English – Page 11 – School of Languages and General Education

The project to register the Geographical Indications (GI) of Krajud Khuan Khreng in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province aims to support production and improve the quality of Krajud products from this province.

Asst.Prof. Suvita Kaewareelap, a lecturer in the School of Languages and General Education at Walailak University, together with the Community Development Office of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and the provincial government, organized activities to support Krajud product makers in the Khuan Khreng peat swamp forest area. This area covers 5 districts: Cha-uat, Chian Yai, Chalerm Phra Kiat, Ron Phibun, and Hua Sai in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The main goal of this project is to help local producers register their products under the Geographical Indications (GI) program. This program certifies that the products come from a specific geographic area to guarantee the quality and reputation of the products, especially Krajud products from Nakhon Si Thammarat. The project also helps protect the cultural heritage of Krajud weaving and creates more economic opportunities for local communities.

Main activities and goals

The project has two main activities:

Public meetings: Meetings with local producers are held to plan how to register the products under the GI program. These meetings help everyone understand the rules and benefits of GI registration better.
Visits and knowledge sharing: Field visits are organized to give advice on product design and share knowledge about the special Krajud weaving techniques from Khuan Khreng. The focus is on protecting and promoting the unique weaving art and culture of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

This project matches Sustainable Development Goal 1.4.1, which supports local start-ups, especially in preserving and promoting traditional crafts. Participants learn all steps of Krajud weaving, from collecting raw materials to making finished products. This helps them use their skills to create steady income.

By the end of the project, participants not only learn more about designing products from reeds but also take important steps to register their community’s reed products under the GI system. The project is expected to help the community keep its important cultural heritage while supporting local start-up businesses focused on traditional crafts in a sustainable way.

SOLGEN First Date 2 “Thrive Together: Cultivating Relationships and Personal Growth Goals”

The SOLGEN Student Club organized the SOLGEN First Date 2 event, “Thrive Together: Cultivating Relationships and Personal Growth Goals,” on August 25, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sri Thammarat Meeting Room, Architecture and Design Building, Walailak University. The event aimed to develop students’ leadership skills and readiness to support their peers at the university. It also sought to foster understanding of collaborative work with internal university units. The first part of the event featured a lecture titled “Thrive Together: Cultivating Relationships and Personal Growth Goals” delivered by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Urai Jaraeprapal, Vice President. This was followed by a lecture on “Education Gets You a Job, Activities Make You a Worker” by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President and Acting Dean of the School of Languages and General Education. Through this event, students gained insights into building and maintaining positive relationships, as well as setting personal growth goals in various aspects of life. They also realized the crucial role of education in preparing individuals for the workforce. While education provides the necessary knowledge and skills for entering the job market, real-world work demands additional skills and experiences gained from extracurricular activities.

School of Languages and General Education Welcomes Prof. Dr. Beniko Mason from Japan

From August 20-22, 2024, Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Acting Dean of the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), along with SOLGEN Executives, faculty members, and staff, warmly welcomed Prof. Dr. Beniko Mason on her visit to the school. The purpose of her visit was to deliver lectures and critique the teaching methods used in English courses, particularly focusing on the Story-Listening approach.

During this visit, the school had the privilege of hosting Prof. Dr. Beniko Mason, who shared her insights on how to apply the Story-Listening teaching method in the classroom with the Languages Department lecturers. She also observed English language teaching sessions and provided feedback to improve instructional strategies.

Prof. Dr. Beniko Mason also conducted demonstrations on teaching and assessment in the classroom, offering guidance on enhancing the effectiveness of English language instruction. This aligns with the school’s commitment to elevating the quality of English education at Walailak University.

Prof. Dr. Beniko Mason, an Emeritus Professor from Shitennoji University Junior College in Osaka, Japan, is the developer of the Story-Listening and Guided Self-Selected Reading methods. The School of Languages and General Education has adopted these methods to enhance students’ language learning skills.

School of Languages and General Education would like to express its deep gratitude to Prof. Dr. Beniko Mason for her invaluable contribution. Her visit and advice will play a crucial role in advancing English language teaching for students pursuing higher education at Walailak University, ensuring they receive high-quality learning that aligns with global language skill development standards.

SOLGEN Hosts a Group from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

On July 30, 2024, the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN) at Walailak University hosted a group from the School of Liberal Arts at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. The visit took place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The meeting focused on teaching and the recruitment of foreign lecturers. Assoc.Prof.Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President and Acting Dean of SOLGEN, and Asst.Prof. Junifer Leal Bucol, Head of the Language Department, shared insights on effective teaching strategies following UKPSF model.

Asst.Prof.Dr. Suthanya Doung-In, Assistant to the President Director and Acting Director of Center for Learning and Teaching Excellence, gave a lecture on teaching management. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, also participated in the activity by engaging in conversation and joining a group photo.

In the afternoon, the visitors toured the university. They visited the Sky Tower, the Botanical Garden, and traveled around the campus by an electric shuttle. The final activity was observing an English class at Academic Building 6.

The visit was a valuable opportunity for both universities to exchange ideas to enhance English teaching and create academic cooperation.

Summary of Research Publications in July 2024

School of Languages and General Education has a research publication that have been accepted to publish as follows:

The manuscript titled ‘Sexual Conduct in Noom Kala’s Media Landscape: Analyzing the Depiction of Masculine and Feminine Archetypes through Online Headlines’ authored by Mr. Kritsada Kantichol (First Author) and Mr. Methus Siriwat (Corresponding Author) has been accepted for publication in the journal ‘Cogent Arts & Humanities’ on Scopus Index, Q1

Auspicious Birthday Anniversary Celebration of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak Agrarajakumari

On July 4, 2024, Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, acting as the Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, along with school members and staff, participated in a merit-making ceremony and the celebration on the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak Agrarajakumari at Thai Buri Building, Walailak University.

The School of Languages and General Education was dedicated to honoring Princess Chulabhorn and included heartfelt offerings made in her homage. The participation of the School underscored their deep respect and admiration for Princess Chulabhorn’s contributions and significance.

The School would like to thank you for the pictures from Ajarn Songpan Janthong and the Center for Library Resources and Educational media.

SOLGEN aims to expand cooperation on activities and research with university and private sector networks in Japan

On June 27, 2024, Professor Dr.Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Acting President of Walailak University, along with colleagues from the School of Languages and General Education: Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Acting Dean of the School of Languages and General Education; Associate Professor Dr. Kranika Thongkao, Acting Assistant Dean; and Aj. Suthira Thongkao, representing the School’s environmental research team — welcomed Professor Dr. Sanit Aksorngao, Chair of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and Professor Dr. Kato Shigeru, an environmental expert from Japan.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss expanding cooperation on activities and research with university and private sector networks in Japan. They focused on understanding the environment and preparing for disasters caused by climate change. Additionally, they also share about their goals for improving the economy and society, following the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Research collaboration between the School’s researchers and James Cook University

The School of Languages and General Education, under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod serving as Acting Dean, warmly welcomed Professor Dr. Nigel Change for discussions on fostering research collaboration between the School’s researchers and James Cook University in Australia.

The initiative aimed to explore ways to use the knowledge and resources of both institutions to advance academic and scientific studies in diverse fields. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to exchanging knowledge and forming partnerships for future projects together.

Students from Walailak University and James Cook University (JCU), Australia, Collaborate in Mangrove Conservation

On June 28, 2024, the School of Languages and General Education, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Acting Dean, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kannika Thongkhao, Acting Assistant Dean for Foreign Affairs, organized an event titled ‘Environmental Conservation and Cultural Exchange: Students from Walailak University and James Cook University (JCU), Australia, Collaborate in Mangrove Conservation.’ The event was held at Ban Laem Nai Thap, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

The aim of the event was to raise awareness about environmental conservation through multicultural collaboration, highlighting the importance of community and environmental harmony. It provided an opportunity for students from Walailak University and James Cook University to learn from each other and build relationships, promoting mutual understanding. Students from Walailak University and James Cook University (JCU), Australia, Collaborate in Mangrove Conservation Students from Walailak University and James Cook University (JCU), Australia, Collaborate in Mangrove Conservation

SOLGEN lecturers lead Carbon footprint assessment of Ron phibun’s “gold apples” workshops

On 31^st of May 2024, School of languages and general education Walailak University led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Rungruang Janta and Asst. Prof. Jenjira Kaewrat has held the workshops included a fundamental of Geographical Indications (GI) and Climate change adaptation at Ban Suan Jan community, sub-district: Ron phibun, Nakhon Si Thammarat under Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG), Walailak University.

0n the subject; Carbon footprint assessment of Ron phibun’s“gold apples” (Diospyros decandra) products and guidelines for registration of Geographical Indications at Ron phibun Subdistrict Administrative Organization Hall with Miss Suchada Jara, NST comnization officers who live in Ron phibun.