‘Teachers can help curb emerging trend of radicalization in universities’

Teachers in a day-long dialogue agreed that radicalization in the country is a multi-faceted phenomenon, hitting diverse segment of society, including students. Increasingly, some of them are reported to have fallen for radical messages through social media; others are unable to condemn the act of militants openly out of their deep-set biases. To overcome this … Read more

‘Critical inquiry in today’s digital age a must for progress and peace’

In today’s digital age, where wide information is readily accessible, students should be taught how to think critically for themselves. This way, not only will they seek solutions to the pressing issues around them, but they will also be mindful of narrow and parochial explanations of the same issues. That is the path to a … Read more

‘Teachers should open minds of students to create tolerant future’

Teachers can build a tolerant future by equipping students with tools that open their minds to diverse opinions, beyond narrow confines. This way, they will not only let accept each other, but also enable them to find answers to critical intellectual questions of the country. This is the way forward. These thoughts came in a … Read more

‘As nation-builders, teachers can help raise inclusive and inquisitive society’

A teacher can sow the seeds of a forward-looking nation in today’s world, by inculcating the spirit of social harmony in the students and equipping them with inquisitive mind open to probe the unexplored. These thoughts came in a discussion in a day-long dialogue, on July 24, 2017, with over 40 teachers of universities of … Read more

‘Teachers can impart skills meant for nurturing tolerant society’

A teacher can help build tolerant society by inculcating in the students the habit of listening to each other, respecting diversity, and asking questions in a form and manner that does not show animosity. These thoughts came in a discussion in a day-long workshop with over 40 teachers of post-graduate colleges of Sindh and Balochistan, … Read more

‘Teachers should share multiple perspectives with students’

Teachers are duty-bound to open multiple vistas to students. They should disassociate their understanding of the world to a single identity, whether ethnic, religious or sectarian. Instead, they should impart students with multiple views, enabling them to think openly. These thoughts came in a discussion in a day-long workshop with around 37 teachers of post-graduate … Read more

“Teacher must support environment of co-existence in classroom by promoting curiosity and communication skills”

To bring about mutual co-existence in a diverse country like Pakistan, it is imperative to listen to all concern stakeholders without resorting to conflict. The mutually-agreed solution to the problem should be founded on logic and rational thinking. Teachers can help attain such level by imparting inquisitive communication skills and promoting curiosity in students, encouraging … Read more

“Teachers must respect diversity in classrooms” – PIPS workshop

Teachers can help in building a healthy and inclusive society by supporting and building environment in classroom that promotes atmosphere of tolerance and co-existence among diverse background students. Pre-requisite for such an environment is that teachers should be properly trained and well-off in respective knowledge areas. These views came in a workshop for over 30 … Read more

“Teachers should absorb diverse opinions” Workshop in Lahore

PIPS workshop with teachers and educationists-I Teachers shape societies; a good teacher should be receptive to inclusive opinions. But teachers, influenced by one or other political consideration, end up distorting society, towards parochialism. This was shared in the one-day training program on “The role of teachers in social and religious harmony”, arranged by Pak Institute … Read more

‘Teachers should play intellectual input in today’s time to stay as role models’

PIPS workshop with teachers and educationists-I For a teacher to be relevant in today’s time, he or she must pay attention to critical intellectual challenges of the country and stay updated with the usage of modern technologies. Only then can they respond to the needs of the students, swaying them away from extremism. These thoughts … Read more