An obvious solution to a not obvious problem?

In recent years the pass rate of students taking the SLC has fallen dramatically, and yet there still seems to be no "consensus" (a much used word in Nepal) as to the main cause(s). Yesterday, a report in the Himalayan Times  laid the blame squarely on the politicisation of the education system, as well as blaming interference from donor agencies.

KATHMANDU: Leaders from various political parties and education experts today demanded that education sector be made free of politics. 

Speaking at a discussion on Higher Education Policy, they said quality of education was not improving in Nepal due to political interference, especially in higher education. Politics has completely ruined Nepal’s education sector, said Mahendra Panday, a CPN-UML politburo member. 

UCPN-Maoist spokesperson Agni Sapkota blamed the multi-sectoral interference for the deteriorating quality of education in Nepal. 

Stating that education policies were designed and guided by donor agencies, he said, “Due to influence of donor agencies, the government has failed to implement even the basic education policy in Nepal.”

However this is an ageing chestnut, and represents only one view. What do educationalists in Nepal actually think is/are the main causes? Well, a month ago I wrote to about 100 educationalist contacts in Nepal and asked for their views to the question "Which factor has contributed the most to the falling SLC results?" and here they are:

1. 55% Low teaching standards

2. 36% Incorrect teaching methods

3. 5%  Inadequate classroom resources

4. 2%  Poor schools infrastructure

5. 2%  Low quality Principals

We had a 40% return which isn't bad, but I would be the first to accept that a wider audience or response may have altered the result, all I can report on is what was chosen.

So, given that this group of educationalists in Nepal think that teaching methods and teaching standards are to blame, then why should we dance around the obvious that these are the two things that need investment and/or sorting out to improve education quality in the country? Focus on the teachers, help them, train them, coach them, guide them .............. or replace them.