AIT President Said Irandoust was invited by Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Dean, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), to take part in the School of Engineering Retreat, which took place at Pinehurst on 28 September 2007. The emphasis of the workshop was on "Academic Quality and Resources Planning" and aimed at examining this year's performance, towards identifying conditions that would help ensure the sustainability of the present positive trends of the School.
In his opening remarks made at the retreat, the AIT President highlighted the changes and challenges occurring in higher education, and the importance of taking on a more learning-based approach in our teaching. This requires one to re-examine and place special emphasis on the major dimensions of education such as curriculum, pedagogy, and evaluation processes, and to appreciate and acknowledge that teaching is a highly complex and sophisticated set of processes that requires continuous and never-ended improvement. He also presented some of the essential attributes that are necessary for one to excel as a teacher and researcher. For those who are interested, the link to his presentation is available at: https://oldweb.ait.ac.th/president/presentations/Teaching%20to%20Learning%20for%20SET%20Retreat%2028%20Sept.%2007.pptx
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Sudaporn Luksaneeyanawin, Assistant to the President for Research Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, who spoke on the topic "A Paradigm Shift from Teaching to Learning", and highlighted the different characteristics of teaching and learning, as well as the importance and advantages of shifting from a teaching to a learning institution. This was followed by a presentation by Professor Tawatchai Tingsanchali on the draft procedures and schedule for peer teaching review of the school. There was plenty of discussion on this topic and general understanding that peer review should not be viewed as an evaluation of a particular program, but rather considered as a continuous improvement and learning process. A pedagogical center will be established at AIT next year to support the improvement and learning processes.
Professor Worsak presented a report on the School of Engineering and Technology's performance and goals for the coming years. The August 2007 intake was almost 60 percent higher than that of August 2006, and he commended the faculty and staff members of the School on this significant achievement. Compared to the last five years (2003-2007), the August 2007 intake had the highest pay-factor, highest FFE and annual revenue. Moreover, the average GPA of the Thai students was also the highest in the last five years. The School is expecting a net operating surplus of more than Baht 24 million by the end of the year. The strategic plan of the School for 2008 covers improvement and initiation of four aspects, namely: quality of student supports, quality of capacity, income generation, and new ventures. For those who are interested in the details of SET's performance, Professor Worsak's presentation is available at: https://oldweb.ait.ac.th/AIT/news-and-events/presentations/SET%20Dean%20Presentation%20in%20Retreat%202007.pdf
Each Field of Study / Program and Center also made individual presentations, outlining their activities and programs as well as their expected surpluses at the end of the year. The presentations outlined plans for the year 2008 and included proposed improvements of academic quality and resources. Promotional plans for 2008, intended to achieve the planned targets, were also elaborated in the presentations.
Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Director AIT Extension, assisted in moderating the retreat discussions.