Thai News
Thai News
Chinese Teaching and Learning Cooperation
On July 27th, 2011, Ms. Churairat Sangboonnum, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for
Education, presided over a signing ceremony of cooperation under the project of
quality learning and teaching of the Chinese language in educational institutes located in
Bangkok Metropolitan and networking schools, Thai - Chinese networking schools
and, the Center for Chinese Language Development (Hanban), Beijing Normal
University. This event took place at Ratchavallop Meeting Room in the Ministry of
Education.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary informed all in attendance that the government had
delivered a policy on moving forward to the ASEAN Community in 2015 through
human resource development in order to provide access to quality education and
lifelong learning as well as to develop innovation, research and development and
ASEAN integration for all Thai citizens.
The provision of basic education is a crucial educational system in borderless
communication. It must achieve educational standards in response to the free trade
areas both in ASEAN and in the WTO. In this regard, educational cooperation
amongst neighboring countries is important, especially as China is developing
educational standards which will stimulate internationalization and international
standard schools. This will also facilitate collaboration in developing teachers,
students and educational administrators and an information exchange. Thus, it was a
great opportunity for Thai educational administrators and distinguished delegates from
the Chinese government to strengthen their close cooperation in quality Chinese 2
learning and teaching under the support of the Center for Chinese Language
Development (Hanban), the Beijing Normal University that reflects the valued
friendship which exists between both countries.
Seminar and Workshop on Readiness Preparation for ASEAN Economic Community in 2015
On July 7th, 2011 at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok, Ms. Churairat Sangboonnum,
the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education and Ms. Srirat Rastapana, the Director
General of the Trade Negotiations Department within the Ministry of Commerce signed an
MOU on cooperation between both ministries. The signing took place during a seminar and
workshop on “Readiness Preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community”. The
participants in attendance were 300 MOE educational administrators, teachers, students and
educational personnel.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary informed all that the Office of the Permanent Secretary for
Education and the Department of Trade Negotiations jointly organized this event in order to
increase understanding in relation to the ASEAN Economic Community and also to develop
the quality of educational institutes, in the hope that this will enhance the capacity of Thai
youths and citizens to overcome any challenges that they may face as a result of the
establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community.
The Deputy Permanent stated further that this activity would assist in the region the
dissemination of knowledge on the ASEAN Community and on the ASEAN Economic
Community. The target groups consisted of educational administrators, teachers, students,
educational personnel and other interested parties, the ultimate aim being to raise awareness
of the need of readiness preparation and also to impart knowledge on how to adapt lifestyles
to fit in well with the ASEAN Economic Community in 4 regions. Moreover, the Ministry
emphasized building and developing the skills and quality of Thai labourers in order for them
to be ready for the competitiveness of the ASEAN labour market. Particular focus was placed
on the need for attitude changes in relation to vocational learning especially in how
remuneration is considered. In addition, English and technology proficiencies were also 2
included which will help to reinforce Thai labourers to be in a position to overcome high
competition and gain benefits from the ASEAN Economic Community.
Moreover, it was found necessary for the Ministry to develop educational quality and
technological skills as well as English and other neighboring Asian language proficiency in
response to moving forward towards the ASEAN Community in 2015. Moreover, there will
be the inclusion of 500 World Class Schools and 54 schools of Spirit of ASEAN along
neighboring borders. In addition, there will be training and the development of educational
administrators and teachers. This is to be conducted annually in order for them to understand
the importance of being part of the ASEAN Community and also for them to develop a future
educational network for educational dissemination.
Educational Policies and Strategies
of H.E. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Minister of Education
Education is key to a nation’s development and competitiveness. It is the capability of its human capital rather than conventional resources that gives that country a competitive edge. Any attempt to reform our national education system that involves millions of personnel and students has to take into account the past performance of Thai education. Too many hours have been spent in learning, with little results in knowledge acquisition in learners who are stressed out and emerge relatively unqualified on graduation. Under the leadership of the new minister, emphasis is placed on continuity of policy implementation. The ministry’s modus operandi must be adjusted to allow for its novel and supportive role in other policies’ implementation. More active participation from all sectors, in particular school directors is expected. In turn, school directors must attach importance to the policy directives which must be carried out in earnest. In order to effectively move forward the government’s educational priorities, the following policies and strategies are highlighted:
1. Accelerate Quality Development of Education and Learners
1.1 Reform the curriculum at all levels of education
Curriculum content should be reviewed, especially in core subject areas that provide young students with basic knowledge and continuous learning that allow them to keep up with a world of change. Emphasis should be placed on basic mathematics that prepares future scientists and mathematicians. English language and Thai language are priority subjects because young Thais have problems in using English for communication, in reading, in critical thinking, and in summary writing. Desirable values and ethics as well as knowledge on health and nutrition will be promoted as appropriate to children’s ages and stages of development.
1.2 Develop human resources in response to domestic and international demands
Human resources development shall focus on areas or disciplines where there is shortage of qualified graduates or are in line with development needs of the country. Special attention should be given to a strong base in science and mathematics. Teachers must guide young students towards furthering their studies in fields that are in demand, i.e. medicine, science, engineering and nursing. Improved English language skills will help prepare students for the ASEAN Community, enhance their mobility and open up employment opportunities for Thai people abroad. In this connection, the Prime Minister has urged the Ministry of Education to step up the production of vocational graduates in computer and automotive engineering to respond to the rising demand of the automotive industry.
1.3 Instil ethical, moral and democratic values in students.
Students should be encouraged to follow the path of Dhamma on a continuous basis. From an early age, such values as discipline, division of labour and team work, volunteerism, mutual support, sacrifice for the common good and gender equality should be cultivated in students. Projects that promote religious practices, including the Buddhist schools, morality teaching by monks, school directors for Dhamma practice should be continued and fully supported. Civic and moral education should be reinstated in the curriculum.
1.4 Develop teachers, faculty staff and educational personnel
The quality of teachers, faculty staff and educational personnel should be developed. Emphasis should be given to addressing teacher shortages in specific fields, out-of-field teaching and training new teachers. Indigenous knowledge/local wisdom teachers and qualified personnel from other sectors should be encouraged to teach. Graduates in required fields, both Thai and foreign who do not have teaching licenses should be able to assist in teaching such subjects as languages, science and mathematics. Teacher development should be geared towards encouraging students to think critically and creatively. Incentives should be explored to boost morale among teachers, faculty staff and educational personnel, especially in terms of salaries, promotion and debt problems.
1.5 Use of ICTs to improve educational quality
Best practices from ICT Model Schools should be identified and applied in other schools.
2. Increase Access to Education
2.1 Provide educational opportunities to the poor, the underprivileged and the disabled
Access to educational opportunities should be expanded to the poor, the underprivileged and the disabled. In accordance with its original objectives, the One District, One Scholarship (ODOS) project should target poor students, providing opportunities for them to study abroad.
2.2 Develop lifelong learning opportunities
Non-formal and informal education should be promoted to expand lifelong learning opportunities. Community learning centres should provide vocational training to both working-age and aging population. Such training should aim to upgrade their skills, enhance their career choices and reinstate the aging population into the workforce. Learning centres should be established abroad to teach Thai language to foreigners and support Thais living overseas. In readiness for the establishment of a single ASEAN Community in 2015, languages used in the neighbouring countries should be promoted as this will enhance communication and mutual understanding. Special support should be given to the Royal Initiated Projects, His Majesty the King’s new theory of agriculture, and activities of SUPPORT of Her Majesty the Queen that promote Thai arts and crafts. Products from the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project should be further developed to meet international standards and boost exports.
3. Reinstate Peace in the Three Southern Border Provinces
In line with the Prime Minister’s policy, the Ministry of education will focus on using education as a tool to resolve conflicts in the three southernmost provinces. In this regard, the Ministry will work closely with the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center and the Internal Security Operations Command to protect teachers, students and their assets. Special measures for career advancement and salary incentives should be given to teachers and educational personnel in these provinces. The medium of instruction should be bilingual (Thai and Malay) to generate better understanding and communication among teachers and students.
4. Alleviate Drug-related Problems
All schools should be drug-free. The existing “White School Project” will be strengthened and closely monitored. Problems such as teen pregnancy, violence in school, addiction to online games and addiction to drugs will be alleviated. Appropriate sex education should be promoted to inform students how teen pregnancy can affect their future. Students should learn how to avoid drugs and be informed about the effects of drugs as well as laws and punishments linked to drug use and bullying. Model vocational students should be projected to promote a better image of vocational education.
5. Develop Tablet Content for the One Tablet per Child Project
In providing the tablets for 1st graders and 7th graders, procurement will be based upon fair competition and transparency. New interactive content will be developed to stimulate children’s brains and enhance the learning process.
6. Focus on Research and Development
Research and studies that can be concretely applied to the manufacturing sectors and other businesses will be given priorities, as more budget will be allocated accordingly. The following approach should be adopted: first, a survey of completed research studies should be conducted in order to identify those that lend themselves to improvement and application. Secondly, participation from businesses should be mandatory at the outset in terms of funding and actual collaboration as their contributions will lessen the government’s budgetary burden and ensure eventual adoption of the research.
7. Promote the New Business Fund Project
The New Business Fund project aims to assist graduates wishing to become SME entrepreneurs. The University Enterprise will be responsible for transferring knowledge and technologies and building new businesses. New entrepreneurs will be given assistance in the areas of systems development, accounting and management.
8. Push Forward the People’s Constitution
The Ministry of Education should join forces with other agencies, organizations and institutions in launching campaigns and public hearings regarding the Constitution and have a role in reporting public opinion to the Government.
9. Accelerate the Disbursement of Government Budget
Government budgets, especially capital budget, should be used at the beginning of the fiscal year to help boost national economy. Regular procurement procedures will be promoted to encourage fair competition and accountability, while special procurement procedures should be avoided.
10. Develop Administration and Management systems
10.1 Practise good governance
Transparency will be observed while corruption eradicated. Positions will no longer be sold since career advancement and promotion will be based on transparent assessment of individual performance, strength of character and commitment.
10.2 End sexual abuse in educational institutions
Sexual abuse between teachers or educational personnel and students will not be tolerated.
10.3 Increase efficiency in educational institutions
To strengthen student performance, save government budget and increase efficiency in management and administration, students from under-performing, small-sized schools will be provided with transportation so they can attend larger and better quality schools. In so doing, the Ministry of Education will seek approval from students’ parents and communities in which small-sized schools are located.
10.4 Prepare Thai people for the establishment of ASEAN Community
Plans and projects to prepare people for the establishment of ASEAN Community will be monitored every three months to improve the quality and speed of project implementation.
11. Work closely with other ministries and agencies to move forward government policies
Apart from urgent and education-specific policies, the Ministry of Education will work closely with other ministries and agencies to move forward other relevant government policies. Priorities include: research innovation, manpower production in medical and health services, increased income from tourism and the implementation of the Women’s Development Fund.
Ministry of Education Cooperates with 3 Additional Agencies to
Solve Narcotics Problems in Educational Institutes
On July 11th, 2011, Ms. Churairat Sangboonnum, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for
Education, presided over a signing ceremony of an MOA. At the same time the
Deputy Permanent Secretary also presented flags to schools under the Project on
The Deputy Permanent Secretary stated that the Government recognized the
importance of the eradication of narcotics in educational institutes. She further stated
that it was an urgent issue under the five-fence policy which was initiated by the
Ministry of Education. In this regard, 58 role model schools have been selected and
will aim specifically at preventing and solving narcotics problems in Bangkok. The
activities in relation to moving forward the desirable goals are operated under “4
MUSTs - 2 NOs” as follows”: 4 MUSTs consisted of Educational institutes must
initiate a strategy on preventing and solving narcotics problems in response to the
problem and its location contexts; Educational institutes must prepare a clear
narcotics prevention plan; Education institutes must develop a working system which
covers the 4 systems; a protection system, a watching system, a student assistance
system and an administration system; also networking between students, parents, and
the local community. In addition, the 2 NOs are as follows: No problematic avoidance
and No students to be allowed to leave schools, they must also attend a narcotics
control course and thereafter return for normal classes.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น