Vocational classes set to tempt students to stay in school longer

School students will soon be able to choose additional vocational studies which will help them find jobs, rather than focusing solely on obtaining grades for university entrance, under an Education Ministry plan.

Quality Learning Foundation (QLF) academic adviser Amornwit Nakonthap said the ministry is reviewing the education curriculum.

The additional vocational study will not only boost students’ knowledge, but could persuade them to stay at school longer, Mr Amornwit told a seminar to mark the launch of a cooperative that represents students in Chiang Mai province.

Citing the QLF’s study, Mr Amornwit said about 200,000 students dropped out before finishing Mathayom 3 (Grade 9) each year, and 300,000 more students left before Mathayom 6 (when they are usually awarded a higher secondary school certificate). About 200,000 students eligible to pursue university studies decide not to. The main reason is that they find no good reason to pursue their study, Mr Amornwit said.

Mr Amornwit said that up to 31% of Thai children aged under three make slow progress in learning.

He said the problem stems from young mothers who leave their children to be cared for by their grandparents.

This can hold back their development, he said.

The nine-year basic education provided by the state, meanwhile, is focused on helping students gain admission to universities.

He said students typically leave the education system because of poverty, family problems and an inability to adapt themselves to study requirements.

He said the government should work with the private sector and local communities to help design an education system to tackle the problems.

It should boost school retention rates and be responsive to student needs.

The new education arrangement will allow educational service area chiefs and school headmasters to work with the private sector and locals to devise a study plan. Pilot projects have been carried out in nine schools under the Chiang Mai Primary Educational Service Area Office 2. Vocational skills, such as making leather bags and massage services, have been included in the curriculum. Parts of the office’s premises also have been turned to a cooperative that exhibits students’ products.

Office chief Sin-art Lampoonpong said academic-orientated study failed to attract students’ interest because many are from hilltribe groups.

They are poor and less likely to pursue higher education.

After the pilot projects were introduced, Mr Sin-art said many students were found to have been content with studying and learning occupational skills.

Sunee Chermor, a Mathayom 3 student of Ban Muang Keed school in Chiang Mai, which has added vocational studies to its class, said she has learned traditional Thai massage at school since Mathayom 1.

Sunee said she applied for massage jobs during school breaks and earned 300-400 baht per day.

Jakkarin Wangwiwat, managingdirector of Raming Tea Co, which is based in Chiang Mai, said students at Ban Pang Huay Tad school in Mae Taeng district have been encouraged to produce tea-leaf dolls at the school’s occupational training centre for more than seven years.

They earn additional income during their spare time and holidays, he said.