A group of 64 educators from Chandrakasem Rajabhat University (CRU) in Thailand graduated from a Niagara College virtual customized capacity-building program this spring and is ready to apply their newly developed skills into practice in CRU classrooms.
Through the CRU Faculty Development Training for Educators Program, administered in partnership between NC’s Global Customized Training and Consulting and the School of English Language Studies, NC continued to expand its global reach by taking Niagara to the world.
The program took place April to May, aiming to strengthen CRU learners’ English language skills and enhance their English pedagogical skills. Some areas addressed through the training were Planning Engaging Lessons, Assessment, Universal Design for Learning, Education Technology, and Classroom Management.
“I thank NC on behalf of CRU for arranging such a remarkable program,” said CRU Vice-President and Professor Piyaporn Thacheen. “I have gained a solid knowledge about educational applications and how to better engage my students. In addition to learning about new tools, one important program outcome was to build a strong relationship between NC and CRU.”
“A major benefit of this course is that we have learned a new, effective way of teaching at CRU,” said CRU Professor Amornthep Skuna. “We hope to have another program like this again in the future.”
The program was delivered virtually through Zoom and the learning management system Moodle by two NC facilitators. Rebecca Koop facilitated the “English Skills Renewal” classes, and Laura Clemente D’Agostino was responsible for the “Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century” classes.
“This program has improved our critical thinking and language skills, allowing us to speak English more confidently,” said CRU Professor Patanachai Janthon. “All fellow learners who shared this experience supported and motivated each other along the way.”
The CRU Faculty Development Training for Educators Program was an eight-week program that concluded on May 31 with a virtual graduation ceremony.
