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Montessori education was introduced to Thailand in the early 1990s [1] [2] [3]
| This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page . (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
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Montessori education was introduced to Thailand in the early 1990s [1] [2] [3]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chiang Rai is the northernmost major city in Thailand, with a population of about 200,000 people. It is located in Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. Chiang Rai was established as a capital city in the reign of King Mangrai, in 1262 CE.
The Montessori method of education is a type of educational method that involves children's natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. It emphasizes independence and it views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. It also discourages some conventional measures of achievement, such as grades and tests.
Pattaya is a city in Eastern Thailand, the second-largest city in Chonburi province and the eighth-largest city in Thailand. It is on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Bangkok, and has a population of 328,961 as of 2021.
Pak Kret is a district (amphoe) in the northeastern part of Nonthaburi province, central Thailand.
The International School Bangkok is a private PK-12 American-style school in the Pak Kret District of Nonthaburi Province, Thailand in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States. ISB was the first school in Thailand to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP).
Srinakharinwirot University is a public autonomous university in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1949, the university was the first upper-education institution to concentrate solely on teacher training. Srinakharinwirot University has two campuses; Prasarnmit Campus in Bangkok's Watthana district and Ongkharak Campus in Nakhon Nayok province's Ongkharak district. Other minor campuses include Bhodivijjalaya College’s campuses in Sa Kaeo province and Chiang Mai province’s Mae Chaem district.
Triam Udom Suksa School is a state school in central Bangkok, Thailand. It admits upper-secondary students and has the largest yearly enrollment in the country. Founded in 1938 as a preparatory school for Chulalongkorn University, the school has long been regarded as the best secondary school in Thailand, and attracts students from all over the country in its highly competitive entrance examinations.
Maria Tecla Artemisia Montessori was an Italian physician and educator best known for her philosophy of education and her writing on scientific pedagogy. At an early age, Montessori enrolled in classes at an all-boys technical school, with hopes of becoming an engineer. She soon had a change of heart and began medical school at the Sapienza University of Rome, becoming one of the first women to attend medical school in Italy; she graduated with honors in 1896. Her educational method is in use today in many public and private schools globally.
International Community School is an international Christian school with its primary campus in Bang Na District, Bangkok and a secondary campus in Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani. It follows a US curriculum and is jointly accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
KIS International School is a co-educational full International Baccalaureate world school in Bangkok, Thailand, serving students ages 3 to 18.
Phaya Thai Road is a major road in Bangkok, Thailand. It begins at the south side of Victory Monument in Ratchathewi District and continues until Sam Yan Intersection in Pathum Wan District, where it intersects with Rama IV Road.
The Association Montessori International/USA (AMI/USA) is a national non-profit organization that strives to propagate and further the teachings and work of Dr. Maria Montessori in the United States. As an affiliate of the Association Montessori Internationale, the Association Montessori International/USA oversees recognition of eligible Montessori schools, supports AMI Montessori teacher training centers, and organizes professional development opportunities in the United States. The organization also maintains a member database of about 17,000 teachers, school administrators, parents, and interested individuals.
Horwang School is a state school located in Bangkok, Thailand.
ISE, formerly known as the International School Eastern Seaboard, is a private, co-educational international school founded in 1994. ISE sets amidst the rolling hills of the Burapha Golf Course in Chonburi province, Thailand, and offers an American style international curriculum, presented in English from Pre-school through Grade 12. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the High School. ISE is fully accredited through The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard, Ban Chang, also known as the Garden International School Rayong (GIS) is located in Ban Chang district, around 170 kilometers to the south-east of Bangkok.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (Abrv: EEC; Thai: ระเบียงเศรษฐกิจภาคตะวันออก, romanized: Rabīang Sētthakit Phāk Tawan-ǭk, RTGS: Rabiang Setthakit Phak Tawan-ok, pronounced[rā.bīa̯ŋsèːt.tʰā.kìtpʰâːktā.wān.ʔɔ̀ːk]) officially the Eastern Special Development Zone (ESDZ), is a special economic zone of three provinces in eastern Thailand. Collectively, these provinces occupy an area of 13,266 km2 (5,122 sq mi), and in 2016 had an estimated population of over 2.8 million.
Banchangkarnchanakul Wittaya School is a district boarding school of Banchang in Rayong province, Thailand. It is located at 185 Moo 3, Ban Chang District, Rayong 21130 and operates under the Office of Rayong Educational Service Area 1, Ministry of Education. The school has students about 2,300 persons, 51 class rooms and teaching in both junior and senior high schools. The school has an area about 17 acres donated by Mr.Sutum Karnjanakul and Ms.Nuanshi Karnjanakul on 10 June 1975. In 1993, school received the Royal Award.
Sarasas Witaed Suksa School is a private school in Thailand. It is the 12th school in the Sarasas-affiliated school group. It was founded by Mr. Piboon and Mrs. Pen Sri Yongkamol. It was initially built on an area of 5 rai 48 square wa. Construction began in October 1996 and was completed in May 1997. At first, it was just a 72-meter-long school building, then 6 floors were added in 1999. The area was extended to 8 rai 378 square wah for the construction of a Swimming pool. Indoor parking, a canteen and the second school building were built later in 2006. The school has expanded the area in front of the first building as a pond to construct: the third building, a football field and an outdoor car park, to meet the growing number of students and staff. Currently, the school has a total area of 13 rai 1 ngan 26 square meters
VERSO International School is a privately-owned co-educational, international school located in Bang Phli district, Bangkok, Thailand, which opened in August 2020. It teaches students from Early Years 2 (pre-nursery) to Grade 12, and offers American curriculum. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of International Schools Association of Thailand.
