Examination of the Factors that Deteriorate the Quality of Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Primary Level: A Qualitative Study Approach

Abstract

This study aims to point out the factors that deteriorate quality of education in public and private primary schools in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. A qualitative research design was adopted and a selfdeveloped, validated, and reliable semi-structured interview tool was administered. Interviews were conducted with 12 (6public and 6 private) head-teachers of primary schools. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis. This study indicates that primary schools' head-teachers are facing three main deteriorating factors that badly affect the quality of education at the primary school level: the sudden change in curriculum, teachers' low qualification, and overcrowded classrooms.