Introduction
The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and want to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
Educating Bhutan
SPRING 2019 VOLUME 5, ISSUE I
Table of Contents
Editorial
Educating Bhutan – Nurturing a Society That Learns to Learn
CONCEPT OF LEARNING
Buddhist Education in the 21st Century
Lopen Lungtaen Gyatso
Real Learning Endangered
Kabir Saxena (Bhikshu Sumati Sasana)
Educating for Life
Dr Yang gyeltshen
UNDERSTANDING EDUCATION
Educating for Happiness
Chencho Lhamu
Looking at Education in Bhutan: a View from Afar
TW (Tom) Maxwell
The Importance of Questioning
Kencho Pelzom
Finland’s Success in Education
Jouni Kangasniemi
BHUTAN’S EDUCATION SYSTEM
Mainstream School Education: a Critical Assessment
Tenzin Chhoeda
The Value of Research Culture
Dr Kezang Sherab and Dr Matthew J. Schuelka
Vocational Education in Bhutan
Phuntsho Wangdi
Non-Formal Education – Learning Never Ceases
Pelden
Politics and Education Policy
Dr Sonam Chuki
THE FOREIGN EXPERIENCE
Implication of Bhutanese Studying Outside
Dr Tandin Dorji
When Bhutanese Study Outside
Dr Janet W. Schofield
FROM THE POLITICAL PARTIES