THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

King Mongkut’s Institute launches science incubator school

King Mongkut’s Institute launches science incubator school

THAILAND’S first international science demonstration school is springing into action.

The opening is a part of efforts by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Lat Krabang (KMITL) to provide an incubator for students so that they can become innovators in the 21st Century. 
“We aim to become one of Asean’s top 10 science and technology universities by 2020,” Prof Suchatvee Suwansawat, president of KMITL, said last week.
“To achieve this ambitious goal, we need good input and therefore have to start preparing school students as early as possible.”
Mathayom 6 graduates who have been properly prepared are expected to have the basic knowledge, attitudes and qualifications to pursue higher education at KMITL or leading universities in Thailand and abroad.
Operating under the university’s College of Education Innovation, King Mongkut’s International Demonstration School (KMIDS) will receive applications from students for the 2017 academic year, which starts in August next year.
Applications can be submitted from August 22 to October 31
The entrance examination date will be set in November. Each class level will recruit 250 students.
The construction of facilities is expected to be completed by the opening. 
KMIDS will offer classes for Mathayom 1 through 6, taught in English by native speakers. 
Courses and programmes are designed based on the “STEAM” concept, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics, plus art. 
The courses not only focus on scientific and mathematical rules and theory, but also allow students to apply art and creativity to those ideas to create real innovations. 
Students will be encouraged to think, research, analyse and find innovative solutions to problems. 
KMIDS’s curriculum, approved and accredited by the Education Ministry in Thailand and by US educators, is based on a combination of a US educational model, which is flexible and recognised at the international level, and the Thai system, which is intensive. 
The school has adopted learning concepts implemented at the National University of Singapore High School of Mathematics and Science, which integrates mathematics and science skills with linguistics, humanitarianism, art and sports. 
KMIDS has also received cooperation from Ruamrudee International School regarding international education standards control and arrangement.
Another highlight at KMIDS is the “smart classroom” atmosphere. Classrooms will be fully equipped with advanced teaching aids that are regularly updated. 
Experienced teachers with modern technology skills will guide students to learn and embrace modern technology in their daily routine for effective learning. 
More importantly, an “active learning” style will be used to encourage students to maximise their abilities to develop themselves. Teachers’ roles will be limited to those of facilitator and coach, enabling students to learn by themselves.
“By combining US and Thai education systems and providing education in an active learning atmosphere, KMIDS will produce students with high capabilities to continue higher education and work in Thailand and international workplaces,” Suchatvee said.
“We are producing the real 21st-century generation,” he said. 
 
RELATED
nationthailand