Bangkok: The Ministry of Education has announced an expansion of the GPAS 5 Steps model to Southern Thailand, marking its first foray into the region. This initiative aims to empower youth in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat by fostering innovation and aligning with the revised 2017 Core Curriculum for Basic Education B.E. 2551.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thepmitr School Network, alongside the Institute for Academic Quality Development (IAQD), organized a workshop focused on "Developing Student Competencies through Active Learning Innovation using the GPAS 5 Steps Systemic Higher-Order Thinking Process and Authentic Assessment." Held at Wang Tai Hotel in Surat Thani Province, this workshop represents IAQD's initial outreach to the southern region. It seeks to replicate the approach first developed at Darunara Rajburi School in Ratchaburi Province, aiming to transform traditional classrooms into environments that promote critical thinking, analysis, and independent knowledge construction.
The initiative's primary objective is to equip administrators and teachers with the skills to implement Active Learning using the GPAS 5 Steps model, which is designed to develop holistic student competencies. This model seeks to bridge learning disparities and transition students from passive learners to proactive thinkers, creators, and innovators capable of applying systemic higher-order thinking to personal and communal development.
Dr. Saksin Rojnasranrom, Chairman of IAQD, emphasized the need for a shift in the education system to support Thailand's move towards Thailand 4.0. The focus should be on nurturing students' analytical and innovative capacities, using assessment as a tool to unlock potential rather than merely measure intelligence. Active Learning and GPAS 5 Steps encourage students to engage through questioning, data collection, and experiential learning, while teachers morph into facilitators of educational experiences. This shift is vital for building a network of schools that collectively enhance educational quality and offer equal development opportunities to Thai children, regardless of their geographical location.
Mr. Chanchai Chuenprasang, Director of Thep Nimitr Suksa School, highlighted that educational inequality arises from various factors, including economic status and learning abilities. Active Learning and GPAS 5 Steps enable teachers to create inclusive activities that cater to all students. The program's success lies in its practical application, transforming classrooms into vibrant spaces where every child can think, act, and succeed.
Ms. Suphalak Suanchandra, Assistant Director of Primary Education at Thepmitr School, shared that the training equips teachers with actionable strategies for immediate classroom application. The approach encourages students to explore learning resources beyond textbooks, fostering a spirit of inquiry and self-driven discovery. The GPAS 5 Steps process links data collection, analytical thinking, and knowledge application, facilitating the transition from knowledge acquisition to practical innovation.
Mr. Chanok Na Wayo, Assistant Director of Secondary Education at Thepmitr School, noted the importance of designing learning experiences that engage all students, regardless of background. The school prioritizes hands-on learning, analytical thinking, and moral development, creating an environment where students feel valued and capable of development. Involving vocational school mentors as academic advisors further supports the systematic implementation of Active Learning and GPAS 5 Steps, promoting clear student development.
Nipawan Thepirat, Head of Academic Affairs at Thepmitr School, explained that the GPAS 5 Steps model provides a structured framework for activities, shifting students' roles from passive listeners to active participants. This approach allows students to demonstrate their strengths in areas like communication and creativity, making learning more engaging and meaningful for both teachers and students.
Teacher Sakorn Matapong from Marie Pitak School in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province affirmed that the training enhanced teachers' understanding of Active Learning and GPAS 5 Steps. He noted that the process, though straightforward, requires consistent application to make learning more intensive and aligned with students' needs. Teacher development is crucial, as equipped teachers can foster classrooms where students are encouraged to think, speak, and experiment confidently.
This initiative in Southern Thailand aims to ignite educational transformation, expanding from the successful model at Darunara Rajburi School to pilot schools in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The goal is to create equitable classrooms that unlock potential and empower youth, who will become future innovators and agents of change for the nation.