The Process of Reform Implementation Initiated at Local Levels: in Nan Province - the Northern Part of Thailand

Boonpun Sanbho
Thailand

This case study is aimed to determine the factors which bear impact on the effectiveness of primary school. Concerning an effective teaching-learning process based on the learner-centered approach - the application of Japanese abacus, English style pen pal and the junior scientist project to Thai class during the 2000 - 2001 academic years. From three interested questions that (1) How to apply the Japanese abacus to Thai class in the remote area of Thailand? (2) How Thai pupils in the remote area can learn the meaningful English as a foreigner language? (3) How to encourage science method as well as Buddhist Philosophy to Thai pupils' learning style? The primary school under Nan Provincial Primary Education Committee - the northern part of Thailand is selected. In this study the data were collected by (1) observing the pupils' behavior during study, (2) pre-post testing, (3) interviewing the pupils' attitude, and (4) the pupils' achievement.

According to the application the Japanese abacus to Thai class, it is found that even the achievement was not appreciated the pupils' attitude toward mathematics is good. They can master for calculating by use Japanese abacus. Furthermore, the pupils could understand the explanation of the American textbooks and Japanese textbooks as well as Thai textbooks.

According to English class, pen pal project is introduced. The pupils learn the meaningful English as a foreigner language. Not only English but also the related subjects should be learnt before the pupils write the letters to their pen-pals. The integration subjects are needed. It is found that the pupils' achievement increased more than fifty percent.

For Thai educational philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy is much appropriate to Thai pupils' learning style. In addition, the science method (the problem-solving method) is very similar to Buddhist Philosophy (The Four Noble Truths). One of the most important underlying philosophical concepts is the doctrine of change (Anicca). It implies that here is always a hope for person to become better. He should not despair. Progress is always possible when an effort is properly made. The Buddha made some statements or doctrines which may be considered as underlying democratic concepts are (1) individual differences, (2) respect for individuals, (3) Cooperation and participation, and (4) Faith in intelligence.

From research results, it could be concluded that the key factors of an effective teaching learning process are as follow:

The role of the teachers - the teachers should play a major role to conduct research for the development of learning appropriate for learners.
Based on learner - centered approach the role of teachers and pupils should be acted as the partners to learn together.

High cooperation and encouragement from the school principal and colleague are needed. Not only the meaningful lessons for the pupils' daily life but also the funny lessons are very welcome to the pupils' learning style.

The announcement of an effective teaching - leaning process based on the learner - centered approach to the parents to avoid mis-understanding of educational reform is needed.