Thailand in need of a strong civics education programme, says educator

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Thailand in need of a strong civics education programme, says educator
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation


Murray Print, right

'Lessons in civics needed to help democracy work'

BANGKOK: -- Murray Print PhD is an adviser to Thai Civic Education. Back in Australia, he is a professor and chair of the Faculty of Education & Social Work at the highly ranked University of Sydney, with rock-solid experience in developing the Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum (CCC).

In Thailand, he has emphasised the need for a strong civics education programme, which he says is vital for the country's democratic future. In his view, developing a good CCC or a well-designed civics-education programme would be major investment in Thai democracy and future social stability.

Below is an interview he gave to The Nation:

How long did it take Australia to develop a civic-education master plan, Which organisations were involved?

This has been a three-year process for the Civics and Citizenship Curriculum [CCC] within the context of the recently developed Australian Curriculum [AC]. The AC is new as we're a Federation and the states have control over education. The lead in developing the Australian Curriculum has been ACARA [the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority] that was created for this task.

I led the CCC team and in developing the CCC we included people with expertise in the subject. During the three years many organisations were involved through submissions, trial and negotiation.

Did the master plan undergo research stages and public hearings before its implementation?

Yes, the CCC was built on a research base through the preparation of an initial discussion paper and then a major 'shape' paper. My team also provided research input. Several public hearings were conducted to gain reactions to the discussion and shape papers, as well as the final CCC document. Many hundreds of people and organisations have provided feedback over the past three years.

When was the master plan first launched? Was there an experimental phase? and What was the response?

As part of the AC the CCC was launched in 2011 with my appointment to lead the team to develop the CCC. My first task was to prepare an initial position paper about what the CCC might try to achieve based on research. During the development process there were many trials with teachers and students on the CCC. The response from teachers was extremely positive: the CCC is valuable, manageable, useful, and able to be learned by students across the school years from 3-10.

How many revisions took place after that? The initial discussion paper was reviewed and revised and reworked into a major 'shape' paper that went out for public discussion.

Based on the positive responses from the public [parents, teachers, academics, NGOs, etc] some minor revisions were made in late 2012 and the paper was accepted by all Australian governments. All of 2013 was spent writing the CCC document based on the accepted shape paper.

How is civic education integrated into curricula? Which courses have integrated civic education into their content?

The CCC is based upon an identifiable, separate subject to be taught in schools. It is part of the core, compulsory AC within the years 3-10 [about 8 to 16-year-old students]. It was decided not to introduce the CCC to very young children and the final two years of schooling [17-18] have not been decided yet for the CCC. I believe we will prepare some CCC subjects for students in years 11 and 12 in the near future.

What is at the heart of civic-education development? Is it public participation?

The preparation of active, informed democratic citizens. While we use the term 'Civics and Citizenship Curriculum' another we could use would be Education for Democratic Citizenship [EDC]. The goal is to prepare students to become active citizens in their many 'communities' [local, state, national and global] who are informed about democracy and the processes of government. This is EDC and is an international trend in the 21st century

Which organisation is in charge of assessing the civic education master plan?

The CCC is the responsibility of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority. They will conduct an initial assessment of the CCC in the future. The state governments, usually through their education departments and related agencies, would also be involved.

As an adviser for Thailand's civic education development, what is your view of the country's education system? What should be the highlights in civic education here? Could you please identify the strengths and weaknesses in Thailand when it comes to civic education?

Thailand has great need of its own form of civic education. It must have a Thai model of civic education, one owned by the Thai people.

It needs a form of CCC to help create informed, active, democratic Thai citizens of the future. As such, this is a major investment in Thailand's democracy, its stability and its ability to resolve differences. The current situation in Thailand indicates that a strong civic education programme is vital for the country's democratic future. A democracy is only as useful, resilient and sustainable as the participation of its citizens. But in that participation, citizens need to be informed and understand the processes of democracy and this is a major contribution of civic education. When taught in schools civic education would be non-partisan and so provide a balance to other sources of political information in the community.

Curriculum reform has been an agenda for Thai governments in recent years, but change has been slow. A new civic education curriculum needs to be adopted and implemented based on a Thai model of civic education. My sense is there is willingness among Thai educators for a new civic education curriculum. This will require a commitment and investment by national and local governments in Thailand, as well as the provisions of resources for teachers and schools to implement the curriculum effectively. Many Thai teachers will need professional development to assist them to teach the civic curriculum effectively.

All this requires a desire by the Thai people to have a strong democracy for the future. It requires a commitment by governments and associated organisations to facilitate a civics curriculum that will prepare Thai democratic citizens. With such a curriculum Thailand could become the strongest democracy in the region.

Democracy is far more than voting in elections. It is a way of life requiring knowledge, skills and values to be an active democratic citizen. A good civic education programme will enable people to acquire that knowledge, skills and values.


-- The Nation 2014-02-10

[Red Snake]

Thailand is also divided in the classroom as well. Teachers that are pro government will teach one way, while teachers who are anti government will teach another. Do you think a teacher that attends the rallies in Bangkok who supports Suthep will teach other than Suthep ideas. Teachers need to be neutral.

[chooka]

oh great another bunch of do gooders who want to brainwash groom future protestors. You have teachers now telling the kids that parents aren't their masters and you don't have to respect them or do as they say. Kids are individuals and not owned by parents. This just sounds like phase two to chip away and break down society.

[Thai at Heart]

Falang no undursatan

It starts with enabling everyone to understand that it should be the case that EVERYONE IS EQUAL in front of the law.

Good luck

Edited February 9, 2014 by Thai at Heart

[EricBerg]

The best possible civics education programm Thai people can get is what they are getting these weeks.

More and more voters are realising what has been going on under the shina reign. They actually understand how their corruption took things to a whole new level. And more and more the voters realise the shinamafia has to be taken out at all cost and at any price. Next elections will surely be devastating for that lot. Then they'll have to do explaining in the courts.

Ask the farmers about civics education.

[Thai at Heart]

The best possible civics education programm Thai people can get is what they are getting these weeks.

More and more voters are realising what has been going on under the shina reign. They actually understand how their corruption took things to a whole new level. And more and more the voters realise the shinamafia has to be taken out at all cost and at any price. Next elections will surely be devastating for that lot. Then they'll have to do explaining in the courts.

Ask the farmers about civics education.

What next elections? Huh?

When is Suthep planning to have those "next" elections? 2020 I predict.

[focus27]

Falang understands very well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_cultural_mandates

[sustento]

Has this man actually spent any time in Thailand? Does he realise that Thailand isn't Australia?

[focus27]

Falang no undursatan

It starts with enabling everyone to understand that it should be the case that EVERYONE IS EQUAL in front of the law.

Good luck

But some animals are more equal than others.

If have time, read Burmese Days by George Orwell and the characters will appear to make perfect sense after life in Thailand.

[taony]

Since when does the nation do an interview with questions instead of just copying down what they are told?

-*I typed this myself*-

[ShannonT]

Actually, this guy is absolutely right.

This generation of Thais is so messed up it's worthless teaching them about any kind of reforms.

The only hope is the next generation, today's kids. Teach them properly and then try with reforms again in 20-30 years.

[Jeremy50]

Falang no undursatan

It starts with enabling everyone to understand that it should be the case that EVERYONE IS EQUAL in front of the law.

Good luck

But some animals are more equal than others.

If have time, read Burmese Days by George Orwell and the characters will appear to make perfect sense after life in Thailand.

[Jeremy50]

Falang no undursatan

It starts with enabling everyone to understand that it should be the case that EVERYONE IS EQUAL in front of the law.

Good luck

But some animals are more equal than others.

If have time, read Burmese Days by George Orwell and the characters will appear to make perfect sense after life in Thailand.

Yes. The best 'expat' book ever written. Funny and tragic.

[kimamey]

Thailand is also divided in the classroom as well. Teachers that are pro government will teach one way, while teachers who are anti government will teach another. Do you think a teacher that attends the rallies in Bangkok who supports Suthep will teach other than Suthep ideas. Teachers need to be neutral.

Teachers all over the world have political opinions as they are citizens as well. This doesn't mean they can't teach without showing bias. Obviously in most subjects the political views of the teacher won't make a difference.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[kingalfred]

How can it work in a country where independent thought from a young age to university level is positively discouraged on anything to do with Thailand and it's structure and future,among many other issues.Civic Education wont change that.It needs a complete culture change and..........enough said.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited February 10, 2014 by kingalfred

[selftaopath]

Thailand is also divided in the classroom as well. Teachers that are pro government will teach one way, while teachers who are anti government will teach another. Do you think a teacher that attends the rallies in Bangkok who supports Suthep will teach other than Suthep ideas. Teachers need to be neutral.

Teachers all over the world have political opinions as they are citizens as well. This doesn't mean they can't teach without showing bias. Obviously in most subjects the political views of the teacher won't make a difference.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

In this area of Isaan schools show bias. They fly red flags, have children carry red flags while marching in various uniforms. Hell some even have the students wear red "uniforms." Ah teach the masses.... start young.

[schbang]

Murray Print talks <deleted>. Australian education is in a bloody mess and there are no civics programs or courseware. How can he offer an untried program?? The Uni of Sydney is broke, has been for 5 years, and this is just another desperate income-generator. Thailand has already a greater civics understanding through Buddhism.

[expat888]

Thailand is also divided in the classroom as well. Teachers that are pro government will teach one way, while teachers who are anti government will teach another. Do you think a teacher that attends the rallies in Bangkok who supports Suthep will teach other than Suthep ideas. Teachers need to be neutral.

I said that about the people in the medical field as well which received a rebuke from some posters here saying they have the right to express themselves.

I disagree. They need to be neutral.

[expat888]

Actually, this guy is absolutely right.

This generation of Thais is so messed up it's worthless teaching them about any kind of reforms.

The only hope is the next generation, today's kids. Teach them properly and then try with reforms again in 20-30 years.

In theory you are correct, but you are assuming that the future teachings will be a step forward. I doubt it.

[expat888]

So the present indoctrination isn't working, so let's change to another useless version of indoctrination.

[kingalfred]

So the present indoctrination isn't working, so let's change to another useless version of indoctrination.

no form of indoctrination is good ,but the problem with Thai education it is positively against any "new ideas & independent thinking" about anything "civic" ,if it strays into long established ways of "the way things are done" in the country. To use a phrase it " steps on too many toes" of those with power.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited February 10, 2014 by kingalfred

[focus27]

Actually, this guy is absolutely right.

This generation of Thais is so messed up it's worthless teaching them about any kind of reforms.

The only hope is the next generation, today's kids. Teach them properly and then try with reforms again in 20-30 years.

Yeah, but who teaches the teachers?

I've seen Thai teachers and educators in action. The mantra from top to bottom seems to be: I'm smart, you're not, do what I say, and don't think about it, and do it slowly or I lose face.

Replacing that with "it's smart to be smart" will, indeed, take some 20 to 30 years.

It has taken the UK that long to achieve a cohort of teachers with a certain homogeneous competence - Thais are half way there already.

[allan michaud]

oh great another bunch of do gooders who want to brainwash groom future protestors. You have teachers now telling the kids that parents aren't their masters and you don't have to respect them or do as they say. Kids are individuals and not owned by parents. This just sounds like phase two to chip away and break down society.

While I agree with most of what you say, in my opinion Thai society has already broken down, the country is a basket case.

Pointless article though because even if he had something useful to say, he's a Farang, so he is wasting his breath.

[klauskunkel]

Thailand needs this, Thailand needs that. Another "master plan" designed to fix a part of Thai society, piecemeal. It's gonna cost time and money, both of which Thailand doesn't have, and will achieve nothing in the end. it's just a way for some folks to look good and be "involved".

Tabula rasa, a clean slate, everything has to be fixed at the same time: Culture, Society, Politics, Legal System, Law enforcement, because all of this is interdependent and "fixing" a part of a part won't work on its own.

[bigbamboo]

Thailand is also divided in the classroom as well. Teachers that are pro government will teach one way, while teachers who are anti government will teach another. Do you think a teacher that attends the rallies in Bangkok who supports Suthep will teach other than Suthep ideas. Teachers need to be neutral.

Teachers all over the world have political opinions as they are citizens as well. This doesn't mean they can't teach without showing bias. Obviously in most subjects the political views of the teacher won't make a difference.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

We had teachers at school who had a certain bias, especially the History department naturally enough, but that encouraged the students to think for themselves, form their own opinions and argue their case.

History lessons were always the best fun but then it was an all boys school and we didn't have mixed PE classes.

[rubl]

"Democracy is far more than voting in elections. It is a way of life requiring knowledge, skills and values to be an active democratic citizen. A good civic education programme will enable people to acquire that knowledge, skills and values."

This will not go down well with some posters who keep on hammering on the 'Democracy is about winning elections"

[Briggsy]

What a crock.

Western societies are based on the rule of law stemming from an historic fundamental religious concept of sinning or bad moral behaviour will be punished severely.

Thai society is a patronage system and any punishment for moral trangressions will result in coming back as a lower life form.

You cannot impose Western concepts on a society with a totally different structure. The motivating factor for people in this population is not the will to be morally good or avoid punishment for bad behaviour but rather, and much more importantly, the order coming from higher up the patronage system so that they can remain 'protected' and hopefully prosper and ascend the network in time. Thus with cash, they can make merit and come back next time round in a better life.

[Emster23]

Is he saying the "Thai way" of teaching blind obedience to those said to be of higher status, crushing anyone who dare ask a question, is not working? How can that be? Lots of teachers in Thailand are neutral: they just read a book and tell students to read a book. No teaching going on would imply they are neutral, or neutered. Whatever....

[belg]

civics as in... corruption is ok/not ?

civics as in... dont lose your temper and go stab or shoot some random people ?

[RubbaJohnny]

No disrespect for this esteemed professor but democracy does not sadly always go hand in hand with social stability.Yugoslvia fell apart while communist Cuba is stable,Belarus and USA tteach a wierd civic where the current status quo is worshipped.Americans who slaughtered the natives now insisting on barring late comers and the hegemony of English.

There are vested interest who have led 18 coups and major players and centres of wealth and power that do not want a distribution of wealth and power notably from rich to poor but also urban to rural.Is he calling for revolution,if so inciting change may lead to a cakewalk arrested by a man in a lizard disguise.

It'd be hard enough to implement a civics agenda in a stable country with uncorrupted institutions,perhaps well meaning Australians might be better occupied looking at the racism and failures of NT Education,the need for the intervention,the petrol sniffing epidemic and of course the neglect of the asylum seekers children's education.

I don't thinkAustralia has anything to teach Thailand,having lived as a foregner in both I prefer here and everyday Thais less racist ,than average democratic aussie was to my "brown " wife.

Edited February 10, 2014 by RubbaJohnny