1. Completing a Graduate Degree: A Case of a Female Student
Abstract: This paper was written as an assignment for one of my courses while pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Education Studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada. I have made an attempt to explore perceptions and experiences of a female graduate student on four different aspects of her family and academic life. The four aspects that emerged as the themes while analysing interview transcript are: personal and family life; gender differences; funding and scholarship; and the role of supervisor. The paper also presents how the interview was conducted, how the data were generated and how analysis was done. At the end of the paper I have presented my reflections. This short and single-participant semi-structured interview research concludes with three basic findings as major impeding factors for a successful completion of a graduate programme, especially by a female student. The three findings are: female graduate students still face many challenges--as systemic barriers--that are more severe than their male counterparts face; financial problem is still a strong impeding factor that associate with all other major and minor barriers for the completion of a graduate degree; and finally, the relationship between a graduate student and her/his supervisor and the latter's expertise in the area of student's research interest is one of the significant factors for the successful completion of a graduate programme. Read the article
2. Lifelong Learning in Nepal: Contexts and Prospects
Abstract: Learning is a lifelong process. Many countries in the world, basically the European and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, have adopted it as an important vehicle for human development. They have also made it a policy agenda for meeting the human capital need for twenty first century for economic prosperity. However, the concept of lifelong learning is still new in many developing countries including Nepal. With UNESCO's efforts some policy documents have made some provisions to enhance non-formal education in Nepal; however, no specific provision has been made so far to enhance informal learning despite the fact that that has been proved as one of the vital constituents of lifelong learning. This article discusses some of the fundamental concepts attached with lifelong learning and also sheds some lights on the prospects of lifelong learning in developing countries, with particular focus on the Nepalese contexts. Read the article
3. Promoting Lifelong Learning in Multilingual Context: A Case from Nepal
Abstract: Nepal is a multilingual country with low adult literacy rate (about 57% in 2008). Through different policy documents and motivation from some of the transnational organizations such as UNESCO, Nepal is on the process of adopting lifelong learning perspective as a major educational policy. In this context the article raises two issues: how to preserve and promote linguistic diversity and how to provide lifelong learning opportunities in such multilingual context. For addressing these issues, the article argues that multilingual lifelong learning policy--in all three modes of learning: formal, non-formal and informal--could be a suitable educational policy for Nepal. Read the article
4. Recognition, Accreditation and Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning: Prospects for Lifelong Learning in Nepal
Abstract: This study was an exploration on the various issues related to recognition, accreditation and validation of non-formal and informal learning to open up avenues for lifelong learning and continuing education in Nepal. The perceptions, experiences, and opinions of Nepalese Development Activists, Educational Administrators, Policy Actors and University Professors became the major part of this research. Some of the reviews of the good practices in the field of validation of non-formal and informal learning and development of National Qualifications Framework at international level; and the progresses Nepal has made so far in this field were also equally incorporated in the study. It was a two-phased Sequential Mixed Method study in which Survey and Phenomenology representing positivist and constructivist paradigms were used sequentially to draw the findings. The quantitative part of the research dealt with the three themes of the research. The first theme was "providing options for learners to learn through formal, non-formal and informal modes of learning equally"; the second theme was "bringing parity among the three modes of learning" and the third theme was "developing a National Qualifications Framework" to recognize, accredit, and validate non-formal and informal learning to enhance lifelong learning in Nepal. During the analysis of qualitative part of the research eight different themes generated. They were making people free to acquire knowledge; making the three forms of learning equal; recognition, accreditation, and certification of non-formal and informal learning; recognition, accreditation and certification of indigenous knowledge; assessing non-formal and informal learning; adaptability and employability of non-formal and informal learners; developing a National Qualifications Framework; and enhancing lifelong learning. These themes either directly or indirectly are related to validation of non-formal and informal learning to create an environment conducive for lifelong learning in Nepal. From the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data it was found that the Educational Stakeholders were positive and enthusiastic towards enhancing lifelong learning by recognizing, accrediting and validating non-formal and informal learning in Nepal. They opined almost in a similar spirit that the three forms of learning should get equal focus to make one's learning a lifelong endeavor. They had a consensus on developing a mechanism to assess non-formal and informal learning outcomes including indigenous knowledge and skills. They also claimed that non-formal and informal learners are equally employable and adaptable as formal degree holders if the formers were provided with an environment conducive for fostering their knowledge, skills and competencies. Above all, from the triangulation of qualitative results with quantitative data and review of literatures it was found that if a mechanism for recognizing, accrediting and validating non-formal and informal learning is developed on the basis of a National Qualifications Framework, then the goal of enhancing lifelong learning could be achieved. Read all
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