At Udon Thani Rajabhat University a neck tie is part of the dress code. Witchukorn Thipsathian, Chatpong Papim and Chatpong Phairee agree that students should wear school uniforms, but they believe also that wearing a necktie should not be required.

School uniforms: Yes or no?

It seems the debate over whether school uniforms should be
required or not, and the manner in which students wear them,
is still in fashion. But do the arguments still fit?

What is it about school uniforms that inherently make discussions on the topic so contentious? Because of the topic's propensity to draw sharp differences of opinion, it is frequently used at Udon Thani Rajabhat University as a tool to promote lively classroom discussions in English. Similar topics include motorcycle helmets, lowering the school-leaving age to twelve.

I believe that school uniforms serve a good purpose because they standardize the clothing worn by a school's pupils and reinforce the school's identity, while preserving a sense of unity and community among its student population. It also allows students of each school to easily be recognized both on and off campus. This has many positive aspects, including social and security benefits. Finally, school uniforms relieve financially challenged parents from having to worry about buying the latest clothing and accessory fashions for their children. As a child growing up in England, I became an early adherent to the concept and benefits of school uniforms.

Most of my university students understand the reasons why they have to wear school uniform and are sympathetic when dealing with the problems of poorer families and the need for a school or university to promote its brand and identity. However, the vast majority would prefer to wear everyday clothes, like their European and American counterparts.

Only last week, I had a conversation with a Westerner who commented that Thai students look extremely smart and that students in England can learn a thing or two from Thai students concerning their dress.

There are some education commentators who believe that school uniforms are devoid of importance, and that the quality of education far outweighs any discussion concerning school uniforms. Surely, a happy comprise is needed.

How one wears a school uniform is important

During this time of year, new students are bombarded with posters and information that informs students of proper dress when attending our university.

Luckily I do not have to relive my military and prep school past, as the vice dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Ajarn Ratana Watawatana, is responsible for student affairs at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. She is well known by fashion conscious students of the university, and she steadfastly enforces the dress code in line with university policy.

Ajarn Ratana's adherence to the dress code is very advantageous to teachers who often use the threat of the vice dean possible ire to warn students that they should follow proper dress decorum. As a result, the sight of female students wearing a blouse that is two sizes too small or a skirt that resembles a belt are now isolated incidents; and if anyone were to be unfortunate enough to encounter the vice dean in incorrect attire, woe betide them.

The right balance

In my opinion, a balance needs to be struck between having a school uniform at higher-grade levels and relaxing some uniform requirements so that children are relaxed and comfortable in class and on campus. Being comfortable promotes effective learning.

The majority of classrooms at my university are not air-conditioned and the afternoon heat can prove to be quite unbearable, and light weight informal clothing should be allowed. This does not mean, however, that students should be allowed to wear revealing clothes because of our tropical conditions. Ironically, some female students go to elaborate lengths to cover their modesty while still wearing inappropriate attire.

Common sense must prevail and decisions must be made to accommodate our students' needs while retaining the traditions and values that exemplify our educational institutions.

Steve Graham is an English language teacher at the Language Center, Udon Thani Rajabhat University in northeast Thailand. If there are any comments or areas for debate that you would like to discuss, you can contact Steve at: shed_chelsea@hotmail.co.uk .