Students need parent support, more interesting lessons: study

The survey conducted among 23,200 respondents including 10,000 students discovered that they believed personal attention and equal treatment from teachers were the key factors affecting their learning. 

They also hoped caring teachers would be always available to give them advice.
Dr Amornwich Nakornthap, who heads the School Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) research project, released the findings yesterday – one day ahead of National Teachers’ Day. 
Responding to the survey were 10,000 Prathom 6, Mathayom 3 and Mathayom 6 students, 4,000 teachers, 200 school executives and 9,000 parents. 
The survey found that children complained how little attention their family gave to their studies.
They also admitted their relationships with friends and their own habits affected their learning results. 

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Parents, meanwhile, were found to have recognised that spending insufficient time helping their children with their studies could hurt their learning. 
According to the survey, both parents and teachers believe their lack of familiarity with each other might also affect students. 
“There are gaps between students and teachers, gaps between students and their parents, gaps between teachers and school executives, and gaps between teachers and parents,” a report on the survey results noted. 
Amornwich said those gaps could be narrowed, and relevant parties should play their part in doing so. 
“It’s a way to turn schools into happy learning places,” he said. 
Amornwich said adults should act on their awareness that children wanted love, care and understanding. 
Nakorn Tangkapipope, who participates in the SQIP project, said 201 schools had joined the project during the past year. 
“The project is increasing quality and happiness at participating schools,” he said. 
This initiative has actively engaged parents, teachers, students and schools by promoting professional learning communities and growth mindsets, Nakorn said. 
Sunisa Sereerat, a Mathayom 6 student at a participating school, said her teachers had recently started adjusting their teaching methods.
“They have now taught us via games and interesting activities. I feel closer to teachers and have more courage to ask questions when I don’t understand something,” she said. 
Sunisa added that she wanted to come to school not just because of her friends, but also for the learning activities.