School holidays are a time for students to learn something different from what they study at school. They can learn some practical skills, or learn about subjects that interest them. By continually learning, children grow into adults who are aware of their environment and are open to learning more. They can adapt to the changing environment and "roll with the flow". Baby boomers, in particular, like to boast about their ability to change jobs and lifestyles easily when things don't go their way. Sadly, school holidays are not seen as a learning opportunity but rather a period of relaxation (for some) and enforced babysitting for others. This is confusing, especially when with shortening innovation cycles, continuous learning is now more important than ever.
The main Thai school holidays occur from mid-March to mid-May. This also corresponds to the hottest time of the year and harvest time. Thus, school holidays, in Thailand as in many parts of the world, coincide with major agricultural events (planting or harvesting). Holidays were seen as a time when schoolchildren would join in the work going on in their community. Rich families may have been able to afford trips to cooler climes but for the majority, it was a time for learning about farming and other associated practices. It was a time for communal learning.
Close interaction with working adults showed young people what adulthood was about. No "adulting classes" were required. The mentorship and coaching occurred naturally. How to have a (mature) conversation is a skill many of my Thai university students still lack. From how to approach different life stories to how to deal with disappointment, interactions with adults expose children to new possibilities, career guidance and life lessons that are not available in most books or school texts. Parental involvement is crucial to children's learning processes.
A routine helps develop discipline. They tend to help in developing the habit of thinking before acting, or planning out the day ahead. What needs to be done and what has been achieved? While (family) conversations may be limited now, having something to discuss is a good start. Routines, however, are not static. Many young adults do not know how to plan their day, or prioritise and think ahead.
Part of the reason why is that holidays are not something they especially look forward to. Holidays are seen as an extension of after-school activities directed by parents.
Holidays are not about schools making money. Activities are in place to help parents and the community at large. Think of this as being akin to daycare with a social mission. Schools and companies have, with some justification, created activities at a cost that limits parents and creates social exclusion or debt.
Sadly this year I have met several parents of pre-teens who are against the learning mantra promoted in the Baby Boomer/Gen X era.
Several Thai mothers have told me learning is for schools and holidays are for relaxing and enjoyment. Having a structure to holiday routines is considered "anti-holiday."
I suggested that a group of five parents get together and have a structured day, rotating on different dates among their various houses. Parents thus need one day off per week and kids get exposed to different parenting styles, homes and professionals. Activities are structured so all know more or less what to do. Thus, an hour of TV means the shows can vary. An hour of arts and crafts means they can build different items. Parents, however, need to be busy, focused and aware for one day a week. Alas, many prefer to farm out childcare to online games with occasional trips. Not even activity books!
Some schools now use holidays as an opportunity to increase their income with specialised programmes in edutainment. Whereas school activities were once used to help the community and parents by having positive activities to occupy children, the emphasis has since changed. Financial realities have also changed for teachers. However, the pendulum has swung to an extreme that supports social segregation. Getting the right balance is not easy but transparency, community involvement and purpose can help reduce the monetary burden for parents.
Holidays need to be a time of learning different things differently with different people. Parents, schools and the community need to work together to make this happen. Active learning requires active parents and stakeholders. Everyone benefits in the end. And this approach has worked before. Modifying successful practices of the past will benefit us in the future. Present and future workers need to be continuous learners. Starting while young helps space out learning and builds a positive habit. So let us use holidays correctly.
Mariano Carrera, PhD, is a lecturer at the International College at King Mongkut's University of Technology, North Bangkok.
