Dr. Sonam Rinchen

Dr. Sonam Rinchen, PRESIDENT

Samtse College of Education

Philosophy of work:

My philosophy of work centres on creating a conducive environment for both faculty and students, fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation. Capacity building of staff will be a priority, to ensure a skilled workforce capable of generating new knowledge through research and making informed decisions. An inclusive work environment will be built that values diversity and equality. Teaching and learning infrastructure, including adequate resources, playgrounds, and housing will be enhanced to support a thriving academic community. Building networks with international institutions for exchange programmes and engaging with the community to promote vitality are key strategies. Overall, the focus will be on making decisions that prioritise the welfare and success of both students and staff, ensuring the college’s continuous growth and impact.

Academic/Educational Qualification:

  • PhD (Science education), Queensland University Technology, Brisbane, Australia (2014).
  • MEd (Science education), University of New Brunswick, Canada (2001).

Professional experience:

  • B.Ed Secondary Programme Leader, SCE (2007-2009)
  • Dean, Academic Affairs, SCE (2019-2020)
  • Dean, Research and Industrial Linkages, SCE (2022-2024)

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Chair of the College Research Committee, Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan (2014-2017; 2021-2024).
  • Chair of the College Academic Committee, Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan (Sept. 2018 – Aug. 2020).
  • Member of the College Management Committee, Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan (2019-2020; 2021 – till date).
  • External Examiner of the MEd Programme in Educational Leadership and Management at the Paro College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan (2019-2021).
  • Member of the International Society for Teacher Education (2009 – till date).
  • Reviewer of RABSEL: The CERD Journal, Paro College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan, Paro.
  • Reviewer of Bhutan Journal of Research and Development, Royal University of Bhutan, Thimphu Bhutan.
  • Reviewer and Editor of Educational Innovation and Practice – Academic Journal of the Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan, Samtse.

Publications

Rinchen, S., & Seden, K. (2022). Teacher education in Bhutan: Highlights and challenges. In M. S. Khine and Y. Liu (eds.), Handbook of Research on Teacher Education, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9785-2_5

Limboo, A.R., Giri, N., & Rinchen, S. (2021). Safety practices in the Chemistry laboratories of higher secondary schools of Samtse District: A case study in Bhutan. Journal of Humanities and Education Development, 3 (1). https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/jhed.3.1.10

Rinchen, S., & Kinley. (2019). Gross National Happiness education in the colleges of education, Bhutan: Perception, culture, impact and challenges. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Education in the Digital Ecosystem held in Kuching, Malaysia from 19-22nd August 2019.

Dorji, C., Kinley., & Rinchen, S. (2019). Current practice of computer and related health problems: A study of SCE office staff based on ergonomics. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Education in the Digital Ecosystem held in Kuching, Malaysia from 19-22nd August 2019.

Dekar, S., Lhamo, J., & Rinchen, S. (2016). Meditation: A jewel for reflective teaching. In M      Powietrzynska & K Tobin (Eds.), Mindfulness and Educating Citizens for Everyday Life. Sense Publishers.

Lhamo, J., Gayphel, K., Rinchen, S., & Dekar, S. (2017). Dynamics of mindfulness for purposeful living. In M Powietrzynska & K Tobin (Eds.), Weaving Complementary Knowledge Systems and Mindfulness to Educate a Literate Citizenry for Sustainable and Healthy Lives. Sense Publishers.

Rinchen, S., Ritchie, S., & Bellocchi, A. (2015). Emotional climate of a pre-service science teacher education class in Bhutan. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 10 (4), 22-43. doi 10.1007/s11422-014-9658-0

Rinchen, S. (2016). Cogenerative dialogue to transform classroom practices of pre-service science teachers. Educational Innovation and Practice: A biannual journal of Samtse College of Education, 1(1), 19-28.

Jatsho, S. & Rinchen, S. (2016). Strategies for teaching Physics: Action research. Educational Innovation and Practice: A Biannual Journal of Samtse College of Education, 1(1), 53-66.

Jamtsho, S., & Rinchen, S. (2010). The emergence of distance education in South Asia. In J Baggaley & T Belawati (Eds.), Distance education technology in Asia (pp. 1-32). Routledge.

Jamtsho, S., & Rinchen, S. (2010). Accessibility, acceptance and effects of distance education in South Asia. In J Baggaley & T Belawati (Eds.), Distance education technology in Asia (pp. 33-56). Routledge.

Rinchen, S. (2009). Developing reflective thinking: Encouraging pre-service teachers to be responsible for their own learning.

http://atea.edu.au/ConfPapers/2009/ Non-Refereed/ Rinchen.pdf

Rinchen, S. (1999). Why do children fare better in English than Dzongkha in the schools of Bhutan?,ERIC, USA. ED 433 703.

Rinchen, S. (2007). Environmental sustainability and teacher education. RABSEL: The CERD Journal, PCE, RUB, Paro Bhutan, 10, 124-154.

Powdel, T.S., Graham, W., Rinchen, S., & Others (2007). The state of our nation’s teachers: An enquiry into teaching profession. The CERD Journal, PCE, RUB, Paro Bhutan.

Rinchen, S. (2012). Student-teachers’ perceptions of the B. Ed programmes offered at SCE and its impact on the teaching-learning in the schools. Rig-Gter: The College Journal SCE, Samtse,6, 1-32.

Rinchen, S. (2012). Emotional climate of B. Ed I science class in Samtse College of Education. Rig-Gter: The College Journal SCE, Samtse,6, 62-84.

Rinchen, S. (2007). Culture and environmental sustainability. Rig-Gter: The College Journal SCE, Samtse,2, 39-49.

Rinchen, S. (2006). Issue related to teaching practice and its implementation in the schools. Rig-Gter: The College Journal SCE, Samtse,1, 50-75.

Rinchen, S. (2006). Effectiveness of strategies in teaching Chemistry: View from the front. RABSEL: The CERD Journal, PCE, RUB, Paro Bhutan, 9, 79-102.

Rinchen, S. (2003). Bhutanese girl’s attitude to science and the impact of science on career choice. RABSEL: The CERD Journal, PCE, RUB, Paro Bhutan, 3, 21-70.

Seden, K., Maxwell, T., & Rinchen, S. (2016). Enhancing reflective writing skills of pre-service B.Ed secondary science student-teachers: An action research study in Bhutan. International Journal of Education Teaching and Learning, 1(1), 1-16.

Utha, K., Rinchen, S., Gurung, B., Gurung, G., Rabgay, T., & Dorji, C. (2016).

Entrepreneurship Education in Bhutan: Perception, Culture and Challenges. World Journal of Educational Research3(2), 460.

 Scholarships/Awards 

  • National Order of Merit (Gold) in 2014.
  • Leadership and Management in Research, Bangkok, Thailand, (2010)
  • Action Research and Leadership, UNE, Australia (2008)
  • Research and Leadership, UNE, Australia (2012)

Other Members