THE ROLE OF LIFELONG LEARNING AND SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IN EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN THAILAND

In the complex context of fast globalization and huge transformation in the new century, “self-directed learning ” and lifelong learning are the goals of the 1999 National Education Act in Thailand. Teachers are the principal keys in educational change to lead students towards these goals. It is important that teachers be self-directed learners themselves and to become one of the best and probably the most influential role model for their students. To be self-directed learners, teachers decide what they need to know and what to learn; set their own goals; identify and find resources for learning; and evaluate their own learning. All these skills and qualities must be developed in students. In the teaching-learning process, teachers also need to find ways to avoid unhappy learning situations and to provide resources and an atmosphere for happy learning. Five strategies are proposed for teachers to motivate and develop their students to use “self-directed learning ” in the quest of gaining knowledge and life skills throughout their life