Beliefs of prospective teachers to eliminate social problems of Pakistani society

Abstract

The paper contributes in exploring the beliefs of prospective teachers regarding nature, causes and solution of prevailing social problems of Pakistani society. Qualitative research method was used administering open ended questionnaire to 387 post graduate teacher education learners enrolled in Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Pakistan. Respondents were asked to write paragraphs about reasons and solution of different social problems including corruption, unemployment, gender discrimination, domestic and sectarian violence, women harassment, injustice and intolerance. Content analysis of the manuscripts reveals that future teachers are well aware of the existing social problems of the country and have suggestions to eliminate these problems. The student teachers propose expansion in the access of education; legislation and its strict implications to reduce different social crimes; social justice as well as thoughtful understanding of Islamic preaching to eliminate most of the current social problems from Pakistani society.