English for Integrated Studies
English for Integrated Studies (EIS) is a model of bilingual education introduced in the Kingdom of Thailand. It focuses on teaching Science, Mathematics, Computer, and English (STEM) using English as a medium of instruction (EMI). This approach aims to improve both teachers' English skills and students' language abilities in an English-immersive environment. The EIS methodology combines theories from educationists like Jerome Bruner, psychologist Vygotsky, and bilingual education expert Stephen Krashen, integrated with Human Resource Development (HRD) and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) of King Bhumipol Adulyadej.
History
The EIS project emerged from the MBP (mini bilingual program) at Makudmuang Rachawittayalai School to address issues related to hiring foreign teachers. Later, Surapong Ngamsom, the researcher of EIS, initiated the program at Sunthonphu Pittaya Secondary School (SPSS) in Rayong Province, Thailand, in 2004. By 2009, over 30 schools participated in the EIS project, showing early success. In 2010, the Rayong Provincial Administration Organization constructed Mattayom Taksin Rayong School based on the EIS-derived SME (Science-Math-English) program. The Thai Ministry of Education has since shown interest in expanding the EIS project to 500 new schools.
Original idea of EIS
EIS was designed to help underprivileged children in remote areas of Thailand by combining English language study with minimal cost. Students pay low tuition fees to support the training of Thai teachers and to create an English-immersive environment. Core subjects are taught in English, making it more accessible for students to learn the language. Unlike expensive English Programs (EP), EIS aims to provide bilingual education to students who cannot afford EP schools. Sunthonphu Pittaya Secondary School enhances this by hosting international volunteers as teacher assistants.
EIS results
EIS has shown improvements in students' performance in the Thai National Test (O-Net).
See also
- Bilingualism in Canada
- Bilingual Education Act
- English language learning and teaching
- National Association for Bilingual Education
- Bilingual education
Resources
- ↑ [1] Archived 2010-03-31 at the Wayback Machine O-Net result papers_1
- ↑ [2] Archived 2011-10-03 at the Wayback Machine O-Net result papers_2
External links
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