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  Motivation Matters: How Maslow and Self-Determination Theory Can Transform Classrooms In every classroom, behind every raised hand, wandering mind, or silent stare lies a question educators constantly wrestle with: What motivates students to learn? Why does one child eagerly participate while another retreats into silence? These questions aren’t just theoretical they shape how we teach, how students learn, and how classrooms thrive. Two foundational theories offer powerful insights into these dynamics: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Both explore what drives human behavior, yet they approach it from different but complementary angles. Together, they give educators a roadmap to support not just academic success, but whole-child development. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Meeting Students Where They Are Abraham Maslow’s theory, introduced in 1943, proposes that human motivation is structured like a pyramid, with basic survival needs at the bottom an...
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Building Knowledge, Building Minds: A Critical Look at Constructivist Theories in Education I will never forget the moment I truly understood what it meant for students to "construct" their own knowledge. It was a rainy Thursday afternoon, and I was volunteering in a Grade 1 classroom as a school captain, tasked with managing the students while the teachers were in a meeting. We gathered around a cluster of colourful counters and started playing with measuring cups, inspired by a beautifully written lesson topic on measurement displayed on chart paper.  I watched a group of six-year-olds grapple with the concepts of "more than" and "less than" not through a lecture, but through laughter, trial, and error. That moment captured what constructivist theories argue at their core: students are not passive vessels to be filled; they are active participants in building their own understanding. Two key thinkers who have shaped this perspective are Jean Piaget a...
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Understanding Behavioral Theories in Education: Classical and Operant Conditioning

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Introduction Behavioral theories are essential in shaping educational practices as they explain how students learn and interact with their e nvironment. Two of the most influential theories in this field are Ivan Pavlov's classical conditioning and B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning. These theories offer valuable perspectives on student behavior, motivation, and learning processes. While both have greatly influenced education, they also come with certain limitations that educators must consider. Classical Conditioning in Education Classical conditioning is based on linking stimuli to trigger a specific response. Pavlov’s experiment with dogs illustrated how a neutral stimulus (a bell) could be paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) to create a conditioned response (salivation). In an educational setting, classical conditioning is evident when students form positive or negative associations with their learning experiences. In Class 12, when we studied Shakespeare ...
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Scouting Journey

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Since I joined the scouts in second grade, my journey has been incredibly fulfilling, extending all the way through high school. I made a personal commitment to stay devoted to scouting, and as I transitioned to college, I eagerly continued my scout journey. An amazing opportunity presented itself when I visited Khandothang Primary School to share scouting skills with the young students. That day felt like a blessing; I relished the role of a real teacher, reminiscent of my energetic scout sessions during childhood. The experience not only brought joy but also enriched my scout knowledge. I look forward to more such opportunities, hoping they continue to come my way. Once a scout, always a scout
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Reviving childhood joy with fanciful slippers

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As a kid, wearing those special slippers was like stepping into a world of joy. Every morning, sliding into their comfy embrace turned the ordinary walk into a happy dance. The bright colors sparked adventures in my imagination, turning my home into kingdoms and forests. Those slippers were more than footwear, they were my partners in crime, carrying the weight of dreams and the carefree spirit of childhood. Today, when I see similar pairs, nostalgia floods back. I am a child once more spinning in the enchantment of those beautiful slippers that turned every step into a celebration.
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Wow! Panel Discussion

I used to really enjoy watching panel discussion shows on television. It's incredible that I had the opportunity to be a part of panel discussion in my EAP class. It was an amazing experience and one of the most memorable classes I have had so far. A panel discussion is an organized conversation where a group of people, usually experts or knowledgeable individuals, share their thoughts and opinions on a specific topic. It's a great way to gain different perspectives and insights on a subject. Our class also had a panel discussion with five groups, each consisting of seven members. I was pleasantly surprised by the talent and confidence displayed by my classmates. I felt like watching a television show. The topics were interesting, and I learned so many new facts, like how Bumthang, a cold place, is now able to cultivate rice due to climate change. The panel discussion was a great way to showcase everyone's potential, and I truly appreciated my classmates' performances. ...
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Wow blogging!

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When I was in high school, I always thought of creating blog if I get a chance to study in university as I was inspired by so many Bhutanese blogger. Fortunately, I get to chance to pursue ICT in Samtse college of education. I was too much excited since I knew already, I will get to know some clues on creating blog in ICT class. Finally, as I expected I have learnt how to create blog in ICT class. It was easy than what I have thought, the Tutor has taught us every single step how to maintain blog and probably it would be my best ICT class so far. Blogging has not only kept myself engaged, but it is also helping me to share my own feelings. I wish one fine day I would be one of the blissful bloggers as I have always wished. I guess will improve my blogging skill in the presence of four years in this Samtse College of Education. Everything has its own time...just beginning ✨️
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