It follows last year’s success in establishing STEM hubs in Khon Kaen and Songkhla for the Northeast and Southern regions respectively.
The latest STEM hub, organised by Chevron (Thailand), the Kenan Institute Asia and Chachoengsao’s Rajabhat Rajanagarindha University, was delivered as part of the Chevron Enjoy Science campaign.
The US$30-million (Bt1.05-billion) five-year public-private partnership campaign aspires to develop and maintain Thailand’s competitiveness and innovation by improving STEM and technical vocational education across the country.
Other partners in the Chevron campaign include the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office, the National Science Museum, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology, and the Labour Ministry’s Department of Skills Development.
During a recent press conference at the university, Chevron’s policy, government and public affairs manager Hatairat Articharte said the project had garnered support from the governmental and educational sectors. Under the scheme, 3,000 teachers were trained while 62,000 students in 381 schools joined activities under the campaign in the first year, she added.
Kenan Institute Asia president Piyabutr Cholvijarn said each STEM hub had four significant roles: arranging activities to improve teachers and school administrators as well as coordinating with network schools for academic support and equipment; training teachers with good learning materials; training and having university students taught in associated schools; and gathering manpower and networking with officials to drive the campaign forward.
Rajabhat Rajanagarindha University’s vice president for academic affairs and research, Duangporn Pupaka, said the institution had played its part in the campaign by training science and mathematics teachers about how to manage a STEM class and providing teaching techniques.
“We joined the campaign because it is a good sign that a private sector [company] like Chevron (Thailand) placed importance in supporting Thailand’s education by allowing schools full access to educational resources,” she said.
Making learning fun, different
“We are ready to completely manage the STEM hub and support eight host schools and 32 workstation schools in our area of responsibility in Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao.”
“I like learning this way because it is fun and so different from the old way. Instead of sitting and listening to the teacher, this class allows me to do an experiment. It encourages me to think and to have my own ideas, while also training me how to work in a group,” said Wat Laem Fa Pha school student Jinatda Pisethrit, 14.
Science teacher Rattanasak Thongpanya said the project taught him how to apply teaching techniques and strategies in encouraging students to fully participate in the class and answer questions, and how to use the learning instruments in teaching effectively.
“The STEM class allows students to do experiments and instil skills on how to seek knowledge by themselves and work as a group. Students get to discuss and express problem-solving ideas together with other team members.
“It also trains them how to express their opinions through writing and debating, which are needed as 21st-century skills,” Rattanasak said.
“The teacher is the most important engine driving a STEM class because it would never happen if teachers did not change the way they taught,” Wat Laem Fa Pha school director Narong Singsiri said.
“However, school administrators have to promote and support teachers too,” he said.
“Thanks to the project, my students seem happier and more enthusiastic while studying.”