Somphop Sukjaitham

I am Somphop Sukjaitham, an educational technology student. Currently, I am at the final stage of my Master of Science (M.Sc.) program in educational technology at Saarland University in Germany. My passion lies in understanding how educators implement technology and innovation in formal classrooms and other learning environments. Whether it's adult education, lifelong learning, or the learning and development sector in companies/organizations, I am intrigued by the ways technology can enhance the learning experience.

For my master's thesis, I am focusing on "Enhancing student's representational competence through Gamification: A case study of high school chemistry classrooms in Thailand." I believe that incorporating gamification into education can foster better learning outcomes and engagement among students.

During my master's studies, I had the opportunity to work as a tutor for a course called empirical research method. This role allowed me to teach students about research methods in science, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices and scientific data collection methodologies.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have strong expereinces in learning science and education as I hold a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.) program in science education, and had teaching expepreinces in high scool for two years. Furthermore, I have been providing online science tutorials for high school students in Thailand. I am passionate about supporting students who need extra help or want to improve their knowledge and skills beyond the regular school hours.

Looking ahead, I am also eager to embark on my start-up project, where I aim to develop and trade learning materials online for high school science subjects. This venture aligns with my goal of merging my educational expertise with technology to create accessible and engaging learning resources.

In terms of my career aspirations, I am driven to work in the education domain, where I believe education can serve as a transformative force in individuals' lives. I see technology and innovation as crucial tools that can propel learners towards their goals. To further enhance my abilities, I am committed to continuous learning in areas such as game design, graphic design, and basic programming, as I believe these skills can complement my existing knowledge in education and psychology.

Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I find joy in playing games, particularly real-time strategy, role-playing, and action-adventure genres. Exploring fantasy worlds and immersing myself in captivating narratives brings me great pleasure. Additionally, I am an avid reader who enjoys diving into fantasy novels, historical stories, and psychological books. I have a fondness for manga as well, which I have been reading since I was 10 years old.

During my academic journey, I actively engaged in extracurricular activities that allowed me to contribute to the field of education. One such notable experience was my leadership role in the Science Camp Service Mind Project, organized by the esteemed Faculty of Education at Kasetsart University in Thailand, which spanned from September 2017 to February 2018. As a leader, I had the privilege of spearheading a team of 80 dedicated volunteers. Together, we undertook the responsibility of executing educational initiatives aimed at enriching the scientific knowledge and skills of underprivileged students in the rural regions of Phetchaburi Province. Furthermore, we sought to enhance the teaching and learning competencies of aspiring teachers, who were our fellow participants in the project.

Following this rewarding endeavor, I embarked on a teaching role at Surasakmontree School in Bangkok, Thailand, where I taught science and chemistry from May 2018 to April 2019. Throughout my tenure, I embraced various pedagogical approaches, including STEM education, scientific inquiry, problem-based learning, and gamification, to engage and inspire my students in the fascinating realms of science and chemistry. Recognizing the transformative power of technology and innovation, I consistently integrated these elements into my classroom, as they served as catalysts for my students' academic growth. I also took it upon myself to design and develop a plethora of learning materials, ensuring their relevance and adaptability in the modern educational landscape.

Continuing on my path as an educator, I joined Empowered Dream School, an esteemed private institution in Bangkok, from August 2019 to July 2020. Here, I had the privilege of teaching science and mathematics to primary and secondary school students who faced unique challenges, such as learning disabilities and ADHD. I adeptly managed the classroom environment by employing suitable approaches tailored to the diverse needs of my students. In order to provide them with effective learning experiences, I took the initiative to design and create learning materials that were specifically catered to their individual requirements. Technology played a pivotal role in this process, with interactive games and online learning resources serving as invaluable tools, particularly during the pandemic when physical interactions were restricted. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to provide occasional school counseling to teenagers, guiding them in making informed decisions regarding their higher education and career paths.

During the period of October to March 2022, I undertook the role of a tutor as part of the empirical research methods course offered by the Department of Educational Technology at Saarland University in Germany. This course encompassed both the theoretical and practical aspects of scientific research methods, spanning across the disciplines of science and social science. Together with my colleague, I meticulously prepared tutorial sessions that provided comprehensive guidance to master's students. These sessions focused on statistical tests utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics, equipping students not only with the knowledge of the process but also with the ability to analyze and synthesize their own research projects.

As a passionate learning scientist, I harbor a deep desire to delve further into understanding how individuals learn and discover innovative methods to enhance their educational experiences. My long-term aspiration is to become a teacher and educator who not only imparts knowledge but also designs, creates, and conducts research on STEM learning experiences, with a specific focus on the scientific and technological domains. By combining my expertise in education and my fervor for research, I aim to contribute significantly to the field while shaping the minds of future generations.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.), majoring in science education (chemistry), with a one-year mandatory school teaching practice from the Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University, Thailand. I had been learning and developing my knowledge and competence in science
teaching, focusing on chemistry, through various courses and workshops provided by the university and online platforms. After graduation from Kasetsart University, I was an exchange student at Hua-Shih College of Education, National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan. I had been learning about research in education by implementing qualitative methods, such as observation, case study, content analysis, and discourse analysis, in the science classroom. Currently, I am about to complete a master’s degree in science (M.Sc.) with an educational technology major from the Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Empirical Human Sciences, Saarland University, Germany.