For Instructors
Each Blue Planet Prize Story contains three supplementary units: Story Guide, Further Reading and Research, and For Instructors.
These contain useful information that instructors can use to help students understand the content.
Please use these during classes and provide to students for their self-learning.
[Target Audience: Teachers, parents, and others involved in education]
Summary of the Story
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, put forward the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which prioritizes the happiness of people and is used as the basic concept for development activities and plans. The philosophy of GNH emphasizes as a measure of its wealth "how happy the people are" rather than "how much the country is growing economically," and also places emphasis on environmental conservation. This philosophy has had a significant influence on the world, advocating a desirable approach to sustainable development.
When teaching your students, we recommend that teachers start by having students learn specific facts about Bhutan, and then give them a chance to consider the GNH philosophy.
Teaching Examples
If you have trouble finding teaching material, please see the examples provided below.
Let's gather information about Bhutan!
Students are required to research and gather information about Bhutan, particularly its rich natural environment and culture. This will provide them with an opportunity to consider a desirable approach to sustainable development and also happiness by understanding the GNH concept.
To achieve this, we suggest the following:
(1) Encourage students to select a theme of their choice, such as Bhutan's natural environment and culture, and make a presentation, highlighting similarities and differences between Bhutan and their home countries.
Example
- Learn about mountains of Bhutan.
- Learn about animals of Bhutan.
- Learn about native costumes of Bhutan.
- Learn about industry in Bhutan.
- Learn about the traditional cuisine of Bhutan.
(2) Encourage students to review the GNH philosophy using the story of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, and freely discuss the following:
- Regarding what you learned in the above (1), which of the four pillars of GNH does it fall into?
- Compared to Bhutan, how much does your country value the natural environment and culture?
- Why does the conservation of natural environment and culture contribute to the wealth of your country and happiness of its people?
- What makes you feel happiest: money, family, peace, or health?