I have been informed by a college professor that the wizards of education department have prevailed on the Chief Minister Punjab to delete the practical laboratory training depending solely on theoretical rote learning. Throughout the world courses of laboratory methods have been initiated at science colleges and universities where practical training is imparted to students in laboratory techniques and handling of lab equipments. Even handling of test tubes and pipettes has to be demonstrated before the students can learn their use what to say of sophisticated pieces of lab equipment.
Unfortunately, the CM Punjab is amenable to whatever civil servants of general cadre advises him. He should better listen to experienced teachers and accomplished professors for their candid advice before issuing on the spur orders that have far reaching implications regarding sound education in the 21st century which has exacting requirements with exploding information and ever new techniques.
DR MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI
Lahore
