One of the biggest mistakes an inexperienced MBA can make is not involving and "selling" other people on their ideas for change.
During the recession, many college students opted to continue their education rather than graduate and enter a depressed job market. Some decided to collect their master's degree in business ("MBA") with little or no work experience.
When these MBA students graduate, they will have advanced academic credentials and the mettle to make it to the executive suite. But what they might lack is one other essential skill needed for success: The ability to sell ideas to others.
Most MBA programmes provide the traditional business school curriculum that sharpens technical skills such as finance and accounting, builds decision-making effectiveness via case studies, and enhances collaboration through group problem-solving. These experiences equip students with rudimentary management skills and a better understanding of the business world.
But to make an impact in the post-recession era, an MBA degree must be accompanied with a healthy dose of what it takes to sell change - new ideas for growth, different strategies or tough re-structuring. A brilliant MBA graduate who doesn't know how to sell his ideas is like a sports car with a big engine but no wheels. It has a lot of horsepower, makes a lot of noise, but doesn't go anywhere.
"One of the biggest knocks against inexperienced MBAs is that they are book smart, but don't know how to deal with people to get things done," said Khun Siriporn, HR director at a multinational here in Thailand. "They think the quality of their ideas will fly on their own merit and can't understand when they don't."
The problem occurs when an inexperienced MBA comes up with a good idea, but meets resistance because he has not involved others in developing that idea. Often alternative ideas are accepted not because they are better, but because more people have been consulted and involved. This creates ownership.
"Often times MBAs are frustrated when their ideas are put on hold for several months and then nothing happens," said Khun Siriporn. "You need other people to champion your ideas to push them through."
Take, for example, the classic method for problem-solving in the workplace. A young MBA is faced with a business problem to solve so he refers to the three-step MBA playbook. First, he clarifies the situation, second, he identifies the correct problem, and third, he proposes a text book solution.
Although he followed a logical approach, he neglected to involve and sound out others who would be affected. As a result, when his idea is presented for approval, there isn't enough buy-in to push it through.
In the real world, even the cleverest leaders with the smartest ideas need to gain support. Without this support, their ideas remain purely academic.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Zone curbing alcohol sales set for trial
The zoning of outlets selling alcohol around universities will begin on a pilot basis pending a ministerial announcement enforcing the change.
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee yesterday said the selection of areas for the project had been discussed with Thammasat University, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and a network of civic groups.
The pilot would show curbs on the sale of alcohol around universities would work, Mr Manit said.
The Prime Minister's Office has drafted an announcement under the Alcohol Control Act. The announcement is organic to the act and it is needed to enforce the zoning.
First, however, it would have to be backed by the national committee on alcohol consumption control chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart. No date for a meeting of the committee has been set.
No alcohol sales will be allowed within 500 metres of universities or other education outlets under the announcement.
However, shops such as convenience stores or entertainment venues selling alcohol may be exempt from the ban.
Exemptions will be decided by the education outlets and the provincial alcohol regulation committee.
Roadside vendors selling alcoholic smoothies will also come under the regulation.
The changes also introduce picture warnings on bottles containing alcohol,similar to those seen on cigarette packs.
The draft will specify the size of the images and health messages which must cover half the label.
They will tell of drinkers suffering from liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver and causing road accidents. They have to be posted on all bottles and packaging for alcohol, the Disease Control Department says.
The pilot project will be useful for testing the water before the announcement takes effect, Mr Manit said.
Another possible measure for the pilot zone is to reject any new applications for operating licences for alcohol shops close to education outlets.
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee yesterday said the selection of areas for the project had been discussed with Thammasat University, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and a network of civic groups.
The pilot would show curbs on the sale of alcohol around universities would work, Mr Manit said.
The Prime Minister's Office has drafted an announcement under the Alcohol Control Act. The announcement is organic to the act and it is needed to enforce the zoning.
First, however, it would have to be backed by the national committee on alcohol consumption control chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart. No date for a meeting of the committee has been set.
No alcohol sales will be allowed within 500 metres of universities or other education outlets under the announcement.
However, shops such as convenience stores or entertainment venues selling alcohol may be exempt from the ban.
Exemptions will be decided by the education outlets and the provincial alcohol regulation committee.
Roadside vendors selling alcoholic smoothies will also come under the regulation.
The changes also introduce picture warnings on bottles containing alcohol,similar to those seen on cigarette packs.
The draft will specify the size of the images and health messages which must cover half the label.
They will tell of drinkers suffering from liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver and causing road accidents. They have to be posted on all bottles and packaging for alcohol, the Disease Control Department says.
The pilot project will be useful for testing the water before the announcement takes effect, Mr Manit said.
Another possible measure for the pilot zone is to reject any new applications for operating licences for alcohol shops close to education outlets.
Many fine art students today
Many fine art students today are facing a shortage of scholarships with which to create works of art,due to the sluggish economy and family financial problems. A fund is also needed for the purchase of tools for the creation of art works.
To help alleviate these problems,the Architecture Faculty of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, which has been in the fine arts field for more than 10 years,in conjunction with Artery Thailand,has come up with the "GIFT" project, an art exhibition to raise funds for needy students with good academic records.
The project will exhibit the works of 24 famous art professionals such as Decha Warashoon, Sannarong Singhaseni, Alita Junfungpetch, Wutigorn Kongka, and Mongkol Kerdwan. All the works will be for sale, with the income going directly to the institute and the students.
The exhibition will be from Oct 8 to Oct 31, at Artery Gallery,919/1 The Silom Galleria Building, B1 Fl, Silom Rd., Bangkok.
To help alleviate these problems,the Architecture Faculty of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, which has been in the fine arts field for more than 10 years,in conjunction with Artery Thailand,has come up with the "GIFT" project, an art exhibition to raise funds for needy students with good academic records.
The project will exhibit the works of 24 famous art professionals such as Decha Warashoon, Sannarong Singhaseni, Alita Junfungpetch, Wutigorn Kongka, and Mongkol Kerdwan. All the works will be for sale, with the income going directly to the institute and the students.
The exhibition will be from Oct 8 to Oct 31, at Artery Gallery,919/1 The Silom Galleria Building, B1 Fl, Silom Rd., Bangkok.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
EDUCATION INSTITUTE PLAN REDUNDANT, COSTLY: EXPERTS
Several key figures in the country's education circle have condemned the government plan to establish a National Institute of Education (NIE) to oversee organisations that produce teachers and ensure their quality.
"I disagree with the plan because of [the amount of] budget involved," Teachers' Council of Thailand secretarygeneral Ongkorn Amornsirinan said at a seminar yesterday.
NIE will need at least Bt2billion to start its operations.
The Office of the Education Council held the seminar to gather opinions on the NIE plan. The information will later be forwarded to Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.
Suan Dusit Rajabhat University president Sirote Phonpuntin lamented that the Rajabhat institutes had to take the flak for the perceived drop in teacher quality.
"In the past, we had never been consulted about any upcoming change. We put academic content before teaching skills in our course. But then we were told to focus more on teaching skills. Now that the teachers do not have solid knowledge of the academic subject, we are blamed," Sirote said.
He was against the NIE.
"It's redundant," Sirote insisted.
Ongkorn said political interference was a reason the country's educational reform was not successful and the teaching profession was headed for decline.
"I think it's time we stopped carrying out educational reform in response to politicians' wishes," he said.
Thailand Education Deans Council chairman Sombat Noprak said he would support NIE only if it was going to work like the nowdefunct Department of Teacher Education.
The department was dissolved during the first round of the country's educational reform.
"NIE, if established, must not compete with 100 institutes now producing teachers for the country. Also, NIE's scope of work must not overlap with that of the Teachers' Council of Thailand," Sombat said.
Chulalongkorn University lecturer Sompong Jitradub said it would be better for existing organisations to work together in solving educational problems. "We should not establish a new organisation," he said.
"Thailand already has so many highereducational institutes."
Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Onesqa) acting director Somwang Phithiyanuwat insisted that NIE works would not overlap any existing institute.
"NIE will develop the teaching profession. It will also enhance not just the work standard but also the quality of life of teachers," Somwang said.
NIE will plan how best to develop teachers and will channel budget to qualified institutes, he said.
"Some institutes may be upset because they are producing too many unqualified teachers," Somwang said.
Dr Warakorn Samkoses, who chairs a panel on teacher production and development, said no existing organisation could do what the NIE was supposed to do.
"I disagree with the plan because of [the amount of] budget involved," Teachers' Council of Thailand secretarygeneral Ongkorn Amornsirinan said at a seminar yesterday.
NIE will need at least Bt2billion to start its operations.
The Office of the Education Council held the seminar to gather opinions on the NIE plan. The information will later be forwarded to Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.
Suan Dusit Rajabhat University president Sirote Phonpuntin lamented that the Rajabhat institutes had to take the flak for the perceived drop in teacher quality.
"In the past, we had never been consulted about any upcoming change. We put academic content before teaching skills in our course. But then we were told to focus more on teaching skills. Now that the teachers do not have solid knowledge of the academic subject, we are blamed," Sirote said.
He was against the NIE.
"It's redundant," Sirote insisted.
Ongkorn said political interference was a reason the country's educational reform was not successful and the teaching profession was headed for decline.
"I think it's time we stopped carrying out educational reform in response to politicians' wishes," he said.
Thailand Education Deans Council chairman Sombat Noprak said he would support NIE only if it was going to work like the nowdefunct Department of Teacher Education.
The department was dissolved during the first round of the country's educational reform.
"NIE, if established, must not compete with 100 institutes now producing teachers for the country. Also, NIE's scope of work must not overlap with that of the Teachers' Council of Thailand," Sombat said.
Chulalongkorn University lecturer Sompong Jitradub said it would be better for existing organisations to work together in solving educational problems. "We should not establish a new organisation," he said.
"Thailand already has so many highereducational institutes."
Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Onesqa) acting director Somwang Phithiyanuwat insisted that NIE works would not overlap any existing institute.
"NIE will develop the teaching profession. It will also enhance not just the work standard but also the quality of life of teachers," Somwang said.
NIE will plan how best to develop teachers and will channel budget to qualified institutes, he said.
"Some institutes may be upset because they are producing too many unqualified teachers," Somwang said.
Dr Warakorn Samkoses, who chairs a panel on teacher production and development, said no existing organisation could do what the NIE was supposed to do.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
REDUNDANT EDUCATION CONTENT MAY BE CUT AS PART OF REFORM
Some 30 per cent of content taught at the basic-education level may be cut or adjusted on grounds of redundancy, Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said at a meeting yesterday.
Meanwhile, academics at the meeting urged the education and other ministries to stop organising formal training for teachers, because it was found they often had to miss classes in order to attend the sessions.
After the meeting, held at the Dusit Thani Hotel and Resort in Pattaya with education officials and academics to decide on priorities for the country's second education reform programme, Jurin said he would let educational experts work together with curriculum creators |to consider whether the ministry should cut or adjust redundant content.
He expects it will take about a month to consider the issue, after which he will decide which path to take.
Utumporn Jamornmann, director of the National Institute of Educational Testing Service, said she wanted training held by the ministries for teachers to be revoked, but they should instead let teachers organise training themselves.
"Many teachers have to leave their pupils and classes to take part in the training, especially in August when much of the training budget remains," she said.
Channarong Pornrungroj, secretary to the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, backed Utumporn's idea.
He said it was unnecessary to have so much formal training for teachers. They should instead have the freedom and time to adjust their own training, so that it does not affect their classes.
Jurin concluded from yesterday's discussion that three main areas of the education system should be focused upon in the upcoming reform.
"With the need to enable Thai students to think more analytically than only being able to remember studied content, initially we'll improve three main areas: curriculum, teachers and instructional media. We'll put the conclusions of the meeting into practice and initiate policy to support them," he said.
"In order to develop students' analytical thinking, the curriculum needs adjustment. Apart from dealing with redundant content, more education-related activities are needed for the new curriculum because this will encourage students to think more analytically. Therefore, students' timetables will also be adjusted to suit learning through such activities," the minister said.
He said he planned to improve the quality of teaching by organising training for 450,000 teachers countrywide within one year, together with creating a better understanding with school boards.
Jurin added that instructional media successfully produced and used in other countries would be introduced into Thailand for use by teachers. In addition, more local instructional media will be produced to facilitate their teaching.
Meanwhile, academics at the meeting urged the education and other ministries to stop organising formal training for teachers, because it was found they often had to miss classes in order to attend the sessions.
After the meeting, held at the Dusit Thani Hotel and Resort in Pattaya with education officials and academics to decide on priorities for the country's second education reform programme, Jurin said he would let educational experts work together with curriculum creators |to consider whether the ministry should cut or adjust redundant content.
He expects it will take about a month to consider the issue, after which he will decide which path to take.
Utumporn Jamornmann, director of the National Institute of Educational Testing Service, said she wanted training held by the ministries for teachers to be revoked, but they should instead let teachers organise training themselves.
"Many teachers have to leave their pupils and classes to take part in the training, especially in August when much of the training budget remains," she said.
Channarong Pornrungroj, secretary to the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, backed Utumporn's idea.
He said it was unnecessary to have so much formal training for teachers. They should instead have the freedom and time to adjust their own training, so that it does not affect their classes.
Jurin concluded from yesterday's discussion that three main areas of the education system should be focused upon in the upcoming reform.
"With the need to enable Thai students to think more analytically than only being able to remember studied content, initially we'll improve three main areas: curriculum, teachers and instructional media. We'll put the conclusions of the meeting into practice and initiate policy to support them," he said.
"In order to develop students' analytical thinking, the curriculum needs adjustment. Apart from dealing with redundant content, more education-related activities are needed for the new curriculum because this will encourage students to think more analytically. Therefore, students' timetables will also be adjusted to suit learning through such activities," the minister said.
He said he planned to improve the quality of teaching by organising training for 450,000 teachers countrywide within one year, together with creating a better understanding with school boards.
Jurin added that instructional media successfully produced and used in other countries would be introduced into Thailand for use by teachers. In addition, more local instructional media will be produced to facilitate their teaching.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Forum to discuss broadband
Fed up with the delay surrounding Thailand's 3G and Wimax deployments,the secretariat of apowerful Chulalongkorn-based think tank will release a report on October 28, presenting a model to vastly accelerate the nation's broadband deployment.
Headlining the event, to be held at Sasin Graduate School of Business, will be True Corp. CEO Supachai Chearavanont, in his role as Rotating Chairman of Chulalongkorn's Meaningful Broadband Working Group. The Forum will be on October 28 at Sasin Graduate School of Business,1-4 pm, sponsored by Cisco Systems.
"The report shows that broadband can be leveraged to bring new opportunities for low-income Thais. Meaningful Broadband is bringing together government, business and academia to this end," said Supachai.
The report,A Model to Close Digital Divide , formulates a business model that would more than triple fixed and wireless broadband penetration in Thailand from the current predicted level of 17 percent by 2015, to more than 50 percent, a target called for by the ICT Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee.
The Forum, for the Chulalongkorn community, with some space available for the general public, will be opened by Dr Charas Suwanwela, Chairman of the University Council. Individuals interested in attending the forum can register after October 20 at www.meaningfulbroadband.org.
Supachai recently replaced NTC commissioners as temporary leader of the Meaningful Broadband Working Group,which includes the top executives of AIS, DTAC, TOT Telecom and CAT Telecom, as well as the government's NTC.After gaining public feedback, the report will be revised and formally presented for the consideration of the Working Group and to the Prime Minister within the next several weeks.
The author of the report, Chulalongkorn Visiting Professor Craig Warren Smith, a leader in the global movement to close digital divide is now in residence as Visiting Professor at Chulalongkorn to oversee the initiative. He says,"The Thai government rightly calls for a 'creative economy,' and for giving low-income Thais skills to be knowledge workers.But these concepts require broadband for their implementation. Mobile data services could be designed for smart phones to transmit a 'wealth effect,' lowering costs and increasing income."
As an example, he offers the example of cellbazaar.com, an application that is used by millions of Bangladeshis to buy and sell, cutting out middlemen."If such applications become part of a suite of 'meaningful services' that are enabled by broadband and made affordable to all Thais, they would produce a more equitable Thai economy," says Prof Smith.
He adds,"Even if 3G and Wimax licensing proceeds as planned, price points of the Thai broadband ecosystem will be so high that smart phones and netbooks will hardly reach beyond the 'yuppiephone' market. And they will be bundled with frivolous entertainment applications designed for international markets. They will be too pricey and irrelevant to the basic needs of Thai families who earn less than 20,000 baht a month," he said.
Prof Soraj Hongladarom, director of the university's Center for Ethics of Science and Technology, which hosts the Meaningful Broadband Working Group,adds that the Secretariat is considering options for beta-test deployment of the model in Isan."We might invite innovators from IT labs from around the world to join to join in the effort to create web services that preserve Thai values as well as help low-income Thais develop essential new skills."
Headlining the event, to be held at Sasin Graduate School of Business, will be True Corp. CEO Supachai Chearavanont, in his role as Rotating Chairman of Chulalongkorn's Meaningful Broadband Working Group. The Forum will be on October 28 at Sasin Graduate School of Business,1-4 pm, sponsored by Cisco Systems.
"The report shows that broadband can be leveraged to bring new opportunities for low-income Thais. Meaningful Broadband is bringing together government, business and academia to this end," said Supachai.
The report,A Model to Close Digital Divide , formulates a business model that would more than triple fixed and wireless broadband penetration in Thailand from the current predicted level of 17 percent by 2015, to more than 50 percent, a target called for by the ICT Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee.
The Forum, for the Chulalongkorn community, with some space available for the general public, will be opened by Dr Charas Suwanwela, Chairman of the University Council. Individuals interested in attending the forum can register after October 20 at www.meaningfulbroadband.org.
Supachai recently replaced NTC commissioners as temporary leader of the Meaningful Broadband Working Group,which includes the top executives of AIS, DTAC, TOT Telecom and CAT Telecom, as well as the government's NTC.After gaining public feedback, the report will be revised and formally presented for the consideration of the Working Group and to the Prime Minister within the next several weeks.
The author of the report, Chulalongkorn Visiting Professor Craig Warren Smith, a leader in the global movement to close digital divide is now in residence as Visiting Professor at Chulalongkorn to oversee the initiative. He says,"The Thai government rightly calls for a 'creative economy,' and for giving low-income Thais skills to be knowledge workers.But these concepts require broadband for their implementation. Mobile data services could be designed for smart phones to transmit a 'wealth effect,' lowering costs and increasing income."
As an example, he offers the example of cellbazaar.com, an application that is used by millions of Bangladeshis to buy and sell, cutting out middlemen."If such applications become part of a suite of 'meaningful services' that are enabled by broadband and made affordable to all Thais, they would produce a more equitable Thai economy," says Prof Smith.
He adds,"Even if 3G and Wimax licensing proceeds as planned, price points of the Thai broadband ecosystem will be so high that smart phones and netbooks will hardly reach beyond the 'yuppiephone' market. And they will be bundled with frivolous entertainment applications designed for international markets. They will be too pricey and irrelevant to the basic needs of Thai families who earn less than 20,000 baht a month," he said.
Prof Soraj Hongladarom, director of the university's Center for Ethics of Science and Technology, which hosts the Meaningful Broadband Working Group,adds that the Secretariat is considering options for beta-test deployment of the model in Isan."We might invite innovators from IT labs from around the world to join to join in the effort to create web services that preserve Thai values as well as help low-income Thais develop essential new skills."
Monday, October 12, 2009
ANOTHER CHANCE FOR VICTIMS OF TEST HACKERS
Students who missed two national university-entrance tests as a result of hackers attacking the website of the National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) will be allowed to take both tests later this month, NIETS director Uthumphorn Jamornman said yesterday.
Those able to print out test permits from the website before it was hacked last week can take both the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and the Professional Aptitude Test (PAT) exams at 2 pm today.
Those who were unable to obtain the printouts can take the tests from October 29 to November 1, before overall results are announced by November 10.
Information about 1,000 students was stolen last week by hackers in coordinated denial-of-service attacks against the NIETS website. The attacks, believed to have been the work of dissatisfied students, led to the NIETS website shutting down.
High absentee rates at GAT |tests on Saturday were believed |to be a consequence of students |misunderstanding their inability to print out their information from |the NIETS website following the attacks. They saw this as meaning they were unable to take the exam.
Uthumphorn said a new registration would be held from Thursday to October 22, for all students, and the names of those allowed to take the tests would be announced on October 26. She said the new registration would also benefit students who did not register in the first place, giving them a second chance. All students entitled to take second-round tests will not have to pay extra registration fees.
The NIETS has sought technological assistance from the Information and Communications Technology Ministry to prevent or deter possible hacker attacks.
The online intrusion had not reached essential information protected by firewalls in the NIETS website, she said, adding that she thought it had been done by some "wayward individuals similar to those who throw objects at passing vehicles".
She said additional means of communication would be established next year as alternative channels in the case of possible malfunction or hacking of the website, like mirror websites or a call centre for emergency information.
Uthumphorn was jointly inspecting an exam venue yesterday at Ratchavinij Bang Kaew School in Samut Prakan, where a PAT II exam was held.
Suraphong Phongdej khajorn, an assistant to the education minister's secretary. said later that the PAT exam was held at 300 venues across the country and about 20 per cent of students missed the test.
Those able to print out test permits from the website before it was hacked last week can take both the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and the Professional Aptitude Test (PAT) exams at 2 pm today.
Those who were unable to obtain the printouts can take the tests from October 29 to November 1, before overall results are announced by November 10.
Information about 1,000 students was stolen last week by hackers in coordinated denial-of-service attacks against the NIETS website. The attacks, believed to have been the work of dissatisfied students, led to the NIETS website shutting down.
High absentee rates at GAT |tests on Saturday were believed |to be a consequence of students |misunderstanding their inability to print out their information from |the NIETS website following the attacks. They saw this as meaning they were unable to take the exam.
Uthumphorn said a new registration would be held from Thursday to October 22, for all students, and the names of those allowed to take the tests would be announced on October 26. She said the new registration would also benefit students who did not register in the first place, giving them a second chance. All students entitled to take second-round tests will not have to pay extra registration fees.
The NIETS has sought technological assistance from the Information and Communications Technology Ministry to prevent or deter possible hacker attacks.
The online intrusion had not reached essential information protected by firewalls in the NIETS website, she said, adding that she thought it had been done by some "wayward individuals similar to those who throw objects at passing vehicles".
She said additional means of communication would be established next year as alternative channels in the case of possible malfunction or hacking of the website, like mirror websites or a call centre for emergency information.
Uthumphorn was jointly inspecting an exam venue yesterday at Ratchavinij Bang Kaew School in Samut Prakan, where a PAT II exam was held.
Suraphong Phongdej khajorn, an assistant to the education minister's secretary. said later that the PAT exam was held at 300 venues across the country and about 20 per cent of students missed the test.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
THE SCHOOL THAT SETS ITS OWN COURSE
Meet Wichien Chaiyabang, headmaster of a school that really stands out in this country - no strict curriculum, no exams and, despite producing some of the best national results in science, no science course.
Wichien, 41, graduated from Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University with a teaching degree and spent 10 years teaching in the civil service. But despite his best efforts to improve things, it was "like being in a very big pond" and he was never able to raise a ripple.
His belief that there's a better way was restored soon after he became headmaster of Buri Ram's Lamplaimat Pattana School when it opened eight years ago. He chose the right strings to pull and the results came fast.
"It's just a small school, but it's having an impact elsewhere," Wichien says with modest understatement. More than 20 state schools are now following its example.
In 2006 the University of Tasmania ranked it as "world class". The following year its students sailed through the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment with "excellent marks" under 13 criteria.
Lamplaimat Pattana School's founders, the Population and Community Development Association and the James Clark Foundation, envisioned it as a model for schools where rural children could receive a solid education and learn to be good members of society.
"Compared with students at rural state schools, ours are really full of confidence, determination and tenderness," Wichien says.
Lamplaimat Pattana holds no exams, he notes. "I don't believe multiplec-hoice exams can identify which children are smart."
The lack of testing hasn't stopped the youngsters from doing exceptionally well on national examinations. They routinely score higher than average in the Thai language, math and science.
"Actually, we don't even have a science course," Wichien says.
There is no strict curriculum and no purposemade textbooks. No bells ring to signal the end of classes.
"Our class time is based on short lessons," Wichien explains. In learning Thai grammar, for example, the students are told a story and then quizzed about it, thus honing their ability to memorise, understand and analyse.
"We'll ask them what they would do if they were in such a situation," Wichien says. "That's how they learn how to apply what they've learned."
From there, the teacher might move on to any other related subject, such as design.
"The students could be asked to design a setting for the story. And to further stimulate their imagination, they could be asked to suggest different endings for the story."
Wichien says all of the school's teachers are committed to maintaining a happy learning environment with "no coercion".
They're required to treat their students the way they wanted to be treated when they were children, and to show love and respect.
"Good relationships can be very useful!" Wichien says.
"They have to see the students' good points and boost their potential. They must not let a single student fail."
Every Monday evening the teachers meet to compare notes on the previous week and plan for the next.
Wichien admits he tries to push the teachers beyond their comfort zones so that greater achievements become possible.
"We've also involved the parents and others in the local community. We want them to know they have a responsibility to the school as well."
Parents are regularly invited to conduct classes.
"They can tell a story or teach the kids how to cook something, but they must come, so that they get to know their children's friends," Wichien says.
The parents, he says, at first wanted to see their children learn to read and write in the conventional way, believing it was essential to gaining admission to a prestigious school and a brighter future.
"But over the years their attitude has changed. They've come to understand that Lamplaimat Pattana teaches their children to be good people and efficient problemsolvers. Their children will be able to live a good life."
Satisfied at having made a difference in education, Wichien is thinking about retiring from the school after two more years to pursue his dream of writing.
"I want to spend the rest of my life writing," he says. "I believe books have a significant impact on people's lives. I want to write fulltime in the hope that my books will expand the readers' horizon and offer them good alternatives in life."
Wichien, 41, graduated from Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University with a teaching degree and spent 10 years teaching in the civil service. But despite his best efforts to improve things, it was "like being in a very big pond" and he was never able to raise a ripple.
His belief that there's a better way was restored soon after he became headmaster of Buri Ram's Lamplaimat Pattana School when it opened eight years ago. He chose the right strings to pull and the results came fast.
"It's just a small school, but it's having an impact elsewhere," Wichien says with modest understatement. More than 20 state schools are now following its example.
In 2006 the University of Tasmania ranked it as "world class". The following year its students sailed through the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment with "excellent marks" under 13 criteria.
Lamplaimat Pattana School's founders, the Population and Community Development Association and the James Clark Foundation, envisioned it as a model for schools where rural children could receive a solid education and learn to be good members of society.
"Compared with students at rural state schools, ours are really full of confidence, determination and tenderness," Wichien says.
Lamplaimat Pattana holds no exams, he notes. "I don't believe multiplec-hoice exams can identify which children are smart."
The lack of testing hasn't stopped the youngsters from doing exceptionally well on national examinations. They routinely score higher than average in the Thai language, math and science.
"Actually, we don't even have a science course," Wichien says.
There is no strict curriculum and no purposemade textbooks. No bells ring to signal the end of classes.
"Our class time is based on short lessons," Wichien explains. In learning Thai grammar, for example, the students are told a story and then quizzed about it, thus honing their ability to memorise, understand and analyse.
"We'll ask them what they would do if they were in such a situation," Wichien says. "That's how they learn how to apply what they've learned."
From there, the teacher might move on to any other related subject, such as design.
"The students could be asked to design a setting for the story. And to further stimulate their imagination, they could be asked to suggest different endings for the story."
Wichien says all of the school's teachers are committed to maintaining a happy learning environment with "no coercion".
They're required to treat their students the way they wanted to be treated when they were children, and to show love and respect.
"Good relationships can be very useful!" Wichien says.
"They have to see the students' good points and boost their potential. They must not let a single student fail."
Every Monday evening the teachers meet to compare notes on the previous week and plan for the next.
Wichien admits he tries to push the teachers beyond their comfort zones so that greater achievements become possible.
"We've also involved the parents and others in the local community. We want them to know they have a responsibility to the school as well."
Parents are regularly invited to conduct classes.
"They can tell a story or teach the kids how to cook something, but they must come, so that they get to know their children's friends," Wichien says.
The parents, he says, at first wanted to see their children learn to read and write in the conventional way, believing it was essential to gaining admission to a prestigious school and a brighter future.
"But over the years their attitude has changed. They've come to understand that Lamplaimat Pattana teaches their children to be good people and efficient problemsolvers. Their children will be able to live a good life."
Satisfied at having made a difference in education, Wichien is thinking about retiring from the school after two more years to pursue his dream of writing.
"I want to spend the rest of my life writing," he says. "I believe books have a significant impact on people's lives. I want to write fulltime in the hope that my books will expand the readers' horizon and offer them good alternatives in life."
Friday, October 9, 2009
Varsities face class suspensions
The Education Ministry is looking at suspending classes at two Bangkok technology universities in a bid to end clashes between students.
The ministry yesterday said it also might discipline the university heads or, as a last resort, close the universities in response to the latest strife.
Students from Rajamangala University of Technology's Uthen Thawai campus came under gun attack on a public bus on Wednesday night. One student was seriously injured and the bus driver and three passengers wounded.
The attackers were believed to be students from the Pathumwan Institute of Technology, as students from the two schools have a long history of rivalry.
Witnesses told police a group of teenagers tried to get on to the air-conditioned bus No.113 stopped in front of Supachalasai National Stadium, but the driver closed the door and drove away. Moments later, six gun shots rang out.
Five people including the bus driver and the Uthen Thawai student were wounded. The student was taken to Hua Chiew Hospital with chest wounds.
Pol Col Phaisarn Lue-somboon, head of the Pathumwan police station, said the driver told police eight Uthen Thawai students were on board.
They asked him to take them to the Pathumwan police station as they feared being attacked by a group of about 30 Pathumwan Institute students outside.
Police are checking surveillance cameras in their search for the attackers, he said.
Deputy Education Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat yesterday said the heads of the two universities had been told they would be held responsible for further violence between their students.
"If the problems cannot be solved,we may have to consider closing the universities," he said.
San Vora-in, deputy secretary-general of the Higher Education Commission,said the two institutes had promised to bring the situation under control.
Ordering the suspension of classes was another option, but not ideal as the students were in the middle of exams.
But if the situation gets out of hand,classes would be ordered suspended for the sake of student safety, Mr San said.
On Tuesday night, a man wearing a safety helmet fired a gun into the Uthen Thawai campus. No one was hurt.
About 2am the following day, a man on a motorcycle fired at a group of Pathumwan students in front of their school. One bullet hit a student who had just returned from a party, he said.His condition is now safe.
The ministry yesterday said it also might discipline the university heads or, as a last resort, close the universities in response to the latest strife.
Students from Rajamangala University of Technology's Uthen Thawai campus came under gun attack on a public bus on Wednesday night. One student was seriously injured and the bus driver and three passengers wounded.
The attackers were believed to be students from the Pathumwan Institute of Technology, as students from the two schools have a long history of rivalry.
Witnesses told police a group of teenagers tried to get on to the air-conditioned bus No.113 stopped in front of Supachalasai National Stadium, but the driver closed the door and drove away. Moments later, six gun shots rang out.
Five people including the bus driver and the Uthen Thawai student were wounded. The student was taken to Hua Chiew Hospital with chest wounds.
Pol Col Phaisarn Lue-somboon, head of the Pathumwan police station, said the driver told police eight Uthen Thawai students were on board.
They asked him to take them to the Pathumwan police station as they feared being attacked by a group of about 30 Pathumwan Institute students outside.
Police are checking surveillance cameras in their search for the attackers, he said.
Deputy Education Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat yesterday said the heads of the two universities had been told they would be held responsible for further violence between their students.
"If the problems cannot be solved,we may have to consider closing the universities," he said.
San Vora-in, deputy secretary-general of the Higher Education Commission,said the two institutes had promised to bring the situation under control.
Ordering the suspension of classes was another option, but not ideal as the students were in the middle of exams.
But if the situation gets out of hand,classes would be ordered suspended for the sake of student safety, Mr San said.
On Tuesday night, a man wearing a safety helmet fired a gun into the Uthen Thawai campus. No one was hurt.
About 2am the following day, a man on a motorcycle fired at a group of Pathumwan students in front of their school. One bullet hit a student who had just returned from a party, he said.His condition is now safe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)