The Future of Teaching: Preparing Students as Self-Taught Learners

 

The Future of Teaching: Preparing Students as Self-Taught Learners

Janpha Thadphoothon

In today’s rapidly changing world, teachers face a multitude of challenges as they strive to adapt to an evolving educational landscape. From the looming threat of global warming to the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), educators are navigating uncharted territory like never before.

The late Prof. Dr. Paitoon Sinlarat
Credit: https://www.salika.co/2020/05/12/interview-professor-paitoon-sinlarat/

Reflecting on the role of teachers in this age, the late Prof Dr. Paitoon Sinlarat, a prominent figure in Thai education, left us with words of wisdom that offer food for thought. As society undergoes profound changes, so do the roles and responsibilities of teachers.

In the past, particularly in agrarian societies, teachers held a revered position as leaders and authority figures. Their words carried weight, and students and society alike trusted and followed their guidance without question. The teaching profession was synonymous with influence and authority.

However, in today’s rapidly evolving world, the traditional role of the teacher is being challenged. Students no longer unquestioningly accept the wisdom of their teachers. The fast-paced nature of societal change has rendered it difficult for educators to predict or prepare students for an uncertain future.

In the face of this uncertainty, the question arises: what is the role of teachers in the modern age? How can educators adapt to meet the needs of students in a world where the future is unpredictable?

Perhaps the answer lies in empowering students to become self-taught learners. Instead of merely imparting knowledge, teachers can guide students in developing the skills and mindset necessary to navigate an uncertain future. Rather than providing all the answers, educators can foster a love of learning and critical thinking, enabling students to teach themselves.

This shift in focus from teaching to learning is crucial in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow. With the advent of AI and other technological advancements, the ability to adapt, learn independently, and think critically is more important than ever.

So, how can teachers facilitate this transition? By embracing new pedagogical approaches that prioritize student-centered learning, personalized instruction, and the integration of technology. Through project-based learning, inquiry-based teaching, and the use of AI-powered educational tools, educators can create environments that empower students to take ownership of their learning journey.

Moreover, teachers can serve as mentors and facilitators, guiding students in setting goals, seeking out resources, and evaluating their own progress. By nurturing a growth mindset and fostering a love of learning, educators can empower students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The role of teachers in the age of global challenges and technological advancement is not to provide all the answers but to empower students to become self-taught learners. By fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and a love of learning, educators can prepare students to navigate an uncertain future with confidence and resilience. As Prof Dr. Paitoon Sinlarat reminds us, in a world of uncertainty, the best teachers are those who help their students teach themselves.




Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Machine-Operated Vehicles for the Reduction of Road Accidents

Machine-Operated Vehicles for the Reduction of Road Accidents

Introduction

Road accidents continue to be a significant global problem, causing immense human suffering and economic losses. Every year, millions of people are injured or killed in accidents largely attributed to human error. However, there is hope on the horizon with the advent of driverless vehicles, which offer a promising solution to this pressing issue.

Current State of Road Accidents

In 2020, there were over 1.35 million road traffic fatalities worldwide, with countless more suffering injuries. These accidents are often the result of human errors such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. Despite efforts to improve road safety through awareness campaigns and stricter regulations, accidents remain a major concern.

In Thailand, approximately 20,000 fatalities and one million injuries occur each year due to road traffic accidents, leading to an economic loss of 500 billion baht. Although drunk driving plays a significant role, it is not the only cause of these accidents.

Key facts based on WHO:

- Approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.

Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.

- 92%t of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have around 60% of the world's vehicles.

- More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

- Road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product. 

Credit: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tag/road-accidents/

How Driverless Vehicles Work

Driverless vehicles, also known as autonomous or self-driving cars, rely on a combination of advanced technologies to navigate roads without human intervention. These technologies include sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and artificial intelligence algorithms. By continuously scanning their surroundings, driverless vehicles can perceive obstacles, detect pedestrians and other vehicles, and make split-second decisions to ensure safe navigation.

Advantages of Driverless Vehicles

One might wonder about the numerous benefits that driverless vehicles offer. Firstly, they significantly reduce human error, which is a leading cause of accidents on the roads. By eliminating distractions and fatigue from the equation, driverless vehicles provide safer transportation. Additionally, unlike human drivers, driverless vehicles can maintain a constant vigilance over their surroundings, detecting and reacting to potential hazards in real-time. This constant monitoring contributes to safer driving conditions. Moreover, driverless vehicles demonstrate adaptive driving capabilities. They can effectively adapt to various road conditions, weather, and traffic situations, thanks to their sophisticated sensors and algorithms. This adaptability enhances overall safety and efficiency on the roads. Another advantage is improved traffic flow. Through communication and coordination, driverless vehicles can optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and minimizing the likelihood of accidents. This optimization benefits both drivers and pedestrians alike. Lastly, driverless technology has the potential to improve accessibility to transportation for individuals who are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other reasons. By providing reliable transportation solutions, driverless vehicles enhance mobility for all members of society. Overall, driverless vehicles offer a range of benefits including increased safety, efficiency, and accessibility, making them a promising advancement in transportation technology.

Challenges and Concerns

There are several significant issues surrounding the adoption of driverless vehicles. One primary concern is the reliability of the technology itself, as there are ongoing worries about system failures and vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. These technological shortcomings raise questions about the safety and dependability of driverless vehicles on the roads. Another challenge lies in regulatory frameworks. Clear regulations and standards are essential to ensure the safety and legality of driverless vehicles operating in public spaces. Policymakers face the task of creating comprehensive guidelines that address various aspects of driverless vehicle use, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, the introduction of driverless vehicles brings up ethical dilemmas. Questions arise about how these vehicles should prioritize different scenarios in unavoidable accidents, posing moral challenges for developers and regulators alike. Furthermore, the transition from human-driven to driverless vehicles presents various challenges. Public acceptance of this new technology, changes in infrastructure to accommodate driverless vehicles, and the coexistence of driverless vehicles with traditional ones all require careful planning and execution. Overall, the adoption of driverless vehicles involves addressing technology, regulation, ethics, and societal adaptation, all of which pose complex challenges that need to be carefully navigated.

Opposition from Existing Human-Driven Vehicle Model Businesses

While the introduction of machine-operated vehicles holds the promise of safer roads and improved mobility, it faces significant opposition from existing human-driven vehicle model businesses, primarily for the following reasons. Firstly, there is concern over the loss of business. The widespread adoption of machine-operated vehicles could lead to a decrease in demand for traditional human-driven vehicles, thereby impacting the sales and profitability of automotive manufacturers and dealerships. This potential decline in demand raises questions about the future viability of existing business models within the automotive industry. Secondly, there is the issue of job displacement. The transition to machine-operated vehicles may result in the displacement of jobs for drivers employed in various transportation sectors, including taxis, delivery services, and public transit. This displacement of drivers could have significant economic and social ramifications, leading to unemployment and requiring retraining programs for affected workers. Finally, there is resistance to change. Established automotive companies and related industries may resist the shift to machine-operated vehicles due to the substantial changes required in their business models, supply chains, and workforce. These industries have long relied on human-driven vehicles, and transitioning to machine-operated vehicles necessitates significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and training. Overall, while machine-operated vehicles offer numerous benefits, they face considerable challenges from existing business interests, job displacement concerns, and resistance to change within the automotive industry.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Several companies have made significant strides in the development and deployment of driverless technology. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., operates a fleet of autonomous taxis in select cities, providing safe and efficient transportation services. Tesla's Autopilot system, though not fully autonomous, has demonstrated the potential for advanced driver assistance features. Additionally, autonomous shuttles have been deployed in various locations, showcasing the viability of driverless technology in specific contexts.

Future Outlook

Humans are not perfect; they make errors. While it's one thing to make grammatical mistakes in writing, it's another, and far more serious, to make a mistake while driving a car on the road. However, as driverless technology continues to evolve and improve, we can anticipate further reductions in road accidents and enhancements in road safety. With ongoing investment, innovation, and collaboration, driverless vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation, making our roads safer for everyone. I know it's not an easy decision, but life matters. We need to reach another level of consciousness and civility. Generations ahead will judge us, and I can't imagine what description they would give of this stage of development.

Conclusion

Driverless vehicles offer a promising solution to the persistent problem of road accidents. By eliminating human error, adapting to various road conditions, and improving traffic flow, they have the potential to significantly reduce accidents and make our roads safer. While challenges remain, the future of transportation looks brighter with the advancement of driverless technology.

References

WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries

https://www.who.int/thailand/news/feature-stories/detail/turning-tragedy-into-action--advocacy-and-survival-on-thailand-s-roads#:~:text=In%20Thailand%2C%20road%20traffic%20accidents,sole%20cause%20of%20these%20accidents.

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First Sign of Civilization in a Culture

 First Sign of Civilization in a Culture

"Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.

Anthropologist Margaret Mead- Credit:www.hellandearth.com

But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.

A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."

We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized.

Source: www.hellandearth.com

Inversion ในภาษาอังกฤษคืออะไร เพราะอะไร และใช้อย่างไร

Inversion คืออะไร เพราะอะไร และใช้อย่างไร 

Inversion in English Grammar: What it is, Why, and How to Use It

โดย ผศ. ดร. จันทร์พา ทัดภูธร

ว่ากันว่า หนึ่งในหัวข้อทาง Grammar (ที่ค่อนข้างยาก) ที่ผู้เรียนภาษาอังกฤษควรรู้คือ Inversion หรือการสลับตำแหน่งของคำ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่ง Subject กับ Verb

ง่ายๆ เลยก็คือ Inversion คือ การสลับตำแหน่งของคำในรูปประโยคของภาษานั่นเอง Inversion หน้าตาจะประมาณนี้ครับ

Slowly and quietly, on the rooftop walked the cat. 

Had you arrived five minutes earlier, you wouldn’t have missed the train. Should she ask, tell her the reservations were made for Friday's meeting.

Never before have I seen such a great show. 

(Standard Order: "I have never seen such a great show before." )

Little did I know he was already in the hospital. = I was unaware he was in the hospital.

Credit: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/523188#google_vignette

หลักทางไวยากรณ์ระบุว่า "When clause begins with an adjunct, the normal order of subject and verb group can sometimes be inverted (Collins COBUILD English Grammar)." (p. 285).
One might ask what an adjunct is. 

Adjunct คืออะไร An adjunct is an optional element in a sentence that provides additional information but isn't essential for the core meaning. It can be a phrase or another clause.

Slowly ในประโยค She walked to the store slowly. ถือว่าเป้น ส่วนเสริม ดังนั้นเราสามารถแต่งประโยค ได้ว่า Slowly, walked she into the room. Inversion จะเป็นการปรับ สิ่งที่เรียกว่า Normal Order เช่น

• Normal order of subject and verb group: In English, sentences typically follow a Subject-Verb order (e.g., "The cat walked slowly and quietly on the rooftop.)

• Inverted: When the sentence structure is inverted, the verb group comes before the subject. (e.g., "Out came the dog").

ตัวอย่าง:

• Normal order: The fire alarm blared (subject - verb) when I was cooking dinner. (when clause)
• Inverted order: When I was cooking dinner, blared the fire alarm. (when clause with inverted order - verb - subject)

สิ่งที่ต้องรับทราบก็คือ ว่าทั้งสองรูปประโยคนั้นถูกต้อง ตามหลักไวยากรณ์ Both sentences are grammatically correct, but the inverted order adds emphasis or a sense of drama to the situation.

ตัวอย่างเพิ่มเติม

Onto the stage, came the champion.  

Coming up (will be /is) the man who first went into space with his dog. พิธีกรรายการโทรทัศน์ TV host เกริ่นนำก่อนเบรคโฆษณา 

- Next to the closet, stood a pile of used books.

- Beyond the barn, lay the a large rice field.

Sentence 1: Next to it, stood a pile of used books.

• Adjunct: "Next to it" This adverbial phrase describes the location of the pile of books.
• Inversion: The normal order would be "A pile of used books stood next to it." However, the sentence inverts the subject ("a pile of used books") and verb ("stood") to place emphasis on the location ("Next to it").

Sentence 2: Beyond the barn, lay a huge rice field.

• Adjunct: "Beyond the barn" This adverbial phrase describes the location of the rice field.
• Inversion: Similar to the first sentence, the expected order would be "The huge rice field lay beyond the barn." Here, the inversion puts the location ("Beyond the barn") at the forefront, potentially creating a sense of discovery or vastness.

When to Use Inversion? เราใช้ Inversion เมื่อไร

Inversion happens when we reverse (invert) the normal word order of a structure, most commonly the subject-verb word order.

บางครั้งเราสลับคำเพื่อ เน่น หรือ ให้ความสำคัญกับ สาร (information) บางอย่าง เช่นในประโยค

Slowly, quietly....walked the cat (on the rooftop). เราต้องการ Highlight อาการ หรือ ท่าทางของแมว
ที่ทำเช่นนั้นก็อาจจะเพื่อสร้าง Dramatic effect หรือ ความรู้สึกให้เกิดกับการบรรยาย เพื่อให้น่าสนใจมากขึ้นนั่นเอง

For example, a statement has the subject (s) before the verb (v), but to make question word order, we invert the subject and the verb, with an auxiliary (aux) or modal verb (m) before the subject (s)

Inversion is a grammatical structure where the usual word order of a sentence is reversed. We often use inversion for stylistic reasons, to emphasize certain elements of a sentence or to achieve a particular rhythm or tone. Here are some common cases where inversion occurs:

1. เพื่อเน้น Emphasis: Inversion is often used to put emphasis on certain words or phrases by moving them to the beginning of a sentence. For example:

   - Into the room walked a strange figure. (Emphasizing "a strange figure") เรื่องที่เล่าสู่กันฟัง (New Information)

   - Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset. (Emphasizing เน้นคำว่า ไม่เคย "never")

ภาษาไทยเราก็มีการใช้ Inversion เช่นกัน ตัวอย่าง เช่น

ฉันไม่เคยมองคนอื่นนอกจากคุณ 
Never have I set my eyes on any person except you.
Normal Order: "I have never set my eyes on any person except you."

ไม่เคยเลยที่ฉันจะมองหญิงอื่น นอกจากเธอคนเดียว - อะไรประมาณนี้

2. Formal or Literary Style: Inversion is common in formal or literary writing to create a more sophisticated or elevated tone.

   - "Seldom does he speak about his childhood."

   - "Not only did she finish the project on time, but she also exceeded expectations."

- Not only can Tim speak English well, but his Chinese is also fluent.

3. Questions: Inverted word order is used in questions, where the auxiliary verb or modal verb comes before the subject.

   - "Have you seen the new movie?"

   - "Can you help me with this?"

4. Conditionals and Inversions with "Had": Inversion is used in conditional sentences and with "had" to indicate past unreal situations.

   - "Had I known about the traffic, I would have left earlier."

   - "Were I rich, I would travel the world."

5. Negative Adverbs or Adverbial Phrases: Inversion is often used with negative adverbs or adverbial phrases to create emphasis or a more formal tone.

   - "Under no circumstances should you open that door."

   - "In no way did she intend to offend anyone."

การใช้ประโยค Inversion สามารถเพิ่มความหลากหลายและความลึกซึ้งให้กับการเขียน แต่การใช้อย่างเหมาะสมก็สำคัญเช่นกัน เพราะการใช้มากเกินไปอาจทำให้การเขียนดูเป็นทางการหรือแข็งเกินไป

When does inversion happen?

Negative adverbs

In formal styles, when we use an adverb with negative meaning (e.g. never, seldom, rarely, scarcely, hardly) in front position for emphasis, we invert the subject (s) and auxiliary (aux)/modal verb:

- Never have we we witnessed such cruel behavior by one child to another. (or We have never witnessed …)

- Seldom does one hear a politician say ‘sorry’. (or One seldom hears …)

Expressions beginning with not

We also invert the subject and verb after not + a prepositional phrase or a clause in initial position:

Not for a moment did I think I would be offered the job, so I was amazed when I got it.

Not till I got home did I realize my wallet was missing.

Here and there

Inversion can happen after here, and after there when it is as an adverb of place. After here and there, we can use a main verb without an auxiliary verb or modal verb:

- Here comes the bus!

- Here’s your coffee.

I opened the door and there stood Michael, all covered in mud.

- She looked out and there was Pamela, walking along arm in arm with Tim.

ในฐานะศิษย์เก่า AFS ผมยังจำ Lyrics ของเพลงที่เคยร้องสมัยยังเป็น Teenager ได้

เนื้อเพลงท่อนหนึ่งมีว่า

*Walk together, Talk together all ye people of the earth

Then and only then, Shall we have peace*

ส่วนที่ว่า "Then and only then shall we have peace" เป็นตัวอย่างที่ดีของการสลับคำ

(a good example of inversion).

นับเป็นท่อนที่ส่งเสริมสันติภาพนะครับ  - a slogan promoting unity and peace

• Standard order: We would typically say "We shall have peace then and only then." (Subject - verb - object)
• Inversion: The sentence flips the order, placing "Then and only then" (adverbial phrase) before the verb "shall have" and subject "we."

สรุป Inversion ทำหน้าที่ 3 ประการ

Absolutely! Here's an explanation of the three functions of inversion in simpler terms, with improved examples:

1. To emphasize something negative:

Normally, negatives like "not" come before the verb. Inversion lets us switch that order to make the negative stronger.

• Regular sentence: I didn't know that he was admitted to the hospital.
• Inversion for emphasis: Little did I know that he was audited to the hospital. (Stronger emphasis on "never")

2. To emphasize when something happens:

Regular sentence: Yesterday, we went to the park.

• Inversion for emphasis: Yesterday, we went to the park. (Highlights the importance of "yesterday")

Be careful! This type of inversion is more common in spoken English and informal writing.

3. Just to add variety:

Sometimes, flipping the word order can make your writing sound more interesting and less boring. But use this sparingly!

• Regular sentence: The ice cream was delicious.
• Inversion for variation: Delicious was the ice cream! (Highlights the "deliciousness")
  Draws Attention: By flipping the usual subject-verb order, inversion disrupts the listener's expectations and grabs their attention. Imagine a speaker saying "Peace we shall have!" instead of "We shall have peace." The first option is definitely more striking.

Inversion ไม่ยากเลย ใช่ไหมครับ :-)