https://youtu.be/QBKHA96rqjc 

Academic Quality Officer

1. Introduction to Academic Quality Assurance:

   Definition: Academic quality assurance refers to the systematic review process of educational programs to ensure they meet predefined standards of education, scholarship, and infrastructure.

   Purpose: To maintain and improve the quality of education, ensure accountability, enhance student satisfaction, and comply with accreditation requirements.

The Importance of Academic Quality Assurance in Higher Education

 Introduction

Higher education institutions play a critical role in shaping the intellectual and professional capacities of individuals, which in turn significantly influences societal development. As such, ensuring the quality of education provided by these institutions is paramount. Academic quality assurance (AQA) serves as a systematic approach to maintaining and improving educational standards. It encompasses a range of processes and practices aimed at ensuring that educational programs, teaching methods, and student services meet predefined quality benchmarks. This essay explores the importance of academic quality assurance in higher education, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and best practices.

The Importance of Academic Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Bhutan

Introduction

Higher education is a critical component in the development of any nation, serving as a bedrock for intellectual growth, innovation, and socio-economic advancement. In Bhutan, a country that is uniquely positioned with its Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, the quality of higher education is paramount not only for individual development but also for national progress. Academic quality assurance in higher education ensures that institutions deliver education that meets established standards of excellence, thereby fostering an environment of continuous improvement and relevance in the global context.

21st century teaching and learning assessment

 The 21st century has brought transformative changes to teaching and learning assessment, emphasizing skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Traditional assessment methods, such as standardized tests, are increasingly being complemented or replaced by more holistic and formative approaches that reflect these new educational priorities.

Reflecting on the Mega Festival 2024 in Thimphu

 Introduction

The Mega Festival held from the 21st to the 25th of 2024 at Changlingmethang platform in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, was an event that garnered significant attention and attendance. Spanning five consecutive days, the festival featured a wide array of talented bands and performers who showcased their indigenous skills in singing, dancing, and rapping. The event ran from 6 PM to 3:30 AM daily and attracted a diverse crowd, predominantly composed of youth. While the festival provided a vibrant and enjoyable experience for many, it also raised several concerns regarding public behavior and the overall impact on the community. This journal aims to reflect on the festival, considering both its positive aspects and the challenges it posed, and to provide insights into how future events can be better managed.

Journal Entry: Civil Service Marathon 2024

Date: March 9, 2024

As I reflect on the today's event, participating in the Civil Service Marathon 2024, I am filled with a mixture of pride and concern. The main objective of this marathon was clear from its inception 2019- to promote the health and well-being of civil servants. It's a noble cause, one that resonates deeply with me and many others who took part in this endeavor.

The organizers had meticulously planned the marathon, dividing 408 participants into three categories to accommodate participants of different demographics. Women were identified with pink number tags, men under the age of 54 with yellow tags, and veterans aged 54 and above with red tags. This categorization not only added a sense of inclusivity but also allowed for fair competition within each group.

Journal Entry: Those Who Love, They Teach

Introduction:

In the realm of education, amidst the chaos of political agendas and societal demands, there exists a silent force, often overlooked and underestimated – the teachers. They are the ones who illuminate the path of knowledge, shaping the minds and futures of generations to come. Yet, their dedication and sacrifices often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the political hurdles and bureaucratic red tape that plague the education system. In this journal entry, I delve into the intricate web of challenges faced by educators, particularly in the context of Bhutan, where promises are made and broken, and where the welfare of teachers and students hangs precariously in the balance.

Reflective Journal on CL4STEM TOT Workshop: Empowering Secondary School STEM Educators

Day 2: February 27, 2024

The second day of the CL4STEM TOT Workshop continued to offer a wealth of insights and practical strategies aimed at empowering secondary school STEM educators. As we delved deeper into innovative pedagogical approaches and explored the integration of technology in teaching, the workshop provided a platform for reflection, collaboration, and professional growth.

Session 1: Reflective Teaching with Technology

Dr. Reeta Rai commenced the day with a thought-provoking session on Reflective Teaching with Technology (RTICT). Through interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, Dr. Rai highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enhance teaching practices and promote reflective pedagogy. As educators, we were encouraged to embrace digital tools and platforms that facilitate active learning, student engagement, and formative assessment. The session underscored the transformative potential of technology in education and motivated us to explore innovative ways of integrating technology into our teaching repertoire.

Reflective Journal on CL4STEM TOT Workshop: Empowering Secondary School STEM Educators

Introduction

The CL4STEM TOT Workshop organized by Samtse College of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development marked a significant endeavor to empower secondary school STEM educators in Bhutan. As one of the selected participants in the Thimphu Cluster, I embarked on a transformative journey aimed at enhancing my teaching practices and integrating innovative approaches into the curriculum. This reflective journal serves as a platform to document my experiences, insights, and key learnings from the workshop.