ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Megan Frintner]

Thank you so much for your summary and analysis. I am particularly interested in the lifelong education part of the Thai education system. I am about to begin teaching in Thailand so I appreciate this insight as I begin this journey!

[Lily Mackechnie]

https://www.asiaeducationreview.com/others/news/overview-of-the-thai-education-system-a-regional-perspective-nwid-758.html

Deep understandings about Thailand’s educational system are important to my work as a teacher in Scotland in the future. Thailand’s educational development, shaped by historical, cultural, and social variables, demonstrates a change from exclusive origins to a formal 12-year system at present, with mandatory schooling being expanded to nine years in 2003.This historical context highlights different approaches and priorities in contrast to Scotland’s own educational development.

Thailand divides education into three structural levels: basic, lower secondary, and upper secondary. Core disciplines including maths, science, social studies, and Thai language are given special attention. Thailand’s dedication to global educational standards and innovation is seen in the way that English fluency and technology are integrated in the classroom.Comprehending these structural components gives me an equivalent understanding of Scotland’s educational system, which enables me to value various pedagogical approaches and curriculum designs.

Teaching methods and curriculum content are influenced by the cultural emphasis placed on values like respect, harmony, and community in Thailand’s educational system. This cultural background broadens my perspective on how cultural values influence learning environments and student experiences, which guides my strategy for encouraging inclusive and respectful classroom environments in Scotland.

In summary, studying Thailand’s education system enhances my perspective as a future educator in Scotland by offering comparative insights, cultural awareness, and innovative ideas. It prepares me to embrace diversity, integrate global perspectives, and contribute effectively to Scotland’s educational community.

[Lily Mackechnie]

Hi Megan, this article really shows how important it is to listen to children and make sure schools help them in more ways than just teaching. Knowing what they need helps teachers do best for them, as understanding the importance to listening to a child will help understand their concerns and approaching to meet the individual needs.

[Robyn Beveridge]

Education in Thailand

The article “Overview of the Thai Education System” explores Thailand’s education system, explaining that throughout the years different factors including historical, cultural, and socioeconomic have supported the growth of Thailand’s education significantly. Like Scotland, it provides 12 years of free education, the system includes six years of primary schooling which in Thailand is called Prathom from ages 6-11. This is then followed by three years each of lower Mattayom (lower Secondary school in the UK) and upper secondary education (Mattayom ages 15-17).
Higher education in Thailand, spanning both public and private institutions, places a strong emphasis on research and innovation, with a goal of achieving global recognition. The country actively engages in international partnerships, such as the Thai-UK World Class University Consortium, to elevate its educational standards. The curriculum prioritizes core subjects, including English, from the primary level, and there is a growing focus on student-centered learning and technology integration. These components, alongside cultural values that stress respect and community, contribute to an inclusive education system that aims to address regional inequalities and socioeconomic challenges.
As someone who is going to be embark on a two-month teaching journey in Thailand for over two months, this article, focusing on the Thai education system has been very insightful to what I might expect within my experience. I am currently studying Primary Education in Scotland and reading this article aligns with my passion for global education standards. It makes me feel more confident knowing that one of the core subject focuses is English and the emphasis it shares on strong cultural values such as inclusive education. However, I am aware that some schools could have no one that speaks English. Nonetheless, I feel excited to get involved in this opportunity and hope to contribute to Thailand’s efforts to provide quality education and shared global competencies among the students.

Overview of the Thai Education System: A Regional Perspective. Mithun Kumar K B, Correspondent, Asia Education Review Team. Friday, 08 December 2023. https://www.asiaeducationreview.com/others/news/overview-of-the-thai-education-system-a-regional-perspective-nwid-758.html

[Anna Moore]

As an American who is traveling to teach English in Thailand, I am fascinated by the similarities and differences within the cultural norms and values between the United States and Thailand. The article I chose was written by an American woman who spent six months in Thailand with her family to explore, absorb, and learn from Thai culture. This article discusses the main cultural differences this family experienced during their travels.

Unlike Thailand, the USA places a huge emphasis on individualism. Americans tend to live with smaller immediate family units over extended family and begin to live independently as soon as, or shortly after, they reach adulthood. In comparison, Thais tend to be more community-based. It is not uncommon for family units to include more extended family members or for young members to remain in their familial home until they marry. Whereas Americans often lead their lives individualistically, Thais place importance on groups. This can also be seen played out in the ways that the two countries approach conflict. Americans typically address conflict directly and are willing to assert their personal opinions, but Thais promote harmony by preferring to appease others to keep the peace.

Each country also has different views on what mannerisms are considered polite or widely understood. In Thailand, feet are considered dirty, and pointing them at people is considered rude. This is not the case in America, and feet are not viewed any differently than other body parts. Additionally, Thais perpetuate a lot of respect for Buddhism and their royal history. In the United States, citizens practice free speech, and it is not uncommon for individuals to openly speak about their personal views on religion or government, even if those views are negative.

Overall, I am interested to immerse myself in a culture that differs so much from my own. Thailand’s reputation for maintaining harmony and strong community values is what initially intrigued me in exploring this country. I also find these to be important attributes in a healthy society, so I look forward to learning, growing, and immersing myself in Thai culture.

Carter, Nicola. “How Is Thai Culture Different to American Culture?” Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd., Commisceo Global, 2022, http://www.commisceo-global.com/blog/thai-culture-different-american-culture.

[Anna Moore]

Hi Leah,

Thank you so much for sharing this information! I will also be coming to Thailand to teach, so I agree that it is very important to develop a prior understanding of the home lives and contributing factors that shape these students. I feel that it is important as an instructor to be mindful of students’ positions outside of the classroom to make for a more inclusive and empathetic learning environment. Good luck teaching in Thailand!

Anna

[Steven Gardner]

https://www.thailandnow.in.th/arts-culture/the-science-behind-the-land-of-smiles/
‘The Science Behind the Land of Smiles.’
I found this article to be very fascinating. I have vacation in Thailand many times and have always been told it was called ‘The land of smiles.’ But I never really appreciated how deep it actually goes. I’ve always found the Thai people to be very positive, very friendly, and just excellent to be around. But I always kind of wondered is it just a thing that they do for tourists, or was it really a deep cultural thing. Well as it turns out, it is actually it is actually a deep cultural thing. According to this article, even in sports smiling is the normal thing to do whether they win or lose. A Thai team will also be the first one to smile and congratulate the winning team. The way of life here seems to rotate around the idea of enjoying life. A lot of this comes from their Buddhist religion. The article goes as far as to say that even a fake smile can help lower blood pressure. Smiling is actually a healthy thing to do.
Another big thing that I took away from this article was how much the Thai people appreciate others smiling. They are never impressed when somebody gets angry over what they might consider as being trivial. There are three words here that might be very convenient for you to learn. They are ‘Mai pen rai.’ This basically means ‘No problem.’ Many people don’t realize that you can actually control your anger. The culture here is different, and it takes a little bit of adjusting. However, if you kick back, relax, and don’t let the small things get to you, your life here will be so much easier. If you want to be accepted here and enjoy your time here, learn how to smile and learn how to smile a lot.

Chokh dī! ‘Good luck!’

[Steven Gardner]

Anna, this is an excellent read. I have personally witnessed everything you mention. The family unit here is indeed a very tight thing. They will even take it one step further than the United States. It is very common for the grandparents to raise their grandchildren while the child’s parents leave home to find work. Also, you’ll see them come to each other’s aid if need be. I am already living here in Hua Hin. I went to hire a taxi, but only had 1000 baht notes. The normal charge is 100 baht. I asked the driver if he had change. He didn’t, but another driver did. But instead of the second driver offering to give me a ride, he gave the first driver to change that he would need. Obviously, they look out for each other. It’s the little things like this that really make me appreciate the Thai culture. I hope you enjoy your time here; I know I am.

[Geoff Carle]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68487230

The article I chose for this assignment is about people in Thailand, who needed treatment due to air pollution. More than 10 million people were affected by the smog and air pollution due to the burning of fields and crops in Thailand in 2023.
The majority of the affected people were located in northern Thailand. The air pollution or smoke in the air, severely damages lungs, especially in people who have asthma and other lung related diseases. The reason I chose this article is because I suffer from asthma and moved to Thailand to get away from the Midwest in the United States of America.

One thing I noticed when I moved to Hua Hin Thailand, is I feel a lot better in my lungs and in my sinuses. I’m curious to see what would happen if I relocated to the north during the months of November through March which the article mentions seems to be the worst time of the air pollution. Well, reading the article. I was happy to see that environmentalist groups and other groups were putting plans into motion to help ease the pollution. One of the plans was launching aircraft which will induce rain. I also noticed that some companies were allowing employees to work from home.

[Geoff Carle]

Hello Steven,
I enjoyed reading your article on the land of smiles in Thailand. One thing that stood out was when you mentioned that fake smiles can help lower blood pressure after living here for one month. I’ve met several people and a couple of them mention how they always smile, even when they’re not happy. One thing that stands out with my partner is that when she does her fake smile, she always mentions stay strong.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by Geoff Carle.

[Dom Wainwright]

Hello Geoff,
I found your article analysis on air pollution in Thailand interesting. 10 million people being by affected air pollution in one year is an alarming figure and I can understand your concern for your own health, particularly if you are at increased risk with conditions such as asthma. It is good that you found Hua Hin’s air less impactful on your breathing, however I can imagine it must be frustrating to potentially rule out living or travelling to northern Thailand due to air pollution.
I suppose this presents an interesting challenge for Thailand to resolve. On one hand, agriculture is a massive industry in Thailand and the burning of crops is a cost efficient way of clearing the residue from a harvest. On the other hand, as Thailand becomes a more developed country, these burning methods might have have to stop.
How Thailand plans to compromise with farmers will certainly be an interesting development to watch.

[Thato-Baholo]

The Giant Raintree Kanchanaburi: A Uniquely Thai Adventure

One of Thailand’s natural wonders, the Giant Raintree stands tall at a height of twenty metres and has a width of fifty-two metres. This attraction site for nature lovers is about 100 years old. In Thai Culture, trees are viewed as entities that hold spiritual energy. This has encouraged energy restoration endeavors such as Prayer and Meditation. As an individual moving to Thailand, I believe that it is extremely important to understand the significance of different tourist attractions. In other words, unlocking the history and value a particular attraction holds. Energy, Peace, and Spirituality are practices that I find of deep interest. Having the privilege to travel to Thailand, has created a pathway of finding answers to the questions around the mentioned topics. The article further states that locals lead Prayers and Meditation sessions, I believe that these sessions could be the beginning of my Energy, Peace and Spiritual journey.

There are also a few activities that can be done under the majestic tree. Picnics, meditations and taking strolls around the site are just a few to mention. Viewing historic/attraction sites that are accompanied by activities are such a tremendous way to socialize, especially for newcomers. As someone counting down the days to arriving in my new home, I believe that I need to educate myself about places that bring people together. Moving to a new country is no walk on roses and everyone needs to have someone they can catch a break with. It’s such a therapeutic feeling to further connect with someone you were paired with during a tour around a site or someone that you sat next to on a tour guide. Reading this article has encouraged me to “put myself out there.” No one will randomly show up at my door asking if we could be friends. That’s close to impossible. As someone moving to Thailand, the onus is on me to visit sites, learn something from them while possibly creating new and hopefully lasting friendships!

[Thato-Baholo]

Hi Emma,
I hope that you are doing well!
I really found your post interesting, and I find it such a crazy coincidence as Climate Change has been such a huge topic here in South Africa too. What I found most interesting was how the youth are/was so aware of environmental changes. It shows that people out here show concern about the world and how it’s changing, people aren’t just on their devices scrolling infinitely. Another factor I found interesting was how the youth in Thailand prefer to work for companies that align with their beliefs. I think this was my first encounter with an article that highlights work vs beliefs in a different spectrum. Some people would actually go against their morals/beliefs so that they can earn money, so the fact that this topic is receiving recognition really shows that society is really heading towards the right direction!

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by Thato-Baholo.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by Thato-Baholo.

[Dom Wainwright]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68880241

‘The insect farmers turning to AI to help lower costs.’

This article explores how a company in Bangkok called Full Circle Biotechnology, which farms fly larvae to produce animal feed for shrimp and pig farms, has incorporated the use of AI to maximize their production at the lowest possible cost.
The need to incorporate AI into their production analysis is due to two types of feed generally being used in shrimp and pig farms, one is fly larvae which Full Circle produces, and the other is the competition which is a soy-bean based feed. Full Circle’s fly larvae feed contains up to 70% protein, compared with soy, which has less than 50%. The problem for Full Circle is that soybean based feed is substantially cheaper. This has caused Full Circle to think outside the box and incorporate AI into their business, giving insights into optimum temperature, optimum space and more.
As someone who took a module on machine learning at university, I have been fascinated with the rapidly advancing capabilities of AI, and this article interested me because it is amazing to see Thailand incorporate learning models into business.
I look forward to living in Thailand and gaining a new perspective on how technology in general is used and viewed here. I find that is often the case that innovations in technology come about from the need for change in a competitive environment, and Full Circle has shown this with the application of AI to farming fly larvae.

[Carly Hodgins]

Article; https://www.expatica.com/th/education/children/education-in-thailand-2172858/#education
“The education system in Thailand”

The article provides an overview of Thailand’s education system, detailing its structure, challenges, and cultural significance. I learned that the system comprises primary education spanning six years, followed by three years each of lower and upper secondary education, reflecting a centralized curriculum with variations in resources across urban and rural schools. Thailand places a high cultural value on education, emphasizing academic achievement and respect for educators, which shapes societal norms and expectations.

Reflecting on my experiences teaching in both South Africa and Costa Rica, I see parallels and contrasts with Thailand’s education landscape. In South Africa, I encountered similar challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, disparities in resources, and barriers to quality education for marginalized communities, echoing some of the issues highlighted in Thailand. However, the emphasis on academic achievement and respect for educators in Thailand aligns with the cultural importance placed on education in South Africa as well.

Conversely, my time teaching in Costa Rica revealed different educational priorities and challenges, such as a focus on environmental education and bilingualism. Unlike Thailand’s centralized curriculum, Costa Rica’s education system emphasizes creativity and holistic learning approaches, offering a contrasting perspective on educational values and priorities. These diverse experiences enrich my understanding of global education systems and inform how I perceive and potentially contribute to educational initiatives in Thailand, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or supporting local schools.

[Author]

Posts