Montessori in Thailand
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Montessori education was introduced to Thailand in the early 1990s[1][2][3]
Montessori Schools in Thailand
[edit]History of Montessori Education in Thailand
[edit]The history of Montessori education in Thailand begins with the establishment of The Children's Center International (MCCI) in Pattaya Naklua in 1990, initiated by Dr. Wiravan Mootripakdee, also known as Miss Wee. After studying the Montessori approach in the United States, Miss Wee returned to Thailand and opened MCCI, which initially catered to 70 young students between the ages of 2 and 5.[4]
The first Montessori school in Bangkok, the International Montessori Center (IMC), was founded in 1991 by Mrs. Mariam Mahmood.[5]
The Rawai Progressive International Montessori School (RPIS) was established in Phuket in 1996 by Willem van Benthum.[6] The school, under the leadership of the AMI-approved German Montessori Teacher Andreas Becker, expanded from 80 to over 120 students Thai, bilingual, and international students aged 3 to 15 by December 2004 in only 8 months since he had joined the school as Educational Director in May of the same year.
Piti Suksa School, founded in Chiang Mai in 1998, was another important addition to the growing Montessori presence in Thailand.[7][8] It was established by proactive parents inspired by the Montessori Method, introduced to them by Willem van Benthum.
The influence of Maria Montessori's principles extends even further back, evidenced by the visit of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the École nouvelle de la Suisse romande (ENSR) during World War II.[9] ENSR, a member of the New Education movement, offers a kindergarten embracing the Montessori Method.
Present Montessori Education in Thailand
[edit]The landscape of education in Thailand has witnessed a noteworthy evolution with the introduction of Montessori methods, which provide a fresh perspective to the traditional pedagogical approach prevalent in the country. Offering a more child-centered and holistic model, Montessori schools in Thailand have emerged as a compelling alternative for parents seeking an enriching and inclusive environment for their children's education.
Growth of Montessori Schools in Thailand
[edit]Montessori education made its foray into Thailand towards the late 20th century and has since seen steady growth. A rising number of Thai parents are recognizing the benefits of this educational approach, evident in the increasing number of Montessori schools springing up across the country, especially in urban areas. These schools range from smaller independent establishments to larger international schools that incorporate the Montessori philosophy as part of their curriculum.
Challenges and Opportunities
[edit]Despite the growing popularity, Montessori education in Thailand also faces challenges. The model's child-led approach contrasts with traditional Thai norms that emphasize adult authority, making it a paradigm shift for many. Also, a widespread understanding and acceptance of the Montessori method among educators and parents is still developing. However, these challenges also provide an opportunity for more discourse, understanding, and acceptance of alternative education models in Thailand.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
[edit]Quality assurance is crucial for parents while selecting a Montessori school. Currently, several Montessori schools in Thailand are accredited by internationally recognized Montessori organizations such as the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or the American Montessori Society (AMS). These schools meet strict quality criteria ensuring adherence to the authentic Montessori method.
Conclusion
[edit]Montessori education in Thailand provides an innovative and child-centered alternative to traditional schooling. As the nation moves towards an educational model that values individuality and holistic development, the Montessori philosophy could play a significant role in shaping the future of education in Thailand.
For scholars analyzing the educational landscape in Thailand, the rise and development of Montessori schools offer rich insights into the evolution of pedagogical strategies and cultural acceptance of global educational philosophies in the country.
See also
[edit]
- Public Montessori Schools in Thailand
- Education in Thailand
- Montessori Association of Thailand
- International Schools Association of Thailand
- List of international schools
- List of schools in Thailand
References
[edit]- ^ Robson, David; Franco, Alessia (31 January 2023). "Montessori: The world's most influential school?". BBC.[failed verification]
- ^ "Montessori in Public Schools." MontessoriPublic.
- ^ "The Australian Montessori National Curriculum." Montessori Australia.
- ^ "Montessori Children's Center International". MCCI Pattaya Thailand
- ^ "School Founder and Message from Director." International Montessori Center, Mrs. Mariam Mahmood.
- ^ "Rawai Progressive International Montessori School."
- ^ "We had a Dream" A short history of the Chiang Rai Piti Suksa Montessori School. By Peter Kilmarx, School Board President, and Melanie Kilmarx, Secretary
- ^ "เรามีความฝัน" ประวัติโดยย่อของโรงเรียนเชียงรายมอนเตสซอรี่ โดย Peter Kilmarx ประธานคณะกรรมการโรงเรียน และ Melanie Kilmarx เลขานุการ
- ^ "École nouvelle de la Suisse romande".
Additional Reference
[edit]- Transformation in Education: Successes We Can Learn from Montessori, Serene Jiratanan • TEDxPunnawithi, "When education is transformed, humanity will transform,” Serene Jiratanan. Education must enable us to find our purpose. Ideally, we get educated to transform us from the ordinary, unaware state of being, to a transformed and enlightened state of being. ...". Serene Jiratanan is the founder and Principal of Montessori Academy Bangkok International School, the leading trilingual Montessori school in Bangkok
- The Role of Education in the Eastern Economic Corridor by Chantapong, S. (2023). This paper explores the potential role of education in the EEC's development. The author argues that the EEC's success could depend on the ability of Thailand's education system to produce highly skilled workers.