Implementation of Gross National Happiness Education in Bhutan: The case of an efficacious 'Zhabdrung' Primary School

Abstract

The task of creating a conducive learning environment and successful implementation of educational innovations depend heavily on the talents, efficacy beliefs and values of teachers and principals. In order to assist with more deeply exploring the efficacy of schools in implementing GNH Education, lighthouse schools were identified in the first stage of a sequential mixed methods investigation (Sherab, 2013). In this first stage, 'Zhabdrung' Primary School was selected as an 'efficacious' case study school in implementing GNH Education, based on expert advice and later validated by its collective efficacy score relative to 155 other schools that participated in a national survey. This case study, undertaken during the second stage, examined the lived experiences of the school as they implemented GNH Education. Data were mainly gathered through semi-structured interviews and observations. Findings indicate that the efficaciousness of this school was mainly attributable to promotion of GNH values and principles through various innovative extra-curricular programmes. However, little had been initiated in terms of infusion through regular curricular programmes. This study also unveiled that the hidden curriculum has the potential to impact students either negatively or positively. The paper presents implications and suggestions for better implementation of the vision of GNH Education.