EDM 616: COMPARATIVE EDUCATION (Assignment)

MARJORIE A. PATAL
Ph. D. in Educational Management

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF LAO PDR

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What is the education system like in LAO PDR?

In the present structure of Lao education system, primary education is for five years
(compulsory), followed by three years of lower secondary, three years of upper secondary, and
then three to seven years of postsecondary education, dependent upon the field of study. While
children may start primary school at age six, the modal age is seven, except for several urban
areas. A unified standard national curriculum is used, and the use of modern technology in Lao
education is extremely limited.
Education service in Lao PDR can be provided by either public or private institutions,
provided that the teaching and learning content complies with the national curriculum approved
by the Ministry of Education, as well as the minimum standards in the Regulations of the General
Education System. The level of education increases with proximity to district and provincial
towns. The absence of decent schools in Laos has prodded many Laotians to go to Thailand to get
an education. In the old days the elite were educated at French schools elsewhere in Indochina
and in France itself. These days they study at private or international schools or go overseas.

2. What adjustments will you do if you are given a chance to work as teacher or administrator in
Lao PDR?
In Lao PDR, few people wanted to be teachers because their pay was so low. It is not
unusual for teachers and students not to show up at school. Sometimes the teachers speak a
different language than that of the students. Because teachers are paid irregularly, they are forced
to spend significant amounts of time farming or in other livelihood activities, with the result that
in many locations classes are actually held for only a few hours a day.

COMPARATIVE EDUCATION Ph.D. Ed.M. Class

ESSAY PAPER Mid-Year Semester A.Y. 2020-2021
 If I were given a chance to teach or become an administrator in Lao PDR, I will do my
best to dedicate my knowledge, skills and values to help the learners experience a life long
learning. I will train my learners with appropriate skills they needed to be competitive and be
confident with oneself. Promoting the positive learning environment through different platforms
will also help the school to attract more learners and sponsors. Collaboration with the stakeholders
is also important to gain trust and security of the school. The best investment that the learners can
make, is the investment in themselves. The more they learn, the more they will earn.

COMPARATIVE EDUCATION Ph.D. Ed.M. Class

ESSAY PAPER Mid-Year Semester A.Y. 2020-2021