A launch event for “Strengthening Teachers Education Program (STEP)” took place on 31 October 2022. STEP is a collaboration between four organizations – NXPO, the Teachers’ Council of Thailand (Khurusapha), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education (SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre), and Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production – aiming at elevating teacher quality.
NXPO President Dr. Kitipong Promwong remarked that NXPO has been actively involved in the transformation of Thai higher education, especially advocating for new education models that respond to global trends. One notable example is an establishment of higher education sandbox measure, in which four new courses have been approved. NXPO has recently launched a talent solution platform that supports workforce development for the future. The digital platform contains over 250 online courses freely available to students seeking to improve their hard and soft skill levels for better job opportunities. Teacher quality is also the focus of NXPO as it is an essential factor influencing learner outcomes. Teachers today need to be more than instructors. They need to be able to mentor and coach students whenever needed. Therefore, it is time to strengthen the capacity of teachers to get them ready for the new role which leads to the launch of STEP.
Khurusapha Secretary General Assist. Prof. Dr. Amonwan Wirathammo explained that STEP is designed to enhance teachers education program in universities’ undergraduate studies. The instructions and techniques will be brought in from the University of Pennsylvania – an institution well-known for excellent teachers education program – to transform Thai education from theory teaching to be more practice teaching.
SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director Dr. Pornpun Waitayangkoon added that students will learn and practice teaching techniques and will be mentored by experienced educators. It is a three-year project, from October 2022 to September 2025. Ten universities have already signed up to the program, namely Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University, Thaksin University, Buriram Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Phuket Rajabhat University, Mahasarakham University, Surindra Rajabhat University, Fatoni University, Ubon Ratchathani University and Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University.
Chevron Vice President for Corporate Affairs Ms. Pornsuree Konanta stated that Chevron is pleased to support this program, adding to its successful Chevron Enjoy Science, that aligns with the company’s commitment to manpower development. The firm made a THB 12-million contribution to be used toward operational expenses, experts and training and research fellowships of this program.
