REVOLUTIONIZING ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE ON STUDENT LEARNING

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SAIMA , MUSARRAT HABIB*

Abstract

Present study aimed to investigate the effect of improvement of infrastructure on students’ learning at elementary level. A qualitative approach was employed and phenomenology research design was used to conduct the study. All the head teachers and Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) from Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Shaib, and Sheikhupura in Lahore division were the population of the study. Sample of the study was comprised of 10 head teachers and 10 Assistant Education Officers from Lahore division. An interview protocol was developed by the research. Data were collected personally by the research. A qualitative data analysis was done through thematic analysis. Interviews were taken by elementary school head teachers and Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) to investigate the effect of improvement of infrastructure on students’ learning in Punjab. Interviews were recorded and interpret by the researcher. Data were analysed by thematic analysis. Themes were emerged from the data to answer the questions. Findings of the study revealed that school infrastructure plays a significant role in enhancing students’ learning at elementary level. The provision of physical, academic, administrative facilities, teachers’ methods of teaching and assessment system of school enhance quality of education at elementary level. Physical infrastructure like buildings, grounds, sufficient number of class rooms, computer labs, transport, school boundary wall, first aid facilities, furniture and apparatus along with essential equipment for education provides safe and conducive learning environment to the students. The academic facilities like provision of text books, planning co-curricular activities, technology support, guidance and counseling, sufficient funds also important for smooth functioning of the elementary school level. Moreover, quality education depends on the teachers’ use of A.V. aids, students’ character building, teaching methods, teaching experience and effective school monitoring and assessment system. Schools should provide such environment that not only assures effective learning but also pays proper attention to the physical and mental growth of the students. It is recommended that school should provide basic physical facilities, academic facilities, administrative facilities, innovative teaching methods and effective monitoring & assessment system for provision of quality education at elementary level.

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