How to Better English 2025: "Hands-on Literature: Active Learning Strategies for English Language Development"

February 28, 2025 | นางสาวนิธิกานต์ พงษ์สถิตย์พร

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.