Know How to Read, Know How to Learn
Established by UNESCO, International Literacy Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of literacy for children, youths, communities, and the general public. The 2022 PISA test score indicates a decline in literacy skills (BBC, 2023), revealing that illiteracy and learning loss remain critical issues that need to be addressed. This is crucial to ensure their ability to learn and grow in an ever-changing world.
‘Aswa’ – Kunlapohn Rawan, a Fellow from cohort 9 who teaches English at Wichian Klinsukhon Uppatum School, Ayutthaya, is one of the teachers who noticed her students’ struggle with reading.
“Many junior and high school students lack proper foundational knowledge: in some classes, 60% of students cannot read and know very few English words. Some cannot even recite the alphabet. Teachers are unable to use the official textbooks to teach.”
She discovered that “no matter the level of grammar or knowledge we intend to teach, if the students can’t read, they will be discouraged from trying because they cannot make sense of what they see.”
Beyond academic abilities, being unable to read affects students’ openness to learning new things. If no action is taken, students may refuse to learn altogether, as they lack both the skill and the mindset to do so.
Aswa decided to introduce “phonics” as a solution. Phonics is a method to achieve English literacy and reading skills by learning the sounds and how to spell (Aksorn.com). She spent a month fostering a supportive attitude in class and building confidence in her students to speak English sounds.
“We set a class rule not to bully, have courage to speak, and support each other when practicing English, so they could each gain confidence,” Aswa explains. “At first, students were still teasing each other and shy, but once they gained confidence, they were ready to learn.”
Despite having only one hour per week, Aswa focused on giving her students time to practice pronouncing the alphabet and vowels, as well as spelling. Initially, the students were not used to this method of learning, but after two semesters, they began to enjoy studying and could speak, spell, and read properly.
According to her survey, Aswa’s students seemed to enjoy the lessons and wanted more. Moreover, they were happy to see their own progress and improvement. “A group of students, who were slow but very determined, said that before they couldn’t read, but now they are very happy to be able to read and are more motivated to study.”
“Illiteracy is not permanent. We can help students find the motivation to study and reduce future struggles in their academic endeavors.”
Aswa concludes the importance of literacy and reading skills for children and youth in Thailand: “No matter who we are or what we become, the English language is inevitable. If we don’t know how to use it, we should study so we can benefit from it. Don’t stay not-knowing forever.”
In light of International Literacy Day, Teach For Thailand emphasizes the importance of quality education that can help children in Thailand to read and write. This can be achieved through collaboration from all parties: teachers, parents, and the general public.
Education is a shared responsibility. Join us in making a difference by improving reading capabilities for children in Thailand at www.tft.vh-projects.com
