Extracurricular learning activities are key components supporting school curriculum to provide students with the opportunity to engage with real-world learning resources. These activities also open up opportunities for teachers and students to conduct activities outside the school premises.

     Zoos are part of the network of extracurricular learning resources, as set out by the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the royal patronage (ZPOT). Both entities have academic and educational service collaboration, encouraging schools under OBEC to implement integrated teaching and learning methods. The collaboration links the extracurricular learning resources with seven zoos to design activities that align with the curriculum according to the 2008 Core Basic Education Curriculum (Revised 2017) and learning areas, including assessments, fostering students' awareness of their role in wildlife, nature, and environmental conservation.

     The students will gain firsthand experience from practical activities, training their observation skills, questioning, thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, collaboration, and instilling a sense of nature and environmental conservation from kindergarten to secondary education level. This responds to the changes in the 21st century and expands towards future integrated learning.

     Furthermore, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the royal patronage has defined its vision as "Being a learning center, tourist attraction, and wildlife conservation that is standard, modern, leading to a leading zoo in ASEAN." It is therefore necessary to develop capabilities and maintain the operation standards of the lifelong learning resources at an international level, promoting learning about animal and environmental conservation for all target groups.

The zoos participating in the extracurricular learning resource project include 

1. Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi Province 
2. Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai Province 
3. Songkhla Zoo, Songkhla Province 
4. Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 
5. Khon Kaen Zoo, Khon Kaen Province 
6. Ubon Ratchathani Zoo, Ubon Ratchathani Province 
7. Khorat Fossil Museum, Surin Province.

Data updated on April 24, 2023

Source: Office of Basic Education Commission

Tel. +66 2288 5511

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