Preface
As far back as 2002, the Ministry of Education announced experimental application of the Basic Education Curriculum 2001 in its pilot and network schools. Mandatory implementation was subsequently effected in all schools providing basic education from academic year 2003 to the present time. Various agencies with direct responsibilities, as well as those concerned, have continuously followed up and evaluated the application. Different strengths identified have proved to be quite gratifying. In fact, the application has been found to facilitate decentralization of educational authority, enabling local communities and educational institutions to participate and make significant contributions to preparation of curriculums that met their real needs. Clear concepts and principles for promoting learners’ holistic development were quite apparent. Nonetheless, the outcomes of the studies revealed several problems and issues of concern arising from shortcomings of the 2001 Curriculum.
Problems and issues of concern included the Curriculum’s its provisions, application process and results. Among the problems identified were confusion and uncertainty faced by practitioners in educational institutions in preparing school curriculums; the majority of schools were ambitious in prescribing learning contents and expected outcomes; measurement and evaluation did not correlate with the standards set, with negative effects on certification and transfer of learning achievements. Furthermore, issues of learners’ quality resulting from acquisition of essential knowledge, skills, capacity and desirable characteristics and attributes were quite disconcerting.
Consequently, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), under close supervision and wise guidance of the Basic Education Commission, took necessary measures to revise the Basic Education Curriculum 2001 in order to prepare the subsequent Basic Education Core Curriculum 2008. In so doing, OBEC availed of the outcomes of the studies undertaken and benefited from the data and information provided in the Tenth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2007-2011). Pertinent research results and projections led to greater clarity regarding the goals of improving learners’ quality and curriculum application at school and educational service area levels. Succinct information is presented regarding the vision, goals, learners’ significant capacities, desirable characteristics and attributes, learning standards and relevant indicators, allotted time to each subject area for each grade level, and evaluation criteria that correlate with learning standards and consequently facilitate curriculum implementation. All these measures were aimed at providing schools with desirable orientation and guidance for preparation of the curriculum required for each level of education. The Basic Education Core Curriculum 2008 also allows opportunities for further amplification in accord with the schools’ priorities and readiness.
The Basic Education Core Curriculum 2008 thus prepared will undoubtedly provide all educational service area offices, local offices and basic education institutions under jurisdiction of various agencies with an appropriate framework and guidance for preparing the pertinent curriculum. The basic education to be provided to all Thai children and youths will be of higher quality in regard to acquisition of essential knowledge and skills required for learners’ lives in the constantly changing society. Learners will also be able to acquire knowledge for continuous lifelong self-development.
On behalf of the Basic Education Commission, may I express my thanks and appreciation for the active participation and contributions of all agencies concerned of both the Ministry of Education and other state offices, the private sector, people of all walks of life and parents and students. Their concerted efforts have led to successful completion of this policy document, which, I trust, will henceforth be most beneficial to educational provision for the Thai people.