On 27 February 2025, from 09:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Thira Sutabutra Auditorium, 2nd floor, the Golden
Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University,
Bang Khen Campus, the How to Better English 2025 lecture series took place
under the topic: “Hands-on Literature: Active Learning Strategies for English
Language Development” and the workshop on "Enjoying Literature for English
Language Development.” The event was honored by Asst. Prof. Dr. rer. Soc.
Supapatpimol Simlee, Assistant to the President for International Affairs
delivered the opening remarks.
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The event featured two
distinguished speakers: Mr. Ashley Quest, Lecturer of the Modern Languages
Department, Mahidol University International Demonstration School (MUIDS), and
Dr. Narudol Semchuchot, lecturer of the Division of English Language Teaching,
Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University and Chairman of Thailand Extensive
Reading Association (TERA). Additionally, the event was honored by the presence
of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singhanat Nomnian, Director of Mahidol University
International Demonstration School (MUIDS), and his delegation attended the
opening ceremony and lecture session. The session was moderated by Ms.
Sukanthara Yonto, an English Language Teaching major from the Faculty of
Education and a KU Student Ambassador (KUSAm) Batch 6, who skillfully
facilitated the program, ensuring a smooth connection between speakers and
participants in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Mr. Ashley Quest is an expert in
English language teaching through interactive reading and was awarded first
place in the English Reading Innovation Contest for primary and secondary
education with his outstanding project, "Reading for the Blind: An
Outreach Initiative," organized by the MUIDS Book Club. He was also
selected to present the English reading teaching innovation at The 44th
Thailand TESOL International Conference 2025, held on January 24-25, 2025, at
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada.
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The second speaker. Dr. Narudol
Semchuchot is a chairman of the Thailand Extensive Reading Association (TERA),
an affiliate of the Extensive Reading Foundation. With extensive experience in
designing reading promotion activities and developing extensive reading
curricula, his work has been widely recognized both nationally and
internationally for its contribution to English language learning through
literature.
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How to Better English 2025:
"Hands-on Literature: Active Learning Strategies for English Language
Development" was co-organized by the International Affairs Division of
Kasetsart University, in collaboration with the Division of English Language
Teaching, Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University; the Thailand Extensive
Reading Association (TERA); and Mahidol University International Demonstration
School. The lecture and workshop focused on enhancing English proficiency
through literature while fostering analytical reading skills and active
learning strategies. The program was structured into lectures and workshops on
five key sessions:
Session 1. Thailand
Extensive Reading Association Reading Innovation by MUIDS Team with Extensive
Reading Introduction
Session 2.
Exploring Poetry through Active Activities
Session 3.
Collaborative Poetry Creation and Performance
Session 4. Short
Stories Analysis through Active Activities
Session 5. Group
Discussion and Closing Reflection
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The event concluded with an
evaluation session and closing remarks by the speakers. How to Better English
2025 welcomed over 60 participants, including students, faculty members, and
staff from various faculties and departments at Kasetsart University.
Participants provided positive feedback, stating that the event introduced them
to new approaches for developing reading skills and teaching English through
literature. Many appreciated the opportunity to engage in in-depth content
analysis through enjoyable and interactive activities.
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Some participants noted that the
techniques learned during the workshop could be applied in their teaching and
learning, inspiring them to engage more with English reading materials.
Students particularly highlighted how the event helped improve their reading,
interpretation, and presentation skills tangibly. Overall, How to Better
English 2025 received excellent feedback, with suggestions to organize similar
programs in the future to continuously enhance English proficiency among
students and university staff.