Experts say lowest ever PISA score is a wakeup call for Thailand’s failing education system

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand’s latest PISA scores are the lowest in more than two decades since the country joined the Program for International Student Assessment in the early 2000s.

 

The poor performance offers more proof that Thailand is struggling with a weak educational system, outdated curriculum and inefficient use of resources, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) said.

 

“The latest PISA scores call for immediate and effective solutions,” the think-tank emphasized.

 

Downhill battle

 

Conducted every three years by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), PISA measures 15-year-olds’ ability in reading, mathematics and science. The 2022 assessment covered children from 81 countries including Thailand.

 

Thai students scored lower than the OECD average in all three subjects, but worse still, the scores were the lowest ever. Thailand lags in all three fields when compared with scores from neighboring countries like Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

 

In mathematics, Thai students’ average score was 394 – down from 419 in 2018. Also notable is that only 32% of Thai students achieved Level 2 proficiency or above in mathematics, significantly lower than the 69% average across OECD countries. Level 2 is a baseline, reflecting basic knowledge and understanding for application in daily life. The PISA system has six levels of proficiency.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2023-12-14

 

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[Pouatchee]

and some here were criticizing the guy who posted looking for a tutor uni graduate but not from rajabat.

the issue is that most thai teachers working in schools now never followed a single class in academics. the new generation has to have a b ed in education but this has only come about in the last 10 years or so. back in canada no one is supposed to teach unless having undergone a b ed

[keith101]

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

[Pouatchee]

28 minutes ago, keith101 said:

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

 

totally agree... but must not forget the parents who dont get involved in their kids education (checking on homework, explaining concepts kids dont understand) and who are quick to protest if their kids get in trouble or get poor scores. education belongs to society and all must work together to make it work

[2baht]

Isn't it the goal of the hiso powers that be to keep the peasants dumbed down and subservient, sure seems like it!

[Forrests Father]

37 minutes ago, keith101 said:

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

It is not only about teachers.

the education system does not encourage thinking, challenging and problem solving.

it’s about repetition and following ancient rules which are not applicable now in a modern environment.

and the leading class has no interest in having educated peasants.

[bamnutsak]

At least they get good lunches at school...

 

What, oh, never mind.

 

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pictures-of-school-lunches-spark-social-media-outrage/

 

 

[greeneking]

1 hour ago, keith101 said:

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

And the system that is actually funded very well, but manages to supply inadequate teaching to the pupils. And a curriculum which seeks to indoctrinate  rather than educate. 

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, Forrests Father said:

and the leading class has no interest in having educated peasants.

They want sheep who silently endure their fate and don't make trouble.

Adequate educations is available to the upper class and those who have sponsors for the better schools.

From the linked article:

Quote

“You can see that students from science, demonstration and prestigious schools are still doing well,” he said. “Their performance is far better than that of students from small schools overall.”

About 1% of Thai students scored high enough in mathematics and science to reach the top levels of 5 or 6 in PISA tests. All Thai students among this small percentage attend top schools.

 

1%! from top schools.

 

The village school is down the road. First hour in the morning is flag call and singing anthems.
A poor victim (student) has to "sing" however bad the voice is.

After that a lenghty speech from a teacher/rector.

Two long holiday periods (6? weeks each) plus the maximum amount of public holidays.

Lots of boy/girls scout stuff, endless drill for parades, sport festival.

 

Sport field is dusty and bumpy. Nets for volleyball are torn apart most of the year.

Just some impressions.

I never looked into the classrooms.

 

Hardly a teacher whom you could have an everyday conversation in English.

Students average English:  good morning (in the afternoon), what's your name...

Thats it.

 

Payment for teachers start at ? 15k?

 

[KhunBENQ]

One granddaughter went to a college for two years.

Some kind of commercial education.

I once browsed through the hundreds of pages of printed material she got.

Unbelievable amount of detailed stuff remote from life.

Never ever would a college student master such huge amount of material.

[herfiehandbag]

Standards are slipping - it is a matter of deep concern. Some of those ribbons are very lackadaisically tied! We need to form a committee from amongst the senior teachers to address the problem!

[herfiehandbag]

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Hardly a teacher whom you could have an everyday conversation in English.

Students average English:  good morning (in the afternoon), what's your name...

At least the children are trying - encourage them, answer them, and ask what is their name. It will encourage and challenge them more than their teachers do!

[FruitPudding]

4 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

totally agree... but must not forget the parents who dont get involved in their kids education (checking on homework, explaining concepts kids dont understand) and who are quick to protest if their kids get in trouble or get poor scores. education belongs to society and all must work together to make it work

 

Yes, this is the real problem. It ain't the crappy teachers. It's the family.

 

When I was at school, the teachers were crap, "Open your book, read the text, answer the questions, and I'll be here sitting at my desk if you need any help" lol. I don't think they ever had a lesson plan.

 

Thai families are shocking for not encouraging children to ask questions, read books, be creative etc etc.

 

They barely spend time together, except eating or walking around a mall. Parents here don't take an interest in their children's passions or try to stimulate them at all.

 

So long as their child is: fed, watered,  washed,  and wearing decent clothes - that's it! Job done!

 

There are exceptions, of course, and their kids shine in the classroom and do well - crappy teacher or not!

 

Others don't want to learn. It's fascinating how so many people are incredibly resistant to learning anything at all. 

[ikke1959]

On Sunday morning I usually do the same... when the alarm goes of I wake up, switch of the clock and turn myself around to sleep further.. Same with the education problems in Thailand.. They are awake now, but after New Year everything will go on as it was and will be, as the government don't want educated people. They know and see things and that is a threat to them

Quote

 

Quote

 

 

clock

[scorecard]

12 hours ago, keith101 said:

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

The 'skill in teaching' strongly includes the fact there is no requirement for teachers to explain why something is true, etc. And further students are not allowed to ask questions so that they fully understand the point being taught.

[Stargeezr]

In every country, there are good and bad quality schools. Thailand is no different.

 Richer families pay more and have their children attend the better school and

get better results. In Canada where i live is is not different, there are good and bad schools.

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, keith101 said:

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

That's true, Thai teachers who leave university can only pass water as it's an auto function, elder teachers who have no interest in learning more or changing methods with new technology.

An outdated ridiculous curriculum, indoctrination camps, history that only involves late Thai kings.

And foreign teachers whose English is at best a second language hired at the cheapest rates.

Thailand gets what it deserves.

And where does the budget go for education... well that's a whole other subject.

[Srikcir]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand lags in all three fields when compared with scores from neighboring countries like Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

How can this be given PM Prayut's twelve core values published in 2017 that included:

• 3. Being grateful to the parents, guardians and teachers 
• 4. Seeking knowledge and education directly and indirectly
• 12. Putting the public and national interest before personal interest. 

Surely a formula for complying citizens.

[NemoH]

These are all grades..

Education is more than school. 
Home schooling is the best option. 

[thesetat]

11 hours ago, greeneking said:

And the system that is actually funded very well, but manages to supply inadequate teaching to the pupils. And a curriculum which seeks to indoctrinate  rather than educate. 

Wife says Rajhabat University is supposed to be a school that educates how to be teachers. This may go on to explain many things about the problems with the Thai education scores and the reason the parent did not want anyone who graduated from their school. 

[RichardColeman]

Whilst I applaud Thailand for wanting the children to understand Thai culture, my daughter sometimes spends an entire day celebrating some religious day and doing absolutely nothing else for the rest of the day at school. 

 

For those knocking teachers, my wife was a teacher and went to uni/school until 25 before leaving to teach. She was extremely educated for her kindergarten role, she has folders upon folders of certificates. HOWEVER - the teachers are NOT educated about foreign matters, she had no idea what 9/11 was, who Hitler was or that Australia is nearer to Thailand than my UK ! 

[Bangkok Barry]

13 hours ago, 2baht said:

Isn't it the goal of the hiso powers that be to keep the peasants dumbed down and subservient, sure seems like it!

 

[Bangkok Barry]

26 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Whilst I applaud Thailand for wanting the children to understand Thai culture, my daughter sometimes spends an entire day celebrating some religious day and doing absolutely nothing else for the rest of the day at school. 

 

For those knocking teachers, my wife was a teacher and went to uni/school until 25 before leaving to teach. She was extremely educated for her kindergarten role, she has folders upon folders of certificates. HOWEVER - the teachers are NOT educated about foreign matters, she had no idea what 9/11 was, who Hitler was or that Australia is nearer to Thailand than my UK ! 

 

And one of my family here, also a teacher, believes that New York is on the west coast of the USA. Mind you, if you asked Americans where places are.... well, I'm sure we've seen videos of reporters on the street asking them such questions. At least by doing that they recognise the problem. I'm not sure that Thailand does.

[daveAustin]

Reason I got my kids out for the matayom years and put up with the West.

The whole flag/anthem and standing outside ‘to attention’ debacle is such a massive waste of students’ time, not to mention damaging. Yes, the system is naff but individual schools go out of their way on this aspect to appear to be doing it ‘best’, LOUDEST. Face face face! Having kids scream and make as much noise as possible, playing silly games etc… what a good lesson in life. Get them in the class ffs and teach them! Thai kids have the aptitude for it, just need to get them away from this system and arrogant crapola teachers. If all schools here were be like Prem in Chiang Mai, Thais could be world leaders in pretty much every area. But of course the fragile, bent powers that be wouldn’t want that. Pfft!

[HappyExpat57]

14 hours ago, keith101 said:

You can't blame the students the failure lies squarely with teachers and their obvious lack of skill and or knowledge in actual teaching

Even the most talented and inspirational educators can't over come a system designed to pass every student regardless of performance. I enjoyed teaching Grade 2 students (7-8 year olds) because they hadn't figured out yet that they didn't have to do anything if they weren't in the mood. I had a Grade 6 boy (12 years old) who just sat in the class with his feet up on the desk, ignoring every teacher (foreign and Thai) because he knew he could never be failed, and that attitude catches like wildfire. No, this failure isn't squarely on the teachers' shoulders.

[AustinRacing]

Another issue is assessment. Kids don’t fail here. It’s bad for teacher or school to fail students so the kids go through the system regardless of their competency. 

[TruthinThailand]

Yet again a damming report on Thai education and standards. They know the answers but they don’t want to hear the answers or look at the proof. In my school one stream taught by natives has 97% proficiency in English whilst the other stream taught by non natives has a 32% ability. What do they do? Stop teaching, introduce activities which have no academic benefit, or educational achievement to bring the stronger team down. Instead of a project on say the Aboriginal art and its meanings my P5 today will be folding 3 pieces of A4 paper to make a Chefs hat!

 

let’s look at the other benefits of native speakers, assuming a school really does want to educate its students. When a native teaches here they earn 25% of their salary in their home country. They spend their salary in Thailand, renting houses, buying cars and motorcycles which they tax and insure. Many meet partners and invest in land and homes benefitting Thai tradesmen and businesses. 
 

When an Asian native teaches here they earn 2 - 300% more than their home country. They live 3 or 4 to a room and send most of their money home. They are not motivated by a sense of achievement but purely by money. 
 

Standards are down? For sure.  Ask yourself, if you lived in London and wanted to learn Thai would you ask a Thai person or a Laos person? Answer that correctly and you have your solution. It’s not too late but it soon will be!

[soalbundy]

I was reading recently that the scores in the UK weren't brilliant either, Germany also had less than stellar scores.

[Nicholas Paul KNIGHT]

Never change no THAI GOVERNMENT Wants an educated public. 

[cracker1]

14 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

totally agree... but must not forget the parents who don't get involved in their kids education (checking on homework, explaining concepts kids don't understand) and who are quick to protest if their kids get in trouble or get poor scores. education belongs to society and all must work together to make it work

I don't believe the parents can get involved with their children's education because they suffered the same poor schooling and are left ill equipped to teach.