Islam and Society: Role of the Departments of Islamic Studies, an Analytical Study

This study elaborates the connection between Islam and society and the role of Islam in the formulation and reformation of a society. This research highlights the need and the significance of the concept of developing a linkage between the religious and otherwise classes of society. The study primarily focuses on the role and the influence of the departments of Islamic studies in Pakistani universities in defusing tensions and promoting peace and hormony among various classes of society. The study includes an analysis of the visions, mission statements and the objectives of the various departments of Islamic studies in leading universities of the country. The article highlights the system of education in Islam and the problems in the system of education of Pakistan which play a part in the role of the departments of Islamic studies. The research also focuses on the role of the students and the teachers of the departments of Islamic studies in the light of Islamic teachings.

Study of the Elementary Mathematics Curriculum of Class 7 As Implemented

The present study investigates the enactment of the mathematics curriculum in class 7 at a government school in Karachi. Using classroom observation, interviews of a teacher and sampled students and analysis of the curriculum document, the textbook and written work of the students, an attempt was made to understand how far the objectives of the elementary mathematics curriculum were being realised. Also, the constraints on the translation of these objectives from theory into practice were explored. The study focused on the curriculum statement', delivery' and enactment' of four lessons on the simplification of algebraic expressions, each followed by a test' question given to a mixed ability sample group from the class. It was discovered that the very generally stated curriculum was differently implemented in the textbook and by the teacher, which produced unnecessary conceptual and terminological confusion. When students received no help from the teacher, they drew upon their prior arithmetic knowledge. Upon probing, it was found that due to situational constraints, the teacher was herself unclear about the symbolic property of algebraic signs and procedures. A proper understanding of and distinction between operational symbols and quantity symbols was missing. Besides, the bilingual terminology, duplication was found to be an important complicating factor. Addressing the teacher's understanding of algebraic concepts can help reduce the gaps between the stated curriculum and the enacted curriculum. The research findings underlie the need for re-sequencing the curriculum objectives and textbook topics.