The adoption of physical distancing and quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic to contain virus spread has left the world with schools' closure. In response, schools have shifted into online learning in developed societies while the developing world struggles to opt for online learning due to limited infrastructure and capacity and religious beliefs, in some communities, that discourage online learning. However, there has been a significant increase in the use of Social Media (SM) observed across developing and developed societies and religious communities amid physical distancing. This study was conducted to explore the possibility of SM use in online learning by exploring teachers' attitudes in relation to the effects of physical distancing and increased SM use, SM knowledge and religious leaders' SM use. In a quantitative investigation method, the researchers used a questionnaire as a primary tool to collect the data from 252 teachers of both public and private schools. Partial Least Square Structural Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used as an analysis method to assess and measure the proposed model. The findings are significant to inform how physical distancing amid the pandemic has influenced teachers' attitudes to opt for social media use in online learning. The findings have implications for teachers worldwide, particularly in developing countries, to switch to online learning using SM under challenging situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article investigates the response of the Pakistani curriculum to the Covid-19 outbreak. It also looks into the development of a curriculum that addresses the specificities of students' situations, while reminding them of global connectedness. The article is based on semi-structured interviews with 10 curriculum experts, 20 principals, and 35 teachers, as well as content analysis of the 2018 National Curriculum Framework of Pakistan. Its findings reveal participants' disappointment with the top-down, predetermined nature of the curriculum, which makes it inadequate for situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The curriculum was perceived as being highly rigid, with little room for alternative modalities. Participants believed the curriculum could not support children's learning in normal times, much less during a pandemic. Therefore, this article suggests a complete revamping of the curriculum and strengthening of teachers' capabilities. It also suggests curricular material be updated to make it context specific, responsive to the needs of learners, and supportive of independent learning. Keywords Covid-19 crisis • Curriculum • Curriculum responsiveness • Learning • Pakistan At present, the world seeks insight into, knowledge of, and solutions to the myriad challenges confronting the education sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic (Gul and Khilji 2020). A country's needs, as well as the needs dictated by a rapidly changing working world, directly affect the educational environment and the ability to ensure a career-oriented

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Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the views of educators regarding the constructs of the history curriculum to determine whether history education is usually used for polarization and negative identity enactment or for positive purposes such as tolerance, peace and social justice. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach, using focus group discussions as a means of data collection. The data were coded deductively based on the preconceived constructs of the Korostelina (2013) model. Findings This study found that history education in Pakistan is generally used for national identity formation, which forces manipulation of historical facts and accounts. This study identifies apprehensions that upon knowing the true historical accounts in the later stages of life, students may react adversely to the formed narratives, which may cause further polarization. Research limitations/implications This study has significant implications for future researchers, curriculum developers, educators and policy actors. Originality/value This study is notable for providing a holistic investigation into the usefulness of history curricula in the context of peacebuilding. In nations where intolerance is prominent, such as Pakistan, the history curriculum can serve to transform people’s perceptions of history. This study offers insights into making the history curriculum more meaningful by offering insights and a way forward to help break down binaries and promote peace and harmony.

PurposeThe study was designed to investigate the effects of the decentralization of education through the perceptions of education managers.Design/methodology/approachThis was a qualitative case study research. The decentralization notification of 2014, issued by the secondary education department, Government of Balochistan, Pakistan was taken as a case. Some administrative and financial powers were devolved at cluster and district levels through this notification. In pursuance of data collection, focus group discussions were conducted with 20 education managers, 20 teachers, and 5 high-ranked education policy actors. The gathered data were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe study found that the intent of the decentralization move was positive, where some of the issues of teachers are now resolved at district and school levels. However, academic decentralization was utterly neglected. Furthermore, with the inclusion of district administration in the education decision-making, powers seem to be recentralized. The study concluded that decentralization should occur through a proper legislative process based on sound planning. There should be a balance between central authorities and local/district-level education management in education management and decision-making.Research limitations/implicationsThe study adds to the existing literature relating to education management and informs education managers, teachers, school principals, and policy actors for research-based and informed decision-making.Originality/valueThis study was conducted in a developing country to understand the effects of decentralized education management. The authors declare the organicity of the data. The authors also declare that the paper has not been submitted to any other journal or in review elsewhere.