HSEB effects change in new Nepali course-book

ANKIT ADHIKARI

KATHMANDU, JUL 07

At a time when a section of Nepali students and their parents in urban areas are beginning to question the provision that makes Nepali subject compulsory, the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) has designed a new Nepali coursebook to tackle this problem from the upcoming academic session.

This approach is a “complete revolution” in the pedagogical history of Nepali subject, say HSEB officials.

The coursebook named “Sabaiko Nepali” was designed by a team of HSEB-appointed eleven experts led by Thakur Prasad Parajuli. “This is the first attempt of HSEB to publish a book of its own,” said Upendra Koirala, Board’s vice chair. “The responsibility of publishing and distribution has been given to Sajha Prakashan. The book priced Rs. 250 will be distributed across the country by July 31.”

 “The change of Nepali course was a must as many students, mostly at private institutions, had been showing serious disinterest towards this subject,” Koirala added. “We hope the new idea generates interest among students to learn Nepali.”

According to Ram Chandra Pandey, Curriculum Head at HSEB, the new course emphasises on the functional aspect of the chapters and exercises. 

“We have emulated the design of English books in order to make the new Nepali course interactive. Chapters and exercises are totally based on practical teaching and learning process,” he said. “This course is the first of its type in Nepal. It is expected to bring a radical change in traditional approach of learning Nepali.”

In the new course, Nepali grammar lessons have been included at the end of every chapter. “A separate grammar book will not be required now onwards,” said Jivendra Giri, one of the course designers.

HSEB has also decided to remove subjects like Business Organisation Office Managem-ent (BOOM) and Office Management and Secretarial Practice (OMSP) from the syllabus of management stream. Instead of BOOM and OMSP, a new subject called business studies will be taught. “BOOM and OMSP are impractical in the context of Nepal,” said Pandey. 

Similarly HSEB is also making some changes in the existing courses of computer science, chemistry, travel and tourism, political science, and mathematics. “Some of the materials in the old course of these subjects were already outdated,” said Pandey. “Some important changes have been made, however a large part of the old course still remains unaltered.”


Published in The Kathmandu Post -- July 8