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SOLGEN organized an art exhibition and creative activity booths to promote students’ creativity

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the School of Languages and General Education organized an art exhibition project under the theme “Art for Aesthetic Appreciation and Understanding Diversity.” This event served as a learning showcase from the course GEN 133 Aesthetics for Quality of Life, a general education course in the social sciences group.
The course aims to help students use art as a tool to promote aesthetic awareness and enhance physical and mental well-being. In the second semester of academic year 2024 (2/2567), over 300 students from the School of Informatics, Engineering, Science, and Political Science and Public Administration enrolled in this course.

During the event, students presented their work through various types of art and activities, including
– Visual art exhibitions   
– Art activity booths focused on promoting well-being   
– Screenings of media artworks   
– Art workshops   
Each project was designed using an Inquiry-Based Learning approach, which started from students’ personal interests and questions. These questions were then developed into creative themes and turned into meaningful works shared with the public.

SOLGEN Organizes “Beautiful Beach with Our Hands” Activity

On February 1–2, 2025, lecturers from the School of Languages and General Education, together with students from the elective course GED65-147 “Camping for the Conservation of Nature and Environment,” organized the project “Beautiful Beach with Our Hands.” The activity involved collecting litter and marine debris along Tha Sung Beach, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness among students and the public about the problem of single-use plastics in nature—rivers, seas, and oceans—and to promote upcycling as a means of reducing environmental impacts and mitigating global warming. Through participation, students developed greater awareness of environmental conservation, contributing to a balance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions for sustainable growth.

The beach cleanup activity, focused on reducing marine debris and plastic waste, represents a meaningful step toward sustainable living. It also supports environmental protection, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to slowing global warming, thereby creating long-term benefits for future generations.

SOLGEN organized the “Camping for the Conservation of Nature and Environment” project for students.

The General Education Department of SOLGEN organized a camping project for natural resources and environmental conservation for students enrolled in the free elective course “Camping for Conservation.” A total of 88 students joined the activity, which was held from January 24 – 26, 2025.

During this trip, students experienced real camping life by setting up tents at Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, located in Mueang District, Krabi Province. The main activities included:

– 3-hour nature trail hike at Huai To Waterfall   

– 21st-century skills development activity: an 8-station walk rally   

– Campfire night activity featuring guest speakers, led by Police Lieutenant

Colonel Phasin Sangkhara and the team of group facilitators from Border Patrol Police Division 42, Srinakharindra Camp   

The highlight on the last day was a study tour to Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi Province. Students had the opportunity to go snorkeling and explore Thailand’s beautiful marine environments, including Railay Beach, Talay Waek (Separated Sea), Chicken Island, and Poda Island.

This course, run by the General Education Program at Walailak University, focuses on helping students learn and improve their quality of life through the concept of 4C skills from The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21):

Critical Thinking – Encouraging students to ask questions and search for the truth   
Creativity – Helping students think differently and innovatively   
Collaboration – Supporting teamwork and achieving more together
Communication – Training students to express their ideas clearly and effectively

These 4C skills are essential learning tools that help equip students to face global challenges with awareness and responsibility, especially in terms of valuing and conserving natural resources.

SOLGEN organized the 5th Personality Development Workshop on the theme “Good Speaking and Good Personality for Success.”

On January 29, 2025, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., at Sritammarat Meeting Room, Architecture and Design Building, the Thai language teaching group under the General Education Department organized 5th Personality Development Workshop on the theme “Good Speaking and Good Personality for Success.”

The guest speaker was Ms. Saifon Cheechang, a news anchor from Channel 3, who has expertise and real experience in personality development and public speaking. She led the session and shared her knowledge and experiences from working in the field.

The objective of the workshop was to help students improve their inner and outer personality, enhance their presentation skills, and build a positive self-image that suits modern society. A total of 182 students and staff from Walailak University attended the event.

During the activity, students showed high interest and actively asked questions, reflecting their motivation to develop themselves — to speak confidently, express themselves, and apply new knowledge effectively in their personal development, careers, and life success in today’s changing world. The satisfaction rating from participants was 4.82 out of 5.00, which is considered very good.

SOLGEN Participates in the 44th Thailand TESOL International Conference 2025

Bangkok, Thailand – Representatives from SOLGEN attended the 44th Thailand TESOL International Conference on January 24–25, 2025, at Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada. The delegation, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Asst. Prof. Junifer Leal Bucol, and Mr. Ronaldo Reyes, participated in the event to explore the latest innovations in English language teaching (ELT).

The conference, themed “Exploring the New Frontiers of ELT for a Better Tomorrow: Innovative Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment,” provided a platform for educators, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas, collaborate, and discuss the future of ELT.

The event began with an inspiring welcome by Dr. Thanakorn Thongprayoon, President of Thailand TESOL, followed by a keynote from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Khomfoi, who shared a quote from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of good teachers. Dr. Pichet Phophakdee, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education, also delivered a keynote on enhancing English proficiency and teaching standards in Thailand, addressing current challenges and proposing strategies for improvement.

Plenary speakers included Dr. Ewan MacRae of the British Council Thailand, who discussed the integration of research into education, and Prof. Emerita Dr. Leslie Barratt, who focused on the brain’s development of language. These talks emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices, innovative teaching methods, and a deeper understanding of language development.

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, workshops, and presentations on progressive ELT approaches. Key topics included the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching, gamification for learner engagement, extensive reading strategies, fostering intercultural competence, sustainability in education, equity in education, and language assessment reforms.

Asst. Prof. Bucol, Head of the Languages Department, and Prof. Beniko Mason presented “Story-Listening: A New Approach to Vocabulary Acquisition for Thai University Students,” demonstrating how Story Listening enhances vocabulary development and language proficiency through engaging, context-rich stories that promote natural language acquisition.

By participating in international conferences, such as the Thailand TESOL International Conference, SOLGEN demonstrates its commitment to innovating and delivering high-quality, globally relevant education.

SOLGEN welcomed USM from Malaysia and organized activities to explore future academic and research collaboration

On January 27, 2025, Prof.Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, and Assoc.Prof.Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President and Acting Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, along with administrators, lecturers from the school, and student representatives, welcomed administrators, lecturers, and students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The visit aimed to observe and learn about English language teaching at Walailak University and the development of the WUTEP standard test.

There was also a meeting between lecturers from both institutions to develop future research collaboration.

In addition, Walailak University organized an activity called “Play and Learn Plern English – English is All Fun”, aiming to improve students’ English communication skills through fun and creative activities. The event created a relaxed and informal learning environment and allowed students from both universities to exchange cultures and English language experiences.

More than 200 students joined the activity, and it received an excellent satisfaction rating with an average score of 5.00. This shows the success of the program in inspiring and encouraging effective English learning.

This visit is an important step in building cooperation between Walailak University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, aiming to develop educational and research potential together in the future.

SOLGEN organized the activity “From the Coast to Change” to raise awareness about the Thai coastal ecosystem.

On January 25, 2025, the School of Languages and General Education joined with the Lions Club of Japan and partner networks in the activity “From the Coast to Change” at Ban Sa Bua, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

This activity was held to create awareness about environmental conservation and global warming, especially the coastal ecosystem in the mangrove forest area. This area is home to many plant and animal species and provides knowledge about the importance of the coastal ecosystem in maintaining natural balance and controlling pollution. It is an important ecosystem that helps protect the environment and reduce global warming.

The activity received cooperation from Prof. Shigeru Kato, President of the Lions Club Tachibana, Japan, and other partners such as Princess Chulabhorn Science High School, Tha Sala Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and students from Walailak University.

The management team included Asst.Prof.Dr. Kannika Thongkhao, Acting Deputy Dean; Aj. Pavirasa Praditsorn, Acting Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; Asst.Prof.Dr. Taweeluck Pollachom , Acting Head of the General Education Department; event organizers; faculty members from the School of Languages and General Education, Walailak University; and partner networks who also joined the activity.

SOLGEN organized the Edutainment activity “Play and Learn PlearnEnglish” every Friday

The School of Languages and General Education, together with the Division of Student Development and Support (DSDS), organized an out-of-class English skill development activity in an edutainment format under the name “Play and Learn PlearnEnglish”, which was a soft launch for the program.

The purpose of the activity was to promote English learning through fun and engaging formats. These included vocabulary building with crossword games, pronunciation practice using Jenga sticks, and roleplay activities such as ordering ice cream. The goal is to help students become more familiar and confident in using English. The event also featured a booth to promote the English Drama Club’s student theatre production.

So far, the activity has been held twice — on Friday, January 10 and Friday, January 17, 2025 — with over 300 students participating. The activity will continue every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the ST Building Hall. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025.

SOLGEN joined the Sports Day activity at Walailak University: “Blue Brings Happiness, Awakens Smiles”

On December 25, 2024, the atmosphere at Walailak University’s annual staff sports day was full of fun and happiness. Many departments came together, especially the Blue Team, which left a lasting impression at the Physical Education Building of Walailak University. This year, the Blue Team was formed by members from 11 departments, including:

Science and Technology Park (Main Blue Team)
School of Education and Liberal Arts
Walailak University Hospital
School of Languages and General Education
School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry
School of Engineering and Technology
Division of Procurement and Supply
Division of Studenr Support and Development
Center for Smart Farming and Landscaping Architecturer
The Center for International Affairs
Office of the Presidents

We would like to thank all departments for their collaboration and contribution in creating this joyful atmosphere. Special thanks to our main sponsors who supported and helped make this event a great success:

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President (5,000 THB sponsor)
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Charun Bunyakan, Vice President (3,000 THB sponsor)
Dr. Mongkol Teerananond, Assistant to the President (2,000 THB sponsor)
Asst.Prof.Dr. Arthit Boonrodchu, Assistant to the President (1,000 THB sponsor)
“Ice Je Ying” (ice and containers provided throughout the event)

This year, the Blue Team proudly won First Prize for Best Parade and First Prize for Tug-of-War. Congratulations to everyone who contributed and worked together to bring joy and color to this special event.

Photos: Aj.Songpan Janthongand Ms. Smile Watchirayarn

Korean Cooking 'Kimbap' by Mr. Kim Ji Hyung Organized by SOLGEN to Promote Language and Culture

On December 26-27, 2024, the School of General Education, School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN) organized a Korean cooking activity as part of the Korean Language and Culture Learning Project. The event aimed to highlight cultural diversity while helping students improve their Korean language skills in real-life situations and learn about Korean food culture.

Mr. Kim Ji Hyung, a Korean volunteer lecturer, demonstrated how to make “Kimbap,” a popular Korean dish. The event took place at the Walailak Food Laboratory Training Center for students enrolled in the elective course GED65-117 Foreign Language and Culture at Walailak University.

Through this activity, students had the opportunity to practice their Korean language skills with a native speaker while learning to prepare “Kimbap.” This experience enhanced their understanding of both linguistic differences and cultural diversity.