The Sixth National Action Research Seminar was held on June 5-7 at Bajothang Higher Secondary School in Wangdue, bringing together around 124 participants from across the country.
Held under the theme “Bridging Classroom Practice and Professional Learning Through Action Research,” the two-day seminar featured 20 outstanding action research (AR) papers alongside a keynote speaker sharing insights on educational research to enrich participants’ understanding and engagement.
Participants were engaged in a series of presentations and discussions on a wide range of topics, including reading, poetry, numeracy, sentence construction, feedback, Project-Based Learning strategies, digital storytelling, and Python coding skills. All presentations were focused on improving student learning outcomes and enhancing classroom practices across subjects and grade levels.
A new addition to this year’s seminar was the inclusion of poster presentations showcasing the next five top-ranked AR reports. Displayed during break sessions, these posters provided opportunities for direct interaction between participants and researchers, fostering deeper professional exchange.
The AR programme was initiated in 2013 under the Sherig Endowment Fund to promote a research-oriented culture in schools to improve teaching and learning quality as well as support professional growth.
The inaugural National AR Seminar took place in 2019, providing a platform for teachers to share innovative approaches and research findings.
Each year, 40 high-quality proposals are selected through a rigorous evaluation process. Schools then undertake research projects over several months to a year, after which the top 20 AR reports are chosen for presentation at the national seminar.
All principals, vice principals, and teachers from public schools are eligible to apply for the research grant, which is supported by the Government of India under Project-Tied Assistance. Starting 2024, proposals from private schools are also accepted.
According to a spokesperson, the Ministry received 310 AR proposals this year, a significant increase from just 43 submissions in 2016. This growth reflects the rising recognition of action research as an effective tool for improving teaching practices and student learning outcomes.
Over time, the seminar has expanded beyond Thimphu to other regions, including Paro in 2024 and Bumthang in 2025, ensuring broader participation and strengthening nationwide efforts to promote evidence-based educational practices.
The seminar was organised by the Teacher and Educational Leadership Division under the Department of School Education. Following the event, the proceedings will be shared with schools across the country and made available on the Ministry’s website as a knowledge resource.
Recognising the need to strengthen educators’ research competencies, the Ministry introduced the Provisional Guide for Action Research in 2018, which was revised in 2025. The guide serves as a practical resource for teachers and school leaders undertaking action research, regardless of funding support.
In addition, the Ministry has implemented several capacity-building initiatives, including the development of a comprehensive training package. A total of 82 teachers and principals were trained as Trainers of Trainers, who have subsequently trained 698 educators across the country.
Today, Dzongkhags and Thromdes independently organise action research seminars and forums, providing valuable platforms for educators to share experiences, strengthen professional networks and advance a culture of continuous learning.
