Less-lectures-more-examples-and-interactions is my teaching philosophy |
My brief experience in
education makes me conclude one thing: that the students (you can also read as today’s youth) still have the zeal for
learning, success and fun. Of course, there
are few exceptions as there were during my time.
This important first-hand observation supports my belief that the quality, or level, of education in
Bhutan has not really gone down. Perhaps one could accept the argument that the system has not kept pace with changing times - in not being adequate to meet the present challenges or to fulfil future requirements. At best the responses have been reactive and rarely proactive.
Besides, if quality of education has declined then our students studying abroad should flunk out of foreign universities, which obviously is not the case. Many have in fact come back with flying colours.
Besides, if quality of education has declined then our students studying abroad should flunk out of foreign universities, which obviously is not the case. Many have in fact come back with flying colours.
So then, where is the
problem?
In my view, there are few vital things that are totally missing and which are necessary for people to get a meaning from their work, pursue their dreams and have fun along the way: Professional Values
and motivations and inspirations. These shortcomings are primarily because of the way our education system is organised and financed. Classes are taken and teachers and students run, or rush, through the prescribed curriculum. There are no time or resources allocated for anything else besides the course work. And so people end up graduating like goods leaving a factory.
Learning, in my view, should be much more than just completing the syllabus. For example, besides skills and knowledge, a media student should internalise the professional values that would make them great media persons - traits such as honesty, courage, commitment and thirst for information. Someone studying environment studies need to embrace conservation ethics, outdoor life, love for nature in every small way as students.
Learning, in my view, should be much more than just completing the syllabus. For example, besides skills and knowledge, a media student should internalise the professional values that would make them great media persons - traits such as honesty, courage, commitment and thirst for information. Someone studying environment studies need to embrace conservation ethics, outdoor life, love for nature in every small way as students.
Instant hit: With his wits, humours and amazing stories, former environment minister and chief justice, Dasho Benji Dorji visited Sherubtse and became a darling of the students |
Professional values are also very often missing from students who return from abroad. Irrespective of whether one has studied in Harvard or Hyderabad the same flat mentality pertains. I guess, that's obviously from the lack of foundations in schools here.
Motivations and inspirations fire
you towards your dream. They make you race towards your goals and ambitions. They give you meaning to your life, a feeling of purpose and a sense of direction. Rarely I find anyone who is really inspired or is motivated to do anything
more than just to pass the exams, get a degree and find a job - preferably in the Civil Service.
Should we blame the kids? Absolutely not. The fault is with us – educators, policy makers, parents* and adults for not taking enough time off to really ponder, and accept some honest feedbacks, on what education is really all about. And allocate adequate resources towards achieving the much-hyped wholesome education.
Talking of resources, there are NO shortages of resources in Bhutan by the way. What is not there is a real and serious shortage of resourcefulness and the sense of setting priorities.
Should we blame the kids? Absolutely not. The fault is with us – educators, policy makers, parents* and adults for not taking enough time off to really ponder, and accept some honest feedbacks, on what education is really all about. And allocate adequate resources towards achieving the much-hyped wholesome education.
Talking of resources, there are NO shortages of resources in Bhutan by the way. What is not there is a real and serious shortage of resourcefulness and the sense of setting priorities.
The learning environment does not inspire either. Whether you are studying environment studies, media, culture or
history, you are taught in the same classroom, which are cold and eco-unfriendly, to say the least. The fact is, physical space matters. Otherwise why do we build gonpas
and retreats high up in the mountains. Our monks can as well meditate in the
middle of Phuntsoling instead of being in Paro Taktsang. I wish instead of building Dzongs that do no emanate any spirituality, we build educational dzongs to make learning more inspirational.
There has been one serious decline though - in the other types of values: human values as in respects for elders, discipline and self-respect and virtues of handwork, diligence and patience. In short, attributes that make us good human beings and responsible citizens.
There has been one serious decline though - in the other types of values: human values as in respects for elders, discipline and self-respect and virtues of handwork, diligence and patience. In short, attributes that make us good human beings and responsible citizens.
The forerunners: Top media partitioners in the country led by veteran journalist, Dasho Kinley Dorji (Secretary of Information) joined the students on the World Press Freedom Day |
First and foremost, I encourage my students to learn to think rather than learn only what to do. Learning how to think will make you a leader. Learning only what to do will make you a disciple. I teach the importance of asking questions. History has been made by people who asked the right questions not by people who gave the right answers. I also encourage students to introspect. One favourite question I pose to students, and also make them write essays on, is on the topic, why am I here?
I also try to make learning more interactive. We organize and encourage more field trips and outdoor classes. There is no point learning theories of communications and not know how to write a lead.
I invite people** to guest lecture here in Kanglung so that they can tell their stories and inspire - and teach some values and also what it takes to do something worthwhile in life.
There is also a budding film and music culture here where different groups of students organise on their own and try out their creativity and imagination - again two things missing in our school and colleges. We are formalising these initiatives into a society for film, music and drama with annual festivals, competitions and awards.
Lastly, I try emanating passion in my work because an unmotivated teacher cannot produce motivated students (which actually is the main problem of our education system).
It isn’t an easy ride though, but things have started moving, which gives me hope and optimism and reasons to smile. May be in some years down the line we will not only see qualified graduates but also few highly motivated, passionate and productive citizens who can take this country firmly into the future.
Learning to share: Encouraging community and comradeship over competition |
Open class: Field trip to visit and to write about and make radio programs on Rigsum Gonpa, Chorten Kora and Gomo Kora |
Role reversal: At times students take on the stage and teachers listen |
Learning by doing: Media students interviewing His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa (aka Khamtrul Rimpoche) |
Potluck & Bonfire: All innovative ways of learning are explored - including bonfire talks and potluck dinners (students cook whatever they have and we share) |
* More than half of students pursuing media studies were sent against their choice by the
parents and guardians. And a large number of students majoring in other fields actually
wanted to study media and journalism.
** List of people who have delivered guest lectures and talks to media students:
(in order of appearance in Sherubtse as of May 2014)
1. Dawa Penjore, Executive Director, Bhutan Media Foundation
2. Needup Zangpo, Executive Editor, Bhutan Observer
3. Kesang Dema, Chief of Bureau, Kuensel (newspaper)
4. Dr. Yoshiro Imaeda, Visiting professor, Research Institute of Languages and Cultures of
Asia and Africa, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan
5. Namgay Zam, Freelance journalist (formerly with BBS)
6. Rinzin Wangchuk, Editor (Dzongkha), Kuensel
7. Pema Rinzin, Filmmaker-Sound Designer (formerly with BBS)
8. Dasho Paljor J Dorji (Benji), Chief Advisor, National Environment Commission
9. Dr. Daniel Cordaro, Professor, University of California, Berkeley, US
10. Jigme Drukpa, Singer - Ethnomusicologist
11. Dawa Peljor (Ap Dawpel), Traditional Singer (Druk Thuksey - Bhutan's highest civilian medal)
12. Dasho Kinley Dorji, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Communications
13. Ugyen Penjore, Managing Editor, Kuensel
14. Dawa, Senior Producer - Anchor, BBS
15. Dr. Francoise Pommaret, Research director, National Centre for Scientific Research
(CNRS), France and Adjunct Professor, Institute of Language & Cultural Studies, Taktse
Disclaimer:
Views and opinions expressed here are personal and may not necessarily reflect that of the College or of the Royal University
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteHats off :) ...... finally the Universities will be producing some Human with values (though the mass will still be Robots)
Sir, I feel that students on the other side should understand this issues. we as a team must work together which will give us better outcome.
ReplyDeleteWith you into Teaching I am very hopeful...
ReplyDeleteDuring our time, we used to have a theatre group, mostly managed by a literature professor. I was fortunate to witness some of the finest enactment of modern plays by popular playwrights during my college years. I don't know if that culture is still alive, or have waned away. I would surely wish Sherubste to revive the theatre culture, and many more others, of course!
ReplyDeleteKinley,
ReplyDeleteGREAT SUGGESTION. THANKS. Now I am even more convinced of what we planning - to launch the Society for Film, Music & Drama on 24 May. So drama will be revived. It is the best form of art that makes one think and express and showcase creativity.
Pass and Anonymous
Thanks for your believing in me. Let me tell you one thing that I always say to whoever is little down, "As long as we have our King, we can always hope." This is something not possible in other countries I have lived.
Tenzin,
Students should carefully choose what they want to do and grab their life and run with it. Don't let your lives be toyed around by friends, relatives, parents, etc.
First of all a great piece as always sir :) N yes.. s said with u its really hopeful. Indeed it's very grateful to have u.
ReplyDeleteA person who is genuinely good will give his best wherever he is required. .....I think you are doing great !!
ReplyDeleteProud to be one of your student.
ReplyDeleteThank you beyond words.