Songkhla:The National Institute of Vocational Education (NIVE) has planted its flag in Songkhla, marking the conclusion of a significant educational initiative aimed at revolutionizing the Thai education system. The initiative, which involves the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), and the Institute for Academic Quality Development (IAQD), is focused on promoting the GPAS 5 Steps program with a five-year target before expanding to the rest of Asia.
According to Thai News Agency, the final phase of the program took place in Songkhla, where over 300 school administrators, teachers, and educational personnel participated in transforming classrooms using the GPAS 5 Steps systemic higher-order thinking process. This initiative integrates digital media and modern learning techniques, aiming to elevate learning quality from the classroom to a systemic transformation.
The project was launched online by Mr. Akranan Kankittinant, Deputy Minister of Education. He emphasized that the goal is to cultivate Songkhla's children into global citizens with skills to compete in the AI and digital economy. Songkhla is strategically positioned in border trade, with linguistic diversity, the halal food industry, and cultural capital offering unique opportunities for educational and economic integration.
Dr. Saksins Roj Saranrom, Chairman of the IAQD, highlighted the necessity of ensuring that the GPAS 5 Steps learning process is effectively implemented across schools. The aim is to achieve systemic results, with plans to expand the program from administrators and academic staff to all teachers, ensuring a unified direction in teaching and learning management.
Dr. Busarin Nakubol, Director of the Private Education Office of Songkhla Province, noted the significant interest from private schools in the training. There is a strong desire to develop teachers' capabilities beyond traditional methods, focusing on active student participation and independent learning. The long-term goal is to develop students' understanding of religious and cultural differences, promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society.
Mr. Roset Benlaehnae, President of the Tadika Association of Songkhla Province, stressed the importance of changing teachers' roles from information transmitters to learning experience designers. The GPAS 5 Steps process can be applied across all subject areas to develop children's critical thinking and practical skills.
As the initiative concludes in Songkhla, it marks the beginning of a crucial test of the effectiveness of the GPAS 5 Steps in transforming classroom knowledge into real improvements, with the ultimate goal of elevating Thai education to compete internationally.