To make education student-centric, a workshop for the faculty to upscale their capabilities began at Royal Institute of Management (RIM) in Semtokha on October 9.

The workshop is a by-product of the programme that was held in Singapore last month on Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate (CDIO) framework and design thinking methodology.

One of the facilitators from Singapore Polytechnic International (SPI), Lee Chong Hwa, said that the purpose of the workshop was to build capabilities in developing students and to encourage learner-centred education with emphasis on active learning approaches. “It is also to encourage curriculum design that engages students in active learning. Learning is about transformation, that is, enhanced performance.”

He said education also needs to change with changing times.

One of the emerging education models, CDIO framework is a worldwide initiative that was designed for engineering programmes but the principles of which could be applied in other non-engineering programmes. Over 120 universities across the world have adopted the model in their programmes.

In order for better student learning, design-led student-centred education approach empowers, evaluates, empathises, enables, envisions, and engages students.

STEEP (Social, cultural and demographic, Technology, Economic, Environmental and nature, Political and legal) analysis is a process that explores the emerging trends that shape the future of work. Lee Chong Hwa said corresponding to the changes, new competencies were needed which requires change in the way educators teach and students learn.

Assistant lecturer of RIM, Namgay Dem, said that conventionally students just listened while educators remained the centre of the education. “Everything was done by teachers but now the focus would be the students. Since they would be engaged in their learning, they would be more enthusiastic and take responsibilities for their learning.”

She said that it would benefit the students to learn better and that the programme was relevant for RIM as teacher-centric education still exists.

Chief programme officer of DAHE, NB Raika, said the programme was good and relevant. “It encourages learning which is active and interactive.” He said that the workshop would provide good basis for curriculum development.

Rinchen Zangmo