Journal of Tikapur Multiple Campus

Teachers’ Perceptions on Participatory Action Research in Classroom for English Language Teaching and Learning

Krishna Kumari Mahara — 2024-02-29

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is widely acknowledged for its substantial role in the field of English Language Teaching and Learning (ELT), fostering collaborative and active engagement, and a culture of reflective practice. This study explores the perceptions held by English teachers regarding the contribution of PAR to the efficacy of English language teaching and learning. Additionally, the study seeks to scrutinize the strategies employed by teachers in implementing PAR to augment the teaching and learning of English within the classrooms. Through the discussion of data obtained from in-depth interviews conducted with three English language teachers form three secondary level school of Kailali district and a comprehensive review of theoretical and empirical literature, this paper reveals the intricate challenges associated with the implementation of PAR, despite the positive disposition of teachers towards this approach. The findings highlight the belief held by English language teachers that PAR not only facilitates proficient teaching and learning of English as a foreign or second language but also assumes a pivotal role in the ongoing professional development of educators. Moreover, this paper accentuates the significance of PAR in ELT, emphasizing its capacity to empower both teachers and learners, instill contextual relevance, promote a sense of community, address equity concerns, and contribute substantively to the perpetual enhancement of language teaching and learning practices.

Lived Experiences of Faculty with Disabilities in Higher Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Method

Mahendra Kumar Budhathoki — 2024-02-29

The number of faculty members with disabilities has increased nowadays in the university because of the inclusive recruitment policy. The faculties with disabilities still struggle with the disable-unfriendly environments in universities, and they are excluded from the research fields in Nepal although there are some research done on school children with disabilities and people with disabilities in family and society. University faculty members with disabilities need to be studied in order to truly address the real-life problems. This study explores the lived experiences of faculty members with disabilities perceived at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. A hermeneutic phenomenological research method within qualitative approach was exploited. Purposive sampling technique was used to select five teachers with disabilities in the study. Disability studies theory was used as a theoretical tool. The major findings are that the disabled faculty encountered mainly infrastructure/physical structure barriers, university policy and practice barriers, the university executives’ (un)conscious/ (un)intentional ignorance and attitude barriers in the campuses. The teachers with vision impairment and motor impairment endured through difficulty of disable-unfriendly physical structures, university policy and practices. The findings mean the university environments were unfriendly, hostile and adverse to the disabled faculty. This study may motivate the executives to modify the policy, practices and attitudes to the disabled ones at the university which may impact the quality of the university.

Does Work-Life Balance Predict Job Satisfaction?

Ujjwal Adhikari — 2024-02-29

The study aims to identify the relationship between determinants of work-life balance (work flexibility, job design, and leave provision) with job satisfaction of bank employees. To portray the relation between variables, a quantitative approach based on descriptive research design is used with a close-ended, structured questionnaire-based primary data survey among bank employees in the Kapilvastu district. A convenience sampling technique was administered to obtain 154 valid responses. The collected data is procured with EFA and multiple regression analysis. There is a significant effect of work-flexibility and leave provision on job satisfaction while job design has no significant effect. The study proposes a framework for work-life balance and job satisfaction with an extensive literature review and statistical analysis. The result can be generalized for the improved performance of employees and to make a better working environment in the organization.

Impact of Indirect Tax on the Gross Domestic Product of Nepalese Economy

Shiva Dutta Chapagai — 2024-02-29

This study investigated the impact of indirect tax on GDP in Nepal from fiscal year 2057/2058 to 2078/2079 based on empirical evidence. Descriptive and analysis research designed was used. To meet this objective, time series macroeconomic data of GDP and indirect tax were used. Data are collected from economic survey, ministry of finance. The ordinary Least Square technique was employed to test the hypotheses formulated. The result shows that indirect tax contributes significantly to GDP. During the periods under review, the growth rate of indirect tax revenue was 16.52 % on average and the average ratio of indirect tax revenue to that of GDP was 9.98 %. The coefficient of determination was 98.4 %. P-value is very low (p < 0.001). The hypothesis suggests a positive relationship between indirect tax revenue and GDP in Nepal. The regression model indicates significance, rejecting the null hypothesis. Indirect tax revenue plays a crucial role in Nepal's GDP. The findings also reveal that there is the existence of both a positive and strong relationship between indirect tax revenue and GDP. Hence, the Government of Nepal should search for a way to boost the revenue from indirect tax by mostly supporting the configurations of networks among all the agencies of government and taxing authorities of the federal level, each providence, and local bodies to meet the growth and to facilitate public services for the country.

Construction of Skyscrapers: Boon or Bane from an Economic Perspective

Nitya Chaudhary — 2024-02-29

The main objective of this paper is to explore the influence of the construction of skyscrapers on a nation's economy. It explores how skyscrapers influence the economic status of the nation worldwide. Drawing from an extensive literature review and the researcher's insights, the article underscores the growth of Asian and Western skyscrapers and their influence on the nation's economic status. It places equal emphasis on the historical aspects, with a vital role regarding the nation's economy and the economic crisis due to the construction of skyscrapers. Thematically, the researcher analyzed the literature regarding the construction of skyscrapers and its impacts and challenges. Firstly, the role of skyscrapers on the economic growth of a nation is described in detail, and the data related to Asian and Western high-rise buildings is reviewed. It shows that skyscrapers play a vital role in developing the economic condition of some nations. Secondly, the influence of the construction of tall buildings is also reviewed deeply, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by the people and nation, like the economic crisis due to significant investments in skyscrapers. Overall, the high skyscrapers are the glory and identity of the nation. It enhances the nation's economic progress rather than being a burden.

Quest on Determinants of Stock Price in Nepal: Evidence of Microfinance Sector Share Listed in NEPSE

Khem Raj Subedi — 2024-02-29

Stock markets are crucial for economic prosperity, capital formation, and sustainable economic growth. It facilitates resource flow, investment opportunities, pooling funds, sharing risk, and wealth transfer between savers and users. This paper investigates the determinants of stock price traded in Nepal's secondary market through NEPSE, focusing on the microfinance sector. The study uses descriptive, analytical, and inferential research to analyze the determinants of microfinance companies' market prices. The econometric model's coefficient of variation value is 0.90, indicating that 90 per cent change in the market price of the microfinance company is defined by the explanatory variables included in the model. Market price per share is positively correlated with earnings per share, return on equity, price-earnings ratio, and book value, while inversely correlated with floating share size. Independent variables like earnings per share, price-to-earnings ratio, and floating shares are statistically significant. However, other fundamental aspects of equity, such as book value per share and return on equity, are not statistically significant. This highlights the importance of considering company-specific factors in investment decisions in Nepalese capital markets. In conclusion, there is serious gap of financial literacy from the part of vast majority of market participant lacking investment optimization.

Feminist Narrativization of trauma in Julia Alvarez's In the Time of the Butterflies

Nabraj Pandey — 2024-02-29

The study explores on the feminist standpoint of trauma narration in Julia Alvarez's magnum opus, In the Time of the Butterflies. Set against the tragic backdrop of the Mirabel sisters' 1960 massacre and the pervasive exploitation of women during Trujillo's cruel reign in the Dominican Republic, Alvarez intricately weaves personal and political struggles. In this backdrop, the research focuses on Alvarez's use of storytelling techniques to illuminate the traumatic experiences of women, particularly highlighting Dede Mirabel as a testimonial figure in the broader feminist strife. So, the study purposes to unravel the complex layers of feminist discourse within the novel. Utilizing a descriptive based qualitative approach grounded in narrative procedures, this research integrates insights from trauma studies scholars such as Leigh Gilmore, Cathy Caruth, Laura Stark, Hawkins et al., and Jeffrey C. Alexander. The overarching goal is to develop a theoretical framework that elucidates how the novel depicts traumatic experiences within patriarchal structures. This research is significant as it uncovers the intersection of gender and historical trauma, offering a subtle understanding of women steering their experiences amid political oppression. The findings are expected to deepen our grasp of the novel's feminist dimensions and serve as a foundation for future inquiries into the juncture of feminist literature encouraging further exploration of how women's stories shape societal perceptions. Thus, this study lays the groundwork for future research in similar themes across trauma literature.

Interplay of Learning Theories in the Development of Reading Skills

Bishnu Kumar Khadka — 2024-02-29

The development of reading skills is a complex process influenced by various learning theories. This interplay of learning theories encompasses several prominent perspectives, including behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social learning theories, among others. In this regard, this paper aims to explore the interplay of different learning theories—such as behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social learning—and their collective roles on the acquisition and enhancement of reading skills. Based on the related literature review, this paper focused on the relationship between learning theories and reading skill development in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. It argues that the convergence of these theories enriches our understanding of the intricate process of reading comprehension. The key findings claim that in the dynamic interplay of these learning theories, behaviourism provides foundational skills, cognitivism explores mental processes, constructivism emphasizes the meaning-making process, and social learning theories highlight interactive experiences. The study suggests avenues for future research, encouraging scholars to delve deeper into the dynamic relationship between learning theories and the intricate process of developing reading skills.

Aging Trend and Pattern in Nepal

Hom Nath Chalise — 2024-02-29

Population aging is taking place rapidly in Nepal. The purpose of this article is to present the aging situation in Nepal. Data from different published sources are used in this article. There are 29.1 million older people in Nepal as of the 2021 census. The proportion of older people 60 years and older reached 10.12 percent of the total population. The older population growth rate is 3.29%. The proportion of older people increased by 38% in the last decade. Mountain and Hill have a higher proportion of older people while Terai has a slightly low. The proportion of older people living in rural areas is higher than in urban areas. Gandaki, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces have a higher proportion of older people compared to the national average. On the other hand, Madhesh, Lumbini, Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces have a lower proportion of older people. Understanding these geographical variations through the National level study is necessary. Such a study can aid in formulating targeted policies and services to cater to the specific needs of older populations in each area. By taking proper actions through policies, Nepal can ensure that its aging population continues to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Practices and Perceptions of Teacher Educators on Learner Autonomy

Ram Bahadur Mouni — 2024-02-29

This study explores practices and perception of English language teacher educator on learner autonomy. It aimed to identify the ways through which teacher educators practice autonomy in students learning and encourage them be autonomous. Using qualitative narrative inquiry research design, the data were collected through interviews with the five English language teacher educators teaching at undergraduate level, of Far Western University, Nepal. The findings of the study highlight a shared understanding of learner autonomy, emphasizing independent learning, self-direction, and responsibility. Teacher educators stress the pivotal role of instructors in promoting autonomy, advocating for a shift from traditional to student-centered methods. Despite a common understanding, challenges persist, including psychological factors, institutional constraints, and socio-cultural beliefs. The study also suggests the need to address these challenges through targeted strategies for successful promotion of learner autonomy in English language classrooms. Moreover, the study shows that even though it is challenging, teacher educators are making efforts to encourage students be autonomous in providing choices, goal-setting, encouraging self-evaluation, finding out the resources, preparing assignments, having class presentations into classroom practice using different strategies.

Government Capacity: Evidence from Nepal

Prajwal Man Pradhan — 2024-02-29

Autonomous local governments are essential for maintaining stable economic and social development mechanisms and democratic regimes. The prime objective of the article is to examine the impact of pressure-capacity variables on local governance. Two sources of data, such as NPHC 2021 and LISA are used. Overall local government of Nepal has still weak performance as only 38 percent of total municipals have secured good ranking status. Based on PCP framework, total score of 10 composite indicators generated by LISA and some population management related characteristics (e.g., sex ratio, population density, literacy, household size, and two food coping strategy related variables) have been examined using multiple regression to understand interrelationship response and explanatory variables. The statistical analysis shows that there is a string relationship between pressure and capacity variables. Individually, three population related variables such as sex ratio, literacy and household size are positively correlated with total score of 10 indicators with low coefficient of determination. In addition to strengthening existing gender status, educational level and population growth, more socioeconomic and environment related variables as explanatory variables are necessary to link government capacity and its performance in Nepal.

Local Governance Principles in Nepal in Relation to Kautilya's Saptanga Theory

Bal Kumar Chaudhary — 2024-02-29

Local governance is the decentralization and dispersed subordinate authority that delivers public services at the local level. The present governance policy is based on rich Eastern philosophical principles. Modern political theories and systems are developed or modified versions of classical theories. This paper explores the relevance of Kautilya's concept of Saptanga theory and the governance system in the local governments of Nepal. I have employed a qualitative approach as the methodology to achieve the objectives. Data and information have been collected from policy documents, research articles, and books relevant to the area of study. The analysis of the literature reveals that the Saptanga model is relevant to the principles of local governance in Nepal. The concept of an Absolute King forwarded by Kautilya having sovereign power resembles the concept and practice of an elected mayor at the local level. However, the Absolute King was assumed to have absolute power without having any controlling mechanism, but the elected local-level representatives are controlled by the constitution as the guiding principle. Despite the differences, the comparison of Local governance with the Saptanga theory of Kautilya encourages the local leaders to govern the local governance effectively and efficiently.

Leadership of Private School Head Teachers for 21st Century: A Narrative Inquiry

Kapil Jung Pandey — 2024-02-29

The twenty-first century has brought many challenges in the education sector along with entire other sectors. The issue of accelerating globalization and digitalization has influenced the educational sector a lot. The stakeholders have faced many challenges in implementing the issue in their organization. The particular study has focused on the perceptions and role of school leadership in 21st-century schools. The study has tried to explore school leaders’ views. The particular research is based on the narratives of the school leaders based on their experiences, feelings, and expectations. Three school principals from private schools in Kathmandu were purposively chosen based on their execution of new practices in the school. They were interviewed physically and virtually and a conclusion was drawn from the process of coding, categorizing, thematizing, and meaning-making process. The school leaders have focused on organizational leadership, teamwork, and increased use of ICT as the major concern of schools and their leaders and they are found ready for every unpredictable situation that the school will be facing very soon in the complex, globalized, and culturally blended world making the educational organization service oriented. Still, there is room for development despite the great effort of head teachers.

Assessing Growth, Productivity, Profitability and Yield Gaps of Spring Maize Using Site Specific Nutrient Management Approaches in Kailali

R. Nayak — 2024-02-29

A field experiment was conducted during spring season of 2023 at the sub-tropical climate of Tikapur, Kailali to evaluate the impact of site-specific nutrient management on growth, productivity, profitability and yield gaps of spring maize. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations and four replications. Maize seeds were sown in four different farms on 27 February, 2023 with different site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approaches viz. with Nutrient Expert®-Maize recommended dose (T1), three omission plots i.e., Omission of Nitrogen (T2), Omission of Phosphorus (T3), Omission of Potassium (T4), Government Recommended Dose (T5), and Farmer’s Fertilizer Practices (T6). Using the Nutrient Expert^®Maize model Computer Software, the SSNM+NE dose was recommended via a household survey in the respective farmer's field before the start-up of the experimentation. Various growth parameters, yield, yield attributing traits, and total cost of production of spring maize were recorded and subjected to analysis using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) in R-studio. The results revealed that the highest grain yield (3.71 t ha^-1) was achieved with SSNM+NE, which was statistically at par with the Government Recommendation Dose (3.12 t ha^-1). Moreover, SSNM+NE showed significantly higher thousand grains weight (442.75 g) and straw yield (6.81 t ha^-1), respectively. Notably, the straw yield, grain yield, and thousand grain weight of SSNM+NE were statistically comparable to those obtained with the government recommendation. Economic analysis showed higher benefit-cost ratio as well as increased net and gross returns in SSNM+NE as compared to the other nutrient management practices. The SSNM+NE and Governmental Recommended Fertilizer based treatments were about 231% and 178% advantageous over the Farmer’s Fertilizer Practices. It could be suggested that SSNM+NE would the best approach for increasing the growth, productivity and profitability of spring maize in the sub-tropical terai of Far Western Nepal.

Effect of Sowing Date on Growth and Yield of Different Carrot Varieties (Daucus carota L.)

D. Giri — 2024-02-29

A study was conducted at Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, from October 2019 to March 2020 to evaluate the effect of sowing date on the growth and yield of four different carrots (Daucus carota L.) varieties. The experimental treatments were three different sowing dates (19^th October, 13^th November, and 8^th December) and four varieties (New Kuroda, Nepa Dream, SK3, and Taki) which constituted 12 treatments. The experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that sowing dates and varieties significantly influenced the growth and yield of carrots. But interaction effect was not significant. Maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, canopy diameter, root length (15.37 cm), root diameter (2.74 cm), and fresh root weight (133 g) were obtained with Nepa Dream variety. Similarly, the highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf breadth, canopy diameter, root diameter (3.27 cm), root length (16.23 cm), and fresh root weight (162.60 g) was obtained with first sowing (19^th October) which might be due to favorable condition available during the growing condition and also early sowing possibly attributed to maximum photosynthesis with longer growth period than the later sowing. The combined effect of sowing date and varieties was significant with the number of leaves per plant, cortex diameter, and core-to-cortex ratio. So based on the results of the experiment, Nepa Dream sown on 19^th October was economically better for the optimum yield and quality production in Chitwan, Nepal.

कालमहिमा कवितामा काव्यहेतु, प्रयोजन र शब्दशक्ति

अनिल अधिकारी — 2024-02-29

प्रस्तुत लेखमा काल–महिमा कविताको स्रष्टा, सिर्जना र शब्दार्थ सम्बन्धका आधारमा विश्लेषण भएको छ । सामग्रीको सङ्कलन पुस्कालयबाट भएको यस लेखमा मूलसमस्या र शोध्यप्रश्नको समाधानका लागि पाठविश्लेषणमा आधारित गुणात्मक अनुसन्धानपद्धति तथा व्षख्यात्मक र विश्लेषणात्मक विधिको प्रयोग भएको छ । संस्कृत काव्यचिन्तनमा काव्यको भावसौन्दर्य तथा कलासौन्दर्यसँग सम्बन्धित काव्यहेतु, काव्यप्रयोजन, शब्दशक्ति, रस, ध्वनि, गुण, रीति, अलङ्कार, औचित्य, वक्रोक्तिजस्ता विषयका आधारमा विश्लेषण हुनेगर्दछ । यस लेखमा कविताको विश्लेषण काव्यहेतु, काव्य–प्रयोजनन र शब्दशक्तिसम्बन्धी सिद्धान्तका आलोकमा कालमहिमा कविताको विश्लेषण भएको छ । यस लेखमा सिर्जनाको कारक बनी स्रष्टा र सिर्जना बीचको अन्तर्सम्बन्धलाई बोध गराउने काव्यहेतु तथा सिर्जनाको लक्ष्य वा उद्देश्यलाई बोध गराउन आउने काव्यप्रयोजन तथा शब्दार्थ सम्बन्धका आधारमा साहित्यको अर्थ निर्धारण गर्ने शब्दवृत्तिसँग सम्बन्धित काव्यचिन्तनलाई सैद्धान्तिक अवधारणका रूपमा उपयोग भएको छ । प्रस्तुत कालमहिमा कवितामा अदृश्य तथा अमूर्त अवस्थामा रहेको कालका शाश्वत सत्यता, निरपेक्षता, निरन्तरता, गतिशीलता, निर्भिकताजस्ता प्रवृत्तिलाई कविप्रतिभा, शास्त्रज्ञान तथा अनुभव र अनुभूतिजन्य ज्ञानका आधारमा आध्यात्मिक भाव तथा कलासौन्दर्य काव्यहेतुका रूपमा प्रस्तुत भएको छ । यो कविता चतुर्वर्ग फलप्राप्तिका साथै लोकोपकारी तथा व्यावहारिक ज्ञानको प्रयोजन अभिव्यञ्जित भएको तथ्यका साथै आध्यात्मिक चिन्तनलाई भावजलधीमा तरल रूपमा प्रवाहित भएको वाच्यार्थमा शक्तिशाली रहँदै यही वाच्यार्थका माध्यमबाट लक्ष्यार्थ र व्यङ्ग्यार्थसमेत अभिव्यञ्जित भएको विषयमा विमर्श भएको छ ।

आफर कवितासङ्ग्रहका कवितामा दलित प्रतिरोध

जीवन श्रेष्ठ — 2024-02-29

‘आफर’ (२०७३) कवितासङ्ग्रहमा सङ्गृहीत कवितामा अभिव्यक्त दलित प्रतिरोधको अध्ययनलाई प्रस्तुत लेखमा विषय बनाइएको छ । ‘आफर’ दलित प्रतिरोधी आवाज व्यक्त भएका कविताहरूको सङ्गालो हो । यहाँ दलितहरूमाथि भएको उत्पीडनको केकस्तो प्रतिरोध गरिएको छ भन्ने जिज्ञासाको समाधान खोजिएको छ । यस अध्ययनका लागि आवश्यक प्राथमिक तथा द्वितीयक स्रोतका सामग्रीहरू पुस्तकालयीय कार्यबाट सङ्कलन गरिएका छन् । प्रस्तुत अध्ययनका लागि ‘आफर’ सङ्ग्रहका ३३ ओटा कविताबाट सोद्देश्य नमुना छनोट गरी आठ जना कविका एक एकका दरले आठओटा कविता लिइएका छन् । अध्ययनका लागि चमनलाल, ओमप्रकाश वाल्मीकि, शरणकुमार लिम्बाले, मिचेल फुको तथा राजेन्द्र महर्जन र यामबहादुर किसानका धारणालाई सैद्धान्तिक पर्याधारका रूपमा लिई तर्क तथा विश्लेषण विधिका माध्यमले निष्कर्षसम्म पुग्ने प्रयास गरिएको छ । यस अध्ययनमा ‘आफर’ सङ्ग्रहका कविताले नेपाली समाजमा सदियौँदेखि विद्यमान दलितमाथिका आर्थिक, सामाजिक, राजनीतिक, धार्मिकसांस्कृतिक एवम् वर्णवादजन्य उत्पीडनका विरुद्ध सशक्त प्रतिरोधी आवाज व्यक्त गरेको निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ ।

Inconsistencies and Challenges around 'Secularism' in Nepal

Dila Datt Pant — 2024-02-29

Although Nepal adopted secularism in 2015 as its official state-religion relationship, there are still several inconsistencies and challenges around it including that of freedom of religion or belief. Instead of adopting a gradual marginalization and privatization of religion as per the normative proposition of the secularism, Nepal continues to do the opposite or at times, make a fundamental departure from the notion of secular identity. The preservation and the reaffirmation of presence of religion in public sphere and preferential treatment to Hindu religion at the cost of others continues to create discrimination and pose challenges to implement secularism. These problems do not only seem to remain just non-congruent inconsistencies with the secular identity of the state at the theoretical level alone, but also seem to hinder inter-religious tolerance in practical terms such as right to freely profess, practice and preach religion, thereby impacting the lives of the religious minorities. Against this backdrop, this article examines the key legal-constitutional inconsistencies including state's practices, antagonistic socio-political narratives, and emerging challenges vis-à-vis secularism in Nepal.

Editorial Vol.7(1-2)

Jnanu Raj Paudel — 2024-02-29

Not available