Developing Critical Thinking of Thai Primary Learners:  Applications and Implications

Supanan  Prommak; Kongkidakorn Bunchuay

Authors

Supanan Prommak Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Thaksin University, Songkhla, Thailand
Kongkidakorn Bunchuay Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Thaksin University, Songkhla, Thailand

Keywords:

Critical Thinking, Primary Learners, Thai Buddhism, Thai learners, Thailand’s Education

Abstract

Although the literature on Thai learners’ critical thinking abounds, little emphasis is placed on such development in Thai primary school learners. Cultivating the thinking in this group of learners is essential. Not only does it lay the foundation for lifelong learning and decision-making required for their personal and academic growth, but it is also a tool for them to effectively deal with information technology given that these days young learners, particularly young children, are claimed to quickly access various information technologies at their fingertips, whether through mobile phones, laptops, or different types of technological devices. This paper argues that developing critical thinking in Thai primary school learners is needed, and this can be processed by taking into account Thai culture and Thai Buddhism, both of which are considered to be influential factors for such development. In this paper, the application for critical thinking development for these learners will be discussed, and implications deemed helpful for those concerned are also proposed.

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