What should be done to improve the standard of education in Laos?

Laos has made progress in many ways but the quality of education lags behind, with education facilities and learning and teaching materials and methods all falling below accepted standards. Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on this chronic issue.

Mr Bounthieng, a government official in Savannakhet province: In my opinion, compared to the past everything is so different and has changed for the better in so many ways, including education. I would like to thank all teachers and the government for helping to improve education and trying to provide young people with more skills. But I would like to call on government schools to improve their standards so they’re more on a par with private schools.
 
Ms Vinthong Payear, a resident of Xaysomboun province: I didn’t go very far in the education system because I didn’t have the opportunities that other people did. I was born into a poor family quite far from a town, so it was hard to get a decent education. Today, things have improved a lot compared to the past and more people can access education. However, I would like to ask the government to improve school facilities and the standard of schools in rural areas. So many schools don’t use good teaching methods, teachers are poorly skilled, and there’s a widespread lack of educational materials.
 
Mr Kongphaeng Phonsongkharm, a government official in Xayaboury province: Without doubt Laos has developed a great deal and many things have changed compared to previous years. One outstanding improvement is the field of education and many people can now get jobs in other countries and with international organisations operating in Laos. But I think more reform is needed to bring us up to new age standards. Teachers in particular need to broaden their knowledge and abilities so they can raise the standard of education in Laos to international levels.  In addition, students at all levels to be more diligent in their studies so they can acquire the skills needed to meet job requirements when they graduate and can contribute to the country’s development. 

Ms Phoutphailin Vilaysone, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: If we talk about development, of course we have progressed compared to the past, but we haven’t done enough to meet the country’s needs or rise to the levels of neighbouring countries. During the Covid pandemic, all schools and places of education were closed, although some students were able to continue their studies online. I urge the government to set higher standards for schools and teachers, as this would help to improve things. It’s essential to have good teaching methods and plenty of useful educational activities, while teachers must improve their classroom skills and use modern teaching materials. 
 
Ms Bee Phommavong, a student in Vientiane: Schools in towns appear to be very good and have a lot of nice things for children but in rural areas some schools are in poor condition. I think teachers should be more creative when it comes to lessons and think about what would be fun, inspiring and useful in the classroom. Teachers need to come up with new ideas and interesting lessons and not just teach from the textbook. For example, you can find all sort of things on YouTube and websites that are very useful for classroom teaching.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 23, 2022)