Papers by Dr. Zehra Habib
Journal of History and Social Sciences
Albert Camus’ philosophy of the Absurd has been used as one of the many interpretative dialogues ... more Albert Camus’ philosophy of the Absurd has been used as one of the many interpretative dialogues for Franz Kafka’s literary works, particularly his short story, A Hunger Artist. This paper explored the various facets of absurdism described in The Myth of Sisyphus and connects it with the short story by arguing that A Hunger Artist has more to reveal than its narrative content. Examining the similarities and differences between Camus’ Sisyphus and the protagonist of A Hunger Artist, helps produce absurdist interpretations of the text. The question of finding meaning in an indifferent universe and the predicament of being wedged in an endless loop of a monotonous cycle of life is explored until the very end of the short story. The dilemma of the protagonist, the disillusionment with society fused with the complicated reality of the human condition are all elements present in A Hunger Artist that help identify existentialism through fiction. When seen through the absurdist perspective,...
Global Educational Studies Review
This qualitative research explored the perspectives of Islamiat (religious education) teachers re... more This qualitative research explored the perspectives of Islamiat (religious education) teachers regarding moral values, teaching practices, and the challenges faced in moral education in the three main Pakistani education sectors, namely Madaris (religious seminaries), Public and Private schools. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with six secondary-level Islamiat teachers, two from each education sector. Findings revealed that all teachers believed Quran and Hadith to be the main sources of morality. They focused on imbibing moral development only through lectures, sparse questions-answer sessions, the narration of stories and examinations. Moreover, they did not advocate the Islamic virtues of peace, tolerance, and human rights. Also, they expressed negative views of other religions and Western social practices. Among the challenges, participants considered an unsupportive social environment and unsupervised internet access as challenges to moral development. Henc...
Computer technology plays an active role in the development of the economic, educational, and soc... more Computer technology plays an active role in the development of the economic, educational, and social growth of a country. Following a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, the primary purpose of the study was to comprehend the advantages of teaching science to grade 6 students via Computer Integrated Teaching (CIT) as compared to the lecture-based approach. This study also investigated if computer integrated teaching enhanced students learning and contributed to higher achievement scores. The research was conducted for 6 months, with a focus on grade 6 science instruction. The quantitative part of the study comprised experimental research with a sample size of 62 students. Experimental group students were exposed to a strong intervention program of CIT, whereas the control group was taught by traditional methods. The findings of the study show that the experimental group scored significantly higher marks in science theory and practical tests than the control group st...
Review of Economics and Development Studies
This study focuses on development of disadvantaged communities via an Academic Service Learning p... more This study focuses on development of disadvantaged communities via an Academic Service Learning project, incorporated in the PhD coursework of a private university. School teachers from an underprivileged community in a charitable village school of Baluchistan were given training by the students after doing interviews for needs analysis and developing and implementing a workshop based on their needs. As part of the workshop evaluation process, teachers’ perspectives were examined after teachers had incorporated the workshop strategies in their classrooms. Findings were highly positive, because teachers demonstrated enhancement in learning and constructive gain in scholarship which they could transfer to students and to other teachers in the community. Data from students who had carried out the project, accentuated improved learning and a keen desire for voluntary participation in service learning projects for helping underprivileged communities. This study not only contributes to th...
Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Pakistani society is facing numerous problems such as intolerance, violence, lying, dishonesty an... more Pakistani society is facing numerous problems such as intolerance, violence, lying, dishonesty and sexual harassment to mention just a few. Parents and schools have a major role to play in the moral development of children. This mixed methods study examined teachers’ involvement in developing moral values in children from three private sector schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Document analysis of primary schools’ curriculum, in-depth interviews and classroom observations of nine teachers were conducted to understand how moral values are imparted through formal education. Additionally, 240 parents participated in a quantitative survey to investigate parental involvement in the moral development of children. Findings revealed inadequate focus of the schools’ curricula towards moral education, teachers’ limited perceptions and their subsequent lack of contribution to moral development of students. The quantitative data from parents showed satisfactory involvement of parents in moral growth...
Review of Applied Management and Social Sciences
Being proficient in English opens several doors of opportunities all over the globe and this abil... more Being proficient in English opens several doors of opportunities all over the globe and this ability is especially important for students who are about to enter their professional lives. The main objective of this qualitative research was to analyze the Basic English course outlines of private Pakistani universities to examine the inclusion of skills-based strategies for the effective teaching and learning of English language skills at the undergraduate level which was conducted through document analysis. Another purpose of this study was to explore the needs of undergraduate English language students regarding their English language course for which a questionnaire was administered. The findings of the document analysis showed that the content of the English language outlines mostly included grammar and focused very little on language skills necessary for the development of proficiency. The responses of the undergraduates in the questionnaire clearly expressed their weaknesses in E...
Gender Issues
Though the city of Karachi in Pakistan is a nucleus of ethnic violence, only a limited number of ... more Though the city of Karachi in Pakistan is a nucleus of ethnic violence, only a limited number of studies have been conducted on the predicament of underprivileged women during ongoing conflicts. There has been negligible focus on how the women are coping in the post violence milieu. Voices of disadvantaged women remain unheard in patriarchal societies, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries. The objective of this qualitative study is to provide voice to underprivileged women impacted by ethnic violence and to comprehend post violence conditions under which they are surviving. This research accentuates the relevance of studying gender dimension of violence (GDV) from women's perspectives. Findings from five focus group interviews with 24 participants highlight the harrowing tales of poverty, despair, physical and psychological distress with which the women are coping. Individual, semi structured interviews were conducted with two female workers from local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to examine measures for rehabilitation of the women. Data from NGO workers underscores the inertia of government in this respect and recommendations include endeavors of governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide healthcare, education and vocational training to the impacted women.
Journal of Education and Educational Development
This qualitative study endeavored to examine higher education faculty members' understanding of i... more This qualitative study endeavored to examine higher education faculty members' understanding of international mindedness and intercultural competence and sought their views on professional development programs competency in evolving an internationally minded stance. The focus of this study was on international mindedness because in the current era of globalization, it has become imperative to inculcate world mindedness in students and to prepare them for global citizenship. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews held with eight faculty members teaching at two higher education institutions in Karachi, Pakistan. Dominant findings demonstrated that most participants had limited insight regarding the concepts and that these were applied minimally in their current teaching practices. Although, lauding an international minded approach, most participants considered understanding of local cultures more relevant before moving on to international visions. Participating faculty also reflected that there was lack of professional development and that for understanding local and international dynamics, specialized education programs were an important factor. The study concluded with implications for professional growth platforms to foster global mindedness in educators in order for them to promote international mindedness in students.
Journal of Education and Educational Development, 2018
This qualitative study endeavored to examine higher education faculty members' understanding ... more This qualitative study endeavored to examine higher education faculty members' understanding of international mindedness and intercultural competence and sought their views on professional development programs competency in evolving an internationally minded stance. The focus of this study was on international mindedness because in the current era of globalization, it has become imperative to inculcate world mindedness in students and to prepare them for global citizenship. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews held with eight faculty members teaching at two higher education institutions in Karachi, Pakistan. Dominant findings demonstrated that most participants had limited insight regarding the concepts and that these were applied minimally in their current teaching practices. Although, lauding an international minded approach, most participants considered understanding of local cultures more relevant before moving on to international visions. Participating...
Journal of Education and Educational Development, 2020
Computer technology plays an active role in the development of the economic, educational, and soc... more Computer technology plays an active role in the development of the economic, educational, and social growth of a country. Following a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, the primary purpose of the study was to comprehend the advantages of teaching science to grade 6 students via Computer Integrated Teaching (CIT) as compared to the lecture-based approach. This study also investigated if computer integrated teaching enhanced students learning and contributed to higher achievement scores. The research was conducted for 6 months, with a focus on grade 6 science instruction. The quantitative part of the study comprised experimental research with a sample size of 62 students. Experimental group students were exposed to a strong intervention program of CIT, whereas the control group was taught by traditional methods. The findings of the study show that the experimental group scored significantly higher marks in science theory and practical tests than the control group students. The qualitative findings of the study, based on focus group interviews, support the quantitative findings as students favored technology-based learning because of its vast potential.
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Papers by Dr. Zehra Habib