A full day of discussion, learning, and shared classroom experiences marked the Pedagogical Exchange Workshop held on December 12 at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Gyalshing. The workshop was organised by the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC) in collaboration with the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore, and DIET Gyalshing.The programme brought together teacher trainees from Singapore and educators from Gyalshing, creating a space for open academic exchange and professional interaction. The workshop aimed to strengthen international cooperation in teacher education and encourage the sharing of new and practical teaching methods that can be used in classrooms. The event was attended by a total of 119 participants, including faculty members, in-service teachers from nearby schools, and teacher trainees from both NIE Singapore and DIET Gyalshing.
The strong participation reflected growing interest among teachers and trainees in improving teaching practices through collaboration and exposure to global ideas.The workshop was graced by Mr. Pema G. Bhutia, Chief Education Officer of the District Education Office, Gyalshing, who attended as the Chief Guest. Ms. Tshering Uden Bhutia, President of the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee, was present as the Special Guest along with members of her team. Also present were Ms. Parumita Rai, Principal of DIET Gyalshing, and several faculty members. The inaugural session began with a traditional khada offering, setting a respectful and welcoming tone for the day. In her welcome address, the Principal of DIET Gyalshing highlighted the importance of such exchange programmes in enriching teacher training. She said that interaction between teachers from different countries helps broaden understanding and encourages educators to look at teaching from new perspectives.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr. Pema G. Bhutia spoke on the growing need for global partnerships in education. He said that teaching methods must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of students in today’s world. He stressed that teachers play a key role in shaping future generations and must be equipped with modern skills and approaches to handle 21st-century classrooms.The workshop was coordinated by Mr. Dheeraj Chettri, Lecturer at DIET Gyalshing, who ensured the smooth conduct of the programme. Under his coordination, the sessions were structured in a way that allowed active participation and meaningful discussion among all attendees.To encourage focused learning, participants were divided into four thematic groups. Each group discussed an important area of classroom teaching. The themes included student engagement, collaborative learning, positive classroom culture, and gamification in education.
In the student engagement group, discussions focused on ways to make lessons more interesting and interactive. Participants shared ideas on how to encourage curiosity among students and keep them involved during class. Simple strategies such as questioning techniques, interactive activities, and real-life examples were discussed. The collaborative learning group explored methods to strengthen group-based learning. Teachers and trainees spoke about the importance of teamwork among students and how group activities can help improve communication skills and peer learning. Experiences from both Singapore and local schools were shared, giving participants a balanced view of different classroom settings.