General News

 
Dr. June Teisan leading the STEM workshop at Lecture Building 7, Walailak University

Walailak University’s School of Science recently hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Workshop for professors and students from November 10-11, 2024, aimed at nurturing future innovators who can thrive in today’s interconnected world.  

On November 10, 2024, the WU School of Science welcomed more than 200 Bachelor of Education students and eleven professors to Lecture Building 7 for an interactive STEM workshop. The event was led by Dr. June Teisan, a US Board-certified teacher and STEM educator honored with the White House Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.  

During the workshop, first- and second-year students participated in four interactive sessions. In the first activity, students explored concepts like surface tension, cohesion, and adhesion by observing how water droplets behaved on a one-cent coin. The second session focused on plant biology, where students learned about flower anatomy, reproduction, pollination, photosynthesis, and transpiration. They also had the opportunity to use natural pigments from flower petals to create colorful artwork.  

  
Students explore plant biology and create artwork using flower petal pigments at Lecture Building 7, Walailak Univeristy

Afterward, participants practiced wiring an electrical circuit, working in groups to complete the task. This was followed by a "Rose, Bud, Thorn" reflection exercise, where students identified positive experiences (rose), challenges (thorn), and areas for growth (bud) to reinforce their learning.  

 
Dean Mullica Jaroensutasinee and Dr. June Teisan during the STEM workshop at Lecture Building 7, Walailak University

On November 11, 2024, Dr. Teisan conducted a workshop for Education professors on problem-based and project-based learning techniques, designed to foster engagement and critical thinking. Over ten professors from WU School of Science and Can Tho University's School of Education in Vietnam participated in the session.  

Associate Professor Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee, Dean of the WU School of Science, noted that these workshops prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century by cultivating their interdisciplinary knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Meanwhile, the workshop for Education professors provided practical experience in active learning techniques, as opposed to traditional lecture-based methods, with the aim of enhancing students' engagement and critical thinking skills.

 Workshop for Education professors at Durka Cafe, Walailak University

Photos courtesy of WU School of Science.