In Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Trashigang, 156 committed STEM teachers are participating in a crucial two-day training focused on enhancing Bhutan's education. Rooted in His Majesty's vision for integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into top-notch education, this initiative represents a significant step in elevating STEM education nationwide.
The training, meticulously organized by Samtse College of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skill Development, aims to utilize Open Educational Resources (OER) to transform lesson delivery and spark student interest in STEM subjects. These indigenously developed OERs, aligned with national school curricula, embody technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), universal design for learning (UDL), and higher-order thinking principles. Validated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai, these resources cover grades VII to XII and promote inclusion and equity in secondary education.
Supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, the project seeks to improve teaching quality and foster the professional development of STEM teachers. Embracing UDL, higher-order thinking, and design thinking principles, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, empowering teachers trained in the workshop to share their knowledge with peers. This approach ensures the benefits extend beyond the workshop, promising widespread improvement in STEM education throughout Bhutan.
While ICT integration in education offers hope, challenges like inadequate electricity supply, low internet connectivity, and the need for advanced teacher training are potential hurdles, as highlighted by research on ICT in classrooms. However, positive impacts on student academic achievement, such as improved access to educational resources and academic performance, as discussed in related research, underscore the initiative's potential to overcome these challenges.
In the pursuit of realizing His Majesty's vision for ICT-integrated world-class education, Bhutan stands at the threshold of a significant educational transformation. By nurturing well-equipped, innovative, and inclusive STEM educators, the nation is laying the foundation for a future where every student can thrive in the global digital landscape.
