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Today, at the Thaiburi Auditorium, Walailak University organized the 2023 Freshman Orientation and Preparation Program. This program, spanning from 1 June to 9 June 2023, provides students with essential information and assistance for a seamless transition into university life. Today's session centered around teaching and learning based on the United Kingdom Professional Standard Framework (UKPSF) and adapting to the new environment at Walailak University.

Approximately 1,300 freshmen attended the event at the auditorium, including the university's executives: President Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Vice President Voravuth Somsak, Vice President Charun Bunyakan, and faculty members from various schools. The event was also broadcast live to lecture buildings within the university. This year, Walailak University admitted over 3,000 freshmen.

Since 2018, Walailak University has been implementing the UKPSF in all its teaching practices. The framework, which focuses on active learning, helps students develop critical, analytical, and synthetic thinking skills. Furthermore, the university's small class sizes cultivate a friendly learning environment and promote increased student engagement in class.

One of the highlights of the event was a session on "Why English and How to Be Good at It?" delivered by Vice President Surin Maisrikrod. Vice President Surin also emphasized the university's dedication to assisting students in improving their English skills during their studies. According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2022, Thailand was ranked 97th out of 111 countries and regions worldwide, placing it in the category of very low proficiency. Among Thailand's four main regions, the southern part ranked last.

Vice President Surin revealed that this year, Walailak University is taking steps to improve student's English proficiency by focusing more on communicative English teaching, which is still lacking in Thailand. The university plans to increase the English teaching hours in general education courses from two hours per week to four hours per week, with 60 percent of the assessment focusing on speaking skills.

Another inspiring part of the event was the sharing panel, where Walailak University students shared their journeys of learning English. Recognized as an international language, English plays a crucial role in today's globalized world. With automation and technological advancements, many jobs are expected to be replaced by robots. However, the demand for jobs that require English proficiency is anticipated to grow.

During the panel, the students emphasized the key factors to succeed in achieving English proficiency. They highlighted the importance of self-motivation, discipline, and consistency in practice as well as seizing every opportunity for learning. Simple steps, such as changing the language settings on mobile phones to English, practicing speaking English to themselves or with friends, and watching English movies and television shows, were suggested as effective ways to enhance English proficiency.

At Walailak University, the opportunities to enhance English proficiency extend beyond the classroom. The university offers a range of extracurricular activities for students who are interested in improving their English skills. These include the English Club organized by the School of Languages and General Education, and the English Drama Club hosted by the School of Liberal Arts. Additionally, Walailak University acknowledges the significance of English proficiency for its personnel. Efforts are made to enhance English skills among staff members and create a language-rich, supportive environment for all members of the university community.

Photos and news by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication