Abstract of Dr. Chulakorn Masatienwong
Covid 19 Pandemic: Perspectives and Experience at Schools, Villages and Families Levels
and Best Practices from Thailand and Southeast Asian Countries
Dr. Chulakorn Masatienwong
Ramajitti Institute, 69/73-74, Moo 10, Bang Mae Nang, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi, 11140
Abstract
The paper describes activities in Thai schools from the 1st wave of the pandemic in early 2020 to the 3rd wave in 2021. At the onset of the 1st wave OBEC issues guidelines on school closure, on-line learning and social distancing under partial school opening. Individual schools took actions according to available means and diverse socio-economic and school context from Bangkok and cities schools. These vary from well internet- connected and computer/IPAD equipped schools in Bangkok and cities to majority of schools in provinces and marginalized areas. Pioneering work then includes HRH Princess Maka Chakri initiative on supplying survival (life saving) bags of learning kits for rural schools. Engaging teaching volunteers, in conjunction with school teachers, to conduct learning at village and family levels is another approach.
In between the 1st and the 3rd waves, schools compare notes, practices, and are less panic. As a consequence schools are better prepared at the time of the 3rd wave. Learning on-site, on-line, on-air, and with volunteers become normal. Bringing school to home via engaging volunteers and provision of learning kits bags have been expanded to rural areas and highly infected areas. The paper highlights practices and salient points drawn from Thai teachers under the auspices of the Princess Maka Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF) and PMCA awardees from 11 south east Asian nations.
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