The Becoming Of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -VII

 7th Day: Way Forward for School (Roadmaps)

 

The final day was full of sharing and discussion on the way forward in the Five Areas of Development. I came to understand and revisit many things that I have missed in the previous sessions. Indeed, it was a great relearning. The roadmaps shared by different participating schools was interesting. However, throwing some light feedback and suggestions by participants and facilitators has made the roadmaps more SMART. 

 

I have learnt so much on interconnectedness of different areas of development through roadmaps shared by other schools. It was fun getting so many insightful comments and suggestions from colleagues. We were informed about The Royal Academy (TRA) approach of examination and implementation of 5 areas of development in the curriculum context. The whole idea of these practices at TRA is to refine, model and transfer each child into their real life situation, making them a mindful citizen, more –zhabthogtog and deeply rooted individual. 

 

The last day of 7-day training was basically sharing of ideas on roadmaps for school and individual. I felt extremely happy to listen to TRA facilitator Mrs. Pema Chhomo who was very clear and straight on clearing the doubts with all the possible examples or relations. She was confident on the Royal Vision of His Majesty The King, TRA and The Transitioning Bhutan Baccalaureate, our homemade Oxford version of schools in next few years.

 

I would like to learn more on my roadmaps and its interconnectedness once it is implemented. I'm also ready for any small changes that may occur in between. I promised to make my roadmap dream a true success and memorable one.  

Thank You Your Majesty For Such a Grand Royal Vision For Our Country And The Future of Bhutan. Thank You Also For Realizing The Importance and The Power of Education!

The Becoming Of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -VI

 6^th Day: Physical areas of Development

This old saying has so much weight in it –If wealth is lost, nothing is lost, if health is lost, everything is lost. It relates so much in everyone’s life. I was happy to learn that physical health education would be more likely to come as part of a formal curriculum. 

If a small "pimple" on the face is enough to trigger a massive mental health and wellbeing, and impact one's physical health, the area of physical development should be given the top most priority at school. Because there are thousands of young lives undergoing such tight daily situations and more importantly, there are other hundreds who want to pursue professional academics in the fields of games and sports. 

 

Remaining physical fit is one area; I grew up taking it so seriously. To keep myself fit with a sedentary lifestyle, I engage myself playing different games, community service, hiking, birding, simple yoga and more recently cycling. Therefore, engaging actively in these areas not only keeps me physically fit but also mentally sound.

 

I have spent the whole day learning, discussing, sharing and realizing the importance of mental health, wellbeing, fitness, sports, etc. More importantly, the beautiful stories on Sujata Effect, Sowa Rigpa, Modern Science, current mental health issues and assessment of physical areas took the floor gripped until the end of the presentation.

 

Through this training, I am determined to take all areas of development and practice all my personal roadmaps built on trust and see the change in me. If everything works as reflected, I would be happily taking another cycle of learning on it. However, if some roadmaps don't seem to work, I am also ready to relook at other new areas of improvement equally. And I am sure everything will be fine. 

***A Personal Thought***

 

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS –V

 5th Day: Spiritual areas of Development

I am dumb struck. There was so much I didn't know about the spiritual aspect of life, which I came to learn through this particular session by two scholarly figures. There was so much I came to know about spirituality through open sharing, discussion and self-realization. The topics spelled out for the day were all relevant and important. 

 

It was great to learn that, The Royal Academy practice of Ngondro for 30 minutes everyday was one success story that made our way forward more promising and open. With the same hope we want to cultivate many other good practices to happen in our schools is the most expected out of this workshop. I strongly feel practice like this must come as part of the curriculum, rather than making it a co-curricular activity or something else.

To me spiritual development means, by large knowing the root of one's existence, co-existence of all sentient beings, knowing the existence of the God or spirit and beliefs to name a few. 

I was more than happy to learn that spirituality and religion go hand in hand. Spiritual approach is basically an individual practice for self-betterment, whereas religion is specific to family, community or group of people. However, on a lighter note both mean the same, which basically tries to create a just and harmonious society. 

After knowing the root of the spiritual development areas, I was more of a spiritual kind than a religious person. However, through this training, it means to say quite many aspects of one's spiritual development. At the same time I am eagerly waiting for my roadmaps to get into work soon. 

 

 

***A Personal Thought***

Getting deeper into such topics always inspires me and more so it makes me a good human being altogether. There is no doubt that I've learned so much from the session through reflection and self-actualization. Indeed, I was happy to declare that I am getting better. 

Let me put spirituality and religion in my context.

In my observation, our society is more of a religious kind. We tend to manage and put up any highly valuable Choesham (altar) with all colorful embellishment to golden embroidery to nangten (treasure or invaluable items) of any value. Even the working class family makes an effort to display at least a decent altar. Nonetheless, the well-to-do family can afford any luxurious Choesham with all kinds of Nangten (treasure items). I've seen the grandest Choesham in many homes, which I always regard and wish for. The goodness is only getting better. 

What a way to worship God! 

However, learning about spiritual development, I came to realize that we are lacking spirituality, which is an integral part of everything, particularly on the religious aspect. Over the years, selfish and greedy motives are only getting promoted in the name of religion and other festivals and not being spiritual in the core of the heart.

Because it makes sense -I heard people say so many things about other religions, people, race, humanity, community, etc. This happened to me a few years back. An old man with rosary beads in hand and chanting lips, couldn't control his emotion, and landed up instructing an oncoming gentle man to kick that ugly dog which came in search of food. The sole purpose of being too religious is defeated. The other occasion I came across was heart-wrenching to me at least, a lady of middle age, with all her frustration, had abused an elderly lady, who had taken her belongings by mistake, who was on the same pilgrimage trip. The sole purpose of her religious trip is defeated. 

Therefore, I see spirituality is really missing its core place in the heart of humanity, rest is fine!

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -IV

It wouldn't be fair on my part to say that cerebral development isn’t important. Although the human brain is such a complex organ, it is very important to know how it functions every second. Perhaps, the little organ called the brain immensely controls every part of the body. Its a wonder!

 

First few slides were more like sharing a good piece of information on the human brain, 86 billion neurons, around 1 quadrillion connections (1000 trillions) and the brain continuously growing till dead.

 

The most interesting part of the day's activity was the exercise on the battle of two hands. We were asked to write our own name first by the dominant hand, followed by the other hand under a minute time condition. I was able to write 12-time with my dominant hand, which is right, whereas I could barely write 5-time with my other hand. However, as we were asked to write at least three times each by both the hands in different conditions, however, it only got better. I felt more comfortable doing more exercises and by the third time, I was able to write better and faster with my left hand. Therefore, I practice; perseverance and determination would make the brain better in function and its goodness and sharpness.

 

The other interesting topics were on the fixed mindset versus growth mindset. I could learn so much about my own strength and weakness after going through vigorous discussion and sharing on brain building activities. The most amazing part of the presentation was when Madam Ranu, shared on the quote by Pablo Casals, on being asked why, at the age of 93, he still devoted three hours a day practicing, where he said, "because I think I'm making progress". 

 

This is the wonder of the brain!

 

I came to realize that the power lies not on the barrel of a gun but in the power of a human brain.

 

 

***Education and Bhutan***

 

After the inception of education in Bhutan one century ago, things haven't changed much. It was obvious. The Royal Kasho speaks volumes on the education system. The Royal Kasho was for all of us to realize the path of education we have taken thus far.

 

Our education system was so deeply rooted with just brain development, which means our curriculum is too narrow and mainly focuses on academic achievement and nothing more. Honestly, not enough space and focus is being placed on exploring the potentials and capabilities of individual learners. However, easier said than done, with such an unbalanced system, we couldn't make a huge impact and development progress in this span of years.

Now the benchmark we have at our hand is our own The Royal Academy, the last hope. And more recently, The Bhutan Baccalaureate is taking a good shape to take hand for the paradigm shift in doing and thinking, not just on the paper, but more on the ground. All these 5 areas of development have come through Bhutan and for Bhutan, and these practices have shown a huge impact in hundreds of young children learning and leading the way at The Royal Academy, Pangbisa, Paro. 

Hereon, I am so sure this style and reform would be able to roar, shape and lead the way out for the education sector like never before, but the collective hand of everyone is a must for the success of this change. This area of development is a homegrown tool made from Bhutan, and for Bhutan!

Ferrari Brand in Me

Who am I

 

I am …,

Short as Ferrari

Look as Lenardo 

Fair as k-pop

 

I am always in action

With small and talking big,

All for the nation 

like someone with Herules in power 

And hot as Sun at the heart of equator. 

 

I am …, 

Joker with no sense of humor 

Intelligent with no brain of thinking 

Smart with no looks of Sergyel. 

 

I am …, 

A maker of Bhutan 

A maker of future 

A Nation builder! 

 

No one knows my existence 

But I, 

No one knows my simplicity 

But I, 

No one knows my sacrifice 

But I, 

No one knows my goodness

But I, 

 

I am as tiny as an atom 

and I sing about this atom 

to my children wirh fun 

and I carry a Pen mighter than a power of Gun.

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -III

Of hundreds of books I read, Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence is on the top list for good reasons. I have even recommended this book to one of my friends 4-year ago, and today I have had the formal training on ways to build one's emotional state. This is a good start for me as a teacher and a parent. Thank you The Royal Academy for the vision.

Initially we were given a task to define emotion. It wasn’t easy and neither was it difficult. It took a good amount of time to reflect self and beyond. However, as we were given a few more slides to think about, I came to know that I was aware and already had some qualities of an emotionally developed person. Deep inside I had a strong sense of satisfaction and happiness, and silently thanked Mr. Goleman for writing such a good book. Perhaps, I was happy that the other slides gave an idea of the quality I would like to develop to become a sincere, mindful, astute, resilient and mindful human being. If everything goes as planned, there is nothing I can look back in regret about myself. 

Through the presentation and sharing of ideas, I got a sense of satisfaction from Mr. Goleman who has beautifully shared his ideas in his book about the emotional intelligence as a tool to overcome any kinds of situations -big or small. 

 

I am eagerly waiting to take my goal and action plan into the classroom to see how best it can work for my students and me. I like to get into the serious business of building my emotional state vibrant and lively to be able to control the environment I live in. 

I am equally thrilled to push my leadership of the self-build on trust in action. However, I am also anticipating to forgive and put few of my students to compassionate circle –because of the fact that –I feel for them, they are same like me, they have soul same like me, they have same feeling like me, with the believe that everyone commit mistake has some family issues, difficult times and financial crisis to name a few. I believe that all these little issues make everyone stressful, or simply hijack one’s emotional state, thus making one a victim, or a loser.  

The rest is in the might of one to realize, whether to forgive the other soul same as anyone. However, in order to unite everyone as one nation, the best place to start this practice (emotional area of development) is at school. 

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -II

Human beings are smart social animals. The whole idea of social skills are not only in humans but also in other living materials that share this universe along with humans. This is such a great tool to be with, no matter how powerful and rich one can be, social development is a must skill. 

 

Through the sharing of ideas, it clicked with me so much about being a good neighbor, which I believe is a fundamental and instrumental part of coexistence living. Looking at the presentation and sharing of ideas, I felt so happy that I was already strong in this area of development. I'm good at social skills, knowing of self, community, nation and beyond. More so at my level, I was effectively imparting and promoting good values on nation building concepts by being mindful of waste, sanitation and environment imparting the same knowledge to my students. I was also equally happy to share that I've the good concepts of a just and harmonious society, which I use to practice with my students on a daily basis. 

 

I felt happy and excited that I could hone my skills to a deeper understanding of the concepts through this Royal Vision for education. Thank you Your Majesty for envisioning such a great idea of education through transitioning the Bhutan Baccalaureate into reality.

However, building roadmaps, setting goals for self, learner, community, nation and beyond were commendable in tons of ways. I'd remember all these to make my teaching career healthy, evergreen, lively and unforgiving eternally. Perhaps, developing team spirit and introspection of self-realization was fantastic and great to share and reflect with mentors and friends. 

 

Overall, the second day of the training on The Royal Academy, transitioning of The Bhutan Baccalaureate into reality went so well. 

 

Anticipating the third day on other areas of development with more fun and learning. 

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -I

The Vision of The Royal Academy -The Bhutan Baccalaureate is something very new for our education system and in fact a historic one. 

The general introduction by the program coordinator on the 7-day training on The Bhutan Baccalaureate, way forward seems so special in many ways. The idea and concepts of the Royal Vision was spelt out well and to the grassroots level. Every single program seems so relevant and special, especially for our pupils and community.

 

My learning of the day was immeasurable and special. I could learn education through transitioning the Bhutan Baccalaureate into reality from Bhutan for Bhutan to across the world. 

 

As I listened to our program coordinator and facilitators and participating schools, I felt so lucky and didn't know how the day had gone. 

 

Almost every aspect of presentation and learning were new to me in particular. I am happy to say that I have learnt tons of new paradigm shifts -perception, mentality, goodness of humanity, power of society, connection with community, making learner at centre, learning cycle, goal setting, roadmaps, watermark and the strength of nation lies in the power of education. 

 

The most amazing part of my learning of The Royal Academy was the education through the 5 areas of development. Nonetheless, I've come to realize the unique 7 gifts each child at The Royal Academy brings in from their home after the break to learn, share, explore, interconnect and weave of each individual background, culture and diversity as part of the main curriculum is an extraordinary vision of our beloved King.

Overall, I am happy to walk on The Royal Vision of education not just fantasizing and discussing but making it a promised reality to our future is genuine and timely. 

Day 1: Reflection

Orchid, The Flower For My Girl

 

Down on the hills

I see flowers of different variety

Rose, Rhododendron and Orchid

My favorite is the Orchid

 

Down on the hills

I see flowers of different colors

Red, purple and yellow

My favorite is the yellow 

 

Down on the hills 

I see flowers of different petals

Single, double and three-fold

My favorite is the three-fold

 

Down on the hills 

I see flowers of different height

Tall, medium and short

My favorite is the medium

 

Down on the hills 

I see flowers of different leaves

Broad, small and thin

My favorite is the thin

 

Down on the hills

I see flowers of different fragrance

Sweet, fruity and classic-lily

My favorite is the classic-lily

 

What's your favorite flower? 

I love Orchids! 

A gift to my GIRL -YESHA BABY

Mathematics in My Daily Life

Life is all about math!

From early morning till bedtime, everything falls within math whether one is literate or illiterate, rich or poor, east or west. Everything at home is math. How one prepares, and eats every single meal is the fundamentals of math. From shopping to cooking to playing to music to art, it's the multiple of mathematical principles. 

 

For me math is as simple as this, suppose I am preparing an evening tea for my family. I should know the total number of heads, plus the quality of the tea. The important aspects I must know is how much tea leaves, sugar, milk and other ingredients I need for a quality tea. I have to do a simple math within my head before I lay my hand in action for a tea-making job. 

In everyday happenings, however, one doesn't need to be good at math class or math activities. It all needs one's imagination relating to figures, numbers and the situation. 

Let me share a small anecdote that I can recall of my math class and one of my close friends. I was good at math class. I used to get a lot of appreciation from my math teacher and many friends used to see me as the math champion. I also used to top the math tests and exams, however, I had one friend who was absolutely poor in math class and now interestingly he owns a big shop, and probably he must have counted more money than I would earn in my entire life. He is more successful in financial matters than someone who is absolutely good at math class.

Interestingly it doesn't actually make one wise and rich just by being good at math class or scoring good grades in exams. Therefore, math is a poly-matter and extreme to be with, but not funny as it seems.