Background: Teaching methodologies that govern self-directed learning skills include problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL). Both undergraduate and graduate curriculum in Pakistan medical colleges frequently employ one or the other, depending on the situation. The objective of our research was to contrast PBL and CBL in the undergraduate medical curriculum based on the perceptions of the students who had seen this change in learning methodologies. Method: It was a cross-sectional study conducted between March and June 2022 at a medical university in Karachi. A closed ended self-administered questionnaire with fourteen questions was prepared and distributed to 150 student. The responses to the questions were dichotomous in favor of problem based learning. Third and second year MBBS and BDS students of both genders, and socioeconomic status were included in this study. Student responses on the usefulness of PBL were obtained on a 5-point Likert scale, and results were compared using the chi square test. Result: In general, the learners were positive about all of the items in favor of PBL, such as self-directed learning, critical thinking, identifying objectives, identifying knowledge gaps, and improved problem-solving skills. Conclusion: Problem based learning is a preferred instructional strategy as compared to case base learning from perspective of the student. Keywords: Problem-based learning (PBL), Case-based learning (CBL), Medical students, Dental students, Perception.

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This paper presents a conceptual review of the domain literature encompassing feminism and women’s representation and invisibility in the discourse of politics. Tracing and interpreting the current third wave fundamentally require an overview of the three feminist movements since 1830 until today. For this purpose, the study reviewed theses and research articles published between 2010 - 2020 and examined how feminist movements are conceptualized and manifested in women’s representation in the media. The article points at women’s increasing participation over time, but also highlights their marginalization in media workforce leading to their invisibility in the discourse of politics. It was found that the third-wave feminism despite its focus on individuality against collective effort has failed to uplift women’s image in various contexts as reflected in their symbolic annihilation and framing in the media. Women’s objectification in advertisements has been widely debated. However, their marginalization in media workforce and political discourse needs to be considered and highlighted if the third-wave feminist ideals are to be fully achieved. The study adds to the developing literature on women’s journey since the first wave until today with reference to their representation in the media.

The education sector in Pakistan has been the adversely hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ensuing situation brought with it numerous challenges for academia, teachers, and students coupled with unique opportunities for stakeholders involved in the teaching-learning process. This chapter captures the impact of COVID-19 on higher education in Pakistan with special reference to the policy framework for online education at HEIs provided by the federal regulatory body (i.e., higher education commission) and its implementation at a large-scale, public, professional university in Karachi as a case. Using the case-based method, empirical evidence about the policy adoption, pedagogical design, and implementation with monitoring and evaluation are presented along with all three main stakeholders' (management, teachers, and learners) perspectives and experiences.