Educate students 'to fill in the gaps'

[Lite Beer]

Educate students 'to fill in the gaps'
Patcharee Luenguthai
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Kingdom's dual vocational education system needs to be redesigned in order to tackle the shortage in skilled labour.

Hence, Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang is calling on the vocational education commission office to enhance its existing system and help solve the shortage of skilled labour in major industries.

Speaking at a brainstorming session on vocational education reform yesterday, he said he wanted the commission to set up a new model for vocational education with the aim of implementing it in the next academic year. He explained that this shift should not result in becoming direct collaborations between vocational institutes and manufacturers, but should instead involve a paradigm change based on the different industry's demands.

He advised the commission to focus on clusters of industry such as travel and tourism, construction, logistics, petrochemical, moulds and auto parts, mechanics, food as well as electrical and electronics. The commission will decide on which institutes will be supplying what in terms of qualifications and quantity.

Each industry cluster and the commission will jointly design a study programme and vocational qualifications, while measures will be revised to attract students.

Meanwhile, the commission is also pushing to initiate the Thailand Professional Qualifications Framework by next year, as it will be relevant to the national education framework.

-- The Nation 2013-09-22

[NongKhaiKid]

" Brainstorming session " ? Another oxymoron and yet more nonsense on education.

Before any of these fanciful ideas are considered the very baisc education needs to be addressed and changed from the ground up but that doesn't sound so good in public as all these specalist ideas and doesn't get the speaker the attention they believe they deserve.

Changing the basic idea of education is in itself a massive task as there are so many anti forces at work including the " this is how it's always been done " which includes teaching staff who will not concede anything that, in their opinion, challenges their idea of an exalted position. Allowing students to think for themselves and ask questions is a preposterous idea.

[RickeyParkany]

...plenty of *gaps* in the educational system, WORLD-WIDE, and by importing the Testing Madness from The USofA (you can't get more meat from a cow by weighing it more often), it will only get worse... ;-} rap.

[bigbamboo]

They could add politics to the list. There is a real shortage of talented politicians in Thailand.

[MaxLee]

Get rid if that saving face culture, stop chasing and worshipping for those overrated degree and testing testing testing exam-only approach that trillion Kachillians of students forget anyway and wasted their time just for a piece of Masters and doctoral overrated paper, just in order to avoid jobs in which they have to soul their hands with dirt and instead working in influential offices where they sit on their lazy behinds all day long and waiting for their paychecks...

Focus on promoting engineering and machinery and environmental sciences which this country really needs,.... stop that university degree insanity now, because it reduces common senses and affect social behavior

[noitom]

Way to go Thailand. They nailed it! Fill in the gaps. So simple.

[assayer]

...plenty of *gaps* in the educational system, WORLD-WIDE, and by importing the Testing Madness from The USofA (you can't get more meat from a cow by weighing it more often), it will only get worse... ;-} rap.

4xForeheadPalmSlapCropped.jpg

That depends on how many times you feed the cow between weighings!!!!!

[Just1Voice]

If Education could be compared to dirt, they would need a fleet of very large bulldozers, working 24/7 for a year to "fill in the gaps".

[Bagwan]

...plenty of *gaps* in the educational system, WORLD-WIDE, and by importing the Testing Madness from The USofA (you can't get more meat from a cow by weighing it more often), it will only get worse... ;-} rap.

4xForeheadPalmSlapCropped.jpg

This was and is certainly the case in the UK. Thirty years ago I was tasked with recruiting graduates and the brighter former pupils of technical colleges, and turning out fully qualified and competent hardware and software engineers from that raw material. I refused to advertise or canvas universities since the UK unemployment level was at 4 million. I was more enamoured of those who got off their backsides and onto their bikes. My Director was persuaded that I was correct in my attitude when I stated that I was holding a pot of gold and the youngsters with drive and ambition should get hold of a divining stick or follow their noses and seek their futures out. If they had such a burning spirit I would make sure that they reached their, and the company's, goals. I lost count of the times I counselled youngsters to forget all their current attitudes and preconceived ideas as they were now entering the real world and that their learning curve has better be almost vertical or they would fall by the wayside.

I was appalled at the standard of the vast majority of applicants, many of them waving their useless bits of paper and telling me that they were the best thing since sliced bread. Many were illiterate and/or innumerate. Some turned up for screening interviews wearing jeans and trainers, one eating a hamburger, most unable to give cogent reasons for wanting to be employed by one of the World's largest computer mainframe manufacturers.

UK Industry has been telling the education authorities for ages that they are turning out unemployable youngsters but in my view the authorities are not totally to blame. Major elements of the problem are the 'nanny' state, the loss of parenting skills, the laissez faire attitude towards failure, and in some cases, artificial ceilings thwarting ambitious youngsters. All these elements can be seen in Thailand, and then in addition there is nepotism and corruption to counter. It is not only the education authorities that need to get their act together, it requires a total upheaval of Thai society and way of life. The phu yais know this which explains why they send their kids overseas. Abandoning feudal status quo in Thailand is very much a NO NO.

[drdoom6996]

2 headlines on the same subject on the same day. The government must be planning on doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!

Edited September 22, 2013 by drdoom6996

[bangon04]

Chaturon should be careful - he cannot risk saying any more on this because he is in danger of damaging the reputation of Thailand.

Still - as many of the privileged educate their kids overseas, or in international schools (so called) then there is really no urgency to improve the Thai system is there?

[boomerangutang]

Way to go Thailand. They nailed it! Fill in the gaps. So simple.

....fill in the gaps between the hubs.

seriously though, I could come up with a slew of innovative ideas and projects, but they don't want input from a 'falang ba' like me. My suggestions would involve some, but not exclusively, of the following disciplines:

>>> alternative energy (river, passive solar, biomass, methane etc.)

>>> urban planning (more parks, less gridlock, etc.)

>>> useful products which are not available in Thailand. (2 examples: redi-mix concete, and standard sized cinder blocks)

>>> surveys to assess fixable problems. (traffic flow, tourist needs, etc.)

I'm the polar opposite of what Thailand turns out of its University mills.

[Phuket electrician]

'Some' well written stuff. Where is the positive response? Gob <deleted> know-it-alls condemn the Thai education system at every saliva supping opportunity.

Now the minister has acknowledge the skills gap 'expert-farangs' have been calling for and proposes a solution. Incremental improvement is a step in the right direction isn't it? Is he saying Thailand needs specialised 'vocational training?'

The UK has a similar tradition of specialised training and excels at engineering, science and finance. Also has global influence in economic powerhouses, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York. And the financial centre of the world is __________? Gap fill anyone?

[SouthernMan3]

Wanna push something Thailand ?

How about English and rubbish control.

No English equals "left in the dust re : ASEAN.

And no rubbish control equals no food and no land values in the future.

Now, that's what I call solving some problems around here.

P.S. I am assuming that someone in the Gov't reads this and takes note.

[Thai at Heart]

Wanna push something Thailand ?

How about English and rubbish control.

No English equals "left in the dust re : ASEAN.

And no rubbish control equals no food and no land values in the future.

Now, that's what I call solving some problems around here.

P.S. I am assuming that someone in the Gov't reads this and takes note.

Don't hold your breath, they are still trying to push water..,

[SouthernMan3]

Wanna push something Thailand ?

How about English and rubbish control.

No English equals "left in the dust re : ASEAN.

And no rubbish control equals no food and no land values in the future.

Now, that's what I call solving some problems around here.

P.S. I am assuming that someone in the Gov't reads this and takes note.

Don't hold your breath, they are still trying to push water..,

Funny, but I'm serious.

I've lived here for 30 years and watched.

And I have a family and children here.

So you might say I have a stake in what's being talked about in "those" circles.

[Thai at Heart]

Wanna push something Thailand ?

How about English and rubbish control.

No English equals "left in the dust re : ASEAN.

And no rubbish control equals no food and no land values in the future.

Now, that's what I call solving some problems around here.

P.S. I am assuming that someone in the Gov't reads this and takes note.

Don't hold your breath, they are still trying to push water..,

Funny, but I'm serious.

I've lived here for 30 years and watched.

And I have a family and children here.

So you might say I have a stake in what's being talked about in "those" circles.

Well I was 18 until I finally admitted defeat and brought my kids home to get an education.

I got sick of dealing with the idiocy and basic stupidity of so many people there. Then bear in mind that the senior teachers and professors, pooyais and administrators today, went through the Thai education system 30 years ago.

That makes them about a grade f in terms of academic talent.

[SOTIRIOS]

................yes..........overnight...........

......those in power or positions of authority can never lose face..........and can never have a bad idea.......so how can things ever improve....

...disburse the funds.....do the studies......make the proposals......implement them........for 20-40 years of 'same old, same old' ............

....most schools have key positions filled by close connections or those that know whom to pay kickbacks to.......

[SouthernMan3]

Wanna push something Thailand ?

How about English and rubbish control.

No English equals "left in the dust re : ASEAN.

And no rubbish control equals no food and no land values in the future.

Now, that's what I call solving some problems around here.

P.S. I am assuming that someone in the Gov't reads this and takes note.

Don't hold your breath, they are still trying to push water..,

Funny, but I'm serious.

I've lived here for 30 years and watched.

And I have a family and children here.

So you might say I have a stake in what's being talked about in "those" circles.

Well I was 18 until I finally admitted defeat and brought my kids home to get an education.

I got sick of dealing with the idiocy and basic stupidity of so many people there. Then bear in mind that the senior teachers and professors, pooyais and administrators today, went through the Thai education system 30 years ago.

That makes them about a grade f in terms of academic talent.

That's why Papa teaches them

[Phuket electrician]

A lot of Thai bashing going on if TV members read the article the minister says the vocational commission should work with industry to design vocational courses and qualification to meet their needs. So at present he says exactly what you are all saying. Thai school leavers don't have the required skills. Common sense isn't it?

Perhaps some of you lot should sign up and learn how to read.

Edited September 22, 2013 by Phuket electrician

[kimamey]

'Some' well written stuff. Where is the positive response? Gob <deleted> know-it-alls condemn the Thai education system at every saliva supping opportunity.

Now the minister has acknowledge the skills gap 'expert-farangs' have been calling for and proposes a solution. Incremental improvement is a step in the right direction isn't it? Is he saying Thailand needs specialised 'vocational training?'

The UK has a similar tradition of specialised training and excels at engineering, science and finance. Also has global influence in economic powerhouses, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York. And the financial centre of the world is __________? Gap fill anyone?

At first sight it does seem to be a good idea but what will happen now? I can't remember how long the current education minister has been in office but if past experience is anything to go by he's not got long to go and then this will all be forgotten his successor.Judging by the governments practice of giving as many people as possible a chance to have a few months playing at being education minister any ideas however good they may be just won't get the support that they may well deserve.

I wish him luck but I don't think it will come to much.

Just one thing. What is a 'dual vocational education system' ?

[Phuket electrician]

The ipad idea nailed the coffin shut on the last buffon. Let's hope this new guy makes a difference.

[bigbamboo]

'Some' well written stuff. Where is the positive response? Gob <deleted> know-it-alls condemn the Thai education system at every saliva supping opportunity.

Now the minister has acknowledge the skills gap 'expert-farangs' have been calling for and proposes a solution. Incremental improvement is a step in the right direction isn't it? Is he saying Thailand needs specialised 'vocational training?'

The UK has a similar tradition of specialised training and excels at engineering, science and finance. Also has global influence in economic powerhouses, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York. And the financial centre of the world is __________? Gap fill anyone?

It's Bangkok, isn't it?

[shaurene]

" Brainstorming session " ? Another oxymoron and yet more nonsense on education.

Before any of these fanciful ideas are considered the very baisc education needs to be addressed and changed from the ground up but that doesn't sound so good in public as all these specalist ideas and doesn't get the speaker the attention they believe they deserve.

Changing the basic idea of education is in itself a massive task as there are so many anti forces at work including the " this is how it's always been done " which includes teaching staff who will not concede anything that, in their opinion, challenges their idea of an exalted position. Allowing students to think for themselves and ask questions is a preposterous idea.

The Thai system is needs to change their ways, they believe they should keep the lower class dumb and not give them education. The Thai system will never get good mind thinking ordinary people to be able to have some clout, like the old English times, keep the poor more poor and those with money in control. There are some quite smart thinking young people, put some of that money into their educations not stupid idea like trying to set prices for a world market product like rice, you have to go with the world price market.

But this will never happen, like people with money will get into government top jobs. End of story.

[55Jay]

Good idea but yes, we'll see about support from the purse strings, implementation, and follow through.

In my school days, I participated in a California program called "ROP", which was hands on skill training but counted as an elective course for the transcript. Ultimately didn't go to work in any of the 3 occupational fields I participated in (construction, photography, printing) but it was good experience and helped some figure out what they wanted to do, or not do, in life.

[Thai at Heart]

" Brainstorming session " ? Another oxymoron and yet more nonsense on education.

Before any of these fanciful ideas are considered the very baisc education needs to be addressed and changed from the ground up but that doesn't sound so good in public as all these specalist ideas and doesn't get the speaker the attention they believe they deserve.

Changing the basic idea of education is in itself a massive task as there are so many anti forces at work including the " this is how it's always been done " which includes teaching staff who will not concede anything that, in their opinion, challenges their idea of an exalted position. Allowing students to think for themselves and ask questions is a preposterous idea.

The Thai system is needs to change their ways, they believe they should keep the lower class dumb and not give them education. The Thai system will never get good mind thinking ordinary people to be able to have some clout, like the old English times, keep the poor more poor and those with money in control. There are some quite smart thinking young people, put some of that money into their educations not stupid idea like trying to set prices for a world market product like rice, you have to go with the world price market.

But this will never happen, like people with money will get into government top jobs. End of story.

Serfdom was abolished in the UK before many other European countries. Since when was it officially a policy in the UK to keep anyone uneducated.

Oxford was incorporated in 1167. How much further back would you like to go to find a country with formal education?

[northernjohn]

Well on the surface it does indeed look like a good idea.

The mechanics of bringing it into being will need designing before they can start.

There is how ever one question I would like answered.

With 1% unemployed where are they going to get the people to train.

Do people expect a massive influx of workers into Thailand when AESN comes in to being. Many will come and realize they are no better off with the cost of living being what it is and no controls in place or on the drawing boards to stop it.

[Thai at Heart]

Well on the surface it does indeed look like a good idea.

The mechanics of bringing it into being will need designing before they can start.

There is how ever one question I would like answered.

With 1% unemployed where are they going to get the people to train.

Do people expect a massive influx of workers into Thailand when AESN comes in to being. Many will come and realize they are no better off with the cost of living being what it is and no controls in place or on the drawing boards to stop it.

Do you really believe the 1% unemployed number?

[Phuket electrician]

Sorry but some posts are irreverent gibberish at best and others are saying black is black and white is white.

The minister has identified the need for synergy as a conduit for improvement. He hasn't said let's throw money at the problem in an effort to grease the wheels of office, which is a cultural revolution by Thai standards. And a step in the right direction, isn't it?

[northernjohn]

Well on the surface it does indeed look like a good idea.

The mechanics of bringing it into being will need designing before they can start.

There is how ever one question I would like answered.

With 1% unemployed where are they going to get the people to train.

Do people expect a massive influx of workers into Thailand when AESN comes in to being. Many will come and realize they are no better off with the cost of living being what it is and no controls in place or on the drawing boards to stop it.

Do you really believe the 1% unemployed number?

If you take out the ones who are unemployable and the ones who can't sober up or clean up long enough to hold a job yes I do also not include the ones who are living off of their spouces income and have no need to work.

This is a number that I have seen thrown about a lot and never challenged.

Do you have another number. I have no idea of what statistics or records they are using to arrive at that figure. I could throw in the I saw a help wanted sign so there fore my figures are right but that would be a misleading statement. So I will just go with the one they give out. That is after they throw out the ones I have mentioned.