Source - Bangkok Post (Eng)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008  10:33

          Bangkok--Jan 15--Bangkok Post

At a recent conference, Sheldon Shaeffer, the director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau pointed out that Thailand's higher educational institutes needed to improve quality assessment, academic research and public libraries, as well as reduce the number of unemployed graduates.

He believes that that higher educational institutes need to work closer with local communities and increase understanding of the world. To do this, educators must change their way of thinking and encourage greater interaction when teaching.

I am of the opinion that everyone already knows what the problems are in Thailand's education system, but nobody seems strong enough to do something about it. Even though some politicians promised free education and other reforms prior the election, it is likely that these pledges will be forgotten in the aftermath.

However, now is the time to finally confront education problems and seek ways to improve learning in the Land of Smiles. In this article I offer three suggestions on how Thailand can better its education system.

Quality assessment

Thailand has an excellent external quality assessment procedure under the guidance of the Office for National Education and Standards Quality Assessment (Onesqa). However, leadership in higher education is lacking when it comes to internal reviews made by the school itself to improve quality.

Not all educational establishments have the same needs, but a common framework would help guide schools in the proper direction. Clear education policies and a government commitment are vital to the cause. It will take the foresight and leadership of a proactive government to improve education.

Some universities have taken the lead and designed their own framework for improving quality, but the government will also need to support other schools in meeting their targets.

Research

Thailand is seriously lacking in research when compared to other Asian countries. Therefore, teachers need to be encouraged to conduct more research that directly benefits their universities and students. Educators with PhDs could especially make more contributions, since their advanced degrees enable them to do so.

It is advantageous to have research published so that everyone can have access to it. No matter how small scale research is, it is worth sharing with others if it is well written. Educators can build on this information and make adjustments. Research allows educators to share ideas and creates forums for more academic interaction.

Libraries

Libraries are essential for students to develop interest in certain subjects, while supplementing class lessons with outside material. Many higher educational institutes have adequate libraries, but others lack basic up-to-date books of any use. Many Thai libraries merely store moribund files and old textbooks that nobody else wants. In addition, community libraries are totally absent in some rural areas. In result, many students never go to the library to read.

Resource centers and self-access centers have proven it is possible to engage students so that they take responsibility for their own learning. This helps schools to conform to the Education Act of 1999 by promoting more student-centered learning.

Once the results from the election have sunk in, it will be time for our politicians to make good on their promises and bring Thailand forward so that it can compete with other countries on level footing. It is in everyone's interest to start the New Year with renewed vigor to tackle problems together.

Steve Graham is an English language teacher at the Language Center, Udon Thani Rajabhat University in northeast Thailand. If there are any comments or areas for debate that you would like to discuss, you can contact Steve at: shedchelsea@hotmail.co.uk .