Junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has thrown his support behind a plan to reduce classroom hours in public schools nationwide, but stressed teachers must be able to integrate all compulsory curriculum within shorter class times.
As the Ministry of Education considers shortening class time so schools finish at 2pm, Prayuth said yesterday his idea of reducing class time, does not mean a shorter learning time, nor does it permit students to go home earlier, but rather it allows for them to learn new skills and engage in creative activities.
The after-class activities are intended to be “relaxing”, and encourage the students to learn by doing, according to Education Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan.
Prayuth said the shorter academic period will make room for other activities that would benefit students at school and at work in the future. The prime minister stated that this would encourage students to attain more than a diploma when they graduate high school.
According to a survey conducted by Dhurakij Pundit University, most students in Bangkok agree with General Prayuth’s idea, saying the move will lower their stress levels.
Of course it will.
The poll also indicated sports activities, studying a new language and learning to play musical instruments are the most popular extra-curricular activities among the poll respondents..
The measure is expected to launch as a pilot program in 10 percent, or 3,500, of all elementary schools in the next school term, which starts in November, state media reported.
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