The purpose of this study was to examine the constructivist teaching practices and Philosophies of Thai teachers with four- to five-year-old students. The main related factors to be examined were (1) Thai teachers' beliefs about constructivist practices, (2) the factors (e.g., policy, environment, educational level of teachers, or culture) that encourage Thai teachers to incorporate constructivist practice or hinder them from doing so, (3) the current practices that affect children's constructivist learning environment, (4) the impact of the number of years of working experience and educational major on Thai teachers' perceptions of their constructivist practices.
The total sample of 10 kindergarten 2 (Anubal 2) teachers for this study was drawn from four- to five-year-olds' teachers who work in public schools in Mueang Chiang Mai District. The procedures used to gather data for this qualitative study were semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and audio taping. Data were analyzed through reduction procedures, such as categorizations and pattern identifications.
Results of this study indicated that Thai teachers with four- to five-year-old students expressed beliefs that are associated with constructivist beliefs in learning. The thirteen obstacles that hinder these teachers from practicing their constructivist practices in their daily lessons were identified. Also, most participants' practices were relevant to what they believe, which could be categorized under constructivist practices to varying degrees. The results of this study also revealed that the number of years of working experience and educational major impacted Thai teachers' perceptions of their constructivist practices.
In conclusion, the findings of this study have implications for current educational practices in Thailand. First, the Thai early childhood education curriculum has been a good influence on teachers' beliefs and practices. Second, in-service training for teachers has been a contributing factor to teachers' beliefs and practices. Third, obstacles and supports have impacted Thai teachers' decisions whether or not to integrate constructivist practices. Fourth, the educational major of the incoming teachers should be taken in consideration when establishing hiring policy. Last, the numbers of children in the classroom ought to be taken in consideration in order to appropriate constructivist practice in early childhood education programs.