Creating a Safe School for Students
In working with schools and communities, Teach For Thailand has been organizing activities aimed at establishing a Collective Vision for education among stakeholders, ranging from students, parents, teachers, school management, and community members.
For Wang Nuea Wittaya School in Lampang, the Collective Vision exercise was held on March 21, 2023, and was well-received; students’ opinions were heard and built upon, and the conclusion was a win-win for all sides.
“Despite the age diversity, everybody was open to listening,” Duangsupha Thanakha, an 11th grader from Wang Nuea Wittaya School, remarked. “I would love teachers to understand and respect students, but students would also have to know their duty to study and return the respect.”
This vision of a safe school echoed among participants.
“Nowadays, with technology, media, and information, students tend to rebel against teacher’s strictness, which used to work back then,” commented Duangsupha, “this is where parents come in to improve student’s attitudes.”
The findings from the brainstorming session show that a safe school for students is needed, but teachers lack communication and listening skills.
“There are three steps to the brainstorming process,” explained Tanit Kleawyotha, Head of Regional Manager (North) at Teach For Thailand. “What is good education, what is the first thing we can do, and what are the roles of each participant in achieving that.”
“We found that students were stressed from school; they felt unheard and wanted teachers to be good listeners, not just advisers.”
“These are the skills we will build for the teachers,” added Tanit.
From that point, the school invited Teach For Thailand to organize a workshop for all teachers, focusing on (1) effective listening, (2) giving practical advice, and (3) how to create a safe school for students.
The change has been evident since the brainstorming session.
“Students spoke their minds, even in public settings,” reflected Wanpen Kid-Arn, a Technology and Computer teacher. “They pointed out how some subjects are too packed or stressful.”
Parents also got to know student’s expectations of them.
“The kids want teachers to understand where they’re coming from, be reasonable, and set a good example,” said Suthep Auad-Ked, parent representative. “As parents, we’re entitled to support our children’s talents, along with morality and good practices.”
Through continuous engagement, students, schools, and communities have discovered the missing link in their learning environment, leading towards development and action, while Teach For Thailand obtains more insights from the parties, furthering its operations. For Wang Nuea Wittaya School, the path toward a safe school has begun, and it is one shared by students, parents, teachers, the school, and the community.
