Cram, jam and pass

Re: “Education sandbox: Reforming the way to reform”, (Opinion, April 25).

Reforming education in Thailand will require removing people who have their heads buried in the sand. In the name of reforms, there is a lot of talk but no “walk the walk”. Most Thai state-run schools, colleges and universities still proudly use the “big brown envelope” approach for face-to-face teaching. The instructors are given brown envelopes by the principal, directors and deans with the syllabus, teaching instructions, test and exams. The instructors open the envelopes and teach to the tests, that too, in a way that half the class goes to sleep. In a nutshell, Thai education is largely limited to “cram, jam and pass the exam”.

The educational reforms in Singapore are based on two major factors — the use of English language and embedding of STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) at all levels and using technology in the delivery of the curriculum or the teaching methods. In addition, extensive training of teachers as well the educational innovation and practices has led to creating a worldclass educational system.

The Singaporean model makes it clear that all teaching and learning should focus on excellence. Pride, identity, jobs, careers and success will follow. Hence, any educational reform in Thailand should focus on the three major components: the teachers, the curriculum and the mode of delivery for which competent visionary professionals are needed. Thailand needs more highly trained teachers in the areas of STEM and English. Thailand 4.0 will require policy makers and teachers with vision, not bureaucrats with their eyes or heads in the sand. KULDEEP NAGI