Without accountability, what reform?

EDUCATION IN THAILAND

Without accountability, what reform?

Published: 8/02/2012 at 02:22 AM
Newspaper section: News

More than a decade after the launch of reform, education in Thailand is still a chronic problem with no solution in sight.

Trying hard not to fail: The budget allocated for education here is equal to4%ofGDP andmuchhigher than in other Asean countries, says the World Bank. Teachers’ salaries have also been increased. Yet students at state-run schools are still having a hard time passing exams.

There are so many problems obstructing the plan to improve the quality of education _ from the unclear direction of the government regarding the future of education, to the workload of teachers, old-fashioned curricula, concentration of students in after-school tutorial classes, unequal access to education, etc.

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Writer: AmmarSiamwalla

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pquinlan
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Discussion 5 : 10/02/2012 at 01:44 PM5
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UN Human Development Programme stats =
Brunei 9.1% of US$20b
Malaysia 8.1% of US$414b
Thailand 5.2% of US$587b
Philippines 3.1% of US$351b
Laos 2.8% of US$16b
Cambodia 1.8% of US$30b
Indonesia 1.2% of US $1,030b
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ricefield
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Discussion 4 : 09/02/2012 at 12:11 AM4
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After searching for a decent school for our son in 5 provinces we were extremely happy when we finally found one that met our educational standards. Albeit in Canada. The Thai schools system is run like a business. What is needed is for the government to take over every school in Thailand. Set a modern curriculum that is up to international standards, and that includes Universities, and remove teachers that can't teach. Then Thailand "might" move forward in a couple of decades.
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deville
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Discussion 3 : 08/02/2012 at 08:34 AM3
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Sadly, Dr. Ammar has nailed it again - one of the best teachers about Thailand you could ever find.

I've been in and out of the educations system here for over 20 years: In the words of my Dean at NIDA, "We have to accept that the formal education system is hopeless."

Over a decade later, not much has changed - although Thaksin did give 'em a lick of paint to make them look better, he did little else because he has the lions share of the 'buffalo vote' locked up.

Finally, it's obvious that Thai students are as smart as most: What they are is poor academically.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 2 : 08/02/2012 at 07:57 AM2
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Fundamentally there are flaws in cultural traits that are an impediment to learning, and I don't see how these can be changed. For example, the client-patron relationship, where most people are raised to do as they're told and be taken care of, rather than thinking for themselves. A lack of critical thinking is another. A passive character that doesn't challenge or ask 'why', the desire for a certificate rather than an education, then there is the face saving habit of allowing everyone to pass with at least 50%. Also the priority of superficial appearance over substance. As long as these aren't changed in the home, then all the money in the world isn't going to make a difference when the child is at school.
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Aussie John
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Discussion 1 : 08/02/2012 at 04:09 AM1
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Education reform will only come when you have real social and political reform. At present the wealthy classes enjoy the best education, as they have for decades centralized it to suit their business ambitions which run along similar lines. Public education is all face and no substance with little to no critical and creative thinking taught in the public system. The Thai government student is their to listen, memorize and regurgitate what has be put upon him/her. Could you imagine if all Thai students had the opportunity to critically and creatively think...what a power house Thailand would be. yet Thai elites wont have it as retaining their fiefdoms is what matters at all costs.
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Without accountability, what reform? | Bangkok Post: opinion