Teacher Education and the Role of Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU)
Rajabhat Universities play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Thailand, particularly through their extensive teacher preparation programs. As the leading institutions responsible for producing the highest percentage of teachers—accounting for 63.68 percent of the nation’s educators—Rajabhats are instrumental in meeting the country’s educational needs. These universities, especially their Faculties of Education, focus on developing well-rounded educators equipped with professional skills, community engagement, and innovative teaching methods. By fostering these competencies, Rajabhats ensure that their graduates are not only qualified to teach but are also prepared to lead, innovate, and contribute to the advancement of education across Thailand’s diverse and dynamic learning environments.
In 2023, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) demonstrated its significant contribution to primary education by producing 1,365 graduates from 22 different programs who are qualified to teach at the primary level. This figure represents 42.13 percent of the university’s total 3,240 graduates for that year. The high proportion of graduates prepared for primary education underscores BSRU’s strong focus on teacher training and its vital role in addressing the national demand for qualified educators in Thailand’s foundational educational system.
The Professional Teacher Rajabhat University (PTRU) Model
In alignment with SDG 4: Quality Education, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) proudly collaborates with all 38 Rajabhat Universities and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) to launch an innovative model for professional teacher development known as the Professional Teacher of Rajabhat University (PTRU) Model. This model, introduced in February 2023, emphasizes competency-based teacher training, preparing educators to meet the evolving demands of 21st-century education while fostering ethical standards and professional growth.
The PTRU model is an educational framework aimed at improving teacher competencies in Thailand, particularly within Rajabhat Universities. This model focuses on developing 17 core competencies for teachers, covering areas such as professional conduct, leadership, classroom management, teamwork, and digital literacy. These competencies are vital for preparing future educators to meet the evolving needs of students and society. By enhancing skills in areas like curriculum design, educational innovation, and sufficiency economy philosophy, the PTRU model helps teachers foster a more adaptive, responsive, and innovative approach to teaching.
The importance of the PTRU model in Thai education lies in its holistic approach to teacher development. It addresses not only the academic and technical aspects of teaching but also emphasizes community engagement, leadership, and personal development. This framework is essential for Thai educators as it aligns with the broader educational goals of the country, which include promoting lifelong learning, sustainability, and active citizenship. By integrating these competencies into teacher training, the PTRU model ensures that teachers can adapt to diverse classroom environments, apply new technologies, and foster meaningful learning experiences for their students.
Sources:
- Office of the Education Council. (2018). Education in Thailand 2018.
- Professional Teacher Rajabhat University Model
- News on the 38 Rajabhat Meeting and MHESI to discuss the PTRU
