Ali Institute of Education

Science Department

The science education programme aims to equip the students with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies needed for effective teaching of science at the elementary and secondary levels. It provides opportunities to explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities, and thus develops the curiosity, creativity and critical thinking of the students. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the teaching of process skills and thinking skills. The course develops the ability of participants to include well-focused practical work in their teaching which links knowledge development with practical skills enhancement. During the course, there are a series of opportunities to teach to your peer’s content from the curriculum and to receive peer’s feedback and tutor’s guidance.

There is also a focus on collaborative skills development to enhance the trainee teachers’ ability to work as a part of a team in a school. This is done through the preparation and exhibition of student work i.e. models, materials, and resources. The science laboratory provides an opportunity to instill good attitudes and habits by allowing trainees to observe and select appropriate practices and perform laboratory operations safely.

1. Teaching methods
2. The department focuses on the following methods of teaching:
3. Activity-based science teaching method
4. Group/individual presentations
5. Whole class and group discussions
6. Individual and group tutorials
7. Project work (Science garden project)
8. Field trips (Zoological garden, botanical garden, PIA- planetarium)

Methods for Assessment

Following methods of assessment are being used by the department to assess the students.

1. Assignments
2. Microteachings
3. Content based tests
4. Reflective journals

Brief Course Description

• Science Foundation Studies I   ( 4 credit hours )
• Science Foundation Studies II ( 4 credit hours)
• Teaching of Chemistry ( 4 credit hours)
• Teaching of Physics ( 4 credit hours)
• Teaching of Biology ( 4 credit hours)

• Workshop Early Year’s Science Teaching (15 glh)
• Workshop  Teaching Science at Primary Level (15 glh)
• Workshop Teaching Science at Elementary Level (15 glh)
• Workshop Science is Fun (15 glh)

Mathematics Department

Vision of department of mathematics education is to explore and propagate such ideal learning environment in which math learner could know and understand mathematics concepts or topics at various levels. Remove the isolation and abstraction of mathematics, and establish multidimensional connections with other fields of knowledge to understand its utilitarian values for problem solving in different walks of life.

The principles of hands-on inquiry, reflective practices and teacher as researcher are recommended and tried to practice into the interaction sessions as participants observe, experience and participate in highly potential educational setting in diversity. Real-world experiences integrate the core concepts of math with the subtitles of pedagogy that plunge from allowing participants to construct their own knowledge.

AIE’s Mathematics Education programs are designed to enable teachers (In-service or pre-service) to opt a variety of courses, modules or workshops related to pedagogy of mathematics in diversification at different levels. The required curriculum meets or exceeds all recommended standards as stipulated by different national and international educational organizations. Participants of the math programs are exposed and participate in a series of creative and innovative activities and projects where they gain practical experience integrating theories and practice while working with other. At the end of the programme, it is expected that the participants will be prepared to use or apply their understanding regarding targeted issues in the specific situation.

Teaching Methods

Department of Mathematics Education rigorously involves participants in experiential cooperative learning in diverse situations. They are facilitated by different methods and techniques of teaching, dependent upon the requirements. Presentation and discourse of participants finding turned out to be very significant exercise for all mathematics programmes

Mode of Assessment

Participants are evaluated through need based assessment tools which are Assignments, Projects, Presentation, Observation and Tests

Brief Course Description

* guided learning hours (Proposed hours which are dependent upon the knowledge and understanding of the audience.

Language Department

The Language Education Department aims to facilitate both pre-service and in-service teachers not only to teach language effectively but also to enhance their own language skills.

The Language Education Department offers Language Improvement Programme (LIP) and Functional English in order to provide students with an opportunity to practice how language functions in a society; communities, everyday life, the workplace and educational settings etc. In addition, English language Teaching (ELT) and Urdu Language teaching (ULT) are offered to equip the pre-service teachers with knowledge of modern methods and strategies for English and Urdu Language Teaching and to help them develop practical teaching skills based on the pedagogical content knowledge.

As far as the professional development of in-service teachers is concerned, the Department offers different workshops and Post graduate certificate courses in ELT and in Language improvement through the Continuous Professional Development Center (CPDC). In future the department aspires to offer Postgraduate Diploma in English Language Teaching through CPDC in order to make in-service teachers aware of the ways to learn and teach English as a second language along with the development of strategies to teach English effectively.

Teaching Methods:

The Language Education Department practices the use of ‘communicative approach,’ the natural approach’ and ‘cooperative language learning’ in teaching and learning of a language. These approaches cover a variety of teaching strategies which are bound together by placing emphasis on developing linguistic and sociolinguistic competencies among trainee teachers. The techniques and strategies we use are in accordance with local and contextual factors which help to maximize learning opportunities and to promote learner autonomy in our classrooms.

Mode of Assessment:

The trainee teachers are evaluated through Assignments, Projects, Presentation, Micro teaching and Tests.

Courses Offered by the Language Education Department

Professional Studies

Professional Studies Department at AIE is a specialized academic track which offers Core Courses and professional courses in Education. The core courses aim at developing prospective teachers’ knowledge of basics of education regarding child development, philosophy of education, society, school and teacher, contemporary issues in education and history of education. The professional courses aim at developing knowledge of educational assessment, curriculum, teaching methods and strategies, school management, classroom management, research and reflective practice. At the same time, these courses develop teachers’ skills to apply the learnt knowledge in a range of situations, as a teacher.
The courses in general aim at enhancing trainees’ existing knowledge and improve their career track.
The Department aims at helping trainees develop following competencies.

• Knowledge & Understanding of the perspectives on education, learning and research
• Teaching Skills
• Professional Values & Practice
• Application Skills

The standards for these competencies are in line with the National Professional Standards for Initial Teacher Preparation.
The department uses reflective practice as a strategic approach in all the courses. Besides, it educates the teachers in a way that they:

1. Show high expectations from all the pupils.
2. Accommodate diversity.
3. Appreciate the multiple ways of knowing and thinking.
4. Respect religious, cultural, social differences.
5. Show tolerance.
6. Value and practice collaboration, cooperation, problem-solving, team work and reflective practice.

Teaching Methods

1. Use of experiential learning structures e.g. individual exercises, working in pairs, working in triads, working in small groups and whole class.
2. Group/individual presentations
3. Whole class discussions
4. Individual and group tutorials
5. The critical review of text/ literature
6. Case Studies
7. Personal analysis and reflection on practice e.g. use of a learning journal & professional development portfolio
8. Project work
Methods for Assessment
Assignment, Project, Presentation, Portfolio, Observation, Test, Journal Writing.
Besides the formal training process, the department is responsible for coordinating the B.Ed. program, coordinating teaching practice, placing AIE graduates in schools, producing AIE newsletter and undertaking research.

Brief Course Description