Roong Aroon School in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand is a program that stands out as one of the best in the country. Its innovative approach to education and architecture has caught the attention of many, making it a popular destination for students and visitors alike.
The school’s holistic education program aims to develop the head, hand, and heart of students. This means that academic learning is balanced with practical and ethical education, ensuring that students develop a well-rounded set of skills and values.
The architecture of the school is also noteworthy. Itsaree Junjarungjit, the designer behind the project, used the natural surroundings to create a learning environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The use of local materials such as wood and clay bricks from Dan Kwian, as well as the incorporation of weaving patterns from the northeastern region, gives the school a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home.
Each grade level has a different focus, with activities tailored to meet the needs of students at that stage of their development. Kindergarten students learn through play and routine, while primary school students begin to develop their thought process and communication skills. High school students have more individualized learning, with project-based work that encourages collaboration and creativity.
The school also features a variety of facilities, including art and music rooms, a meditation pavilion, and a swimming pool. There are also vegetable plots and rice fields that students can use, promoting hands-on learning and a connection to nature.
Overall, Roong Aroon School in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand is a program that sets the standard for holistic education and innovative architecture. It’s no wonder that it is considered one of the best programs in the country, and a model that other schools can look to for inspiration.
Teaching a student for seven years has been an immensely rewarding experience. During this time, I have seen the hallmarks of critical thinking and positive problem solving emerge in my student, who has developed a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. In this response, I will expand on my experiences and provide relevant studies that support the importance of critical thinking and positive problem-solving in a STEM world.
Over the seven years of teaching my student, I have noticed a marked improvement in their ability to think critically and solve problems. They have developed a keen eye for detail and are able to identify patterns and connections in complex information. This ability to think critically is a vital skill in STEM fields, where complex problems require creative and innovative solutions. Studies have shown that critical thinking is essential for success in STEM fields (Bok, 2017; Deslauriers et al., 2019).
My student has also shown a strong aptitude for positive problem-solving. They approach problems with a growth mindset, seeing them as opportunities for learning and growth. This has allowed them to tackle complex problems with confidence and determination, even in the face of failure. Positive problem-solving is crucial in STEM fields, where innovation and creativity are required to solve complex problems (Bodily & Verma, 2019).
One of the key factors that have contributed to my student’s development of critical thinking and positive problem-solving skills has been the use of inquiry-based learning. Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach that encourages students to ask questions, explore, and discover knowledge for themselves. It has been shown to be effective in promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in STEM fields (National Research Council, 2012).
Another factor that has contributed to my student’s development is the use of hands-on learning experiences. Hands-on learning allows students to engage with STEM concepts in a concrete and meaningful way, which has been shown to be effective in promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Kirschner, Sweller, & Clark, 2006).
In conclusion, teaching a student for seven years and seeing the hallmarks of critical thinking and positive problem-solving for a STEM world has been a rewarding experience. Critical thinking and positive problem-solving skills are essential for success in STEM fields and can be developed through inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences. It is important to continue to support and encourage students to develop these skills, as they will be critical for success in the future.
My Take
Teaching a student for seven years has been an immensely rewarding experience. During this time, I have seen the hallmarks of critical thinking and positive problem solving emerge in my student, who has developed a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. In this response, I will expand on my experiences and provide relevant studies that support the importance of critical thinking and positive problem-solving in a STEM world.
Over the seven years of teaching my student, I have noticed a marked improvement in their ability to think critically and solve problems. They have developed a keen eye for detail and are able to identify patterns and connections in complex information. This ability to think critically is a vital skill in STEM fields, where complex problems require creative and innovative solutions. Studies have shown that critical thinking is essential for success in STEM fields (Bok, 2017; Deslauriers et al., 2019).
My student has also shown a strong aptitude for positive problem-solving. They approach problems with a growth mindset, seeing them as opportunities for learning and growth. This has allowed them to tackle complex problems with confidence and determination, even in the face of failure. Positive problem-solving is crucial in STEM fields, where innovation and creativity are required to solve complex problems (Bodily & Verma, 2019).
One of the key factors that have contributed to my student’s development of critical thinking and positive problem-solving skills has been the use of inquiry-based learning. Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach that encourages students to ask questions, explore, and discover knowledge for themselves. It has been shown to be effective in promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in STEM fields (National Research Council, 2012).
Another factor that has contributed to my student’s development is the use of hands-on learning experiences. Hands-on learning allows students to engage with STEM concepts in a concrete and meaningful way, which has been shown to be effective in promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Kirschner, Sweller, & Clark, 2006).
In conclusion, teaching a student for seven years and seeing the hallmarks of critical thinking and positive problem-solving in a STEM world has been a rewarding experience. Critical thinking and positive problem-solving skills are essential for success in STEM fields and can be developed through inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences. It is important to continue to support and encourage students to develop these skills, as they will be critical for success in the future.
References: Bodily, R., & Verma, R. (2019). Fostering problem-solving and innovation in STEM education. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 9.
Bok, D. (2017). Higher education in America. Princeton University Press.
Deslauriers, L., McCarty, L. S., Miller, K., Callaghan, K., & Kestin, G. (2019). Measuring actual learning versus feeling of learning in response to being actively engaged in the classroom. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(39), 19251-19257.
Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational psychologist, 41(2), 75-86.
National Research Council. (2012). A framework for K-12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. National Academies Press.