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.
Day 1: February 26, 2024
The first day of the workshop commenced with a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm as 42 participants, including educators specializing in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, gathered at Khasadrapchu MSS for registration. The presence of esteemed facilitators, including Dr. Reeta Rai, Dr. Kinley from SCE, Mr. Dorji Wangchuk and Mrs. Pelden, from Ministry of Education and Skills Development added credence to the event. Session 1 set the tone for the day with self-introductions, a welcome message from Mr. Dorji Wangchuk, President of SCE and an introduction to the CL4STEM Consortium Project by Dr. Reeta Rai. The session fostered a sense of community among participants and highlighted the significance of the workshop in advancing STEM education in Bhutan.
Sessions 2 and 3 proved to be enlightening as Dr. Kinley introduced us to Design Thinking—a pedagogical approach aimed at fostering innovation and problem-solving skills among students. Through interactive discussions and examples, Dr. Kinley elucidated the steps involved in Design Thinking and its integration into teaching and lesson planning. The activity segment provided an opportunity for collaborative learning as participants across subject areas developed Design Thinking lesson plans, showcasing their creativity and ingenuity.
In the fourth session, Dr. Reeta Rai delved into Reflective Teaching with Technology (RTICT), emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse technological platforms into daily lesson planning. Through practical demonstrations and discussions, educators explored various ICT tools applicable to their teaching contexts. The session encouraged reflective practice, prompting participants to share their experiences and insights regarding the integration of technology in education. The collaborative nature of the activity facilitated knowledge sharing and peer learning, enriching the overall learning experience.
Key Learnings and Insights
1. Collaborative Learning: The workshop provided a platform for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing among educators from diverse backgrounds. The interactive sessions and activities fostered a sense of camaraderie and encouraged participants to learn from one another.
2. Innovative Pedagogical Approaches: The introduction to Design Thinking and Reflective Teaching with Technology (RTICT) offered valuable insights into innovative pedagogical approaches aimed at enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. These approaches emphasize active learning and student-centered instruction, aligning with contemporary educational trends.
3. Practical Application: The workshop emphasized the practical application of theoretical concepts in the classroom. Through hands-on activities and discussions, educators gained practical strategies and tools to integrate Design Thinking and RTICT into their teaching practices.
4. Continuous Professional Development: The duration of the TOT workshop, spanning over five months with online courses through the Moodle platform, underscores the importance of continuous professional development in education. The workshop serves as a springboard for ongoing learning and growth, equipping educators with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving educational landscapes.
Conclusion
The CL4STEM TOT Workshop has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enhance my teaching practices and foster innovation in the classroom. The workshop's emphasis on collaborative learning, innovative pedagogical approaches, and practical application has been instrumental in broadening my understanding of effective STEM education. As I embark on the next phase of the workshop through online courses, I am excited to continue my journey of professional growth and contribute to the advancement of STEM education in Bhutan.
