Khao yai: Voices from the 55th Annual Academic Conference of the Catholic Education Council of Thailand resonated with a clear message: before relying on AI, children must be nurtured to think critically. Held in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, the event gathered education administrators, academics, and school networks nationwide, urging modern education to prioritize the thinking processes of learners.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Chantarawong, Minister of Education, highlighted the irreplaceable role of humans in critical thinking, decision-making, ethics, and responsibility. He stressed that while AI is invaluable, it should not diminish children's capacity to think independently. Praising the Active Learning model via the GPAS 5 Steps, the Minister noted its successful implementation in schools and plans for further expansion, signifying a shift from policy to classroom reality.
Active Learning, as discussed, transcends traditional group activities. It is a cognitive engagement process where children gather information, think critically, analyze, and apply knowledge to new situations. GPAS 5 Steps fosters this by creating a systematic learning process involving data collection, analysis, knowledge creation, communication, and value building.
Father Ekkarat Homprathum, President and Secretary-General of the Catholic Education Council of Thailand, emphasized education's goal to foster critical thinking and effective action. He articulated that education should develop students intellectually, morally, emotionally, socially, and in responsible technology use. The Council, with the Institute for Academic Quality Development, is committed to expanding initiatives that cultivate critical thinking, preparing children for technological evolution.
Dr. Pichet Phophakdee, Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, reiterated the importance of developing thinking skills and habits through Active Learning. This approach encourages children to think, analyze, solve problems, and innovate, fostering a mindset where they question, research, and construct solutions independently.
Dr. Saksin Rojnasranrom, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Academic Quality Development, noted a pivotal shift from rote learning to fostering comprehensive thinking and learning processes. By constructing knowledge in diverse dimensions, learners discover truths that become long-term memories, enabling them to tackle future challenges without relying solely on teacher-provided answers.
This conference marks a potential turning point for Thai education. In an era where AI provides quick answers, the focus shifts to those who can ask questions, think critically, verify, and apply knowledge. The expansion of the Active Learning-GPAS 5 Steps model is expected to transform classrooms from answer-memorizing spaces to hubs of critical thinking, ensuring education keeps pace with advancing AI while maintaining human cognitive growth.