Abstract TRRT 2024 Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara
Multiple Intelligence and Specialized Education in Thailand
Krissanapong Kirtikara
Chairman of the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation
Abstract
The educational landscape in Thailand, catering to multiple intelligences, has a more defined policy and management structure for Logical-Mathematical Intelligence through science and mathematics education and subsequent careers. Strong evidence has shown excellent achievements of students specially groomed in gifted programs for the last 3-4 decades. There are efforts to promote Musical Intelligence and Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence, through specialized education and careers in music and arts. Thai athletes with world class performing capability are graduates from specialized sports schools The support systems and career paths are clear in professional sports. However, music and arts are relatively underfunded. National policy bodies and coordinating bodies are yet to be established. For Human Relations Intelligence, Intrapersonal Intelligence, and Existential Intelligence, there is no distinct management system; instead, they are integrated into the general curriculum.
Presently, various private sector organizations play roles in identifying and developing children and youth with special abilities. However, professional sports and technology-driven music and arts are game-changers, bringing out multiple intelligence and specialized education of the public domain supervision, control and activities. The market force also induces specialized education towards more market - oriented.
Yet the government has to address and invest in the upstream part of multiple intelligence development, i.e. (i) identification of aptitude and special abilities and (ii) development and promotion of learners based on aptitude and special abilities. We need to rectify a lack of coordination between various agencies for comprehensive care and development across different abilities. In addition, there is no centralized data collection for individuals with special abilities, hindering the formulation of development strategies. There is a need for comprehensive data to guide the holistic development of individuals with special abilities, providing a clear progression path and suitable employment opportunities that align with their expertise systematically. This is to build a Thai society with her human resources having potential fully developed.