The world of education is a vast and complex one, with different countries facing unique challenges and opportunities. In Southeast Asia, Thailand and the Philippines are two nations that have made significant strides in improving their educational systems, but still face a number of issues. One tool that has been used to address these issues is the International Quality Teaching Standards (IQTS). In this blog post, we’ll delve into five key points regarding the teaching issues in Thailand and the Philippines, and how the IQTS can help to address them.
1. Quality of Education
Thailand
Thailand has made significant progress in improving its education system over the past few decades. However, the quality of education remains a concern. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Thai students perform below the average in mathematics, reading, and science. This indicates a need for improved teaching standards and methodologies.
One way the IQTS can help is by providing a framework for effective teaching. It outlines the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that teachers should possess, which can help to improve the quality of teaching and, consequently, student performance.
The Philippines
Like Thailand, the Philippines also faces challenges with the quality of education. Despite the implementation of the K-12 programme, which extended basic education from 10 to 12 years, issues with student performance persist. Filipino students scored the lowest in reading, and second lowest in mathematics and science, in the PISA 2018 assessment.
The IQTS can be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. By defining what constitutes quality teaching, it can help to raise teaching standards and improve student outcomes.
2. Teacher Training and Professional Development
Thailand
Teacher training and professional development are crucial for improving the quality of education. In Thailand, there are concerns about the effectiveness of teacher training programmes. Many teachers reportedly feel ill-prepared for the realities of the classroom, which can impact their ability to teach effectively.
The IQTS can help to address this by providing a clear and comprehensive framework for teacher training. It outlines the skills and knowledge that teachers should possess, which can guide the development of more effective training programmes.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, teacher training is also a concern. While the country has a high number of teacher education institutions, the quality of these institutions varies greatly. This can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of teacher training, which can impact the effectiveness of teachers in the classroom.
By using the IQTS as a guide, teacher education institutions can ensure that their programmes are comprehensive and effective. This can help to improve the quality of teacher training, and consequently, the quality of education.
3. Access to Education
Thailand
Access to education is a fundamental right, but in Thailand, there are disparities in access to education. Rural areas, in particular, face challenges in terms of access to quality education. This is due to factors such as a lack of resources and qualified teachers.
The IQTS can help to address this by providing a framework for quality teaching that is applicable regardless of context. This means that even in resource-poor settings, teachers can still deliver quality education by adhering to the principles outlined in the IQTS.
The Philippines
The Philippines also faces challenges with access to education. Geographical isolation, poverty, and other socio-economic factors can make it difficult for some children to access quality education. In addition, the recent shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges.
The IQTS can be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. By outlining what constitutes quality teaching, it can help to ensure that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have access to quality education.
4. Curriculum Implementation
Thailand
Curriculum implementation is a crucial aspect of education. In Thailand, there are concerns about the effectiveness of curriculum implementation, particularly in terms of the alignment between the curriculum and teaching practices.
The IQTS can help to address this by providing a framework for effective teaching that is aligned with the curriculum. This can help to ensure that teaching practices are in line with the curriculum, which can improve the effectiveness of education.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, curriculum implementation is also a concern. The recent implementation of the K-12 programme has been met with challenges, including issues with curriculum delivery and assessment.
The IQTS can be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. By providing a framework for effective teaching, it can help to ensure that the curriculum is delivered and assessed effectively.
5. Teacher Motivation and Retention
Thailand
Teacher motivation and retention are crucial for the sustainability of the education system. In Thailand, low salaries and challenging working conditions can lead to low levels of teacher motivation and high turnover rates.
The IQTS can help to address this by providing a framework for professional development. By outlining the skills and knowledge that teachers should possess, it can help to guide the development of professional development programmes that can improve teacher motivation and retention.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, teacher motivation and retention are also a concern. Low salaries, large class sizes, and a lack of professional development opportunities can lead to low levels of teacher motivation and high turnover rates.
By using the IQTS as a guide, education authorities can develop professional development programmes that can improve teacher motivation and retention. This can help to ensure the sustainability of the education system.
In conclusion, while Thailand and the Philippines face a number of teaching issues, the IQTS can be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. By providing a clear and comprehensive framework for quality teaching, it can help to improve the quality of education in these countries.
Advance Your Teaching Career with The IQTS at UWE
As educators in Thailand and the Philippines work towards overcoming the challenges highlighted, The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) programme at UWE stands as a beacon of professional development. If you’re seeking to enhance your qualifications, increase your chances for career advancement, and connect with a global network of educators, the iQTS programme is your next step. With our programme, you’re not just improving your teaching standards; you’re also significantly boosting your interview callbacks, promotion rates, and salary potential. Embrace the opportunity to become more adaptable to international curricula and reduce the feeling of professional isolation. Make Your Next Step with the iQTS at UWE and transform your teaching career today.