Learning

Thailand’s Education Standards a Subject of Concern

Over the past few years, the performance of Thai students has been less than impressive, even worrying.

BANGKOK – Thailand’s education standard has been a subject of concern among authorities for some time. Over the past few years, the performance of Thai students has been less than impressive, even worrying.

According to the recent Program for International Students Assessment (Pisa) in 2015, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan continued to dominate international rankings.

Thailand, however, came 54th out of the total 70 countries assessed, with scores dropping in all subjects compared to the 2012 assessment. Classified by subject, Thailand ranked 54th for math, 57th for reading and 53rd for science.

What are the factors that contribute to such an abysmal quality of education in Thailand. Is it money? Perhaps not. According to a new report from the OECD titled “Education at a Glance 2017”. Thailand spent 4% of its GDP — some 20% of the annual government budget — on education but the country ranks at the bottom in terms of quality education.

So, the finger has been pointed at the pedagogues — the teachers. Many people believe there are not enough teachers in Thailand.

DEARTH OF TEACHERS A MYTH

“In Thailand, we always hear about the teacher shortage problem. Schools do not have enough staff to teach in all classrooms. So, people assume that if universities keep pumping out more and more new teachers, we will be able to eradicate the problem, but the problem of the teacher shortage in the Thailand isn’t so black and white as the fact is that the shortfall isn’t present in all areas of teaching,” said Prapansiri Susaorat, chairwoman of the Education Deans Council of Thailand (EDCT).

The figures prove the belief that the dearth of teachers might be wrong.

Indeed, every year there are 40,000-50,000 new graduates with bachelor’s degrees in education. However, only 5,000 of them have a major or have expertise in science, maths or English — areas in which Thai students are lagging. Another subject that not so many students in education take is “special education” for students with special needs. Students with special needs are children who are mentally challenged or children with physical disadvantages.

“Over the past five years 80 universities and colleges that offer teacher preparation programmes across the country have taken in more than 230,000 teaching students overall, but we found that only 18,982 and 16,357 of pedagogical students across the country picked mathematics and science as their majors respectively,” she said.

Ms Prapansiri said all parties involved in the education circles and teacher production should be concerned about the situation since if they allow the trend to continue, mass unemployment among graduates of teaching programmes as well as a huge number of teachers teaching outside their area of expertise will become unavoidable problems.

TOO MANY TEACHERS IN THE FUTURE

According to data from the EDCT, Thailand is producing more than double and almost three times the amount of schoolteachers needed each year.

“Some 40,000 to 50,000 teachers are trained each year and only about 20,000 are hired — meaning we now train roughly 2-2.5 teachers for every one position available. If calculated from this data, it means we have a surplus of 20,000 to 30000 teachers each year,” Ms Prapansiri said.

She estimated that five years from now at least 100,000 teaching graduates will find it hard to get jobs.

“If we look at the supply-demand mismatch, there is a high possibility that less than half of the students who are studying education as a major now will be hired to work in the classrooms after graduation,” she said.

Mr Prapansiri said the oversupply problem arose due to calculation errors in supply and demand for teaching posts as universities in Thailand do not discuss among each others what the job market looks like now and will look like in the future or if should they altogether gradually reduce the student intake over the next five to 10 years to be in line with the country’s low birth rate.

“Everyone has their own recruitment plans. Moreover, some universities and colleges use teaching courses as a cash cow, emphasising quantity over quality. They deliberately even break the rules by enrolling more students than allowed,” she said.

For example, in 2016, 11 universities were found to have taken in more teaching students than permitted. One university had taken in more than 2,500 students when it was only allowed 500.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of substandard courses in some universities. Some courses have not been approved by Teacher’s Council of Thailand (TCT). Students who took these programmes were not provided licences by TCT, and cannot teach in schools after they graduate.

“That was not fair because the university broke the rules, but the students were punished. What a regulator like the Office of the Higher Education Commission (Ohec) should have done was just bar them from recruiting the next batch of students until they can fix their standards to be par with the regulations. These money-hungry universities use students as hostages and they are destroying the whole system,” Ms Prapansiri said.

OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHING

Another big problem is too many “out-of-field teachers”. The term is used to describe “out-of-field” teaching — teaching a subject without specific training in that subject.

“Many schools still lack teachers in specific areas such as maths and science. Their solution is to find out-of-field teachers to fill in the gap. This situation is predominantly found in small rural schools where a teacher has to teach all the subjects by themselves,” Ms Prapansiri said.

These out-of-field teachers might rely on teaching methods that are traditional and ineffective, such as solely using the textbook in maths.

They might be less able to help students in their learning. It can be devastating for a confident and competent teacher to be suddenly feel inadequate because they are having to teach unfamiliar content.

For maths, the situation at primary schools in rural areas is dire. Ms Prapansiri estimated that up to 50% of students may be taught by an out-of-field mathematics teacher.

“This might be one of the reasons why Thai students always rank at the bottom in international assessments, even though the government spends 20% of the national budget or 4% of GDP on education,” she said.

THE SOLUTION

Siridej Sujiva, dean of the faculty of education of Chulalongkorn University, suggested that teacher-training institutes should work with each other more closely in order to set a long-term direction together in which areas should be promoted or limited.

“Faculties of education in each university need to adapt with the times and focus more on producing quality teachers in high-need areas. They must emphasise quality over quantity,” he said.

Mr Siridej said some universities have already discussed how to develop educational programmes to create teachers that meet demand.

Some universities have also encouraged teaching candidates to switch from studying in areas where there are already too many students to high-demand areas, such as special education, foreign languages and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Mr Siridej said he did not mind that the Education Ministry recently allowed people without teaching licences to apply for teacher posts as it might help schools to get more specialists in some subject areas, though many academics argue that untrained teachers do not know how to teach effectively nor understand child psychology.

“People without teaching licences are now allowed to teach first, then take training courses to get licences later. These people should be trained first before they are allowed to stand in front of our classrooms,” he said.

Sombat Kochasit, chairman of the Council of Rajabhat University Presidents of Thailand, said faculties of education at all 38 Rajabhat universities have started adjusting to improve the quality of teaching students.

For example, they have limited the maximum number of teaching students in each programme to 30 and the student-teacher ratio must be 10:1, she said.

Ms Sombat said Rajabhat universities have come up with a strategy to gradually reduce the number of teaching graduates over the next 10 years to be in line with the country’s low fertility rate.

“We already emphasise quality rather than quantity. We also produce around 4,000 teaching graduates in needed areas, especially STEM, through a closed system, which means that over the next 10 years we might be able to solve the shortage of teachers in these fields,” she said.

She also urged the TCT to overhaul its licence system. Instead of giving general licences to new educational graduates, the TCT should also issue new licences for teachers who majored in specific areas.

“If teachers’ licences are more specific, it would guarantee that we will have more quality teachers who have a deep understanding of the subjects to do the job,” Ms Sombat said.

By Dumrongkiat Mala
Bangkok Post

Learning

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the UK Property Market

Entering the UK property market as a first-time buyer can feel both exciting and daunting. The process is filled with potential pitfalls and complex decisions, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. The estate agents in Yorkshire demystify the journey from the initial decision to buy a home to the moment you step over the threshold of your new property.

Understanding Your Financial Position

The first and perhaps most crucial step in the home-buying process is understanding your financial situation. This includes assessing your savings, income, and current debts. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Deposit: Generally, you’ll need at least 5% of the property price as a deposit, though aiming for 10% or more can provide better mortgage rates.

2. Income and Expenses: Use a budget planner to assess your monthly income against your expenses. This will help you understand how much you can afford in monthly mortgage repayments.

3. Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate your credit score to determine your mortgage eligibility. So it’s important to have a good credit score, and you should work on it if required.

4. Mortgage Options: Speak to a mortgage advisor to understand different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and help-to-buy schemes.

Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they’ll likely lend you. You will be a more attractive buyer with an AIP as it shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared.

Deciding What You Want

Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Consider the following factors:

1. Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities are key. Research neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

2. Property Type: Decide whether you want a flat, terraced house, semi-detached, or detached property. Each has its pros and cons.

3. Must-Haves: Make a list of non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms, garden size, and parking facilities.

4. Future Proofing: Consider your future needs. Are you planning to start a family? Do you need space for a home office?

Starting the Property Search

With a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin your property search. Here are some tips:

1. Use Online Portals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are excellent starting points. Set up alerts to get notified of new listings that meet your criteria.

2. Visit Estate Agents: Register with local estate agents who can provide insights into the market and inform you of new properties before they’re listed online.

3. Attend Viewings: Don’t rush this part. Visit several properties to get a feel for what’s available in your price range.

Making an Offer

Once you find a property you love, it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Research: Check the selling prices of similar properties in the area to gauge a fair offer.

2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The starting point is most usually the asking price.

3. Conditions: You might include conditions in your offer, such as the inclusion of certain fixtures or a specific moving date.

The Legal Process

If your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legalities. Here’s what to expect:

1. Conveyancing: This is the legal transfer of property ownership. Your solicitor will handle this, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds.

2. Surveys and Inspections: Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues. There are different types of surveys, from basic condition reports to full structural surveys.

3. Mortgage Finalisation: Once the survey is complete and satisfactory, your mortgage can be finalised.

4. Exchange of Contracts: This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit at this stage.

5. Completion: On the agreed completion date, the remaining money is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.

Moving In

Moving day can be hectic, but planning can ease the stress:

1. Hire a Removal Company: Book a reliable removal company well in advance. Discover the best deals by getting quotes from multiple companies.

2. Pack Strategically: Label your boxes by room and keep essential items accessible.

3. Notify Utilities and Change Address: Inform your utility providers of your move date and update your address with banks, the DVLA, and other important institutions.

Settling In

Get settled. Introduce yourself to the neighbours, familiarise yourself with the local area, and really start to make the place your own.

Here are a few final tips:

1. Safety Checks: Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure that you know where the gas and electricity meters are located.

2. Maintenance Plan: Keep a record of the smooth functioning of your new home with a maintenance schedule, complete with regular checks and seasonal tasks.

3. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This can be from putting up family photos or redoing the decoration in your rooms.

Conclusion

Buying your very first home in the UK is most definitely a milestone, difficult and full of challenges but rewarding in the end. Such a philosophy guides you in understanding finances and knowing what you want to achieve from detailed research, and seeking professional advice that confidently helps you navigate the property market. Yes, the journey may have its hurdles, but in the end—owning your own home—the reward will be worth the effort. Welcome to your new chapter!

Learning

5 Health Benefits of Regular Pedicures

There’s nothing quite like a pedicure to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, but did you know that pedicures do more than simply enhance the appearance of your feet? Many people don’t realize that regular pedicures can come with a wide range of health benefits that can promote the well-being of your feet, so here are some ways that your routine pedicure keeps both your toenails and feet in the best condition possible!

Smoother Skin

One of the biggest misconceptions about pedicures is that they only cater to and look after your toenails. While you’ll definitely be leaving each session with a fresh coat of nail polish, your pedicure can also do wonders for the health of your skin. Aside from trimming and shaping your nails and cuticles, you’ll notice that your nail technician also dedicates a few steps to the skin of your feet.

After inspecting your feet and looking for any issues or imperfections that may need to be addressed, your technician will work on an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. This step may also be aided by a foot file, which can be used to buff away any calluses and other problem areas manually.

Softer Skin

After your nail technician addresses all the problem areas of your feet and removes any unwanted dead skin cells, he or she will often massage in a moisturizing product, such as lotion, cream, or butter, to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. These products contain skin-loving ingredients that will ensure that your feet have everything they need to look and feel their best so that you can walk out of your pedicure with a renewed sense of confidence.

Healthier Nails

After your pedicure session, your nails will not only look better due to the fresh coat of nail polish, but they’ll also be healthier and stronger. This is because your nail technician takes their time to ensure that your nails are properly looked after through steps that include deep cleaning, nail trimming, nail filing, and cuticle care. All of these things work together to prevent issues like ingrown nails from occurring, all the while improving the appearance of your nails.

Increased Blood Circulation

While the specific steps included in your pedicure will depend on the beauty salon, most pedicures will have a massage step somewhere in the mix. One of the often overlooked benefits of these massages is the increased blood circulation, which can deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your feet and nails, promoting their health and appearance. Aside from that, better blood flow means reduced tension and soreness, as well as better distributed heat throughout your body.

Reduced Infections

A significant amount of dirt and bacteria can build up on your feet without you even realizing it, but pedicures can be a great way to prevent these from happening in the first place. The exfoliation step of a pedicure removes dead skin cells as well as all the debris that may have accumulated underneath, and the deep cleaning of your toenails and cuticles also gets rid of any impurities that may have slipped beneath them, which can stop infections from happening.

These are some of the many health benefits that you can look forward to at your next pedicure appointment. However, it’s worth noting that you need to book regular sessions to truly reap all the rewards. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t feel like driving to your nearest nail salon after a long day, but the good news is that you can enjoy the salon experience in the comfort of your own home with a home pedicure service.

Learning

Commercial Boiler Installation Services London

For businesses in the bustling city of London, having a reliable heating system is crucial. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your current premises, or simply upgrading an outdated system, commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London are essential to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Proper installation and maintenance of commercial boilers can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, cost savings, and the overall comfort of your workspace.

The Importance of Professional Installation

When it comes to installing a commercial boiler, professional expertise is paramount. Here’s why:

Efficiency and Performance: Professional installation ensures that your boiler operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. A well-installed boiler can effectively meet the heating demands of your business without unnecessary energy waste.
Safety: Commercial boilers are complex systems that require precise installation to operate safely. Professional installers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of your employees and premises.
Compliance with Regulations: Commercial properties are subject to various building codes and regulations. Professional installers are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that your boiler system complies with all local laws and standards.
Longevity and Reliability: Proper installation is critical to the longevity and reliability of your boiler. A professional installation can prevent common issues such as leaks, pressure problems, and system failures, ensuring that your boiler runs smoothly for years to come.

Key Considerations for Commercial Boiler Installation

When planning for a commercial boiler installation, several factors need to be considered:

Type of Boiler: The type of boiler you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs. Options include gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers, each with its own set of advantages. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best choice for your business.
Sizing and Capacity: The boiler’s size and capacity must match the heating demands of your commercial space. An undersized boiler will struggle to meet your needs, while an oversized one will lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Location: The placement of your boiler affects its efficiency and accessibility for maintenance. Professional installers can help you choose the optimal location for your boiler.
Integration with Existing Systems: If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing boiler, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your current heating system. Professional installers can seamlessly integrate the new boiler with your existing setup.

Choosing the Right Installation Service

Selecting the right installation service provider is crucial to the success of your boiler installation project. Consider the following when making your choice:

Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in commercial boiler installations. Experienced installers can handle the complexities of commercial systems and provide high-quality workmanship.
Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
Comprehensive Services: Choose a provider that offers a full range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This ensures that all your boiler needs are met by a single, trusted source.

In London, ROWLEN is a reputable name known for delivering top-notch commercial boiler installation services. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and compliant installations tailored to the unique needs of businesses.

Conclusion

Investing in professional commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. By choosing an experienced and reputable service provider like ROWLEN, you can rest assured that your heating system will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. Proper installation not only enhances the performance of your boiler but also contributes to the overall comfort and productivity of your business environment.

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