8 May 2023 ─ The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education (SEAMEO STEM-ED) led by its Centre Director, Dr Kritsachai Somsaman visited Thaksin University where Thai teachers (from all parts of Thailand) who joined SEAMEO STEM-ED’s program titled “Using Picture Books to Enhance Critical Thinking and Meaningful Reading” ─ gathered and shared how students’ literacy skyrocketed in less than a year after piloted.

Using Picture Books to Enhance Critical Thinking and Meaningful Reading was initiated by SEAMEO STEM-ED and sponsored by Chevron Enjoy Science (on 15 October 2022 at Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand). The project was established in response to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report which addressed Thailand’s fundamental issue in youth’s learning processes.

SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director, Dr Somsaman highlighted how this project incited much hope for Thailand and the youth. He further underlined the fundamentals of learning and studying are the ability to translate and understand concepts ─ as well as to think critically and meaningfully.

Another key partner who assisted SEAMEO STEM-ED over the years, Chevron Enjoy Science Project Manager, Ms Chalida Narongsirikul drew a vivid correlation between using picture books as a thought-enhancing medium for the students and STEM education that ─ picture book is a highly important medium to minimize the disparity between different subjects.

The Chevron Enjoy Science Project Manager added that what she witnessed in just seven months is beyond expectation, in particular, the program showcased teachers’ capabilities in evoking students’ critical thinking and literacy which will result in greater national competencies.

*Images attached in this post also illustrated how students learned through picture books