Table of Contents

1 Introduction: Education in Bhutan.- Part I Historical Perspectives.- 2 Overview and 'Heart Essence' of the Bhutanese Education System.- 3 The History and Development of Monastic Education in Bhutan.- 4 History and Transitions of Secular Education in Bhutan from the 20th into the 21st Century.- 5 Higher Education in Bhutan: Progress and Challenges.- 6 Bhutanese Traditional Medical Education.- 7 International Influence and Support for Educational Development in Bhutan.- Part II Contemporary Issues.- 8 Rural Life and Modern Formal Schooling in Bhutan.- 9 Conditions of Happiness: Bhutan's Educating for Gross National Happiness Initiative and the Capability Approach.- 10 Teacher Understanding of the Educating for Gross National Happiness Initiative.- 11 Non-Formal Education in Bhutan: Origin, Evolution, and Impact.- 12 Children with Disabilities in Bhutan: Transitioning from Special Educational Needs to inclusive Education.- 13 Early Childhood Care and Development in Bhutan: Mind the Gap(s).- 14 Gender and Education in Bhutan.- 15 Conclusion: Key Outcomes, Challenges, Ways Forward, and Future Research.

About the Author

Matthew J. Schuelka is a Lecturer at the School of Education, University of Birmingham, UK. Previously, he served as Lecturer and Head of the Sociology and Political Science Department at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan. Matt has also taught various disciplines at different levels in the United States and Malaysia, and holds advanced degrees in Special Education and Comparative International Education from the University of Vermont, Stanford University, and the University of Minnesota. He has worked in numerous countries as a researcher and inclusive education consultant, most notably in the United States, United Kingdom, Serbia, Zambia, India, Malaysia, and Bhutan.  
T.W. (Tom) Maxwell has recently retired from the University of New England, Australia, but he continues to work in Bhutan and in other international settings and also to publish in the area of international education – especially education in Bhutan, doctoral education, and action research.