Beyond Texts and Test for Promoting a Culture of Multiple Narratives and Critical Thinking

1. Beyond Texts and Test for Promoting a Culture of Multiple Narratives and Critical Thinking BaelaRaza Jamil Amina Naveed Khawaja Maryam Saba Maham Ali Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) - 10thto 15thMarch 2014- Toronto Participation at CIES Supported by: Open Society Foundation (OSF)

2. Founders and Partners of CLF

3. Outline • Introduction of the Children’s Literature Festival (Pakistan) • Introduction of the Paper • Background • Research Design and Methodology • Results and Analysis • School Based CLFs- Case Study • Conclusion

4. Children’s Literature Festival (Pakistan) • A social movement and a response to low levels of learning (ASER 2013) that seeks to promote the love of reading, creativity and critical thinking in children • 11 CLFs since November 2011 • Attended by over 150,000 participants • 60 Book launches at CLFs • Website: www.childrensliteraturefestival.com

5. Key Findings from 2012/2013 Assessments: Extracts

6. Children’s Literature Festivals till Date • Kanju and Kabal - Swat 2013 • Lahore 2014

7. Key Outcomes • Impact Analysis Conducted • Research strand added- 2013 onwards • CLF beyond borders- Replicated by a school system in India & Nepal • 3 School Based CLFs • The First Teachers’ Literature Festival held in February 2014 • More Schools interested in school-based CLFs

8. Introduction

9. Background

10. Research Design & Methodology

14. Analysis

15. 45% Moderate to Hi Fee private schools 30% Low cost private schools 26 % Government schools

16. Main Findings

20. Measures Taken by Teachers

21. Percentage Improvement in Students

25. Comparative Analysis based on Teacher Qualification

26. Impact on Teachers

27. Measures Taken By Teachers

28. School Based CLFs- Going Beyond the Pledges • First two school-based CLFs organized in Kanju and Kabal in district Swat - Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) province • Conflict Areas, schools once occupied by militants. • Two Boys’ Government Schools hosted the CLFs- 19th and 21st December, 2013 inviting many schools in the neighborhood. Some girls schools also came from the vicinity.. !

34. Testimonials from Teachers, Students, Parents, & Education Officials – Swat Dec. 2013 A Healing Learning and Feeling Festival “CLFs for the children of Swat were held on 19th and 21st of December, 2013 in the GHSS Kabal and GHS Kanjuschools. I was invited to those festivals and was amazed to see the efforts. It was something very new for us and for children. It works on the hidden qualities of students which is very good from their educational point of view.” (Teacher) “I attended the CLF Kanju. The session on Story Telling with expressions was a unique experience for me and I learnt how reading could be made more interesting.” (Student-CLF Kanju) “My expectations from the festival weren’t high when I was invited to the CLF Kanju as I believed it to be an ordinary event similar to other functions that usually happens here. However, at the day of the CLF, I was captivated by the colorful buntings and other decorations at the school….This was the first time ever that I saw such a large number of children enthusiastically participating in a program like this. I am extremely thankful to the organizers of CLF for holding such a program in our area. Without any doubt, such events stimulate the children’s interest in education and tap their hidden potential, bringing out the best in them.” (Parent) “This was a great experience for me and I believe whoever attended this festival, liked it a lot. Such festivals are crucial for our children’s future as they help in bringing out positive changes in them. The CLF brought awareness in our area pertaining to reading and learning.” (Parent-CLF Kabal) “I was spellbound by the number of students participating in the CLF Swat from different areas of Swat. Their participation was truly heartwarming….During the role playing session, I was very excited as it felt I was reliving my own childhood and thoroughly enjoyed myself.” (ADO-P&D Ed Official )

35. School Based CLF- Lahore • Sanjan Nagar School Hima Campus, Lahore • Located in a minority area – host school inviting 5-6 schools from the neighborhood • SNSS attended three CLFs: CLF Lahore 2011/2013, CLF Islamabad 2013 – participated in making /rendering of the CLF anthem too • CLF organized on January 31st 2014 • Packed with interactive activities

36. Launch & Opening Ceremony of CLF

37. A Skit on Punjabi Literature by Primary School

38. Special Session on interpretation of “HEER” with Mr.SyedWaseemAlam

39. Puppet Show by Sanjan Nagar Students

40. A session on Understanding Ghalib the 19th Century Poet by Dr.ArfaSyada Zahra

41. Story-telling and Creative writing Sessions

42. Session on Power of New Media and its safety measures by Google Pakistan

43. A Beautiful Session on PEACE EDUCATION by Rabtt (LUMS Students)

44. Session by Misbah Rani on Inclusive Education

45. Glimpses of Art Work- Facilitated by Artist SadafNaeem

46. Certificates/Awards Distribution to students in best writer and Mural Art Category

47. Community Participation in the EVENT

48. Conclusion

49. Questions?