Teaching in Russian language no longer working: Students

KABUL (Pajhwok): Lecturers and students of Geology Faculty have demanded authority to replace the old books written in Russian language with updated versions in English and renew the three decades back curriculum.

They say the current teaching curriculum at Geology Faculty in the state-run universities across the country does not comply with requirements of present day. But an official of the Ministry of Higher Education dismisses the allegations.

Absence of updated textbooks, equipped laboratories, and recruitment of graduates in government departments is among other problems confronted by these students.

As a result, most of the students after earning bachelor degrees prefer to work in other fields, which hamper progress of geology field.

Russian Books:

Suhrab, a student of fourth class at geology faculty of Balkh University, says the textbooks being taught to them are in Russian language. He told Pajhwok Afghan News if a student learnt these books completely, he could not put his knowledge in practice, saying: “These methods have no practical aspect in this era.”

“The teaching methodology should be based on English language because most of information can be found in English,” he remarked.

Faridoon Hakimi, a graduate from Geology Faculty of Kabul Polytechnic University, supported his successor view point by saying: “There is no direct link between the Ministry of Higher Education and Polytechnic University of Kabul.”

He believed existence of direct link between the above two organs could help renew curriculum, provision of practical opportunities and reducing unemployment ratio.

His colleague from petroleum department, said except petrography subject being taught through using microscope, the remaining subjects were being taught theoretically.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he added though some textbooks were updated, but its contents did not match the current day needs.

A student of the same field at Shiberghan University expressed satisfaction by saying that they went to the field to practically apply their knowledge.

Mining sector analyst, Jawed Noorani, said the world share information in English language and it was of immense importance that the Ministry of Higher Education should update teaching curriculum to compete in the global market.

He said changing the curriculum from Russian to English language was possible by hiring competent and professional individuals. He suggested provision of six months compulsory courses for students and long-term scholarships for cadres and lecturers.

Promoting English language is of great importance to enhance students’ capacity, Mohammad Younus Fakoor, another mining sector analyst, said.

Dr. Ibrahim Jafari, a lecturer of geology faculty at a private Ibn-e-Sina university, said mining sector lecturers should translate informative books from English to Dari language. “Translation of latest is the prime responsibility of lecturers,” he observed. 

Lack of well-equipped laboratories

Another problem hampering students learning is lack of well-equipped laboratories in geology and mining faculties in the country. Suhrab, a fourth class student at geosciences faculty of Balkh varsity, claimed the university had no laboratory for students to carry out their practical work.

Unemployment among graduates

Ishaq Alizai, who completed his studies from Polytechnic University in mining, said he did not find a job relevant to his studies and he was forced to work in different field. Most of his mates were facing similar situation.

Blaming the government, he believed Afghanistan would not be able to provide proper capacity in mine sector until it chalked out a comprehensive strategy to adjust the graduates on relevant position.

Dr. Jafari also aired same reservation regarding absence of work for mining sector graduates. He demanded the government should streamline educational system in the country by keeping in view the day to day needs and development in mind.

Mohammad Azim Noor Bakhash, spokesman of the higher education ministry, rejected the allegations and insisted that curriculum of state-run and private universities were being updated continuously.

A year back, he said his ministry had introduced and distributed 50 new curriculums to 300 faculties among private and state-run universities, including geology departments.

He said that that did not mean that there was no need for more work in the field. He believed that curriculum should be devised to full the requirements of the time.

rm

Visits: 3