Analysis of MS Education Program of Public and Private Universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi: Comparative Study

Abstract

The main purposes of higher education include developing critical thinking skills in students, preparing them for the job market, and enabling them to cope with the challenges of a fast-moving world. The two-year MS education program aims to develop strong research skills in students, enabling them to address baseline issues from classroom practices to the teaching-learning process. By the end of the program, students are expected to become independent researchers equipped with the necessary skills and expertise. This study aimed to analyze the MS education programs of public and private universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, focusing on instructional facilities, research activities, assessment processes, and curriculum content. It was descriptive and quantitative, involving 90 MS education students (2021-2023) and 28 teachers. Using universal sampling, data were collected from 82 students and 26 teachers through self-developed questionnaires on a five-point Likert scale, covering 46 items under the four indicators. Data were collected via personal visits and analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency). The major findings revealed that public university classrooms are not large enough and lack multimedia and LED facilities. Private university students reported inadequate internet access. Public university students also indicated a lack of training in data analysis techniques and insufficient supervisors. Despite these issues, faculty members from both sectors gave favorable responses regarding their programs. Based on the findings, public universities should improve classroom facilities by providing multimedia and LEDs. Private universities need to address internet availability issues and ensure access to digital libraries for students. Both sectors should encourage research publication, conduct research seminars, and provide training in research ethics. Public universities should review and make their curriculum more practical, while teachers should provide constructive feedback to students.