Education officials admit that undue haste and the absence of preparation were the two main causes of problems in the implementation of the curriculum of Bhutan history in Dzongkha today.
The education minister Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho said that the policy was introduced with good intentions, to promote and improve Dzongkha. He also said that it was only natural and appropriate that Bhutan history be taught in Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language.
“But when it came to implementation, problems arose,� said the minister. He added that it was mainly because Dzongkha teachers were in short supply and trained history teachers lacked confidence to teach the subject in Dzongkha.
“The problem is not with the textbook or introduction of Bhutan History in Dzongkha,� added secretary Dasho Tashi Phuntshog of the Dzongkha Development Commission. “The problem arose because the Ministry of Education introduced the curriculum without any proper plans or preparations.�
Bhutan History was translated from English to Dzongkha and taught to class 7 students from 2006 and to class 8 students in 2007. At the ongoing education conference in Thimphu, concerned teachers raised the issue, questioning the wisdom and practicality of what some called a drastic change. Many teachers pointed out that they were unable to teach the subject in Dzongkha and students were suffering. They were 22,104 students in Classes 7 and 8 in 2007.
Dasho Tashi Phuntshog said that there was a complete absence of orientation or training of teachers on whom the responsibility to take on the new curriculum was thrust. They were general English teachers, trained only to teach English subjects, he said.
“It’s common knowledge there’s a shortage of Dzongkha teachers,� said Dasho Tashi Phuntshog. “There are some schools in the country where they don’t even have a single Dzongkha teacher.�
Last year, Ap Dorji, a Thimphu resident, was greatly worried when his 14-year-old daughter, studying at the capital’s Changzamtog lower secondary school, did not have a Bhutan history teacher for nearly three months. The school’s Dzongkha teachers had their hands full and its general teachers were loath to take on the subject because they were poor in Dzongkha. Luckily for Ap Dorji, he managed to arrange a tuition for his daughter on the subject.
The education director, Tshewang Tandin, said that the education ministry was aware of the issue and that they planned an in-depth study of the ground realities before taking any decision.
Education conference ends today
With a budget of Nu 13 billion, the education ministry has proposed building 19 new primary schools, nine middle secondary schools, three higher secondary schools and upgrading 65 schools in the 10th Plan, which begins from July 2008 and will be implemented by the new government.
At the inaugural session of 11th education conference in Thimphu yesterday, Prime Minister Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji said that the education sector would continue to receive priority in the 10th Plan. He added that, while the focus of the 9th Plan was on increasing access and improving quality, the 10th plan would focus on building upon those achievements. “The main programmes will target demand side inputs such as boarding facilities, building up of child-friendly infrastructure and provision of free uniforms,� he said. “On the supply side, it will target teacher development and incentives, such as teacher quarters for remote and rural schools, and professional development of teachers.�
About 124 teachers, head teachers and education officers from all 20 dzongkhags are attending the conference, which concludes today.
During the conference, the participants discussed recommendations on school safety issues, counselling, hygiene and sanitation facilities and also on strengthening culture education. Simplication and promotion of Dzongkha through the education system was also discussed at the conference. On Thurday, January 10, participants also discussed strategies and recommendations to improve quality of education and all these recommendations will be endorsed this evening. There will be presentations as well by the Anti-Corruption Commission and Save the children at the conference today.
Source: Kuenselonline
