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Knowledge Management Report 2013

Language for the Community: The Promotion of Local Tourism in Sukhanthawas Community

The project has been conducted under General Education course name GE1404 Thai Culture and Traditions responsible by A. Jaruwan Puangmalee. The objective of the project “Language for Sukhanthawas Community” is to render services in terms of the promotion of local tourism and to apply knowledge and experience from academic services to the teaching, learning, and research.

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The project was beneficial for all participants since students, lecturers and local community were connected directly through Community Based learning approach that helped students to gain a rich experience from combining hands-on work in the community with the academic framework provided by coursework across the curriculum.

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The satisfaction survey was conducted during May 2014. The Likert scale of 1 to 5 was used in all rating questions, where 1 was the lowest satisfaction and 5 the highest satisfaction. The scale allowed for a mid-range position for those who had a neutral opinion. Participants were asked to rate their satisfaction with the students’ products.

Overall, the survey has found a generally positive result for “Language for Community: the promotion of Local Tourism in Sukhanthawas Community with 4.21 rated as being of “moderate” to “high” satisfaction. Besides, the finding is integrated with GE1404 Thai culture and Traditions curriculum for semester 1/2014.

Language Project for the Community: English Training at Pakkongchudyai School

On 24 July 2014, the Faculty of Arts visited Pakkongchudyai School, discussed with the School Director and observed the teaching of an English class. The purpose of the visit was to conduct the needs survey on the needs of the School in terms of language skill improvement for both teachers and students. For the evaluation feedback from the School Director, the average score of 4.23 out of 5.00 was given, showing the School Directors with the training program.

 

The Project has reflected on an important role of the Faculty of Arts, its faculty members and students to help improve the quality of teaching and learning at the School in the vicinity. It is found that a continuous and long-term project would definitely help Pakkongchudyai School for sustainable development. Also, more budget or funding should be considered.

Teaching English for Factory Workers

From Jan 6-Apr.22, 2014, the Faculty of Arts offered an English training course to over 15 factory workers and staff at Thai Urethane Plastic Company. The course focused on English communication skills necessary for effective use of English for work. For the evaluation feedback from the trainees, the average score of 4.08 out of 5.00 was given, showing the students’ fair level of satisfaction with the course. This course has provided the opportunity for Arts lecturers to provide academic service to society. It is learned that teaching lower intermediate students require lots of interesting activities and games to create the students’ interest in learning. Also, the focus on forms should be avoided as some students find that impractical for their language use for communication

Teaching English for Doctors

From Jan 28-Apr.3, 2014, the Faculty of Arts offered an English training course to over 25 doctors and nurses at Vejthani Hospital. The program focused on English writing and communication skills for doctors. For the evaluation feedback from the trainees, the average score of 4.36 out of 5.00 was given, showing the trainees’ high level of satisfaction with the training program. This training has provided the opportunity for Arts lecturers to provide academic service to society. It is learned that to effectively teach students, teachers need to have well-structured lesson plans to meet the needs of the students. Also, using a variety of teaching and learning activities has been found to be stimulating and encouraging for the students.

Report of Project Development

(Teaching English for Doctors)

From the teaching of doctors as academic service to society, the following are plans for development:

 

  1. Doctors have problems with some English sounds (th, ch, sh, s, and z) so these sounds must be focused on specifically.

  2. Doctors should be asked to work in small groups often to promote collaborative learning.

  3. Doctors need to avoid using technical terms with patients.

  4. They should use more simple and clear expressions in their communication.

  5. There should be a clear plan on finishing homework as many of them could not finish take home assignments.

St. Louis School Oral English Proficiency Test

In December 2013 and February 2014, the Faculty of Arts (its lecturers and students) were requested to administer the oral English proficiency test for St. Louis School Chacheongsao students. All St. Louis School students were assessed on their oral English proficiency. The results show that the students on the whole need to improve their English communication skills (grammar, interaction, and subject knowledge). The School administrator was quite satisfied with the service provided. For the evaluation feedback from the service recipients, the average score of 4.02 out of 5.00 was given. It is proposed that this project be conducted on a yearly basis.

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