Shifting From Content Based Approach to Skills Based Approach: Impact Study Research Report on the One Child Seven Skills Program

Education in Bhutan aims to provide holistic education focused on developing Head, Hand and Heart aspects of human development. Currently, the school programs are mainly focused on head development with a heavy emphasis on cognitive skills and testing. To help students maximise their individual potential, schools in one area (n=18) implemented an intervention program called, “One Child Seven Skills” to provide each student opportunity to learn at least seven skills. Through written interviews with key stakeholders from a primary school (teachers=5 & students=50), and a high school (teachers=14 & students=217), this study examines perceptions of the effectiveness of the intervention program. The findings revealed that the program helped students develop multiple skills, realize their innate potential, enhance self-confidence, and prepare for an uncertain future. The study suggests that adopting “One Child Seven Skills” program could be a much-needed alternative to the prevailing exam driven education in Bhutan.