The sorry state of primary education

By The Nation
Published on August 16, 2008

The latest poll conducted by Suan Dusit reveals a weakness in primary school education in Thailand. The survey of more than 1,000 people revealed that the most serious problem in primary education in Thailand is the wide difference of standards among various schools. The teacher-to-student ratio is poor and the quality of teachers varies greatly among schools. From the student's side, the large classroom sizes make concentration difficult. A survey at the kindergarten level showed that a lack of study materials suitable for students was the most serious problem, while the second-most serious was an insufficient number of teachers. The findings of these surveys should not be taken lightly, as they reflect how well we are preparing our children for the future.

Although education is central to the country's development, governments have not really paid attention to how to improve the educational system. And when they have paid attention to the issue, previous education ministers have tended to focus on the material aspects of the problem, such as the construction of new schools. Not enough attention has been paid to the most crucial aspect of education: the quality of teachers and an effective curriculum to enhance students' ability to think critically and boost their knowledge.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn made a valuable observation at a book fair a couple of years ago when she said that Thais didn't read as much as they were supposed to. HRH Princess Sirindhorn understood well the basic element of learning. Reading good books is essential to learning; however, few schools are equipped with libraries good enough to stimulate children and encourage them to learn.

The National Economic and Social Development Board included the management of resources - including human resources - in its agenda to develop the country up to the year 2027 in a sustainable manner.

In the year 2027, these primary students will be adults and they will play a crucial role in developing the country. Therefore, the shortcomings reflected in the survey should be urgently addressed now.

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The sorry state of primary education

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