The Teacher Half-Yearly Journal is published by Mahendra Ratna Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. It aims to encourage university faculty, administrative staff and students all over the country to research, write and publish their papers and, thereby, to enhance their knowledge and skills in the academia.
Exploring the Impact of Household Head’s Education and Occupation on Basic Education Financing
This study investigates the association between the education and occupation of household heads and household financing for basic education in Nepal. Utilizing a quantitative approach with a correlational and descriptive design, data was collected through structured questionnaires from 380 households in Ratuwamai Municipality of Morang district. The findings reveal significant differences in per-child household financing for basic education based on the occupation and education levels of household heads. Higher-paying professions and higher parental education levels are associated with greater household financial resources allocated to children's education. Conversely, households with low-income occupations and lower parental education levels face financial barriers, resulting in reduced prioritization of education. These findings underscore the association of socioeconomic factors on household financing decisions and highlight the importance of considering household head occupation and parental education in household financing on basic education.
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Enhancing Community School Teachers' Training: A Strategic Approach to Human Resource Development
The study aims at examining the effects of strategic approaches to human resource development to enhance the quality of teacher training in community schools. Training should be linked with strategic human resource development to achieve the objectives of organizations. This study employs qualitative assumptions and case study research approach. Two research questions focusing on improving the training of community school teachers' and their relationship to the strategic framework for human resource development. This study incorporates six teachers from two community schools within Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The study revealed that strategic human resource development, through targeted professional development programs and continuous performance evaluations, significantly improved the quality of teacher training in community schools. Furthermore, mentorship programs, ongoing professional development workshops and feedback are identified as the most effective techniques in enhancing teacher training. Proper implementation of strategic human resource development methods can assure teachers' ongoing professional development, which will improve instruction and achievement among students.
Power Equilibrium Among the Organs of the State: A Critical Analysis
The paper explores and explains the legal system as the central nervous system to balance the three pillars of political power of governance from Nepalese perspective. The key question is “How do the legal practices create a triangular equilibrium of political power among the organs of state for effective governance of Nepal?” This paper addresses the problem by adopting the qualitative research design, which enables the researcher to explore and explain the holistic phenomena like legal practices that binds and creates an equilibrium state between the three key political powers of governance: Legislation, Executive and Judicial powers. The case studies are both based on court practices with participant experiences as well as the secondary source artifacts for the completion of the paper. The interpretation concluded that the state powers such as legislative, executive and judicial powers need to be maintained at equilibrium through legal framework of constitution and courtroom epiphanies of judge made laws i.e. precedence.
Unraveling Gender Influences on Students' Attitudes in Physics Education
This study examines the subtle effect of bachelor-level students' attitudes toward physics education from gender perspectives in constituent education campuses affiliated with Tribhuvan University. A cross-sectional survey approach was employed to collect data from a sample of 71 participants, consisting of 23 males and 48 females. A five-point Likert scale was the primary tool for data collection. The enquiry focused on students' perceptions of physics education, capturing their current attitudes and views at a specific moment in time. The research aimed to assess the nuanced influences of gender on different perspectives related to enthusiasm for physics, perceptions of physics as a dynamic process, and satisfaction with subject teachers’ attributes. The findings showed robust enthusiasm, contentment with learning, and positive attitudes toward physics were observed, with satisfaction in class responses, engagement in lab work, and active problem-solving practices in both male and female students, offering valuable insights for promoting inclusivity and improving teaching methodologies in physics education. In the realm of physics learning.
Teachers’ Characteristics, ICT Use and Educational Outcomes
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education has gained momentum due to its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning. However, the success of ICT implementation relies heavily on various factors related to teachers' attitudes, skills, and beliefs toward technology use. This study sought to examine the relationship between teachers' characteristics, their use of ICT, and its impact on educational outcomes. A systematic review was conducted, identifying 17 high-quality studies that met rigorous methodological criteria. The analysis revealed that teachers' digital competence, alongside their perceptions of the usefulness of ICT tools, were significant predictors of effective technology integration in the classroom. Furthermore, teacher motivation, mindset, and opportunities for collaboration emerged as critical drivers for successful ICT adoption. The study also underscored the pivotal role the COVID-19 pandemic played in accelerating teachers' acquisition of digital skills, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded access to technology and professional development programs aimed at enhancing online instructional capabilities. These findings point to the necessity of addressing not only individual teacher characteristics but also institutional and systemic factors to ensure the successful integration of ICT in education. A holistic approach is essential to improve teaching practices and maximize the benefits of ICT in educational settings.
Tracking Global Progress and Issues of Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global agenda adopted by 193 countries under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming for economic prosperity, social advancement, environmental restoration, and better governance. Sustainable development is crucial for the survival and well-being of individuals, societies, and the planet, offering all peace, prosperity, and safety. This study examines the SDGs and their indicators targeted at global progress. This paper's main aim and objectives are to provide a clear understanding of the rationale of SDGs in addressing urgent global issues as a shared effort of the global community under the leadership of the United Nations. The article focuses on SDG goals, targets, and indicators associated with progress up to mid-point 2023. A careful examination of these measurement systems assesses the status of international sustainability initiatives with attention to both areas of excellent performance and long-term inadequacies requiring immediate global attention. Drawing from a wide range of data sources and published reports, this exploration offers a comprehensive overview of successes and failures in the worldwide effort to realize the SDGs. These findings give stakeholders, policymakers, and academics crucial information to guide a more direct path to achieving the SDGs.
Unveiling the Realities: Understanding Sexual Harassment Perception among Secondary School Girls
The title of the study is "Unveiling the Realities: Understanding Sexual Harassment Perception among Secondary School Girls” in ward number 16 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. For data collection, the schools were selected purposely inside Kathmandu i.e. Tarun Secondary School, Nepal Rastriya Secondary School and Yubak Secondary School of class 8 to 10 class. The schools were chosen from conventional purposive sampling method and the respondents were selected using census method. 320 female students were chosen from three secondary schools of KTM Ward No 16. The majority of respondents were between the ages of 16 to 18 which shows that they were in late adolescence. They were 100 out of the total 320 respondents. The psychological harassment was higher as compared to sexual harassment and economic harassment. Likewise, physical harassment also was found higher than sexual, economic and other types of harassment in the study area. The table indicates that response for physical harassment was 102, psychological harassment was 113, sexual harassment was 75, and economical and others was 25 and 5 respectively. Among them, 100 respondents had a loss of attention to studies and 95 respondents always felt stress. Likewise, 40 respondents said they had headaches and felt uneasy, 35 were feeling alone and 50 respondents said they had lost confidence. The sexual harassment activities were faced by 105 girls students by phone calls and social media whereas 95 respondents were showed vulgar things and frequently irritated, 35 respondents were tempted and proposed to sex, 50 respondents were attempted bad touch in sensitive organ and body parts, and lastly 35 respondents said vulgar words and whistling were used on them.
Connecting Cultural Artifacts with Mathematics: An Example from Rangauli Mandala
This paper investigates the integration of cultural artefacts, specifically the Rangauli mandala, into the teaching and learning of school mathematics. Drawing on qualitative research methods, the study explores the mathematical ideas inherent in cultural practices and artifacts, emphasizing their pedagogical implications. Through interviews and observations, the research uncovers sophisticated mathematical concepts embedded in the construction of the Rangauli mandala, such as geometric patterns and spatial reasoning. The findings highlight the importance of connecting mathematics instruction with students' cultural backgrounds, as their familiarity with cultural artefacts can enhance understanding and engagement with mathematical concepts. Despite challenges such as overloaded curricula and time constraints, the study underscores the value of incorporating cultural artifacts and students’ ethnomathematical ideas into mathematics education to promote conceptual understanding. Ultimately, the paper advocates for the utilization of ethnomathematics as a pedagogical tool to bridge the gap between students' everyday mathematical practices and formal school mathematics through facilitation to have deeper learning and cultural appreciation in the classroom.
Ethnic Knowledge of Magar on Treatment Practice in Morang District
The Magar community in Nepal has a rich heritage of health and healing practices, including Jharphuk, shamans who treat illnesses using a holistic approach. Their practices involve spiritual, psychological, and physical dimensions, emphasizing communal support and preserving their cultural heritage. Health practices change over human development, influenced by knowledge and experiences. Nepal's diverse healthcare practices, including indigenous healing practices, offer alternative medicine. This paper explores the health status of Magar, an indigenous Nepali nationality, and their traditional healing practices in Morang district, focusing on their socio-cultural conditions and treatment practices. The ethnographic study investigated socio-cultural presentation, historical information, and disease treatment patterns using exploratory and analytical designs, utilizing descriptive data from selected respondents and key informants. It examines the Magar population in Morang District and Kerabari Rural Municipality, focusing on ward 7 and Jharphuk highlighting inadequate health facilities and skilled manpower. The research used primary and secondary sources, including literature reviews, interviews, field visits, and interviews with traditional healers to gather information on health practices, treatment systems, and ethnic knowledge. It also explores the traditional healing practices and beliefs of the Magar community in Nepal, emphasizing their importance in their healthcare system. It suggests enhancing healthcare by professionalizing healers, promoting health education, and integrating indigenous treatments with modern medicine.
Student Dropout and Institutional Preventive Measures in Tribhuvan University’s One-Year ODL Programme
The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programme offers opportunities for learners to enhance their academic qualifications without leaving their jobs or professions. In 2019, Tribhuvan University launched a one-year ODL Programme in M.Ed Science and PGD in Social Studies Education at Mahendra Ratna Campus, Kathmandu. This study aims to investigate the reasons for student dropout and propose prevention strategies, specifically focusing on the one-year ODL Programme of Tribhuvan University. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire using a Google Survey form, targeting all 103 students enrolled in the 2019 ODL Programme. A total of 45 students participated in the Google survey form. Frequency table and cross tables were employed to analyze data using SPSS 20.Out of 45 respondents, two-fifths dropped out at the master's level and two-thirds at the PGD level. Major causes were institutional (58%) like overloaded assignments (32%) and centralized exams (26%), and non-institutional (42%) like poor internet access and family issues (10.5% each), and work-study balance (21%). Institutional dropout prevention measures, including scholarships, support, altered schedules, tutoring, and counseling, were inadequate. Urgent changes needed include modifying assignment patterns, providing flexible deadlines, and establishing an online or decentralized exam system. Effective measures are crucial to prevent dropouts and keep students enrolled.
Knowledge and Experience of Bullying among Secondary Level Students in Kathmandu
Bullying is problematic human behavior that abuses others. There are different types of bullying. Among them, school bullying is common among students. It impacts overall physical, mental, and emotional health. The study aims to identify the knowledge and experience of bullying among students. A descriptive study was conducted among 145 respondents of class 12 students of one government and two institutional schools of Kathmandu district by using random sampling without replacement method. Results indicate that more than 90 percent (133) of respondents have the knowledge, and 22.62 percent of respondents have experienced bullying. The bivariate (Chi-square) analysis was used to examine the associations between variables. Sex is treated as an independent variable, and experience of bullying is treated as a dependent variable. The test showed that there was no association between sex and experience of bullying (p = 0.819 in 5% ∝ for 1 d.f). It is concluded that 10 percent of respondents did not know about bullying, and experiences of bullying are not associated with sex.
Analyzing Integrated Curriculum Grade (1-3): Concepts, Development and Practices in Nepal
This article explores the concept, development, and implementation of the integrated curriculum for Grades 1-3 in Nepal. The integrated curriculum is a powerful tool for providing a well-rounded education beyond subject-specific knowledge and skills, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections. The article examines the overall curriculum development process, comparing it with the Beane (1997) curriculum framework. It assesses the alignment between the Nepalese curriculum and the Beane framework by conducting a descriptive analysis based on reviewing and comparing various documents. The findings demonstrate that Nepal's concept and curriculum development process align closely with the Beane (1997) integrated curriculum framework. However, challenges arise in effectively implementing the curriculum due to factors such as inadequate teacher preparedness, limited resources, assessment difficulties, and insufficient community involvement. To address these challenges and fully operationalize the integrated curriculum, the article emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts from policymakers, educational authorities, teachers, parents, and the wider community. Recommendations are provided to the relevant authorities, highlighting the need to prioritize teacher professional development and foster stakeholders' active participation to ensure the effective implementation of the integrated curriculum in line with its intended goals.
Prosperity through Tradition: Traditional Skills and Level of Income Generation in Nepal
This study has attempted to explore how traditional skills, such as pottery, agriculture, and other caste/ethnicity-based practices, contribute to the livelihoods and income generation of individuals and communities in Nepal. The study has employed mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from the sampled population of 500 respondents, carefully and purposively selected with equal representation from five different groups—Kami, Damai, Sarki, Kumhale, and others—each comprising 100, by using a questionnaire. After analysing it, qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with society stakeholders as ward chairs, ward members, teachers, professors and social activists in Dang Valley. The results offer mixed responses regarding the research issues. When asked about the use of leisure and sustainable source of income, the respondents were significantly positive and agreed with the issues. Regarding social identity of the people with traditional skills, the respondents had been experiencing social discrimination and unhealthy social response. The qualitative results present that traditional skills can be the perspective solution to unemployment. There is the need of preservation and promotion of such skills through inspiration, motivation and education at individual level, awareness and social inclusion at community level and favourable environments and effective policy initiatives at government level efforts so as to retain youth population within the country. While reviewing existing stock of literature in this field, it suggests that future research must explore how gender norms affect traditional skills practiced by men and women within different caste/ethnic groups.
A comparative analysis of sustainable development with Buddhist philosophy
This study compares sustainable development with Buddhist philosophy to demonstrate how traditional knowledge can guide and encourage the successful evolution of human economies. The sustainable development concept, which emphasized continuous economic growth as the sole solution to environmental and social issues, lacked authenticity. Hermeneutic philosophy served as the study's guidance. The data from the literature review was examined using a qualitative method of data analysis known as thematic analysis. The "Eighth Fold Path" emphasizes wisdom and moral principles with a sufficiency economy, while capitalism focuses on self-interest. Child labor and misery exist in industrialized economies, with more than 700 million people living in misery and poverty. Buddhism tackles the conflict between economic systems and environmental sustainability by emphasizing the sufficiency economy, no-self, and dependent origination theory. The Buddhist theory of sufficiency economy, or sustainable development, improves by protecting natural capital, increasing social and human capital, and encouraging extensive self-awareness of well-being. The study's findings and conclusion highlight the importance of implementing the Buddhist sustainable development goal among government, researchers, teachers, students, and community because it promotes a sustainable economy, environmental protection, and development, aligns with the 2030 Agenda, and fosters moral discipline and wisdom for sustainable living. The new paradigm necessitates that further research in these fields be investigated, particularly experimental studies on genuine comparisons to Buddhist eco-friendly sustainability and financial sustainability.
Technological Alignment of Teachers in Teaching / Learning on Higher Education: A Case of a Constituent Campus of Tribhuvan University
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its use in education is one of the necessary skills for teachers to develop professional skills, knowledge and expertise. In the case of higher education, the use of ICT, particularly, on constituents' campuses is a prominent area in the context of Nepal. This article explores the examination of the university teachers’ access and use of ICT in students' teaching and learning activities. The survey questionnaire was employed to 80 sampled teachers teaching Bachelor and Masters Level in different subjects of one constituent campus of Kathmandu valley. The survey method was applied for the collection of data, analysis and interpretation of the collected data showed that most of the respondents had access to at least one of the ICT facilities at their home but only 35% of the respondents who had access to ICT use it in their teaching and learning activities. By contrast, the majority of the teachers expressed their views they were not excellent at ICT skills. However, only a few teachers needed to learn basic computer skills to use it in their teaching and learning. The findings of this article suggests that the majority of teachers were willing to learn the use of ICT related to classroom instruction effectively.
Information Communication Technology in Classroom Instruction
This is the age of information communication and technology. It has controlled everyday's work of people. Without it, people now-a-day feel themselves completely isolated. From the very beginning of the day, people use it as the mainstay of their daily affairs. This study investigates the utilization of ICT tools in educational settings focusing on the ICT resources commonly employed for classroom teaching and to explore the challenges faced by both teachers and students. It has used the descriptive survey research design to outline the overall strategy and procedures for data collection and analysis consisting of 83 students and 25 teachers as the sample and observation notes and open-ended questions as the tools. The study concludes that teachers require adequate training, resources, and support to successfully implement ICT-based instruction and become more capable, professional educators, equipped to address the global challenges of teaching ICT in modern classrooms. For teacher education programs to effectively prepare educators for the demands of the 21st century, they must prioritize competitiveness, competence, and skill development, with ICT playing a central role.
Teaching-Learning Strategies for Fostering Creative and Innovative Skills in Community School Students
This study examines the existing situations and practices of the strategies to promote creative and innovative skills in community schools. It also discusses the techniques to foster innovative teaching-learning activities based on students', teachers', and administrators’ understanding and experiences. Then, it explores the roles of the concerned authorities to support and empower the teachers to plan student-engaged activities and the students to perform their roles and grow with creative and innovative skills. A qualitative design was followed to complete this study, and the information for the study was collected from an open-ended questionnaire and in-depth interviews with the teachers, administrators, and students. The meaning was generated from the themes developed from the codes by categorizing and grouping the information gathered from the participants. The study found that the administration and management have a crucial role in establishing creative and innovative teaching-learning environments and facilitating the teachers to launch experiential teaching-learning activities. Similarly, when teachers guide the students to plan and conduct different curricular and co-curricular activities, they employ their best efforts and become more creative and innovative. It concludes that the activities planned and organized by the students under the guidance of the teachers and in support of the concerned authority make students more creative and innovative.
Situation of Maternal and Child Health Service Utilization in Gandaki Province, Nepal
Introduction: Gandaki Province, Nepal, presents unique challenges for maternal health due to its rugged terrain, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers. The study examines maternal health service utilization across urban and rural settings, highlighting disparities in antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), and delivery services. Methodology: With a purpose to find out the Maternal and Child Health Service Utilization for improvement of mother and child health in Gandaki province of Nepal, the cross-sectional study employs secondary data obtained from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022. A multi-stage sampling method yielded a representative sample of 1401 childbearing-aged women. A weighted sample was employed and subsequently analyzed through the use of SPSS. The study examined maternal health service utilization, including ANC visits, institutional deliveries, and PNC, using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Findings: Results reveal significant disparities between urban and rural areas. The analysis of childbearing-aged women in Gandaki Province, Nepal, reveals that 85.8% identify as Hindu, with Janajati women being the largest ethnic group at 36.6%. Health status shows that 56.7% of women rate their health as moderate, and a significant proportion resides in urban areas (71.0%). In terms of healthcare access, while the average number of antenatal care visits is similar in urban (2.0) and rural (2.0) settings, urban women have higher rates of postnatal checkups for both mothers (81.6%) and newborns (83.2%) compared to rural women (66.5% and 71.2%, respectively). Urban women are more likely to access four or more ANC visits, institutional deliveries, and timely PNC compared to rural women. Wealthier and more educated urban women have greater access to comprehensive maternal services. Rural areas face challenges such as limited healthcare facilities, reliance on home-based deliveries, and cultural barriers that hinder service utilization. Conclusions and Implications: The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address disparities in maternal health service utilization. Policy measures should focus on expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing the availability of skilled personnel, and improving transportation in rural areas. Community-based health education and socio-economic support programs are crucial to bridging the gap in maternal health services. Implementing these strategies can lead to more equitable maternal health care and improved outcomes across different geographic and socio-economic contexts.
Exploring the Influence of Cultural Capital Theory on English Language Education
Cultural capital theory (CCT) postulates that educational systems, particularly in capitalist societies, maintain social inequalities by favoring specific cultural resources and individuals engage in constant competition for valued resources. The study selects Bourdieu’s seminal works and reviews the key concepts—cultural capital, habitus, and the field to explore the influence of CCT on English language education. Cultural capital, encompassing knowledge, skills, and experiences, exists in embodied, objectified, and institutionalized forms. Habitus, a guiding framework, influences individuals’ perceptions and actions shaped by primary and secondary socialization. The concept of the field represents the context where social positions and interactions unfold. Employing the content analysis research design, the study reviews the three concepts and the analyses highlight that students who possess greater cultural capital tend to experience increased comfort while learning the English language within the school environment. Conversely, students hailing from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face challenges in cultivating proficiency in the English language. The study argues that cultural capital and habitus play crucial roles and have influence English language learning, extending beyond institutional policies and textbooks. The influence of these factors emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of cultural dimensions in education, with implications for informing educational policies and practices.
Effects of Parental Death on their Child Education
Research on labor migration has recognized that parental migration has dual impacts on their children’s education. This study tries to investigate the implication of parental death on their child’s well-being in Kathmandu Valley. The objective of this article is to explore the effects of the death of parents in foreign labor migrations on the educational implications of children left behind. This cross-sectional study has followed a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative). It used a purposive sample of Kathmandu Valley and schools, respondents were selected using simple random sampling. Out of 83 students, 56 were selected aged 10-18 for the interview for this research. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information, and has collected through face-to-face interview methods. Data were processed using the SPSS 20th version and analyzed in descriptive and analytical forms. Parents' migration positively impacts their children's education, but the sudden death of parents negatively affects their school education. Parental death also negatively impacts the household economy and finally affects children's school enrollment, attendance, and educational activities and achievements. About 75 percent of respondents stated that the death of parents increases financial burden and one in ten students wants to drop out of school. Poor attendance and academic outcomes are major causes of school dropouts. To address this, the government should raise and continue scholarship programs to secure schooling for children left behind.
The Role of Social Support Networks in Enhancing the Well-being of Elderly People
This paper explores the relationships between age, social support, marital status, subjective well-being, and perceptions of general health among elderly people. The data were collected using the convenience sampling, and a survey was conducted among 138 respondents, predominantly women 78.3 percent, with 40 percent single and 56.9 percent aged between 61- 91 years. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between age and overall perceived health (r=0.23), self-esteem (r=0.19), and life satisfaction (r=0.22). Furthermore, there was a favorable correlation (r=0.19) between self-esteem, social support, and well-being. The elderly reported higher amounts of social support, particularly emotional (r=0.26) and private (r=0.19). A mean well being rating for the elderly was 67.03 and indication of good attitude. Social support was found to have only an indirect effect, mainly decreased with age while life happiness and age were identified as the most significant predictors of how people felt about their overall health. The results indicated that age and other aspects of well-being, including self-perceived health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction were moderate and associated with those of older female respondents. It was also confirmed by the results that there was a positive correlation between the social support and wellbeing.
Addressing the Challenges Faced by EndNote Users in Academic Writing
The citation management software, notably EndNote, is widely embraced by MPhil and PhD scholars in Nepalese universities. However, its application does not guarantee flawless citation outputs and can present challenges to accuracy. This phenomenological study delves into the complexities faced by EndNote users, focusing on citation inaccuracy issues within EndNote X9 and the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th output style. As an EndNote practitioner, learner, and tutor, I identified various citation accuracy concerns across various source types. The analysis identified two primary contributors to citation inaccuracies: the inherent nature of EndNote reference types and the APA 7th output style, and incorrect entry of information in the reference fields. To address these concerns, modifications were made to EndNote reference types and the output style, and a comprehensive guideline for the accurate entry of information in the reference fields for diverse source types was developed. This research advocates crucial adjustments to both EndNote reference types and the APA 7th output style, alongside meticulous information entry practices, to enhance citation accuracy. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on refining citation precision in academic writing, particularly in the context of the Nepalese universities.
Influences of Teachers’ Accountability on Students’ Mathematics Performance
This research attempts to explore how students' mathematics performance is affected by teachers' accountability. We considered the population as the math teachers in all community secondary schools located in Kathmandu district. By using random sampling, we chose a sample of 71 secondary math teachers. Value-free axiology, objectivist epistemology, post positivist ontology, and quantitative research design were used. In this study, reliability and validity of the questionnaires determined by using the Cronbach's alpha and Delphi methods, respectively. In this study, 50 questionnaires in the form of five-point scales were used, but 9 questionnaires were excluded by rotation to prepare factors. The results of this study showed that a variety of factors, including teachers' professionalism and subject-matter expertise, students' regular learning, the equity and fairness of the assessment process, community trust, and efforts to enhance teaching contributed to the students' performance in mathematics. Further, teachers' accountability strategies have been found to be influenced by methods, organizational background, and cooperation. A supportive, professional development environment and accountability were stood crucial to create a positive learning environment which raised students’ performance.
स्नातकोत्तर नेपाली शिक्षा (नेपा.शि.५२४) अन्तर्गत भाषिक परीक्षण विषयक पाठ्यक्रम : एक चर्चा
स्नातकोत्तर नेपाली शिक्षा (नेपा.शि. ५२४) को पाठ्यक्रमको चर्चा गर्नमा प्रस्तुत लेख केन्द्रित छ । स्नातकोत्तर तह, नेपाली शिक्षा (नेपा.शि.५२४) अन्तर्गत भाषिक परीक्षण विषयक पाठ्यक्रमको अध्ययन गर्नु यस लेखको उद्देश्य रहेको छ । पाठ्यक्रमलाई सिकाइको योजनाका रूपमा लिइन्छ । यसले सिकारुलाई के सिकाउने ? किन सिकाउने ? कति सिकाउने ? कसरी सिकाउने ? भन्ने कुराको स्तरयुक्त, उपयुक्त तथा सार्थक उत्तर दिन्छ । अझ भाषाको पाठ्यक्रमले त भाषिक सिप र भाषागत अर्थ सन्दर्भलाई समेत स्पष्ट पार्दछ । स्नातकोत्तर नेपाली शिक्षाको पाठ्यक्रमले भाषिक सिपलाई प्रायोगिक बनाएर सिकाइमा सक्षमता हासिल गराउने लक्ष्य राखेको छ । गुणात्मक अध्ययन ढाँचाअन्तर्गतका विषयवस्तु र अवधारणात्मक विश्लेषणको ढाँचामा आधारित रही शिक्षक र विद्यार्थीका प्रतिक्रियालाई अध्ययनको स्रोत बनाइएको छ । विषयको विश्लेषणपश्चात् भाषाका आदानात्मक सिपमा रहेका सुनाइ र पढाइलाई प्रयोग र अभ्यासमा ल्याउन सकिने निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ । प्रदानात्मक सिपमा रहेका बोलाइ र लेखाइ सिपका माध्यमबाट बोध र अभिव्यक्ति दुबै पक्षलाई सार्थक बनाउन सहयोग गर्दछ भन्ने यसबाट देखिएको छ । शिक्षाका राष्ट्रिय उद्देश्यमा आधारित भएर मात्र तहगत तथा विषयगत उद्देश्यलाई सार्थक बनाउन सकिन्छ । बोध र अभिव्यक्तिका माध्यमबाट पाठ्यक्रमको मर्मलाई सार्थक, सुस्पष्ट र स्थापित गर्न सकिन्छ । स्नातकोत्तर तहको यस पाठ्यक्रमले विद्यार्थीमा पहिचानात्मक तथा उत्पादनात्मक दुबै सिपमा दक्ष बनाउन सक्ने देखिन्छ । भाषिक सिपमा दक्ष हुनु भनेको तहगत सक्षमता हासिल गरी स्नातकोत्तर तहको मर्यादा र उपादेयता प्राप्त गर्नु भएकाले प्रस्तुत लेखको उपयोगिता समेत यसमा सीमितरहेको छ ।
प्रस्तुत शीर्षक अन्तर्गत सक्षम नेतृत्वमा हुनुपर्ने प्रमुख सक्षमताहरूको पहिचान गरी त्यसले सङ्गठनमा ल्याउन सक्ने व्यवस्थापकीय परिवर्तनको अवस्था अनुशीलन गर्नु भन्ने दुई उद्देश्यमा केन्द्रित रही गरिएको अध्ययनबाट सङ्गठनको कुनै एक वा सोभन्दा बढी तत्वमा आउने परिवर्तन सङ्गठनात्मक परिवर्तन हो भन्ने देखिएको छ । यसमा कुनै पनि सङ्गठनमा विद्यमान वा चल्दै आएको नेतृत्व शैलीमा समयसापेक्ष परिवर्तन आउनु आवश्यक हुन्छ भन्ने कुरा अध्ययनले देखाएको छ । यसबाट व्यवस्थापन कार्यमा समसामयिक परिवर्तन भएन भने सङ्गठन वा संस्थाले गति लिन सक्दैन र यसका लागि समयसापेक्ष ढङ्गले व्यवस्थापनका सम्पूर्ण पक्षमा परिवर्तन आवश्यक हुन्छ भन्ने कुरा सिद्ध भएको छ । यसका लागि प्रत्येक सङ्घसंस्थामा परिवर्तन एक स्वाभाविक प्रक्रियामानिने र व्यवस्थापन प्रभावकारी बनाउन कुशल व्यवस्थापकसँग व्यवस्थापकीय सिप हुनु जरुरी हुने भएकाले यसका लागि भएका सीमित स्रोत र साधनलाई अधिकतम प्रयोग र परिचालन गरी अपेक्षित प्रतिफल प्राप्त गर्ने क्षमता नेतृत्वमा हुनुपर्छ भन्ने यसबाट देखिएको छ । नीति नियमको राम्रो ज्ञान प्राप्त गरिसकेपछि संस्थाको उद्देश्य प्राप्तितर्फ प्रतिबद्ध हुनु आवश्यक हुन्छ । सङ्गठनात्मक परिवर्तनका विविध सिद्धान्त तथा अध्ययन र अनुसन्धानले समेत नेतृत्वलाई समयसापेक्ष परिवर्तन हुन प्रोत्साहित गर्छ । सवल नेतृत्व भयो भने मात्र संस्थालाई समयसापेक्ष सकारात्मक परिवर्तन गरी अपेक्षित उपलब्धी हासिल गर्न सकिन्छ भन्ने निष्कर्ष यस लेखमा प्रस्तुत छ । व्यवस्थापक आफैँं परिवर्तनको वाहक (Change Agent)भएकाले सङ्गठनको प्रभावकारिताका लागि समसामयिक परिवर्तन अति नै महत्त्वपूर्ण हुन्छ । यसर्थ यस लेखमा कुनै पनि सङ्गठनमा नेतृत्वले खेल्ने भूमिकालाई जोड दिइएको छ । यसबाट समयानुकूल व्यवस्थापकीय परिवर्तन स्वाभाविक हुन्छ भन्ने कुरा साहित्य पुनरावलोकनलाई आधार बनाई गरिएको व्याख्यात्मक समीक्षाबाट सबैमा अवगत हुने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ ।
हरिनगर गाउँपालिकाको भू–उपयोग क्षेत्र वर्गीकरण र परिवर्तन
भूमि, उत्पादनको मुख्य स्रोत तथा जीवन निर्वाहको एउटा प्रमुख आधार मानिन्छ । नेपालमा भूमिको उचित व्यवस्थापन तथा कृषि भूमिको संरक्षणका लागि भू–उपयोग क्षेत्र वर्गीकरण गरी योजना तर्जुमा गर्न भू–उपयोग नियमावली २०७९ ले गरेको व्यवस्था र स्थानीय आवश्यकता समेतका आधारमा गरिएको भू–उपयोग क्षेत्र वर्गीकरण तथा त्यसको विश्लेषण गर्नु यस अध्ययनको प्रमुख उद्देश्य रहेको छ । प्रस्तुत अध्ययन मुख्यतः प्राथमिक तथ्याङ्कमा आधारित रहेको छ । यस अध्ययनमा भूमिको स्वामित्व तथा भू–उपयोग क्षेत्रसम्बन्धी नक्सा तथा तथ्याङ्क नापी विभागबाट लिइएको छ । सडक विस्तारसँगै बस्ती विकास, सहरीकरण, बसाइँ सराइको प्रभाव, औद्योगिक ग्रामको व्यवस्था, भौतिक पूर्वाधारहरूको निर्माण, बाढी तथा डुबानजस्ता सामाजिक, आर्थिक र जलवायुजन्य प्रकोपका कारणले अध्ययन क्षेत्रको भू–उपयोग प्रणालीमा निरन्तर परिवर्तन भइरहेको छ । स्थानीय भू–उपयोग परिषद्ले निर्धारण गरेका विभिन्न मापदण्डका आधारमा गरीएको भू–उपयोग क्षेत्र वर्गीकरण अनुसार कृषि क्षेत्रमा १७२७.५१ हेक्टरले ह्रास आएको देखिन्छ । नदी, खोला, ताल तथा सिमसार र सार्वजनिक उपयोगका क्षेत्रमा पनि सामान्य कमी आएको छ । आवासीय, व्यावसायिक र सार्वजनिक उपयोगका क्षेत्रहरूमा भने क्रमशः १५१६.५६, १००.५२ र ११३.४६हेक्टरले वृद्धि भएको देखिन्छ ।
विद्यालय तहमा बहुभाषिक कक्षा शिक्षणको अवस्था र चुनौती
यस लेखको मुख्य उद्देश्य नेपालका विद्यालयीय कक्षामा बहुभाषिक कक्षा शिक्षणको अवस्था र चुनौतीको पहिचान गर्नुमा केन्द्रित रहेको छ । प्रस्तुत अध्ययन मूलतः गुणात्मक अनुसन्धान ढाँचामा आधारित रहेको छ । यसमा अवस्था/घटना अध्ययन सम्बद्ध वर्णनात्मक विधि प्रयोग गरिएको छ । यसमा काठमाडौँ जिल्लाका चारवटा विद्यालयका शिक्षकहरूका अनुभवहरूलाई तथ्यका रूपमा लिई अध्ययन गरिएको छ । बहुभाषिकता नेपालको राष्ट्रिय पहिचान हो । मातृभाषी र बहुभाषी शिक्षक उपलब्ध नहुँदा बहुभाषिक शिक्षण सिकाइ जटिल बन्ने गरेको छ । शिक्षकहरूमा बहुभाषिक कक्षाशिक्षण सम्बन्धी आवश्यक ज्ञान, सिप, तालिम र दक्षताको कमीले शैक्षिक स्तर कमजोर हुन पुगेको छ । सिकारुको भाषिक पृष्ठभूमि, सामाजिक–सांस्कृतिक विविधता, पारिवारिक–आर्थिक पृष्ठभूमि, सिकाइ क्षमतागत विविधता, शिक्षकले सिकाउने तौरतरिकामा भिन्नता आदिले नेपालको बहुभाषिक शिक्षाको स्वरूप विविधतामूलक बनेको छ । सिकारुको भाषिक पृष्ठभूमि, सानो कक्षाकोठा, अत्याधिक विद्यार्थी सङ्ख्या, पाठ्यसामग्रीको अभाव, छुट्टाछुट्टै समूह निर्माण, अभिभावकहरूको अङ्ग्रेजी भाषाप्रतिको बढ्दो आकर्षण आदिका कारण बहुभाषिक कक्षा व्यवस्थापनमा चुनौती देखिएका छन् । यी विभिन्न चुनौतीहरूको सामना गर्न योग्य र दक्ष बहुभाषी शिक्षकको व्यवस्था गर्नुपर्दछ । भाषाको शिक्षण सिकाइलाई बालमैत्री बनाई बालबालिकाहरूको भाषिक सङ्कोचलाई हटाउँदै उन्नत सिकाइतर्फ अग्रसर हुनुपर्दछ । बहुभाषी शिक्षालाई मातृभाषामा शिक्षण गरेर वा सिकारुको मातृभाषामा शब्द, पद, पदावली वा वाक्य प्रयोग गरेर भाषिक सहजीकरण गर्न सकेमामात्र प्रभावकारी बहुभाषिक कक्षा शिक्षण हुनसक्ने देखिन्छ ।
शिक्षाशास्त्र सङ्कायमा सञ्चालित सेमेस्टर प्रणालीको समस्या र समाधान
त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालय शिक्षाशास्त्र सङ्कायमा सञ्चालित स्नातकोत्तर तहमा हाल सेमेस्टर प्रणाली लागु भइ अध्ययन अध्यापन कार्य भइरहेको छ । नेपालमा शिक्षाको इतिहासलाई अध्ययन गर्दा यसअघि नै वि.सं. २०२८ सालमा राष्ट्रिय शिक्षा पद्धतिको योजनाको प्रतिवेदनले दिएको सुझावको (रा.शि. प. यो., २०२८) आधारमा उच्च शिक्षामा सेमेस्टर प्रणाली लागु भएको थियो । यो प्रणाली वि.सं.२०३८ सालमा पाठ्क्रम परिमार्जन भइ सेमेस्टर प्रणालीलाई हटाइ वार्षिक प्रणाली लागु गरियो । लामो समयपछि उच्च शिक्षालाई गुणस्तरीय बनाउनको लागि पुनः वि.सं. २०७० सालबाट स्नातकोत्तर तहमा केन्द्रीय क्याम्पस कीर्तिपुरबाट यो प्रणाली लागु गर्दै देशका अन्य क्याम्पसहरूमा लागु गरी हाल सबै क्याम्पसहरूमा पठनपाठन भइरहेको छ । केही वर्ष अगाडिदेखि यो प्रणाली लागुभए तापनि यस प्रणालीमा समस्याहरू आइरहेका छन्फलस्वरूप विद्यार्थी सङ्ख्या खस्कँदै गएको देखिन्छ । यो प्रणालीलाई प्रभावकारी रूपबाट सञ्चालन गरेर आगामी दिनहरूमा निरन्तरता दिनु प्रस्तुत अध्ययनको मुख्य प्राप्ति रहेको छ । यो अध्ययन महेन्द्ररत्न क्याम्पस ताहाचल, एम.एड. चौथो सेमेस्टरमा अध्ययनरत दस जना अनिवार्य विषयका छात्रछात्राहरूलाई विभिन्न दसओटा बहुवैकल्पिक प्रश्नहरू दिएर अध्ययन गरिएको छ । यस प्रणालीमा मूल्याङ्कन प्रक्रिया, शैक्षिक सामग्रीको प्रयोग, पाठ्भार, शैक्षिक क्यालेण्ड अनुसार पठनपाठन नहुनु, शिक्षकहरूलाई पुनर्ताजगी तालिम नहुनु जस्ता समस्याहरू स्थलगत अध्ययनबाट देखिएका छन् । यसमा यिनै समस्याहरूलाई सम्बन्धित निकायले समयमा नै समाधान गर्नुपर्ने निष्कर्ष प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । यो अध्ययन स्थलगत सर्वेक्षण विधिका आधारमा गरिएको छ र यस प्रणालीमा देखिएका समस्याहरूको पहिचान गरी समाधान गर्नु प्रस्तुत अध्ययनको मुख्य प्राप्ति रहेको छ ।