Literature Review
(Sample)
Subsidiary Question:
What are the quality/qualifications of the teaching
staff?
Several studies have explored the differences between
private and public schools in terms of teacher absenteeism,
teacher accountability, remuneration, and the quality of
teaching in English, science and mathematics. Private schools
are found to have lower teacher absenteeism and better
teacher accountability than public schools, which may be
attributed to the differential incentive package in the private
sector. Moreover, private school teachers are also found to
be more result-oriented due to the link between their
remuneration and student outcomes. The quality of teaching
in private schools is generally found to be higher than in
public schools, particularly in English, science, and
mathematics. This is reflected in the ratings given by parents,
with a higher percentage of parents of private school
students rating the teaching as ‘excellent’ compared to those
of public school students. Abid, Ishfaque and Gondal (1993)
compared the usage of modern teaching aids by the teachers
of public and private secondary schools. It was found that
teachers of both types of schools are fully aware about the
advantages and effectiveness of teaching aids. However,
private school teachers are found to use more teaching aids
and models compared to public school teachers, who also
use teaching aids but to a lesser extent.
Furthermore, several comparative studies have also explored
the differences in teacher morale, qualifications, and job
satisfaction between public and private school teachers.
According to Mustaqeem (2008), private school teachers are
found to have higher morale and job satisfaction than public
school teachers, and they are also further encouraged to
enhance their professional qualifications. However, Shaheen
(2008) argues that majority of public school teachers behave
well, avoid quarreling and blaming others compared to
private school teachers. For instance, a research conducted
shows that a majority of the students of public schools told
that their teachers are hardworking and polite. Furthermore,
Liaquat (2009) claims that In terms of lesson planning and
homework, private school teachers are found to plan their
lessons formally, use audio-visual aids, and give homework
regularly, which is checked properly. Public school teachers
also plan their lessons and use audio-visual aids, but may not
do so formally due to their experience. Homework is
assigned to public school students but may not be checked
daily due to the large number of students, while private
school students receive homework according to a schedule
and it is checked properly. The students of private schools
also told that that their teachers are hardworking, polite and
well mannered, and they try not to miss any class. They
understand lectures but also have to take help from a
coaching center/ academy for more clarification.
A comparative study was conducted between the teachers
from both types of schools. Out of 15 public school teachers,
13 of them did not have a lesson plan with them. The two
remaining teachers who had a plan did not adhere to it and
failed to divide tasks among students appropriately. On the
other hand, all 15 teachers from the private school had their
designed lesson plans along with targeted skill activities.
Moreover, the classroom environment in public schools was
more teacher oriented. There was a lack of interaction
between teachers and students despite repeated efforts in
trying to get students to communicate. On the contrary, the
classrooms in private schools encouraged participation and
were much more interactive.
According to a study conducted by the Statistical Bureau of
Pakistan, a significant number of teachers in private schools
are under qualified. The Bureau revealed that more than
35.34 percent primary school teachers in the private sector
are matriculates and the same ratio of the teachers possess
intermediate certificates and only 5.48 percent have master’s
degree. Similarly, private middle schools face the same plight
where 28.27 percent have matriculation certificates and
intermediate certificate holders are 34.13 percent and
master’s degrees holders are 7.44 percent. The ratio of the
same kind of teachers in middle and high schools is 63.09 and
58.28 percent respectively. Despite the lower level of
education of teachers in private schools, parents are
satisfied, which means that the teachers are hardworking or
strictly monitored.
Overall, private schools appear to outperform public schools
in terms of teacher absenteeism, teacher accountability,
quality of teaching, and teacher morale and job satisfaction.
However, these differences may be attributed to various
factors such as the differential incentive package, resources
available, and school culture, among others. Further research
is needed to explore these factors in greater detail and to
understand their impact on the performance of private and
public schools.
(748 words)