Globalization’s Grotesque Face: The Economic Oppression of Women Agriculture Workers in Pakistan

Pakistan’s economy is firmly linked to agriculture and food production. Since the inception of the country, no real land reforms have been undertaken, and the rural elite remains a major force in controlling agricultural land. At the same time, since the 1990s the country has also followed a neoliberal agenda, through the International Monetary Fund led structural adjustment programs, and then later after Pakistan’s entrance in the World Trade Organisation in1995. The trade liberalisation agenda of the advanced capitalist countries, especially the United States, have been consistently implemented in the country. In this context, it is clear that at least two different levels of political and economic forces are present in the rural economy. There is also no doubt that Pakistan also has a strong patriarchal society, which governs the social and economic norms of society.

Effect of Collaborative Learning Approach on Academic Achievement, Social Skill Development and Motivation Level of Secondary School Students in Pakistan Studies

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of collaborative learning approach on the academic achievement, social skills development and motivation level of secondary school students in public sector. This study also investigated effect of three collaborative learning techniques (fishbowl, syndicate, and paired annotation). A true-experimental (pre-test post-test equivalent group design) was used. The objectives of the study were; (i) To explore the effects ofcollaborative learning approach on the academic achievement of the students in the subject of Pakistan Studies; (ii) To explore the difference between pre-test and post-test scores of both the control and experimental groups; (iii) To investigate the effectiveness of collaborative learning approach for both the high achievers and low achievers; and (iv) To explore the effect of collaborative learning techniques on social skills development and motivation level of the students; (v) To measure the retention level of both control and experimental groups. For achieving these objectives null hypotheses were formulated and tested. The 281284 secondary school students in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa constituted the population of this experimental study. Sixty eight students of 9th class of Government High School No. 1, Nowshera Kalan were taken as sample of the study that were divided into two groups; control and experimental groups on the bases of pre-test scores. For this purpose pair-random sampling technique was applied. Students in the control group were taught through traditional learning activities (lecture method) in the classroom, while students in the experimental group were given treatment as collaborative learning. Data was collected through pre-test, post-test, retention test, and an observation log. The collected numerical data was analyzed with the help of mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA. While the qualitative data collected through observation log, was analyzed qualitatively in the form of descriptions. The major findings were found as under; (1) Collaborative learning activities (fishbowl, syndicate, and paired annotation) improved academic achievement of secondary school students. (2) Retention level of the students who learn collaboratively was better than those who learn through traditional learning methods. (3) Collaborative learning activities developed social skills of the students. (4) Collaborative learning activities improved motivation level of the students.