Growing up is not only a journey toward intellectual success but also a way to embrace a wider view of being a worldwide member in a world where there is a focus on cultural variety and endless possibilities.
In 1994, the International Schools Association of Thailand ( Isat ) was established to promote high standards of educational quality, ethical behavior, and student learning among its members.
Then, with 193 member schools, Isat is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and it is taking pride in fostering the education of Thai and international students in foreign schools across Thailand, preparing them to be responsible, educated, and sympathetic members of the international community.
The Isat member institutions ‘ educational standards, according to Usa Somboon, president of the organization, are in line with Thailand’s federal education policies, and are in line with the highest international standards and recognized by accreditation bodies.
Mr Usa explained that the agency’s viewpoint emphasises preparing students to be sympathetic, responsible, and future-focused individuals.
She stated that Isat is working with students to develop academic excellence and capacity for positive social contributions.
” Guided by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, Isat promotes principles such as ecology, justice, and moral authority.
These ideas help students acquire the mindset and skills necessary to address fashionable world issues and have a positive impact on the world, according to Ms. Usa.
The head of Ruamrudee International School, Jim O’Malley, said Thai global institutions are more aware of the value of integrated development and are now focusing on providing resources to help students find balance and endurance in their lives.
He said that “schools and teachers have a part in preparing students for valuable contributions to global society as well as for academic achievement.”
Many international institutions have adopted the idea of global membership and sustainability, according to Felicity Ayre, the mind of Kids ‘ Academy International School, where students are taught to behave respectfully and globally in a cultural setting.
She claimed that this has led to significant reform in education in foreign institutions.
As the earth constantly faces climate change, systems, and geopolitics, school authorities have pointed out that scientific knowledge alone might not be enough to deal with such continued disruptions.
Duncan Stonehouse, mind of Bangkok International Preparatory &, Intermediate School ( Bangkok Prep), said that universities should help students in becoming good, engaged, and caring individuals socially and intellectually.
” Children should be globally minded, honest, responsible, resourceful, brave and respectful, “he said.
Bruce Grindlay, principal of Rugby School Thailand, said that students need to be creative, collaborative and great communicators– all the things that AI can not do.
He suggested that the educational system should provide students with more interdisciplinary work that includes specialized fields like marketing, business, basic coding, and website design.
” They need to be the jockey to AI’s racehorse, harnessing its power but controlling it from a human perspective,” Mr Grindlay added.
As global challenges are multidisciplinary issues, Sascha Heckman, the head of the International School in Bangkok, stressed the need for students to be able to think across disciplines.
” As the world keeps changing, students need to face lots of ambiguity. They must therefore have emotional laws in place to manage a range of viewpoints and establish their own opinions.
” Therefore, the school needs to equip students with social and emotional competency such as self-regulation, self-management, and relationship skills”, Ms Heckman said.
Lek Sachathep, director of Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee International Kindergarten, said that students need to have digital literacy and technical proficiency.
She added that this will enable them to effectively navigate emerging technologies and prepare them for the demands of the digital economy.
Additionally, it is crucial to work with diverse teams and adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances of the modern world. Collaboration and adaptability are also important.
Together, these skills will empower students to thrive in an unpredictable future.
She argued that” the educational systems must give students a forward-thinking mindset that addresses both current and future global challenges.”
Ms. Usa, the association’s president, stated that the association wanted to see a future where education would continue to inspire lifelong learners and kind-hearted innovators who could deal with the various turbulence.
” To make such learners, teachers should be equipped with professional teaching skills while being updated with trends and changes, able to tailor teaching according to the student’s ability, and most importantly, listen to their voices.
According to Ms. Usa,” Schools and homes must work closely to ensure the performance and well-being of the students so they can grow and be able to handle a variety of challenges in the future.”