#Studentengagement

A growing gap between high school success and university demands is raising alarms for Thai families who celebrate excellent grades but may be unprepared for college life. New insights from U.S. education researchers show that many top high school graduates enter university with insufficient preparation, risking scholarship loss, probation, or delayed graduation. The effects reach families financially and emotionally, underscoring the need for proactive planning in Thailand.

Recent analyses from major U.S. testing and college organisations indicate a rising grade point average in high school, paired with stagnating or declining college performance. This paradox can create a false sense of readiness among students and parents who rely on stellar transcripts alone. Thailand’s education landscape mirrors these concerns, as regional disparities in secondary schooling leave some students less prepared for rigorous university coursework.

Before dawn settles over Amherst Regional Middle School, the gym is already pulsing with basketballs and upbeat music. Students gather for “Morning Movement and Mentoring,” a pioneering program that pairs early exercise with academic support and mentoring. What began as a simple way to entice teens to class has evolved into a comprehensive, youth-centered model that improves attendance, engagement, and overall development.

This approach resonates beyond Amherst, offering lessons for Thai educators and policymakers. As Thailand faces absenteeism, disengagement, and motivation gaps, the Amherst model demonstrates how physical activity, mentorship, and targeted academic help can be woven into the school day. Emerging research supports the link between exercise, mental alertness, mood, and learning, and Amherst’s experience shows how community partnerships and a student-centered approach can make a difference at the local level.