A student’s viewpoint on the success of GTDEE

Phongpak Sritulanon, co-practical instructor at the Eastern College of Technology (E.Tech)

The Thai-German Technical College was founded in 1959 to meet Thailand's large need for technicians and skilled workers as a result of the country's industrialisation efforts. More than 300 projects have been completed since then, as has the link that incorporates all areas of achieving sustainable development through capacitybuilding and transformation processes.

The primary purpose of German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) is to produce brilliant individuals with flexible qualifications who are mobile and capable of working in their chosen areas. It was in Germany that the dual vocational training approach, in which students are taught both theory and practical technical abilities, was developed. Later, collaboration efforts shifted to higher academic levels and more specialized training needs, particularly in the field of engineering, in conjunction with B.Grimm, BMW Thailand, Robert Bosch, GTCC and the German International Corporation (GIZ), with the establishment of the dual vocational eduationa and training (DVET) programme for Thailand in 2013.

Recently, the Chamber had an exclusive interview with Mr. Phongpak Sritulanon, a 20-yearold student currently studying at the College of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). He is now a co-practical instructor at the Eastern College of Technology (E.Tech). In student batch 2019, he studied Mechatronics at E.Tech through Project-Based Learning under the GTDEE Programme, which was funded by GIZ. He was a first-generation student to graduate in Mechatronics under the GTDEE Programme in 2021.

How did you become involved in the Project-Based Learning pilot programme in Mechatronics?

I was informed by the institution's public relations that there would be a new style of teaching and learning in accordance with German standards, referred to as project-based learning. As a result, I was certain that now was an excellent time to give it a shot.

How did you find your experience with Project-Based Learning in Mechatronics? How does it vary from a normal Thai education? Could you elaborate on the areas in which you are studying?

In comparison to the Thai learning standard, instructors advise students on what they need to accomplish, and they help to create the complete process of learning and work, which will later be the final goal of the courses. Students have considerable latitude in creating their methods for working on their own when learning under the GTDEE curriculum with German standards.

A project-based learning system with the German standard allows students to do practical learning, not just learning theories and concepts in the classroom, as it also allows students to truly understand the work processes.

Could you explain about your Pick and Place Devices project during your study?

Students have to construct mechatronic systems for pick and place devices. This project asks students to work in groups of two for this assignment. Each group will link their equipment with the other groups, thereby allowing the devices to function automatically based on the conditions for choosing metal and non-metal workpieces.

What, in your opinion, are the tasks of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce in strengthening the education system for future development?

The GTCC is an institution that promotes personal and Thai industry growth to be on par with international standards, which leads to the Thai economy's continuous development. Furthermore, it serves as a vehicle for cultural interchange between Germans and Thais.

Is Basic Skills Training vital in today's world for the younger generation?

In my opinion, basic skills training is still necessary. I liken it to the foundation of a structure. If the building's foundations are strong and solid, the structure will be tall and stable. In contrast, if the bases are incorrectly constructed or are not the strongest, the structure will eventually collapse due to its own base.

What are the differences and similarities between the project-based learning system and the German standard and general education programme?

A project-based learning system with the German standard allows students to do practical learning, not just learning theories and concepts in the classroom, as it also allows students to truly understand the work processes. The work processes start from planning and end with the evaluation of their own work. Studying in general courses would make students follow the format customized by the teachers throughout the courses, from the first day until the final day of the studies. This way of learning would result in the students’ lack of skills. For example, planning, making decisions, and expressing an interest in learning are actually essential for life and work.

What is your point of view with regard to the importance of safety and the environment in the Thai vocational system?

These aspects are important because of their relationship to the lives of students – safety and the environment are elements that our vocational schools need to focus on first.

Timeline of Mr. Phongpak Sritulanon’s studies

• May 2019 to April 2021: Study at the Por-wor-sor level in collaboration with the GTDEE Programme under Mechatronics programme supported by GIZ.

• May 2021: Received an E.Tech Scholarship to study for a Bachelor's Degree at the College of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation at KMITL.

• In the middle of 2021, obtained a TPQI Mechatronics Certificate at level 4 level (under co-operation on Mechatronics Co-Certificate in the Pilot Programme with GTCC).

• Became a co-practical instructor in charge of training the Mechatronics Student Batch 2021 in June 2021.

Contact details: Phongpak Sritulanon Co-practical instructor The Eastern College of Technology (E.Tech) phongpak.sritulanon@e-tech.ac.th

Interviewed by GTCC team