{"id":29060,"date":"2025-08-22T14:04:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T06:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?p=29060"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:12:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T06:12:39","slug":"curtin-teaching-graduate-guides-the-next-generation-in-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/curtin-teaching-graduate-guides-the-next-generation-in-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"Curtin teaching graduate guides the next generation in Thailand\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Teaching is more than just a profession \u2013 for many, it\u2019s a lifelong commitment to guide, inspire and empower others. Ariya Suriyabutr is no exception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a biology teacher in Thailand, Ariya says the most rewarding part of her role is using her knowledge and experience to help her students grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo me, teaching isn’t just about delivering content \u2013 it’s also about supporting students as they work toward their goals,\u201d she explains. \u201cSeeing them achieve their dreams is the most rewarding part of my job. I feel proud and fulfilled knowing I was even a small part of their journey.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Ariya chose to study a Master of Education at Curtin, she hoped to strengthen her teaching skills and gain international experience. What she didn\u2019t expect was just how deeply the journey would shape her \u2013 both professionally and personally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning through real classroom experience<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As part of her studies, Ariya completed two school placements in local Perth high schools \u2013 an experience she says proved invaluable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDuring my studies, I had the chance to visit two high schools in Perth once a week. These school visits were a great experience \u2013 I observed different classes in STEM and other subjects, worked as a STEM teaching assistant, and coached students on their projects,\u201d she recalls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis helped me develop my teaching and mentoring skills. Talking with teachers and students gave me a fresh perspective on education in another country. Overall, the visits were one of the most valuable parts of my experience, and I continue to apply what I learned in my current career.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now back home in Thailand, Ariya teaches STEM-based subjects and supports her students with the confidence and critical thinking she honed during her time at Curtin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo of the most valuable skills I gained at Curtin were critical thinking and communication. The focus on reading and exploring research, combined with class discussions really helped me develop these skills.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since graduating in 2020, Ariya has gone on to achieve professional success, winning a gold award as a project advisor at the 2021 National Science Fair in Thailand. More recently, she was selected to participate in the Belt and Road Shanghai Autumn Exchange Project, hosted by UNESCO and Shanghai Normal University. The theme this year is \u2018Social and Emotional Learning of Teachers and Students in the AI Era\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A student-focused, supportive learning environment<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Looking back, Ariya says her professional growth is closely tied to Curtin\u2019s flexible, discussion-rich learning environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat I\u2019ve enjoyed most in my course is the learning style at Curtin, which allowed me to explore and engage with the topics I was most interested in,\u201d she explains. \u201cI also really enjoyed learning from and speaking with amazing professors, some of whose work I had read before.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose conversations and discussions with classmates really expanded my thinking. I feel like I grew a lot \u2013 not just academically but personally. Being in that environment made me realise there\u2019s always more to learn, and I really enjoyed the process of sharing ideas and learning from others.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building a global perspective<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As a biology teacher, Ariya says she was especially fascinated by Australia\u2019s natural environment and ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStudying at Curtin gave me the chance to travel internationally, and it was an amazing experience. I learned how to adapt to a new environment and loved exploring Australia\u2019s unique ecosystems, which were completely new to me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She says the people she met abroad also shaped her outlook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI loved how multicultural Australia is. Meeting people from different backgrounds helped me grow a lot, both as a person and as a teacher.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A welcoming place to live and learn<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Moving to a new country is a big step, but Ariya says she found strong support from the Curtin community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI moved to Curtin with other Thai friends who were also on government scholarships, which made the transition easier,\u201d she explains. \u201cOur professor, John Williams, took very good care of us and helped me adapt quickly. My classmates and host family were also very supportive, so I never felt homesick during my time at Curtin.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She says the Perth campus was a great place to learn and engage in new experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI liked the environment at Curtin, which allowed me to study effectively. The facilities, such as the library and classrooms, were clean and comfortable, and the support staff were helpful and friendly.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also found time to participate in meaningful extracurricular experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne activity I particularly enjoyed was being a storyteller at the Centre for Stories. It was a wonderful experience that gave me the chance to share my story and build confidence.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nAriya speaking at the Centre for Stories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"Curtin](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_2979a-1-1000x500.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Ariya](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ariya-speaking-at-Curtin2-805x500.jpg\")