I ENDORSE the analysis ‘Learning and experience’ (Feb 13) by Faisal Bari, as well as views of Madiha Imran (Feb 16). Being a professional engineer, I have been emphasising upon my three sons — two of them graduate engineers and one BBA — to learn their subjects to conceptualise and discard rote learning.

I did also experience during my service in a government department that my subordinate engineers lacked in drafting short letters. This shows that students after acquiring knowledge do not put it into practice.

I have been highlighting the importance of conceptual learning as it directly affects research activities and ultimately economic growth. There is a dire need to develop syllabus based on ‘conceptual learning’, which can cultivate the habit of critical thinking. As a result, we can promote our research to boost our economy.

I suggest that there is a need for devising a syllabus right from primary grade to a university level keeping in view our challenges, with special emphasis on energy.

I hope that both federal and provincial governments will look into these suggestions.

Engr R. Riaz Akbar

Wah Cantt

Published in Dawn March 7th , 2015

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