RABSEL

Issues of Bhutanese Science Curriculum: A View from the Exploratory Study

Karma Dorji — 2022-09-03

Bhutanese science curriculum witnessed several rounds of reforms to improve the quality of science education. The growing body of research, however, reports that the Bhutanese science curriculum is affected largely by several issues and challenges. Therefore, an exploratory study was carried out to document the issues and challenges of the Bhutanese science curriculum. Twenty-one (N=21) Bhutanese science teachers took part in the study. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews. The data collected from interviews were analyzed based on thematic analysis. The findings suggested that the Bhutanese science curriculum is largely voluminous, content-laden, high in lexical density, or prescriptive. Moreover, findings also inferred that the Bhutanese science curriculum largely lacks scientific inquiry, logical progression, and developmental appropriateness of concepts, or attributes of contextualization. Overall, compared to the science from fourth to sixth grade, seventh to 12th-grade science appeared largely plagued by issues and challenges. Findings from this study have some practical implications for Bhutanese science teachers and science curriculum developers.

TOWS Matrix Analysis to Strengthen the Scouting Program in Bhutan Karma Tenzin

Karma Tenzin — 2022-09-03

The purpose of this study was to assess the Scouting program in Bhutan in order to identify the key issues that affect the Scouting program and recommend a workable strategy to Bhutan Scouts Association (BSA). Scouting for Bhutan is not simply a youth engagement program but a vision of the great monarchs. The Scouting program in Bhutan was initially started in response to His Majesty, the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s concern for youth in the face of emerging challenges for the young people, the future of Bhutan. His Majesty, the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the Patron of BSA and the Royal Patronage inspired numerous initiatives such as Scout Leadership Training Program and others that helped to revitalize Scouting in Bhutan. This paper presen1ts TOWS matrix analysis of the responses and views of different stakeholders gathered through key informant interviews (n=157), focused group discussions (n= 270), and surveys (n= 350). The analysis is carried out within the framework of strategic priorities of the World Organization of Scout Movement (WOSM). The findings suggest that the BSA has been witnessing an increasing number of dropout rates attributable to several causes such as the lack of recognition and reward; monotonous programs; time constraints; incompetent Scout leaders; and poor adult and peer support. The dropout or leakage of Scouts is noticed to be occurring mostly in transition from Nachung Scouts to Nazhoen Scouts. The proposed recommendations are aimed at fulfilling the vision and mission of BSA by addressing attrition through quality programs, enhancing the competency of leaders, and strengthening good governance practices.

An Explorative Study on Leadership Styles of Principals of Thimphu Thromde, Bhutan

Dhan Bahadur Tamang — 2022-09-03

Modern education in Bhutan was introduced as early as 1914, it has come across numerous reforms and development since then. The Royal Government of Bhutan has always placed a top priority on its advancements and rethinking as it grows. Quality of education is one major concern and opportunity in the country in the education sector. Second being the quality of the teachers and educators. Considering the national concern and importance bestowed upon the educators and teachers’ professionalism in particular, the study to explore the leadership styles of the principals has been undertaken. The study is an explorative assessment using the mix method approach using Rensis Likert’s Leadership Styles model. A sample size of 289 respondent teachers from among 19 schools has been collected using 21 item four-point likert-type semi-structured randomly distributed questionnaires and one to one interview questions. The data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences version 21 to derive descriptive and inferential statistics. The most popular type of leadership styles perceived to be in practice in the study sample is consultative leadership (75.8 percent), which is followed by benevolent authoritative leadership (14.5 percent) and participative group leadership (9.7 percent). The content analysis of the interview also revealed that the principals were very supportive and engaging and in full support of their subordinates. The study therefore, hopes to create new insights for the policy makers and education sector of the country for rethinking and development as recommended in the study.

Parents' perspective of the use of mobile by their children (0-8 years): A case study in an educated Bhutanese home in Trashigang with access to mobile devices.

Tshering Sydon — 2024-04-11

Worrying media reports on young child’s use of mobile have led to this study of children under eight years in educated Bhutanese homes in Trashigang, Bhutan. This study examines parents’ perspective on their children’s exposure to and use of mobile devices at home. This case study is based on qualitative and quantitative research. The findings reveal that all the children had access to various mobile technologies and parents’ perspective on the use of mobile technology by their children is positive. Further studies are required to check the specific screen time and content watched by the children with future recommendations for families on the use of mobile use by the young children