Educational Opportunities and Challenges in Kathmandu

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Educational Opportunities and Challenges in Kathmandu (OEL320)

Synopsis

The main objective of OEL320 is to provide students with the conceptual tools and learning experiences to develop a deeper understanding of the educational challenges and opportunities in Kathmandu. This objective will be achieved through a combination of experiential learning, e-learning, classroom activities, and participation in an overseas trip to Kathmandu, Nepal.One of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals is to provide inclusive and quality education for all as a way to empower individuals to improve their lives and allow them to break out of the poverty cycle. Just like most of the members of the UN, the Government of Nepal has also committed to achieving the Inclusive Social Development" goal by 2030. However, this has not been realised at local schools and communities. On the contrary, longitudinal research shows that children with disabilities in Nepal are 10 times less likely to attend school than those without. This course will encourage students to critically analyse the complexities facing the pursuit of educational equity in both Nepal and Singapore, through comparing how historical, political, social and economic factors shape educational development, ideologies, and policies in both countries. By working with local practitioners on education-related projects in Nepal and Singapore, students will not only learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the implementation of educational policies, but also get to reflect critically on the relationship between educational practices and equity.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

Experiential learning
Key historical, social and political developments in Nepal
Exclusionist practices in Nepal
Educational opportunities and challenges in Nepal, and how the historical, political, social and economic factors shape the pursuit of equity in the country
Educational opportunities and challenges in Singapore, and how the historical, political, social and economic factors shape the pursuit of equity in the country
Preparation and design of the overseas experiential learning project: service-learning activities, liaising with local community partner(s), safety and emergency response, cultural sensitivity
Preparation and design of the local experiential learning project: service-learning activities, liaising with local community partner(s), safety and emergency response

Learning Outcome

Identify challenges and opportunities facing educational practices in Nepal
Explain the roles of governments and communities (local and international) in addressing educational challenges and opportunities and in achieving educational equity
Examine the factors influencing the pursuit of educational equity in Nepal
Apply social scientific perspectives to relate educational opportunities and challenges to educational equity
Deconstruct preconceptions about Nepal and its approach towards addressing challenges and opportunities in achieving inclusive education and equity
Construct new approaches to address challenges and opportunities facing educational practices and achieving educational equity in Nepal and Singapore that considers the native contexts
Examine how the assumptions behind their new approaches shape the way they address their selected issues
Verify new approaches with stakeholders
Appraise team members’ roles and responsibilities in shaping team-based experiential learning