Montessori School in Thailand

Driven by an intent to seek the best school for her daughter, Serene Jiratanan decided to start Montessori Academy Bangkok International School (MABIS) on Bangna Road, km. 3.5 in 2010.  The Montessori program focuses on developing a child’s potential based on his natural learning process.   This pedagogy was developed over a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori,  Italy’s first female doctor.  A Montessori classroom is a specially designed child-centered learning environment with trained Montessori teachers and specialized didactic materials which support auto-education in a multi-sensorial way.

“Dr. Maria Montessori said we should provide an education that allows students to be happy and prepare them for success in life. Such education should address life skills, academics, social skills and the development of a progressively more peaceful and collaborative society.”

The secret to the success of the Montessori pedagogy is offering the freedom for children to explore, experiment and connect with their interests. When students are allowed to follow their interests, they learn more deeply, enjoy the process, and develop focus and concentration.  Moreover they start to become conscious about their purpose in life and potential contribution to their society.

“At MABIS students learn in a mixed aged environment.  A younger child is often inspired by the capabilities of the older ones and develops a natural drive to excel and become the best he can be.  On the hand, the older child takes on leadership roles which leads to the development of  confidence and self-esteem.  The mixed age grouping mimics the structure of a real society and encourages sharing and collaboration amongst its members.”

MABIS is the first international school in Bangkok to receive approval from the Thai Ministry of Education to offer the Montessori program at the Elementary level. The Montessori model has been applied fully and completely with teachers who are certified in the Montessori teaching method, top-notch materials imported from abroad, and specifically-designed indoor and outdoor environments that are optimal for children’s development. MABIS is also unique amongst other Montessori schools in the world by offering instruction in three languages:  English, Mandarin and Thai. This language exposure offers children an advantage in an increasingly global world.

Serene comments that Montessori is well established in the West and in many countries in Asia such as Japan, Singapore and China.  However, Thai families are still learning about the program and the benefits it offers.  MABIS aims to attract new generation parents who have an open-mind towards education and who place an emphasis on a happy learning experience in the formative years of a young child.

As an experienced teacher and school administrator in both Thai and International schools, Ajarn Charoonrat Suwanpusit, current Thai School Director of MABIS, adds that the Montessori program does not dictate what a student must learn, it doesn’t focus on rote memory without understanding or appreciation, nor does it require students to sit in long lessons unlike that in the general school system.  Montessori focuses on an individual student’s interest and happiness in the learning process.  This concept is prevalent in the international school system, which places an emphasis on children’s creativity and unique identity. Teachers act as guides or supporters who constantly deliver lessons and evaluate the child’s learning process through vigilant observation.

Serene says, “To allow a child to live fully and develop to their full potential, it is important for families to be open to embracing the multiple and unexpected talents a child may have.  Academic achievement is only one facet of development.  The future is an unknown, we can only prepare the child to be able to think and act for himself and to discover joy through the process. In Montessori, we provide the child a foundation of the necessary academic skills but we go beyond that by preparing children for real life.  Many schools which have accepted our former students have commented that our students are a great addition, they have developed unique personalities, leadership skills and creativity.”

 Serene adds, “A unique and important element of the Montessori program is the integrated nature of learning.  Dr. Montessori wanted to help the child grasp the understanding that everything in the universe is inter-connected, living and non-living things depend on each another to exist, and humans have the unique capability to support or alter this delicate balance.  This leads the child to a realization that he holds the responsibility for the future in his hands.  It is Dr. Montessori’s hope that the next generation of children, enlightened, will lead the world to become a more peaceful and happier place for all.”