Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
The IPST plays a significant role in mathematics and science instruction at the school level by developing basic educational curricula, methodologies, and evaluation tools for science, mathematics, technology, and information technology, including student textbooks, teacher’s guides, teacher training materials, teaching kits, and various kinds of supplementary materials and support. While the IPST develops these instructional materials, it is up to teachers to implement them at their own discretion. Teachers have full responsibility for designing their own lesson plans and managing their own classrooms.
Grade at Which Specialist Teachers for Mathematics and Science are Introduced
In Thailand, every teacher is required to hold a teacher license.10 Presently, Thailand’s education policy does not require teachers to hold an education degree corresponding to the subjects they teach. However, at the lower secondary level, schools are required to have teachers accredited in mathematics and science. At the moment, the Teacher’s Council of Thailand is moving toward reforming the regulation of teaching licenses, stipulating that teachers must hold a subject-based license, and that secondary teachers may only teach subjects related to their academic major. At present, various training programs have been provided for in-service teachers to address out-of-field teaching, especially in science, mathematics, and English.11
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
In Thailand, a learner-centered approach is strongly advocated at every educational level, based on the belief that all learners are capable of learning and developing themselves. Learning media serve as support tools in the learning process, enabling students to acquire efficiently the knowledge, skills, processes, and characteristics prescribed in the curriculum standards. Learning tools come in various forms, from various sources, and through various channels; they may include print media, in- and out-of-school learning resources, resource persons, and science laboratories.
Use of Technology
The Proposals for the Second Decade of Education Reform (2009–2018) identify technology in education as an issue requiring urgent attention in Thailand.12 Mechanisms and policies have been established to help implement the proposal. The Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 recommends the use of electronic media for teaching and learning in mathematics and science education. These include computer assisted instruction, software, the Internet, e-books, graphing calculators, and radio and television programs. It is recommended that the provision and application of learning media correspond to the curriculum and learning objectives. In addition, the design and coordination of learning activities should use material that is accurate, up-to-date, appropriate, and suitable to the developmental levels and learning processes of students.
With a view to improving and expanding access to quality science, mathematics, and technology education, the IPST has initiated the IPST Learning Space, an online learning resource available nationwide. Students, teachers, school administrators, parents, and other interested parties can make use of school modules, teacher training modules, a digital media system, an online test system, a collaborative learning system, and an e-publishing system. All resources are relevant and linked to the current curricula. At present, the IPST Learning Space can handle up to 1.7 million users.13
Accommodation Policies for Instruction and Testing
Education in Thailand is mainly funded by the government. Thai students are provided with free textbooks and learning materials throughout their 12 years of basic education. In order to reach the same learning outcomes, all schools use the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2554 (A.D. 2008). However, teachers are allowed to manage their own classrooms and select appropriate learning resources, including supplements and a variety of textbooks, to enable learners to perform to their highest potential. In terms of testing, teachers are free to choose from among standard testing resources, as well as create their own tests. Homework may be assigned as part of classroom assessment, as suggested by the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551. Assessment can be done by teachers, students themselves, classmates, or parents, in order to monitor learning progress. In addition to testing, the National Education Act of B.E. 2542 suggests that learners’ performance should be assessed through observation of their development, personal conduct, learning behavior, and participation in activities.
Large scale educational reform is one component of the reform plan to improve Thailand’s educational system. The government has drafted proposals for providing education for every child and helping Thai students progress to higher levels of education, which could lead them into a professional career. The government has taken some significant steps toward reform, for example, coming up with an initiative to reduce class time and offer more extracurricular activities to promote children’s well rounded development. Moreover, the government has proposed educational policies in a long term plan, a short term plan taking effect within one year, and an immediate plan taking effect within three months.