'Politics Is The Ruin Of Our School System': Thai Academic

[webfact]

'Politics is the ruin of our school system'

Chularat Saengpassa

Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Academic cites lack of both good ministers and officials

BANGKOK: -- A prominent educator has accused the government of not being interested in educational reform and says no efforts can be seen in moves toward a better system. He insists such reform is necessary, including an improvement in classrooms, if the country's education quality is to be upgraded.

Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education Dean, Prof Sirichai Kanjanawasee, urged that politics be involved with education as little as possible.

Sirichai voiced his concerns over the misguided education policies of many governments and the resulting problems in the education system in an exclusive interview with The Nation. He also offered his ideas on what should be done towards educational improvement.

Sirichai's faculty is known for its prominent role in teacher development and training. It has been among the most popular faculties for applicants to the university's central admissions for the past few years.

"We lack good education ministers and good top educational officials," Sirichai said.

"Ministers work superficially and do things nonsensically. They just want to be in the media spotlight and make the headlines," he said.

"We have had four education ministers over the past three years. Each had different policies they committed to when they canvassed for votes. They came to the Education Ministry without understanding and their policies were not in line with what was needed in education development and their decisions were not based on research but their thoughts and opinions. Directing without understanding has caused the education system's ruin," he said.

Sirichai said succeeding ministers did not follow the policies initiated by their predecessors, which had become a deeprooted culture halting educational development.

"Also, top government officials in the Ministry lack courage to do good things. We don't have the officials with assertive behaviour in which they will strive for educational improvement. Instead, they are scared of the politicians' influence. They follow what the politicians want them to do and they propose projects or plans that accord with the politicians' desires."

"We've got notsosmart top officials due to political patronage, which has been part of the administration for a long time. This is a problem. If education ministers had been more passive, Thailand's education would have been better than it is now," said Sirichai.

He said a quick reshuffle of education ministers also caused many changes and problems to the new breed of teacher project. "They came (to the position) quickly and left (the position) quicklyleaving our students affected badly."

He said a former deputy minister tried to change the teacher production curriculum to six years of study instead of the current fiveyear curriculum, saying it would be better, but did not have any research to prove that his idea would work.

"Also, we are not sure if the recently launched professional teacher project that replaced the new breed of teacher project will work. Of course, the new project will help the ministry discover academically excellent graduates - but it cannot ensure that they really love teaching, unlike the new breed teacher project that can select secondary students who really prefer studying in this field and work as a teacher should."

Meanwhile, the Office of the Education Council (OEC) that is targeted as a pillar of the nation in creating educational strategies and guiding proper policies for policy makers has not done its duty as expected, according to Sirichai.

"The OEC should point out educational problems and set up plans to address these problems and upgrade education - guiding the ministry on how to improve the curriculum and introduce teacher reform. In the tablet distribution case(or example), it should be able to advise the ministry which educational levels are suitable for students to use the tablets."

"With political intervention, the OEC's role has been decreased. In the past, this agency worked under the Prime Minister's Office but lately it has been moved to work under the Education ministry and ministers have power to appoint members of the council. So many policies proposed by OEC tend to follow the ministers," Sirichai added.

The education reform had been planned in the right direction but the ideas have not yet been implemented seriously with classrooms.

Teachers and school administrators are the key to success. Although the curricula are not that good, it is not a big problem if teachers are able to provide activities that pupils enjoy while learning - and if the administrators focus on academic administration rather than focusing on budget and resources they will help improve their teachers' standards.

"Our project in Ubon Ratchathani has empowered school directors. Through their efforts, students at a small school called Ban Nonghee Nongkhaen performed well in the Ordinary National Educational Test (ONet), which exceeded the country's average scores; while Donmoddang School succeeded in having its students take courses with a nearby vocational college which gave them credit transfers to equip them with occupational skills."

An inadequate number of teachers for each class in small schools are a big problem that needs to be solved urgently. More than 10,000 schools have been faced with this unwanted situation.

"How can the country develop when people in the poorest financial status of the country receive the poorest quality of education?"

Research by the Office of the Basic Education Commission has found many examples of small schools that have succeeded in changing their management, or merging with each other, with assistance from local administrative ogranisations. This has brought about a better quality of students and should be done with other small schools across the country. "It depends on relevant people if they will dare to (take action like this.)"

"All governments should make decisions based on their research and not just their thoughts and opinions," Sirichai urged.

-- The Nation 2012-06-11

[somtumlion]

Agree completely.

[jonclark]

" We've got notsosmart top officials"

And the truth shall set you free - Bravo this man!!!

[Yunla]

I think the PTP should distribute the home addresses and telephone numbers of these academic dissenters to a baying mob immediately.

How dare they be so ungrateful after Yingluck handed out those 105 junklets last week.

Edited June 11, 2012 by Yunla

[ricardofel]

Words of wisdom, unfortunately falling on deaf ears. Incompetent education ministers, incompetent teachers, many who buy their degrees. It is disgraceful and yet no politicians, government officials effect change.

[TomAikins]

It's not in the ruling class's interest to educate the masses of this country and until that changes Khun Sirichai and anyone else that makes noise is going to be doing so in vain.

[GentlemanJim]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

[harwelld]

The problems are all pointed out correctly and we all know them. However, "throw the bums out" is not a realistic solution. A do-able--though highly unlikely--solution is for us farangs and for the Thai government to forget our pride and admit that the solution is on the ASEAN doorstep: Hire qualified, certified, well-trained Filipinos, who have all studied and used English in their educational system (and beyond, and please keep the bar girl cracks out of this) since they were in kindergarten. BUT: You must be willing to pay them the same as the "native speakers" get, a general starting salary of 30,000 Bhat per month. Right now they are hired on a 2nd tier-2nd class citizen system that just simply isn't enough for them to support their families and live here simultaneously. The Filipinos certainly know more than the majority of the native Thai "English" teachers who monitor the classrooms. I have lived and worked in both the Philippines and Thailand for many years, and though the Filipinos don't have the "queen's English," as so many farang administrators want, the only solution is to get rid of the backpacker crowd, whose only qualifications are their nationality, and bring in the professionals for the same money. You know what this requires? Nothing more than the cessation of pride and vanity on the part of both the entrenched farangs and the Thais.

I have also taught in the Middle East for many years, where professional Filipino teachers, of both genders, are subject to constant sexual and professional harassment. They do their jobs well, they work hard, and they don't complain about the treatment. Why? Because they are given airfare and the equivalent of about 30,000 Bhat per month to work there. And let me tell you from much personal experience--they would much, much rather be in Southeast Asia than in the Middle East.

So: Flame away. But if you do, leave the vanity of your skin color behind.

Edited June 11, 2012 by harwelld

[jshorts]

Agree completely.

Thanks for sharing.

[kerryk]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

I thought they went to school at Oxford.

[bangkokbruce]

The education system has been a failure for quite some time when they started accepting money to admit rich parents students vs those who earned admission into the best schools and universities. Now look what they do with they're time...go to the mall after school and stand around the cell phone stores, read comics, watch cartoons on tv, and update their facebook pages all day. Great job Minister of Education! The administers of these schools that accept bribe money to accept "certain" students should be hung by the balls. Pathetic

[kagan]

I don't know why people wait around for the government. Clearly they aren't going to do anything positive in regards to education. But we as a society can. Just do it. Change the system. Stop whining about it.

[jaltsc]

Do you think any ruling class wants an educated and enlightened electorate?

[GentlemanJim]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

I thought they went to school at Oxford.

If you are referring to Abhisit he went to school at Eton and went to University in Oxford. Nothing wrong with his education.

[HOOD Robin]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

Nothing else than the truth !!!

[OzMick]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

I thought they went to school at Oxford.

If you are referring to Abhisit he went to school at Eton and went to University in Oxford. Nothing wrong with his education.

Some people think a doctorate from "Kut and Stick" University is better.

[HOOD Robin]

The education system has been a failure for quite some time when they started accepting money to admit rich parents students vs those who earned admission into the best schools and universities. Now look what they do with they're time...go to the mall after school and stand around the cell phone stores, read comics, watch cartoons on tv, and update their facebook pages all day. Great job Minister of Education! The administers of these schools that accept bribe money to accept "certain" students should be hung by the balls. Pathetic

i wish i could help them by that "ball job" ! And not only those administrs, but also all that other scum bag that lives from.... bribe money! So that means 90% of those so called "officials", police etc....

[HOOD Robin]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

I thought they went to school at Oxford.

If you are referring to Abhisit he went to school at Eton and went to University in Oxford. Nothing wrong with his education.

Some people think a doctorate from "Kut and Stick" University is better.

Yingluck, where did she studied... in Fantasy Island Highschool perhaps ?? She doesn't even reach the knees of Abhisit ! i don't say he's a good politician (there are none in Thailand), but he's ooh so much wiser than that puppet on a string ! She belongs in a soap serie... (and not only she...).

[kimamey]

The Irony is that the incompetent officials he talks about are all products of the Education system.

I thought they went to school at Oxford.

If you are referring to Abhisit he went to school at Eton and went to University in Oxford. Nothing wrong with his education.

And he's a Geordie as he was born in Newcastle upon Tyne. You can't get more well rounded than that.

[MaxLee]

The main problems are social discipline and overfilled classrooms. If you are only ONE teacher with 70 students who can't speak Thai,... Bye Bye!!!! How can you watch over an overcrowded classroom. Technically you'd be too busy in disciplining instead of what you actually planned to do.

The Thai education ministries still take it for granted that if you put in a Farang or anyone who can speak good English, that it works like a Magic Pill Wonders. We all know that's not how it actually works, but there's more to it than teaching academic stuff, and those things are encouraging social behavior and respect from one another... and an opportunity for people to communicate instead of giving orders to them.

Homework is also an outdated system, which takes away too much time and makes us physically weak, by sitting on our lazy a%%%%es all day and learning stuff that actually just serves one purpose:

"To pass a test!!!"

[kimamey]

The problems are all pointed out correctly and we all know them. However, "throw the bums out" is not a realistic solution. A do-able--though highly unlikely--solution is for us farangs and for the Thai government to forget our pride and admit that the solution is on the ASEAN doorstep: Hire qualified, certified, well-trained Filipinos, who have all studied and used English in their educational system (and beyond, and please keep the bar girl cracks out of this) since they were in kindergarten. BUT: You must be willing to pay them the same as the "native speakers" get, a general starting salary of 30,000 Bhat per month. Right now they are hired on a 2nd tier-2nd class citizen system that just simply isn't enough for them to support their families and live here simultaneously. The Filipinos certainly know more than the majority of the native Thai "English" teachers who monitor the classrooms. I have lived and worked in both the Philippines and Thailand for many years, and though the Filipinos don't have the "queen's English," as so many farang administrators want, the only solution is to get rid of the backpacker crowd, whose only qualifications are their nationality, and bring in the professionals for the same money. You know what this requires? Nothing more than the cessation of pride and vanity on the part of both the entrenched farangs and the Thais.

I have also taught in the Middle East for many years, where professional Filipino teachers, of both genders, are subject to constant sexual and professional harassment. They do their jobs well, they work hard, and they don't complain about the treatment. Why? Because they are given airfare and the equivalent of about 30,000 Bhat per month to work there. And let me tell you from much personal experience--they would much, much rather be in Southeast Asia than in the Middle East.

So: Flame away. But if you do, leave the vanity of your skin color behind.

I have no real knowledge of education in Thailand but the OP's mention of rapidly changing ministers sounds like a recipe for failure and I've no doubt most of his opinions are valid. I think the polls that show how many Thais think corruption is OK also show something is wrong in the upbringing of young Thais. Of course this is a responsibility of parents and teachers.

As for your own views I don't have enough knowledge to know if you're correct but just from the manner in which it's written I'm guessing it has some substance.

You mention about "bar girl cracks" (not sure if that was an intentional pun). I have heard it mentioned before that often bar girls have quite good English skills and maybe other languages as well as they have to develop these skills in order to engage in conversation to get business. their livelihoods depend on it. Quite often people aren't taught English as it's spoken and unless it is perfected by being in conversation with native English speakers it can sound not quite right.

As one small example last night I helped my Thai gf to write out English words in phonetic Thai so her 17 year old daughter could pronounce them. She's ghood at maths but struggles with language in general. My gf speaks reasonable Thai by the way. One of the words was "adjure". I had to look it up as I can't remember ever hearing it before. If she's being taught by someone who thinks adjure is a word she will need in everyday conversation then it's no wonder she has trouble.

Anyway a good first post.

[anon467367354]

it's not really an education system at all, but more a knowledge system. The goal of the "school" system is to get students to pass a test.

There is really nothing in it that relates to education, which means actually using the knowledge gained.

If there is an interest in something, then that person will do what it takes to learn about that subject, for example why bar girls speak English better than most Thai teachers.

The kids today have a full time job, called school, it doesn't pay anything, all they hear is they are not doing well enough, and when it's all said and done, some rich kid takes their spot at the university because their parents paid for it. Not a lot of incentive, which should be the motivating factor.

[geriatrickid]

Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education Dean, Prof Sirichai Kanjanawasee should set an example and lead the way. He has absolute control over the teaching methods, admission and academic standards of his faculty. Perhaps he should focus on improving the aforementioned items so that the quality and competency of his university's graduates improves.

It is rather arrogant of this chap to demand that there be no involvement from the government. What part of the concept of oversight did he not understand? The education ministry officials have all sorts of diplomas including doctorates awarded by Thai universities. If he believes that the abilities of said officials is poor, then maybe he should have a word with the universities, including his own, that educated and trained them. There are some excellent programs at other asian universities that train people in educational administration. I suggest that the dean consider undertaking some continuing education.

[Notstupid30]

I had a few friends who worked in the system they give the job up after a week due to so outdated books in the system so nothing surprises me here in LOS anymore ..

[gamini]

The problems are all pointed out correctly and we all know them. However, "throw the bums out" is not a realistic solution. A do-able--though highly unlikely--solution is for us farangs and for the Thai government to forget our pride and admit that the solution is on the ASEAN doorstep: Hire qualified, certified, well-trained Filipinos, who have all studied and used English in their educational system (and beyond, and please keep the bar girl cracks out of this) since they were in kindergarten. BUT: You must be willing to pay them the same as the "native speakers" get, a general starting salary of 30,000 Bhat per month. Right now they are hired on a 2nd tier-2nd class citizen system that just simply isn't enough for them to support their families and live here simultaneously. The Filipinos certainly know more than the majority of the native Thai "English" teachers who monitor the classrooms. I have lived and worked in both the Philippines and Thailand for many years, and though the Filipinos don't have the "queen's English," as so many farang administrators want, the only solution is to get rid of the backpacker crowd, whose only qualifications are their nationality, and bring in the professionals for the same money. You know what this requires? Nothing more than the cessation of pride and vanity on the part of both the entrenched farangs and the Thais.

I have also taught in the Middle East for many years, where professional Filipino teachers, of both genders, are subject to constant sexual and professional harassment. They do their jobs well, they work hard, and they don't complain about the treatment. Why? Because they are given airfare and the equivalent of about 30,000 Bhat per month to work there. And let me tell you from much personal experience--they would much, much rather be in Southeast Asia than in the Middle East.

So: Flame away. But if you do, leave the vanity of your skin color behind.

You are very right. But you should include Indian, Malaysian and Sri Lankans who use English as thier own language. Most of them speak far better English than many of the English and Australian teachers here whose provincial accents are hard for Thais to understand.

[Nickymaster]

Most politicians in Thailand are NOT poor. Their kids most probably go to private schools. So why should they care? Also, educated voters don't really help the ruling PT party. I think these old generation (read most) politicians just like to hang on to power as long as possible at any cost. Yingluck's son, I am sure, has good education.

There are so many things PT could do for this country. There are so many systems not functioning properly that need urgent attention. But the thing PT spends far most of their time on are: whitewashing their crimes and filling their pockets. It's as simple as that.

[sirchai]

'Politics is the ruin of our school system'

A World Class Standard Message.......

Edited June 12, 2012 by metisdead
: Bold font removed.

[Nickymaster]

Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education Dean, Prof Sirichai Kanjanawasee should set an example and lead the way. He has absolute control over the teaching methods, admission and academic standards of his faculty. Perhaps he should focus on improving the aforementioned items so that the quality and competency of his university's graduates improves.

It is rather arrogant of this chap to demand that there be no involvement from the government. What part of the concept of oversight did he not understand? The education ministry officials have all sorts of diplomas including doctorates awarded by Thai universities. If he believes that the abilities of said officials is poor, then maybe he should have a word with the universities, including his own, that educated and trained them. There are some excellent programs at other asian universities that train people in educational administration. I suggest that the dean consider undertaking some continuing education.

Pfff what a useless reply. This article mainly focuses on the problems concerning basic education. You, instead, take the opportunity to lash out at a university dean.

It's seems difficult for you to accept that some people do have something useful to say.

It's rather arrogant of you to say that Prof Sirichai Kanjanawasee needs more education. He makes a valid point concerning the problems the current system has. Things need to change (and he cannot do it alone).

Edited June 11, 2012 by Nickymaster

[Baerboxer]

The problems are all pointed out correctly and we all know them. However, "throw the bums out" is not a realistic solution. A do-able--though highly unlikely--solution is for us farangs and for the Thai government to forget our pride and admit that the solution is on the ASEAN doorstep: Hire qualified, certified, well-trained Filipinos, who have all studied and used English in their educational system (and beyond, and please keep the bar girl cracks out of this) since they were in kindergarten. BUT: You must be willing to pay them the same as the "native speakers" get, a general starting salary of 30,000 Bhat per month. Right now they are hired on a 2nd tier-2nd class citizen system that just simply isn't enough for them to support their families and live here simultaneously. The Filipinos certainly know more than the majority of the native Thai "English" teachers who monitor the classrooms. I have lived and worked in both the Philippines and Thailand for many years, and though the Filipinos don't have the "queen's English," as so many farang administrators want, the only solution is to get rid of the backpacker crowd, whose only qualifications are their nationality, and bring in the professionals for the same money. You know what this requires? Nothing more than the cessation of pride and vanity on the part of both the entrenched farangs and the Thais.

I have also taught in the Middle East for many years, where professional Filipino teachers, of both genders, are subject to constant sexual and professional harassment. They do their jobs well, they work hard, and they don't complain about the treatment. Why? Because they are given airfare and the equivalent of about 30,000 Bhat per month to work there. And let me tell you from much personal experience--they would much, much rather be in Southeast Asia than in the Middle East.

So: Flame away. But if you do, leave the vanity of your skin color behind.

Surely the answer is in recruiting professional qualified capable teachers - regardless of their ethnic origins? Your post reads like an advert for Filipino teachers or a crusade to right all the injustices forced on them. (They chose to become OFWs).

I have lived and worked in the Middle East and Asia too. I have met many Filipino teachers and the quality is as variable as most other nationalities. I have met some who coudn't hold a basic converstion in English. Many spoke an highly accented version of American- English and did not understand the different idioms or construct senetences particularly well. I have not seen any research saying that the Philippines is a hot-spot for education or outstanding teacher training..

I agree totally about the "backpacker" brigade and the use of underqualified inexperienced inept expats who just want a visa and some pin money to stay in Thailand. But, to suggest mass recruitment of Filipinos to replace them is illogical. There are excellent Thai teachers - I know many dedicated professionals who work very hard yet are paid very poorly when compared to expat teachers. The whole system needs reviewing, but simply increasing the number of Filipino teachers and their remuneration is hardly likely to be a panacea for the current ills.

[123thaibourbon]

perhaps, a season of finger & foot pointing is now over. given this info age, no more excuses. slept 1,000+ nites under a mosq net in many parts of Thailand over 25 yrs. just thunk & dreemed about Sesame Street or Mr. Roger's Nh etc.. 24/7 FREE on govt tv/http whatever ~ vio*la