School reform expedited in Chiang Mai progresses steadily
Chiang Mai's Education Reform Embraces Innovation and Holistic Learning
Chiang Mai, Thailand, is leading a transformative education reform, focusing on student-centered learning, a holistic approach, and a focus on rural schools. This reform, spearheaded by the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA), aims to promote internal development, collaboration between schools, and flexible evaluation frameworks that support improvement rather than punish rote learning.
Two key institutions embodying this change are Wat Ku Kham School in the San Pa Tong district and Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology.
Wat Ku Kham School: A Leading Example of the Reform
At Wat Ku Kham School, the reform has been implemented through a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, observation, and practical problem-solving. The school follows the philosophy of "Learner, Leader, Innovator" and has moved away from rote memorization to an international standard of education.
The school's model is based on four pillars: shared leadership, research and reasoning skills, emotional intelligence, and real-world innovation. Projects such as Smart Greenhouse sandboxes and the creation of products like kombucha reflect both sustainability goals and real market demand.
Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology: A New Model of Success
While details on Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology within this reform context are less explicit, both institutions demonstrate how integrating innovation, technology, and continuous learning can transform education at local levels in Chiang Mai.
Strategic partnerships with the private sector, alumni, and international organizations have strengthened the college's offerings. Students learn modern agricultural practices and gain experience running physical and online businesses. The college has revamped its curriculum to include certifications from national agencies and hands-on training in drone technology, smart farming, and agribusiness.
ONESQA's Role in the Education Reform
ONESQA, led by Prof Ong-art Naiyapatana, sees evaluations as tools to strengthen confidence and drive national progress. The organisation emphasises a more flexible, holistic approach, including localized academic projects, reduced administrative burdens, and evaluation frameworks that guide improvement.
The success of Wat Ku Kham School and Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology demonstrates that even small schools can become engines of national development when empowered. These institutions show how embracing innovation, technology, and continuous learning can transform education, making it relevant and effective in the digital age.
[1] ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment) [2] Wat Ku Kham School [3] Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology
- The reform in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is promoting change in education-and-self-development, as institutions like Wat Ku Kham School are moving towards online-education models that foster critical thinking and practical problem-solving.
- Chiang Mai College of Agriculture and Technology is also contributing to the education reform by integrating technology, such as drone technology, into its curriculum, and emphasizing continuous learning and real-world innovation.
