Dr. Karma Utha, Asst. Professor

Philosophy of teaching and learning:

As a teacher educator for the last 20 years with extensive involvement in teaching, developing programmes and school science text books, she prioritizes enhancing students’ learning outcome and improving Quality of Education. She firmly believes that every student deserves the best learning opportunity to excel in life. In that line, she has conducted numerous professional development workshops for school teachers as well as University faculty on innovative teaching practices, curriculum implementation, formative assessment and science laboratory management.

In terms of research, she has a detailed understanding of undertaking both quantitative and qualitative methods, especially conducting interviews, text analysis and thematic analysis. She has undertaken writing and securing research grant both at the national and International level.

Academic/Educational Qualification:

  1. PhD in Formative assessment
  2. M.Sc in Physics
  3. B.Sc Honours in Maths and Physics
  4. B.Sc General
  5. PGDE

Professional experience:

  • Assistant Professor in Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan. Has been a teacher educator since 2000 and has taught modules like Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Research Proposal Development, Advanced Studies, Teaching Skills, Teaching Strategy, Physics Education, Electronics, Magnetism and Electromagnetism, Optics and Waves, Heat and Thermodynamics, Properties of Matter and Energy, and Mechanics at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Has successfully supervised 10 M. Ed Physics dissertation to completion. Currently, engaged in supervising another 11 M. Ed Physics students’ dissertation.
  • Has served as Dean of Academic Affairs (DAA) from July 2016 to July 2019. As a DAA, has meaningfully initiated and engaged in developing policies, new programmes and procedures for improved teaching, learning and assessment in the College
  • Serving as External Examiner for B. Sc Physical Science programme at Sherubtse College, Kanglung, from Nov 2017 –
  • Led the development and providing of tailor made programme on Laboratory Management to 210 School Laboratory Assistants for a period of 10 days for 5 cohorts from 12 April to 1 July 2017. The Laboratory Management training provided in depth knowledge and skills on science laboratory management with special focus on safety and risk management, basic repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment, organization and conduct of experiments at Middle and Higher Secondary School level, virtual laboratory, and creating a scientific learning environment in and around the science laboratory for effective science teaching and learning.
  • Initiated, developed and resourced workshops on ‘effective assessment’ for 100 faculty members under RUB and 150 school teachers from 2016 till date.
  • Co-ordinated the development of 2 issues of ‘Shes-Rig PAGES: A Biannual Newsletter of Samtse College of Education (first published in 2016).
  • Has served as a Programme Leader of PGDE from April 2016 to August 2016. As a Programme Leader, initiated and developed the part-time PGDE programme for private school teachers.
  • Has served as a Programme Leader of DSSLM from March 2009 to August 2012. As a Programme leader, initiated and developed the programme document and successfully obtained the validation approval to launch the programme.
  • Evaluated final year research project for Gaeddu College of Business Studies in 2014 and 2015
  • Serving as a School Management Board member at Samtse Higher Secondary school. Contributed advisory role in developing school strategic plan. Initiated teachers and students’ academic growth programmes, workshops and discussions. Engaged in curbing students disciplinary and substance abuse issues and improving students’ academic performance.
  • Served as External Examiner for the B. Sc Physical Science programme at Sherubtse College, Kanglung, from 1July 2011 – 30June 2014
  • Serving as External Examiner for B. Sc Physical Science programme at Sherubtse College, Kanglung, from Nov 2017 –
  • Has developed numerous School Science Textbooks and Teachers’ Manual that are currently used as Textbooks in schools in Bhutan.

Current responsibilities:

  • Assistant Professor in Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan. Engaged in supervising Ed Physics dissertation, teaching Advanced Studies, Dissertation proposal development, and Teaching, learning and Assessment to M. Ed Physics students, and Magnetism and Electromagnetism to B. Ed IV Physics student.

Membership in External Bodies:

  • National Steering Member of KIX (Knowledge Innovation and Exchange)
  • Member of Research Degree Committee, OVC, RUB (current)
  • Serving as a School Management Board member at Samtse Higher secondary school from 2017-

 Publications:

Tshering, K., Seden, K., & Utha, K. (2022). Exploring physics teachers’ reflective practices and the challenges. Journal of Educational Sciences, 18(3), 1-17. DOI: 10.15625/2615-8957/22210301

Penjor, T., Utha, K., & Seden, K. (2022). Effectiveness of simulation in teaching geometrical optics. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 7(5), 88-94. https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.75.16

Dorji, U., Pem, U., & Utha, K. (2022). Pictorial Representation of Scientists: A case study. Asian Journal of Research №, 1, 2.

Utha, K., & Tshering, T. (2021). Effectiveness of Group Work in the Colleges of Royal University of Bhutan. Bhutan Journal of Research and Development, 10(2).

Cheda, K., & Utha, K. (2021). Science teachers’ understanding of higher order thinking skills. International journal of English literature and Social Sciences, 200-208.

Dendup, T., Utha, K., & Pem, U. (2021). Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions on Introduction of Astrophysics in Bhutanese Curriculum: An Exploratory Study. International Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Journal, 3(2), 10-21.

Utha, K., Subba, B. H., Mongar, B. B., Hopwood, N., & Pressick-Kilborn, K. (2021). Secondary school students’ perceptions and experiences of learning science and mathematics: the case of Bhutan. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 1-18.

Wangdi, N., & Utha, K. (2020). Teachers’ Difficulty in Teaching Classes VII and VIII Sciences in Bhutanese Schools: A Case Study in Gasa, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 46-53.

Yangdon., Utha, K., Choeda., Daker, S., & Dorji, C. (2020). Implications of Promoting Class X Student to Class XI Without a Cut-off Point in Bhutanese Schools: Stakeholders’ Perspectives. In: Phanchung, S Chitra, Tshering Choden, Tshering Om Tamang and Pema Choezom. ed. Reaching New Heights Through Policy Research and Practice, Thimphu, iGHNaS.

Utha, K & Rinzin, S. (2019). Peer learning: An alternative teaching pedagogy in a highly teacher centered classes. International Journal of English Literature and Social sciences. DOI: 10.24001/ijels.

Utha, K., Tamang, R. S., Namgyel, N., Gyeltshen, S., Doma, Dechen., & Doma, D. (2018). Impact of lecturers’ feedback on student learning: A case study in Samtse College Education. Bhutan Journal of research & development, 7(1), 3-13.

Utha, K., Giri, K., Gurung, B., Giri, N., Kjær-Rasmussen, L. K., Keller, H. D., … Keller, K. D. (2016). Quality of School Education in Bhutan: Case Studies in the Perspective of Gross National Happiness and Assessment Practices. (1 ed.) Aalborg Universitetsforlag.

Utha, K., Rinchen, S., Gurung, B., Gurung, B.G., Rabgye, T., & D, Changa. (2016). Entrepreneurship education in Bhutan: perception, culture and challenges. World Journal of Educational Research, 3(2), 460-501

Utha, K. (2015). Study on formative assessment practices in Bhutanese secondary schools and its impact on quality of education. (Doctoral dissertation, Aalborg University, Denmark)

Tenzin, W., Lepcha, S., Utha, K., , … ., Mohan, G. R. (2012).Class Four Science. ISBN 978-99936-0-370-2. Thimphu: Curriculum and Professional Support Division, Ministry of Education.

Tenzin, W., Lepcha, S., Utha, K., … ., Mohan, G. R. (2012).Class Five Science. ISBN 976-99936-0-371-9. Thimphu: Curriculum and Professional SupportDivision, Ministry of Education.

Tenzin, W., Lepcha, S., Utha, K.,  … ., Mohan, G. R. (2012).Class Six Science. ISBN 978-99936-0-372-6. Thimphu: Curriculum and Professional SupportDivision, Ministry of Education.

Tenzin, W., Lepcha, S., Utha, K.,  … ., Mohan, G. R. (2012). Teacher’s Manual Class Four. ISBN 978-99936-0-373-3. Thimphu: Curriculum and Professional Support Division, Ministry of Education.

Tenzin, W., Lepcha, S., Utha, K.,  … ., Mohan, G. R. (2012). Teacher’s manual Class Five. ISBN 978-99936-0-373-3. Thimphu: Curriculum and Professional Support Division, Ministry of Education.

Tenzin, W., Lepcha, S., Utha, K.,… ., Mohan, G. R. (2012). Teacher’s Manual Class Six Science. ISBN 978-99936-0-373-3. Thimphu: Curriculum and Professional Support Division, Ministry of Education.

Current research engagement:

  1. CL4STEM project
  2. Groupwork Assessment Framework

Awards:

  • Topped the M.Sc in Physics Examination at University level from Wadia College, Pune University, India
  • Topped B.Sc (Hons) in Physics and Mathematics Examination from Trent University, Canada.
  • Teaching Practice Award

Research interest:

  • Education (teaching, learning, assessment, curriculum, innovative practices, classroom practices)
  • STEM
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Policy related studies
  • Gender with a special focus on women
  • Children
  • Elderly care

Email address:

kutha.sce@rub.edu.bt