Center for Innovation in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CITLA)
Background and Rationale
The Center for Innovation in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CITLA) emerges from the achievements and experiences of the EUFSTIAT Project (Enhancing University Faculty Skills in Teaching, Innovation, Assessment, and Technology), a transformative professional development initiative implemented under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). The EUFSTIAT project established a strong foundation for advancing faculty competence, digital pedagogy, and innovative assessment practices across the University’s colleges.
Building on this success, CITLA seeks to institutionalize and expand the vision of EUFSTIAT by creating a sustainable platform for research, innovation, and global collaboration in higher education. While EUFSTIAT focused on strengthening faculty skills and systems for teaching and learning, CITLA extends this impact by generating new knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary research, and connecting Bhutanese higher education to the global educational innovation ecosystem.
RUB’s strategic goals emphasize the promotion of quality education, research-informed practice, and academic excellence. CITLA aligns directly with these aspirations by serving as a hub for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, promoting evidence-based pedagogical reforms, and enhancing institutional learning through innovative assessment systems.
In the broader context, CITLA contributes to Bhutan’s national education priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which calls for inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The establishment of CITLA positions the Royal University of Bhutan as an emerging regional leader in higher education innovation — advancing teaching quality, research collaboration, and assessment reform across Asia and beyond.
Vision
To be an internationally recognized center of excellence that advances innovation, research, and collaboration in teaching, learning, and assessment to transform higher education and promote global educational quality and equity.
Mission
To foster excellence in higher education by promoting research-informed, inclusive, and technology-enhanced teaching, learning, and assessment practices. CITLA seeks to build a global network of educators, researchers, and institutions committed to pedagogical innovation, scholarly collaboration, and continuous improvement in education systems.
Core Values
Excellence – Pursuing the highest standards in research, teaching, and professional practice.
Innovation – Inspiring creativity, experimentation, and transformative approaches to learning.
Integrity – Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and academic rigor.
Collaboration – Building strong partnerships and knowledge networks across disciplines, institutions, and borders.
Inclusivity – Promoting equitable, learner-centered, and culturally responsive education worldwide.
Sustainability – Ensuring that educational innovation contributes to lasting social and global development.
Strategic Objectives
Advance Global Research and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Conduct interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research on emerging pedagogical and assessment practices.
Publish high-quality research outputs in international journals and promote open-access dissemination of knowledge.
Establish an international publication platform focused on innovation in teaching, learning, and assessment.
Develop Global Faculty Competence and Leadership
Offer professional development programs for educators within and beyond Bhutan.
Build faculty leadership through innovation labs, reflective teaching portfolios, and global learning communities.
Organize international conferences and seminars to promote educational excellence.
Promote Educational Innovation and Digital Transformation
Integrate emerging technologies in teaching and assessment to enhance learner engagement and equity.
Lead pilot projects on digital pedagogy, AI-driven learning analytics, and blended learning models.
Develop open educational resources (OER) and digital toolkits for international access and collaboration.
Foster Global Collaboration and Partnerships
Build strategic alliances with universities, networks, and organizations committed to educational innovation.
Facilitate joint research, visiting scholar programs, and international academic exchanges.
Position Bhutan and the Royal University of Bhutan as contributors to global pedagogical dialogue.
Enhance Quality Assurance and Evidence-Based Practice
Support universities and policymakers in developing assessment and quality enhancement frameworks.
Contribute research-based insights to institutional decision-making and national education reforms.
Contribute to Global Educational Goals
Align with UN SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality learning opportunities.
Empower educators and learners to engage in lifelong learning and transformative educational practices.
Key Functions
Conduct and publish research on global trends in teaching, learning, and assessment.
Host professional development programs for educators and researchers.
Organize international and regional conferences, symposia, and innovation forums.
Provide consultancy and capacity-building support in curriculum design and assessment.
Maintain a digital repository and open-access journal on teaching, learning, and assessment.
Expected Outcomes
Recognition of CITLA as a regional and international hub for educational research and innovation.
Strengthened global partnerships and collaborative networks.
Enhanced faculty competence and leadership in teaching and assessment.
Increased research publications and visibility of Bhutan in global academic communities.
Sustainable contribution to national and international educational development.
Dissemination of CILTA
CITLA’s work will be disseminated through the following link: