SOLGEN organized a personality development project under the theme “Good Speaking and Good Personality for Success”

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 13.00 to 18.00, the School of Languages and General Education organized a personality development project on the topic “Good speaking and Good Personality for Success” at the Architecture and Design Building in the Srithammarat conference room to provide knowledge about Personality development for both internal and external students and to prepare students for work. The personality that has been developed and improved, both internally and externally, can create a good impression on those who see it and can also coexist with others in society.

Within the event, students were able to transfer knowledge from speakers including Seksan Akson (Medical Technologists), 1st runner-up, Miss Perfect Thailand 2022, and Mr. Akkarapatphat Siriradanan, an outstanding alumnus of Walailak University for the year 2021. Students gain knowledge from the speakers’ direct experience, ask questions, express their opinions, and practice good personalities. This activity has 150 students participating in various faculties. It was found that 90% of students in the project were satisfied at the “very good” level.

Summary of Research Publications in January 2023

The School of Languages and General Education had several research papers accepted and published in January 2023.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Budi Waluyo’s paper, “The Pedagogical Use of Gamification in English Vocabulary Training and Learning in Higher Education,” was accepted by *Education Sciences* (Scopus Index, Q2). Another paper by Dr. Waluyo, “Active Learning and Professional Development: A Case Study of Thai Chinese Teachers,” also got accepted by *Education Sciences* (Scopus Index, Q1).

Dr. Waluyo’s study, “Antecedents and Effects of Students’ Enjoyment and Boredom in Synchronous Online English Courses,” was accepted by the *Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development* (Scopus Index, Q1).

Assist. Prof. Kiki Juli Anggoro and Aj. Uswatun Khasanah’s paper, “Nearpod Slides to Enhance Students’ Self-Study,” was published in *SiSAL Journal* (Scopus Index, Q2).

Dr. Mark Treve’s manuscript, “The Future of Higher Education in a Post-COVID-19 World: New Directions, New Possibilities,” was accepted by *Computers and Education* (Scopus Index, Q1).

Lastly, Assist. Prof. Dr. Budi Waluyo and Aj. Thinley Wangdi’s paper, “Reasons and Impacts of Camera On and Off During Synchronous Online English Teaching and Learning: Insights from the Thai EFL Context,” was published in *CALL-EJ* (Scopus Index, Q1).

SOLGEN lecturer lead research team to collect data and provide knowledge about the importance of nutmeg to the community

On January 21, 2023, Assistant Professor Dr. Laksanara Kwanchum, a lecturer of General Education together with the research team Carbon sequestration valuation project in the area of Suan Chan Village and Ron Na Village Ron Phibun District Nakhon Si Thammarat. This is the beginning of field data collection with the Ban Suan Chan community. The research team contributed knowledge to the farmers in the area about the importance of preserving nutmeg that has the ability to store a large amount of carbon. It will help reduce greenhouse gases and reduce global warming very well. This is the beginning of cooperation between the government and communities collaborate to drive forward the carbon credit trading policy.

SOLGEN joined in making merit ceremony 2023

Arts and Culture Working Group, the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, and the Buddhism Club of Walailak University held an event to continue the merit-giving tradition of the year 2023 on Thursday, 12 January 2023 at 5:30 a.m. at Nalantham, Chopradu Food Center, Walailak University, led by the administrators of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrot, Acting Vice President, teachers, and the School of Languages and General Education staff joined in continuing the merit-making tradition. Give alms to the fire, organize food booths, and participate in making merit by offering rice and dry food to the monks to welcome the new year 2023 to continue and preserve the tradition of making merit by giving alms to the fire.

Tutoring Activities of General Education Courses 2/2022

General Education Department Organized tutoring activities of term 2/2022 for students studying in general education courses. In online tutoring before the midterm exam during 2-10 November 2022 and before the final exam during 14-23 December 2022 via the Facebook page “SOLGEN ติวต่อเติมแต้ม” for all 7 subjects as follows:

1. Thai for Contemporary Communication
2. Communication Techniques in Contemporary World
3. Thai Civilization and Global Citizen
4. Philosophy, Ethics and Critical Thinking
5. Knowledge Inquiry and Research Methods
6. Environmental Conservation and Global Warming
7. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

There were students attending the tutoring activities. Total of more than 2,000 students in all subjects and the satisfaction assessment of students in the tutoring was very good. (Evaluation score is more than 4.57)

See pictures of the atmosphere below.

Tutoring Activities

Congratulations to the lecturers of School of Languages and General Education who have received 4.5 or higher teaching performance evaluation scores from students in term 1/2022

Congratulations

SOLGEN organized a camp for conservation of natural resources
and the environment term 2/2022

General Education Department, School of Languages and General Education organized a camping project to conserve natural resources and the environment for term 2/2022 between 10 – 11 December 2022 at the Ban Phaendin Samer Border Patrol Police School Learning Center. Khlong Thom Nuea Subdistrict, Khlong Thom District, Krabi Province. The purpose of the course is to make students see the value and benefits of camping, know how to manage a campsite, learn about conservation of natural resources and the environment in the camp. Practicing life skills in a world of change Relationship building activities Setting up a tent Cooking, hiking, tourism and nature studies. Throughout the campfire activities, in addition to teaching theoretical principles in various subjects, there are physical and mental health development activities that focus on students having a healthy body. Have perfect mental health able to live a quality life Have process skills in solving life problems correctly and appropriately by integrating them with subjects in the general education category. There will be outside activities such as camping to practice outdoor living in the course. It is considered a useful activity. Focus on practicality Train students to learn from real experiences in camping. The purpose of the course is to teach students the value and benefits of camping. Know how to manage a campsite. Learn about conservation of natural resources and the environment in the camp. Practicing life skills in a world of change Relationship building activities Setting up a tent Cooking, hiking, tourism and nature studies. Throughout the campfire activities, in addition to teaching theoretical principles in various subjects, there are physical and mental health development activities that focus on students having a healthy body. Have perfect mental health Able to live a quality life Have process skills in solving life problems correctly and appropriately by integrating them with subjects in the general education category. There will be outside activities such as camping to practice outdoor living in the course. It is considered a useful activity. Focus on practicality Train students to learn from real experiences in camping.

SOLGEN inaugurated a workshop on
“Financial and Investment for a Lifelong Wealth Planning”

On 30th November, 2022, SOLGEN inaugurated a workshop on “Financial and Investment for a Lifelong Wealth Planning” for university students. The main objective of the project is to foster 21st century skills which will empower WU students in the dimension of financial literacy which is a significant skill that will not only empower students to be financially wise but also will enhance the quality of their living standard in the long run. Since the socio-economic context of the world nowadays is highly fluctuated and unstable, proper financial planning is no longer just an option. It has become a vital tool for people from all disciplines and fields of studies in order to achieve economic and occupational security.
 
The keynote speaker was Miss Treethida Intrawongchote, a well-known specialist on financial planning who had over 5- years -experience in the field and served as both governmental and private investment consultant. The workshop was held at meeting room 4, 2nd floor of the Science and innovation park, WU from 12.30 – 16.30. Over 30 students from various faculties had joined the workshop.
 
According to the result from the project evaluation form, over 90 % of participants rated the score of the project as “excellent” and believed that the skill and the mindset initiated by the workshop would be helpful for them in the near future and reward them with more job opportunities. The workshop initiated by Assistant Professor Dr. Taweeluck Pollachom and fully supported by Assistant Professor Piyachart Sungtee, Acting Deputy Dean of SOLGEN and all the staffs with the high hope that it will bring great benefits to the students.

Cultural heritage to design and develop batik products under the cultural festival project of civilization city: The city of Ligor

On November 22-25, 2022, Walailak University, led by Assistant Professor Suvita Kaewareelap from the School of Languages and General Education, together with the Culture Department of Nakhon Si Thammarat, organized activities to transfer knowledge of cultural heritage for the year 2022 under the Cultural Festival of the Flourishing Civilization City of Ligor project. The batik course is an activity that shares knowledge of batik creations. The target group is the people in Nakhon Si Thammarat province who do not have or have a career and want to develop their career, and a group of 30 interested students. The activity was arranged at the Saopao sub-district, Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province to create knowledge for the community and further your career in batik making in the future.

1st knowledge transfer regarding batik creation in 2022 focuses on providing knowledge, development, and promoting career skills. Teaching and learning are integrated for students from the beginning of the process by starting to teach from the design, production, and marketing process. This work was done in cooperation with non-formal teachers and batik entrepreneurs, the Lai Sen group, who ultimately have in-depth knowledge to transfer knowledge.

In addition, the project has prepared raw materials and equipment for use in actual practice, including food and snacks for all students. Students will be able to learn theoretical and practical lessons that align with the 4th and 17th goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are Quality Education and Partnerships for the Goals.

In this regard, Assistant Professor Suvita Kaewareelap, as the speaker, presented content within 5 days, as follows;
Day 1: Provide knowledge regarding the design and development of Batik. The activity creates inspiration for products, practicing, and researching. Design Clinic is built for talking to exchange ideas and provide advice on batik design and demonstration.
Day 2: Creating a pattern, writing a pattern on paper, writing a pattern on fabric (designing patterns from a culture), hands-on training (candle making and painting, batik painting)
Day 3 Practice (candle painting and painting, batik painting) (take additional fabric to sew at home).
Day 4: Training to provide knowledge on product presentation, photography, and product presentation.
Day 5: Giving knowledge on product presentation and merchandising.
From the training content, participants will be able to apply their knowledge further and be able to pursue a career to create income for themselves in the future.

SOLGEN English Club Inauguration

On 16th November,2022, SOLGEN Student Affairs inaugurated an English club with the primary purpose of fostering friendly and encouraging conditions for students to converse in English, particularly those who speak little or are shy.

In addition, to engage in activities organized by the departments of languages and general education (Internal & External).

In accordance with the “Smile, Smart, Happy, and Intelligent Students” strategy, this will allow children to build interpersonal and leadership skills through activities such as debates, speech contests, music time, storytelling, English camp, and community outreach.


The Club was inaugurated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorayuth Somsak, Vice President of Student Affairs, and was supported by Dr. Mark Treve, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, and other SOLGEN lecturers.