THE number of MPhils and PhDs has increased manifold in the last five years. The qualification required for getting a job in a university has also been upgraded from being a master’s degree-holder to MPhil/MS and PhD.

There is no harm in upgrading the criteria. The question is: whether a fresh MPhil, MS and PhD degree holder can effectively transfer knowledge as compared to an experienced teacher having a master’s degree.

It becomes difficult for a teacher, who has been teaching for many years, to suddenly start studying again in order to fulfil the criteria of universities. Moreover, they have ample experience to teach students of undergraduate, as well as postgraduate, level effectively.

They can easily be offered contract-based jobs, if not made full-time faculty members. Closing the doors on these teachers does not make a university a better place to study.

Teaching is a practical job which not only requires knowledge but also needs a sound teaching methodology to clearly convey the concepts in the subject matter to students.

MPhil and PhD may increase knowledge but does not necessarily inculcate teaching techniques into students.

Therefore, the minimum criterion for applying to a university should a standard master’s degree so that an experienced segment of the educational fraternity can have a chance to teach at the highest level.

Ahmad Abrar Maula Quraishi

Multan

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2015

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