Critical Competencies in the 21st Century

Dear All, Just want to share with you what I presented when speaking to an audience of teachers of English plus several foreign experts who came to give their talks as the post RELC (Regional Language Center under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) seminar in Singapore.

I found it sort of strategic the way I was talked into accepting the invitation. Here is why ka:

The CULI director called to invite me to be the closing keynote speaker. Having had quite a lot on my plate, I would tend to say no.....though those who know me well realize how easy I can accept an invitation. In any case, before I could say anything, she said to me, 'Khun Porntip, you listen to the topic first. I was told that if you know what the topic is, you will say yes!'

It turned out to be true.....I liked it and found it challenging to talk about it when so many books and sessions are on this topic already. My thinking then was how to effectively convey my own messages in English to teachers/lecturers of English (didn't have much on my mind then, though!).

With contribution from my colleague and an alum, I had my slides for the talk, which were improved like a dozen times! Tough to talk with teachers....and they teach English kaaaa!

My key communication was to start from the lecturers/teachers who need to be more skills in cross-cultures, storytelling, writing, ICT, lintegration, and the most important one....need to make it happen. I was mentioning how they should link what they and their students are familiar with to make the lessons both enjoyable and thought-provoking. They should pick and choose what is available in the market to respond well with their specific contexts. Learning how to use ICT properly would go beyond the access of the needed tools to consider the learning styles of students and how to create appropriate applications, getting away from using the tools in the traditional term. By the way, my attempt to end with part of a song to inspire them didn't work....can never trust IT jing jing:))!

Again, I briefly touched on the Thai cultural habits that have hindered our learning, especially 'muunsai' (not making oneself in the center of attention by showing off or talking big or acting smart.....etc.)

Seems that I've talked about all they've heard and known ka but one more talk to urge them to take actual actions was sure needed na ka.

Regards,
Porntip

3 things about Thailand

Dear all, I'm back and hope to write more often ka.

The other evening when I had a dinner with my American friends, one asked me to tell her three things about Thailand that I would love foreigners to bring back to their countries. Like many Thais, I never asked myself that question.

Would there be anyone to share your views mai ka?

Porntip