Asian countries top global education league table

[attrayant]

I wasn't sure if this should go in news or education. It's education related, though not specifically about Thailand (although we do get a dishonorable mention).

Asian countries top global education league table

South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong have the best education systems in the world, according to a new global league table. The latest international comparison puts the four Asian countries at the top of the ranking ahead of traditional education heavy hitters such as Finland, Germany and the UK.

[snip]

The success of these countries highlights the importance of having clear goalposts for the educational system and a strong culture of accountability among all stakeholders, the Pearson report states.

It's nice to see kids striving to be cutting-edge smart in countries where there's a tremendous team spirit involved in education. Hopefully some great new biotech and other breakthroughs will come out of this in the next few decades.

Meanwhile in Thailand:

The next highest Asian country to make the ranking was Thailand at 35th. Indonesia took the last place in the list of 40. The absence of any other Asian country on the list reflects poorly on the overall state of education in the region.

I'm not sure what we can do aside from shake our heads sadly. Most of us are local and see, firsthand, the problems that gum-up the system. Some of the most cynical say that our leaders want the population to remain, uh... minimally educated because it's the only way they'll stay in power. I'm not sure I buy that. South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong all have leaders too, but somehow they saw the value in educating their constituents.

Oh, and if the expression on those kids' faces in the article doesn't make sunbeams and flowers shoot out from your heart, then you're dead inside.

Edited May 9, 2014 by attrayant

[lostinisaan]

I've just seen an incredible speech competition in London on you tube, where the best Asian contestants gave a speech. Sad for me was that no Thai citizen had made it to London.

Please watch the video and make up your mind, if the winner of the first place was really the best, I had and still have my doubts.

All I'm trying to say is that all of them have something in common, and that's watching English movies, cartoons, news, etc...

I've just met two Thais with an excellent and outstanding command in English. One is a doctor at the Sapphasit hospital, the other one became a lecturer at the local university.

I was certain that both had been to the States, as both spoke a real good American English. But it turned out that they were using the same methods and medias to be that good in English.

That finally leads me to the problems Thailand's facing regarding teaching/ learning English for such a long time now.

Would Thais be more encouraged and confident to watch movies in English, news, then reading articles of the Bangkok Post and other newspapers online, many things would change.

I remember a research many many moons ago, where countries like Burma had better English speakers, just because of the use of English medias.

An Ex- Thai colleague of mine was telling me that she would only use English when she's at school and would speak Thai at home, only.

Her English is more than questionable, even having a Master's degree in English and there're various and uncountable websites to "upgrade" their speaking, listening and reading skills in English.And free.

My point being is that if most Thai teachers can't speak a good English, then having many foreign teachers from an Asian country, where the first language isn't English as well,then you've got a situation, where native English speaking teachers can't do much to change the system, when "teaching" an hour per week.

Please watch the movie and make up your mind who the winner would be if you'd have been the judge(s).

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