Advanced Diploma in Education Educational Leadership and Management

Transcription

1 Advanced Diploma in Education Educational Leadership and Management Admission Information 2014

2 The Aga Khan University Chartered in 1983, the Aga Khan University (AKU) is an international private university that currently operates in South and Central Asia, East Africa and the United Kingdom. AKU occupies a pivotal place in the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of development agencies working under the leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan, and contributes in major ways to social development. AKU prioritises higher education and research initiatives relevant to the problems of the societies in which it operates, generally in the developing world. Through on-going partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide, AKU brings international expertise to bear upon the establishment and enhancement of its current and future programmes and services. With a growing programme offering, in addition to our existing five campuses spread over three continents, we are planning three new faculties and seven graduate schools to deliver a range of educational choices in an environment that respects cultural diversity. Our merit-based, transparent admissions process and need-based financial assistance programme attempts to ensure that a diversity of high calibre students are able to attend the programmes at AKU. While we do not discriminate on faith, gender or national origin, we are selective in the students we accept. Our selection process varies by academic programmes, but some common criteria include: fluency in English. Institute for Educational Development Established in 1993, the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) was the first academic entity outside health sciences in the University. The Institute s mandate is to contribute towards education reforms for enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness of education programmes and/or institutions in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. The Institute s academic and professional development programmes are guided by a philosophy that educators must be critical thinkers and reflective practitioners engaged in continual process of self-inquiry. A number of programmes are offered to teachers, teacher educators, educational managers and supervisory personnel. These programmes are field-based in order to Page 1

3 integrate theory with practice. The Institute offers a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) as either a terminal degree or leading to PhD in Education, a Master of Education (MEd), Advanced Diploma in Education, Certificate in Education, and short/tailor-made courses. These programmes are developed to address contextual realities as well as meet international standards. Research at AKU-IED is intrinsic to its activities and its commitment to influencing education policy and practice. Core activities under the research framework include the impact of AKU-IED s work, policy studies, and case studies around educational issues relevant to the developing countries in general and Pakistan in particular. The emphasis at AKU-IED is to bring teaching and research in close relationship and demonstrate how teaching can become a part of research and how research can improve teaching. The Research and Policy Studies Unit at AKU-IED aims at strengthening the institute s capacity in conducting quality educational research, policy analysis, and dissemination of research findings through publications, policy dialogues and international conferences. It is expected that because of the quality and relevance of the work undertaken by AKU-IED, some of its programmes and approaches might be emulated by educational systems, not only in other developing countries, but also in the relatively more developed countries. An evaluation of AKU-IED s work held in 2008 led to the following comments noted by the international evaluators, Page 2 AKU-IED represents a unique, effective, sustainable and dynamic contribution to education reform for developing countries has never, in our experience in the developing world, been so strategically developed and extensive as at AKU-IED. As part of its outreach portfolio, AKU-IED has Professional Development Centres (PDCs) in Karachi (embedded within AKU-IED), Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The PDCs in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral serve as regional resources offering innovative and contextually relevant capacity building programmes to teachers, school leaders, and education managers in the rural and remote areas of Pakistan. To develop a critical mass of expert educational leaders, effective teachers and teacher educators, and researchers, AKU-IED offers a two-year MEd programme which meets international standards and, at the same time, responds to the unique needs of Pakistan and other developing countries.

4 Advanced Diploma in Education: Educational Leadership and Management AKU-IED offers a one-year Advanced Diploma in Education: Educational Leadership & Management programme developed to assist educational leaders to develop better understanding of the dynamics of transforming educational institutions as learning communities and implications for improving quality of education and teaching-learning in their contexts. This will include hands-on skills in using action research, organisation learning, developing plans for monitoring and evaluating educational institutions. Prospective candidates should be serving educational managers. Aims and Objectives of the Programme Acquire educational leadership and management practices for improving quality of teaching and learning in educational institutions; Develop action research skills for improving their leadership and management practices; Learn information and communications technology (ICT) to manage institutional resources effectively Create a framework for transforming educational institutions as learning communities Develop monitoring and evaluation tools in education for enhancing institutional performance Demonstrate leadership and management qualities through maintaining leadership development portfolio that can reflect positive change in their personal and professional lives. Programme Structure The Programme contains a total of 16 credits, of which 12 credits are devoted to face-to-face classroom sessions, seminars, group discussions, assignments, essential readings, enhancing computer literacy, and working in tutorial groups at AKU-IED. The remaining 4 credits are assigned to the field-based practicums in which students will be encouraged to develop institutional development projects. such as: teachers appraisal, monitoring and evaluations framework, action research report, school development plans, personal and professional development plans etc. Page 3

5 Student Evaluation and Graduation Requirements: The following are minimum requirements for progression and graduation: A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.50 in all course work is required for graduating from the programme. Successful completion of Institutional-Base Practicum is required. Courses and Practicum Course One: Effective Educational Leadership & Management Course Two: Institutions as Learning Communities Course Three: Monitoring and Evaluation in Education Institutional-based Practicum Admission to the Programme Admission to the Advanced Diploma programme is based on merit and potential for educational leadership. Merit will be evaluated through scholastic achievements of applicants and their performance in the AKU Admission Test. The commitment of the candidate will be assessed on the basis of interviews, past experience and future plans. Eligibility Criteria At least 14 years Bachelor s or Master s degree with minimum 50% marks from recognized institute/university. Candidates must have at least two years of working experience in an educational institution with minimum one year of management/leadership experience as head teacher, head of school, head of department, principal, vice principal, section head, deputy head teacher, coordinator, etc. Application Requirements Application for admission must be on the prescribed application form, along with the following supporting documents: Page 4

6 1. Scholastic Achievements A complete set of attested official transcripts of academic record in graduate school/college, and/or professional schools, with certificate of degrees conferred, courses taken, and grades with course percentages received. 2. Statement of Purpose A statement of purpose, summarising past education, training and experience, as well as interests and future aims, is required. 3. Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation from at least two referees, (professional and an academic) who are well acquainted with applicant s previous academic work and professional experience, are required. Blank formats for reference letters are included with the applicant form. 4. Experience Letter Attested certificate of work experience as, principal, vice-principal, head teacher, head/deputy head of the school, head of department, or coordinator is required. 5. No Objection Certificate (NOC) Candidates from the public sector schools/institutions must submit application through proper channel and get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective District Education department to appear for the written test, interview, and for studying at AKU-IED. 6. Application Fee For Applicants in Pakistan A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 500/- payable in bank draft drawn in favour of The Aga Khan University or through on-line banking must be paid. Please see further details below under Modes of Payment. Modes of Payment Candidates may pay their application fee through the following modes of payment: The payment can be made by a demand draft in favour of The Aga Khan University or by online deposit to any branch of Soneri Bank Limited. The banking details are as follows: Page 5

7 Title of Account: The Aga Khan University Account No.: Branch Code: 0020 Branch: Federal B. Area Branch Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Karachi The deposit slip given by the bank, which is the acknowledgement of payment to the bank, should be submitted with the application form to the Office of the Registrar, Karachi or Professional Development Centres in Gilgit-Baltistan or Chitral. Successful candidates are required to pay a component of the tuition fee on acceptance to the programme. The schedule of tuition and other charges for the academic year will be provided separately. The completed application form with all requirements should be posted by registered mail, or through a reliable courier service or delivered in person to the Office of the Registrar, AKU-IED from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Note: All documents must be submitted in English. Application for Admission An Application for Admission must be submitted on the prescribed application form. Before submitting an application, candidates must ensure that they have fulfilled with instruction given in the application form. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Application for admission will be accepted until 4:00 pm May 30, Applications received after this date will not be processed. There is no provision for late applications. Information on admissions and application material may be downloaded from the AKU website Application material may also be obtained from the Office of the Registrar by cash payment. Admission Test All eligible applicants will be required to write an admissions test which will be administered in selected test centres on June 21, The test comprises Page 6

8 English Language. The English Language components evaluate a candidate s competency in reading and writing comprehension. (Sample Test is available). The University has not authorized any publication or preparatory classes for the Admission Test. Shortlisting and Interviews Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of the Admission Test. Interview will be conducted for shortlisted candidates only. The purpose of the interview is to assess a variety of attributes, including integrity, motivation for and interest in the programme, maturity, leadership potential, knowledge of education and Educational Leadership and Management issues in Pakistan and other developing countries, and evidence of initiative and commitment to the profession. Applicants should note that interviews are a component of the application process and do not guarantee selection. Interviews are conducted in Pakistan. For all candidates who reside overseas, every effort will be made to conduct the interviews in the candidate s home country. However, if this is not possible, alternate arrangement will be made and information will be conveyed to the candidates. Repeat Applications Candidates not successful in the first attempt may apply again with additional information supporting their application. A fresh application together with necessary documentation must be submitted for a particular admission session. The University does not have a policy of carrying forward applications from one academic year to another. Tuition and other charges Students are required to pay their tuition fee along with other dues at the beginning of each month. All one-time fees will be paid at the time of admission. Students defaulting on payments within the due dates may be suspended and/or barred from classes and examinations until the clearance of dues in accordance with the University s policies and procedures. Page 7

9 Students on Sponsorship Students expecting to receive sponsorships or scholarships to complete the programme are requested to submit the relevant approval letter when accepting the offer of admission. University s Regulations The University reserves the right to verify the authenticity of documents submitted in support of an Application for Admission. AKU reserves the right to deny and/or revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent or misrepresented. Documents submitted to Aga Khan University in support of an application become the property of the University and will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution. Right of Admission The University reserves the right to deny or cancel admission to any candidate without reason or obligation. Facilities and Resources Library AKU-IED has one of the best libraries providing a wide range of resources / services focusing on teacher education, curriculum development, leadership management, educational development and other areas. The growing collection of the library currently comprises books (print and electronic), journals (print and electronic), as well as a large collection of video and audio cassettes, CDs and DVDs. The library collection includes about 27,000 printed books. The library subscribes to 153,000 e-books from e-library, many e-journals databases providing access to almost 6,000 e-journals. Computer and Internet Facilities Computer labs are located within the campus of AKU-IED for students to prepare their assignments and search for various educational materials on Internet. Page 8

10 Child Day Care Centre at the Institute A day care facility is available at AKU-IED. Students can bring their children to the Centre so that they can continue to engage in their academic activities at the institute. However, individual students will be required to bring a maid to look after their children. Lunch and Tea Arrangements Lunch, snacks and tea is available at AKU-IED at a nominal price. Students Lounge Students lounge offers a comfortable space for casual conversation and a place to take a break. The Students lounge is located within the campus of AKU-IED. Students are also provided with lockers for personal belongings. Sports Facilities AKU has an award winning Sports and Rehabilitation Centre at its Stadium Road Campus, which provides recreational facilities for students. Shuttle services are provided to students on daily basis. Admission Schedule 2014 Last date to receive applications May 30, 2014 Applications in accordance with eligibility criteria will be accepted and processed. Admission Test June 21, 2014 Mandatory for all applicants. Shortlisting and Interviews August 2014 Shortlisting for interviews will weigh heavily on AKU Test score. Announcement of Result September, 2014 Page 9

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12 Page 11 THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY Institute for Educational Development IED-PDC 1-5/B-VII, F.B. Area, Karimabad Tel , Ext