Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Educational authorities are asking Cambridge University to design a course to improve the English skills of Thai students.
Read the following story from the Bangkok Post to learn more about the programme.
The Education Ministry is planning to seek help from Cambridge University in England to set up an English study programme for Thai students.
OVERSEAS ASSISTANCE
Deputy Education Minister Theerakiat Charoensetthasin said on September 7 that the ministry would ask a team of English teachers from Cambridge University to design an intensive language programme to improve students' communication skills.
Theerakiat said that the Education Minister, Dapong Ratanasuwan, had assigned him to work on a plan to boost students’ language proficiency.
The education minister also wants to develop a standardised test of English language proficiency for both Thai teachers and students. The test would help ensure English language proficiency for university students. Problems have arisen in the past because standards of language teaching at universities vary, Theerakiat said.
ENGLISH COACHES
The minister also wants foreign teachers to help coach Thai teachers on how to teach languages in class.
“We need to get Thai teachers on the same page to improve teaching,” he said.
Test scores would be put on graduation certificates, which would be a factor which future employers would consider, he added .
Dapong said he has ordered officials at the Office of the Basic Education Commission to intensify work on its extra activities plan it hopes to introduce at schools once regular classes end.
He was speaking at a meeting on September 7 attended by heads of education service areas nationwide to discuss the plan.
CRITICAL THINKING
Dapong said authorities told him parents are concerned about the ministry’s plan to cut class hours and allow students to take part in elective classes instead.
The plan is backed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wants to develop critical thinking skills and enhance teamwork among students.
“We don’t want to pressure schools to join the project. We urge schools which think they are ready for the plan to take part, which would benefit their students,” Dapong said.
Exercises
Specify whether each of the following words used is in the story as a verb, adverb, noun or adjective.
1. intensify
……………….
2. benefit
……………….
3. extra
……………….
4. nationwide
……………….
Vocabulary
- intensive (adj): involving a lot of work or activity done in a short time
proficiency (n): ability to do something well because of training and practice
elective (adj): related to a course or subject at a college or school which a student can choose to do
