KATHMANDU, NEPAL, JULY 16th, 2025 – The Learning, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (LIKE) Lab at Kathmandu University School of Arts organized a research seminar on “Project-Based Learning (PBL)”. The session introduced innovative pedagogical approaches for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and student agency in Nepali classrooms.
Presented by Mr. Sonam Tamang, the seminar focused on equipping participants with reflective practices and tools to create enabling learning environments, particularly within the local educational context.
Key Highlights from the Seminar
- PBL is a Learner-Centered Approach which encourages students to explore real-world problems and apply subject knowledge in authentic contexts.
- Promotes both convergent and divergent thinking to build problem-solving skills.
- PBL is flexible and can be adapted as per the context; it can be designed to adapt to diverse school settings, student groups, and cultural dynamics.
- The role of Hidden Curriculum was recognized as an influential yet unwritten component shaping student values, behaviors, and aspirations.
- Encouraged intentional use of hidden curriculum to challenge gender biases and co-construct classroom understanding.
- Emphasized making thinking visible through structured “thinking routines” and fostering curiosity beyond rote learning to harness a culture of participation.
Reflections and Challenges
The participants raised concerns about applying PBL and hidden curriculum approaches in community schools. Mr. Amrita Tamrakar from Yasodhara High School, Bhojpur – one of the key local stakeholders closely working with the “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be” – CVEC Project under LIKE Lab participated in the seminar highlighted:
- Teacher workload and time constraints in community schools.
- Resistance from communities due to preconceived notions of what a “good” education should look like.
- The need for grassroots-level sensitization and capacity building for educators to incorporate PBL.
