A leading academician called for geography to be included in both the school and university curricula, noting that last week’s tsunamis had highlighted the importance of modern geographical knowledge.
Prof. Wirun Tangchaoren, Dean of Srinakharinwirot University, said that the university would push for geography to be included in the basic curricula in both schools and institutes of higher education.
“Geography is not just about what occurs on the land, but is also about geology, tectonic plates, magma under the earth…these new branches of knowledge must be integrated”, he said.
“The Ministry of Education must draw up flexible curricula containing broad and in-depth knowledge, and the teaching materials must be more diverse than at present”, he suggested.
Prof. Wirun said that lack of geographical expertise among officials at the Ministry of Education responsible for the curricula meant that important parts were often cut from books written by expert geographers.
Srinakharinwirot University now hopes to draw up geography books for children, which will explain important geographical principles in a lively manner, and which are easy to read and understand. (TNA)
