Learning Curve

In this article, I alert readers that my “Views from the Outside” series was coming to its logical end. My tourism students were graduating, and no new students would be permitted to enroll. In fact, the International Studies center was about to be permanently shut down. I started my series in hopes of saving the program and making a lasting imprint on the local tourism industry. In the end, only three out of 23 students found jobs in the tourism industry. Student felt the tour guide salary was too low and worried about various kickback they would be required to pay. They didn’t want the responsibility that came with the job and disliked working in the heat. Most of this class eventually became teachers or found jobs at local factories. (more…)

Rivalry between different Thai schools has lead to much violence. Technical and vocational colleges are particularly notorious for fighting among opposing students. A student had been killed in Ayutthaya around the time that I wrote my weekly column. As a result, I decided to promote the idea of two universities working together. After a special visit to the Siam Society, I was able to come up with some concrete examples that I could share with my students. (more…)

This is the introduction to my “Views from the Outside” series. I highlight the historical background of Rajabhat University Phranakorn Si Ayutthaya and explain why Rajabhat students have such a bad reputation. My goal was was to inspire these students to learn while showcasing western teaching methods. I wanted my students to become more creative through active learning and hands-on research. (more…)