Mechai Urges Thais To Push For Good Education

[webfact]

Mechai urges Thais to push for good education

CHULEEPORN ARAMNET

THE NATION

BANGKOK: - Every Thai citizen should take part in improving the country's education system instead of just waiting for the government to do something about it, a key speaker at an education event said yesterday.

"If you want to help your country, improve its education," Dr Mechai Viravaidya said during the launch of a project organised to empower teachers. Mechai is the founder of the innovative Lamplaimat Pattana School in Buri Ram.

Set up by the EDP Foundation and the Office of Basic Education Commission, the project aims to provide fresh perspectives and ideas from specialists to teachers as well as school executives. Mechai reminded people that no government could own the country since it only lasted for four years.

"Governments come and go, so when problems persist, everybody in the country must tackle them," he said, adding that teaching is a very important occupation and the society should recognise the importance of the role teachers play. He also said that teachers and university lecturers should also be aware of how important their role is and strive to ensure that young people get a good education.

"Don't be indifferent to students' poor grades," he said, adding that it was high time Thailand adjusted its education concept.

"It should not just be simple maths and reading and writing. Students must be taught to think and analyse," he said.

Mechai added that new-generation teachers would be needed to implement the new concepts, emphasising that schools should position themselves as the centre of people's lives regardless of age and also play a role in economic development.

Moreover, he said, the rich should be encouraged to improve the education system.

"Education is vital to Thailand's future, and rich people should be aware that they cannot live in a failed state," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-06

[lujanit]

Thailand could do with a lot more 'Mechai' minded people, especially in parliament, and the public service.

[sirchai]

"Education is vital to Thailand's future, and rich people should be aware that they cannot live in a failed state," he said.

That's exactly the reason why so many became rich. Have you ever seen a gold shop owned by a Thai, or any other bigger business?

There's no more middle class, most people are struggling nowadays to pay for elementary items.

Those who promised tablets to kids in grade one, using tax payers money should be accountable for their wrongdoing.

Students should fail and repeat the grade, if not successful, instead of giving all of them good grades.

Critical thinking skills is a tough one for kids, while their teachers are always scared to lose face.

Didn't Thaksin and Co. get rich because they ruled a failed state?

Would be nice if there would be more guys like this gentleman from Buri Ram....... .

Edited June 6, 2012 by sirchai

[rkidlad]

This is very true. My students ask me the most bizarre questions sometimes. They wait 'til they see me to ask. I simply tell them that they have the internet as well. You can pretty much find out anything on the internet. Go to a library and get a book on the subject. A lot of my students have this thing where they need to ask someone as opposed to finding out for themselves.

"All men by nature desire knowledge"

[Unkomoncents]

This is the first time I've heard any Thai official emphasize the responsibility of the general public to improve its own lot in the context of education. Normally, The Nation broadcasts just the one-note theme of blame the government, the wealthy and foreign teachers for the condition of Thailand's education. The contrast between the general public attitudes towards education in Thailand and other East Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore couldn't be more pronounced. The grassroots culture in the Kingdom has to change. It can't come from the top or the middle. Thai people, as consumers of product intangibles such as education, need to learn to expect more from themselves. "The teacher can only open the door; the student must walk through". I believe the ridiculous amount of respect Thais show (Thai) teachers in part convinces them of the culpability of the teacher only when the students don't perform.

[otherstuff1957]

^ Ex-Senator Mechai has a long history of public service in Thailand. We could use more people like him.

http://www.ted.com/talks/mechai_viravaidya_how_mr_condom_made_thailand_a_better_place.html

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Go Mr Condom go!

[SunSeek01]

Yes, the Thais would do well to listen to him. I read something last week, I think from the Sovereign Man guy, who visited Vietnam and said it's the next big thing, due to work ethic, emphasis on education, organization and things like that. Of course they have kind of a handicap being commies but it has not seemed to hurt China too much.

[MrJohnson]

^ Ex-Senator Mechai has a long history of public service in Thailand. We could use more people like him.

http://www.ted.com/t...tter_place.html

Indeed. K. Meechai has done a lot of good things. I had a long chat with him a few years ago after listening to a very amusing speech he gave. In the speech he raosted just about everyone including the military, politicians, the rich and so on. He told me later that the reason he started the Cabbages and Condoms enterprises was to get away from the handout mentality of charities and generate his own income to implement his development strategies. I salute him.

[NoshowJones]

This is the first time I've heard any Thai official emphasize the responsibility of the general public to improve its own lot in the context of education. Normally, The Nation broadcasts just the one-note theme of blame the government, the wealthy and foreign teachers for the condition of Thailand's education. The contrast between the general public attitudes towards education in Thailand and other East Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore couldn't be more pronounced. The grassroots culture in the Kingdom has to change. It can't come from the top or the middle. Thai people, as consumers of product intangibles such as education, need to learn to expect more from themselves. "The teacher can only open the door; the student must walk through". I believe the ridiculous amount of respect Thais show (Thai) teachers in part convinces them of the culpability of the teacher only when the students don't perform.

I am an experienced qualified English teacher, I was interviewed, had my qualifications and references checked, was asked to report at 9am the following day to sign my contract. When I arrived at the school, I was then asked if I completed my high School education in the UK when I was a boy, I said yes, I was then asked for certificates for my high school education. My high school was demolished years ago. This was for a job in the Phichit province paying 15000 Baht per month. When you have people of that mentality in charge of schools, What chance do the children have?

[sirchai]

This is the first time I've heard any Thai official emphasize the responsibility of the general public to improve its own lot in the context of education. Normally, The Nation broadcasts just the one-note theme of blame the government, the wealthy and foreign teachers for the condition of Thailand's education. The contrast between the general public attitudes towards education in Thailand and other East Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore couldn't be more pronounced. The grassroots culture in the Kingdom has to change. It can't come from the top or the middle. Thai people, as consumers of product intangibles such as education, need to learn to expect more from themselves. "The teacher can only open the door; the student must walk through". I believe the ridiculous amount of respect Thais show (Thai) teachers in part convinces them of the culpability of the teacher only when the students don't perform.

I am an experienced qualified English teacher, I was interviewed, had my qualifications and references checked, was asked to report at 9am the following day to sign my contract. When I arrived at the school, I was then asked if I completed my high School education in the UK when I was a boy, I said yes, I was then asked for certificates for my high school education. My high school was demolished years ago. This was for a job in the Phichit province paying 15000 Baht per month. When you have people of that mentality in charge of schools, What chance do the children have?

Good chances, but only if they make it to a director of a school.....

[NoshowJones]

This is the first time I've heard any Thai official emphasize the responsibility of the general public to improve its own lot in the context of education. Normally, The Nation broadcasts just the one-note theme of blame the government, the wealthy and foreign teachers for the condition of Thailand's education. The contrast between the general public attitudes towards education in Thailand and other East Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore couldn't be more pronounced. The grassroots culture in the Kingdom has to change. It can't come from the top or the middle. Thai people, as consumers of product intangibles such as education, need to learn to expect more from themselves. "The teacher can only open the door; the student must walk through". I believe the ridiculous amount of respect Thais show (Thai) teachers in part convinces them of the culpability of the teacher only when the students don't perform.

I am an experienced qualified English teacher, I was interviewed, had my qualifications and references checked, was asked to report at 9am the following day to sign my contract. When I arrived at the school, I was then asked if I completed my high School education in the UK when I was a boy, I said yes, I was then asked for certificates for my high school education. My high school was demolished years ago. This was for a job in the Phichit province paying 15000 Baht per month. When you have people of that mentality in charge of schools, What chance do the children have?

Good chances, but only if they make it to a director of a school.....

Good answer Sirchai

[pakorn7]

But first, give us the free iPad.

[drdoom6996]

Thailand could do with a lot more 'Mechai' minded people, especially in parliament, and the public service.

Yes, all with a sense of consious would agree. But those getting paid off in all the corruption would not. Take all the corruption money paid. Put into education. And see what happens. Corrumption starts to go away. This is simply not likely here at the moment.

[drdoom6996]

But first, give us the free iPad.

Wow another Brainiac.

[drdoom6996]

This man and Mr. Anand are two of the most respected people. Why do you think his Majesty listens to them and the governmunt does not. It is pretty simple really. Their Majesties want better things for THAILAND. The government wants more for THEMSELVES. I hope both of you keep saying what you thinkl. You are very smart men with great ideas.

[bumpkin]

Yes, the Thais would do well to listen to him. I read something last week, I think from the Sovereign Man guy, who visited Vietnam and said it's the next big thing, due to work ethic, emphasis on education, organization and things like that. Of course they have kind of a handicap being commies but it has not seemed to hurt China too much.

Not so sure about that. China's education system is not good. They have reached a certain level of development, because they started from such a low point. Some educationists (inside China ) are questioning if the current Chinese education system is capable of taking the nation's development much further, and certainly not at the rate of development in the previous 10 years. Learning by rote usually has a low educational ceiling. That country needs to produce and accept creative thinkers for it's future prosperity.

[bumpkin]

But first, give us the free iPad.

We assume this is meant as a joke. Ipads are no substitute for good education. Maybe they can help pass the time between real Lessons?

[hhiser]

If Education is vital to Thailand's future take away the "No Fail" policy. Ensure that the Teachers are teaching while they are in school, instead of encouraging the students to go to their extra classes. And above all plan and prioritize what they want the children to learn, how they want them to learn it, and when they want them to learn each topic. Concentrate on a logical sequence of topics, IE the next topic should build upon the previous.