Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
STEM Education has been promoted in Thailand as an innovative learning approach in mathematics and science, since 2013. The IPST is committed to implementing STEM education at every level of learning to enhance the skills of Thai youth in analytical thinking, problem solving, and creativity, as well as to develop their appreciation of science, mathematics, and technology education, and to increase their motivation to learn. In order to introduce this innovative learning approach, the IPST, OBEC, and agencies concerned are building a STEM education network comprising 13 schools from all geographical regions of the country selected as STEM education centers. Each regional center is hosted by a school with the capacity to run STEM education activities actively. To encourage teachers’ professional development, the IPST initiated the Thailand STEM Teacher Awards at the primary and secondary school levels.15
Several projects have been initiated by the IPST to support the teaching and learning of mathematics and science to high achieving students, enabling their continued study of science and technology at university. These projects include the Development and Promotion of Science and Technology Talents project, specialized science schools, the Science Classrooms in University Affiliated Schools project, and the Enrichment Science Classroom project.16
The Development and Promotion of Science and Technology Talents project (DPST)17 is a joint collaboration of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the IPST. The project aims to build a strong human resource base specializing in science and technology by supporting talented students in these areas and helping them to reach their full potential.
Specialist science schools include Princess Chulabhorn’s College and Mahidol Wittayanusorn School. Princess Chulabhorn’s College is a group of secondary schools overseen by the Ministry of Education, established to provide education for students with a special interest in the scientific fields. The group consists of 12 schools distributed among all of the educational service areas in the country.
Mahidol Wittayanusorn School18 is an upper secondary school specially designed to provide education for exceptionally gifted and talented students in mathematics and science, and to enable them to pursue their interest in learning mathematics and science to their full potential. The school functions as a public organization under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.
The Science Classrooms in University Affiliated Schools Project19 promotes the creation of science classrooms in schools under the supervision of a university. Initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the project aims to advance the country through supporting the provision of higher education for upper secondary school students who wish to become researchers in science and technology. The project currently matches seven pilot schools with universities, which work closely together to develop and administer a “Science Classroom” curriculum.
The Enrichment Science Classroom20 is a joint collaboration of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Office of the Higher Education Commission, the Office of the National Science and Technology Development, and the IPST. The project aims to accelerate the development and support of mathematics and science talent through specially designed curriculum and supplementary activities such as science camps, field trips with researchers, mathematics-, science-, and technology-based projects, and the promotion of academic work at the provincial, regional, and national levels. Since its inception in 2007, the IPST has been tasked with teacher development for this project. To date, 175 schools at the lower secondary level and 195 schools at the upper secondary level have participated in the project.