wayfarer108

To some foreign observers, such images suggest respect and discipline. Unfortunately, the gestures are insincere as students are still lippy and inattentive. The images sum up the state of the education system in Thailand: On the surface it's all prim and proper, but dig a little deeper and all there is; emptiness. Oh sure, there will be a chorus of "don't judge from a western perspective", or "Western schools are far worse with gangs and violence etc."  Well, the reality is that the educational systems where students challenge instructors produce the innovations and discoveries that move society forward. When is the last time a Thai university came up with a life changing discovery or innovation? Japanese R&D labs are distinguished by the typica Japanese decorum, but they also feature some knock ;em out drag 'em down conforntations as do their counterparts in Korea and Taiwan. Even in India, students will confront a prof if they disagree with a position. The best profs are the ones that  encourage a challenge. A challenge doesn't mean being rude or insubordinate

.My friend spends a couple days each term; making decorations for the ceremony where his profs are honoured. In the west, private companies would sell such an  activity as a team building exercise, but anyone that has been obliged to participate in such events knows it is a waste of time. Teamwork is achieved through shared goals and a fun experience, not through the monotony of making floral arrangements and decorating tables. I ask him, well, do you have tutorials, you know where you sit down with the prof and discuss the seminar material and share thoughts and arguments? Oh no, he says, you cannot do that. The prof lectures and you the student listen and regurgitate the info on the exam.Great, but that's not learning.