Four obstacles to analytical thinking

Firstly, because our leaders ask the wrong questions. For example, faced with poor results in the National Institute of Educational Testing Service among Mayathom 6 students, especially in the rural areas, Education Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan suggested the exam was too difficult. “Students in the provinces are not familiar with this kind of exam,” he said. 

My dear general, if our marksmen aren’t shooting accurately, do you make the target larger or do you improve their aim? You should find out how to teach provincial students to think more analytically, not make the tests easier.

Second, we punish students for asking questions. When a student suggested to Prayut that they be taught the rationale for each of his “12 Values” rather than merely memorising them, the lad was frog-marched to the nearest police station. 

Third, we punish those with opinions contrary to our own. “You can think, but don’t express your thoughts,” Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said. Students peacefully flashing the “Hunger Games” salute were “invited” for “attitude adjustment”. The junta forbids peaceful, inclusive debate on issues of the day.

And fourth, we insist on teaching what to think rather than how to think. 

It’s not the kids who fail. It’s we adults who have failed them. Shame on us.

Burin Kantabutra