Education in Bhutan (eBook) von Matthew J. Schuelka

1 Introduction: Education in Bhutan.- Part I Historical Perspectives.- 2 Overview and 'Heart Essence' of the Bhutanese Education System.- 3 The History and Development of Monastic Education in Bhutan.- 4 History and Transitions of Secular Education in Bhutan from the 20th into the 21st Century.- 5 Higher Education in Bhutan: Progress and Challenges.- 6 Bhutanese Traditional Medical Education.- 7 International Influence and Support for Educational Development in Bhutan.- Part II Contemporary Issues.- 8 Rural Life and Modern Formal Schooling in Bhutan.- 9 Conditions of Happiness: Bhutan's Educating for Gross National Happiness Initiative and the Capability Approach.- 10 Teacher Understanding of the Educating for Gross National Happiness Initiative.- 11 Non-Formal Education in Bhutan: Origin, Evolution, and Impact.- 12 Children with Disabilities in Bhutan: Transitioning from Special Educational Needs to inclusive Education.- 13 Early Childhood Care and Development in Bhutan: Mind the Gap(s).- 14 Gender and Education in Bhutan.- 15 Conclusion: Key Outcomes, Challenges, Ways Forward, and Future Research.

Bhutan is a country in the Himalayas with a relatively new education system and a unique governmental philosophy known as Gross National Happiness. This book explores the history, culture, challenges, and opportunities of schooling in Bhutan. It discusses topics including historical perspectives on Buddhist monastic education, the regional and international influence on educational development, traditional medical education, higher education, and the evolution of Bhutanese educational policy, to name but a few. It also investigates contemporary challenges to schooling in Bhutan such as adult education, inclusive education, early childhood education, rurality, and gender. Throughout the book, the developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness is explored as a novel and culturally vital approach to education in Bhutan. The majority of the authors are prominent Bhutanese scholars and educational leaders, with select non-Bhutanese international scholars with strong links to Bhutan also contributing. This book is a valuable resource not only for those specifically interested in education in Bhutan, but for anyone with an interest in South Asian studies, general Asian studies, educational development, comparative education, Buddhist education, and the Gross National Happiness development philosophy.