IBCC Conference Highlights AKU-EB's Pivotal Contributions to Education and Innovation in Examination

The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) extends its sincere appreciation to the organizers of the IBCC 1st Annual Conference on Examination and Assessment Practices, held on December 22nd and 23rd, 2023, at Mohammad Ali Jinnah University. The conference, conducted in collaboration with various national and international examination boards and educational institutions, fostered insightful discussions on transforming education in Pakistan.

Key Additional Highlights:

The conference showcased a commitment to diverse collaboration, involving Pearson, Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB), Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Pakistan Academic Consortium (PAC), Greenwich University, Oxford University Press, Learning Resource Network, and others.

Prominent figures, including Mr Mohiuddin Wani, former Chief Secretary, Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasized the need for a standardized and quality-assured education system across all boards in Pakistan. This advice was part of the insightful discussions that took place during the conference.

Mr Madad Ali Sindhi, Federal Minister, Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, presided over the conference as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the imperative for the education and examination system to adapt to the current times, urging a proactive approach towards improvement and the utilization of technology.

Ms Rana Hussain, Minister of Education Sindh, and Dr Qadir Bakhsh Baloch, Minister of Education and Tourism Balochistan, added valuable perspectives during the conference, contributing to the comprehensive discussions on the future of education and examination in Pakistan.

Over two days, the conference witnessed the presence and knowledge-sharing of numerous dignitaries and educationists. Dr Shoaib Zaidi, Former Provost UIT, emphasized the continued importance of Critical Thinking and Creativity in the job market. The role of 'sandboxes' in piloting educational innovations was discussed, with acknowledgment of AKU-EB's role in creating and implementing such models.

Multiple workshops conducted by the AKU-EB team covered various areas of assessment and examination, including Learning Domains for Holistic Assessment, Flourishing Growth Mindset, Eliminating Single Textbook Practices, Item Writing to Break Test Wiseness, Providing Feedback for Data-Based Decision, and Assessing 21st Century Skills.

Research talks covered a variety of topics, featuring participation from AKU-EB, SPELT, ACT, PEC, Red Marker, FBISE, and insights shared by Habib Public School, Knowledge Platform, and Fatimiyah College on practices in formative assessment.​

Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director IBCC, concluded the conference by describing it as extraordinary in terms of knowledge-sharing between educationists and examination boards. He emphasized the need to enhance collaboration between various boards through digitization for a more unified and effective education system in Pakistan.

AKU-EB remains committed to fostering positive change in education and looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to elevate examination and assessment practices across the country.