Long read

By Les Huysmans

Where we are now

The education system in Thailand has faced persistent challenges that have been widely reported in the media. From poor performance in international assessments to outdated rules and regulations, inadequate resources, and a lack of effective communication, the issues affecting the system are complex and interwoven. Despite the efforts of well-intentioned administrators, the system remains in a state of stagnation, with schools, teachers, and students pointing fingers at each other and little progress being made. The current education standards are vague and difficult to implement, leading to confusion and frustration among educators and a lack of clarity for students.

The impact of these challenges is felt most acutely by children from less privileged backgrounds, who are limited by an outdated system that does not meet the needs of the modern world. The children of wealthier families have access to better educational opportunities, but for many, the only option is to attend under-resourced schools near their homes. This leaves many students with limited potential and limited opportunities to achieve their dreams.

Given the importance of education in shaping the future of Thailand, it is imperative that meaningful changes are made to address these persistent challenges. While each sector of education may face unique problems, it is possible to find solutions that can be implemented across multiple areas of the system. The time has come to move beyond the status quo and create a more effective and equitable education system that will serve the needs of all Thai students in the 21st century.

Developing the mentality and expectations

As Thailand moves towards a future of learning and growth, it is imperative that we shift our mentality and expectations in education. Historically, the country has operated on a behaviourist approach, where knowledge is proclaimed by teachers and absorbed by students through repetition and conditioning. While this method has been effective in teaching basic behaviours, it falls short in promoting critical thinking and mastery of complex concepts.

The younger generations are starting to challenge this traditional way of learning, yet the behaviourist approach still prevails in the classroom. This leads to a disconnect between students and school, with students forced to rely on rote memorization, rather than independent thinking. On the other hand, teachers find comfort in this model as it allows for a more easy preparation and minimizes uncertainty.

To overcome these limitations and move Thailand forward in education, we must embrace a hybrid learning system that incorporates elements from different learning theories, such as constructionism, humanism, and post-humanism. This approach will allow for a more personalized and engaging learning experience that fosters critical thinking and creativity.

As a successful example, we can look to Singapore, which has blended various learning theories to create a system that works for them and has earned worldwide recognition for their educational achievements. There is no reason why Thailand cannot do the same.

However, this shift will not come easy. It will require a concerted effort from all parties involved and a positive philosophy that prioritizes transparency and support for teachers and students alike. The journey may not be smooth sailing, but overcoming challenges is a necessary step towards a brighter future in education. With the right vision, goals, support, and processes in place, there is no reason why Thailand cannot rise to the top in the field of education.

Fear of Failure – The Root Cause

The current approach to teaching and learning often hinders various forms of collaboration, either due to a lack of initiative from the teacher or an inability to foster it. Although this may vary across different schools, students in even the most prestigious international institutions still exhibit a fear of participation, as I have personally observed. Students, when asked about the reasons for their silence, often cite fear of judgement, fear of loss of face, and fear of making mistakes. These fears can be interconnected, but they can also exist independently.

At the heart of it all is the fear of failure, which stems from a culture that sets excessively high expectations, even in situations where such expectations are unwarranted. In Thailand, this fear of failure culture is largely driven by the high expectations and the pressure to conform to societal norms that emphasize obedience and conformity. This creates an environment where students are discouraged from taking risks and engaging in independent thinking, and instead are expected to simply follow the rules and do what they are told. In turn, that then often leads to a lack of creativity, critical thinking, and innovation in the classroom, as students are more concerned with avoiding mistakes than engaging with the material.

Academic coaching can be an effective solution to this problem by addressing the root cause of the fear of failure. Coaches can work with students to help them identify and overcome their individual fears, and encourage them to develop a growth mindset where they see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. By promoting a positive, supportive environment, coaches can help students feel confident and secure, enabling them to participate more fully in their own learning and to take risks in their thinking.

The effects of this fear of failure culture on education can be significant, as many studies have shown. It often limits student engagement and motivation, as students are less likely to participate in class and take an active role in their own learning when they are afraid of making mistakes or being judged. This can result in a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students are not encouraged to ask questions or engage in discussion.

Academic coaching can provide a supportive and personalized learning environment that addresses these issues. Coaches can work one-on-one with students to help them build their confidence and develop the skills they need to participate more fully in their own learning. Additionally, by providing individualized attention, coaches can help students to overcome specific challenges that may be hindering their engagement and motivation, such as difficulty with a particular subject or an inability to understand complex concepts.

Additionally, it can also affect teacher behaviour, as teachers may feel pressure to maintain control and avoid any situation that may result in uncertainty or the loss of face. This can lead to a lack of creativity and experimentation in teaching, since it is more convenient and definitely safer to rely on traditional teaching methods and avoid new approaches that may lead to failure.

Academic coaching can also play a role in addressing this issue, by supporting teachers in their professional development and encouraging them to experiment with new approaches and methods. Coaches can work with teachers to help them build their confidence, overcome any fears of failure, and encourage them to experiment with new teaching methods and approaches that may better engage their students and promote a more positive and innovative learning environment.

This fear of failure culture then results in a lack of innovation and progress in the educational system as a whole, as there is insufficient focus on learning how to learn, and instead a focus on simply learning what is required. What we have then is a system that is not equipped to adapt to new developments and changing educational needs, leading to a lack of Thai competitiveness in the global market.

Creating a level playing field for all Thai students

There are several action points that need addressing. Firstly, teachers need to be trained and equipped with the necessary skills to provide an inclusive and engaging learning environment. This should include training in modern teaching methods, effective communication and collaboration, and ways to foster critical thinking and problem solving skills in students.

Secondly, there needs to be a shift in the mindset around failure and the role it plays in education. Failure should not be seen as a negative outcome, but rather as an opportunity to learn and grow. This can be achieved through a change in the way grades are assigned, where a student’s progress is measured by their effort and progress, rather than just their final exam results. This will help to create a more supportive and less competitive learning environment, where students are encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

Also, it is important to address the lack of resources and support for schools, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas. This can be done through providing financial and technical support, as well as partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These partnerships can provide resources such as equipment, supplies, and access to technology, as well as provide real-world opportunities for students to apply their learning. Additionally, involving the local community in the education process can help to raise awareness and support for education, and create a sense of ownership and responsibility for the future of the students.

To improve the situation for schools in Thailand, it is crucial to address the root causes of the current challenges, including a lack of resources, a lack of support for teachers, and a culture of fear of failure. This can be achieved through a combination of changes in policy, investment in teacher training and development, and a shift in cultural attitudes towards education. With these changes, we can create a more inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environment, where all students are given the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

Elevating the Teaching Profession

Elevating the teaching profession is essential for creating a successful and sustainable educational system. If we want to genuinely create a supportive and effective educational system, it is essential to ensure that the teachers themselves are empowered and equipped to deliver on their goals. This starts with providing appropriate training, support, and resources to help them succeed in their roles.

Besides upgrading the teacher courses, as mentioned briefly above, elevating the teaching profession needs to provide ongoing professional development opportunities. This can include workshops, seminars, and courses aimed at keeping teachers up-to-date with the latest research, pedagogical techniques, and technology. While such courses do exist presently, they exist in the same cultural frame of obedience, gaining face and fear of failure, and as such, they provide limited opportunities for genuine progress and development. One way to bypass this could be through access to resources such as online discussion forums, mentorship programs, and peer-to-peer support groups. These resources will help them to stay motivated and engaged, and will provide them with the tools they need to grow and evolve as educators.

In addition to professional development opportunities, it is also important to ensure that teachers have access to appropriate resources and technology. This includes the latest educational software, technology platforms, and instructional materials. By providing them with these resources, they can be confident that they have the tools needed to create engaging and effective lessons, and to deliver these lessons to their students with confidence.

Another key aspect of elevating the teaching profession is to provide teachers with adequate administrative, technical and emotional support. Teachers should have access to guidance and support from school leaders, as well as dedicated staff who can help with classroom management, lesson planning, and other essential tasks. In addition, teachers should be provided with the resources they need to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that may arise. This is one aspect where a lot of improvement can be made quickly, given that most schools have only basic administrative and technical support, and virtually no emotional support at all right now.

It is essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of teachers. This includes offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities for advancement. Right now, teachers are often faced with the choice of government schools vs private schools. Private schools offer better salaries, working conditions and other benefits, while government school jobs mean a Thai teacher receives a sort of pension after a certain amount of years, though not before spending this time with lesser salaries, working conditions and benefits. Teachers should feel valued and respected, and their contributions should be acknowledged and appreciated. By taking steps to support and empower teachers, schools can create a positive and supportive educational environment that encourages teachers to thrive and succeed.

Empowering Students for Success

Empowering students is key to improving the situation for students in Thailand’s educational system. In order to improve their situation, it is important to empower them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. This means moving away from the one-way traffic classes, where information just goes from the teacher towards the quiet students, and instead providing them with a well-rounded education that focuses on both academic and personal development, by giving them the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

One effective way to empower students is through the development of 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing world and can help students succeed in a variety of careers and life situations. By providing students with opportunities to develop these skills, schools can help prepare them for success in their future endeavours.

Another way to empower students is through access to resources and support. Access to technology, such as laptops and high-speed internet, as well as resources like libraries and after-school programs are just a few examples. Schools could provide students with access to mental health services and support programs, such as counselling and peer mentoring, to help them manage stress and emotional well-being, something that is severely lacking at the moment.

It is also important to empower students by creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Fostering a culture of respect and empathy for everyone – rather than just relying on age and seniority, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and encouraging students to take an active role in their own learning would be a big step forward in their development. In doing so, students develop confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Ensuring support and inclusivity for Foreign Teachers

One of the most common situations in many Thai schools is when a newly arrived foreign teacher starts a term with lots of enthusiasm, determined to bring the best possible experience for the students, only to get completely lost with administration issues, immigration and work permit stress and general difficulties of blending in, resulting in frustration, a feeling of exclusion, and not knowing which problem to tackle first. In order to make the most of the talents and expertise of foreign teachers in Thailand, it is important to create a supportive environment that recognizes and values their contributions. This includes providing adequate resources, professional development opportunities, and clear expectations and guidelines for their role in the educational system.

One of the biggest challenges facing foreign teachers in Thailand is language barriers, both in terms of communicating with students and colleagues, and in terms of navigating the cultural and educational norms of the country. To address this issue, schools can provide language classes and other support to help teachers integrate into the local community and feel confident in their ability to communicate effectively with students and colleagues.

Another important aspect of supporting foreign teachers is ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to deliver quality education. This includes providing adequate materials, technology, and support for lesson planning and preparation. Foreign teachers should also have access to professional development opportunities, both in-person and online, that help them stay up-to-date on best practices and developments in their field.

A further common issue is the difficulty in obtaining and renewing immigration and work permits. The process can be time-consuming, confusing and bureaucratic, and often requires frequent visits to the immigration office and submission of various documents. More and more schools provide help with this, though many still expect the teacher to wander through this maze alone, leading to the abovementioned stress and uncertainty, with the only alternative being to pay high fees for an agency which takes care of the application process. Also, the rules and regulations around work visas are prone to changes, which can make it difficult for foreign teachers to keep up with the latest requirements. Besides stress, this can lead to unexpected disruptions in their work and personal lives. As it is unlikely that the government will address these issues, by simplifying the immigration process, it is important for schools to provide a helping hand.

Far too few schools recognize the unique perspectives and experiences that foreign teachers bring to the classroom. Encouraging cultural exchange and inclusivity is key to promoting understanding and empathy among students and staff, and can help to break down barriers and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Conclusion

The education system in Thailand faces many challenges. The fear of failure culture, unequal distribution of resources, and a lack of emphasis on 21st century skills, to name just a few. Improving the situation for the schools, students, and foreign teachers will require a multi-faceted approach that involves clear guidelines and resources, as well as a focus on providing a level playing field for all. This will also require an emphasis on providing adequate resources, support, and incentives for teachers, both Thai and foreign, to ensure that they are able to provide the best education possible to their students.

In order to address these challenges and improve the education system in Thailand, it will be essential to involve all stakeholders in the process, including teachers, administrators, students, and families. By working together, it will be possible to create a more inclusive, equitable, and effective education system that provides all Thai students with the knowledge, skills, and character traits they need to succeed in the 21st century, allowing Thailand to progress and become what is aspires to be.

If you would like to contact me, you can find my information on the About Les-page.