This overhaul aims to drag the nation’s foundational education into the modern age. The office has already tweaked individual courses to stay in step with global advancements, peppering in more technology-driven subjects. Yet, the upcoming changes represent a giant leap for the country’s education system.
Thanu emphasized that if the approval for the revision panel comes through, they’ll waste no time getting down to business. The panel’s primary mission will be to dissect each subject meticulously and devise improvement strategies. One significant shift on the horizon is curtailing school hours, a move substantiated by research showing that Thai students currently face some of the most grueling school schedules worldwide.
Take Pathom 1-6 students (grades one to six) for example: they endure at least 1,000 hours of mandatory and supplementary classes along with developmental activities each academic year. Lower secondary students, encompassing Mathayom 1-3 (grades seven to nine), slog through a minimum of 1,200 hours annually. The workload doesn’t ease up for Mathayom 4-6 students (grades 10-12), who amass a staggering 3,600 hours over three years.
“It only makes sense to try and scale back study hours,” reiterated Thanu.
This committee will be a hive of inclusivity, welcoming feedback from all corners—educational professionals, students, parents, textbook publishers, and related industries will have a voice in this revolution.
In parallel, Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul voiced his dismay over a budget slash for the ministry’s ‘Learning Anywhere Anytime’ initiative, which leans heavily on online learning platforms. Initially, a budget of 7.6 billion baht was proposed for the next fiscal year. However, funding was axed to 4.1 billion baht during scrutiny, stirring concerns about the project’s efficiency.
Surasak lamented that the budget cuts would indeed hamper the overall functionality of the otherwise promising project.
Shorter school hours is a terrible idea. Kids need structure, and reducing hours will just make them lazier!
That’s not true. Many countries with shorter school hours have better academic performance because kids aren’t burned out.
I agree with John. Overworking kids with endless hours has only led to stress and mental health issues.
But how will they compete globally if they’re spending less time learning? This just sounds like dumbing down the curriculum.
It’s about time they modernize the curriculum! The 2008 curriculum is outdated, our kids deserve better.
Totally. It’s absurd to think we can prepare students for the future with decades-old teaching methods.
We need to focus more on tech and less on rote memorization. This could be a step in the right direction.
Exactly, Karen. Integrating more technology-driven subjects is crucial for our kids’ future careers.
Budget cuts to the ‘Learning Anywhere Anytime’ initiative are disastrous! It’s essential for our progress.
Agreed – online learning is the future, especially in a world impacted by pandemics. Shortsighted to cut the funding!
If they can’t manage the budget properly, then maybe the cuts are justified. We need efficiency, not just spending for the sake of it.
Efficiency is important, but slashing funding too drastically will cripple the initiative before it even starts.
Why are parents and students even consulted? They’re not experts in education, leave it to the professionals.
Parents and students are the most affected by these reforms, they absolutely deserve a voice in the conversation.
Education is a collaborative effort. It takes input from all stakeholders to be truly effective.
I still think that too many voices will just complicate things. We need clear, expert-driven reforms.
I think it’s good to reduce hours but what about extracurricular activities? Kids still need to develop social and physical skills.
The shift to non-classroom learning is innovative. Skills learned outside the classroom can be just as valuable, if not more.
Yeah, but it’s risky. Not all kids will have equal access to learning resources outside school.
It’s up to the government to ensure equal access then. This could bridge the learning gap if done right.
True, equal access is key. Let’s hope Obec considers this in their plans.
Thailand needs to be realistic about these changes. Shortening hours isn’t a magic fix.
No, but it can be a start. We need to address student burnout and mental health urgently.
Sure, but it’s important to balance that with a solid education. Potentially less hours could mean packing more into the day.
Counseling the younger students about these changes would benefit parental acceptance. Inform parents and they’re more likely to support reforms.
Why has it taken so long to consider these changes? Countries like Finland have been doing it for decades.
True, but every country has unique challenges. It’s not just about copying other systems.
Absolutely, but it wouldn’t hurt to learn from successful models.
Can anyone explain how they will implement more technology-driven subjects? Sounds exciting but vague.
If this is a move to promote arts and creative thinking, I’m all for it. Kids trapped in books all day miss out on broader learning.
I hope it includes arts too. That’s often the first thing cut from budgets and it’s so valuable.
Exactly, Daniel. Creativity fuels innovation. We need more of it in our education system.
Less time in school should mean more quality family time. I think it’s a positive change for society overall.
Where’s the evidence that less hours will improve student performance? Sounds experimental.
There’s plenty of research supporting the link between reduced hours and better mental health, which often leads to better academic performance.
Maybe, but we should proceed cautiously. Our kids’ futures shouldn’t be put at risk on an unproven theory.