AKU-EB Participates in Campus-Wide Educational Research Conference

The Aga Khan University’s Department for Educational Development held its “2nd Educational Research Day” on October 11, 2018. The event which aims “...to provide a platform for dissemination of research across the entire continuum of education in all AKU campuses”, saw ten unique educational research projects (two in form of oral presentations, eight in the form of posters) by staff of the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) showcased among research submitted by other AKU entities.

A broad selection of research, ranging from investigating the benefits of AKU-EB’s e-marking techniques for teaching and learning purposes to exploring the role of mathematical skills in computer programming, was presented and saw AKU-EB staff receive praise for the thoroughness of each project.

Specialist, Communications, Shanoz Aqnazarbekova received a “Best Oral Presentation” award for her research project, titled “Test Anxiety Levels of Students Studying Under the Aga Khan University Examination Board in Pakistan”, focused on the causes and effects of stress experienced by secondary and higher secondary students giving their board examinations.

“There has been little to no research conducted on measuring anxiety levels in school going children in Pakistan,” remarked Ms Aqnazarbekova. “I believe that it is highly important for educationists to understand the performance impediments and damaging effects posed by stress and anxiety among exam taking students. Because of this problem going unrecognised, there is a lack of acknowledgement about the severe outcomes. Through studies such as this, I am hopeful that we can begin developing strategies to enable children to reduce their stress levels and emphasise the importance of application-based learning over test scores.”

Manager, Curriculum Development, Raabia Hirani presented on the topic of “Syllabus Users as Partners in Syllabus Revision: Importance, Method and Effects”, which discussed the rationale and methodology behind AKU-EB’s syllabus revision process and engagement efforts towards stakeholders such as students, teachers and principals, all of whom contribute to the process.

Associate Director, Assessment and Research, Dr Naveed Yousuf said that this event marked another example of AKU-EB’s continually growing role in promoting a culture of research and critical investigation within the educational landscape of Pakistan: “I was particularly pleased to see the research from AKU-EB being appreciated by those in attendance for its quality and relevance. The significant turnout of AKU-EB staff at the event is indicative of both interest and commitment to take research at this institution even further. Congratulations to Ms Aqnazarbekova on receiving the ‘Best Oral Presentation’ award!”

Poster presentations can be found as follows:

Ensuring Standardization and Fairness Across Multiple Examination Administrations: Aga Khan University Examination Board Experience

Exploring the Role of Mathematics Skills for Computer Programming

Benefits of the Aga Khan University Examination Board E-marking for Teaching and Learning: Teachers’ Perspectives

Impact of the Examination Structure on Student Performance in Mathematics

A Study to Explore the Impact of Scenario Based Questions on Students Performance: Aga Khan University Examination Board Experience

Impact of Using Experiments in Classroom for Teaching the Concept of Chemical Equilibrium ​

Using Exam Analysis for Improving Teaching and Learning: Aga Khan University Examination Board Experience

Level of Agreement between Two Examiners: A Reliability Study of E-Marking at AKU-EB​