Children are born with tremendous potential. How this potential develops is determined largely by each child's individual brain functioning…but the child's learning environment also plays a significant role. When children feel free to explore and learn naturally within the sphere of their interests, their brains are bombarded with diverse and constructive stimuli that help to ignite potential at a faster pace. Such a learning environment accommodates a wide variety of learning styles and is challenging, as well as fun.

     Dr. Usanee Anuruthwong from Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand and her colleagues, are developing assessment and curriculum concepts designed to maximize learning through such understanding of brain functioning and environment…and their ideas are of much interest to DISCOVER researchers. The theory behind this work is similar to DISCOVER theory, but the results are distinctly different. The assessment techniques are observation-based, and vary according to the domain being assessed, just as the DISCOVER Assessment crosses several intelligence domains. The curriculum components are oriented around exploration, student choice, hands-on learning, and a concept similar to the DISCOVER ExploratoriumTM.

     Dr. Anuruthwong's research is ongoing, and has occurred in two phases. Phase 1 instruments are based on subject areas, whereas Phase 2 instruments rely more on brain functioning. Phase 1 is being used in more than 400 Thailand schools. Phase 2 is developing within approximately 20 schools. The research group recently formed a non-profit corporation called the "Thinking Skills Development Institute (TSDI)"; they are interested in cooperative research with DISCOVER and even, possibly, a merger. Dr. Maker and the DISCOVER Development Coordinator (Bob Lane) will spend a month (summer 2002) touring schools throughout Thailand, to see TSDI techniques in action. A merger arrangement may be the first step towards a vision of forming a multi-national corporation.

     We are especially interested in what the Thai researchers call The Exploring CenterTM, a concept built upon brain research theory, learning theory, thinking-skills development theory, and psychological theory. Exploring CentersTM are similar in concept to DISCOVER ExploratoriumsTM but have significant differences. DISCOVER ExploratoriumsTM are designed around multiple intelligences and typically are integrated into individual classrooms. Exploring Centers TM, on the other hand, contain eleven themes: 1) Emotional Quotient; 2) Social Studies; 3) Invention; 4) Computing; 5) Decoding; 6) Nature & Science; 7) Critical Thinking; 8) Problem Solving; 9) Imagination; 10) Five Senses; 11) Spatial. They also usually are set up in a larger room of approximately 80-100 m2 space in the school, and are used by all the students, on a rotating basis. Groups of students normally spend two consecutive 50-minute sessions in The Exploring CenterTM, per week. 

     Each station of The Exploring CenterTM guides children in an ever-deepening exploratory process, within the themes presented. Children have access to all of the learning areas and are free to explore. They learn both individually and in groups, using selected (and specially designed) games, toys, learning materials, worksheets, exercises, and other components. Their learning progress is guided by individual interests and by how far (and deep) they want to explore the subjects available. Professionals in the Center provide additional encouragement and advice to guide the children's progress.

     This approach to learning, in addition to being exciting for the participants, has numerous benefits.  The children get to know themselves and the potential of their abilities.  They also gain a better understanding of their emotions and find the confidence to be free and self-directed learners.  And perhaps most important of all, their thinking and problem solving skills develop within the context of whatever learning style (or styles) is most comfortable for them.  In other words, two children might learn the same concept (a math concept, for example) in two completely different ways, during activities at separate stations; the final understanding is the only thing that really matters.  The operational structure of the Center also teaches social skills and discipline, and encourages children to diversify their interests by exploring new challenges.  After a few weeks of visiting the various stations, participants begin to identify their primary areas of interest and then learning starts to take on a whole new meaning—a self-motivating desire to understand.  Teachers and parents, alike, report happier and more engaged learners, and are able to further nurture the natural abilities they see emerging.

Related Projects

     TSDI is doing some other interesting things with The Exploring CenterTM concept. They currently are developing a mobile version-a bus with sides that fold out to form a tent-enclosed area containing the same learning stations. The bus will travel from school to school, servicing rural areas that do not yet have The Exploring CenterTM. They also have partnered with two different cities, to create projects called "Exploring ParksTM". These literally are outdoor city parks, complete with learning stations and other design components, for teaching the above eleven themes. The learning exercises change periodically and are made to be fun, as well as challenging. A similar project called "Exploring GardensTM" specifically emphasizes what we call Naturalist Intelligence and is either an indoor or outdoor garden area where children and adults can learn about nature-related themes.

     A concerted effort is underway at the moment to fund an international research exchange where Dr. Anuruthwong will spend between six months to a year at the University of Arizona, working with Dr. Maker to publish articles and to find ways of combining the two programs.

     The "Thinking Skills Development Institute" is an independent, non-profit organization, with the goal of improving education and thinking skills for today's children, along with the corresponding benefits to society and the general public. TSDI methodologies are compatible with, and endorsed by, the DISCOVER Projects. The Exploring CenterTM is a Trade Mark and Copyright of the "Thinking Skills Development Institute" (TSDI).

     For more information, please contact (English spoken):
          Mr. Pichak Siripoonsap
          Thinking Skills Development Institute (TSDI)
          201 Viphavadee-Rungsit Road, Laksi,
          Bangkok 10210, Thailand
          Telephone: 662-7168963, ext. 0, Fax: 662-551-2233
          Mobile Phone: 661-4938763
          Email: pichaksiri@yahoo.com  or  patai1@patai.th.edu