Overhaul in teaching methods

Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is part of a five-year strategic plan (2012-16) for the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST), said Professor Emeritus Montri Chulavatnatol, chairman of the IPST board.
“The STEM strategy will make huge changes in the teaching of these subjects, as the focus will be to get students to enjoy these subjects instead of learning by rote. Teachers will also be trained on improving their teaching methods.
“This way, both teachers and students will understand how to learn the subjects effectively and how to apply them in real life, as well as how they can use the subjects to create new innovations,” Montri said.
He added that IPST aimed for Thai students’ scores to reach international standards by 2027, especially in the Programme for International Students Assessment and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. It also wants the average scores in science and mathematics in the Ordinary National Educational Tests to rise by 4 per cent every year.
“STEM education will reach out to different educational institutions in every province. We plan to have STEM Halls of Fame, STEM Academies and iSTEM in every province.
The project will be officially launched in pilot provinces this year.