Building ties of collaboration​​​​

“We are very impressed by the innovation and assessment expertise of AKU-EB. We have learned about new and different ways of managing a national examination system. It was a good mutual learning experience. We are also very thankful of the hospitality, warmth and cheerfulness of Pakistanis and everyone working for AKU and AKU-EB,” said Dr Joyce Ndalichako, Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania while sharing her experience during a recent visit to AKU-EB in Karachi.

The week-long visit by the Tanzanian delegation was a part of AKU-EB’s collaborative efforts with international organizations to share similarities and differences in assessment and examination practices, and find ways for mutual improvements.

Dr Ndalichako was accompanied by the Head of Examinations Design and Development Department of the Council, Ms. Angela Kitali.

The visit was organized around three clusters of activities:

• exchange of ideas and knowledge about assessment practices;
• presentations on assessment practices unique to AKU-EB not part of NECTA’s Standard Operating Procedures; and
• site visits to introduce to the context of AKU-EB's operations

Several sessions were held throughout the week to discuss various aspects of the assessment and examination system such as syllabus design and structure, examination and test development, conduct of theory and practical examinations, maintaining transparency at every tier, standard versus the e-Marking processes, role of statistical data analysis and information technology in performance improvement of candidates and schools, AKU-EB’s Middle School Assessment Framework and core qualifications, special projects and partnerships of AKU-EB (such as Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Punjab Education Foundation, Sindh Education Foundation, Institute of Bankers Pakistan, Daanish Scchol System, University admission tests, BEd course development, etc.).

The delegation also met with management at AKU-Institute for Education Development and AKU-Information System Department to learn about the focus of support and cooperation with AKU-EB.

The guests were inspired by the plans of Dr Fazlulah Pechuhu, the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Education and Literacy, Government of Sindh who envisions setting up a model school in each district of Sindh under the leadership and expertise of AKU-EB to help introduce a new standard in public education in Sindh.

In the closing meeting with Mr. Firoz Rasul, President AKU, the plans and next steps for future cooperation between the two organizations were discussed. AKU-EB is expected to present the first draft of collaboration soon which will be evaluated by both organizations for further action.

Posted in: Building ties of collaboration​​​​