Educational Management Innovation and Research in the Field of Education

Abstract

This study originates from the urgent need to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Thailand in accordance with the essential competencies of the 21st century, particularly by developing teachers’ Smart Teaching abilities. Smart Teaching refers to the integration of digital technologies, instructional innovations, and active learning strategies. However, the development of Thai teachers still faces several challenges, including insufficient digital skills, inequality in educational resources, and excessive workloads. The objectives of this study were 1) to examine the contexts and challenges in developing teachers toward Smart Teaching, and 2) to propose a conceptual framework and policy recommendations for sustainable teacher development. A literature review and synthesis of both national and international research were employed as the main methods.

The analysis revealed that the development of Smart Teaching requires four key components: defining learning outcomes, managing instructional content, integrating technology with pedagogy, and creating digital learning environments. Moreover, sustainable development necessitates collaborative networks involving government, private sectors, universities, and communities to provide resources and foster lifelong learning systems for teachers. The findings suggest that Thailand’s educational reform can only be effective when teacher development toward Smart Teaching is implemented systematically, together with reducing educational inequality and establishing inclusive digital learning policies.