[EDLING:914] Thailand: English and Mandarin language teaching to be overhauled

[Francis M Hult]

By way of the lg-polict list...
> 
> http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Aug2005_news04.php
> 
> EDUCATION / TEST RESULTS SPUR CURRICULUM CHANGE
> 
> English language teaching to be overhauled
> 
> SIRIKUL BUNNAG
> 
> Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng has set a one-month deadline to
> revamp English language teaching nationwide by switching from learning by
> rote and grammar to English language for communication, after tests
> revealed that Thais have the second-worst English language skills in
> Southeast Asia. On Tuesday, the Higher Education Commission's English
> proficiency development centre revealed Thais came eighth and fourth in
> the nine and six Southeast Asian countries rated by TOEFL (Test of English
> as Foreign Language) and TOEIC (Test of English for International
> Communication), scoring on average only 201 on a cumulative scale of 300
> and 524 of the full 990 score respectively.
> 
> This has promoted the drafting of a special English-language curriculum
> for workers in six major industries. The minister said he told senior
> Education Ministry executives on Tuesday about his three-month action plan
> under which the ministry would overhaul the curriculum and improve the
> quality of teaching and teachers nationwide.
> 
> He would start with English language teaching at all levels and promote
> the teaching of Mandarin, which was now important for trade and
> investment. English language teaching methods should be changed from
> learning by rote and grammar to communication with a focus on speaking,
> writing and comprehension, Mr Chaturon added.
> 
> ''I've long been trying to push for such a change, but officials and
> schools resisted. These test results clearly show that Thais have poor
> English language skills ...in terms of scoring, almost the worst in
> Southeast Asia.
> 
> ''TOEFL tests recently changed to gauge communications, speaking and
> writing skills instead of focusing on listening and multiple choices.
> That's why Thai students who learn English by rote have failed to adjust
> to the change,'' he said.
> 
> Restructuring the curriculum, teaching methods and improving teacher
> quality was a major agenda item in the wake of the many policy
> implementation problems that had arisen since the curriculum for basic
> education was introduced four years ago.
> 
> To achieve the goal, the ministry would listen to academics and people's
> opinions. Khunying Kasama Varavarn na Ayudhaya, permanent secretary for
> education, would oversee creation of a strategic plan and a database on
> teaching methods for schools and teachers to use.
> 
> ''The curriculum has too much content and causes burdens and worries to
> teachers. Students are unhappy about studying and incapable of analytical
> thinking and applying their knowledge. The new curriculum must not upset
> students or teachers, but introduce easy-to-understand teaching methods.
> ''Whatever is too difficult for children must be corrected while whatever
> is used for teaching must be evaluated and updated,'' Mr Chaturon said.
> 
> He also wanted the ministry to scrap its vague policy for every school to
> design its own curriculum based on the central curriculum but including a
> local component, and instead help schools with the design based on local
> intellect. The policy had confused schools, he said.
> 
> To enhance teaching of Mandarin, the ministry would seek cooperation from
> the private sector and universities, to help institutions set up teaching
> systems which met international standards. Vocational and non-formal
> education would also be overhauled, pre-primary and higher education
> improved and community participation boosted in education management.