Introduction

The Certificate in Education: Five curriculum areas (formerly known as Visiting Teacher Programme) is a two-month full-time (at least 240 hours) programme that began in October 1995. The Certificate in Education (Cert.Ed) programme aims to improve the content knowledge of teachers while introducing them to non-traditional teaching methodologies, curriculum development and relevant educational issues. It also attempts to assist teachers in their personal development so that they may gain a better understanding of their own and their students' roles in teaching and learning. The programme creates a 'critical mass' of teachers who gain sufficient knowledge in their subject areas and are able to collaborate with colleagues to bring about school improvement. The five subject areas are: social studies, science, English language, mathematics, and primary education.

The programme is conducted by AKU-IED Master's graduates called `Professional Development Teachers', under the supervision of AKU-IED faculty.

Currently, the following five variations of Certificate in Education programme are in practice, depending on the context.

School System-Based Programme

The School System-Based Programme is an equivalent of a two-month programme, spread over a period of six months. It was introduced in 1998. The focus of this programme is to maximize the impact upon classroom practice through planned integration and application of teaching skills acquired in the programme. This programme has been conducted on-site in Pakistan ( Al-Murtaza School and Ismailia Youth Service in Karachi ), and Bangladesh (AKES schools in Dhaka ).

Field-Based Programme

The Field-Based Programme is also spread over a period of six months. It has been conducted on-site in East Africa ( Kenya , Uganda , Tanzania , including Zanzibar ) and in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, under the supervision of AKU-IED faculty.

Whole School Improvement Programme

This programme is spread over a period of one year. It has been conducted by professional development teachers (PDT) at the Professional Development Centre, Northern Areas (PDCN), under the supervision of AKU-IED faculty. This innovative programme is meant to enhance the quality of teaching, learning and student outcome, which enables the PDTs to focus on a school as a learning organization and a community of practice.

AKU-IED-Based Programmes (Face-to-Face)

These programmes are two-month face-to-face programmes. They are conducted by professional development teachers at AKU-IED under the supervision of the faculty.

AKU-IED-Based Programmes (Open Learning)

These programmes are spread over a period of six months. They are delivered through the open and distance learning mode in Pakistan , East Africa, Central Asia, and other countries in South Asia .