Outstanding teachers recognised by the Teachers Council of Thailand have recommended that teaching students through application is the most effective means of imparting knowledge.
For 2009, nine teachers from across the country were named the best educators.
Outstanding teacher Suwaree Phongtheerawan, who teaches science at the Suratpittaya School in Surat Thani province, said she did not want her students to study by rote because then they would forget everything they've learned once they passed the exams.
"So, I focus on encouraging them to enjoy studying by applying science to every day life. I take them to different sources in local communities and teach science linked with local wisdom so they can use the knowledge in real life. They also learn to appreciate the value of local wisdom and resources," Suwaree explained.
Once, when studying about bacteria, the teacher took her students on field trips to a vineyard and a factory that makes coconut jelly. This experience inspired some of the students so much that they came up with a method of producing artificial leather, which won them a Grand Award at a competition in the United States last year.
Another outstanding teacher Sompong Taruwan, who teaches computer science at the Narinukul School in Ubon Ratchathani province, said she kept her students interested by getting them to practise through modern media such as the Internet. She has been giving lessons on creating websites and writing computer programs, including the robotcontrol program that won her students many international awards.
"I also teach them about the dangers lurking in cyberspace. I show them how easy it is for people to deceive others on chat sites such as MSN. In fact, I proved to them that I could make them believe that I was a handsome man via a chat site," Sompong added.
Phornthip Nuweswongkamol, who teaches the Thai language at Ban Khao Yoi School in Phetchaburi province, was also named outstanding teacher for her innovative methods. When she discovered that her lower primary class could not read or write Thai too well, she decided to have her students practise through activities such as telling fairy tales with the use of hand puppets, writing small books as well as putting up folk performances.
"Students have fun studying the language and performing in front of an audience boosts their confidence. These activities also help us preserve Thai culture," Phornthip explained.
The three teachers urged the Education Ministry to provide training sessions for teachers in all subjects, added that they would be happy to lead the programmes.
The other outstanding teachers are Thiwa Chantranukul from the Mathayom Prachaniwet School; Phongkasien Buasuwan from Satremahaphrutaram School; Thong Viriyajaru from Anuban Nakhon Ratchasima School; Wilarp Uthairat from Benchamarachutit Pattani School; Suthep Chittayawong from Chon Buri Educational Service Area Office 1; and Apinyan Boonurai from Buri Ram Educational Service Area Office 1.
