Debate on Educational Reform in Nepal: Outcomes of the International Conference on Quality of Higher Education in Federal Nepal

Authors: Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen, E. and Marahatta, S.

Conference: BNAC 16th Nepal Study Days (Nepal Conference), .

Dates: 16-17 April 2018

Journal: http://bnac.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BNACDurhamProg18v4.pdf

Abstract:

Nepal is in a transition period, reforming its current central national system to a federal model. There is an on-going discussion with attempts to devise a viable model to serve the nation. For example, in educational sector, the national government has a leading role in the restructuring process over, among others, non-governmental education providers such as private institutions, cooperatives and foundations. In this context, an International conference on the theme of "Quality Education in Federal Nepal' was successfully organised in Kathmandu recently (23-24 Feb 2018). Over 300 educators from 18 countries attended the conference and 46 papers were presented by Nepali and international education experts. Several experts expressed concerns regarding the current education system in Nepal, and a lack of evidence-based and research-oriented teaching and learning was identified to be one of the primary causes of the “crisis in Nepali education”. The discussion of the conference were focused on; • Technology-Enhanced Teaching Learning (TEL) and shift on teaching methods from memorization to critical thinking.

  • Knowledge is collective heritage of humankind, which should be passed on to succeeding generation and it should be not be treated as a commodity.
  • Nepal government should be open minded and should develop the partnership within Nepal and overseas institutions.
  • Substantial amount of budget is necessary from the government sectors at Central, Provincial and Local level.
  • Balance between the oversight role of the federal government and autonomy of provinces and local municipality should be maintained in term of education quality and curriculum.
  • How to develop the interdisciplinary learning; skills oriented learning in humanities, management and social sciences education? • How to develop viable partnership between public and private institutions? And creating the trust between public and private education providers is essential.
  • All education management should be outside the political party influence This presentation will highlight the main debate on educational reform in Nepal in the changing context based on International Conference in Higher education in Nepal.

http://bnac.ac.uk/

Source: Manual