies, it underlines
the necessity to address these obstacles quickly and put measures
into place that will better equip instructors to educate their
students for the needs of the 21st century.