Prodigies in training: Role-model science teachers unified to advance science education

Science education, in particular, requires experiments to help learners understand theories and sharpen skills in observing and processing. Science teachers have the responsibility to help learners to develop mental capability in a specific branch of science. 

In chemistry, experiments and lectures must go hand in hand. Chemistry teachers are expected to be able to deliver knowledge through demonstrations, not only from textbooks. Teachers have to invest a lot of time in preparing and evaluating experiments while bearing the responsibility of assessing risk issues. 

Chemistry teaching in most secondary schools lacks practical learning, with limitations in laboratories, equipment and costly chemical products. Without the experience of conducting a full chemistry experiment, students lack the inspiration to pursue higher education in the sciences.

Dow Thailand, a leading science company, and its partners saw these challenges and introduced the small-scale chemistry laboratory technique in their Dow Chemistry Class (DCC) project. It aims to offer a solution for science teachers with an effective and safe method that simplifies chemical experiments, allowing teachers and students to use environmentally-friendly and easy-to-find everyday materials. 

The project, initiated in 2012, has had its fifth instalment with a “Train the Trainer” programme. The activity is designed to sustain the small-scale chemistry lab technique further in the form of intensive training for selected role-model teachers and chemistry scholars who have the capacity, passion and dedication. 

The hope is to expand their pool of knowledge and pass it on to other teachers throughout Thailand, uplift science education and inspire students to have a deeper appreciation for science.

Bopitr Saengrattanachai, a teacher from Soonthornphu Pittaya School who has taught chemistry for 32 years, said last week most teachers think chemistry experiments must follow instructions from a textbook. But “the small-scale chemistry lab technique can be adapted according to whatever is available.” 

The small-scale chemistry lab is effective and safe. The kit has been widely used in microbiology, molecular biology, medical techniques and nano-technology experiments. The method has been used in chemical classes in countries around the world. 

Kosol Munjit, a young energetic teacher from Map Ta Phut Panpittayakan School, said he has seen tremendous changes in his students’ participation in class. “The small-scale chemistry lab makes chemistry experiments more accessible. Students gain experience in doing the experiment themselves, so they are more keen on seeing the results, which is the best way to learn science.”

Dow Chemistry Class is a collaboration of Dow Thailand, the Chemical Society of Thailand under the patronage of HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Rayong province, Secondary Educational Service Area Office 18 and Rayong Primary Education Service Area Office 1. 

Assoc Prof Supawan Tantayanon, ex-president of the Chemical Society of Thailand and head of the small-scale lab of the Dow Chemistry Class, said Thai students have a tendency to be less motivated to become a scientist, as it is perceived to be a career that doesn’t generate high income. But he said: “The |introduction of small-scale chemistry labs in Thai classrooms permits endless opportunities for both teachers and students.” 

Poranee Kongamornpinyo, public affairs director of Dow Thailand, said the goal is to expand knowledge of the technique as widely and sustainably as possible. The project has had five phases – introduction, training for science teachers at 21 pilot schools in Rayong, follow-up and evaluation, contest and |outcome reporting, and Train the Trainer.