Experts on the craft of teaching, Master Trainers are critical to the development of teachers in Thailand and the project’s success. Three Deputy Deans from the Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology at KMUTT and current Master Trainers recently detailed teachers’ role in modern education.
Asst. Prof. Anusit Anmanatarkul (left) believes that it is vital for teachers to understand how to teach STEM, rather than merely explaining what STEM means. At the heart of teaching STEM is bridging the interaction gap between students and teachers. Knowledge is shared most effectively when students are immersed in the material and not simply listening to their teacher lecture.
Similarly, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pichet Pinit (centre) says that the knowledge exchanged between teachers and students is a mutually beneficial endeavor. When teachers act as partners in learning, the classroom transforms into a dynamic environment where everyone is encouraged to provide input and creativity. In addition to increasing student capacity, interactive teaching improves student attendance and discipline as they become more invested in the learning process.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Santirat Nansaarng (right) emphasizes that students will follow the tone set by the teacher, and so it is incumbent upon the teacher to create the type of learning environment that brings out the most in all students. Although this goal may seem difficult to achieve, teachers must always strive to create a dynamic classroom. Modern students prefer classrooms that are fun, interactive, and informal, and teachers must be able to adjust their teaching style to match the needs of students.
In summary, effective teachers utilize inquiry-based learning that involves asking students to solve challenging problems, rather than forcing students to memorize a series of facts. To contribute in the modern economy, students must acquire the mental agility to search for information, think critically, and solve difficult problems. As the Master Trainers indicate, teachers should provide students with hands-on experience in the classroom that allows them to interact with content in creative ways.
