Reform focus to be raising the qualityof learning

Written by Writer on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

EDUCATION

SIRIKUL BUNNAG
Bangkok Post
Thursday October 23, 2008

The Education Council is planning a second round of education reforms, after the first, which began nine years ago, failed to deliver satisfactory results. Council secretary-general Tongthong Chandransu said planning would start next year with the focus on improving the quality of learning and teaching.

”Many students who complete the 12-year basic education are not able to achieve the standard requirement in most subjects, except for a slight improvement in Thai language,” he said.

”How can they drive the country forwards?’

The decision was reached yesterday after a meeting of executives of key agencies in the Education Ministry.

”Unlike the previous reforms, which dealt with law amendments and revamping the management structure at the Education Ministry, the new round will look at the heart of education, the quality of education,” Mr Tongthong said.

Further changes in management would be made only if necessary, he said, referring to a call by teachers to split the management of primary and secondary education and establish a basic education bureau.

Related agencies, including grassroots bodies and religious institutions, and families will be asked to help pen a reform framework, he said.

The reforms would equip students with the technology skills needed to stay competitive, cater to the diverse needs of pupils and incorporate sufficiency, economics, philosophy and history.

A panel would be set up to list the reforms in terms of priority and set standards which were not achieved in the previous reform.

Mr Tongthong said detailed plans for the reforms should be completed within six months.