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Public Montessori Schools in Thailand
editA Historical Perspective
editThe demographic shift in developing nations often leads to urban migration, with families leaving rural areas in search of better opportunities in cities. This phenomenon was also observed in Thailand, leading to a significant decrease in the number of students in rural schools. The dwindling student population posed a threat to the survival of these schools, prompting the Thai Education Ministry to seek innovative solutions to sustain rural education.[1]
The traditional model of education, with one teacher instructing a small group of students, was proving inefficient in these rural schools. The Secretary General of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), Khun Ying Dr Kasama Vorawan, proposed a radical shift in pedagogy and school structure to breathe new life into the declining rural education sector.[2]
In 2004, the Montessori method of education was introduced as a potential solution. This pedagogical approach, which emphasizes multi-age classrooms, was implemented in a pilot project in the Nakorn Pathom Education Service Area One, under the guidance of Dr Kannekar Butt, the honorary Montessori field coordinator, and with the cooperation of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).[3]
The pilot project was a resounding success, demonstrating that students in multi-age classrooms could achieve strong academic and social skills. The project also revealed an increase in students' self-reliance, self-esteem, self-discipline, and a heightened level of concentration and interest in learning. The success of the pilot project led to the expansion of Montessori education in 16 additional schools in the province.[4]
To manage this expansion, several structures were established. The Montessori Association of Thailand (MAT) was founded in 2006 to promote the development of Thai children of all ages. A teacher training program was initiated in collaboration with OBEC and AMI. To ensure the maintenance of quality practices, a Framework of Cooperation was created and approved by the Permanent Secretary of Education, Dr Jaruyporn Thoranin.[5]
The objectives of the agreement were to expand the accessibility of Montessori education for Thai children and to provide a high standard of Montessori teacher training and professional development. Since then, more than 1100 government teachers, school directors, and supervisors have participated in AMI training courses.[6]
Over the past two decades, Montessori education has seen steady growth in both the public and private sectors in Thailand, despite various challenges. The Australian Thai Montessori Support group (ATMS) has played a significant role in supporting the professional development of Thai educators.[7]
The growth of the Montessori network community in Thailand is a testament to the commitment, dedication, and unity of its members. This article acknowledges the individual perseverance and devotion that have contributed to the remarkable embrace of Montessori education on a national scale.[8]
The Development of Montessori in Public Schools of Thailand
editWhile the Montessori movement that originated from Phuket was primarily focused on private Montessori schools, another initiative aimed at introducing Montessori education to public schools in Thailand gained momentum after the International Montessori Congress 2005 in Sydney. A team of Thai officials, led by Kannekar Butt, attended the conference, which led to the establishment of the Montessori Association of Thailand (MAT). Following this, AMI Australia initiated their first teacher training programs in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Over time, numerous courses were conducted, and many public schools, particularly public kindergartens for ages 3–6, adopted the Montessori method.[9]
The Thailand Association of Montessori Schools (TAMS) was established on July 11, 2003, by Mrs. Khamkaew Kraisornpong, the administrator of Kornkaew Kindergarten School. The association was created to disseminate ideas, methods, teaching management, and information about Montessori teaching and learning.[10]
The association's objectives include:
Serving as a center for exchanging knowledge, opinions, experiences, and disseminating news and information between schools that offer instruction in the Montessori system. Promoting and developing Montessori teaching and learning management. Cooperating and coordinating with private organizations and the Ministry of Education in organizing training and activities about teaching in the Montessori system. Studying and researching the development of schools that use the Montessori teaching system. Coordinating benefits between private organizations both domestically and internationally.
Honorary Advisor Khunying Boonluen Krua Trachu, former Director-General of the Department of General Education, emphasized the importance of the Montessori method in fostering the development of children. She noted that children's needs and characteristics at different stages of development are crucial in creating an environment for children to learn according to their potential.[11]
Secretary of the board of directors of Basic Education, Khunying Kasama Worawan Na Aythuya, expressed her admiration for the Montessori method, which has been respected for nearly a century. She noted that it is gratifying to see that in Thailand, there are numerous schools where these principles can be developed in various contexts to great benefit for Thai education.[12]
In 2008, the first Montessori conference of Thailand took place in Bangkok. The opening ceremony was held by AMI President Mr. Philip O'Brien, who visited Thailand in January 2015. The Montessori Association of Thailand is honored to be hosting the 29th International Montessori Congress, which will take place from August 2–5, 2023, at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.[13]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Education for the Future we want. Benjalug Namfa Ph.D.
- ^ Interview with Dr. Kannekar Butt and Dr. Somrak Kitdej as mentioned here.
- ^ "The Association Montessori Internationale" has partnered with the Montessori Association of Thailand and the Thai government Office of Basic Education to provide Montessori education in a growing number of public schools in Thailand. Since 2004, over 82 primary programmes have been established and 300 educators have been trained.
- ^ Montessori Public Schools Thailand. AMI Educateurs sans Frontier
- ^ "Montessori Association of Thailand": The Historical Review of AMI Montessori Education in Thailand. Introduction of the Montessori Approach into the government education system of Thailand.
- ^ "Montessori in Thailand" 2014. Dr. Kannekar Butt
- ^ "Thailand OBEC and AMI Framework" of Cooperation Signing Ceremony
- ^ "Montessori In Thailand" - A diamond of the first water
- ^ Public Montessori Schools listed on the Montessori Association Thailand Website
- ^ Thailand Association of Montessori Schools "About TAMS".
- ^ Thailand Association of Montessori Schools "About TAMS".
- ^ Thailand Association of Montessori Schools "About TAMS".
- ^ International Montessori Congress 2023, August 2nd-5th in Bangkok