PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT
“The Roots of Education ” The classrooms at Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School were struck by the diverse teaching approaches I observed. My visit began with a lesson led by Sir Watcharaboon Wiboon, a senior high school English teacher, who was presenting a class on Financial English. His teaching style was highly engaging and interactive. He utilized a combination of digital materials, including a projector, PowerPoint presentations, and tablets, to convey complex information clearly and concisely. The students were immersed in the lesson, taking notes and asking questions while watching videos and observing real-life demonstrations. What impressed me the most was the freedom Mr. Watcharaboon offered his students to explore and learn. He encouraged them to use ChatGPT, a cutting-edge AI resource, to supplement their learning and explore new ideas and concepts. In contrast, during my visit to the grade 7 science classroom, I observed a more traditional teaching method. The teacher relied heavily on writing on the board, using textbooks, and lecturing to convey information. While this approach was effective for teaching basic concepts, it seemed to lack the engagement and interactivity I had seen in Mr. Watcharaboon's classroom. Later, I had the opportunity to observe teacher Kwanwan Saensaon, a science head teacher who also employed a blend of videos, PowerPoint presentations, and real-life demonstrations. Her teaching was highly engaging, and the students were clearly motivated and interested in the topic. Reflecting on my observations, I realized that the teachers at Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School employed a range of teaching methods, from traditional to highly interactive and technology-driven. Each method had its strengths and weaknesses, but it was evident that the teachers were dedicated to providing their students with a high-quality education that prepared them for success in 21st century learning. Mr. Watcharaboon's approach, in particular, stood out to me as a model for effective teaching in the digital age. By combining digital materials, real-life demonstrations, and AI-powered resources, he created a learning environment that was engaging, interactive, and highly effective. As I left the school, I felt inspired by the teachers' commitment to innovation and excellence in education.
“The ingredients of main dish called “education” 1.2 Their Learning Materials and Innovation Based on my detailed observations of various teachers, I noted a diverse range of instructional materials and methods used in their classrooms. Sir Watcharaboon stood out for his use of modern teaching tools, which included engaging PowerPoint presentations, an advanced tablet that allows him to trace and underline essential details directly on the lesson content, and an overhead projector to present visual aids. By integrating these contemporary technologies, Sir Watcharaboon fosters an interactive and dynamic learning environment that not only captivates his students but also encourages their technological proficiency. This innovative approach streamlines his preparation process as well since he primarily relies on creating PowerPoint presentations rather than manually producing extensive learning materials. In stark contrast, my observation of the Grade 7 science teacher was both refreshing and enlightening, as it highlighted the effectiveness of traditional teaching methods amidst an age dominated by technology. This teacher relied on classic techniques, such as presenting written lessons on large sheets of manila paper. This practice transported me back to my elementary school days and reminded me of how foundational knowledge in science can effectively be conveyed through straightforward writing on the board. Witnessing this approach was significant, as it demonstrated that students could grasp essential scientific concepts through direct engagement with the material, rather than abstractly imagining them. Furthermore, Teacher Kwanwan Saensaon also utilized similar modern materials to those of Sir Watcharaboon but adopted a more comprehensive and technology-oriented approach. She expertly incorporated educational videos that provided context and visualization of the lesson topics before delving into detailed discussions. This multimedia strategy effectively captures students' attention and sparks their interest in the subject matter. Additionally, she used PowerPoint presentations to organize the main points of her lessons, underlining critical concepts for the students to focus on. This method not only aids in reinforcing the content but also encourages students to engage with the material more deeply. By recognizing the powerful synergy of multimedia and traditional instructional methods, she creates a balanced and effective learning experience that enhances her students’ understanding and retention of scientific concepts.
“Innovative classroom innovates minds” 1.3 Sources of learning and technology used by the teachers Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School, has a variety of teaching methods and technologies used by the teachers. In one classroom, I saw Sir Watcharaboon Wiboon, a senior high school teacher, leading an engaging lesson with modern tools. His classroom had a tablet and a screen pen, which he used to write on his PowerPoint presentation while students participated in real time. He also used an overhead projector and a computer, which helped him explain complex ideas clearly. In contrast, a grade 7 science classroom displayed a more traditional teaching style. The teacher relied mostly on textbooks and printed materials to share information and explain important concepts. While this method was effective, it lacked the interactivity and engagement seen in Sir Watcharaboon's class. Later, I observed teacher Kwanwan Saensaon using various digital tools during her lesson. Her laptop and PowerPoint presentation were central to her teaching, helping her explain complex scientific ideas effectively. She also used PDF files and an overhead projector to share additional resources with her students. Overall, the teachers at Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School used a mix of teaching methods and technologies. Some, like Sir Watcharaboon, embraced modern tools, while others preferred traditional materials. Despite their different approaches, all the teachers were dedicated to providing a high-quality education. By using various resources and technologies, they created engaging learning environments that met the diverse needs of their students.
“Teaching without assessing is nothing” 1.4 Authentic Assessment used by the teachers During my visit to Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School, I was impressed by their focus on authentic assessment. The teachers, including Sir Watcharaboon Wiboon, used assessment methods that reflected real-life situations. This approach encouraged students to apply their knowledge and skills meaningfully. A key part of their assessment was the use of activities in lessons. All the teachers I observed included various activities that allowed students to show their understanding in practical ways. These activities included hands-on experiments in science and group discussions in language arts. Sir Watcharaboon Wiboon stood out for his innovative assessment techniques. He not only used activities but also incorporated technology. He used Kahoot, a website that lets him create interactive quizzes and games for students to play on their mobile devices. This made assessments more fun and motivated students to compete with each other. Kahoot also gave him valuable insights into how well the students understood the material and highlighted areas where they needed extra support. From my observations, the focus on authentic assessment at Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School greatly improved student learning. By using methods that reflect real-life situations, the teachers helped students develop a deeper understanding of their subjects and prepared them for success in the 21st century. The use of technology like Kahoot enhanced the assessment process and provided important information about student understanding. Overall, I was very impressed by the innovative assessment approach at Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School. I believe it is a model that other schools can learn from.
“The pedagogy that radiates the future” 1.5 Others Exploring Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School and found a variety of educational programs that meet the diverse needs of students. The school focuses on academic excellence, creativity, and character development. One key program is the English Language Development Program, which helps students improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The program caters to different levels, from beginner to advanced, and is taught by experienced native English speakers. The school also offers important subjects like mathematics, science, social studies, and Thai language and culture. Teachers use methods such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning to engage students. To support character development, the school provides activities that teach values like empathy, kindness, and responsibility. Students participate in community service projects, leadership programs, and receive counseling services. The school encourages creativity and innovation through arts and music programs. Students can engage in painting, drawing, music, and dance, which helps develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, Udon Thani Rajabhat University Demonstration School shows a strong commitment to academic excellence, character development, and creativity. By offering a well-rounded education, the school helps students succeed in a complex and interconnected world.