Practices of Human Rights Values among University Learners and Teachers in Pakistan: A Phenomenological Case Study

Abstract

This research study determines the application of human rights (HR) values at higher education (HE) level and identifies the problems that teachers and students encounter in terms of equality, freedom of speech and educational practices at the university level. As an independent study, three themes were chosen out of the HR values: equality, freedom of speech and practices of education. The study adopted phenomenological case study methodology which is part of the qualitative research paradigm to enable the study to be understood as a result of its context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in one private University. The University was of women, therefore the study participants were females only. Ten teachers and 15 learners were interviewed. Qualitative Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed the HR values are implemented at the university level. However, regarding the above, there are some restrictions which cause teachers to have a problem to practice as they want within their universities. The teachers attempt to put into practice their everyday lessons in class and uphold in their schooling equality and the freedom of expression. The learners indicated that they witnessed cultural, religious and linguistic violations of HR values in their environment and at the University. Teachers need to be aware of some practices not permitted and that contravene HR values and encourage equality and freedom of expression. Teachers and students were overwhelmingly positive about the idea of bringing HR in as a distinctive subject at the higher school/college education level which can contribute to awareness and promotion of HR values in the education system and society. HR values need to be introduced and integrated at the university level and values which contribute to equality and freedom of speech at the HE level need to be encouraged. suggestions from teachers and learners are values of HR to be present in educational programmes.